Tuesday Volume 579 29 April 2014 No. 154

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 29 April 2014

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2014 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 679 29 APRIL 2014 680

Mr Osborne: Absolutely, Mr Speaker: having heard House of Commons all the bad economic news in the previous Parliament, I thought Parliament would want to hear some good Tuesday 29 April 2014 economic news. The reduction in fuel duty is one of the number of steps we have taken to support the British economy and families. As my hon. Friend says, we have The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock just published a study that shows that the reduction and freeze in fuel duty has the potential to increase GDP by 0.5%. As Conservatives, we understand that lower taxes PRAYERS mean higher economic growth.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair] Mr Andrew Tyrie (Chichester) (Con): The whole House will welcome the fact that we now have a policy to drive down costs on hard-pressed motorists, who have found BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS it very tough in recent years. Can we take it from the Government that that reflects a wider shift in policy and TRANSPORT FOR LONDON BILL [LORDS] (BY ORDER) that they are seeking to bear down on other energy Second Reading opposed and deferred until Tuesday 6 May input costs, including those of fossil fuels, in order to (Standing Order No. 20). help hard-pressed consumers and encourage British competitiveness?

Mr Osborne: We need to have competitive energy Oral Answers to Questions prices while at the same time building a sustainable energy mix. The major £7 billion package in the Budget to help with the cost of energy for manufacturers has been welcomed not just by the big energy-intensive TREASURY industries, but by many small business and, of course, families. The Chancellor of the Exchequer was asked— Bank Bonuses Fuel Duty 2. Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): What recent representations he has made to the European 1. Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): What assessment Union on the proposed cap on bank bonuses. [903709] he has made of the effect of freezing fuel duty on the price of petrol. [903708] The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Andrea Leadsom): In September, the Government launched a The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): legal challenge to the bonus cap provisions agreed under This Government will freeze fuel duty for the rest of EU capital requirements directive 4. We feel that those this Parliament. As a result, petrol will cost a full rules were rushed through without any assessment of 20p per litre less than if we had stuck with the previous their impact and that they will undermine the progress Government’s hated fuel duty escalator. We can afford we have made to try to align remuneration with risk by to do this because we have got a grip on the public pushing bankers’ fixed pay up rather than down. finances. The House will also want to know that today we Angela Smith: The Chancellor has chosen to prevent learned that GDP grew by 0.8% in the first quarter of the Royal Bank of Scotland from paying bonuses to this year. That is 3.1% over the year and today’s figures employees that are worth more than two times their show that Britain is coming back. We cannot take that salary, but he has not done the same with Lloyds. Will for granted. We have to go on working through our the Minister explain why what is good enough for RBS long-term economic plan, but for the first time in a is not good enough for Lloyds? decade all three main sectors of the economy— manufacturing, services and construction—have grown Andrea Leadsom: RBS has made a good start on its by at least 3% in the past year. return to growth under Ross McEwan. It now has a The impact of the great recession is still being felt, good strategy to be the best small and medium-sized but the foundations— enterprise bank in Britain, but it still has a very long way to go. Therefore, we felt, and United Kingdom Mr Speaker: Order. The Chancellor will resume his Financial Investments Ltd agreed, that the right think seat. The answer was not just too long—it was far too to do was to not allow RBS to do what other private long. sector banks have done, which is to go for the maximum of 2:1 in terms of bonus to salary. Lloyds, on the other Jeremy Lefroy: I welcome today’s growth figures, hand, is much further along the road to recover, so it which reflect the hard work of the people of the United was fine to allow it, in line with other private banks, to Kingdom and mean more jobs and more economic go ahead with that 2:1 plan. security. Based on the dynamic modelling my right hon. Friend has done, what contribution have his decisions Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): May I say to cut and freeze fuel duty made to that economic how good it is to see my hon. Friend in her new growth? position? I welcome her answer. Does she agree that the 681 Oral Answers29 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 682 best way to tackle widespread concern about excessive Andrea Leadsom: The legal challenge is in line with bonuses is through opening the banks up to proper all legal challenges of this sort. To protect the British shareholder inspection and answerability, as we are financial services sector, it is very important to try to gradually doing? challenge the proposal. There has been a House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee report on the Andrea Leadsom: Yes, my hon. Friend is absolutely cost of similar legal challenges. It is not excessive—it is right. One of the priorities of this Government has £25,000 to £35,000, or of that order—but the point is been to ensure proper scrutiny of directors’ pay and that we in this Government are trying to align risk and remuneration, so the changes in the Prudential Regulation reward, which is absolutely crucial for the success of the Authority guidelines introduced last year, strengthening financial services sector. improvements made by the Labour Government, are designed to do just that—to put us at the forefront of Saving scrutiny and transparency in pay for banking.

Mr George Mudie (Leeds East) (Lab): May I offer my 3. Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): What recent congratulations to the hon. Lady on her much-deserved steps he has taken to make saving more flexible. promotion? The whole House welcomed the Chancellor’s [903710] intervention to stop loss-making RBS pay these bonuses to its investment bankers. However, it has now emerged The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): that RBS intends to pay that money as allowances. This Government believe that people who have worked What is the Government’s intention on this matter? hard and saved hard through their lives should be trusted Andrea Leadsom: May I first thank the hon. Gentleman with their own pension savings in retirement. That is for his congratulations and say how very much I enjoyed why, following the Budget, we have already given people working with him for several years on the Treasury much greater access to their pension savings and why, Committee? As with many Opposition Members, there from next April, they will have complete freedom of has been a lot of agreement between us on issues of access to their defined contribution scheme. competition and minimising pay.With regard to allowances, the key point to remember is that bonuses at RBS are Graham Evans: This year’s Budget exposed some down 68% overall since 2009. The figure we want to focus people’s innate belief that those who have worked hard on is the restriction in pay and bonuses across that and saved all their lives could not be trusted with their bank. own money. Will my right hon. Friend the Chancellor reassure savers in Weaver Vale that he rejects such Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): I, too, patronising views, and will he update the House on his genuinely welcome the hon. Lady to her post and the plans to let people choose how to spend their own Prime Minister’s decision to appoint her to the Chancellor’s money and to make savings far more flexible? Department. May I ask her to be very clear on this particular point? The Chancellor of the Exchequer is Mr Osborne: I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. using the EU bank bonus cap legislation in respect of The fact that the Labour party had nothing to say in RBS, but at the same time the Government are mounting response reflects the muddled approach: it did not a legal challenge against that legislation. Will she clear support the measure, but it did not know what to do up some of the confusion? She alluded to whether it with a popular Budget proposal. We are absolutely was a UKFI decision, and it was reported that the clear that we reject the patronising view, pursued by the Deputy Prime Minister apparently waded in to override previous Government, that the state knows better than the Chancellor. Was the Deputy Prime Minister at odds individuals how to spend their money. Trusting people, with the Chancellor, or was the Chancellor just at odds reducing taxes, supporting savers—that is this Government’s with himself? approach. Andrea Leadsom: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. The key point to remember is that we are challenging Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Does the proposal at the European Court of Justice because the Chancellor agree that the traditional financial services we believe that it will not suppress remuneration and sector has let down savers and borrowers? Is it not time create proper equivalence between risk and remuneration that he gave more encouragement to the crowdfunding in the banking sector. We in this country are at the sector, which is flexible and gives a much better deal? forefront of trying to ensure that risk and reward are properly aligned. We do not think that the bonus cap Mr Osborne: The hon. Gentleman has asked me will do that, so it is perfectly consistent to implement about that matter at previous Treasury questions and I the cap—since it is the law—but to challenge it in the know that he takes a keen interest in it. He wrote to European Court of Justice. thank me for the measure in the Budget to include Chris Leslie: I very much hear what the hon. Lady crowdfunding vehicles in individual savings accounts. says, but I am asking a question about how the decision That is an important step to support this new sector. was made. Who was involved: was it UKFI; was it the Chancellor; or was it the Deputy Prime Minister who Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): As the did it? I might not get a clear answer, so maybe I can Government’s long-term economic plan unfolds successfully, move on to the next question: how much has this cost so will my right hon. Friend consider giving further far? It is a legal challenge to the change that she is encouragement to savers through ISAs? Savers have herself using. How much has it cost so far, and is it a warmly welcomed the greater flexibility that he has good use of taxpayers’ money? introduced with the new ISA regime. 683 Oral Answers29 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 684

Mr Osborne: Alongside the flexibility in and access Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ to pension pots, we have increased the limit for both Co-op): Since funding for lending was introduced, funding ISAs to £15,000. The new ISA will come in at the for small businesses has actually gone down. Businesses beginning of July and there will be complete flexibility in my constituency tell me that one of the biggest in transferring funds from equity ISAs to cash ISAs. Of problems is the withdrawal of overdraft facilities by course, we have also abolished the 10p savings rate. many banks. What is the Minister doing to ensure that Unlike the shadow Chancellor, when we abolish a 10p such short-term cover is available. rate we get rid of it altogether, rather than doubling it. Andrea Leadsom: Only recently, the national policy Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab): chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses said The Chancellor said that last month’s Budget was a that funding for lending is helping to bring down the Budget for savers, so will he tell us why page 106 of the cost of credit for small businesses. It is vital that banks Red Book shows that the saving ratio is falling and that focus on rebuilding business lending, and many of them it has been revised down this year, next year, the year are doing so. As the economy recovers, we expect that to after and in every year up to 2018? pick up. Indeed, gross lending is 12% higher than in 2012-13. Mr Osborne: What the hon. Lady did not say is that by 2018 the saving ratio will still be double what it was Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): Companies in my under the Labour Government. That is a rather important constituency tell me that confidence is at a new high. In piece of information that she failed to tell the House. many instances, they are able to fund investment through We are 15 minutes into Treasury questions. When will a their own resources. Despite that, gross lending is up Labour MP welcome the GDP numbers? over the past 12 months. Does my hon. Friend agree Bank Lending to Businesses that the concerns that funding for lending would be used for residential property purchases were misplaced? 4. Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): What recent assessment he has made of the level of bank Andrea Leadsom: I agree with my hon. Friend. The lending to businesses since May 2010. [903711] Help to Buy scheme accounts for only 0.5% of total mortgage lending, and real house prices remain 15% The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Andrea below pre-crisis levels. There is no evidence to suggest Leadsom): In May 2010, business lending was contracting that the funding for lending scheme has led to a property sharply in the aftermath of the financial crisis. The price bubble. Government have introduced various measures aimed at improving bank and non-bank lending to businesses, Economic Growth in particular the business bank and the funding for lending scheme. Since 2010, survey evidence has suggested that the credit conditions for businesses have improved 5. Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): What recent significantly and gross lending flows have increased. assessment he has made of growth in the economy. [903712] Robert Flello: The latest funding for lending figures show that, shockingly, net lending to small businesses is The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): down by £2 billion at RBS. Should not a bank that still As you know, Mr Speaker, GDP grew by 0.8% in the has huge support from the taxpayer be serving Britain’s last quarter and 3.1% over the year. Growth is broadly small businesses better? balanced, and those who predicted a year ago that our plan would choke off recovery got it spectacularly Andrea Leadsom: The hon. Gentleman is right to wrong. point out that there has been an enormous challenge since the financial crisis. Banks still have a long way to Mr Walker: In March last year, with youth go to work out their balance sheets and to ensure that unemployment in Worcester at 645, the shadow Chancellor they are again lending to small businesses. RBS announced said that recently that it has the single goal of becoming the No. “the economy will get worse”. 1 SME bank in the UK. Banks are focused on that issue and it is vital that they are. Youthunemployment in Worcester is down by a quarter since then and by 40% since it peaked under Labour. Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): Does the Minister Will my right hon. Friend the Chancellor update the agree that Labour’s crash caused a massive problem in House on how the wider economy has performed during our banking system, which hurt the ability of banks to that time? finance businesses, and that with the long-term economic plan it will become easier for banks to find the reserves Mr Osborne: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. that they need to get more money to business and to Since the shadow Chancellor made his prediction, the help grow the economy further? economy has grown by more than 3% and almost 1 million jobs have been created. In Worcester the Andrea Leadsom: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. claimant count is down by 20% in the past year, so we The financial crisis caused a massive problem in our have more of these predictions from the shadow Chancellor banking sector. The measures that have been brought in and the economy just keeps growing. by this Government, such as the funding for lending scheme and the improved impetus towards bank Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab): Does the Chancellor competition, are helping to improve the situation for not understand that despite the belated but welcome small businesses—the lifeblood of our economy. growth in the economy, the only people who are not 685 Oral Answers29 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 686 worse off than they were four years ago are the super- Mr Osborne: My hon. Friend is right that the gap between rich—people such as him and the other multi-millionaires the north and south grew under the last Government, sitting around the Cabinet table? His wilful refusal to who put all their bets on the City of London, which accept what every ordinary family in the country know went spectacularly wrong. In his part of the world, from their daily experience just goes to show how out of which he represents so ably, we are not only helping touch he is. manufacturing by reducing energy costs, which is important for steelworks in his area and elsewhere, but helping Mr Osborne: Of course families are feeling the impact with the tolls on the Humber bridge. We have also had of the great recession over which the last Government the great news that Siemens will open its new wind presided, but the hon. Gentleman talks about who has turbine factory in the area. Those are all examples of felt the benefit of growth. What about the people in his how we will have a more balanced economy than the one constituency who have got a job, where unemployment that we inherited. has fallen by 17% and youth unemployment is down 18%? What about the 1.5 million people who have got Ed Balls (Morley and Outwood) (Lab/Co-op): Back jobs as a result of this Government working through in 2010, the Chancellor promised to balance the books their long-term economic plan? in 2015 and said that living standards would rise “steadily and sustainably”. Following today’s welcome news that the economy is finally growing again, will the Chancellor 20. [903729] Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): I welcome today’s excellent news. With the deficit down, tell us whether he is now on track to keep either of those growth up and more people than ever in work, the two promises? Government’s long-term economic plan is clearly Mr Osborne: I am delighted that the shadow Chancellor delivering for my constituents. However, there is always is still here. He is the man who, quite literally, crashed more to do, so will my right hon. Friend tell me what the car. On that occasion he fled the scene, but when it further steps he can take to encourage growth in comes to crashing the British economy he cannot escape workplace apprenticeships? In Tamworth, they have scrutiny of his record. Let me be clear: we said we grown by more than a third. would get the deficit down, and the deficit has come down; we said we would recover the economy, and Mr Osborne: We have provided more than 1 million recovery is taking place. He predicted that 1 million apprenticeships, and in the most recent Budget we people would lose their jobs, but 1.5 million jobs have provided more support for apprentices by extending been created. He has apologised to the lady whose car grants to small and medium-sized companies to help he crashed into—why does he not apologise to the them take on apprentices. We also introduced and expanded British people? degree-level and post-degree-level apprenticeships. Apprenticeship schemes are one of this Government’s Ed Balls: If this Chancellor wants to have a discussion great successes, and we are going to build on it. about whiplash we can do that any day of the week— Mr, Mrs or Mistress. However, let us not go back to Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): Does biographies of the past; let us get back to the serious the Chancellor accept that the growth he is talking issue. The fact is that the Chancellor has failed to about is fuelled by mortgages pushing up house prices answer my question. For all his promises, he has broken and consumer debt? Lending from banks is now at the them, even on the deficit, and living standards are not 2008 level for mortgages but down 30% to businesses, rising but falling year on year on year. People are £1,600 which is why productivity and real wages are down. worse off under the Tories. If the Chancellor really When will he deliver sustainable growth rather than a thinks that his economic plan is working, let him answer bubble before an election? this one simple question: at the next election, after five years of this Chancellor, will working people be better Mr Osborne: The hon. Gentleman obviously has not off than they were in 2010—yes or no? looked at today’s GDP numbers, because they show Mr Osborne: Of course Britain will be better off that the sector that has grown most strongly is because we will not have the mess of an economy on the manufacturing. brink of collapse, a banking system on its knees, and an 11% budget deficit. The only way to help people in this Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East country is to grow the British economy. What the figures Cleveland) (Lab): Services. reveal today is that Britain is coming back, but we cannot take that for granted. People are still experiencing Mr Osborne: The hon. Gentleman mentions services, the impact of the shadow Chancellor’s economic policies, but manufacturing has grown by 1.3% in the last quarter and the only thing he can say to us is “Why are you not and services by 0.9%. Even a Labour MP can work out clearing up our mess quickly enough?” That is literally that 1.3 is higher than 0.9. what he is saying; it is absolutely pathetic. His car crash was caused by a seven-point turn that he was trying. Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): Long before Why does he not just get up, make a simple U-turn, the great recession, the region that it is my privilege to admit that he got it wrong and that Britain is growing represent was getting poorer relative to the rest of the again? UK, with youth unemployment rising and private sector Average Earnings jobs shrinking. Now, however, things seem to be on the turn. May we have an assurance that, this time, the 6. Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): What recovery will be for all, particularly for the north of comparative assessment he has made of trends in the England, and that we will finally start to bridge the gap annual rates of inflation and growth in average that grew under the Labour party? earnings since May 2010. [903713] 687 Oral Answers29 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 688

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): He was referring to his car rather than to the British The Institute for Fiscal Studies has said that there have economy, but it is about time that the Labour party been significant falls in real earnings as a direct but apologised for the mess that it made of the latter. delayed result of the 2008 recession. The actions that the Government are taking are working, including taking Manufacturing 3.2 million people out of income tax by 2015-16, thanks to our policy of increasing the income tax personal 7. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): What fiscal steps allowance, and also because of the strong, sustained he has taken to encourage manufacturing in the UK. and welcome growth that we see in the figures today. [903714]

Stella Creasy: Of course, one of the other things that The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Nicky Morgan): is growing in our economy is personal debt. We know The Government are committed to strong and sustainable that 40% of the public struggle to make it to payday, economic growth that is balanced across the economy. and for a third of those people it is repayments on the The manufacturing sector, as my right hon. Friend the debts they built up under this Government that are the Chancellor has already said, is a vital part of it. In the problem. What impact does the Minister think that that recent Budget, the Government announced a package personal debt mountain will have on his long-term of measures to reduce energy bills for manufacturers economic plan? and improve their competitiveness, for example, by capping the carbon price floor. Earlier this month, the Danny Alexander: Household debt income ratios have Government announced a £100 million extension to the fallen during this Parliament, as the hon. Lady will advanced manufacturing supply chain initiative. know, but—this is a good lesson for the Labour party— there is no shortcut for increasing people’s living standards, Neil Carmichael: I echo the Chancellor’s welcome to which is the answer to the question she poses, and no the excellent GDP numbers. Despite the fact that the short cut to increased productivity in our economy. Labour party continues to wallow in its own failed That means increasing growth in the economy and predictions of doom, manufacturing has actually increased sticking to the coalition’s plan, which is being delivered by 1.3%. That is very obvious in my constituency. With by Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in this the long-term economic plan in mind, what more can Government. That is the important thing to do for the we do to promote British manufacturing? next few years to ensure that we have a stronger and more sustainable economy in this country. Nicky Morgan: I thank my hon. Friend for that question. I understand that he established in his constituency Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): the annual festival of manufacturing and engineering, Has my right hon. Friend had a chance to consider and that the next event will be held in November 2014. what the impact would be on annual rates of inflation As he said, this morning’s GDP figures show the strongest and growth of a potential 1% increase in national annual performance for manufacturing for three years—up insurance contributions, and particularly the impact of 3.4%. He asked what more the Government can do. In that on the NHS budget? the Budget last month we announced plans to double UK Export Finance’s direct lending programme and to Danny Alexander: It would have a significant impact further increase our support for apprenticeships. on almost every working person in this country. The Government’s direction of travel, led by the Liberal Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): Has Democrats, has been to reduce the burden of taxation the Chancellor, in his long-term plans for the economy, on working people. Some 26 million working people looked at the impact of any increase in interest rates on have seen their income tax bill reduced this month by businesses, and in particular on manufacturing? £700 a year, thanks to the decisions that this coalition Government have taken to increase the personal allowance Nicky Morgan: First, it is welcome to hear Opposition to £10,000. Members talking about this Government’s long-term economic plan. Long may they continue to do so, but I am not going to take lessons on manufacturing from Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) them. Manufacturing halved as a share of the economy (Lab): Perhaps the Chief Secretary can do better at under the previous Labour Government. This Government answering this simple question. Next year, the Chancellor are on the side of manufacturers and small businesses will have been in post for five years. Will the Chief up and down the country. Secretary confirm that figures from the Office for Budget Responsibility show that over that time real wages will Michael Moore (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) have fallen by 5.6%, leaving working families worse off, (LD): Today’s GDP figures are particularly welcome not better off, after five years of the Chancellor’s stewardship and the contribution by manufacturing is especially of the economy? impressive. Many manufacturers are investing heavily in skills, but get frustrated that their skilled employees are Danny Alexander: The hon. Lady will know that the poached by others who are not making that investment. OBR forecasts earnings to grow more rapidly than What measures can the Minister suggest to help to inflation throughout the forecast period—that is the share the burden of investment in skills? answer to the question. I have to say that the hon. Lady seems to have been listening to the shadow Chancellor Nicky Morgan: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for rather too closely. I notice his recent quote: that question. He is absolutely right. Skills is an issue “I had no awareness at all that there had been any damage”. mentioned, I am sure, to all Members from all parts of 689 Oral Answers29 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 690 the House every time they visit their local businesses. Mr Gauke: It should be pointed out that unemployment We have invested in apprenticeships, so we are growing in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency has fallen by a skilled work force. In 2012-13, the Government supported nearly 30% in the last 12 months. The challenge with the 66,000 apprenticeship starts in engineering and 50p rate is that it is not very effective at reducing the manufacturing technologies. He is right that we have to deficit, but it is effective at driving jobs and growth out invest in skills all the way through the work force and all of the UK. Maybe that is why Labour supports it. the way through their working life, but we are making a great start with apprenticeships. Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): Is not Her Majesty’s Government right to consider the Infrastructure Projects overall effect on the economy when setting income tax rates and not to use them as a means of squeezing the 8. Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con): What rich out of Britain? Is it not also sensible to consider the steps he is taking to secure funding for infrastructure extra revenue that comes from lower rates? projects. [903715] Mr Gauke: My hon. Friend is right. The reality is that The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): this Government are raising more from the richest. We Through difficult decisions on day-to-day spending, we are doing it in a more effective and efficient way, and the have prioritised vital capital investment in infrastructure 50p rate failed on its own terms. projects. Last year I set out a £100 billion pipeline of specific projects right the way through to the end of the Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): Will the Minister next Parliament, including many projects in the south-west tell the House and the country today that his Government of England. For example, the hon. Lady and I were rule out any more substantial tax cuts for the richest both present on Friday when we announced funding for before the next general election? Bristol’s successful bid to be the green capital of Europe. Mr Gauke: What this Government will do is continue Charlotte Leslie: I know this Government are committed to stick to a long-term economic plan that ensures that to large infrastructure projects, but will the Chief Secretary we are competitive, that we reduce the deficit and that recognise the value of more modest, branch-line rail we put in place the conditions for sustainable growth. infrastructure projects, such as the Henbury loop line in Bristol, which is vital to the community and to jobs? Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): Cutting taxes surely Will he look closely at providing the extra funding promotes growth and investment and produces the jobs needed to reopen the line, not as a dead-end spur, but as that we see in the north-east, where manufacturing is up a circle line around the city, which would unleash the and fuel duty is frozen. More specifically, last week I economic dynamism of Bristol? went on to the banks of the Tyne and saw 1,000 people working on shipbuilding for the first time in a very long Danny Alexander: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for time. raising that point. It was raised with me in Bristol on Friday and I know she has raised it directly with the Mr Gauke: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is Chancellor of the Exchequer. It has also been put a Government who are determined to ensure that the forward by the West of England local enterprise partnership recovery is broad based, not just in terms of sectors, but in its strategic economic plan, which is being discussed across the country. His experience demonstrates that we as part of the growth deals process, so I urge her to are making progress on that. encourage people locally to continue to advocate for the project as part of that process. Cost of Living Income Tax 10. Simon Wright (Norwich South) (LD): What steps he has taken to reduce the cost of living for people on 9. Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): What recent low incomes. [903717] estimate he has made of how much the reduction in the additional rate of income tax to 45% will be worth each The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): year for a person earning £1 million a year. [903716] The coalition Government have taken decisive action to support families on low incomes. Increasing the personal The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David allowance, for example, will take 3.2 million individuals Gauke): The cost of reducing the additional rate of out of income tax altogether by 2015-16. We have income tax to 45% is estimated to be around £110 million helped to freeze the council tax, frozen fuel duty and a year, as set out in table 2.2 of Budget 2013. We have reduced energy bills, providing universal free school not broken down the impact by income ranges. That is meals for infant schools and introducing tax-free child because there is a significant behavioural response associated care support of up to £2,000, all on top of the most with the additional rate of income tax. The behavioural important thing, which is an economic plan that is response is estimated in aggregate and reflected in the delivering strong and sustained growth for this country. costing. Simon Wright: This month more than 3 million low-paid Bill Esterson: Ordinary people are £1,600 a year people have been taken out of paying income tax altogether worse off under this Government. More than 15,000 since 2010, as a result of delivering the Liberal Democrat working people in my constituency alone are paid less manifesto commitment of a £10,000 tax threshold. Can than the living wage. Is not the reality that a tax cut for my right hon. Friend say how the impact of this policy millionaires is totally the wrong priority when so many on low-income workers compares with the previous ordinary people face a cost of living crisis? Government’s policy of abolishing the 10p tax rate? 691 Oral Answers29 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 692

Danny Alexander: That is a very good question. My poverty, but are taking action to tackle the root causes hon. Friend and I are both very proud of reaching the rather than allowing people to continue in welfare £10,000 tax-free allowance goal that the Liberal Democrats dependency. set in our election manifesto. Our increases in the tax-free allowance total more than £3,000, which is Chris Ruane: Is the Minister concerned that the Institute considerably more than the width of the former 10p for Fiscal Studies predicts that an additional 400,000 starting rate band and is, of course, a 0% band. In that children will be living in poverty by the end of this sense, it is literally twice as good as the previous policy. Parliament? Workers may have jobs, but their children are not benefiting from them. That is the issue that the Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): For the 17% hon. Lady and her Government fail to realise. of wage earners who are already below the income tax threshold, much of what has been said is not of much Nicky Morgan: As I have already said, this Government help. Will the Chief Secretary directly commit to helping remain absolutely committed to eradicating child poverty. low-paid families with child care costs by reinstating the We have set out our child poverty strategy, which sets 80% level rather than the 70% level, which he introduced, out our aims. In October 2011 the IFS predicted a fall so that people in that category can begin to gain rather of 100,000 in the number of children in relative poverty, than simply stand still or become worse off? but the actual fall was 300,000. Rather than looking at predictions, let us look at what we actually achieve in Danny Alexander: I am sure that if the hon. Lady had government. had longer, she would have welcomed today’s growth figures and the jobs and employment opportunities that Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): The that has created for people right across the United Minister is absolutely right that the way out of child Kingdom, particularly in Scotland. The 3.2 million poverty is to reduce unemployment, which has gone people that the hon. Lady mentions have already been down 20% in my constituency, and to take the poorest taken out of tax by the actions of this coalition paid out of tax altogether. Will my hon. Friend confirm Government—something that she did not welcome. Of that this Government’s tax-free child care policies are course, the extra opportunities to increase their time in also important, as they help 2 million families with their work also helps those individuals. We are increasing our child care, which will make a real difference to them—four support for child care, with the Government providing times better than the previous Government did with free hours, extending support under universal credit their voucher scheme? and introducing tax-free child care, too. This Government have done far more than any previous Government to Nicky Morgan: I thank my hon. Friend very much for help working people with children get back into work. her question. She is absolutely right that child care is one of the biggest barriers to enabling people, particularly Child Poverty women, to work. The Government’s tax-free child care policies as well as the moves under universal credit to 11. Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): What help those on low incomes will be instrumental in recent assessment he has made of the effect of his fiscal helping more and more people. We have already seen the recently published employment figures showing that policies on the level of child poverty. [903718] more women are in work than ever before. 14. Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab): What recent assessment he has made of the effect of his fiscal Fiscal Steps (Businesses) policies on the level of child poverty. [903722] 12. Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): What fiscal steps he The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Nicky Morgan): is taking to help businesses to invest and export. This Government are protecting vulnerable groups while [903719] taking action to tackle the record deficit we inherited. Work remains the best way out of poverty and last The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David month’s Budget took action to support families by Gauke): The Government are actively supporting the making the tax and welfare system fairer and by further export investment aspirations of British businesses to increasing the income tax personal allowance to £10,500 ensure that companies have access to world-leading next year, which will take 3.2 million people on low export finance. Budget 2014 announced that UK export incomes out of tax altogether. finance’s direct lending facility will be doubled to £3 billion and the rate of interest cut by a third to the lowest level Kate Green: I must take issue with the Minister. Most allowed by international agreements. UK Trade & children in poverty are in working families, so work is Investment’s programme budget has been doubled during not a secure route out of poverty.Why are the Government’s this Parliament and the organisation is on track to help policies on the proceeds of growth not reaching those 50,000 companies export by 2015—double the number children? supported in 2010. In addition, our corporation tax reforms are helping investment. Nicky Morgan: I have already said in answer to the question that work remains the best way out of poverty, Mark Menzies: I recently hosted a UKTI exporting and I set out the raising of the personal allowance. event at BAE Systems in Warton in my constituency There is no doubt that children who grow up in workless and I was asked about what funding streams could be households are three times more likely to be in poverty. available for businesses wishing to access foreign export This Government remain committed to eradicating child markets. What is the Minister doing to ensure that the 693 Oral Answers29 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 694 funding is available for Fylde small and small and Mr Love: The Minister ought to be aware that it is medium-sized enterprises to expand their businesses not only the Opposition who are promoting this change into export markets? in policy. The chair of the OBR himself has been sympathetic to it, and the Conservative Chair of the Mr Gauke: My hon. Friend has asked a very good Treasury Committee has also been supportive. Even question. As I have said, the Budget doubled UK the Chief Secretary, who is sitting near the Minister on Export Finance’s direct lending programme. Moreover, the Front Bench, gave us warm words during the last earlier this month we announced a £100 million extension session of Treasury questions. It seems that the Government of the advanced manufacturing supply chain initiative, are isolated on this issue, but there is still time for that to and a £1 billion package to support the Aerospace change. Technology Institute was announced in the 2013 Budget. The Government are working hard to ensure that we Andrea Leadsom: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman secure the growth that is required by small and medium- for raising those points. It is true that there are those sized enterprises in my hon. Friend’s constituency. who favour the change in principle, including Robert Chote himself, but Mr Chote has also made clear that, Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) for very good reasons, now may not be the time for it to (PC): The coalition Government promised to rebalance take place. Amending the OBR’s remit would require the economy on both a geographical and a sectoral primary legislation, and would have huge implications basis, but is it not the case that little progress has been for the resources available to it. We need to consider made in increasing business investment and exports as a such action after the next general election, when there percentage of GDP, and does not the low level of will be time for it to be reviewed properly in the House. business investment—which is among the worst in the world—indicate that the business community is not Topical Questions entirely convinced by the UK Government’s economic policy? T1. [903763] Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): If he will make a statement on his departmental Mr Gauke: The reality is that business investment is responsibilities. increasing, by 8% this year and by 9% next year. We have also just seen some very good figures relating to manufacturing growth over the last year. The Government The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): continue to work to secure a balanced recovery, with the The core purpose of the Treasury is to ensure the support of a number of measures in the Budget, but we stability and prosperity of the economy. are already making very good progress. Mr Hollobone: My constituents were very worried Office for Budget Responsibility indeed when the shadow Chancellor told them four years ago that the Chancellor’s attempts to rebalance 13. Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): What the economy would result in a 1 million increase in the recent representations he has received on reform of the number of unemployed people. Would the Chancellor Office for Budget Responsibility. [903720] be kind enough to inform the House of the actual impact of his long-term economic plan on the Kettering 16. Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): What economy, and to explain how my constituents can look recent representations he has received on reform of the forward to a more secure financial future as a result? Office for Budget Responsibility. [903725] Mr Osborne: Our economic plan is delivering stability, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Andrea and it is now also delivering the economic growth and Leadsom): The Chancellor regularly receives representations jobs that we all want to see. We are coming out of the on a wide range of matters, including the role of the very deep mess in which the shadow Chancellor and his independent Office for Budget Responsibility. team left the country, with the result that in Kettering the claimant count is down by 30%, and 1,500 new jobs Alison McGovern: The Minister may have guessed have been created in the last year. As my hon. Friend well that I am going to ask whether she agrees that the OBR knows—because, as an assiduous Member of Parliament, should be allowed to audit the manifestos of all the he has lobbied hard for them—major improvements main political parties, and I can probably guess what have been made in the road and rail infrastructure in the her answer will be, but can she explain why? Kettering area, to ensure that there is a balanced economic recovery. Andrea Leadsom: The hon. Lady can read my mind, Mr Speaker. Excellent! T3. [903765] Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) This matter has been the subject of some debate, and, (Lab): The Chancellor spends taxpayers’ money in as the hon. Lady will know, it has been discussed by the Brussels on defending big bank bonuses, but he has not Treasury Committee. I feel that, given that the Office lifted a finger in four years to deal with the falling real for Budget Responsibility was established so recently, wages of millions of ordinary working people. Is he not this is not the moment to start considering changing its just presiding over recovery by the few, of the few, and remit. As has been pointed out by the hon. Lady’s party, for the few? it is essential for the OBR to be independent and to confer accountability on the Government, rather than Mr Osborne: Well, I don’t think the hon. Gentleman becoming embroiled in party politics at such an early is Abraham Lincoln, but the point I would make is that stage. we can only see an increase in the living standards of 695 Oral Answers29 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 696 the British people if the British economy is growing and T6. [903768] Mike Kane (Wythenshawe and Sale East) jobs are created. That is exactly what our economic plan (Lab): With average wages down, ordinary working people is delivering. are increasingly being driven into the arms of payday loan lenders with their usurious rates of interest. What T2. [903764] Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North measures are the Government taking to give ordinary Hykeham) (Con): Further to the question from my hon. working people access to fair credit? Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr Hollobone), the House will also recall that earlier this year the shadow Mr Osborne: We are introducing a cap on payday Chancellor said: lending, and that will be an important—[Interruption.] “do I think the level of public spending going into the crisis was a The shadow Chancellor chuckles. He was the City problem for Britain? No, I don’t, nor our deficit, nor our national Minister; he could have taken that decision at any point debt”. when he was—[Interruption.]. Why has it taken so long? As the last Government were spending more than they Labour had 13 years to do these things—13 years when took in as early as 2002, does my right hon. Friend its team were running the Treasury. That is why people agree that this shows they still cannot be trusted to take will not listen to what they have to say. The answer to the difficult decisions needed to control public spending the hon. Gentleman’s question is this: by supporting and get the deficit down? credit unions, capping payday lending and encouraging competition on the high street, we will help his constituents Mr Osborne: I absolutely agree with my hon. and and many others. learned Friend. [Interruption.] The shadow Chancellor is chuntering away, but this is what he said on the radio T8. [903770] Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): As this morning: “I don’t think I’ve been too pessimistic in the economy continues to prosper and grow under the the last few years.” He predicted that the economy excellent stewardship of our Chancellor, will my right would be choked off and that jobs would be lost, but hon. Friend join me in congratulating the tube workers the reverse is happening. In Sleaford and North Hykeham, who turned up to work today to keep London moving, as my hon. and learned Friend knows, the claimant and in congratulating the workers who went to work count has come down and 1,700 jobs have been created. this morning despite the antics of the RMT? Mr Osborne: I join my hon. Friend in thanking those T4. [903766] Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): When the Chancellor said earlier this month, who went to work today on our tube system. The strike is totally irresponsible and unnecessary. It impacts on “If you are hiding your money offshore, we are coming to get the economy and makes it difficult for people in London you”, to get to work. [Interruption.] Well, perhaps the reason did he mean “coming to get you to work in the Treasury”? that so few Labour MPs are at Treasury questions is that they are manning the barricades with the RMT. Mr Osborne: This Government have taken action against tax avoidance that the last Government never T7. [903769] Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) dreamed of taking. We have increased the resources for (Lab): My constituent Mr Effard works on a zero-hours tackling avoidance and evasion. I will tell the House contract and does not know from week to week whether something else: we do not preside over a tax system in he will be given enough hours to be able to cover his which cleaners pay higher tax rates than the people they bills. Mr Effard wants to work, but admits that in many work for. That was the tax system that the Labour party ways jobseeker’s allowance provided him with more voted for, and we have got rid of it. stability. Will the Chancellor admit that the normalisation of these contracts under his Government means that for T5. [903767] Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): I thank my people such as my constituent a job no longer guarantees right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury financial security? for visiting Cornwall last week, when he will have been impressed by the resourcefulness and enterprise in the Mr Osborne: The last study on the impact of zero-hours Cornish economy. Will he make sure that those charged contracts was undertaken by the previous Labour with managing the Cornwall EU structural fund Government, who concluded that they wanted to retain programme are granted the appropriate delegated the flexibility that such contracts offer to business. powers of intermediate body status in future? However, we are not satisfied that all the work has been done on this, which is why the Department for Business, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): Innovation and Skills is consulting on what changes I was indeed impressed, and also convinced by the potentially need to be made to zero-hours contracts. We strong support from the Cornish businesses I met for have received a lot of representations, we are looking the policies the Government are putting in place to through them and of course we will come forward with secure the long-term future of the British economy. a response shortly. Having announced on that visit the Government’s recognition for the Cornish identity, values and culture T9. [903771] Simon Wright (Norwich South) (LD): under the European convention, it would seem odd not Within a few months, Norwich will no longer be the to take seriously the request that there should be a UK’s largest city not to be connected to the dual degree of autonomy in the management of the European carriageway network. Can the Chancellor confirm that structural funds programme. I urge my hon. Friend to the excellent progress of the coalition’s A11 dualling work with the local enterprise partnership to make that scheme in Norfolk is meeting Treasury expectations, case strongly to the Government, as part of the growth and will he keep this in mind when considering destinations deal process. for further infrastructure investment? 697 Oral Answers29 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 698

Danny Alexander: I can confirm that the scheme is Mr Speaker: I think the hon. Gentleman is planning meeting our expectations. It is a major scheme for the an Adjournment debate on the subject. I have that region, with estimated investment of £102 million. The distinct sense, although some people may think he has Secretary of State for Transport, who is in his place, already had it. confirms that it is on track and scheduled for completion in December 2014. I am pleased to be able to tell the Mr Osborne: The jobs being created by Dyson at House that a major milestone was delivered yesterday, Malmesbury are excellent news. Many people will know as the Elveden bypass opened to traffic for the first Dyson’s products, but its facility at Malmesbury, which time. I have visited, is fantastic. We went to James Dyson to ask how we could replicate some of that success elsewhere Lindsay Roy (Glenrothes) (Lab): If the Government’s in our economy. He came forward with proposals—which economic plan is working so well, why is the Chancellor became our innovation and catapult centres—to bring planning to borrow £190 billion more than previously applied science to commercial success. We are building planned? on the success of Dyson, not just for the people my hon. Friend represents, but for the whole country. Mr Osborne: This country was borrowing £150 billion a year when this Government came to office, and we are Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): How often have on course to reduce the deficit by a half this year. We the Chancellor and his colleagues referred to the long-term are taking—[Interruption.] What exactly is the Labour economic plan during this Question Time? Is it because party’s complaint? Is it that we are not doing enough to the shorter-term economic plan that he announced in reduce the deficit? Labour said that we were doing it too 2010, allegedly to get rid of the deficit and reduce the quickly and opposed all the things we proposed in debt by next year, has failed and he is instead adopting recent years. Labour simply has no explanation for why something much closer to the two-term offer that Labour the economic growth it said could not happen has proposed? happened. Mr Osborne: I have not been keeping count of how T10. [903772] Lorraine Fullbrook (South Ribble) (Con): many times the long-term economic plan has been Does my right hon. Friend agree that politicians would mentioned, but the hon. Lady has just added two more do well to listen to senior business figures who to the total. That long-term economic plan is reducing warn that the anti-business policies put forward by the the deficit, which is due to be down by a half this year, Labour party would put jobs and investment at risk, seeing the creation of 1.5 million jobs in our economy and would prevent Britain from having a stronger, and supporting the growing economy, as we have seen more competitive economy? in the GDP numbers today. Mr Osborne: The Opposition do have an anti-business agenda, but the Government are taking a different Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) (Con): The approach. We are reducing business taxes; we have elimination of the deficit by the end of the next Parliament introduced an employment allowance this month which still requires reducing general Government consumption will help small companies with their jobs tax; and of to its 1948 level. Will the Chancellor confirm that that is course next year we are taking under-21s out of the jobs in the national interest and that the Labour party does tax. Labour’s plan is now not only to increase corporation not have a snowball’s chance in Hades of achieving it? tax; the party is discussing plans to put up the jobs tax, which would be a total disaster. Mr Osborne: The Labour Government left us the highest budget deficit in the peacetime history of this Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland) country. The numbers to which my hon. Friend refers (Lab): Since May 2010, long-term unemployment in my assume that there are no savings in welfare. I have made constituency has increased by 27%, long-term youth it clear that I think we should consider savings in unemployment has increased by 40% and average real welfare. Of course, other parties, such as the Labour weekly wages have decreased by £116.93. Does the Chancellor party, have put forward proposals to increase tax. want to take credit for that? Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): Given the great success Mr Osborne: The hard-working people of the hon. of the Labour Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales Gentleman’s constituency should take credit for the fact scheme, which is on target to help 16,000 young people that unemployment is down by 21% in his constituency into sustainable jobs, mostly in the private sector, will and youth unemployment is down by 29% there. the Chancellor now commit to a similar UK-wide scheme funded by a repeat of Labour’s tax on bankers bonuses? Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): Will the Chancellor join me in warmly welcoming this morning’s Mr Osborne: This week, the help to work scheme announcement that Dyson is to invest £250 million in came into force, which is helping long-term unemployed expanding its headquarters in Malmesbury in my people, providing them with more support and ensuring constituency and intends to employ 3,000 more people, that those who need to sign on daily do so, and that 2,000 of whom will be high-quality engineers, designers those who need work experience and who need to be in and a large number of apprentices? Does he agree that work can take community jobs. We are reforming welfare, that is hard evidence that that shrewd operator Sir James and that is part of the approach that we are taking to Dyson has every possible confidence in the Chancellor’s create jobs in this country by ensuring that work always long-term economic plan? pays. 699 Oral Answers29 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 700

Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): There is no doubt Danny Alexander: I did indeed see the fantastic work that low interest rates have played a crucial part in the at Anthony Best Dynamics, which supplies 20 out of Chancellor’s long-term economic plan and brought about the top 20 automotive companies in the world. Yesterday, today’s widely welcomed news, but low rates will not be the Deputy Prime Minister and I visited the Transport good news for those people who have worked hard, Research Laboratory to announce £500 million of support done the right thing and now wish to see a safe return over the next five years to ensure that the United on their cash. Will he explain to the House and to savers Kingdom is the best place in the world to develop and in my constituency what he is doing to promote their manufacture ultra-low emission vehicles. interests by supporting saving?

Mr Osborne: My hon. Friend is absolutely right that Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): According to the the low interest rates put in place by the independent Office for National Statistics, unemployment in the Bank of England have made life more difficult for west midlands has risen to 8.2%. Can the Chancellor savers, although, of course, the growing economy is explain why? good news for savers as well as borrowers. My hon. Friend has warmly supported what we have done in the Budget, not only to give people access to their pension Mr Osborne: The statistics for the hon. Lady’s pots but to introduce the new ISA. We have also introduced constituency show that unemployment is down 20%, the new savings bond for pensioners, which will come youth unemployment is down 20% and long-term into effect at the end of the year, with higher interest unemployment is down 20%. In the west midlands, rates to help those in his constituency who have worked during the boom years—the unsustainable boom—private hard and saved hard. sector employment actually fell. That points to what went wrong with the previous Government—they put John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): Real wages all the bets on the City of London, the shadow Chancellor have fallen by £1,600 since the election, so will the did not regulate it properly, it blew up and we are now Chancellor now answer the question repeatedly asked retrieving the situation that he created. by Opposition Members: will wages in real terms be higher or lower at the next election than they were at the last election? Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): In Rossendale and Darwen, the majority of our large Mr Osborne: Britain is better off because we are employers are in the construction and manufacturing rescuing this country from the economic mess in which sectors. People want not just new jobs, but security and the Opposition left us. There is a complete fantasy in stability in those jobs. Will my right hon. Friend confirm the Labour party, demonstrated again in the past hour, that the latest figures show that those two sectors are that one can have an economic policy that destroys the growing at their fastest rate for 10 years? banks, destroys business and destroys the public finances but somehow helps the people of the country in the process. As we learnt to our cost under the previous Mr Osborne: My hon. Friend, who so ably represents Labour Government, that is not the case. They wrecked his constituency, is absolutely right that in his constituency, the economy and we are recovering it. manufacturing is doing better. That is because, in the Budget, we introduced a package of measures to support Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): Last Friday, my manufacturing and, above all, through the long-term right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary saw the world-class economic plan, we are providing the economic stability robotics engineers of Anthony Best Dynamics in Bradford- that allows for investment in construction. I have every on-Avon. What is he doing to create the conditions in confidence that, when he takes that argument to the which such successful manufacturers can continue to British people, he will see off the red princeling who is grow right where they are? standing against him. 701 29 APRIL 2014 Safe and Sanctuary Rooms 702

Safe and Sanctuary Rooms (Exemption Moving that person and her family into another from Under-Occupancy Penalty) property will, of course, require a new and smaller property to be upgraded to keep her safe. The costs Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order involved here would be significant. Making a new property No. 23) safe could involve, as I have already suggested, windows being laminated and reinforced, external doors being 12.36 pm strengthened, fire retardant letter boxes, smoke detectors, fire alarms, window alarms and so on. While all those Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): I beg changes come at a considerable cost to the taxpayer, to move, that still does not take account of the distress caused to That leave be given to bring in a Bill to exempt social housing the family and children involved. They live in a home tenants occupying properties with safe and sanctuary rooms from where violence is an issue and periods of calm are the Housing Benefit and Universal Credit (Size Criteria) needed. Expecting them to move out, possibly find a (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2013; and for connected new school and build new friendships is hugely destabilising. purposes. There is therefore a further human cost to the decision The bedroom tax, spare room subsidy—call it what to include sanctuary rooms and properties in the legislation. you will—has had a significant number of serious and Indeed, Plymouth city council and Cornwall council unexpected consequences. The Bill would remove the have tabled motions with cross-party support that seek penalty placed on a victim of domestic violence who to press the Government to consider the exemption. I has in their property a safe or sanctuary room, or whose congratulate Councillors Nicky Williams and Hanna property has been adapted to make it secure. Toms on making such a strong case that councillors One in four women will have been a victim of domestic from all parties, including Government parties, have abuse. It accounts for 17% of all crime, and two women given them their support. a week are killed by their partner or a former partner. I should like to provide a case study to support the Safe rooms or safe houses can mean the difference argument for changing the legislation. Julia is a survivor between life and death, yet under current legislation, of domestic violence who suffered rape, physical assault many women, and indeed some men, cannot afford to and harassment at the hands of her partner. Julia and remain in the home because it is viewed as having a her 10-year-old son live in a three-bedroom house that spare room. If they cannot pay their rent, they will be has been specifically adapted to enable them to live evicted, and so these victims of abuse not only lose their there safely in the light of the risk posed by her abuser. home, with a safe space within it, but become more A sanctuary system has been installed in their home, vulnerable to further abuse. We are not just talking which contains all the things that I have described: about a room, but about a place of safety for victims reinforced doors and windows and alarms, as well as a and their children. room to which Julia can go for safety, with a direct In Plymouth alone in 2012-13, there were 6,092 abuse hotline to her local police station. Those measures are incidents; in Cornwall, there were 7,451—and this is necessary to enable Julia and her son to live safely in only the tip of the iceberg. Ninety per cent. of the their home. Under the bedroom tax rules, Julia is only victims were female and 90% of the perpetrators were entitled to receive housing benefit for a two-bedroom male. The reduction in support for refuges across the house. She either has to pay the extra rent and go country as Government cuts start to bite is further without essentials, or move to a smaller property. If she adding to the problem. Without access to a safe room, cannot pay the extra rent she faces eviction, and with there may well be nowhere else for the victims to go. very few two-bedroom council houses available, and Those victims are deemed to be at high risk, for whom none with the safety features that she needs, she faces a the option of a sanctuary scheme can be a lifesaver, grave risk from her abuser, who has threatened to kill quite literally. them both. The numbers involved are small and so the spending We have to protect women like Julia. The cost of commitment, when set against the cost of hospitalisation, exempting safe rooms in Plymouth is minimal. Only police time and the need to take children into care, has a 39 such rooms have been installed in Plymouth in the cost benefit attached to it. In introducing the Bill, I have past three years, and of the new homes built in the city consulted social housing providers and support groups by Plymouth Community Homes, 13 have full sanctuary such as Women’s Aid. rooms available. I applaud Plymouth, Cornwall and What are we actually talking about? We are talking indeed Swindon councils for taking a stand on this about properties, which may have a room with reinforced issue, as they have agreed to use discretionary housing doors, an alarm installed and other safety equipment. payments to support women living in sanctuary scheme Or we could be talking about a situation whereby the properties, but the money that they have is finite. property has been upgraded to ensure that the whole Why should a victim of violence be treated differently site is secure, but that property has an extra bedroom, in Plymouth, Peterborough, Poole or Preston? What which causes it to fall foul of current legislation. The they face at present is a postcode lottery, which could family may well have moved into the house many years mean the difference between life and death. The Select previously, perhaps with children of different sexes and Committee on Work and Pensions, in its report, “Support therefore needing three bedrooms. The scenario is that for housing costs in the reformed welfare system”, the relationship degenerates into one where one partner made it clear that the criteria applied by local authorities is abusive and violent, and the house is made safe to to discretionary housing payments varied enormously. protect the victims, but when one of the children leaves, It confirmed that the remaining partner—the victim—is technically under- occupying. “there was too much variation in decision-making”. 703 Safe and Sanctuary Rooms29 APRIL 2014 Safe and Sanctuary Rooms 704

The Women’s Aid Federation has carried out a detailed she needs to make it clear to the House whether she is study and has identified in England about 1,300 households opposing the Bill. She is not speaking on it in general in 2012-13 which were part of a sanctuary scheme. For terms; she is opposing it. Is that right? each of those households to face a different decision-making scheme depending on their local authority is nonsense. Dr Coffey: I am. In the 80 authorities surveyed, only about 280 properties Mr Speaker: We are grateful. in total were affected by the bedroom tax, so the Minister can see that the numbers are very small. The Minister of Dr Coffey: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I should have State, Department for Work and Pensions, the right clarified that at the start. The reason for my preamble is hon. Member for Wirral West (Esther McVey), will say that I recognise the issue’s importance and the serious that discretionary housing payments are designed to matters that the hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor protect these women—and they are mainly, but not View raises. However, the point that I would like to put solely, women—but this is a time-limited benefit, and across to her is that the Bill is unnecessary. She may the cost of the assessments and delivery of this support shake her head, but I have long believed that solving the would, I suspect, be easily offset by making the premises problem is more about the actions that individuals can exempt in the first place. take rather than creating another law. The Opposition want to see the abolition of this evil I will make this a short speech. The hon. Lady piece of legislation. I am sure the Minister will disagree, referred to individual cases, and a sanctuary room is but I hope that she will at least consider the addition of often principally the main bedroom and not necessarily this small exemption that will better protect victims of a spare room. As the hon. Lady mentioned, such rooms abuse. I remember highlighting in Prime Minister’s can feature additional security, including window locks, questions, using a local example, the application of the strengthened doors and panic alarms. Freedom of bedroom tax to families with children serving in the information requests to local authorities have shown military. The Prime Minister at the time said that he did that some 280 such houses around the country are not think that that was a problem, but an exemption currently subject to the spare room subsidy penalty. was subsequently introduced. I do not want to have to However, as a significant adaptation has been made to come back to the House after a death has occurred the house, any householder with a sanctuary room can because a woman had to leave her house, which had a automatically apply for the discretionary housing payment. safe space, because she could not afford to remain there. The Government have provided more than £300 million to ensure that local councils can do what they need to We have an opportunity to put a safety net in place do for local residents. I understand that the 13 households that will have a positive impact in cost terms but, more in Plymouth have been granted discretionary housing importantly, could ensure that a victim remains safe. I payments, which is right. With less than one sanctuary urge the House to support the measure. room per council area, it is appropriate that we do not just create laws, but rather allow local councils to get on 12.44 pm and do the right thing with the discretionary housing payment. The hon. Lady also referred to the general Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I want to policy of the spare room subsidy, and I point out to her congratulate the hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor that no such discretion was applied to the private rented View (Alison Seabeck) on raising the important issue of sector for the local housing allowance. domestic violence and the protection measures that are needed to help people to stay in their home. A sanctuary While I do not seek to divide the House today, I want scheme is a victim-centred initiative. It is an innovative to put on the record my concern that the Bill is unnecessary approach to homelessness prevention that is designed and should be opposed at its later stages. to enable victims of domestic violence to remain in their Question put and agreed to. accommodation when it is safe for them to do so, when Ordered, that is their choice and when the perpetrator no longer That Alison Seabeck, Andrew Gwynne, Andrew George, lives in the accommodation. Barbara Keeley, Mrs Madeleine Moon, Diana Johnson, Caroline Lucas and Ian Lavery present the Bill Mr Speaker: Order. I am sorry to interrupt the hon. Alison Seabeck accordingly presented the Bill. Lady, who may not have done this before—she would Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on be in a large gathering of colleagues in that category—but Friday 6 June, and to be printed (Bill 202). 705 29 APRIL 2014 Business of the House (No. 1) 706

Business of the House (No. 1) controversial, and we must debate it properly. Today’s motions will set up a Select Committee to consider 12.48 pm petitions on the Bill, instruct the Committee on the removal of the spur from Old Oak Common to the The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick channel tunnel rail link and allow the hybrid Bill to be McLoughlin): I beg to move, carried over into the next Session and the next Parliament. That the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose I am pleased that it was Labour’s pressure that led to of proceedings on the Motions in the name of Secretary Patrick this second day of discussions on the Bill. I am very McLoughlin relating to the High Speed Rail (London - West glad, as I am sure are many right hon. and hon. Members, Midlands) Bill and (notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 16) the Motion in the name of Mr Andrew that yesterday we did not have to sit through the night Lansley relating to Positions for which additional salaries are to vote these motions through—the public would certainly payable for the purposes of section 4A(2) of the Parliamentary not have thanked us for that. Also, Parliament has Standards Act 2009 not later than four hours after the commencement hardly been overburdened with business for the past six of proceedings on the Motion for this Order; such Questions shall months. Labour supports the Bill and will vote in include the Questions on any Amendments selected by the Speaker favour of today’s motions to allow it to proceed. The which may then be moved; the Questions may be put after the Bill requires proper scrutiny, in broad daylight and in moment of interruption; and Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred full public view, so I am glad that today it will get that. divisions) shall not apply. This is the second day of debate relating to the High 12.51 pm Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill and has been arranged in response to calls for more time to consider Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): this important Bill. It has meant that we were able to I welcome the Secretary of State’s motion. As he appreciates, spend all yesterday considering the Bill itself and we I was disappointed not to secure two full parliamentary now turn to these important motions. days to debate the main principles of the Bill, as I think the hon. Member for Wakefield (Mary Creagh) knows The business of the House motion allows the House only too well. It is regrettable that many colleagues were to take the four motions together for debate. All of able to speak for only four minutes yesterday. Indeed, them relate to the High Speed Rail (London - West I was unable to allow colleagues to intervene, because I Midlands) Bill that was given a Second reading yesterday, had extra time and did not want to eat into the time for in particular the establishment and working of the others to speak. I welcome the fact that these discussions Select Committee for the Bill, so it seems entirely sensible have been split over two days, which was a good decision. to take them all together. Overall, the House will have I think that four hours is a good time. We need to be had more than 10 hours to debate the Second reading able to ask questions about the detailed arrangements and the motions, compared with fewer than seven hours for the Bill, not least because it is a very complex for the same debates on Crossrail and HS1. I commend process, even for some people in the House. I welcome the motion to the House. the motion and hope that we can proceed in an orderly fashion. 12.49 pm Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab): I congratulate the 12.52 pm Secretary of State on securing the Bill’s Second Reading Sir John Randall (Uxbridge and South Ruislip) (Con): last night, but it is extraordinary that the Prime Minister, While I echo the thoughts of my right hon. Friend the who found the time to reassure his Back Benchers on Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), I his EU referendum plans, was too busy to back this know that you, Mr Speaker, had expressed an interest in hugely significant infrastructure, which is of national going late last night. I did not want us to have to go late, importance. High Speed 2 is really important for our but I think that it was regrettable that Members were country. In the spirit of cross-party working, I agree unable to speak for longer than five minutes—four with much of what the Secretary of State has said. minutes in the case of those who spoke towards the end Yesterday we debated the principle of HS2, and of the debate—particularly given that today’s proceedings today we will debate the detailed process that Parliament might not go the full distance. Having said that, let us will establish to ensure that the Bill receives the scrutiny get on with the business. it deserves. Any Bill of this size and importance will be Question put and agreed to. 707 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 708 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee High Speed Rail (London - West with the Rules and Orders of the House, and the Member in charge of the Bill shall be entitled to be heard through Counsel or Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Agents in favour of the Bill against that Petition. 6. That in applying the Rules of the House in relation to Mr Speaker: We come now to the four motions on the parliamentary agents, any reference to a petitioner in person High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill, which shall be treated as including a reference to a duly authorised it is appropriate to debate together—[Interruption.] I member or officer of an organisation, group or body. wondered whether guidance was being proffered, but it 7. That the Select Committee have power to sit was merely an expression of interest, in the form of a notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from genuflection, from the Clerk at the Table. The four place to place and to report from day to day the Minutes of motions will indeed be debated together. I hope that I Evidence taken before it. have enlightened the Clerk in that regard and satisfied 8. That three be the Quorum of the Select Committee. any curiosity on the part of anybody else. Mr Speaker: With this, we shall discuss the following: Amendments have been tabled to motions 3, 4 and 5. The selection of amendments is available from the Vote Amendment (b), at end of paragraph 3(1)(b), insert: Office and in the Lobbies. I have selected amendments ‘(c) any other Petition, which, while initially not conforming (b) to (j) to motion 3, amendments (a) to (e) to motion 4 to the rules for Petitions, has been resubmitted within and amendments (a) and (b) to motion 5. Members will seven days of the Petitioner receiving notice and be invited to move selected amendments formally at the explanation of any defect in their Petition,’. end of the debate as we dispose of each motion in turn. Amendment (c), leave out paragraph 3(2)(a) and (b) The debate may range across all four motions, so it can and insert ‘10 June 2014.’. be a seamless debate—I am confident that it will Amendment (d), at end of paragraph 3(2)(b), insert be—addressing any amendments that have been selected ‘3A. For the purposes of petitioning on the Bill, electronic to any of those motions. To move the first motion, I call deposit of petitions shall be permitted.’. the aviation Minister no less, Mr Robert Goodwill. Amendment (e), at end of paragraph 3(2)(b), insert ‘3B. For the purposes of petitioning on the Bill, the £20 fee 12.54 pm shall be waived.’. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Amendment (f), at end of paragraph 3(2)(b), insert (Mr Robert Goodwill): Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am ‘3B. For the purposes of petitioning on the Bill, electronic also the Minister for phase 1 of HS2. money transfer for payment of petitioning fees shall be facilitated.’. I beg to move motion 3, Amendment (g), in paragraph 5, after ‘in conformity with the Rules and Orders of the House’, insert 1. That the Bill be committed to a Select Committee. ‘and shall be given six weeks’ notice of the date on which the 2. That the following Members be appointed as members of Committee shall hear their Petition’. the Select Committee: Mr Henry Bellingham, Sir Peter Bottomley, Ian Mearns, Yasmin Qureshi, Mr Robert Syms and Amendment (h), at end of paragraph 5, insert: Mr Michael Thornton. ‘5A. That each Petitioner whose Petition has been referred to 3. (1) That there shall stand referred to the Select Committee the Select Committee shall be consulted on whether they wish to be heard at Parliament or in the parliamentary constituency in (a) any Petition against the Bill presented by being deposited which they reside, and that the Select Committee shall seek to in the Private Bill Office between 29 April 2014 and accommodate all requests to be heard in the relevant parliamentary the closing date (inclusive), during the hours specified constituency.’. in a notice published by the Private Bill Office, and Amendment (i), at end of paragraph 5, insert (b) any Petition which has been presented by being deposited in the Private Bill Office during such hours and in ‘5A. The Committee shall visit each parliamentary constituency which the Petitioners complain of any amendment as on the proposed route to look at the route so proposed.’. proposed in the filled-up Bill or of any matter which Amendment (j), in paragraph 8, leave out ‘three’ and has arisen during the progress of the Bill before the insert ‘four’. Select Committee, being a Petition in which the Petitioners pray to be heard by themselves or through Counsel or Motion 4—High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Agents. Bill: Instruction— (2) The closing date for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(a) That it be an Instruction to the Select Committee to which the is- High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill is committed to deal with the Bill as follows— (a) in a case where the Petition is that of a local authority (except a parish council) or a business, 16 May 2014, 1. The Committee shall, before concluding its proceedings, and amend the Bill by (b) in any other case, 23 May 2014. (a) leaving out provision relating to the spur from Old Oak Common to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, and 4. That, notwithstanding the practice of the House that appearances on Petitions against an opposed Private Bill be required to be (b) making such amendments to the Bill as it thinks fit in entered at the first meeting of the Select Committee on the Bill, in consequence of the amendments made by virtue of the case of any such Petitions as are mentioned in paragraph 3(1)(a) sub-paragraph (a). above on which appearances are not entered at that meeting, the 2. The Committee shall not hear any Petition to the extent that Select Committee shall appoint a later day or days on which it will it relates to whether or not there should be a spur from Old Oak require appearances on those Petitions to be entered. Common to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. 5. That any Petitioner whose Petition stands referred to the 3.–(1) The Committee shall treat the principle of the Bill, Select Committee shall, subject to the Rules and Orders of the as determined by the House on the Bill’s Second House and to the Prayer of that person’s Petition, be entitled to Reading, as comprising the matters mentioned in be heard in person or through Counsel or Agents upon that sub-paragraph (2); and those matters shall accordingly person’s Petition provided that it is prepared and signed in conformity not be at issue during proceedings of the Committee. 709 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 710 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Mr Speaker] (c) any Instruction of the House to the Committee in the current Session shall be an Instruction to the Committee (2) The matters referred to in sub-paragraph (1) are: on the Bill in Session 2014-15; (a) the provision of a high speed railway between Euston (d) all Petitions presented in the current Session which in London and a junction with the West Coast Main stand referred to the Committee and which have not Line at Handsacre in Staffordshire, with a spur from been withdrawn, and any Petition presented between Water Orton in Warwickshire to Curzon Street in the day on which the current Session ends and the day Birmingham and intermediate stations at Old Oak on which proceedings on the Bill are resumed in Common and Birmingham Interchange, and Session 2014-15 in accordance with this Order, shall (b) in relation to the railway set out on the plans stand referred to the Committee in Session 2014-15; deposited in November 2013 in connection with (e) any Minutes of Evidence taken and any papers laid the Bill in the office of the Clerk of the Parliaments before the Committee in the current Session shall and the Private Bill Office of the House of Commons, stand referred to the Committee in Session 2014-15; its broad route alignment. (f) only those Petitions mentioned in sub-paragraph (d), That these Orders be Standing Orders of the House. and any Petition which may be presented by being Amendment (a), after paragraph 1(b), insert: deposited in the Private Bill Office and in which the Petitioners complain of any proposed additional provision ‘(c) making such amendments to the Bill as are necessary or of any matter which has arisen during the progress to provide complete protection to any areas of of the Bill before the Committee in Session 2014-15, outstanding natural beauty, classified ancient woodland, shall stand referred to the Committee; sites of special scientific interest and national monuments.’. (g) any Petitioner whose Petition stands referred to the Committee in Session 2014-15 shall, subject to the Amendment (b), at end of paragraph 1(b), insert Rules and Orders of the House and to the Prayer of ‘1A. The Committee shall consider whether the statutory and that person’s Petition, be entitled to be heard in non-statutory provisions for compensation available to those person or through Counsel or Agents upon the Petition who may be injuriously affected by the exercise of the powers provided that it is prepared and signed and in conformity conferred by the Bill merit any change.’. with the Rules and Orders of the House, and the Amendment (e), in paragraph 2, leave out from ‘whether’ Member in charge of the Bill shall be entitled to be heard through Counsel or Agents in favour of the Bill to ‘Link’, and insert against that Petition; ‘the spur from Old Oak Common to the Channel Tunnel Rail (h) the Committee shall have power to sit notwithstanding Link referred to in the Bill; but the Committee is not prevented any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from by this instruction from hearing any Petition relating to the need place to place, and to report from day to day Minutes for the Bill to: of Evidence taken before it; (a) include an alternative to the spur; (i) three shall be the Quorum of the Committee; (b) facilitate the provision at a later date of the spur; or (j) any person registered in the current Session as a (c) facilitate the provision at a later date of an alternative to parliamentary agent entitled to practise as such in the spur, by reason only that (a), (b) or (c) shares some of the opposing Bills only who, at the time when proceedings same characteristics as the spur or would encompass facilitation on the Bill were suspended in the current Session, was of the spur referred to in the Bill.’. employed in opposing the Bill shall be deemed to have Amendment (c), leave out paragraph 3. been registered as such a parliamentary agent in Session 2014-15; Amendment (d), at end of paragraph 3(2)(b), insert: (k) the Standing Orders and practice of the House applicable ‘4. The Committee shall comment on and report to the House to the Bill, so far as complied with or dispensed with for its consideration any issue relating to the environmental in the current Session, shall be deemed to have been impact of the railway transport system for which the Bill provides complied with or (as the case may be) dispensed with that is raised in a Petition against the Bill, including whether in Session 2014-15. alternative or additional environmental protections and mitigations Suspension at end of this Parliament should in the Committee’s opinion be further examined.’. 3. If proceedings on the Bill are resumed in accordance with [Relevant document: Thirteenth Report from the Environmental paragraph 2 but are not completed before the end of Session 2014-15, Audit Committee, on HS2 and the environment, HC 1076.] further proceedings on the Bill shall be suspended from the day Motion 5—High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) on which that Session ends until the first Session of the next Bill: Carry-Over— Parliament (“Session 2015-16”). That, notwithstanding the practice of the House, the following 4. If a Bill is presented in Session 2015-16 in the same terms as provisions shall apply to proceedings on the High Speed Rail those in which the Bill stood when proceedings on it were (London - West Midlands) Bill: suspended in Session 2014-15– Suspension at end of this Session (a) the Bill so presented shall be ordered to be printed and 1. Further proceedings on the High Speed Rail (London - shall be deemed to have been read the first and West Midlands) Bill shall be suspended from the day on which second time; this Session of Parliament ends (“the current Session”) until the (b) the Standing Orders and practice of the House applicable next Session of Parliament (“Session 2014-15”). to the Bill, so far as complied with or dispensed with 2. If a Bill is presented in Session 2014-15 in the same terms as in the current Session or in Session 2014-15, shall be those in which the Bill stood when proceedings on it were deemed to have been complied with or (as the case suspended in the current Session– may be) dispensed with in Session 2015-16; and (a) the Bill so presented shall be ordered to be printed and (c) the Bill shall be dealt with in accordance with– shall be deemed to have been read the first and (i) paragraph 5, if proceedings in Select Committee second time; were not completed when proceedings on the Bill (b) the Bill shall stand committed to a Select Committee of were suspended, the same Members as the members of the Committee (ii) paragraph 6, if proceedings in Public Bill Committee when proceedings on the Bill were suspended in the were begun but not completed when proceedings current Session; on the Bill were suspended, 711 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 712 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee (iii) paragraph 7, if the Bill was waiting to be considered 9. If this paragraph applies, the Bill shall be deemed to have when proceedings on it were suspended, passed through all its stages in this House. (iv) paragraph 8, if the Bill was waiting for third Other reading when proceedings on it were suspended, or 10. The references in paragraphs 1 and 3 above to further (v) paragraph 9, if the Bill has been read the third time proceedings do not include proceedings under Standing and sent to the House of Lords. Order 224A(8) (deposit of supplementary environmental information). 5. If this paragraph applies– (a) the Bill shall stand committed to a Select Committee of 11. That the above Orders be Standing Orders of the House. such Members as were members of the Committee Amendment (a), in paragraph 2(i), leave out ‘three’ when proceedings on the Bill were suspended in and insert ‘four’. Session 2014-15; Amendment (b), in paragraph 5(h), leave out ‘three’ (b) any Instruction of the House to the Committee in the current Session or in Session 2014-15 shall be and insert ‘four’. an Instruction to the Committee on the Bill in Motion 6—Positions for which additional salaries are Session 2015-16; payable for the purposes of section 4A(2) of the (c) all Petitions presented in the current Session or in Parliamentary Standards Act 2009 Session 2014-15 which stand referred to the Committee That the Chair of the select committee appointed to consider and which have not been withdrawn, and any Petition the High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill is specified presented between the day on which Session 2014-15 for the purposes of section 4A(2) of the Parliamentary Standards ends and the day on which proceedings on the Bill are Act 2009. resumed in Session 2015-16 in accordance with this Order, shall stand referred to the Committee in Session 2015-16; Mr Goodwill: Yesterday the House voted comprehensively (d) any Minutes of Evidence taken and any papers laid in favour of the principle of a high-speed railway between before the Committee in the current Session or in London and the west midlands. Today we turn to the Session 2014-15 shall stand referred to the Committee practicalities of how the parliamentary process for the in Session 2015-16; High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill will (e) only those Petitions mentioned in sub-paragraph (c), work. We have four motions before us this afternoon. and any Petition which may be presented by being The first is a motion to establish a Select Committee to deposited in the Private Bill Office and in which the hear petitions against the Bill; the second is an instruction Petitioners complain of any proposed additional provision to that Committee to clarify the principle of the Bill for or of any matter which has arisen during the progress its purposes; the third is a motion to allow the Bill to be of the Bill before the Committee in Session 2015-16, carried over into the next Session, and also into the first shall stand referred to the Committee; Session of the next Parliament in 2015-16; and the (f) any Petitioner whose Petition stands referred to the Committee in the first Session of the new Parliament fourth allows the payment of a salary to the Chair of shall, subject to the Rules and Orders of the House the Select Committee, in the same way as for any other and to the Prayer of his Petition, be entitled to be Select Committee Chair. heard in person or through Counsel or Agents upon The second motion refers the Bill to a Select Committee the Petition provided that it is prepared and signed of six members, as nominated in the motion. The and in conformity with the Rules and Orders of the motion also sets the period in which petitions against House, and the Member in charge of the Bill shall be entitled to be heard through Counsel or Agents in the Bill need to be submitted to be heard by the Committee. favour of the Bill against that Petition; The period starts today and concludes on 16 May 2014 (g) the Committee shall have power to sit notwithstanding for petitions from local authorities, other than parish any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from councils, and businesses. place to place, and to report from day to day Minutes of Evidence taken before it; Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): (h) three shall be the Quorum of the Committee; Having spoken with the Public Bill Office earlier, I (i) any person registered (or deemed by paragraph 2(j) to understand that the petition period starts tomorrow, be registered) in Session 2014-15 as a parliamentary not today, because there was some query about the agent entitled to practise as such in opposing Bills length of the debate on Second Reading of the hybrid only who, at the time when proceedings on the Bill Bill. were suspended in Session 2014-15, was employed in opposing the Bill shall be deemed to have been registered as such a parliamentary agent in Session 2015-16. Mr Goodwill: If that is the case, I stand corrected. The petition period will then be extended by an additional 6. If this paragraph applies, the Bill shall be deemed to have been reported from the Select Committee and to have been day. I had not been made aware of that by the House re-committed to a Public Bill Committee. authorities. Of course, the way the petitions are controlled 7. If this paragraph applies– and the way the Committee carries out its work is a matter for the House; it is not one over which Ministers (a) the Bill shall be deemed to have been reported from the Select Committee and from the Public Bill can have any influence. Committee; and The period closes on 23 May 2014—or perhaps (b) the Bill shall be set down as an order of the day for 24 May—for members of the public, parish councils consideration. and other groups or organisations. Such an approach of 8. If this paragraph applies- having different periods for different types of petitioner (a) the Bill shall be deemed to have been reported from the is standard for hybrid Bills, having been used for the Select Committee and from the Public Bill Channel Tunnel Rail Link Act 1996 and the Channel Committee and to have been considered; and Tunnel Act 1987. That allows 16 days and 23 days (b) the Bill shall be set down as an order of the day for respectively for petitions, which is longer than most third reading. other hybrid Bills to date. 713 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 714 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Sir John Randall (Uxbridge and South Ruislip) (Con): not feel that the fee is prohibitive. It is set by the House My hon. Friend and I go back a long way, and I know and has not increased since 1988. It is a matter for the him to be a true Yorkshireman who will look after House to administer these costs, not a matter for the money well. On a practical point, where does the £20 fee Government. Members might like to raise the question for petitions go, what is it used for and can it be with Mr Speaker, as it is a House matter. presented only in cash, or can payments by cheque or credit card be accepted? Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): On a matter for which the Minister may be responsible, how long does he Mr Goodwill: That will be a matter for the House expect the Committee to sit? When does he expect its authorities, but I am sure that it would be acceptable to life to end? pay the £20 in cash. I know that one of the amendments Mr Goodwill: We have already made it clear that we refers to electronic payments and tabling, which we will do not expect the Committee to conclude its work, resist. The money will ultimately go to the taxpayer, as which must be done thoroughly and in a way that we the House is a taxpayer-funded authority. We do not believe responds adequately to concerns raised in petitions. believe that a fee of £20 would be prohibitive for any The Secretary of State indicated that he expects it to organisation or individual seeking to petition the continue after the next general election, which is why Committee. there is a double carry-over motion before the House. That means that the Committee can continue its work Frank Dobson (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab): Can not only into the next Session of this Parliament, but the Minister explain why there is a £20 fee? HS2 Ltd, beyond the general election. It is a matter for the which is spending hundreds of millions of pounds on Committee how it organises its work and how it considers consultants, does not have to make any contribution to the petitions. That is not a matter for me as the Minister. the cost of running the House, so why should individuals? Certainly, for some of the individuals in my constituency Chris Bryant: I think the Minister just said that he who will see their homes demolished, £20 is a rather does not expect the Committee to conclude. In other large part of their weekly income. words, it will go on for ever and ever. That is what the motion allows for, yet later today we will be asked to Mr Goodwill: HS2 itself has spent considerable taxpayer contribute to the pay of the person who is to chair the funds on trying to mitigate many of the environmental Committee. We are going to be paying this person in implications of the line, which might well head off perpetuity, yet it seems that the Minister has nothing to petitioners. Indeed, I was speaking with representatives account for. of the Ramblers Association only the other week, when we went on a 10-mile ramble in my constituency. They Mr Goodwill: Any motions passed in the House today told me that they were hopeful that, because of the can be amended in future by the House. If, for example, engagement with HS2, they might not have to petition, the Committee was not sitting and it was felt that the as their concerns had been answered. HS2 has been Chairman therefore did not deserve his fee, that could engaging with a number of potential petitioners, including be revisited by the House. In view of the precedents of local authorities, to try to allay some of their concerns previous hybrid Bills, we believe that the period of time and fears without the need to petition. That money has needed will take us past the next general election—I been well spent in addressing those issues. hope not far past the next general election, but given the number of petitions that we expect and the work that Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): Does the Committee will have to carry out, it has the possibility the hon. Gentleman not think that it would antagonise of sitting during the recess to try to improve the speed the public more if, when their house was threatened at which it can carry out that work. This is a reasonable with demolition, they were charged £20? Does he not way of going forward and of giving that Committee the see that that could have an adverse effect? resources and the time it needs to do its job thoroughly. Chris Bryant rose— Mr Goodwill: We do not believe that the £20 fee is prohibitive. Of course, if some of the amendments were Mr Speaker: Before the hon. Gentleman intervenes, agreed to today, we could have a situation in which let me say that I feel sure beyond doubt that the Minister e-petitioning was allowed, and at the same time no fee was trying to be helpful to the House, but in a similar was payable, and we could find the work of that Committee vein perhaps I ought to emphasise to colleagues that in being frustrated by large amounts of electronic petitioning, respect of the matter of fees or charges, appertaining as perhaps done in a vexatious way designed to hinder the they do to a private Bill, such matters would ordinarily progress of the Bill, rather than to improve it, as the be raised by right hon. and hon. Members with the petitioning process is designed to do. Chairman of Ways and Means, who oversees such matters. A visit even to the Private Bill Office might be Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): Could such beneficial to Members. What I am saying politely to complaints from a number of sources be combined and colleagues is that there is no great merit in raising the presented with one £20 note, or would a £20 note have matter with me, notwithstanding the good intentions of to be submitted for every person involved? the Minister’s intervention. Mr Goodwill: I can allay my hon. Friend’s concerns. Chris Bryant: I have almost forgotten what I was Yes, a group of people can petition together and only going to ask after that rather lengthy—but welcome— one fee is payable. The people who petition can appear contribution to the debate. The Minister has already at the Committee, and they can be represented by an said that the Committee that we are appointing—we are agent or by a number of people from that group. I do naming the members of the Committee in the motion 715 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 716 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee before the House—will continue after the general election. Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): I agree It is quite clear that this is providing a safe berth for a that it should not be for the Committee to devise an Conservative Member of the House. When we win the alternative link, but can the Minister clarify whether the general election next May, will the Committee membership Committee could hear petitions for passive provision, and the chairmanship automatically change party? which would future-proof the project if a link were deemed desirable at a future date? Mr Goodwill: The membership of the Committee is a matter for the House. When after the next election we Mr Goodwill: The hon. Lady makes a very good have a majority Conservative Government, if necessary point. Indeed, there is already passive provision in the we could revisit that. It is a matter for the House. We are first phase to allow the Heathrow spur to be constructed, voting on it today and there is nothing written in stone should it be decided to go forward in that way. From an today that cannot be changed in future by a further engineering perspective, it would be very expensive and motion put before the House and voted on. disruptive to try to join that link. Similarly, in relation The motion sets out that anyone who submits a valid to the passive provision for the HS1 link, it is ultimately petition is entitled to be heard by the Select Committee, for the Committee to decide whether or not a petition either in person, or thorough a parliamentary agent or should be heard. The Committee may choose to hear counsel. The motion gives some latitude to organisations petitions relating to a future link not being precluded, petitioning to authorise different officers as their but the work of the Committee is about the railway representative before the Select Committee, should they before it and it cannot get bogged down considering the need to do so. The motion provides for the Committee merits of links that may or may not happen. to meet during recess should it wish to do so, and also to hold its hearings away from Parliament if it so wishes. I know that one of the amendments tabled Several hon. Members rose— refers to its meeting in other parts of the country. It would be for the Committee to decide if it would be Mr Goodwill: I give way to the right hon. Member for useful to do so. Holborn and St Pancras (Frank Dobson). However, our hope is that people will not feel the need to petition. HS2 Ltd has produced a significant number of information papers which are published on Frank Dobson: Much as I welcome the dropping of its website. These attempt to address the key concerns the preposterous HS2-HS1 link, as do all the people that people have about the project, such as the impacts whose lives would have been ruined by it, in view of the of construction and noise. I encourage hon. Members fact that until about three weeks ago HS2 was saying and their constituents to read those papers, as this that there was no possibility of dropping the link, no might stop unnecessary petitions. one in the area believes a word that HS2 says. I warn the Minister of that. The motion says that the Committee It is established practice that the Select Committee shall not hear a petition if it relates to the link. That is cannot hear petitions against the principle of the Bill. fine, because the link has been dropped. Supposing That principle was agreed by the whole House on that, after the Committee stage had concluded, the Second Reading yesterday, and it would not be appropriate House as a whole decided to reinstate the link; would for a Select Committee to consider changes that might people then be allowed to petition? If not, they would undermine the decision made by the whole House. This think they were being swindled by officialdom, as would instruction, therefore, sets out the principle of the Bill indeed be the case. for the Select Committee: the provision of a high-speed railway between Euston and a junction at the west coast main line at Handsacre in Staffordshire, with a spur Mr Goodwill: I hope that, following the decision to from Water Orton in Warwickshire to Curzon Street in scrap the link, I have a few more friends in Camden Birmingham. The principle also includes the intermediate than before. If the Committee were to decide to make stations at Old Oak Common and Birmingham Interchange changes to the Bill that affected potential petitioners located near the airport, and the broad route alignment who were not affected before, there would be another set out in the plans and sections deposited with the Bill. opportunity for them to petition, and a similar period This principle should give the Committee sufficient would be allowed for that to happen. scope to address the issues of petitioners without sacrificing Let me underline that for a whole variety of reasons the desired capability of the railway to give the benefits that I will not go into but the right hon. Gentleman will expected. understand, we do not believe that the HS1-HS2 link The instruction also addresses the Secretary of State’s represents value for money or that it is practical. There decision to remove the HS1 link. The removal of the are all sorts of logistical problems. From a security link was agreed as part of Second Reading yesterday. perspective, the journey would have to be designated as The instruction, therefore, requires an amendment to be international because we could not have a situation made to remove the link and then treats the Bill as where some people on the train had gone through though the link were not included in the principle. passport control and some had not. There might be Therefore, there is no need for people opposed to the rather frugally minded Yorkshiremen like me who link to petition against the link, as it will be removed. It decided that, rather than buy a through-train ticket to is also not possible for the Committee to hear petitions Paris, they would buy two tickets and make the short in favour of a link, in the same way as it is not possible stroll between Euston and St Pancras, or get the for the Committee to hear petitions in favour of an underground, or even use some other means such as a extension to Newquay, for example, or anywhere else. travelator, which could transport people quickly and That is beyond the principle of the Bill. easily between those two locations. 717 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 718 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): I am Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): I pleased to hear the Minister refer to a travelator for will not pre-empt what I have to say when I move my efficient and easy travel. He said that the HS1-HS2 link amendment, but will the Minister clarify what he would be an international route and everyone would meant when he talked about passive provision and have to go through passport control. Will he consider referred to Heathrow? Is he saying that passive the possibility of domestic services regarding a future provision is already in existence, or would it have to be link? Research from Greengauge 21, paid for by Kent made? and Essex county councils, among others, suggests that demand for those services would be very substantial Mr Goodwill: The passive provision for the Heathrow and potentially much higher than for international spur is included in the first phase. That is because if the travel. spur goes ahead—it is already part of the second phase that is being consulted on—breaking into the line to put in a link would be very expensive and disruptive. The Mr Goodwill: I thank my hon. Friend for making that spur—the passive provision for the Heathrow link—is point. However, having analysed this carefully and brought part of the first phase. We are consulting on the second in Sir David Higgins, who did the work for us and has a phase, part of which is the Heathrow spur. wealth of experience in major projects of this sort, we I must point out that the first phase of HS2 includes concur with him that the link does not represent value a very good connection to Heathrow airport via Old for money and we have therefore scrapped it; the House Oak Common, with up to eight trains an hour and voted last night to do so. Although there may be an 11 or 12-minute journey times. That is a very good way opportunity for the hybrid Bill Committee to consider of getting to Heathrow and to other stations served by passive provision so as not to obviate any potential Crossrail. Old Oak Common is currently a little-known future link, it is certainly not in our plans at the moment— backwater, but very soon, I promise, it will become as nor, having heard the comments of Opposition Front famous as Waterloo, St Pancras or Victoria stations and Benchers, would Labour wish to press for it, should be an integral part of this country’s and this capital’s there be, God forbid, a change of Government at the transport system. next election. Ms Stuart: May I make this clear? The passive provision Mr Jim Cunningham: About 20 years ago, I chaired for Heathrow is already in place, and passive provision the Committee on the hybrid Croydon Tramlink Bill. to provide for a potential HS1-HS2 link could be put At that time, we accepted that there could be changes into the legislation as it is now. It would have to be put to the Government’s proposals and recommendations in because it is not there by virtue of the Heathrow could be made. Is the Minister saying that no changes passive provision, and it could not be added by dint of are going to be allowed if people want to introduce a the Committee deciding to do so. spur or different forms of link? Mr Goodwill: Yes, I think the hon. Lady has got it right. There is an opportunity, should anyone wish to Mr Goodwill: I am saying that if the hybrid Bill take it, to petition the Committee to put in some passive Committee proposed changes that the Government agreed provision for a future connection. We have commissioned to, there would be a further opportunity for people who HS2 Ltd and Network Rail to look at options for better are directly affected by those changes to petition. The connecting the rail network to HS1, but any conclusions Bill cannot be changed in a way that affects people that require powers would not be taken forward in this without their getting a second bite of the cherry, because Bill. they may not have considered petitioning in the first On the carry-over motion, hybrid Bills can be carried place. over Prorogations because Standing Order 80A does not apply. This is a completely standard part of the Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): The hon. Gentleman process for hybrid Bills, as they generally take longer is getting himself back on to my Christmas card list, than public Bills. from which he was rejected last night. Are the Government completely closed to the idea of a different, better Mark Reckless: Is one study taking place or two? HS1-HS2 link than the one we rightly rejected last There is the question whether we have a travelator-type night? arrangement to connect Euston and St Pancras for passengers going from HS1 to HS2, but is there a separate question of how we connect HS1 to the broader Mr Goodwill: Any link between HS1 and HS2 is not railway network, which may be a case of a train-in-a-tunnel part of the Bill that was before us last night or the HS1-HS2 link for the future? provisions we are considering today, and we as a Government are certainly not planning to look at it in Mr Goodwill: Those are two separate matters that are the near future. This project will be in operation for mutually exclusive. We are looking at whether better many centuries, we hope, and who knows what might provision can be made for the short journey between happen in future? At the moment, the Government’s Euston and St Pancras for those who wish to continue position is absolutely clear: we have abandoned the their journey internationally, or indeed to use King’s link—we voted on that in the House last night—and we Cross or St Pancras for domestic journeys. A separate do not wish to revisit it. We will be looking into making process is going on whereby HS2 Ltd and Network Rail it easier to get across from Euston to St Pancras. Although are looking at how we can better improve the connectivity it is not a long walk and there is an underground train of HS1. That is being done in the light of the decision service, there may be better ways of dealing with the to abandon the HS1-HS2 connection, which was very situation, and HS2 is looking into that. popular in places such as Camden. 719 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 720 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee The Channel Tunnel Rail Link Bill was carried over clear to everyone when the general election will take two Prorogations. The Crossrail Bill was carried over place and that this Bill will not have secured Royal two Prorogations and a Dissolution for a general election. Assent by that point. The House is due to prorogue shortly for the Queen’s The motion provides for suspension of the Bill from Speech— the end of the Session, but that will not prevent the depositing of petitions after Prorogation should it precede Chris Bryant: When? the end of the petitioning period. The motion also provides for the continuity of the membership of the Mr Goodwill: I haven’t a clue. Even when I was in the Select Committee and maintains any instructions given Whips Office, we did not get to hear about that. to the Committee by this House, the standing of roll B Because of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, we agents and all the elements of whatever progress the Bill know with a degree of certainty when Parliament will has made from each Session into the next. In providing be dissolved for the next general election. Although we for carry-over into the next Parliament, the motion had hoped that the hybrid Bill would secure Royal caters for the fact that the Bill could have reached a Assent before the next general election, I am clear that range of different stages by that point. In each case, the in all likelihood it will not do so. motion provides that the progress made up to the end of the fourth Session be carried over into the next Parliament. Chris Bryant: The Select Committee that was appointed As the House is aware, the Chairs of departmental to consider the Crossrail Bill had 10 members, so why Select Committees are paid for the additional responsibilities has the Committee under discussion got only six and, the role brings, as allowed under section 4A(2) of the therefore, a different quorum of three? Parliamentary Standards Act 2009. The role of the Chair of a hybrid Bill Select Committee is no less demanding Mr Goodwill: To be absolutely honest with the hon. —indeed, in some cases it may be more demanding—and Gentleman, many people who volunteered to consider the Chair of the Crossrail Select Committee was paid a the Crossrail Bill did not realise what a commitment it salary equivalent to that of a departmental Select would be. We have found six Members—some of whom Committee Chair. The motion allows the Chair of the have been volunteered—who are prepared to put in the HS2 Select Committee to be paid an equivalent salary, time and commitment to do this, and I think we will be and I am sure the House will agree that that is appropriate, well served by them. We are very grateful to them for given the significant responsibility the role carries. putting their names forward. It would be a big ask to In conclusion, I commend the motions to the House. find a large Committee to do this work, given the large HS2 is a vital national project and it is important that amount of time those Members will have to take out of we make swift progress. However, it is equally important the other parliamentary duties they carry out on their to ensure that those affected by the railway have appropriate constituents’ behalf. We are very grateful that they are opportunity to have their say. I believe that the motions volunteers rather than pressed men. strike the right balance. They establish a Select Committee with the flexibility to hear and deal with the concerns of Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): As I understand it, those directly and specially affected, but they do not this is a general debate about all the issues, as encapsulated import unreasonable delay. Everyone wants certainty— in the motions and the various amendments. Next week petitioner, promoter and the general public—and I believe will be my 30th year in Parliament and, having spent a that the motions provide that certainty and that they lot of my previous life dealing with hybrid and other will allow people to have their say, have their issues Bills, I entirely concur with my hon. Friend on the addressed and get on with their lives. I think that burdens involved in the privilege of being given the everyone in the House wants to see that, and I hope opportunity to take such an active part in the Select they will support the motions. Committee stage. Does he accept that there is recognition in one of the Bill’s schedules for property bonds, and 1.24 pm does he agree that the Select Committee should take Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): Last that issue into account when it decides what kind of night the House gave its clear endorsement to the compensation should be paid? principle of building a new, high-speed rail line from London to Birmingham. We urgently need that additional Mr Goodwill: It would be inappropriate for me to track capacity to meet the growth in passenger numbers, comment on the compensation package at this stage, to enable new commuter services and to provide the given that consultation is still taking place, but we basis for a high-speed network to connect the great recently announced a package that I believe to be cities of the midlands and the north. The case for generous, particularly in rural areas. It also has to be building a new north-south line was robust when the fair to the taxpayer, who will ultimately pick up the bill, previous Labour Government launched their Command and the compensation is in marked contrast to that Paper in 2010, and it remains robust now, especially in which other people around the country might receive if the light of the continued growth in demand for rail a bypass, new railway spur or goods marshalling yard travel. were to be built in their area. Although the principle of the Bill was endorsed by The carry-over motion reflects the certainty provided the House last night, it is right that more time has been by the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011. It allows the allocated to debate the various motions before us today. Bill to carry over into the fourth Session of this Parliament Hybrid Bill procedures put major rail projects through and the first Session of the next. That will avoid the a very intensive process of scrutiny—much more so need unnecessarily to use up the House’s time with than in many other European countries—and I know another carry-over motion later in the year when it is that veterans of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and 721 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 722 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Lilian Greenwood] We have to recognise that amendment (e), tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston Crossrail Bills would attest to that fact. Those procedures (Ms Stuart), is not connected to that process. If passed, mean that there will be opportunities to put in place it would allow for a new link to be put in, even if it did additional mitigation measures through the petitioning not adequately meet the country’s strategic needs. To process. It is vital that, where there are remaining quote the Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire environmental challenges or concerns over the impact chambers of commerce submission to the environmental of construction work, those petitioners receive a fair statement consultation: hearing. “It is important that this stage of the planning”— This House has now voted in favour of the principle process— of building HS2 from London to Birmingham, but, given the Government’s rather leisurely pace in introducing “does not build a ‘weak link’ into the overall intentions for HS2.” this Bill, there is now no prospect of it receiving Royal Given the strategic importance of such proposals, they Assent before the election. It therefore makes sense to should have the support of the Government of the vote on the carry-over motion now, so that the process day and must be properly evaluated. It is difficult to can continue into the next Parliament. That will also see how the petitioning stage could be an appropriate ensure certainty for people along the route who are process without such input. Although I understand why getting ready to submit their petitions. amendment (e) has been tabled, I hope that the Government We are also being asked to vote on the Select Committee will engage positively with Centro and other transport motion. I want to put on record the gratitude of, planners in the west midlands and, indeed, further undoubtedly, the whole House to the hon. Members for north. I thank the Minister for his clarification that the North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham) and for Worthing instruction motion will not prevent the Committee from West (Sir Peter Bottomley), my hon. Friends the Members discussing options for future-proofing the project to for Gateshead (Ian Mearns) and for Bolton South East ensure that putting in a link remains feasible. (Yasmin Qureshi), and the hon. Members for Poole Amendment (d) has been signed by several members (Mr Syms) and for Eastleigh (Mike Thornton). This of the Environmental Audit Committee. They raised represents a major personal commitment, but the process several points in their recent report, some of which were should also deliver a railway that will be used by millions also made in a Westminster Hall debate secured by the of passengers a year and more equitable treatment for hon. Member for Lichfield (Michael Fabricant) last those affected by construction. year on the impact of HS2 on ancient woodlands. The It is a point of principle that hybrid Bill Committees Committee already has the power to make changes to are able to manage their own affairs, beyond the normal mitigate the environmental impacts of the proposed limits of deviation. However, given the sheer volume of route, but the amendment would require it to prepare a this Bill—including the environmental statement, it is report for the whole House on any petition that raises reckoned to be the most substantial piece of legislation any environmental issue. We have concerns about the ever produced—it is also common sense to minimise the cost and time implications that that requirement might burdens on the Committee. A number of amendments impose, especially as some petitions could be resolved have been tabled that would restrict its ability to hear by relatively minor and straightforward changes to the petitions in the way it thinks most effective. As I said scheme and, in such cases, it would not be necessary to yesterday, I think the Committee should hear petitions involve the whole House. I note that when previous in the constituencies affected by construction, including instructions were agreed, Standing Order 224A was not Euston. Indeed, the House is familiar with the issues in in place. That Standing Order provides for an independent that area, thanks to the tireless campaigning of my assessment of responses to the environmental statement right hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and St Pancras consultation, which has now been published as the (Frank Dobson). Golders report, and it will not be necessary to have two separate reporting processes. There are similar issues to be considered with regard to the instruction motion, which sets out the limits of It is important to retain the Committee’s ability to deviation for any changes made by the Committee, as is exercise discretion in such circumstances and to ensure usual with a hybrid Bill. The motion also includes there is no infringement on its right to issue a special instructions for removing the planned link to HS1 from report to the House, as happened during the passage of the Bill. It may be worth briefly describing how flawed the Crossrail Bill, but that should remain the Committee’s that proposal was. It would have involved running choice. We want the Government to take a more effective trains on a single track over the north London line, approach to environmental mitigation than they have which is an important passenger and freight route. done so far, but we have concerns about the additional Earlier this year, I saw for myself the disruption that burdens that the directions in the amendment would could have been caused in Camden Town. The link was impose on the Committee. always an inadequate compromise that pleased no one, The motions represent the Government’s admission and Labour listened to Birmingham, the northern cities of the realities that the Opposition have frequently and organisations such as Transport for London that pointed out and that Ministers had long denied: first, had called for a rethink. that the proposed link to HS1 was utterly inadequate; That is why we said last August that the link should and, secondly, that there was no prospect of the Bill be reviewed, and it is absolutely right that David Higgins receiving Royal Assent before the election, which they has looked at the proposals and found them wanting. had previously insisted would be achieved. It will therefore HS2 Ltd and Network Rail have now been asked to fall to the next Parliament—and the next Labour look at other options, and I hope the Minister will tell Government—to deliver this nationally important project. the House when he expects that report to be published. That is why the motions as they stand represent the best 723 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 724 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee balance between allowing the Committee a free hand (Yasmin Qureshi) and for Gateshead (Ian Mearns) entered and ensuring an operationally effective route, alongside the House in 2010. In my hon. Friend the Member for value for taxpayers’ money. North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), we have a man The case for HS2 is clear. The railways cannot go on of great experience, who has served as a shadow Trade as there are: without more capacity they cannot grow, and Industry Minister, which will be particularly useful. and if they cannot grow they will decline. Local services Of course, the longevity in the House of my hon. Friend have already been cut back in the north and in the west the Member for Worthing West (Sir Peter Bottomley)— midlands to make way for faster, more profitable trains since 1975—is not to be underestimated. He has the to London. Without a substantial increase in capacity, great advantage of having served as an Under-Secretary which can effectively be achieved only through a new of State for Transport between 1986 and 1989, and that line, our commuter economies will suffer. We want both experience is relevant. My hon. Friend the Member for inter-city and branch lines to thrive, and we have reached Poole (Mr Syms) was a distinguished member of the the point at which we need serious investment in new Transport Committee, and was a shadow Department track if that is to be achieved. The project is vital to the of the Environment, Transport and the Regions country as a whole. That is why Labour supports the spokesperson. With his former managing directorship Bill, and why we want the motions to be passed. of a plant hire firm, he brings with him a great deal of relevant experience.

1.34 pm Sir John Randall: I am interested in what my right Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): hon. Friend is saying, but does she not think that one I shall deal with my amendments to the motions. As I merit of such Committees is having a broad spectrum am following the hon. Member for Nottingham South of people—not necessarily all experts—who can give a (Lilian Greenwood), who speaks for the Opposition, I common-sense view and, in that way, listen to petitions can tell her that although the principles of HS2 were almost like members of the public? agreed by the House last night, 50 Members voted for the reasoned amendment to deny the Bill a Second Mrs Gillan: I entirely agree. The six men— Reading and many others abstained, so this Government and their successors have not been given carte blanche Mr Simon Burns (Chelmsford) (Con): They are not to ride roughshod over the views of the people who do all men. not think that the project is the best solution to our transport problems. Mrs Gillan: The five men and one woman—I apologise to the hon. Member for Bolton South East—have been Today we are dealing with the process, and it is chosen well and will bring an objective view to the project. important to probe the process and make sure that it is However, they will have to get to grips with some pretty fit for purpose. Through the medium of the amendments, complex technical information on local geology, hydrology, I hope to gain some insight into Front Benchers’ and construction details, logistics and operations. Even the the House’s thinking about how we should handle such Clerks of the House, who are very helpful and very matters. The amendments are designed to probe and, good on procedure, will have to get to grips with that for the comfort of the House, I can say that I do not information. I want to know what training will be intend to press any of them to a Division for the simple provided, when it will start and who can attend it. reason that I hope Ministers and the House might take them away and consider them. I think that will make Mr Burns: My right hon. Friend makes an interesting things more comfortable, certainly for the Whips Office, point. As she was talking, I was wondering whether, which always seems very concerned to know what I am when previous important Committees were formed to up to. deal with the hybrid Bill process and Members were In amendment (a), which was not selected, to the chosen, she expressed such concerns as a member of the committal motion, I sought only to restrict the number Whips Office? of members of the Select Committee. It is important to point out that if the Government wanted to add members, Mrs Gillan: As a former Whip, my right hon. Friend that would disturb the dynamics of what will be a very will know that he and I may not discuss in public complex Committee that has to sit in judgment on the matters that were discussed in the Whips Office. I am project. We need to maintain the same membership for rather surprised at him for laying such a puerile trap at as long as possible, notwithstanding what may happen this stage, when I am trying to be helpful and to elicit with the electorate if the Committee continues its work information. after the next general election. We need the Committee I am concerned about who will provide advice to the to have a stable membership, and I do not think that Committee. As all of us who have sat on Select Committees any chopping and changing would benefit the House, and Public Bill Committees and who have been Ministers the scrutiny of the Bill or confidence in the House and know, the technical and professional advice that is given our processes. to the Committee will be important. I want an assurance I want to ask what training will be given to the six that people will be available to provide technical advice brave Members of Parliament, whom I certainly to the Committee who are not on the payroll of the congratulate on their appointment to the Committee? Government in one way or another. We have a finite The hon. Member for Eastleigh (Mike Thornton) is number of engineering companies, most of which seem very new—he came in only in February last year—and I to be employed by the Department for Transport or do not know what experience he has of such projects, other Departments. It is a valid point that we need to but I am sure he would benefit from any training that is know that the Committee will be able to draw on provided. The hon. Members for Bolton South East independent technical advice. I want to know how 725 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 726 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Mrs Gillan] Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): Before the right hon. Lady moves on from this point, will she many advisers to the Committee there will be, what comment on the intervention by the Minister on the their qualifications will be, how they will be chosen, powers of the Select Committee? He said that it will be how much they will be paid and who will vet them. possible for the Select Committee to take the action it needs to take. Is it not important for there to be an Sir John Randall: Perhaps it is inappropriate for me instruction from Parliament on what its remit should be? to offer my services free, but if there are any questions on the environment or on wildlife, I will be happy to Mrs Gillan: That is another valid point. The hon. assist the Committee on a no-fee basis. Lady and I would agree that we want to ensure that the Committee is not irrationally constrained or affected in Mrs Gillan: I am grateful for my colleague’s offer. I any way if it looks as though it is moving towards am sure that the Minister will have taken it on board. decisions that HS2 Ltd and the Department do not like. What worries me is that so many members of environmental We need to ensure that the Committee is independent groups have been insulted so often in the course of this and that it is not constrained. While I am responding to project that he might have to provide his services, because her intervention, may I say that I was very grateful for people might be unwilling to come forward if they are the detailed and thoughtful work that was carried out going to be treated so roughly. by the Environmental Audit Committee? It was very helpful and was much appreciated by my constituents and a large number of people beyond my constituency. Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): I apologise for missing the first part of the right hon. Lady’s speech. I It strikes me with horror to hear that the advice of agree with her strongly about the advice of technical HS2 will be available to the Committee. I have this experts. However, even technical experts have views. Is it thought about the fox getting into the chicken house. not important to ensure that we hear a range of views However, I know that it is essential that HS2 advises the about the project and that we get honest technical Committee. It will need to reveal more about its plans. advice on all the detailed points? That leads me to my next point. Will the reports of the Major Projects Authority be Mrs Gillan: The hon. Gentleman makes a valid point, available to the Committee? Ministers have seen the which extends the point that I am making without MPA reports into risk, which have categorised the labouring it. The members of the Select Committee will project as amber-red. Those documents have been withheld bring common sense and the view of the Member of from general release, despite the decision of the Information Parliament to the Committee, but they will still have to Commissioner that it was in the public interest for them rely on the people who have the expertise to take them to be released. My understanding is that the Information through the detail. Commissioner will look for a review of the Government’s decision to block the publication of the reports. Mr Goodwill: I thank my right hon. Friend for giving It would be unacceptable to me if the Committee that way today. The advice that the Committee takes and the scrutinised the project did not have access to the reports, expertise that it chooses to draw on will be a matter for which must contain facts that the Government do not the Committee itself. Of course, the expertise of HS2 want to be in the public domain, when deciding on the will be available to the Committee, should it wish to project. I ask the Minister once again: if he could not avail itself of that. Many of the petitioners may well be make the reports available to this House before the vote experts, in particular the environmental non-governmental yesterday and if he cannot make them available to the organisations that wish to petition. I do not think that wider public, can he make them available to the Committee there will be a shortage of offers of advice to members on a confidential basis so that we know that the of the Committee. However, that is a matter for them as representatives of this House who are scrutinising the they conduct their work and not for Ministers. Bill will not be hoodwinked and will not have information withheld from them? Mrs Gillan: I am grateful for that intervention. I am using this debate as a vehicle to raise these questions. Sir John Randall: I am following what my right hon. They might not all be directed at the Front Bench, but I Friend is saying and I share her disappointment at the am raising them in this forum because I see no other blocking of the reports. However, am I not correct in opportunity for Members to raise them. I take on board saying that if they were going to be delivered to us, it what the Minister has said. would have happened before yesterday’s Second Reading debate? This matter will not impinge on the Committee’s Frank Dobson: Does the right hon. Lady recognise work. We must not impugn the members of the Committee that some of the organisations that are said to have who, as she said, are excellent people, by saying that advised the Department or HS2 are not necessarily on they will be hoodwinked in any way. quite the same lines as the Department or HS2? For instance, we were told that the Institution of Civil Mrs Gillan: I am sorry if I gave that impression. I do Engineers had provided advice on the HS1-HS2 link. It not entirely agree with my right hon. Friend, but perhaps had indeed, but it turns out that it advised against the he did not understand fully what I said. I know that link. That bit was not mentioned. Members of this House and people beyond it cannot see the reports by virtue of the veto that has been Mrs Gillan: One has to be very careful in this game brought to bear by the Secretary of State for Transport. and read the fine print. Even when one reads the fine I am not challenging that and it is not for me to do so print, one can be surprised about what one discovers. any more. I have challenged it on many occasions. 727 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 728 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee I think that we should have seen the reports before On amendment (c), the petitioning process will be yesterday’s debate. However, I want to ensure that the open from tomorrow at 10 o’clock. The Minister will Committee has access to them because I believe that the know that we have to get our facts right, and the only reason for their being stopped is that they contain parliamentary website, in a section entitled “How and information that would reflect adversely on the project. where do I present my petition?”, states: I think that the Committee that scrutinises the project “Petitions will be accepted from 10am to 5pm on 30 April—not on behalf of the House should have access to the on 29 April”, reports. I am asking whether it can have privileged and as the Minister said earlier, private access to the reports so that it is fully apprised of “as the House will not consider the petitioning motion setting the what the MPA has said about the project. petitioning dates until the afternoon of 29 April.” Will the costings on the tunnelling, which HS2 has so There is some useful information on the Parliament far refused to disclose, be published for the Committee? website under the title “FAQs on the High Speed 2 I cannot see how the Committee can look at tunnelling Hybrid Bill”, and I recommend that anybody who is processes and options without knowing the costs that watching these proceedings and wishes to petition has a HS2 Ltd has calculated. It has not made those available look at that excellent document, which the Clerks of the to any of the engineering or environmental teams that House have produced. have looked at better and preferred options for protecting Is three weeks really long enough for the petitioning the area of outstanding natural beauty in my constituency. process? May the House have confirmation that if I I appreciate that that will be difficult, because there may receive any petitions in my office in Amersham, I can be a conflict with government procurement rules. However, seal them in an envelope with the £20 cheque or payment I need to know whether the Minister is thinking about and then bring them here for the convenience of my that problem and whether there is any way around it. I constituents? Will handing them over to staff of the do not believe that the Committee will be able to make a House in that way be sufficient, and will I be able to get judgment on the tunnelling options unless they can see a small receipt so that I can confirm to my constituents the full facts and information on the tunnelling proposals that that has happened? that have been put forward by HS2 Ltd. There has been some confusion about the deadlines for petitioning. I should like the Minister to make it Sir John Randall: If somebody presents a petition for absolutely clear that town councils have the same deadline extra tunnelling, presumably HS2 will have to present as parish councils, 23 May, whereas there is an earlier how much it would cost if it opposes it. Therefore, those date for county and district councils. facts will presumably be available to the Committee. Mr Goodwill rose— Mrs Gillan: I have learned that making a presumption Mrs Gillan: I will give way to the Minister, and I about this project is always dangerous. I, too, would would also like to know why county and district councils have presumed that, but I also would have presumed have been given a week less. The reason is not obvious that when engineering experts asked for the calculations to me, but maybe I am just missing something. and costs associated with the tunnelling that was being promoted by HS2 Ltd, they would have been made freely available. The reply has always been that they are Mr Goodwill: May I confirm to my right hon. Friend commercial in confidence, and I am trying to get around that town councils are in fact parish councils? The that, because it is important to ensure that the Committee councils that do not have the longer deadline are borough has access to the costs. I am sure that my right hon. and district councils. Friend would support me on that, but I would not make the mistake of presuming. Mrs Gillan: I am most grateful. Does the Minister also want to tell us why there is a week’s difference in On amendment (i), I want to know how often the the deadlines? Why could we not just have one deadline? Committee will sit. I appreciate that it could sit through the recess, and I am grateful that the motion states that Mr Goodwill: We are just following previous practice. it may adjourn from place to place. I believe that it will My right hon. Friend will be aware that many local need to visit the areas affected and publish the details of authorities have been preparing their petitions for many its sittings, and it should confirm when and how there weeks and months, so the focus on the timeline for will be public access to its meetings. delivering them is rather a spurious argument. The I would also like to know whether Committee members project has been known about for many months and will fly the whole route of phase 1 of HS2. When I was years, and she will know that many petitions have looking at what National Grid was doing across Wales already been prepared. when it was building the gas pipeline, I found it of great advantage to go up in a helicopter and look at the work Mrs Gillan: That is all well and good, but the process along the whole route. While I am on the subject, I must is complex and I was just seeking to simplify it by say that National Grid did a fantastic piece of work in having one closing date rather than a tortuous process negotiating with more than 80 landowners with very of two dates. Frankly, I would have thought that we little trouble. It also did fantastic environmental should set new precedents on such a large issue rather reinstatement work across some sensitive land, including than rely on old ones. the Brecon Beacons national park. I was impressed with its operations, and I wish I could say that I had been as Sir John Randall: We ought to stress that the dates set impressed with HS2’s negotiations with property owners are deadlines, not dates on which all petitions have to be and landowners so far. deposited. As somebody who has never been very good 729 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 730 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Sir John Randall] Amendment (b) is about the ability to amend petitions if someone has made an error in them. We have a at doing stuff before deadlines—I think I still have a complex format for our petitioning process, even in its couple of university essays outstanding—I believe that simplified form compared with when I came into the we should press the case that we do not want all House some 22 or 23 years ago. It is still complex and petitions to be submitted at the last minute. daunting, and I need some undertaking that if a mistake is made in the formatting of a petition, that will not be Mrs Gillan: That is a valid point, and I appreciate held against the potential petitioners and there will be a what my right hon. Friend says about deadlines, because mechanism whereby they can be informed of the irregularity sometimes I am not too good at them myself. and have the opportunity to correct it. In other words, Amendments (e) and (f) are about the transfer of we need the assistance of the House to ensure that people money for petitions. I do not believe that electronic who wish to get their petition in order can do so easily. payment for petitions is currently possible, but that If the Committee is to last for two years, some of the would be good. At the moment, if Members of Parliament petitions may not be heard for a long time. A petition is, are asked to deliver a petition to the House of Commons after all, a gateway document, and I want to ensure that on behalf of their constituents, they handle money or there is a facility for people to make changes to it. Two cheques, which is not a particularly good system. years is a long time for a document to be set in stone. I would therefore like reassurance that perhaps over a Sir John Randall: I think I have a common-sense two or three-year period, there would be the possibility answer to that, which probably means that it cannot and leeway for amendments to be made to those petitions, happen. It is for the House to open a PayPal account, and a mechanism whereby petitioners could contact which would avoid a lot of the rigmarole involved in Parliament to make those changes. taking credit or debit card payments by other means. It Amendments (g) and (h) are about listening to people is quite simple. and how easy we make that process. I know this is a matter for the Committee, but I hope it will hear what I Mrs Gillan: I will go with the flow on that, because I have to say. Hearing people in their own constituency think PayPal is very good, particularly for buying stuff and location could make it a great deal easier for those on eBay and so on. who want to come forward. The type of questioning we see on our televisions from some of our more tenacious Sir John Randall: Oh, I don’t know about that. Go to members of Select Committees can look pretty intimidating. your high street. I am second to none in my admiration for the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, but I want to ensure Mrs Gillan: PayPal is good, but I must admit to my that my constituents who come forward to defend their right hon. Friend, who has a small interest in the retail property will not be submitted to that type of aggressive sector, that the high street is also good. interrogation. They are trying to protect their properties and elicit information, and to give information to the I disagree with the Minister and others, because I Committee; they are not being held to account by the believe that the £20 fee should be consigned to the dark Committee, which I hope will be borne in mind. ages. Opposition Members have made good points about it. It might not seem a lot of money to some people, but In addition to hoping that some petitioners can be let us put it in perspective. It is just under 20% of the heard in their constituencies and closer to their homes, I basic weekly old-age pension, which is a lot of money. also hope we will give people a decent period of notice People who will be affected by HS2 will want access to about when their petition is likely to be heard. I appreciate the petitioning process, but £20 will be a lot of money that the detailed workings of the Committee will set out for them to find for the privilege of defending their own how and when it will hear which petitions and at what house and their own territory. stages, but it is important that people have at least six weeks to make their arrangements. We are not talking Sir John Randall: Again, I have a possible solution. about Members of Parliament who are used to being Obviously, the reason for the fee is to prevent vexatious summoned in; we are talking about people who are petitions, and I think we all agree that that is preferable sometimes in care or who care for others, or who have for the sake of the Committee getting its job done children or other responsibilities. A decent period of six efficiently and quickly. Perhaps people should put down weeks to let petitioners know when they are due to be a £20 deposit, and then if the petition is accepted the heard would be acceptable. deposit should be returned. If it is seen to be vexatious, the House authorities should keep the deposit. Mr Simon Burns: My right hon. Friend raises an extremely important point because clarity and giving Mrs Gillan: My right hon. Friend is leading me down people time to rearrange their affairs is important. Does a path that I do not really want to go down. I appreciate she agree that rather than setting in stone the period of what he says and I like the way he is thinking, but I do six weeks and defining a term, it might be sensible to not want to put the House authorities in the position of operate a system such as that in a long-running court deciding whether a petition is vexatious. Some of my case, and the way that potential witnesses are informed constituents know the disregard that is being shown to of the time scale in which they may expect to be called their views about HS2. They are not vexatious people in to give evidence or make their contribution? any way, shape or form—they are people speaking up for their locality, their homes and their environment—but Mrs Gillan: My right hon. Friend knows that it is a they are sometimes referred to in derogatory terms by long time since I was familiar with what goes in on both officials and Ministers. court cases, but if that mechanism gives reasonable 731 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 732 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee flexibility to anybody seeking to petition, I could support Government on how to do the project better. Those and endorse it. My point is that we are dealing with include the new tunnelling proposals that were launched members of the public who have complicated and complex by Chiltern district council, Buckinghamshire county lives, and we must appreciate that. We are not dealing council, Aylesbury Vale district council and the Chiltern with people who have been called before a Select Committee Countryside Group last Friday. I know those proposals to be held to account; people are petitioning us and we will be considered very seriously at the highest level, must treat them with the respect they deserve and give and I hope within HS2 Ltd and by the Committee. them the time they deserve. Kelvin Hopkins: On that important point, if someone Mr Burns: May I reassure my right hon. Friend? I whose views are different from one’s own is abused, that have some personal experience of this procedure, having is not the right way to approach politics. We should up to that time served on the second longest Select address the arguments and not commit sins by making Committee, which was ironically to do with placing the ad hominem attacks, to use the Latin phrase. When railway station for the London end of High Speed 1. people have serious concerns about their lives or the The attitude of hon. Members on that Committee was environment, they should not be abused. They should that it was not a court of law in which one intimidated be listened to and perhaps if their arguments are wrong witnesses. Members of the Committee were there to they can be countered, but they should not be abused. help witnesses to develop their arguments so that the Committee was better placed to reach a decision on the Mr Speaker: It must be said that there is no better merits of the petition and the arguments put forward. practitioner of that principle in this House than the hon. Gentleman. Whatever is said about anything else, I feel sure that his proposition will command universal Mrs Gillan: That is helpful of my right hon. Friend assent. and I am sure his experience of these matters will be taken into account. It is worth while airing such issues Mrs Gillan: I agree with the hon. Gentleman and I at this stage because if we do not discuss them now, am grateful for that support and endorsement. I probably there will be little opportunity for any Members of the fail on many occasions, but I will try to live up to his House to make their feelings known. It is also important high standards. It is important because the smallest, that petitioners know how long their hearing could last. least significant person in some people’s eyes is probably If it is a long, complicated or difficult case, perhaps the most important in a process such as this. We must people will need to come back again after the Committee remember that and certainly not insult people. has taken expert advice, and knowing how much time they need to give up is important. Sir John Randall: May I put on the record our gratitude Amendment (j) has been referred to by others and for the way that the current Secretary of State is doing there are subsequent amendments to it. I think that six exactly that? In his comments yesterday on Second members is a good number for the Committee—if I Reading he went out of his way to say that the views of were able to, I would restrict it to six and keep it to those those who object or have a problem with this proposal same six people for continuity. However, I am worried are valid, even if he disagreed with them. There has about the quorum of three and have suggested that it be perhaps been a change, but it is very positive. increased to four. We in the House set a great deal of store on the balance of Committee membership. When Mrs Gillan: I would agree with that. I have known the there is a Committee of six and a quorum of three, and Secretary of State for a very long time. Indeed, my three of those members are from the Conservative mother was on his selection committee—[Interruption.] party, it will be possible for the Committee to sit with It is not my fault at all; I assure the House that I was not only Conservative members. If the quorum was four, we on his selection committee. He has always treated me would always ensure a cross-party membership of the with respect, and certainly he would do that. I think he quorate Committee. I would like Ministers and the understands quite clearly the difficulty and problems House to think about that issue because a quorum of that I, my right hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge three would be inequitable. If the Bill is to be scrutinised and South Ruislip (Sir John Randall), and many other properly, it must be scrutinised—as other Bills are—with colleagues have with this project, but there has unfortunately membership from both sides of the House. The danger been some history to it, and remarks have been attributed is in the maths. We are still in the early stages, but I hope to people in high places—such as saying, for example, that the Committee will let us know how it will divide that the Chilterns is “not exactly Constable country”. up the work and update Members who have not been This is not a good basis on which to form a relationship able to attend the sessions, and how it will co-ordinate when we are looking to protect the countryside. It is and ensure continuity between individual Members. important to listen to everybody and to treat them with I have tabled amendments (a) and (c) to motion 4 on respect. Let us face it, we have just heard the Government instruction to the Committee. If the Government are admit that, after four years, their HS1-HS2 link was willing to accept amendment (a), that will go a long way rubbish. It has taken them four years to get there. We to repairing the damage I referred to earlier, which has have been telling them it is rubbish, but they have not been done by insulting campaigners, environmentalists, until this stage admitted that and cancelled the project. and even MPs alike. That has seemed to be the hallmark I am coming on to my closing remarks. I apologise to of some of the engagement up and down the line, and it the House for going on for so long, but I did have rather is certainly not confined to Chesham and Amersham. a large number of amendments selected. It is an We need an understanding of how passionately people embarrassment of riches. Amendment (c) raises the feel about these subjects. Indeed, some have engaged question: what more can be added to the instructions to experts to provide advice and offer alternatives to the the Committee? Can the Government restrict and issue 733 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 734 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Mrs Gillan] Mr Goodwill: No one would be more delighted than I would be if the Committee concluded its work by the more and more instructions at any time? What safeguards next general election. However, in the likelihood that it do we have, if the Committee heads in a direction that will not, the motion will facilitate its work to carry on officials, HS2 Ltd, the Department or the Treasury get past the election. nervous about? Can the Department just add an instruction, or edict, and rule out all the options that can be Mrs Gillan: I understand that. I cannot say that I considered by the Committee? We need to know. If would want the Committee to conclude it work before there is to be a war of attrition and an eye cast over the the general election, but to rule it out at this early stage Committee on a constant basis by HS2 Ltd and and give the impression that the Government have the Department, and then instructions change through given up on it, is not a particularly good tactic. the medium of this House, that would worry me. I am sure that that is not the case, but I look to the Minister Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden) (Con): This gave for that important reassurance. rise to an animated conversation in the Tea Room I have a couple of questions about the carry-over yesterday from some of the proposed Committee members, motion. I do not understand why the Government ruled who thought that the carry-over might be some form of out a Joint Committee with another place. If time was endorsement for the outcome of the general election—that of the essence and there was a possibility of getting this it was tantamount to a commitment not to stand candidates through before the general election, I would have thought against them. that a Joint Committee with the other place might have been considered. I am not sure why the Government—they Mrs Gillan: I think that such a commitment should have always carried a huge majority—did not consider be reserved for Mr Speaker. Unfortunately, I did not that. The former Minister may be about to inform manage to get to the Tea Room yesterday, but that is a me—it is a genuine question. good thought. I would, of course, hope all six members are returned safe and sound to the House after the next Mr Simon Burns: My right hon. Friend raises a very general election to serve under a good Conservative important point. Certainly, when I had anything to do Government. with this issue, nothing would have given me greater I am drawing my remarks to a close, Mr Speaker. I pleasure than if we had been able to do what she heard the Minister say that the process should enable suggests. Unfortunately, because of the way that both the appropriate people who are affected by this project Houses operate, it just was not possible within the rules, to have their say. That is very important. We may not however we looked at it, to be able to come to that have been able to stop the project being approved by conclusion, even though we would have loved to have this House, but we must ensure that the best possible done so. mitigation to our environment, and the best possible Mrs Gillan: That is an interesting response because compensation for our people, is obtained. I have always we have changed Standing Orders for this process and endorsed this twin-track approach. I meant what I said for HS2. I am sure the other place would have looked at at the end of my speech yesterday: Members must it. If not, I would be very interested to see the paper follow the process inch by inch to ensure that fairness trail and what was pursued. Perhaps we could ask the pertains, that people receive a good hearing and that Minister to place that in the Libraries of both Houses, this House does not put unnecessary barriers in the way so that we can see what the problems were. Phase 2 and of the people who will be pleading for their properties, the route to Crewe is about to come up and we need to their life and their environment. see whether there are ways we can facilitate the process. I hope that not moving the amendments to a vote will Otherwise, it could be very arduous for our people, and provide the opportunity for those on the Front Bench, others, who are petitioning. the whole House and the proposed members of the Committee to take on board my remarks. I hope some Ms Gisela Stuart: When the Convention on the Future of the measures put forward in the amendments, which of Europe was set up, we did have a Joint Committee are supported by other people, will be incorporated. between the Commons and the Lords. New rules were They may make the process just a little easier. found to make that possible. 2.16 pm Mrs Gillan: The hon. Lady has taken the very words out of my mouth. I was going to say that it has Frank Dobson (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab): I happened before and it would be interesting to consider welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate as the that, because we need to learn for the future processes right hon. Member for Holborn and St Pancras. I think associated with this major infrastructure project. some people think that the St Pancras part of the Why do we have the carry-over motion here and now? constituency name refers to the station, but it refers to To bind the next Parliament, assuming that all the the parish of St Pancras, which has two St Pancras Committee members are re-elected, and, in effect, to churches. We also have three major main line stations: rule out the Committee stage having any chance of St Pancras, King’s Cross and Euston. The history of finishing before the general election, seems a bit short what has been proposed for those stations over the sighted. I think it is premature: we do not know what years has to be borne in mind by anyone considering the could happen between now and then. It would have current proposals. Ministers need to understand the been advisable to keep the carry-over motion for another background. day, when it became obvious what was going to happen. I have never questioned the integrity of the Ministers There must be an explanation, because the Minister is and I tell people that I do not question their integrity, leaping to his feet. but everyone questions the integrity of the officials that 735 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 736 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee they have had to deal with over the years. The background restaurants in Drummond street will, because they are is that the first proposal for a channel tunnel link to businesses, have the short deadline for submitting their London was for it to terminate at a concrete box under petitions. Is that right? King’s Cross station. We were told that there was no possible alternative to it; that it was “perfection”. Eventually, Mr Goodwill: The small businesses along the route— that daft idea was abandoned. An idea was then taken shops or, indeed, farms—can petition either as businesses, up—I was the first person to put it forward—for St Pancras in which case they will have the short deadline, or as station to be used as the channel tunnel link terminus. individuals, in which case the longer deadline will apply. When I first suggested it, sneering remarks from all I hope that clarifies matters. sorts of railway aficionados were the result. In the end, it went ahead and it has worked very well, as I think Frank Dobson: The next question is this: does the everyone accepts. Although it involved problems for business restriction apply to the association of businesses local people, they went along with it because they could in Drummond street? The Minister might not know the see the merits of it, both from their point of view and answer to that—I would not necessarily expect him to from everyone else’s. know that. Similarly, the recent improvements at King’s Cross were welcomed by virtually everyone, including the Mr Goodwill: I stand to be corrected by wiser authorities council, me and local organisations. That is not the case than me, but an association would be in the same with Euston. We still need clarification to satisfy people category as businesses, some of the non-governmental in my constituency. When the proposal for the channel organisations and larger local authorities. However, tunnel link was first put forward, I said to officials that members of an association could collectively petition as it would need a great deal of engineering work to make individuals and then delegate one of their representatives it work and that that would be very troublesome for the or parliamentary counsel to speak on their behalf. people adjacent to the part of the line above ground. They said, “No, no, it won’t need major engineering Frank Dobson: I am grateful for that clarification, but works.” When I said that at a public meeting, one of the I am sorry about the direction of it. consultants—not an official—came along and said, “Oh no, no; we can assure everyone it won’t need major Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): Does the works.” Lo and behold, it was eventually accepted that right hon. Gentleman agree that some very small businesses major engineering works would be needed, because would have greatly benefited from being treated as some new factors had arisen, including the need to individuals? Why someone running a very small business, widen the route. Somebody who thinks they can put a going about their normal, day-to-day activity, should line across Camden town for an additional service without be considered a greater expert in the petitioning process widening the route ought not to be allowed to advise than an individual is quite beyond me. the Government or anyone else. Time and again, people said the proposition was Frank Dobson: I entirely share the hon. Gentleman’s ridiculous and they were sneered at and snarled at, as I views about that. I am glad that Camden council is am sure my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham organising workshops for individuals and small businesses South (Lilian Greenwood), who speaks from the Front and making its best efforts to ensure that their petitions Bench, would confirm. I very much welcome the position are in order and, in some cases, that the £20 is handed taken by her and our hon. Friend the Member for over and logged, and then passed to me, so that I can Wakefield (Mary Creagh), as do people in my constituency, personally hand it in, in the hope that their petitions that we do not accept that the link is a good idea. It is a will be valid. bad idea and it should, without a shadow of a doubt, be That leads me on to the £20 fee. It is said, generally wiped out altogether. That is why I could not possibly speaking, that it is not a deterrent. Well, if it is not a support amendment (e), in the name of my hon. Friend deterrent, why do we have it? People do not have to pay the Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart), a £20 fee to give evidence at a public inquiry. The fee which would raise the possibility of the damn thing will raise quite a trivial sum. Even if thousands of being revivified. I could not bear the thought of that. people submit petitions, at £20 each, the fee will not raise any worthwhile amount of money for the House The other point I would like to make, before I come of Commons. If the fee is not a deterrent, why do we to all the amendments, is that the procedure that we are have it? I think it will be a deterrent for the worst-off. As talking about is archaic, difficult for human beings to the right hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham cope with and ridiculous. We might compare it with a (Mrs Gillan) said, it is a fifth of a single pensioner’s public inquiry into a similarly large proposition, where pension, which is a lot of money for a pensioner—or people have the opportunity to make representations some pensioners, anyway—to find. Whatever the outcome without having to engage with an A4 page of all sorts of in this case, the whole hybrid Bill approach needs to be archaic rubbish and ridiculous language before actually looked at. We talk about modernising, and by God getting round to putting their point, and without time there is some modernising needed for this hybrid procedure. limitations on submitting their petitions, which are then vetted to see whether they are valid. For what might be That takes me back to the instruction that the Committee described as normal human beings—or, for that matter, “shall not hear any Petition to the extent that it relates to whether small businesses, which do not have a great secretariat or not there should be a spur from Old Oak Common to the or legal advisers and suchlike—the time limits proposed Channel Tunnel Rail Link.” are already too short and ought to be extended. In No one trusts the processes involved, so there is something relation to businesses, I have a query for the Minister that is still not clear to me. I am sure the Minister is that I hope he can clear up. As I understand it, the trying to get the truth out, but to return to the proposition 737 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 738 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Frank Dobson] affected by a railway perhaps 50 yards away will be compensated, which I think is right. The situation in my that I was trying to explain earlier, let us suppose that constituency, however, is that people whose homes are the Committee complies with that instruction—as it 5 yards away from the line or 5 yards away from 10 years must—and cannot reintroduce the proposal for a spur of engineering works will get no compensation. I hope from HS2 to HS1, but the matter returns to the House that the Minister, the Department and HS2 Ltd are after the Committee has looked at it and made all its aware that the immediately preceding Director of Public recommendations. As I understand it, the House could Prosecutions, Sir Keir Starmer, has given us an opinion then reinstate the link, if it wanted to. If it did, would that the procedure followed in respect of my constituency there be any procedure to enable petitions from those is actually in breach of the law. I therefore hope that at affected? If not, in effect we are banning people’s petitions least the House will have an opportunity to review it, from being examined now, while they might not be able even if the Committee cannot. I view it as strange that to petition later if there were a further proposition. we are talking about a Committee supposedly looking at mitigation and compensation that is apparently not Mr Goodwill: To clarify, if any changes that result allowed to look at compensation. That needs to be from the Committee responding to petitions affect people revised. who were not affected previously, a new petitioning My last but one point is that I very much support the period would be triggered. People who were then affected amendment tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for could petition, so they should not be frightened that Stoke-on-Trent North (Joan Walley), the Chair of the something could be slid under the door without their Environmental Audit Committee. I hope that the having the opportunity to petition. Government, as well as our Front-Bench team, will go along at least with the spirit of it. Frank Dobson: I understand that; my question is this. My final point is about the amendment tabled by my Let us suppose the matter comes back to the House and hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston. I the House as a whole wishes to change things in some believe that if we are to have a High Speed 2, it is way that affects people. Will those affected then have ludicrous for it not to be connected to High Speed 1. the opportunity to petition against those changes? That does not mean that it makes any sense whatever to have the HS2-HS1 link that was originally proposed, Mr Goodwill: I will correct this if it is not right, but which was crackers in practically every aspect and certainly my understanding is that if that happened—there are does not go to the right place. I agree with those who no plans anywhere at all to do that; I must make it clear believe that there needs to be a connection—and the that we have scrapped the link—that would initiate the best place to receive that connection, if that is the right whole process again. It would be a new process and a word for it, is Stratford. new Bill, and there would be a new hybrid Bill Committee, but that is not the situation. I therefore hope that the Lyn Brown: Hear, hear. right hon. Gentleman can allay the fears of his constituents, in that we have indeed abandoned the HS2-HS1 link as Frank Dobson: I hear my hon. Friend the Member for part of this project and the petitioning process could West Ham (Lyn Brown). It has just occurred to me that not resurrect it, because it is not within the scope of the if HS2 did that and it went to Stratford, the most Bill before us. famous Englishman of all time might have ended up in a different Stratford from the one in which he was born Frank Dobson: I thank the Minister for that; I am and brought up. I think that would be a welcome move. 99% reassured. I would ask anyone who thinks that we are going to see As the Minister knows, the Bill’s proposals for Euston successful use of a travelator between Euston and St Pancras have been abandoned—or are to be abandoned—and quite where this “covered way” is to be constructed. The are to be replaced. The engineering and other studies proposal has been suggested about 25 times in the past have only just commenced. My next question to the and it has always been rejected as absolutely loopy. Minister is whether he can confirm that when the new Going back to the original proposition for the channel proposals for Euston are formulated, they will be subject tunnel to come into King’s Cross, I remember moving to the usual procedures requiring HS2 to produce a new an amendment to the effect that provision should be environmental statement, that there will be opportunities made to go from King’s Cross to the west midlands, but for people to respond to it and that people will then be it was duly voted down. I have always been in favour of able to submit new petitions against the new proposals having proper connections. When the preposterous idea that the Government wish to include in the Bill. Am I of placing a travelator along Euston road was proposed, right about that? it was received with mockery and derision then and it is still being received with mockery and derision now. The Mr Goodwill: I shall comment on that when I sum up only way to avoid using Euston road would be to at the end, so that I do not misinform the right hon. demolish even more houses in my constituency or to Gentleman. I rather suspect, however, that I will be able drill a hole through the British Library or through the to reassure him that that is the case. Francis Crick Institute that is currently being constructed. I find it most extraordinary that some people think that Frank Dobson: I welcome that reassurance. a satisfactory link can be constructed. I am particularly concerned, too, about the statutory I have noticed that the great hero of the hour is and non-statutory provisions for compensation. Outside Sir David Higgins, so we are told that because he London, some people whose homes will not be demolished suggested the proposal, it must be a good idea. He but whose property and general lifestyle will be adversely suggested that the delay would be no more than that we 739 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 740 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee experience when we have to go from one terminal The Committee’s members should be commended, building at Heathrow to another one. They are not because theirs will probably be some of the most difficult quite the same. Not much rain falls on people when and time-consuming work that the House will have to they travel from terminal 4 to terminal 1 at Heathrow, do for a considerable time. I am sure that they will but Euston road really can get pretty wet. I thus very approach that work in an entirely fair-minded way. much support the spirit of the amendment proposed by While I understood what my right hon. Friend the my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston, Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) but I could not bear to support it in full because it still said about the composition of the quorum, I do not includes the possibility of facilitating think there will be any question of party political “the provision at a later date of the spur”, partisanship. After all, as is clear from yesterday’s voting which has rightly been abandoned. figures, all the political parties back the proposal; it is On all these issues, I urge the new Minister to bear in opposed by just a few mavericks with, perhaps, a bit mind that every time local people—and me in trying to more foresight. represent them—criticised the link and every time we criticised the design for Euston, we were treated, frankly, Kelvin Hopkins: I should remind the right hon. with contempt. Now the contemptibles have turned out Gentleman that, although only 50 of us voted for the to be right, yet the people who treated us with contempt amendment yesterday, 150 Members were missing from are now being asked to come up with alternatives to the total vote. meet the requirements that everyone thinks are needed. The Minister needs to keep an eye on them: if they are Sir John Randall: I am grateful for that intervention the same people, the chances of them getting it right from another venerable greybeard. Something of a now are no better than the chances of them getting it theme seems to be emerging. Yes, it is true that those right before. Members were missing in action, but I am afraid that My final point is this. The original proposal for the figures on which we always work relate to those who Euston was to cost £1.2 billion. Eight months later, actually go through the Division Lobbies. before anybody had done a trial bore or anything, the project came up with a revised costing of £2 billion. Frank Dobson: Does the right hon. Gentleman share That is why the Minister needs to be very careful in my view that we can take some comfort from the entrusting the future of this project to people who can thought that each of the 50 of us who voted for the get a costing for a station £0.8 billion wrong and have to amendment was voting against £1 billion? correct themselves within eight months. I offer friendly advice to a fellow Yorkshireman: “Have a good look at Sir John Randall: Personally, I would rather vote for ’em, mate; have a good look at ’em.” £1 billion each, but that would probably be inappropriate. Let me reiterate my thanks to the members of the 2.39 pm new Select Committee, because they will be faced with a Sir John Randall (Uxbridge and South Ruislip) (Con): very onerous task. I am not sure whether it will be It is always a pleasure to follow the Old Contemptible possible for the message that I tried to convey about the himself, the right hon. Member for Holborn and St Pancras Heathrow spur during the five minutes that were allotted (Frank Dobson). I may be sitting on the other side of to me yesterday to be raised before the Committee, but I the Chamber, but I shall try to emulate the wisdom and think that very few people, if any, still think it worth greybeardedness that is associated with him. continuing with the spur, and raising that issue would Perhaps you should have been in the Chair earlier, help those of us who are petitioning for an extension of Mr Deputy Speaker, when we were discussing what the tunnel beyond Ickenham. would be done with the £20 fee for the lodging of each I have a great deal of sympathy for the amendment petition, and Mr Speaker suggested that it would be tabled by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent North down to the Chairman of Ways and Means to be in (Joan Walley), the Chair of the Environmental Audit charge of all that. I suspect that you will need to read Committee. Now that I have been released from the the report of the early part of the debate in order to be Whips Office, the House is perhaps beginning to recognise prepared to deal with some of what was discussed at that one of my great interests is wildlife and conservation, that stage. and everything to do with the environment, and I hope I think that those of us who voted against the motion we will do all that we can to ensure that the Committee last night knew that their actions would constitute one considers the question of mitigation in that context. I of those magnificent but futile gestures, rather along mentioned corn buntings yesterday, but if I had had the lines of the charge of the Light Brigade—apart more time I could have mentioned a great many more from not being a mistake. The British rather pride species, and enlightened the House a great deal more themselves on doing something that will be regarded as about wildlife in the Chilterns. a great victory despite having been, in fact, a complete This will be a long process, and there will be decisions defeat. The real work, however, is just beginning. The for us to make. My right hon. Friend the Member for new Select Committee will listen to the views of constituents Chesham and Amersham has raised some interesting and others who have presented petitions, which will points, and we have discussed them. I am sure that my form an integral and very important part of the whole hon. Friend the Minister has listened to what has been process, and I thank those who volunteered to sit on it. said, and will pass it on. I hope that the Committee will Contrary to popular belief, such Committees are not do its work so well that by the time we reach Third punishment details. The Members of this Committee Reading, I shall find myself able to agree with the Bill, may begin to think otherwise, but I have been led to which would be far preferable to the position in which I believe that they all volunteered freely. find myself today. 741 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 742 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Sir John Randall] Joan Walley: The right hon. Lady is absolutely right, and she did a great deal to advance exactly that thinking I must say that I feel sorry for the members of the when she was Secretary of State at DEFRA. This Committee. I have never had the good fortune, or project involves the biggest infrastructure investment possibly misfortune, to be a councillor, but I understand that our generation is likely to see, and I do not think it that members of planning committees never win friends, is too much to expect that the environmental aspects be because whatever decision they make, they are bound to given equal importance to the transport infrastructure please one lot and annoy another. I am afraid that the and investment ambitions. Committee will be rather like a referee at a football match, or in any other sport: whatever decision it makes, It is not only the work that came out of DEFRA that someone will be upset by it. I therefore feel that we, as is important; so is the work the Government did on the fellow Members of Parliament, should give it the fullest national planning policy framework. That set out clearly possible support. not just that there should be no net loss in biodiversity, but that there should be—although I accept with some 2.45 pm qualification—where possible, a net gain. My amendment Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): The contrast seeks to explore how that objective, which I think we between yesterday and today is huge. Yesterday the share on both sides of the House—that was certainly Chamber was packed, there was a five-minute limit on the case with the Climate Change Act—can be put into speeches and we had no real opportunity to say what we practice as we go forward on the HS2 journey we are had come here to say, whereas today, we are considering now all embarked upon. That issue has not been given the detailed instructions that we shall give to the new sufficient attention so far, and perhaps the Minister can Select Committee. Yesterday I, at least, talked about the set out today how the concerns reflected in my amendment failure to organise a strategic environmental assessment can and will be addressed. To do that, he must also of the Bill, whereas today we are considering the detailed address the detailed recommendations in the 13th report aspects, and carrying out the equivalent of an environmental of the Environmental Audit Committee. impact assessment. What Parliament does today will be I want to go on a bit of a detour, if I may, because I very important, and I hope the Government will respond think this issue is important. I was a Member of the last to the debate in a much more relaxed way. Parliament, when we had the Wright reforms, which My amendment gives me an opportunity to flag up looked at ways in which Parliament as well as Government issues relating to how HS2 Ltd will ensure that some of could be more accountable. We are always looking at the worst environmental effects are mitigated. I see that the role of Parliament and how people outside see us, the Minister is nodding. It is essential that we have and that is about not just what happens at Prime robust procedures that Ministers and HS2 Ltd will Minister’s Question Time, but the sort of detailed follow, but given that—as was pointed out by my right discussions we are having now. The Wright reforms set hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and St Pancras out that Select Committees should have a greater input (Frank Dobson)—it seems impossible for anyone entirely into policy making and that Parliament itself should to understand the strange creature that is a hybrid Bill, have a greater role, and that was in part about Select we should establish how it will work and what the role Committees having greater input into legislation. I very of the Select Committee will be. much support the Liaison Committee proposal that, The purpose of my amendment is to establish how we where Select Committees have, on the all-party basis will deal with the environmental consequences of the that we operate under, looked authoritatively at a matter Bill. It is not intended to be a wrecking amendment. My in detail, and having taken expert evidence, they should aim is to challenge the Government—and, for that be able to play a procedural part in the legislation in matter, Opposition Front Benchers—regarding measures question going forward. I greatly regret the fact that the to mitigate the effects and to provide compensation. I Government have not so far accepted the Liaison should make it clear that mitigation and compensation Committee’s recommendations. are two very separate things. The Government must also be accountable to themselves, if not to the House, All Select Committees have to report on how well we given that they set themselves up as the “greenest are scrutinising legislation. The Environmental Audit Government ever”. Again, the Minister nods, but to Committee produced a report entitled “HS2 and the what extent is that put into practice? environment” at great speed. We took a huge amount of evidence, including from Ministers, non-governmental The right hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), organisations and HS2, and we came up with what we who is a member of the Environmental Audit Committee, believe is an authoritative set of recommendations. For has done tremendous work on natural capital, both in example, if what the Government and HS2 are doing the Committee and in the natural environment White does not match up with the work of the Select Committee Paper. She has spoken of a huge ambition for the to be appointed today by Parliament, the danger is that Government: the achievement not just of no net loss of we will not cover to the necessary extent the environmental biodiversity, but, where appropriate, biodiversity gain. concerns we set out in our report. That is why our The Bill needs to reflect that. report made those recommendations, and I am happy Mrs Spelman: In fact, the HS2 project will be the first that members of our Committee have added their names and largest of the major infrastructure projects to which to the amendment. the relatively new concept of biodiversity offsetting will Paragraph 86 of our report states the Government need to be applied. DEFRA has consulted on biodiversity should offsetting, but we should not miss the opportunity to do something really good and significant in regenerating “not overly constrain the ‘principles’ of the Bill approved at degraded parts of the environment. Second Reading”, 743 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 744 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee and that, through the motion, we should do what can be Finally, I want to refer to the Supreme Court. It made done to it clear that it is for Parliament, not the Government, to “avoid, reduce or remedy environmental damage” decide the parliamentary procedure for the hybrid Bill, through the environmental impact assessment process, and therefore for Parliament to decide what is reasonable or look at and practicable when it comes to environmental protection, “potential modifications to the route and its infrastructure and mitigation and compensation measures. It is entirely consequential environmental protections that might result”. appropriate that the Select Committee should have the The real issue is that today, we are appointing the new instruction to ensure that it is able properly to consider Select Committee and establishing its remit, but we environmental issues and not leave what is “reasonable have not yet had the Government’s response to the and practicable” to HS2 to decide, which in my book Environmental Audit Committee report. I understand would be likely to mean a much lower level of environmental that the Government will say, “Well, actually we have protection being applied than is required. already taken account of such concerns.” If they are The cost of such environmental protections is a necessary going to quote Standing Order 27A which requires an cost if such a scheme is to go ahead. We heard about the environmental statement, and Standing Order 224A, huge ambition of HS2. That ambition needs to be which requires an independent assessor to produce a equalled by environmental ambition. We should be report on the consultation on the environmental statement, doing everything to avoid impacts first, before we mitigate that will not address the question of how the new Select or compensate for them. Committee should consider the environmental issues. What instructions will there be? How narrow or wide Frank Dobson: People sometimes think that the will the Committee’s brief be? environmental factors apply just to rural areas, but the I believe that the Standing Orders I have just referred environmental impact in my constituency will be dramatic; to came about as a result of the Crossrail Bill, although I am thinking of the effect on air pollution, noise, I am sure other Members will have far more information general filth of one sort or another, and disruption. I on that issue than I do. As far as I can see, the Government’s very much agree with the line my hon. Friend was advice relates just to Second Reading, so in effect, the taking in her last few words, because, for example, not role that arises from the instructions in these two Standing only will people have to live next to the main site of the Orders applies only up to Second Reading, and not to Euston development, but no fewer than 14 subsidiary what subsequently takes place, which includes the new depots are proposed, all of which will be damaging the Select Committee. environment.

Mrs Spelman: To support the hon. Lady’s point, the Joan Walley: I am most grateful for that intervention, significance of a hybrid Bill is that it incorporates the as my right hon. Friend makes exactly the right point. planning process into the legislative process, which The environmental aspects are not just about nature, strengthens the democratic element of the way we go biodiversity, natural capital or ecosystems; they are also about this. Therefore, it is completely in keeping with about noise and air quality. This week we are already the logic of the recommendations of the Environmental seeing the huge concerns that exist about air quality; in Audit Committee that we should be giving the communities yesterday’s debate we heard the extent to which many that stand to lose biodiversity a greater say in how we Members are worried about the long-standing impact offset that biodiversity loss. They would have an opportunity on it. How that is mitigated needs to be factored into to do that if the Select Committee proposed in the the specifications of the work that is done, and the motion were able to adopt the recommendations of the Select Committee appointed by this House will have an Environmental Audit Committee. important role to play in that.

Joan Walley: Once again the right hon. Lady is Mrs Gillan: I commend the hon. Lady’s amendment, absolutely right and I value the work she does on the the work she has done and the way in which she is Environmental Audit Committee. When the Government putting her argument forward. May I just make the have the report of the Select Committee that has been point that this issue is important for individuals, too? A appointed today, they will bring forward environmental constituent of mine has an impaired lung function and proposals on Third Reading. There is ample time for if he is close to any construction works it will threaten the Government to take account of how we can have his life. That is not taken into consideration. Air quality, something in place that makes up for the lack of strategic among other things, is vital in this day and age, particularly environmental assessment—we have not had that—and where individuals have that sort of health problem. which could still look at the detail of the environmental impact assessments that we need. In the evidence that we received from many NGOs—from the wildlife trusts, Joan Walley: The right hon. Lady is absolutely right the WWF and a host of other organisations—they all about that. We are increasingly understanding that said how much they wanted to work in collaboration to environmental issues are cross-cutting and that public find ways of having the mitigation that is needed, and health concerns are at the core. All of those need, also to look at implementing offsetting in ways that somehow or another, to be costed and factored into the could be truly transformational. There are all kinds of decision making. It is incumbent on the Government to implications for the detail of the engineering works on say how such issues will be taken forward at a later the route as well. If there is no way for all that to be stage, given that no precise instruction is being given to brought together and taken on board, I think Parliament the Select Committee on that. will be accused of having total disregard for the Let me say a brief word about Crossrail, because we environmental aspects that should have been included have heard a lot about how it had the best way of going and still need to be. about this and so on. We cannot compare the geographical 745 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 746 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Joan Walley] Frank Dobson: My hon. Friend rightly referred to the fact that Crossrail is usually cited as an example of how scale of HS2 and Crossrail, as HS2 dwarfs it. We have things should be done, and I agree with that view. just heard about the biodiversity and environmental Crossrail runs across my constituency and its Tottenham impacts of HS2, particularly on ancient woodlands. My Court Road station is in it. The original proposal was Committee received a lot of evidence about that, but it that the nearest depot to facilitate the building of Crossrail has not really been included in the debate. This is being should take over the Phoenix garden behind St Giles’s taken forward as a hybrid Bill, with HS2 phase 1 and church for about a decade, but I was able to persuade HS2 phase 2, and there has not been the opportunity to Crossrail that it would be better to knock down a examine the overarching aspect, and what happens in couple of buildings in Oxford street instead. That is in phase 2 will be very much determined by what happens marked contrast to the approach of HS2 Ltd, which in phase 1. proposes to take over and occupy for a decade every open space and play area within about 100 yards of Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): Does Euston station. my hon. Friend agree that our Committee took a lot of evidence and information on surveys, particularly those Joan Walley: That is a point well made, and unless of ancient woodlands, that one would perhaps expect to the current arrangements are changed HS2 Ltd will be have already been done in the early stages if this were able to give judgment on its own plans. It will be given any other project? The emphasis should therefore be on carte blanche to do exactly what it wants if there are no how the hybrid Bill ensures that the things we would means of scrutinising its proposals. I would hate to see expect to have been done are done as part of the all the areas of land that people value and want to see as project, rather than in any new effort that we would part of their communities coerced into becoming depots expect to be undertaken outside any other project? or some such thing. Yesterday, on Second Reading, hon. Members raised transport issues and asked why Joan Walley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the tunnelling spoil could not be transported away making that point, because he is not only a dedicated other than by road. All these aspects need to be looked member of our Select Committee, but an incredibly at from the environmental perspective, not just on the knowledgeable one. The fact that we had so much basis of the bottom line of what the cost and engineering evidence about the failure to map areas and the huge will mean. That is the equivalent of giving of HS2 Ltd gaps in information shows how unfit for purpose the carte blanche to set out its own policy. environmental assessment has been so far. For all those reasons, I shall be interested to hear the response to the concerns that we have expressed in the Mr Goodwill: The hon. Lady is aware that in some amendment about these environmental issues. Constituents cases we did not have access to land because the landowners and the country at large expect this Parliament to would not give us that access. If they then petition, they provide the highest level of scrutiny of this massive, can, presumably, bring forward the information as to £50 billion investment programme, and we need to be the effect on the particular environmental habitat they seen to be doing that. For that to happen, we require the are concerned about. instructions to the Select Committee to be unambiguous about its environmental responsibilities and those matters Joan Walley: I am grateful to the Minister for that, for which it has a responsibility to report back to the and I absolutely agree with what he says. Indeed, we House. heard evidence from the Country Land and Business Association that there has not been the proper access to be able to survey, and without a survey and audit we 3.10 pm cannot go on to monitor, mitigate and do all these other Mr Simon Burns (Chelmsford) (Con): I do not wish things. The issue at the heart of this is that that has not to detain the House for long. I was interested to hear been done, yet we are being told—or I imagine we will the right hon. Member for Holborn and St Pancras be told—that we do not need my amendment because (Frank Dobson) say that it is strange that this House we already have Standing Orders 27 and 224A. They, has not modernised its procedures for hybrid Bills. I however, go up only as far as Second Reading and do have never considered myself an arch-moderniser, but I not continue through the work of the Select Committee. could not agree with him more. The whole process of We have a huge gap in knowledge and people all over dealing with major infrastructure projects in this country— the country want to have cast-iron assurances that all including both the parliamentary processes in this House the land that needs to be surveyed has been surveyed. and the processes outside it—is outdated, antiquated That has not been done yet, and if we do not give a and unacceptable in this day and age. The fact that it sufficiently flexible remit to the Select Committee, how took 10 years to build terminal 5 at Heathrow and so is it going to deal with what has not already been done? much time to build some of the other major projects Although people will have opportunities to petition that this country has enjoyed in the past 20 years is on this aspect, and that petitioning will now be coming ludicrous and we should deal with that. forward at great haste, my amendment seeks to address I declare an interest, because I had the dubious the issue of who is going to take responsibility for the honour of being a member of the second-longest running consequences of those petitions. So far we have had hybrid Bill Committee, which, again, had an association a summary of issues that people have raised and a with the right hon. Member for Holborn and St Pancras, commitment to consult on those, but we have not had a as the Government of the day had the idea that the proper procedure of impact assessment to address how London terminal for High Speed 1 was going to be at we deal with those issues that are raised. I would like the King’s Cross. Man and boy, I went through that process Minister to say how that will be addressed. and I was fascinated to hear my right hon. Friend the 747 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 748 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Sir John I am not in favour of my right hon. Friend’s amendment Randall) say that the members of these Committees are to raise the quorum from three to four, because, as she not pressed men. Things have changed, I suspect, in the rightly said, my hon. Friends and the hon. Members processes of the House. The Committee had a fantastic who will be members of the Committee will face an cast. There were only four of us: Bob Clay, the former onerous task as they will potentially be sitting three Member for one of the Sunderland seats; someone who days a week, mornings and afternoons, and during has now reinvented himself in this House as the hon. parliamentary recesses. I know from experience that it Member for Bradford West (George Galloway); Mr Neil can be a very long day. I do not share her concern about Hamilton; and myself. I knew what they had done the fact that there might be a day on which there might wrong, but I was not sure what I had done. be only three members present who were all Conservative Members, given that we are the largest party in the Frank Dobson: You were Mr Ordinary. House. I do not think that the members of the Committee will have that mindset or thought process. They will not Mr Burns: I suspect that I was actually a sucker, be Conservative, Labour or Liberal Democrat members because I had been a Member of this House for only 18 of the Committee. They will be virtually independent months and I believed what the Whips said when they members reaching decisions on the merits or otherwise invited me on to the Committee. of a case based on the evidence. Personally, I am not attracted to the idea of changing the quorum. Sir John Randall: I am sure that my right hon. Friend was selected because he was marked for high office and Mrs Gillan: My right hon. Friend makes a valid point they knew that that would be experience he would need and I follow his argument. For me, it was slightly later. anathema that the quorum should be only 50% of the Committee. I felt that with such an enormous project, Mr Burns: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for with effectively £50 billion in question at the end of the that comment, and flattery has got him a long way road, the quorum should be more than 50%. The members during his illustrious career, but I do not think that was will have to sit for very long hours and the subject will the reason. I think I was a sucker. take over their lives much as it has taken over my life over the past few years, so it is important that a larger Some serious points arise from my experience and I number of them share that burden. I thought that hope that they will reassure my right hon. Friend the pushing the quorum up to four out of six would be a Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) better way of doing it, but that is just a point of view. about a number of interesting points that she raised. Although the Committee was not legally defined as such, we were told that we were a quasi-judicial body Mr Burns: I understand. I would be very surprised, and we conducted our business as such. Obviously, we given the nature of these Committees, if the number of had been selected because we had no interest, either members present each day was not far higher than 50% through our constituencies or whatever else, in the and if the full complement of six members were not King’s Cross area. As we saw it, we were members not present most of the time. as, for example, the conservative Member for Chelmsford with no interest in King’s Cross, but to give an independent Mr Goodwill: We could also have the situation that judgment on the facts. The whole proceeding was conducted happened to me when we had a Regional Select Committee with barristers present arguing the case for and against. in Barnsley town hall. When one member had to pop out to answer a call of nature, the Committee had to My right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and suspend. If we had a bigger quorum, that could happen Amersham rightly said that she hoped that the Committee and that would be rather embarrassing for the Committee. that would deal with the hybrid Bill on High Speed 2 would not be like a Select Committee, interrogating the witnesses and the people who brought their evidence Mr Burns: I am grateful to my hon. Friend the and views before it. That was certainly not my experience Minister for the tactful way in which he makes his and I am sure that it has not been the experience since. point. I am almost certain that the Committee on the Members of such Committees are there to analyse and King’s Cross Bill, which had only four members, had a listen to the arguments and to reach a decision based on quorum of three. That put a strain on the Committee, the facts and the evidence they have been given, taking particularly when situations arose such as the one that into account the best interests of the project and so on. he describes. My right hon. Friend also raised the relevant and I also do not share the concern of my right hon. important issue of the mechanics of how the Committee Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham, expressed will work. As she rightly said, people live busy lives—they in her amendment, about the ability to carry over the work and do other things—and they need plenty of Committee into a new Parliament. I think that this is notice about when their turn is anticipated to come. the appropriate time in which to make that point and That is why I said in my intervention that, although it enshrine it in the rules governing how the special Committee will be up to the Committee and its members to organise will work. In many ways, it would look rather ridiculous how they will conduct their business, I hope that they not to have that provision, given that we all know—because will have a system like that for a long trial in court in of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011—that we will which witnesses are waiting to be called to give evidence have an election at the beginning of next May. so that people can have the maximum amount of time I am also not so concerned about the fact that, after to put their affairs in order before they are expected to the election, for a variety of reasons, there might be appear before the Committee with their petition and some changes to the Committee’s membership. There their points. are many examples of changes of personnel in Public 749 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 750 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Mr Simon Burns] this Committee’s Chair will not be cushy, and serving on it will be onerous for all the members. One therefore Bill Committees, which do equally significant work in wonders whether it is fair to restrict payment to the studying line by line some very important legislation. Chair. Sometimes, if it is the wrong time of year or of the cycle, The amendments that my right hon. Friend the Member Ministers taking a Bill through Committee can suddenly for Chesham and Amersham and the hon. Member for disappear and be replaced. The strength of this House Stoke-on-Trent North (Joan Walley) have tabled and is that the sum total of knowledge that Members bring the debate today have given us an opportunity to consider to subjects and Committees means that there would not ideas about how to improve the Bill. Many of the necessarily be the problem and hiatus that my right decisions are to do with the day-to-day running of the hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham Committee, and they must be left up to it when it starts fears. Of course, she is right that mechanisms must be its work. As we heard from previous contributions, there to assist the Committee, in an independent manner, other subjects are in the remit of the House of Commons to brief Members who, for whatever genuine reason, authorities, and are therefore matters for them. However, have been unable to attend a sitting. I believe that, ultimately the House must examine the I was also interested in my right hon. Friend’s amendment legislative process for such projects because it is deeply about the Committee going out to areas that will be flawed. affected by HS2. That is an interesting concept. It I was told at the Department for Transport that the brings closer to the public the workings of Parliament, basis of the legislation—I assume this is correct because, particularly on a matter that is so sensitive because it unlike some people, I believe what civil servants tell me; has such an impact on people’s lives. Raising that in an I may not always accept it, but I believe it—is the amendment is extremely valid as we all seek to make legislation in the 16th century that established tollbooths, Parliament more relevant and closer to the people we and that the Victorians thought that it was suitable represent. However, that must ultimately be a matter for legislation for granting the permissions to build a railway. the Committee to determine when it forms and decides Since the railways began, they have always had to have how to conduct its business. planning permission through legislation in Parliament. Of course, the Victorians were very different. As my Mrs Gillan: I am grateful for the acknowledgement right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has said in the that some of my amendments meet my colleague’s past, when the concept of building a railway from approval. It is difficult because this is the only forum in London was dreamt up in the early 1830s, it took from which we can examine the matter in detail. Even though 1832 to 1837 to think about it, legislate for it, build it it is not a matter for Front Benchers but for the Committee, and get it running. Clearly, using a premise based on it is important to get it on the record in Hansard tollbooths is totally out of sync with building high-speed because, like my right hon. Friend, I am worried that we rail, Crossrail, an airport or an extra runway, wherever—if will pull the House into disrepute with the general ever—there is going to be one. We should consider that public if our processes are not transparent at every carefully and modernise as a matter of urgency so that stage on a project as contentious as this one. this country does not lose out on badly needed infrastructure because of the sheer length of time it takes to get it. Mr Burns: My right hon. Friend is correct, though of course the day-to-day business of the Committee will be 3.28 pm very transparent because it will be open to the public so Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): I will not speak that those who are interested can go and see the workings, for long and I apologise for not being here at the very particularly when any petitions are being dealt with that beginning of the debate. I was a member of the Crossrail are directly relevant to certain communities, groups or Committee for two years and, contrary to what some organisations. It is not beyond the wit of this place to have speculated, the Whips put me and some of my hold those proceedings in a room that has a television colleagues on it as a punishment. We had voted against facility so that they can be televised in the same way as some civil liberties legislation and one of my colleagues, Public Bill Committees and Select Committees. The who is no longer in the House, remonstrated with our general principle of transparency so that people can see Whips and was told, “You’re staying on—get on with the workings, and follow and monitor the proceedings it.” It was definitely seen as a punishment. However, the is crucial. Whips did not appreciate that I am a railway enthusiast. It was a little unfair of some hon. Members to I know a lot about railways. I do not want to seem question paying the Chair. Frankly, given what they will immodest, but I also know a lot about the engineering give up, I would not mind if every member of the of railways, and I receive advice from a series of friends, Committee were paid rather than just the Chair. Serving colleagues and acquaintances who are skilled in engineering on it is quite a sacrifice in many ways. We also have a and running railways. I therefore had something to precedent in that the Chair of the Crossrail Committee offer that Select Committee and I enjoyed my two years was paid, as are the Chairs of Select Committees. on it. It was quite onerous—two solid days a week and Having served on three Select Committees, I know that so on—but it was a nice experience, and I like to think the work of one of them is very brief. When I served on that I made some positive contributions. it for a year, it met once a week late on a Wednesday That brings me to the important point about skills. It afternoon, and it usually sat for about eight minutes. It is important for Committee members to have engineering always amazed me that the Chair of that Committee advice at their disposal so that they know what they are was paid the same as the Chair of the Defence Committee talking about and what other people are talking about. or the Chair of the Treasury Committee. It is known in Barristers will appear before the Committee, and other the trade as a very cushy number. However, the job of people will give evidence, but it is important to develop 751 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 752 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee the expertise of Committee members. They are fine Kelvin Hopkins: Well, Stratford possibly. That would Members, but as there are six of them, they will have a save money and would put people straight on to Crossrail. hard job for quite a long time. If they are not interested I supported Crossrail, which was a difficult, expensive in railways and do not receive skilled advice, they will project, but we improved it as a result of careful analysis find it even harder. I hope that that point will be taken by the Crossrail Bill Committee. We drove certain projects. care of. For example, we proposed that there should be a station I think that the House has become more democratic at Woolwich, and we managed to get that into the in the way in which it appoints people to Select Committees. Crossrail Bill. There will be a Crossrail station at Woolwich, My hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent which is a valuable improvement. North (Joan Walley) talked about the modernisation of There are environmental problems. My hon. Friend the House and the Wright Committee. I served on the the Member for Stoke-on-Trent North chairs the Select Committee on Public Administration under the Environmental Audit Committee. It is important to chairmanship of Tony Wright for several years. I still know how we will overcome such problems. One problem serve on that Committee—it is an interesting Committee, with Crossrail was that it went under Soho, where there now chaired by the hon. Member for Harwich and are a lot of significant and economically important North Essex (Mr Jenkin), and I really enjoy that work. recording studios, which are sensitive to vibration and We are constantly looking at the way in which government noise. I know from friends and advisers that one can do operates and the way in which the House interrelates various things to tackle such problems, including the with government, and we try to raise the status and use of floating slab track. Not every Member will know effect of the House in holding the Government to what that is, but it is a way of insulating the track from account. That is what we are about. the concrete channel on which it runs, thus avoiding Previous Governments, both Tory and Labour, have vibration. Builders do not want to know about that, not paid sufficient heed to the House of Commons, and because it costs more money, although not very much have adopted a rather high-handed manner. I was kept more. If that option had not been proposed, such a off Select Committees for a long time, perhaps because measure would not have been included. It is therefore I was regarded as a radical person of the left. For five important that expert advice to Committee members is years, I tried to serve on every Select Committee, but the provided by engineering specialists who know what Whips would not hear of it. Now, the process is much they are talking about. more open, and anyone with any particular view in the I have friends who criticise the route of HS2. It seems House can become a member of a Select Committee, that, in the first instance, the route was created by provided that there is a vacancy. That is a great advance. non-engineers drawing lines on maps. As a small child, Two Members made that advance: Tony Wright and, my son used to take Ordnance Survey maps, and used a before him, Robin Cook, who should be praised for his felt-tip pen to draw railway lines across them. It ruined work in trying to improve Parliament’s control over the the maps, but the method used to determine the route of Executive. I want that process to continue and become HS2 was not far from that. Even now, there are serious more significant. criticisms about the precise route, even from those who A number of points have been made about the project go along with HS2. by hon. Members, particularly my right hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Frank Dobson). Mrs Gillan: The hon. Gentleman is making some My view is that the Euston terminus is complete nonsense. valid points. I am sorry that he did not manage to speak It would be horrendously expensive, and it is in the at great length yesterday. wrong place. If the railway stopped at Paddington or It is important that there is flexibility in the way in even Old Oak Common, and linked directly to Crossrail, which the project is considered, because the route was people would use Crossrail to go straight through to the just a straight line drawn on a map for speed purposes. City and Canary Wharf. There is a lot of talk about Many reasons for sticking to the original route design business links between the centre of Birmingham, our have now gone. What gives me heart is the fact that the second city, and the City of London, and being able to Government have made much of the £14.4 billion make an easy trip from Birmingham to the City, particularly contingency fund. We must ensure that if that fund is Canary Wharf, is a sensible way forward. Going to available, it is used to get the best possible mitigation, Euston would be expensive, and it would require at least whether environmental or urban, as in the case of the two tube journeys to get to Canary Wharf. All the time recording studios in Soho. There is capacity in the that might be saved by a slightly faster train to Euston budget to afford those protections and include them, would be lost, given the time taken for those journeys and it is important that we secure them. from Euston to Canary Wharf. The Euston terminus is nonsense, and it is my belief—and Kelvin Hopkins: I agree, and I very much appreciate people have said this to me—that it is really about what the right hon. Lady said in her speech. property development and making money out of such a There are measures to deal with environmental damage. development at Euston. It is not really about transport I mentioned floating slab track to deal with vibration, needs. I have criticisms and reservations about the whole but there are also noise barriers disguised by foliage and project, as my vote indicated last night. Unfortunately, I tunnelling where necessary. All sorts of things can be was unable to speak in the debate yesterday; otherwise I done: they cost a bit extra, but they make the project would have made some serious points. If Old Oak much more acceptable. Getting the line right in the first Common or Paddington were the terminus, that would instance is absolutely fundamental, and many of my save billions and would immediately— good friends tell me that the line is not right, especially north of Birmingham, but also between London and Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): What about Stratford? Birmingham. All sorts of details need to be argued, 753 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 754 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Kelvin Hopkins] will last for decades, it is foolish to constrain the project unnecessarily. Some 12 years ago, I was in Birmingham which will take the Committee a long time. HS2 is a to discuss the revamping of New Street station and a much bigger project than Crossrail, and the Crossrail question was asked about high-speed rail. Everybody Bill Committee took two years. We met every week, and around the table said, “You’re never going to get high-speed there were lots and lots of petitions. There will be many rail so you might as well forget about it.” We decided, more for HS2, so we are looking at a big job. however, that we ought to keep the corridor, so that The right hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham high-speed rail could happen should it ever be cleared. (Mrs Gillan) mentioned speed, and recently there was The amendment asks that although the Committee will talk about reducing the maximum speed from 250 mph not be permitted to hear any petition to the extent that to 183 mph—or 300 kph—and going at the speed of it relates to the HS1. It was an arbitrary decision—“Oh well, let’s just “the spur from Old Oak Common to the Channel Tunnel Rail reduce the speed”—which changes a lot of suggested Link referred to in the Bill”, journey times. I have spoken in the House about journey it should not be times, and criticised the project in that regard, as it seems that someone can just make a quick decision—“Oh “prevented by this instruction from hearing any Petition”— well, we won’t go there. We’ll decide to change the and this is important— speed.” There is a problem with high-speed trains, which cannot go round tight curves as they would fall off the “relating to the need for the Bill to: track. Curves have to be gradual and of a large radius, (a) include an alternative to the spur; which causes all sorts of problems. That does not apply to trains on standard rail, with a speed of up to 125 mph (b) facilitate the provision at a later date of the spur; or or 135 mph. (c) facilitate the provision at a later date of an alternative to Raising the speed from 300 kph to 250 mph demands the spur”. a tremendous increase in energy. Energy costs are I was not born in this country. I was born in a city much greater at higher speed, and extra emissions from called Munich, which, when it was awarded the Olympic power stations required to drive electric trains are games, was synonymous with traffic jams. London transport disproportionately increased. Optimum railway speeds engineers moved to Munich and managed to design an are much lower— integrated transport system that is still serving its purpose 50 years later. The main thing was that Munich had Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. Quite planning laws that allowed for big decisions to be made. a few more Members want to speak and I do not want We should not have a high-speed rail line that has speed to allow the hon. Gentleman’s speech to turn into a and ease of access, both national and international, as Second Reading speech. I would have thought that the its whole purpose and that then asks passengers to get motions are more important at this stage. out of one train halfway through the journey, move across London and then go somewhere else. That may Kelvin Hopkins: I shall conclude in a moment as I be how it is done in Paris, but it is still not a good idea. I have basically made my points. want Ministers to consider the matter, because it is not I would be happy to support all the amendments of just the Mayor of London who thinks that it is a bad the right hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham idea. Birmingham city council’s view is that it is important were they ever put to a vote, but I hope that the not only for the region, but also for its provisions and Government will take them into account. I am also in planning for Curzon Street station and the international favour of the amendment of my hon. Friend the Member link. for Stoke-on-Trent North, who is not her place, and all Accepting the amendment or elaborating on what the the comments of my right hon. Friend the Member for Minister means by passive provisions would not close Holborn and St Pancras. I hope that we see some the door on something that it is so essential to the common sense in the long run. success of high-speed rail. I urge the Minister to ask himself why we are spending massive amounts of money so far into the future. We want to increase not only 3.40 pm capacity, but also interconnectivity, both within the Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): I United Kingdom and with the rest of Europe. The rise to speak in support of amendment (e) to motion 4 Minister should consider the amendment with great on the Order Paper, which is tabled in my name and that care. If he can come back with the some proposal that of five other hon. and right hon. Members from the proves that the door has not been closed on what is an west midlands representing the three main political enormously important debate, I will be happy not to parties. It is quite useful to have learned that to be on press the amendment to a Division, but he must be the Committee that will consider the Bill requires not quite specific about what he means by passive provisions only persistence, but also continence—in every sense of and how the link will be considered. That does not the word. mean a specific link; it means linking HS1 and HS2 in a In speaking to the amendment, I am trying to prove a meaningful manner. If we do not do that, the whole theory, namely that the greater and more significant the purpose will be defeated. issue under debate, the fewer words will be used to discuss it. Debates about £20 fees and the Committee’s Frank Dobson: As I hope I have already explained to quorum may take up more inches in Hansard than this my hon. Friend, I would happily accept paragraphs (a) amendment. The amendment is quite simple and tries and (c) in the amendment, but were the proposal to to suggest that when planning massive investment that “facilitate the provision at a later date of the spur” 755 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 756 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee accepted, we would create a situation in which people of 300 metres in rural areas, but construction compounds would be able to petition in favour of the abandoned and sites might not be adjacent to the tracks, so they spur, but the people affected by it would not be able to slip through the net of the revised compensation package. petition against it. Significant parts of the route, at both the London and the west midlands ends, will see many years of Ms Stuart: I fully accept that that is an argument. extensive construction work. The environmental statement The main thing, however, is that I do not want the highlights that around the interchange station at decision not to consider a link simply to be in the hands Birmingham airport we can expect construction work of the Secretary of State and Sir David Higgins; I want to continue for over five years. People are every bit as the decision to be made in a democratic way. I therefore blighted by being opposite a construction compound or want the doors to be kept open for the Committee to next to a spoil heap as they are by being 60 metres from consider petitions to provide such a link. That is really the tracks. That is why I have put my name to the the only point that I wanted to make today. amendment.

3.46 pm Mrs Gillan: It has been a great pleasure working with my right hon. Friend on this subject, and I think that, Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden) (Con): I rise to together, we have made some progress. The situation speak to the amendments to motion 4 to which I have she describes also applies in Buckinghamshire. In the lent my name as I have some particular local and course of preparing for yesterday’s debate, I discussed it regional reasons to support them. with colleagues in Buckinghamshire, including the right Although I did not lend my name to amendment (a), hon. Member for Buckingham (John Bercow), who told it contains a regional aspect that is important in my me that he had a group of houses near a construction constituency. My right hon. Friend the Member for site where no anti-HS2 campaign was active, and the Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) seeks residents did not realise until recently that they would “to provide complete protection to any areas of outstanding be so badly affected. In fact, HS2 Ltd had not contracted natural beauty” them. If that can happen in the fairly immediate past, and areas of special scientific interest. The first interchange we must be very careful about who will be affected. station outside London is proposed on green-belt land in my constituency at the juncture with Birmingham Mrs Spelman: I agree, and I hope that when the international airport. It is perhaps not an area of Minister responds to the debate he will mention the outstanding natural beauty, but the Meriden gap is the impact of construction works. green land that holds the cities of Birmingham and Coventry apart. Throughout my 17 years as an MP, Frank Dobson: Does the right hon. Lady agree that there has been constant pressure to build in that gap, one of HS2 Ltd’s favourite words is “temporary”? It which is only 5 miles wide at its narrowest point but only meets the ultimate dictionary definition of “not contains a lot of transport infrastructure. permanent.” The temporary use of a depot next to a school, for example, would last longer than the average Right at the centre of the gap is something known as time a child is at the school. If it is next to a quiet, little the golden triangle, which comes under the auspices of garden where old people like to sit, most of them will the Solihull planning authority. Great concern has been not be alive at the end of the temporary period. expressed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England that the imperative of this infrastructure may lead to Mrs Spelman: The right hon. Gentleman makes a the loss of green-belt land in that triangle without due very good point. In fact, the blight applies from the consideration. My local authority, which supports high- moment people are made aware that construction sites speed rail in principle, with certain conditions attached, will be located next to their properties. Since March very much wants me to put on the record that it wants 2010, people have been waiting for over four years and to maintain control of carefully planning what comes are unable to sell, so we know that construction works into that most sensitive of green spaces. In respect of have exactly the same impact on the need to get on with amendment (a), the Select Committee needs carefully to their lives. consider what happens when green-belt land is at stake. I put my name to amendment (b) to motion 4 specifically Mr Goodwill: I hope that I can allay some of my right because I want the Committee to consider the statutory hon. Friend’s fears by explaining how the Committee and non-statutory provision for compensation. As I can address issues about the compensation package. Let said yesterday, I welcome the fact that the Government me state for the record that anyone “directly and have produced a revised compensation package. To be specially”—the wording used in the Bill—affected who perfectly clear, it is a significant step forward from the feels that the available compensation does not address statutory compensation currently available, because the impact on them is free to petition the Committee constituents really only get compensation one year after and ask for additional compensation. The purpose of a project is finished. Considering that this project is the Committee is to hear these petitions, but not to expected to end in 2026, folks would be waiting an review the national compensation code. awfully long time without the revised package, which successive Secretaries of State have worked towards. Mrs Spelman: I think that is a very valuable outcome, However, the revised compensation package contains because it helps Members to understand that we can an important omission: compensation for people affected assist individuals and groups in our constituencies who by construction works. The revised package represents are blighted by the construction works but ineligible for a step forward, because the area of eligibility has been compensation in preparing a petition to which we can extended beyond 120 metres from the tracks to a taper lend our names. Although we cannot petition as MPs, 757 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 758 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Mrs Spelman] which they aspire to arrive on the continent, have to get off on the east side of Euston station and schlep their we can lend our support to such petitions. I think that luggage in our rather indifferent weather to St Pancras everyone affected by the project has learned something station, pass immigration control again, and board important today. another train to the continent. I am convinced that in That brings me to an important remark made by the the 21st century we can do better than that. Minister’s predecessor, my right hon. Friend the Member Inextricably linked to the question of the link is the for Chelmsford (Mr Burns), when he took through the Euston problem. Euston is a problem, but it was clear paving Bill. He frequently stated that compensation from the paving Bill that there is more than one model would be fair and generous. With regard to construction for solving the problem. In defence of the right hon. compounds, at the moment no fair or generous Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Frank Dobson), compensation is available. I hope that the House will the difficulty for his constituents is that every time we understand why I lent my name to amendment (b) to publicly change that model, more and more properties motion 4. are blighted by that effect. The next amendment to which I shall speak briefly as We in the west midlands are keen to see a through a member of the Environmental Audit Committee is link. For us that is integral to the project. As I mentioned the important one that takes the recommendations of yesterday, Birmingham airport will be 31 minutes from the inquiry by the Select Committee and turns them London on High Speed 2. If there is a stop at Old Oak into an instruction to the Select Committee when it Common, as the Prime Minister observed on visiting takes the hybrid Bill through Parliament to pay close Birmingham international airport and opening its extended attention to the environmental consequences and to the runway, he could get to Birmingham airport from Notting Government’s stated aspiration to be the greenest ever, Hill as quickly as he could get to Heathrow. The under- and to give expression to that through something new in utilised runway at Birmingham would become competitive law—biodiversity offsetting. The key words in given that faster running time, but much of the competitive amendment (d) to motion 4 are benefit is lost if the interchange to a high-speed service by train to the continent is not achievable. I urge the “alternative or additional environmental protections”, Government to heed this very important point, which is because there is more than one way of providing not just about the west midlands. environmental protection, and we should seek to do that to the highest possible standard. That aspiration is Ms Gisela Stuart: The right hon. Lady reminds me of shared by the National Trust. an anecdote that Birmingham city council told us when In the natural environment White Paper published Deutsche Bank was negotiating about its relocation. during my time as Secretary of State, we set down a The board members went back home, some to London clear commitment to achieve net gain. Overall, we are and others to Frankfurt, and the ones who went back to going backwards in terms of loss of species and loss of Frankfurt got home quicker than the ones who went habitats. Inevitably, this large infrastructure project will back to London. result in the loss of habitats, because it will be necessary to dig up green spaces and displace species, some of Mrs Spelman: That is a very telling point. Deutsche them vulnerable, from those areas. I urge the Minister to Bahn aspires to run through trains from Frankfurt to take seriously the exhortations of my friend, the Chairman London, and we should have the same aspiration to run of the Environmental Audit Committee, the hon. Member through trains from Birmingham to Paris. In the 21st for Stoke-on-Trent North (Joan Walley), and to give the century, that should not be beyond the wit of man. At House an undertaking that should something come up the same time, it would resolve the serious problems during the Select Committee stage which pertains to that beset the constituency of the right hon. Member environmental protections, the Government will make for Holborn and St Pancras. It would also address the time on Third Reading to enable us all to debate those salient issue raised by Camden council at the time of the significant points. I hope the Minister will be able to paving Bill—that back in the 19th century the local give me that undertaking later today. community was severed by the west coast main line. A remodelling of Euston and a linking of High Speed 1 Finally, I shall speak in support of the hon. Member and High Speed 2 has the potential to heal that fractured for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart), who has led community if it is done in the right way. the charge from the west midlands over the importance of not precluding the link between High Speed 1 and I sincerely hope that the Minister will be able to High Speed 2, which is all-important for the west midlands reconsider the exclusion of considerations on the link as and regions outside London. The regions—not just the part of this hybrid Bill. After all, the link is integral to west midlands, but the east midlands, the north-west the project for all of us who live outside London. and the north-east—were all led to believe when High Speed 2 was first mooted in 2010 that there would be 4.1 pm through-trains. That is undoubtedly what other non- Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): It is an absolute pleasure London-based Members like myself will have mentioned to follow the right hon. Member for Meriden to our constituents at the time, as part of the expectation (Mrs Spelman); I agree with much of what she says. I of what HS2 will deliver. There is not a little disappointment hope that she has more purchase with her own Front about the fact that that is to be precluded from inclusion Benchers than I might, and that they have listened very in the hybrid Bill as it stands. carefully to her speech and to those of others who have To me it is unacceptable that in the 21st century an talked about the HS1-HS2 link. I rise in support of the American passenger can land at Birmingham international amendment tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for airport, clear customs, get on a high-speed train by Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart). 759 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 760 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee I want to reflect on the link between the existing route such that a for High Speed 1 from St Pancras to the channel tunnel “new geography would get direct benefit from HS2 services: and the proposed High Speed 2 link. I am a supporter Essex, East/South East London, Kent, parts of Suffolk and East of HS2, but the proposed link, as my hon. Friend the Sussex”. Member for Nottingham South (Lilian Greenwood) Five of the seven inter-regional services include a rightly stated, would not have provided an adequate focus on Stratford and enable connections to the west service. I was therefore happy to support its deletion midlands and the north-west, the west of England and from the Bill yesterday. It was to be a single track shared south Wales, the east midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside, between international, freight and domestic passenger and north-west London and Milton Keynes. The report services, with limited potential to maximise the growth aggregates that increase in domestic inter-regional demand and regeneration benefits that high-speed rail could as equating to 45% of demand emanating from central bring to the UK. It was not adequate to address anticipated London, or 25% of the whole demand from Greater demand. It would have allowed for just a small number London. Along with increases in international demand of international services and created a conflict between from the link, those benefits will justify investment in those, freight and London orbital services, with limited the HS2-HS1 link and add significantly to the core potential for further inter-regional and intra-regional business case for HS2. It will be seen that Stratford ones. would play a key role in such substantial service Recognising the shortcomings of that link route and development. removing it and its safeguarding from the Bill does not, It strikes me as a great pity that there has not yet been of course, remove the strong arguments in favour of a any work to give a financial value to the opportunities good-quality link between the UK’s two high-speed to run those inter-regional services, even though the lines and between the UK and the European high-speed demand is clearly there. The Government must surely rail network. Indeed, as I said yesterday, Richard Threlfall, take note of that: the interconnectivity cannot be denied head of infrastructure at KPMG, is quoted in the and the common sense of the link is obvious. The time engineering press as saying that it is a “great tragedy” to to act is now and I seek an assurance today from the scrap the link and “complete nonsense” not to have the Government that they will commission a further two lines connected. I absolutely concur with his judgment. examination of the demand, assess the economic benefit Clearly, at some time in the future we are going to need and put that into the mix when reviewing the potential a much-enhanced capacity such as a dedicated twin-track for a future link between HS1 and HS2. line capable of working as a dual-purpose line for Although I am conscious of and totally support the international and domestic services. We therefore need need to contain the costs of HS2, I am also conscious of to look at the physical alternatives to the proposed and the old maxim, “penny wise, pound foolish”. We must now rejected link, including the possibility of tunnelling take care not to take decisions now—indeed, we should to provide a connection with the west coast main line avoid them—that would create obstacles down the line and HS2. We need to start that discussion and evaluation to securing maximum growth in the economy, particularly now. in regions to the north of London and in the midlands, I really urge the Minister to reconsider his position, as well as in east London. because such a link also opens up the possibility of The current approach also fails to recognise the inter-regional and intra-regional services, as well as environmental advantages, including reducing car travel international links. We know there is demand for direct on crucial networks such as the M25 and relieving rail services from the midlands, the north-west and pressure on central London interchanges and termini. Yorkshire to east London, Essex and Kent without We know that connectivity and capacity are far and having to go through central London. away the most important issues for travellers—more I reiterate the tribute I paid yesterday to colleagues important even than speed. Stratford International has across the political spectrum from Kent and Essex both in spades, and I make no apology for reminding county councils who have collaborated with my own the House of that fact yet again. borough of Newham to demonstrate that demand through We are discussing investment for a high-speed railway research published in the 2013 report, “Travel market network designed to last until the next century. We must demand and the HS1-HS2 link”. It concluded that be strategic in our approach, squeeze value from every potential increases in domestic demand enabled by an pound of spending and not overlook the opportunity to HS2-HS1 link of adequate capacity would bring significant strengthen the business case for the entire network. benefits and, therefore, strengthen the business case for Dragging our suitcases along streets in London, however HS2 overall. Consultants commissioned by Greengauge desirable those streets may be, is not a 21st-century 21 research highlighted an historic lack of long-distance, solution to the issue of connectivity. cross-London connectivity, only some of which will be addressed by the additions from Thameslink and Crossrail. Frank Dobson: Does my hon. Friend accept that the The net effect is that many journeys end up being made proposed walk is along Euston road, which has the worst by car, making use of the busy M25 simply to avoid the air pollution in London, and for which the Government difficulty of cross-London transfers. I have to admit are presently being prosecuted under European air quality that I am guilty of making such journeys. legislation? The report discerned in particular seven inter-regional domestic service markets that would benefit from a Lyn Brown: I am very grateful to my right hon. transfer to rail from other modes—especially car journeys Friend for supporting my case in his speech and in that on the M25—if there were an HS2-HS1 link. It concluded: intervention. Frankly, the Stratford option would help “The increase in rail share is between 7% and 23%, which is a us enormously with the difficulties in his own area, remarkably high transfer”, which he has raised. 761 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 762 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Lyn Brown] have done for London and the south-east. I very much hope that in 20 years’ time we will see an extensive flow Above all, we need to consider how we can, in the of high-speed services extending beyond the west midlands not-too-distant future, secure an improved, fully integrated, as part of a fully integrated inter-city network. To robust link between HS1 and HS2. The link should be achieve that, we need to enable the new Select Committee available for international and domestic services routed to proceed with hearing petitions on the phase 1 route, through Stratford at the heart of the growing east and that means agreeing to the motions. London economy, and benefiting economies in the midlands, in the north and indeed across the whole Right hon. and hon. Members have made important country. points in the debate. The right hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) said that agreeing to the 4.11 pm Second Reading has not given this or any future Government carte blanche to ride roughshod over individual John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I concerns. I agree with her. The Committee should listen apologise for arriving late for the debate, Madam Deputy closely to every petitioner’s individual concerns. That is Speaker. Thank you for your leniency in allowing me to precisely the point of the forthcoming stage in the speak for one minute. hybrid Bill process. Before the Bill goes into Committee, I just want absolute clarity. Last night, I asked the Minister a My right hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and question about the Heathrow link. Clause 50 refers to St Pancras (Frank Dobson) has been incredibly tenacious the ability to extend the scheme under a Transport and in raising the concerns of his constituents. I was privileged Works Act order, without the full legislative scrutiny to visit his constituency and to meet some of them. I that would be required if a further Bill was introduced was pleased when the Government finally conceded to deal with the Heathrow link. I want absolute clarity that the proposed HS1-HS2 link is wholly inadequate about whether my interpretation of clause 50 is accurate: and should be withdrawn. I am also pleased that they could the Secretary of State use the provision to make a have recognised the need to revisit their proposals for Transport and Works Act order to introduce a Heathrow Euston station. I hope that, in doing so, they will listen link without full legislation? I ask that because many of much more carefully to Camden council and the local my constituents want to petition against the Bill, and community, who have, as my right hon. Friend said, we need absolute clarity on which clause we are petitioning responded positively to the outstanding redevelopments against and about whether we should petition against at King’s Cross and St Pancras. the whole Bill because of its failure to address the Heathrow link as part of a comprehensive package of The right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South railway network development. Ruislip (Sir John Randall) paid tribute to those who will serve on the Committee. He asked that they have due In addition, I have been through all the inquiries for regard to the impact on wildlife and the environment. terminals 4 and 5, as well as various other inquiries, and Those themes also formed the basis of the contribution I was a petitioner in relation to Crossrail the time before of my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent last. We found that there was a great inequality of arms North (Joan Walley), who called on the Select Committee in making representations, particularly for small community to mitigate the environmental consequences of the new groups. Will the Government look at whether there is line. I hope that in his response to the debate, the an opportunity for better resourcing not local authorities, Minister will acknowledge that many people inside and which can stand on their own feet, but smaller community outside this House share her concerns about the impacts groups that represent individual facilities or individual on biodiversity. I hope that he will reassure Members communities? They need assistance of some sort to that those will be fully considered as the Bill proceeds ensure that they can draw on the full expertise they need and confirm that the Select Committee may amend the during the petitioning process. Bill to mitigate the environmental impacts in response to the cases that are made by petitioners. 4.12 pm Lilian Greenwood: With the leave of the House, I will The right hon. Member for Chelmsford (Mr Burns) start to bring this two-day process to a close. Over the has been a staunch supporter of the high-speed rail course of more than 10 hours, several right hon. and project. He brought his detailed knowledge of it to bear hon. Members have set out the compelling case for in his contribution when he called for the modernisation building a new north-south line. Passenger demand has of the processes for dealing with infrastructure developments doubled during the past 20 years, and in the west of this scale. My hon. Friend the Member for Luton midlands demand has more than trebled. Every day, North (Kelvin Hopkins) also demonstrated his long tens of thousands of commuters are left standing on the interest in rail issues in his remarks. approaches to London, Birmingham, Manchester and My hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Leeds. All too often, cities in the midlands and the Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) made a compelling case for an north have relatively good links to London and relatively integrated network that serves the long-term interests of poor links to each other. That holds back economic her city and the wider west midlands region. I hope that growth and prevents regional commuter economies from the Minister will confirm that future-proofing is within developing. On the west coast main line, the busiest and the remit of the Select Committee. most complex line in the country, the scope to run more trains is almost exhausted. The right hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman) If we are to achieve balanced economic growth, we made many important contributions in the Committee must invest in 21st-century transport infrastructure for stage of the High Speed Rail (Preparation) Act 2013. the midlands and the north, just as successive Governments She again raised valid questions today. 763 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 764 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee My hon. Friend the Member for West Ham (Lyn we have Transport questions next Thursday the howitzers Brown) is rightly proud of her constituency’s Stratford will start to roar again across the no man’s land between international station and is ambitious for its future role the two Dispatch Boxes. in our rail network. I know that, like me, she is keen to Hybrid Bills come along rarely, and changes to their see the report that HS2 Ltd and Network Rail are rules and procedures seem to be even rarer, so it is producing on the options to better connect the line to important that these motions receive the House’s full High Speed 1. I again ask the Minister to clarify when consideration despite the fact that, as my right hon. we can expect that report. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Mr Burns) said, Finally, I trust that the Minister will address the they might seem arcane. Members have raised important questions that my hon. Friend the Member for Hayes issues about the Select Committee stage of the process, and Harlington (John McDonnell) raised on behalf of and I will address the amendments to the motions. I his constituents who will be affected by the Bill. hope that I will allay many of the fears that have been It is important that the Committee’s work can begin raised, and that none of the amendments will be pressed. in earnest because the west coast main line is almost I turn first to the points that the hon. Member for full. There are also capacity constraints on the midland Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) made about main line and the east coast main line. Although some the Heathrow link. I reassure him that Transport and incremental work can be done to boost seat numbers in Works Act orders can be applied only to extensions of the short term, that will not meet future demand or under 2 km, so the Heathrow spur, which would be enable new services to be run. There is already a train much longer than that, cannot be authorised in that lengthening programme, but it is worth noting that way. I hope that sets his mind at rest. there are hidden costs to that approach because platforms have to be lengthened and longer depots have to be John McDonnell: You’ll do it bit by bit, then. built. It can also reduce the number of trains that can stop at platforms, so there limits to how far that approach Mr Goodwill: We would need a very good lawyer to can be pushed. In just a decade, a new line will have to get that passed. be in place. I was interested to hear that the hon. Member for Yesterday, the Secretary of State for Transport referred Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) came from Bavaria. to the building of the original railways almost 200 years I think a socialist in Bavaria is a very rare breed indeed. ago, which still form the backbone of our network. It is She talked about passing a provision for the HS1 link. fair to say that the original railways did not always As I said, it is ultimately for the Committee to decide enjoy a good press either. It is worth quoting the words whether a petition should be heard, and it may choose of the promoters of the Liverpool and Manchester to hear petitions suggesting that a future link should railway—the world’s first inter-city line—to Parliament not be precluded. Its work is on the railway proposal in 1825: before it, and it cannot get bogged down in considering “All I ask you is, not to crush it in its infancy.” the merits of links that may or may not happen, but it After last night’s vote, I am glad that the first phase could certainly consider ruling out any future provision of HS2 can go forward with confidence, although much should it choose to do so. work remains to be done. No one would pretend that The hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent North (Joan the proposed route of HS2 is in its final form. It must be Walley), who chairs the Environmental Audit Committee, refined where needed and the environmental impact of made a number of points about the environment, and I its construction must be mitigated wherever possible. share her ambition to ensure that the environmental Labour will keep up the pressure on the Government to impact of the project is minimised. Of course, she is ensure that the spending is better managed and the aware that we published a 48,000-page environmental costs brought down wherever possible. The hybrid Bill impact report. I recognise the Environmental Audit process has an important part to play in achieving those Committee’s intention, and we are seeking to have no objectives. We will return to close line-by-line scrutiny net loss of biodiversity. It is a hugely ambitious scheme, of the Bill once the petitioning process is complete. I equal to that on any comparable project worldwide. We hope that the House will pass the motions and let that are building 140 miles of railway, and in biodiversity work begin. terms, it will be as though it were not there. In many cases, of course, there will be biodiversity gains. As I think I mentioned to the Committee, in some places 4.20 pm where there is arable farming and monoculture we will put in something better than the current oilseed rape or Mr Goodwill: I thank right hon. and hon. Members wheat crops, which have little biodiversity and offer for their contributions to this important debate. I do little in the way of habitat. not know whether other constituency MPs often feel frustrated, as I do, that many processes such as planning Joan Walley: Does the Minister agree that what the inquiries and the operation of health trusts and other Government and HS2 Ltd intend to do is one thing, but bodies seem to be beyond the control of us as elected the instructions to the Select Committee on the Bill are Members. In this case, the hybrid Bill Committee at a slightly different thing? I would be grateful if he least means that the process will happen within Parliament. addressed how the Select Committee can be given the I thank the hon. Member for Nottingham South flexibility in its remit that it needs. (Lilian Greenwood) and her boss, the shadow Secretary of State, for the co-operative way in which we have been Mr Goodwill: The Committee will certainly be able to able to work together. It has been a little bit like examine how measures in the Bill and the project will Christmas day on the western front, but no doubt when affect individual petitioners, and non-governmental 765 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 766 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Mr Goodwill] for the Committee, but I hope it will enlist the best advice to assist it in its work. Indeed, many of the environmental organisations and other groups will also be able to NGOs that produce petitions might themselves be providing petition. The overall scheme itself will not be under what they consider to be expert advice, and it will be up consideration, however, because it was decided last to the Committee to consider how much weight to night. give it. I reassure the hon. Lady that I am not being dragged We must also comply with directives such as the kicking and screaming into giving environmental habitats directive. As a Member for five years of the reassurances, and I am keen for us to leave something European Parliament’s environment committee, I was for future generations. I am very aware of the problems involved in many such directives. Even if some aspects of trying to restore ancient woodland. Unfortunately, of the project do not come within the scope of the 36 hectares of ancient woodland will have to be removed, petitions, we must comply with environmental protections and we are doing what we can to try to replace that. We that we have agreed at European level. cannot replace ancient woodland straight away, but we can do whatever possible to ensure that it regenerates Mrs Spelman: The Minister mentioned that there and, in the fullness of time, replace that environment. would be an independent assessor. Who will that be, Indeed, there may be other opportunities. For example, and will the Government make use of agencies such as as research goes on to produce ash trees that will be Natural England to provide the kind of advice that the resistant to the big problem of ash dieback that is Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee suggested starting to develop in this country, there will be a good would assist the Bill Select Committee in its work? opportunity, as we carry out tree planting, to ensure that there is a new generation of ash trees to replace Mr Goodwill: I am not aware that an assessor has those lost because of that terrible disease. been appointed, and neither do we need to appoint one at this stage. Therefore, I am not able to tell my right Joan Walley: A point was raised about having time hon. Friend who it would be, but under the definition of on Third Reading to discuss feedback on environmental the word “independent”it would be a person not connected issues from the Select Committee. Is the Minister able to any vested interest. to offer some kind of commitment on that? When we started this debate my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) Mr Goodwill: Certainly, regarding the hon. Lady’s touched on the Major Projects Authority report. As we amendment I can reassure her that that base is already have heard many times from the Dispatch Box, the covered. The introduction of Standing Order 224A, MPA does not routinely publish its reports on the which she referred to, means that the amendment is major projects it scrutinises, and a founding block of unnecessary as it essentially copies part of the instruction the effective function of the MPA is the confidential given to the Crossrail Bill Committee at a point when nature of the reports it produces and the way it can be there was no Standing Order 224A. The instruction to used as a tool within government to ensure that projects that Committee was to ensure that any environmental are delivered efficiently. information in petitions that related to the principle of the Bill and therefore could not be heard by the Committee Mrs Gillan: I understand what the Minister is saying was reported to the House on Third Reading when the and it is absolutely accurate. What I asked was whether, principle of the Bill was reconsidered. I hope that that for the purposes of examining the project in detail, we allays her fears. could treat the Committee members as Ministers and Standing Order 224A means that the amendment is give them confidential access to the MPA reports, so not required because it introduces a process of consultation that they can fully see the risks that have been identified for any supplementary environmental information provided by the very body set up by the Government to scrutinise at the Select Committee stage. All consultation responses such projects. are summarised by an independent assessor in the same way as they have been for the environmental statement Mr Goodwill: The work of the Committee will be consultation. If a petition includes environmental done in public and I would be very nervous about information that does not touch on the principle of the giving confidential information of any sort to it. That Bill, it is wholly within the scope of the Committee to would not be appropriate. The report that my right hon. consider that. If the Committee considers that some Friend refers to is from 2011, so its relevance erodes by reasonable and practical mitigation could be introduced the day. I really do not think that it would bring to address the issue, it will amend the Bill to do so. That anything to the Committee’s work. is a key part of its role and its conclusions will be My right hon. Friend mentioned electronic payments, included in its special report. and identified that Parliament’s website has much useful information for petitioners. This includes the information Joan Walley: What expertise and capacity will be that payment can be made by cash or cheque, and by available to the members appointed to the Select Committee credit and debit cards except, I am told, American to assist them in that? Express.

Mr Goodwill: Obviously, within the limitations of the Mrs Gillan: I am grateful to the Minister for giving resources made available by the House to the Committee, way; it is good to be able to have a proper debate. He it can enlist whatever expert advice it wants, just as the refers to the MPA report being from 2011, but he must hon. Lady’s Committee will have advisors who give it appreciate that the costs being used on the project are expert and scientific advice and so on. That is a matter also 2011 costs. He says that the Committee will sit in 767 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 768 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee public and so he would be nervous about giving its and specifications for the railway, which should ensure members confidential material. Does that also mean that any structures in the green belt are designed precluding Committee members from having access to sympathetically. the financial information and financial calculations made This debate has been an important stage in the progress by HS2 Ltd on, for example, tunnelling activities? of this Bill for phase 1. I hope I have explained why many of the amendments are superfluous to the effective Mr Goodwill: The Committee already has the budget operation of the Committee. before it. I do not want to add anything to what I have said already. Ms Gisela Stuart: I may have missed the Minister’s—very My right hon. Friend talked about further instructions brief—response to my amendment. to the Committee. It is the case that further instructions to the Committee can only be made by a motion in the Mr Goodwill: The hon. Lady’s amendment was about House. The Government believe that these instructions the link. I made the point that it would be possible to are correct and we have no plans to change them. petition to ensure that a link was not obviated, but the link itself, whichever route it might take, was not covered. Ms Gisela Stuart: The Minister is on weak ground if Therefore, in the same way that we have provision for he does not make the MPA report available to Committee the Heathrow spur in phase 1, it would be possible to members and if the Committee does not have access to petition to ensure that the construction of phase 1 something so significant. Virtually every Select Committee would not rule out any future link. I thought that was I have ever been on has, at some stage or other, talked to one of the very first points I made—if the hon. Lady Ministers and been shown confidential documents. was paying attention then.

Mr Goodwill: I am sure that were the Committee to Lyn Brown: I have paid great attention to everything make a request for either this type of report or commercially the Minister has said, both today and yesterday, and I confidential material it will be considered at that time, cannot remember hearing the word “Stratford” come but at this stage the Committee has not been formed from him at the Dispatch Box. Given that I have listened and no such request has been made. to every word he has said, I am hoping I will be able to The right hon. Member for Holborn and St Pancras add him to my Christmas card list, as he now gives (Frank Dobson), as we heard from his contribution, is a Stratford some confidence. man ahead of his time. His predictions have come to pass—at least the ones that he referred to; he may have Mr Goodwill: I am certainly happy to mention Stratford, made other predictions that have not. I would be keen but Stratford is not within the scope of the Bill at this to have dinner with him at one of the restaurants at stage. I made it clear in my opening remarks that this is Euston and see the problem first hand. Maybe I should about constructing a railway from Euston to Birmingham, go incognito; I suspect he is so well known he could not with the intervening stations and other works, and not, go incognito. As a fellow Yorkshireman, I suspect that at this stage, about including Stratford. In fact, the Bill there may be a problem at the end of the meal when we does not include Stratford, so perhaps she should get to have to decide who is going to pay. work on her policy people in the Labour party. I am sure they will be beavering away, busy writing their Frank Dobson: I am very happy to take up that manifesto, and she might be able to be slightly more invitation. As a fellow Yorkshireman, I suggest we go at persuasive. lunchtime when there is a brilliant buffet that costs a lot It is interesting, because people in Sheffield were keen less than eating in the evening. to make the point to me that they wanted phase 2, which is not within the scope of this Bill, to go into Mr Goodwill: How could I refuse such an invitation? Sheffield city centre, because a station was needed there. I am now being told that stations are needed way out. The right hon. Gentleman asked whether we could The idea that we could be served by Stratford and Old confirm that any new Euston proposals would require a Oak Common, without the need for a city centre station, new environmental statement, consultation and petitioning is the exact opposite of what I heard in Sheffield. period. The answer is yes. A consultation would be required by Standing Order 224A. The change would Lyn Brown: Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the then be subject to a new petitioning period. Olympic games were held in Stratford in 2012? The idea The right hon. Gentlemanalso talked about petitioning that Stratford is “way out” shows that he is himself a by business associations. I think I can go further than I little distanced from the reality of what London is. did in my intervention. A business is defined in the Stratford offers interconnectivity through the rail networks terms of this measure as an organisation that exists to in the east of England and to the north. It also offers make money for its owners. A business association economic opportunity. The idea that we will be wandering would not seem to meet this definition and so would down roads with our suitcases in the rain shows the have the longer deadline. I suspect that if he found a limit of his imagination. I would ask him gently—because different lawyer he would probably get a different result, I like him very much—whether he would reconsider his but that is the position of this Government at this position. Dispatch Box and I hope those associations will be reassured by that. Mr Goodwill: The hon. Lady makes some very good My right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden points, I am sure. I would merely make the point that (Mrs Spelman) talked about the green belt. The Bill the distance from Meadowhall station, outside Sheffield, includes powers for local authorities to approve plans to the centre of Sheffield is less than the distance 769 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 770 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Mr Goodwill] 2. That the following Members be appointed as members of the Select Committee: Mr Henry Bellingham, Sir Peter Bottomley, between Stratford and the centre of London. It is Ian Mearns, Yasmin Qureshi, Mr Robert Syms and Mr Michael interesting that when we talk to cities such as Nottingham, Thornton. Sheffield and others that are served by parkway stations 3. (1) That there shall stand referred to the Select Committee— rather than city centre stations, they see the importance (a) any Petition against the Bill presented by being deposited of having a station in the city centre. However, I understand in the Private Bill Office between 29 April 2014 and the point she makes about Stratford. the closing date (inclusive), during the hours specified in a notice published by the Private Bill Office, and Should the House approve the motions, the matter (b) any Petition which has been presented by being deposited will move to the Select Committee to start hearing the in the Private Bill Office during such hours and in petitions of those affected by the scheme. This is a which the Petitioners complain of any amendment as crucial moment in the process and one that many have proposed in the filled-up Bill or of any matter which waited many years for. I therefore believe that the has arisen during the progress of the Bill before the House has an obligation to ensure that we swiftly progress Select Committee, being a Petition in which the Petitioners to that point. I believe that the motions as drafted pray to be heard by themselves or through Counsel or provide a fair and reasonable framework for both petitioners Agents. and the Committee. As I have said, I do not believe that (2) The closing date for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(a) the proposed amendments would add to the Committee’s is- ability to hear petitioners or progress its work effectively. (a) in a case where the Petition is that of a local authority Indeed, in some cases the amendments seem to work (except a parish council) or a business, 16 May 2014, against the interests of the petitioners and should be and rejected. Indeed, as I read them, many of the amendments (b) in any other case, 23 May 2014. gave me the impression that they were designed to 4. That, notwithstanding the practice of the House that appearances frustrate the Committee’s work, rather than facilitate it, on Petitions against an opposed Private Bill be required to be but maybe that was one of the objectives. entered at the first meeting of the Select Committee on the Bill, in the case of any such Petitions as are mentioned in paragraph 3(1)(a) above on which appearances are not entered at that meeting, the Mrs Gillan: Will the Minister give way? Select Committee shall appoint a later day or days on which it will require appearances on those Petitions to be entered. Mr Goodwill: I am moving to my conclusion. My 5. That any Petitioner whose Petition stands referred to the right hon. Friend was not very generous yesterday, but I Select Committee shall, subject to the Rules and Orders of the will not reciprocate. House and to the Prayer of that person’s Petition, be entitled to be heard in person or through Counsel or Agents upon that person’s Petition provided that it is prepared and signed in conformity Mrs Gillan: No, I was not very generous yesterday; with the Rules and Orders of the House, and the Member in the Minister is right, but it was because I was trying to charge of the Bill shall be entitled to be heard through Counsel or leave enough time for others to speak in the debate. Let Agents in favour of the Bill against that Petition. me say to the Minister that none of my amendments 6. That in applying the Rules of the House in relation to was intended to delay. There is a four-hour limit on the parliamentary agents, any reference to a petitioner in person debate and the amendments were tabled in good faith to shall be treated as including a reference to a duly authorised try to elicit more information from the Government. member or officer of an organisation, group or body. Once again, I remind the Minister that people have been 7. That the Select Committee have power to sit notwithstanding abused in the process to date and I do not want him to any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from place to place continue that from the Dispatch Box. and to report from day to day the Minutes of Evidence taken before it. Mr Goodwill: I merely make the point that if amendments 8. That three be the Quorum of the Select Committee. were designed to waive the fee for petitioning while at the same time encouraging electronic petitioning, that could be used by some who seek to frustrate the Bill HIGH SPEED RAIL (LONDON - WEST rather than to work with the Committee, using the MIDLANDS) BILL: INSTRUCTION provisions as a way of preventing the Committee from Ordered, carrying out its work. That it be an Instruction to the Select Committee to which the I commend the motions to the House and urge Members High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill is committed to to vote in favour of them and against the amendments. deal with the Bill as follows— 1. The Committee shall, before concluding its proceedings, Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. amend the Bill by I understand that the right hon. Member for Chesham (a) leaving out provision relating to the spur from Old Oak and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) does not intend formally Common to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, and to press any of her amendments. Is that correct? (b) making such amendments to the Bill as it thinks fit in consequence of the amendments made by virtue of sub-paragraph (a). Mrs Gillan: Yes. 2. The Committee shall not hear any Petition to the extent that it relates to whether or not there should be a spur from Old Oak Madam Deputy Speaker: I am grateful to the right Common to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. hon. Lady. 3.–(1) The Committee shall treat the principle of the Bill, Question put and agreed to. as determined by the House on the Bill’s Second Ordered, Reading, as comprising the matters mentioned in sub-paragraph (2); and those matters shall accordingly 1. That the Bill be committed to a Select Committee. not be at issue during proceedings of the Committee. 771 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 772 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee (2) The matters referred to in sub-paragraph (1) are: (j) any person registered in the current Session as a (a) the provision of a high speed railway between Euston parliamentary agent entitled to practise as such in in London and a junction with the West Coast Main opposing Bills only who, at the time when proceedings Line at Handsacre in Staffordshire, with a spur from on the Bill were suspended in the current Session, was Water Orton in Warwickshire to Curzon Street in employed in opposing the Bill shall be deemed to have Birmingham and intermediate stations at Old Oak been registered as such a parliamentary agent in Common and Birmingham Interchange, and Session 2014-15; (b) in relation to the railway set out on the plans (k) the Standing Orders and practice of the House applicable deposited in November 2013 in connection with to the Bill, so far as complied with or dispensed with the Bill in the office of the Clerk of the in the current Session, shall be deemed to have been Parliaments and the Private Bill Office of the complied with or (as the case may be) dispensed with House of Commons, its broad route alignment. in Session 2014-15. That these Orders be Standing Orders of the House.— Suspension at end of this Parliament (Mr McLoughlin.) 3. If proceedings on the Bill are resumed in accordance with paragraph 2 but are not completed before the end of Session 2014-15, HIGH SPEED RAIL (LONDON - WEST further proceedings on the Bill shall be suspended from the day on which that Session ends until the first Session of the next MIDLANDS) BILL: CARRY-OVER Parliament (“Session 2015-16”). Ordered, 4. If a Bill is presented in Session 2015-16 in the same terms as That, notwithstanding the practice of the House, the following those in which the Bill stood when proceedings on it were provisions shall apply to proceedings on the High Speed Rail suspended in Session 2014-15– (London - West Midlands) Bill: (a) the Bill so presented shall be ordered to be printed and Suspension at end of this Session shall be deemed to have been read the first and 1. Further proceedings on the High Speed Rail (London - second time; West Midlands) Bill shall be suspended from the day on which (b) the Standing Orders and practice of the House applicable this Session of Parliament ends (“the current Session”) until the to the Bill, so far as complied with or dispensed with next Session of Parliament (“Session 2014-15”). in the current Session or in Session 2014-15, shall be 2. If a Bill is presented in Session 2014-15 in the same terms as deemed to have been complied with or (as the case those in which the Bill stood when proceedings on it were may be) dispensed with in Session 2015-16; and suspended in the current Session– (c) the Bill shall be dealt with in accordance with– (a) the Bill so presented shall be ordered to be printed and (i) paragraph 5, if proceedings in Select Committee shall be deemed to have been read the first and were not completed when proceedings on the Bill second time; were suspended, (b) the Bill shall stand committed to a Select Committee of (ii) paragraph 6, if proceedings in Public Bill Committee the same Members as the members of the Committee were begun but not completed when proceedings when proceedings on the Bill were suspended in the on the Bill were suspended, current Session; (iii) paragraph 7, if the Bill was waiting to be considered (c) any Instruction of the House to the Committee in the when proceedings on it were suspended, current Session shall be an Instruction to the (iv) paragraph 8, if the Bill was waiting for third Committee on the Bill in Session 2014-15; reading when proceedings on it were suspended, (d) all Petitions presented in the current Session which or stand referred to the Committee and which have not (v) paragraph 9, if the Bill has been read the third time been withdrawn, and any Petition presented between and sent to the House of Lords. the day on which the current Session ends and the 5. If this paragraph applies– day on which proceedings on the Bill are resumed in Session 2014-15 in accordance with this Order, shall (a) the Bill shall stand committed to a Select Committee of stand referred to the Committee in Session 2014-15; such Members as were members of the Committee (e) any Minutes of Evidence taken and any papers laid when proceedings on the Bill were suspended in before the Committee in the current Session shall Session 2014-15; stand referred to the Committee in Session 2014-15; (b) any Instruction of the House to the Committee in the (f) only those Petitions mentioned in sub-paragraph (d), current Session or in Session 2014-15 shall be an and any Petition which may be presented by being Instruction to the Committee on the Bill in Session deposited in the Private Bill Office and in which the 2015-16; Petitioners complain of any proposed additional provision (c) all Petitions presented in the current Session or in or of any matter which has arisen during the progress Session 2014-15 which stand referred to the Committee of the Bill before the Committee in Session 2014-15, and which have not been withdrawn, and any Petition shall stand referred to the Committee; presented between the day on which Session 2014-15 (g) any Petitioner whose Petition stands referred to the ends and the day on which proceedings on the Bill are Committee in Session 2014-15 shall, subject to the resumed in Session 2015-16 in accordance with this Rules and Orders of the House and to the Prayer of Order, shall stand referred to the Committee in Session that person’s Petition, be entitled to be heard in 2015-16; person or through Counsel or Agents upon the Petition (d) any Minutes of Evidence taken and any papers laid provided that it is prepared and signed and in conformity before the Committee in the current Session or in with the Rules and Orders of the House, and the Session 2014-15 shall stand referred to the Committee Member in charge of the Bill shall be entitled to be in Session 2015-16; heard through Counsel or Agents in favour of the Bill (e) only those Petitions mentioned in sub-paragraph (c), against that Petition; and any Petition which may be presented by being (h) the Committee shall have power to sit notwithstanding deposited in the Private Bill Office and in which the any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from Petitioners complain of any proposed additional provision place to place, and to report from day to day Minutes or of any matter which has arisen during the progress of Evidence taken before it; of the Bill before the Committee in Session 2015-16, (i) three shall be the Quorum of the Committee; shall stand referred to the Committee; 773 High Speed Rail (London - West 29 APRIL 2014 High Speed Rail (London - West 774 Midlands) Bill: Select Committee Midlands) Bill: Select Committee (f) any Petitioner whose Petition stands referred to the 9. If this paragraph applies, the Bill shall be deemed to have Committee in the first Session of the new Parliament passed through all its stages in this House. shall, subject to the Rules and Orders of the House Other and to the Prayer of his Petition, be entitled to be heard in person or through Counsel or Agents upon 10. The references in paragraphs 1 and 3 above to further the Petition provided that it is prepared and signed proceedings do not include proceedings under Standing Order 224A(8) and in conformity with the Rules and Orders of the (deposit of supplementary environmental information). House, and the Member in charge of the Bill shall be 11. That the above Orders be Standing Orders of the House. entitled to be heard through Counsel or Agents in —(Mr McLoughlin.) favour of the Bill against that Petition; (g) the Committee shall have power to sit notwithstanding POSITIONS FOR WHICH ADDITIONAL any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from SALARIES ARE PAYABLE FOR THE PURPOSES place to place, and to report from day to day Minutes of Evidence taken before it; OF SECTION 4A(2) OF THE PARLIAMENTARY STANDARDS ACT 2009 (h) three shall be the Quorum of the Committee; (i) any person registered (or deemed by paragraph 2(j) to Resolved, be registered) in Session 2014-15 as a parliamentary That the Chair of the select committee appointed to consider agent entitled to practise as such in opposing Bills the High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill is specified only who, at the time when proceedings on the Bill for the purposes of section 4A(2) of the Parliamentary Standards were suspended in Session 2014-15, was employed in Act 2009.—(Mr Goodwill.) opposing the Bill shall be deemed to have been registered as such a parliamentary agent in Session 2015-16. DEFENCE REFORM BILL: PROGRAMME (NO.2) 6. If this paragraph applies, the Bill shall be deemed to have Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing been reported from the Select Committee and to have been Order No. 83A(7)), re-committed to a Public Bill Committee. That the following provisions shall apply to the Defence Reform 7. If this paragraph applies– Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Order of 16 July 2013 (a) the Bill shall be deemed to have been reported from the (Defence Reform Bill (Programme)): Select Committee and from the Public Bill Committee; Consideration of Lords Amendments and Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall (so (b) the Bill shall be set down as an order of the day for far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion two consideration. hours after their commencement at today’s sitting. 8. If this paragraph applies- Subsequent stages (a) the Bill shall be deemed to have been reported from the (1) Any further Message from the Lords may be considered Select Committee and from the Public Bill forthwith without any Question being put. Committee and to have been considered; and (2) The proceedings on any further Message from the Lords (b) the Bill shall be set down as an order of the day for shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion third reading. one hour after their commencement.—(Philip Dunne.) 775 29 APRIL 2014 Defence Reform Bill 776

Defence Reform Bill to help an effective Government-owned, contractor- operated organisation to manage defence equipment Consideration of Lords Amendments and support should a future Government decide to proceed with such an option. I shall return to that Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): I must shortly. draw the House’s attention to the fact that financial privilege is involved in Lords amendment 7. If the These are all Government amendments, which were House agrees it, I will cause an appropriate entry to be made following detailed consideration of the Bill both made in the Journal. in this House and in the Lords. Although they deal with different parts of the Bill, they have a common theme: they either provide Parliament with further information Clause 33 relating to the implementation of defence policy, or strengthen parliamentary oversight of future legislation. That, I think, is right, and it reflects the Government’s AMOUNT OF PENALTY commitment to ensuring that Parliament has a greater role in the scrutiny of the Executive. The amendments 4.43 pm demonstrate that we have listened to the concerns that were raised about issues covered by the Bill, particularly The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence in the other place, and that we have responded accordingly. (Mr Philip Dunne): I beg to move, That this House agrees with Lords amendment 1. Lords amendment 6 fulfils a commitment given on Report in this House, on 20 November, to make it a Madam Deputy Speaker: With this it will be convenient statutory requirement to report annually on the state of to consider the following: the reserve forces, while Lords amendment 7 reflects the debate in the other place about parliamentary involvement Lords amendments 2 to 6. in any future decision to proceed with a GoCo proposal Lords amendment 7, and amendment (a) thereto. requiring the provisions in part 1 of the Bill. The amendments will strengthen the parliamentary oversight Mr Dunne: Before we proceed with the debate on the of future defence plans, and I hope that they will be Lords amendments and with your agreement, Madam widely welcomed. Deputy Speaker, I am sure that the House will wish to Lords amendments 1 to 5 relate to part 2, which join me in paying tribute to Captain Thomas Clarke, concerns single-source procurement. They were made Army Air Corps; Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Chauhan in response to the Delegated Powers and Regulatory of Joint Helicopter Command, RAF Odiham; Acting Reform Committee’s report on the Bill, which was Warrant Officer Class 2 Spencer Faulkner, Army Air published on 20 December last year. I am grateful to the Corps; Corporal James Walters, Army Air Corps; and Committee for its report, and for the excellent work Lance Corporal Oliver Thomas, Intelligence Corps, a that it does in ensuring that any proposed delegated reservist who worked for one of my hon. Friends in this powers are appropriate. House. They were killed while on operations in Afghanistan on Saturday 26 April. This appears to be a tragic The Committee recommended that the first set of accident during a routine sortie in Kandahar Province. single-source contract regulations should be debated Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the and agreed by Parliament. It also recommended that families and colleagues of those who lost their lives. The certain of the regulations—namely those relating to the incident is the subject of a thorough investigation to definition of a qualifying defence contract and to the find out exactly what happened. The House will understand penalty amounts applied under clause 32 of the Bill—should that I am unable to say anything further at this time, always be subject to the affirmative procedure. Those pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation into recommendations are reflected in Lords amendment 5, the incident. and Lords amendments 1, 2, 3 and 4 make the necessary consequential changes that arise from that amendment. 4.45 pm Lords amendment 6 would require reserve associations to report annually to the Secretary of State on the Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): I cannot let the condition of the volunteer reserve forces, and for their Minister’s comments pass without welcoming them and reports to be laid before Parliament. The reports would thanking him for them, and, in particular, expressing include the associations’ assessment both of the capabilities the sympathy of the Liberal Democrat parliamentary of the reserve forces, and of the provision made in party and its researchers and staff following the loss of relation to the mental welfare of their members and their friend, who displayed great courage and died in former members. The amendment delivers on the the service of his country. commitment given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on Report in this House last November. Members Mr Dunne: I appreciate and reciprocate that sentiment. will recall that we had a substantial debate at that stage, Let me now deal with the Lords amendments. They initiated by my hon. Friend the Member for Canterbury deal with all three elements of a Bill that introduces a (Mr Brazier)—it is good to see him in the Chamber—about new and significantly stronger regime for the management the state of our reserve forces, and the need to report of single-source contracts, and makes important legislative regularly to Parliament on the issue. The amendment changes that will enable us to modernise and make enshrines in law the requirement to produce such a better use of our reserve forces. There is a great deal of report. support for those measures in all parts of the House, as Members may be interested to know that on 10 April was evident when we discussed all its previous stages I had the privilege of attending the West Midlands here. The Bill also includes the measures that are needed Reserve Forces and Cadets Association annual dinner. 777 Defence Reform Bill29 APRIL 2014 Defence Reform Bill 778

[Mr Dunne] future Government. Amendment 7 already places a statutory requirement on a future Government to produce Their knowledge and enthusiasm for the reserves was a report and sets out what that report must contain—and palpable and I am glad we will have such expertise it is most likely to take the form of a White Paper. To reporting to the Secretary of State on an annual basis as place such an obligation on a future Government is a result of this amendment. itself unusual, and we are aware of no other examples At the dinner, Defence’s most senior reservist, Major where a commencement order has such requirements General John Crackett, spoke eloquently and persuasively attached to it. As such, it represents a major concession of the reservists’ contribution to our nation’s defence in by the Government and demonstrates that we have the past century and the importance this Government listened carefully to the concerns expressed in the House have attached to revitalising and expanding the reserves of Lords. during this century. We have therefore already gone a significant way Last weekend’s helicopter crash, which unfortunately towards ensuring that Parliament has detailed information I have already had to refer to today, underscores the fact to enable it to consider these matters, and there is no that, tragically, 31 reservists have paid the ultimate price need to go further. Although I would expect any such in the service of their country since 2003. report to be published in good time to enable Parliament to debate whether part 1 should be commenced, it is Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): I impossible at this point to predict the exact circumstances thank the Minister for paying tribute to the five men in which a decision to proceed with a GoCo might be who were lost in the tragic helicopter accident over the made. Of course, if Opposition Members were to find weekend, in particular Lance Corporal Oliver Thomas themselves in government in the future—that is most who used to work for me. He is a fine example of the unlikely in the immediate future—they could publish very talented young people we have in our reserves and the report whenever they wish, but I think it is a step the contribution they make to the British armed forces. too far to put a legal time limit on the production of such a report; I simply do not think it is the sort of Mr Dunne: I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman has thing we should be setting out in legislation. joined us. Unfortunately, he missed my tribute to Lance No doubt the hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor Corporal Thomas. I pass my sympathies to him and his View will argue that without such a time limit a future colleagues, and his family and friends, on this tragic Government might try to rush through proceeding with loss. a GoCo—that, of course, will be up to her if she is in Lords amendment 7 will provide Parliament with this post in a future Government—but that fails to take information on the options for reforming Defence into account the reality of how these decisions are made Equipment and Support before any order commencing or indeed the recent history of the time it took to go part 1 of the Bill can be made. As Members will recall, through the commercial process in looking for a GoCo part 1 provides the legislation needed to enable any solution. The need for a robust commercial process will GoCo solution for reform of DE&S to work effectively. mean that any such decision will not be taken quickly This option is not being pursued at present, and will not and that there will be announcements and discussions be taken forward in the near future, but we think it right at each stage along the way. that the necessary legislation remains on the statute The last competition, for example, took nearly nine book in case a future Government, of whatever colour, months from the issue of the contract notice in April 2013 decide to go down that route. until the receipt of detailed bids in November last year. This amendment follows a substantial debate in the That helps to convince me that Parliament will have other place about the level of parliamentary oversight ample opportunity to consider and debate any proposals required before any future Government could proceed to move to a GoCo well in advance of any order with a GoCo for DE&S that would require the provisions commencing part 1 and we should not be placing arbitrary in part 1. As a result of that debate, Lords amendment 7 time limits into statute just for the sake of it. Placing would require the Secretary of State to publish a report such a time constraint in the Bill may add to uncertainty on the options for carrying out the defence procurement around the commercial process. The Government activity being undertaken by DE&S before laying the will therefore be resisting the amendment to Lords draft affirmative order commencing part 1. The report amendment 7. would need to cover any arrangements for a GoCo and any other options that had been considered, including the option of the new DE&S that is currently being put Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): So in place. This information will ensure that Parliament is the Minister guaranteeing the House some minimum can have an informed debate on the reform of DE&S time for discussion in these circumstances? Is he able to before agreeing to bring part 1 into force. say that there will absolutely be a certain minimum time? The amendment to Lords amendment 7, tabled by the hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor View (Alison Seabeck) —with whom I had the pleasure of serving on the Mr Dunne: What I am guaranteeing is that a report Committee and who conducted herself with considerable will be presented to the House before the commencement distinction—would make it a requirement for a future of part 1 comes before the House in an affirmative Government to produce the report on the options for resolution. It will be up to the Government of the day reforming DE&S at least 12 weeks before any order to decide at what point to publish that report and commencing part 1 is laid before Parliament. While on therefore what interval to leave between publication and the surface this amendment might seem reasonable, I moving an affirmative resolution in this House. What I think it is unnecessary and would unduly constrain a am not guaranteeing is the duration of that interval. 779 Defence Reform Bill29 APRIL 2014 Defence Reform Bill 780

These Lords amendments will make a good Bill proposed new clause does not go as far as the amendment better. They show that the Government have listened to tabled on Report by the hon. Member for Basildon and the concerns raised during the Bill’s passage through Billericay (Mr Baron), who is sadly not in his place both Houses. The changes to the Bill covered by the today, which was supported by Opposition Members Lords amendments will ensure that Parliament has the and called for a report on the viability and cost-effectiveness information it needs on these important aspects of our of the reserve reforms, we welcome it as a step forward defence. I therefore ask hon. Members to agree to Lords as well as the principle of increased statutory reporting amendments 1 to 7 and to reject the Opposition amendment on the implementation of the reserve reforms. to Lords amendment 7. We must however be wise to the fact that there are ongoing concerns. General Sir Peter Wall, Chief of the Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): Labour General Staff, was candid in his description of the Members associate ourselves with the condolences offered driving force behind the Army 2020 plan when he gave to the family and friends of the five servicemen lost so evidence to the Select Committee on Defence during its very tragically while serving their country. Their loss is inquiry “Future Army 2020”. He said: deeply felt, particularly by their colleagues and close “I remember the genesis very clearly. It was a financially driven friends here in this place, and we acknowledge that loss. plan. We had to design a new structure that included the run-down Let me start by discussing the proposals to part 2 of of the 102,000 Regular Army to 82,000, which is pretty well the Bill. The Minister has talked about Lords amendments advanced now, to follow a funding line that was driven by the 1 to 5 to clauses 33, 39 and 42, which deal with the austerity with which everybody is very familiar...It triggered the single source procurement contracts. Labour Members complete redesign of the Army.” welcome the amendments in principle, because they Will the Minister say on what strategic basis, if any, the take forward the recommendations of the Delegated Government arrived at their figure of 82,000 regulars Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee, and because and 30,000 reservists? they make sensible changes to simplify this legislation. The new clause also provides for an assessment of the It does indeed make sense to use one statutory instrument provision made for the mental welfare of members and for all the regulations under part 2, as Lords amendment former members of the volunteer reserve forces. We 1 achieves, along with the accompanying amendments—the have heard a salutary reminder of the risks taken by technical changes that follow. Baroness Jolly in the reservists and by our servicemen and women in general, other place explained the logic behind these amendments, but reservists also suffer disproportionately from mental which allow all the regulations under part 2 to be made health issues as a result of their service. Members of the in one statutory instrument; there is also provision for Territorial Army are twice as likely to suffer from the maximum penalties to be made under the single post-traumatic stress disorder as regular soldiers, because source contract regulations, rather than in separate they lack the equivalent long-term support structures. I regulations. know that things are getting a lot better and that lessons My colleague Lord Tunnicliffe, who did sterling work have been learned, but they lack the support that can in the other place speaking on behalf of the Opposition, often be offered by a regiment, a ship or a squadron. We said he needed to see the proposal in writing before welcome the further provisions better to assess the deciding whether there might be a problem. Having mental welfare of the reserves and will support the seen it in writing, Labour takes the view that these are amendment. largely technical amendments to which we have no We know come to the groundhog day part of today’s objections. However, there are some concerns about the business: Lords amendment 7. The amendment is to the way in which impact assessments are being carried out part of the Bill that “never was, or is ever likely to be”, by Departments on new regulations. The recent Regulatory which was all about setting up a Government-controlled Policy Committee report, published last month, on the contractor-operated model, which, of course, fell apart improvement of the evidence base for regulation suggested when it became impossible to keep two bidders in the some serious weaknesses in the way in which Departments process. That pretty much happened the day before we were estimating the impact of new regulations. Indeed, started to discuss the issue in Committee. I should point only 75% of the first-time impact assessment submissions out that there will not be any consideration of moving were fit for purpose, down from 81% in 2012. Will the to a GoCo at this stage. As the Minister said, that might Minister confirm that the proposed change has been well happen after a general election. Obviously, we do given the green light and whether there are likely to be not know the political complexion of the next or any any problems for that Committee? Lords amendment 5 future Government, so it is a mystery why the Government addresses two more recommendations of the DPRRC. should resist the Opposition amendment. However, the As the Minister stated, it is purely technical and we have Minister has made himself very clear. no problems with it at all. The Opposition support the I suspect that the decision to continue with part 1 of work done by the DPRRC and on all sides of the House the Bill was more about saving face for the Government of Lords and we welcome that group of amendments. after they had ploughed on regardless and maintained this element of the Bill, partly just in case the model 5pm being worked through by Defence Equipment and Support, Amendment 6 to part 3 introduces a new clause that which is up and running, does not work. It is a fall-back will add a section, as we have heard, to the Reserve position, in which industry and others have little confidence. Forces Act 1996 requiring an annual report to set out It seems appropriate when discussing an amendment an assessment of the capabilities of the volunteer reserve that relates to the potential for major changes in DE&S forces. The report will have regard to the duties that to point out that, despite the launch of the new DE&S may be imposed on members of those forces, including model this month, defence procurement is still in a mobilised service under a call-out order. Although the mess. The lack of understanding between the potential 781 Defence Reform Bill29 APRIL 2014 Defence Reform Bill 782 bidders and the MOD means that the new system may No Government of whatever complexion should ever well not deliver value for money for the taxpayer. That be afraid of strong scrutiny—it makes for better and view certainly still pertains in the media. It would be more transparent government, which the public demand. helpful if the Minister put on record exactly why he If we ignore that, we further damage the reputation of remains convinced that the model will work, not least this place. I am therefore disappointed that the Minister because it is loosely based on a model that the Labour feels unable to include that in the Bill. party put forward in 2011. Bill Thomas and Tony Roulstone suggested it in a report that they produced Mr Dunne: I am intrigued by the selective amnesia for us. from which the hon. Lady appears to be suffering. Does There are issues about wholesale outsourcing. We she recall the passage of the Companies Bill under the therefore think that injecting essential expertise into previous Government, as no fewer than 250 amendments identified key areas is an interesting option alongside were proposed for consideration by the House in the some changes to support better the development of final two minutes of debate? existing skills in DE&S. Those skills are undoubtedly present in the civil service, but we need to avoid the Alison Seabeck: The Minister is quite right to make constant moves that have been happening and encourage that point. It is deeply frustrating for Back Benchers a greater understanding that actions have consequences, and for the public to see legislation being rushed through and that responsibility has to be taken for the commercial Parliament. There are lessons that Members on both decisions that are made. We support measures and sides of the House can learn— flexibilities that allow the Department to retain and recruit the best delivery leaders. Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): You are as bad as The Government have listened to some of the concerns each other. that were raised in Committee and in the other place. Lord Rosser welcomed the Government’s move from Alison Seabeck: We can learn the lessons without their previous position, which was for an affirmative hectoring from colleagues from Scotland. Full and public order without any of the associated requirements for debate, and full and open scrutiny, are a sign of strong which a case had been made. We are therefore glad that government, and it is something that we should all try the Government have tabled the amendment, as it at to achieve in the House. least ensures that a report—indeed, possibly a White My noble Friend Lord Rosser said: Paper and an impact assessment—will be laid before “If a future Government adopt the same approach” the House comparing the current model with a proposed future model for defence procurement, aka a GoCo, and seek to run Defence Procurement via a GoCo and allowing parliamentary scrutiny. We know that the “the report on the effectiveness of the new DE&S-plus-plus financial effects are minimal in terms of the preparation organisation will be crucial, as will be the objectivity of that of the report, although there is no mention of any future Government’s assessment of DE&S-plus-plus”— additional cost of any consultation that may follow. I as it was referred to in the House of Lords— am sure that the Minister has considered that. “and their case for believing that the GOCO option would be Without the amendment, the Government could have more successful.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 2 April introduced a GoCo in future with absolutely no public 2014; Vol. 753, c. 966.] scrutiny. The Opposition felt that that would be highly The report for which this amendment provides will inappropriate, considering the catastrophic failure of ensure that we can have real oversight as to the effectiveness the tendering process the last time the Government of the new-look DE&S. However, as I have said, it still tried to move DE&S to this model and the continuing falls a bit short of what we would like. We are being issues relating to the potential for conflicts of interest asked to allow a measure to proceed that has been and risks to intellectual property, which were the subject fraught with difficulty, at considerable cost to the taxpayer. of debate in Committee. They are still bubbling. According to the Minister, in a written answer to me on The Opposition argued in the other place for a super- 18 December 2013, in running the tendering process the affirmative procedure involving an independent examination Government had of a future Government’s case for a GoCo and for a “spent £7.4 million supporting the work on the GoCo option”— report on that independent review by the House of [Official Report, 18 December 2013; Vol. 572, c. 636W.] Commons Defence Committee before Parliament made However, according to a parliamentary answer on a decision on the affirmative order. That did not find 11 February 2014 to a question from my hon. Friend favour with the Government, but the amendment has the Member for North Durham (Mr Jones), the total moved the debate forward, and we appreciate that. for the concept and assessment phase was almost However, the amendment does not set a time scale for £29 million. What is the final total, and has the Minister scrutinising the report. We would like 12 weeks, as a assessed the costs of running a similar exercise if a reasonable period. Lord Astor of Hever was not dismissive future Government opted to go down the GoCo route? of the need for a clear time scale when it was raised and The Opposition very much hope that the changes that is partly why we are pursuing this further today. that have been made—sadly, many of them are still not The Opposition feel that the Government have on too in the public domain—will make a difference, bolstering many occasions sought to rush through consultations those areas within DE& S that need additional expertise and scrutiny, and run them over a public holiday, and or which have been hollowed out by changes to the that that practice is not good enough and does not overall size of the civil service. As we are discussing this allow full and proper public scrutiny. A recent example part of the Bill, will the Minister kindly explain why, as involves the Land Registry, whereby a very restricted of yesterday evening, the corporate plan and framework time scale was allowed. document for DE&S were not in the Library or on the 783 Defence Reform Bill29 APRIL 2014 Defence Reform Bill 784

Ministry of Defence website? In a written answer to the Alison Seabeck: The hon. Gentleman mentioned the hon. Member for Mid Worcestershire (Sir Peter Luff), a concessions from the Treasury, but without the detail of former Defence Minister, and to me on 7 April, an the corporate plan, which is yet to be laid in the Library, assurance was given that that would happen. Certainly, we do not know exactly what those flexibilities are. in discussing the need for openness and for the full and proper scrutiny of the proposed measures, as well as consideration of the Lords amendments, having sight Mr Brazier: We do not have the detail, but we do of this document would be helpful. know that there is now more flexibility on people and in other crucial areas, such as the annuality of budgets, It was noted in the other place that a future Government, which are extremely important for running an operation having made up their mind that they wanted to go down such as procurement. the GoCo route, might be tempted to try to rush through the affirmative order. That was acknowledged I want to leave one thought on procurement. Some by the Minister as a potential problem. Lord Rosser 25, 26 or 27 years ago, when working as a management pointed out: consultant, I was privileged to take part in a study “I cannot help but recall that this Government, in declining to comparing the procurement methods of seven different withdraw Part 1, argued that there might in future be a need to countries. Our procurers in the then procurement bring in the GOCO option with a minimum of delay—an odd executive—it has changed its name several times since—were argument, bearing in mind that the Government themselves had at least as good as the average and arguably better. The just had to delay their intentions on the GOCO option by at least majority of the problems in the system fell into one of two or three years, but nevertheless an indication of a Government’s two categories. Either the customer within MOD changed thinking that they might seek to make the change as quickly as its mind or was unclear about its needs, or things were possible at the possible expense of proper scrutiny.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 2 April 2014; Vol. 753, c. 966-67.] laid down from outside, some of which appear to be being addressed. As a result of the unsuccessful attempt That was enough to cause Opposition Members concern. to create a GoCo, we have ended up with a better Any decision that could have such a major impact on outcome than we would otherwise have had. the safety and performance of our heroic servicemen and women must be subject to the necessary scrutiny, I support all the Government’s amendments and I am and Parliament should be allowed time to undertake pleased that the hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor that scrutiny. We also have at the back of our mind View is with them, too, although she has indicated one debates about conflicts of interest, intellectual property area in which she would like to go further. protection and so on, which will need, should a new I of course knew when my right hon. Friend the proposal be introduced, to be addressed properly and Secretary of State made his pledge on the reserves that transparently. A rushed scrutiny period would be it would be honoured. However, not only has it been unsatisfactory and it would not inspire public confidence. honoured exactly, but the Government’s wording of the In conclusion, I am concerned that simply expecting clause is better than I originally proposed and has been the DE&S-plus proposition to become match-fit as a well thought through. They particularly thought through public sector comparator for future market testing of the complicated federal nature of the reserve forces and the GoCo is hardly a vote of confidence in the hard-working cadets associations. The clause deals neatly with a problem, staff of that organisation or, indeed, of those businesses which I hope will never occur again but happened some that have been encouraged to tender to become strategic 15 or 16 years ago, when the centre got out of touch partners, which is why stronger scrutiny would help. with its regional branches. Leaving the real power with The Minister mentioned significant concessions, but he the regional branches, which are elected, covers that also referred to an uncertain future. The measure, as it issue nicely. Parliament will get a good report whatever stands, could do with a little more certainty and scrutiny. happens. I am grateful to the Government for agreeing Sadly, he has failed to persuade us that our amendment to the proposal and to the Members on both sides of is unnecessary, so we will be pressing it to a vote. the House who supported the original measure. 5.15 pm I end by saying—I hope that you will indulge in me in this, Madam Deputy Speaker, because, strictly, it is Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): I join my hon. beyond the amendment—that when we originally debated Friend the Minister and the hon. Member for Plymouth, the matter in the House, there was great concern about Moor View (Alison Seabeck) in their tribute to the five recruiting for the reserves. I expressed the view that it young men who lost their lives and in expressing thoughts had been seriously mishandled under the new assimilated and prayers for their families and loved ones. Our structure controlled by the Regular Army. I also expressed colleague, my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and confidence in Major General Chris Tickell, who had Radnorshire (Roger Williams), has lost a researcher, taken over. who served with 3 Military Intelligence, with which several House of Commons researchers are also associated. Since then, things have moved a long way. My local TA infantry battalion got as many soldiers in January The House will be relieved to hear that I will be brief. and February as it did in the previous 10 months. That I congratulate the Minister on the quiet and typically is still only two thirds of what it needs if it is to grow, modest way in which he has taken the Bill through rather than just tread water, but it is a huge step Parliament, listening at every stage. I will not say much forward. Today it has eight young officers under the age about procurement except that I feel oddly comfortable of 30, whereas a couple of years ago it had only two or with the outcome. I expressed several concerns throughout three. the Bill’s passage about the possibility of going as far as a GoCo, but we would not have obtained concessions I firmly believe that things will move in the right from the Treasury and the wider civil service had the direction, but I think that the steady hand on the tiller MOD not tried it. of this annual report from the RFCAs, which really do 785 Defence Reform Bill29 APRIL 2014 Defence Reform Bill 786

[Mr Brazier] the formula we have come up with, whereby the different options will be re-examined at the time any such proposal get it, will play a profound role, and I am grateful to the comes forward, is a good one. We would not normally Government for giving way on that. I support all the insert another 12-week time scale into legislation of this Lords amendments. kind, so I am not sure that that is absolutely necessary, but I appreciate the spirit in which the amendment was Martin Horwood: It is a pleasure to follow the hon. moved. Member for Canterbury (Mr Brazier), who displays I think that the Lords amendments have made a good great knowledge of these issues. I am sure that the Bill even better. I join the consensus on both sides of the friends and family of Oli Thomas will very much appreciate House in this good-natured debate by saying that this is the comments that have been made across the House, as the right Bill to bring forward at this time. I am sure will my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams). He would have been Mr Dunne: With the leave of the House, I shall make here at the beginning of the debate to respond to the a few closing remarks. I know it is not conventional to Minister’s comments had the expected times for votes do so, but I have been challenged in customary fashion not changed rather suddenly. I hope that people will by the hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor View (Alison understand that. I am sure that all Members across the Seabeck) with a number of questions, and it is right that House would wish to express their sympathy to the we put some answers on the record. friends and family of all the servicemen who lost their lives in that terrible accident. The first question that the hon. Lady posed was a technical one about whether the framework of part 2 I welcome the Lords amendments, which I think had been approved by the RPC. We approached the strengthen Parliament’s role in scrutinising the Better Regulation Executive in the Department for Business, implementation of defence policy, which is very important. Innovation and Skills, which confirmed that in its view I know that several of my noble Friends had concerns part 2 did not constitute regulations of the type that about the process of building up the new reserve force ought to be considered by the RPC or the reducing and about the technicalities of the GoCo idea. It is very regulations committee. We therefore did not do so. welcome that the Government have been open-minded enough to bring forward their own amendments to The hon. Lady also asked whether in the strategic reflect those concerns and increase parliamentary scrutiny. defence review in 2010 there was some strategic basis for arriving at the force composition of regulars and On the volunteer forces, we have an ambitious plan to reservists. As she will know, I was not in post at that change the whole chemistry and make-up of our armed time, so I cannot give her my personal recollection of forces. I think that will leave us with armed forces that those discussions. It is undoubtedly the case that the are more flexible, more light-footed and more cost-effective, fiscal situation that not only the country faced but our and in a time of genuine austerity that must be borne in Department inherited—the £38 billion black hole in mind. On the concerns that have been expressed on unfunded commitments—played a part in determining both sides of the House about exactly how well that will dispositions, but the main drivers of the force composition work, whether it is too ambitious and whether it will at were set out at the time of the SDSR—namely, the some stage pose unexpected challenges, I think that it is unpredictable strategic environment and the need for an right to have this extra level of parliamentary scrutiny agile and adaptable force structure. The force structure over the process, so Lords amendment 6 is extremely that we ended up with, we believe, will enable us to meet welcome. the unpredictable strategic environment in future. It Lords amendment 7, which relates to the GoCo, now also moves UK armed forces closer to the force structures seems slightly academic, given that we are unlikely to in place among many of our closest allies, so we do not see any proposals for a GoCo in the near future. However, think it is out of line with our main partners and allies. were such a proposal to come forward at some point, I The hon. Lady touched on reserves and the status of think that it is important to have the safeguards in place reserve recruiting, which was mentioned by my hon. to ensure not only that a draft statutory instrument is Friend the Member for Canterbury (Mr Brazier). I laid before the House before the actual order is laid, but thank him for the anecdote he gave us about the growing that we have the report beforehand on alternative options youthfulness of officers and the growing numbers of and impact assessments for each one. recruits that he referred to. I am not in a position to give In tabling amendment (a), the hon. Member for the House detailed figures at this point, but applications Plymouth, Moor View (Alison Seabeck) is perhaps are running significantly higher than average applications trying to gild the lily. I think that she is trying to conjure in months last year, which is an encouraging sign. We some mild controversy out of what is now a consensus are making good progress in increasing the conversion on the issue. She said that she had remaining concerns rate from applicants to trainees. That is also an encouraging about wholesale outsourcing, but of course that is only sign. I would not like to give the House the impression about the outsourcing of outside supplies, so it does not that we do not recognise that we have a considerable really change anything in that respect. It is only about way to move in raising both the number of applicants whether in future that outsourcing is managed directly and that conversion rate. by a Government agency or by a more independent and commercially orientated organisation. Mr Ainsworth: There is no doubt that there has been Many of us have expressed doubts about that idea. I an improvement, but what the Minister and the House expressed doubts on Second Reading about whether we must do, as the hon. Member for Canterbury (Mr Brazier) should have yet another tier of decision making in said, is keep on top of it. There is institutional resistance between the armed forces and the actual decision-making to that change and we must recognise that. If we want it process and the eventual supplies. However, I think that to work, we have to be prepared to drive it. 787 Defence Reform Bill29 APRIL 2014 Defence Reform Bill 788

Mr Dunne: I am grateful, Madam Deputy Speaker, the materiel strategy as a whole. That is why there is a for your indulgence not only of me, but of the right difference between the £7.4 million figure and the hon. Gentleman, the former Defence Secretary, for £28.9 million figure that we gave to the hon. Member making that point. It gives me the opportunity to say for North Durham (Mr Jones) in response to a question. that there is a clear determination from the Secretary of We have had a good debate this afternoon. It has State downwards to bear down on the issue within the been good natured— Department. My colleague responsible for personnel, the Under-Secretary of State for Defence, my hon. Alison Seabeck: I thank the Minister, who has been Friend the Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry), is helpful and charming throughout this whole process. I having weekly meetings with the officials who are wonder whether he will indulge me in putting on record responsible within the Department and there is a clear my thanks to the Officers of the House and to all the determination throughout the ranks, in particular the Members who have contributed to this debate. I am Army, to ensure from the very senior levels down that sure that he is about to do the same. there is a major focus on getting the institutional and behavioural change that the right hon. Gentleman talks Mr Dunne: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for about. indulging so many Members of the House in an opportunity We are doing some practical things to try to improve to use time that is rarely available to us to pass such recruitment. For example, the bounty for regulars going niceties and congratulations across the Chamber. Yes, into the reserves has been doubled relatively recently. the hon. Lady’s remarks are absolutely reciprocated. We We have also introduced a bounty for completion of have had good support from the Officers of the House phase 1 training and a subsequent bounty for completion and from Members of the House throughout the of phase 2 training to encourage applicants who start Committee stage and all stages of the Bill. We have also the training process to see it through and to have better had considerable support in the other place, where there results at the end of the process. was a great deal of interest not only from the former Chiefs of Staff who sit there but from many other Mr Brazier: I strongly endorse the remarks of the Members on both sides of the House. I thank the hon. right hon. Member for Coventry North East Lady for her contribution. I also thank the hon. Member (Mr Ainsworth), who understands these matters so for North Durham, who aided and abetted her throughout well. the Committee stage. I place on record my thanks to my Of the two measures that the Minister has mentioned, colleague, Lord Astor of Hever, who took the Bill I particularly welcome the second one. On the first, it through the other place in his customary exemplary seems to many in the reserves that the transfer rate is style. excessively generous. The fact that the other two services This is an important Bill that will help transform the have chosen not to adopt it, although they both seem to way in which we procure equipment for our armed be doing well in this regard—the Navy has a particularly forces and the way in which we use our reserves. I am good record in getting ex-regulars to join, especially as pleased that it will now proceed to Royal Assent. pilots and in other key skill areas—suggests that it Lords amendment agreed to. should perhaps be a temporary measure. Lords amendments 2 to 6 agreed to.

5.30 pm Clause 49 Mr Dunne: It is not for me to determine what may happen in future in an area of the Department for COMMENCEMENT which I am not responsible. My hon. Friend needs to Amendment (a) proposed to Lords amendment 7.— recognise that the cost of training and bringing a new (Alison Seabeck.) entrant into the Army Reserve is considerably higher Question put, That the amendment be made. than the cost of an already-trained regular transferring, where the cost is, in essence, negligible. The rationale for The House divided: Ayes 220, Noes 285. providing an additional bounty for the regular is that Division No. 256] [5.34 pm the cost is equivalent to what we are paying to train up a raw recruit into the reserves. AYES The hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor View asked Abrahams, Debbie Benton, Mr Joe where the corporate plan and the framework documents Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Berger, Luciana stand in relation to DE&S-plus. I am pleased to be able Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Betts, Mr Clive to inform her and the House that we will be placing Alexander, Heidi Blears, rh Hazel those in the Library and publishing them shortly. Ali, Rushanara Blenkinsop, Tom Allen, Mr Graham Blomfield, Paul The hon. Lady asked about the costs of the exercise. I Ashworth, Jonathan Blunkett, rh Mr David think she was trying to get me to predict the future cost Austin, Ian Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben of a subsequent GoCo exercise. I like to think of myself Bailey, Mr Adrian Brennan, Kevin as a clairvoyant in some areas, but I cannot possibly Bain, Mr William Brown, Lyn determine what the rates of consultant advice might be Balls, rh Ed Brown, rh Mr Nicholas at some indeterminate point in the future, so that was a Banks, Gordon Brown, Mr Russell question incapable of an answer. She asked specifically Barron, rh Kevin Bryant, Chris about the costs that we incurred on the previous exercise. Beckett, rh Margaret Burden, Richard I gently point out to her that the answer I gave on the Begg, Dame Anne Burnham, rh Andy cost of the GoCo element was a subset of the cost of Benn, rh Hilary Byrne, rh Mr Liam 789 Defence Reform Bill29 APRIL 2014 Defence Reform Bill 790

Campbell, rh Mr Alan Hoey, Kate Reynolds, Jonathan Stuart, Ms Gisela Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hood, Mr Jim Robertson, Angus Tami, Mark Caton, Martin Hopkins, Kelvin Robertson, John Thomas, Mr Gareth Champion, Sarah Howarth, rh Mr George Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Thornberry, Emily Chapman, Jenny Hunt, Tristram Roy, Mr Frank Timms, rh Stephen Clark, Katy Irranca-Davies, Huw Roy, Lindsay Trickett, Jon Clarke, rh Mr Tom James, Mrs Siân C. Ruane, Chris Twigg, Stephen Clwyd, rh Ann Jamieson, Cathy Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Vaz, rh Keith Coaker, Vernon Jarvis, Dan Sarwar, Anas Walley, Joan Connarty, Michael Johnson, rh Alan Sawford, Andy Watts, Mr Dave Cooper, Rosie Johnson, Diana Seabeck, Alison Weir, Mr Mike Cooper, rh Yvette Jones, Graham Shannon, Jim Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Creagh, Mary Jones, Helen Sharma, Mr Virendra Whitehead, Dr Alan Creasy, Stella Jones, Mr Kevan Sheridan, Jim Williams, Hywel Cryer, John Jowell, rh Dame Tessa Shuker, Gavin Williamson, Chris Cunningham, Alex Kane, Mike Simpson, David Wilson, Phil Cunningham, Mr Jim Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Skinner, Mr Dennis Winnick, Mr David Cunningham, Sir Tony Kendall, Liz Slaughter, Mr Andy Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Curran, Margaret Khan, rh Sadiq Smith, Angela Woodcock, John Dakin, Nic Lammy, rh Mr David Smith, Nick Wright, David Danczuk, Simon Lavery, Ian Smith, Owen Wright, Mr Iain David, Wayne Lazarowicz, Mark Spellar, rh Mr John Tellers for the Ayes: Davidson, Mr Ian Leslie, Chris Straw, rh Mr Jack Susan Elan Jones and Davies, Geraint Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Stringer, Graham Karl Turner De Piero, Gloria Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Denham, rh Mr John Love, Mr Andrew Dobbin, Jim Lucas, Caroline NOES Docherty, Thomas Lucas, Ian Afriyie, Adam Clark, rh Greg Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Aldous, Peter Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Doran, Mr Frank Mactaggart, Fiona Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Doughty, Stephen Malhotra, Seema Bacon, Mr Richard Collins, Damian Dowd, Jim Mann, John Baker, Norman Colvile, Oliver Doyle, Gemma Marsden, Mr Gordon Baker, Steve Crabb, Stephen Dromey, Jack McCann, Mr Michael Barclay, Stephen Crockart, Mike Dugher, Michael McCarthy, Kerry Bebb, Guto Crouch, Tracey Durkan, Mark McClymont, Gregg Beith, rh Sir Alan Davies, David T. C. Eagle, Maria McDonald, Andy Bellingham, Mr Henry (Monmouth) Edwards, Jonathan McDonnell, John Beresford, Sir Paul Davies, Glyn Efford, Clive McFadden, rh Mr Pat Berry, Jake Davies, Philip Elliott, Julie McGovern, Alison Bingham, Andrew Davis, rh Mr David Ellman, Mrs Louise McGovern, Jim Binley, Mr Brian de Bois, Nick Engel, Natascha McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Blackman, Bob Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Esterson, Bill McKechin, Ann Blackwood, Nicola Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Evans, Chris McKenzie, Mr Iain Blunt, Crispin Doyle-Price, Jackie Farrelly, Paul McKinnell, Catherine Boles, Nick Dunne, Mr Philip Field, rh Mr Frank Meacher, rh Mr Michael Bone, Mr Peter Ellis, Michael Fitzpatrick, Jim Meale, Sir Alan Bradley, Karen Ellison, Jane Flello, Robert Mearns, Ian Brake, rh Tom Ellwood, Mr Tobias Flint, rh Caroline Miller, Andrew Bray, Angie Elphicke, Charlie Flynn, Paul Moon, Mrs Madeleine Brazier, Mr Julian Eustice, George Fovargue, Yvonne Morden, Jessica Bridgen, Andrew Evans, Graham Francis, Dr Hywel Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Brine, Steve Evans, Jonathan Gardiner, Barry Morris, Grahame M. Brokenshire, James Evans, Mr Nigel Gilmore, Sheila (Easington) Brooke, Annette Evennett, Mr David Glass, Pat Munn, Meg Browne, Mr Jeremy Fabricant, Michael Glindon, Mrs Mary Murphy, rh Mr Jim Bruce, Fiona Fallon, rh Michael Goodman, Helen Murphy, rh Paul Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Featherstone, Lynne Greatrex, Tom Murray, Ian Buckland, Mr Robert Field, Mark Green, Kate Nandy, Lisa Burley, Mr Aidan Foster, rh Mr Don Greenwood, Lilian Nash, Pamela Burns, Conor Fox,rhDrLiam Griffith, Nia O’Donnell, Fiona Burns, rh Mr Simon Francois, rh Mr Mark Hain, rh Mr Peter Osborne, Sandra Burrowes, Mr David Freeman, George Hamilton, Mr David Pearce, Teresa Burt, rh Alistair Freer, Mike Hamilton, Fabian Perkins, Toby Burt, Lorely Fullbrook, Lorraine Harris, Mr Tom Phillipson, Bridget Cable, rh Vince Fuller, Richard Havard, Mr Dai Pound, Stephen Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Gale, Sir Roger Healey, rh John Powell, Lucy Carmichael, Neil Garnier, Sir Edward Hendrick, Mark Qureshi, Yasmin Carswell, Mr Douglas Gauke, Mr David Heyes, David Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Cash, Mr William George, Andrew Hillier, Meg Reed, Mr Steve Chishti, Rehman Gibb, Mr Nick Hilling, Julie Reeves, Rachel Chope, Mr Christopher Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Reynolds, Emma Clappison, Mr James Glen, John 791 Defence Reform Bill29 APRIL 2014 Defence Reform Bill 792

Goldsmith, Zac Lloyd, Stephen Rutley, David Tyrie, Mr Andrew Goodwill, Mr Robert Lopresti, Jack Sanders, Mr Adrian Uppal, Paul Graham, Richard Loughton, Tim Sandys, Laura Vaizey, Mr Edward Grant, Mrs Helen Luff, Sir Peter Scott, Mr Lee Vara, Mr Shailesh Gray, Mr James Macleod, Mary Selous, Andrew Vickers, Martin Green, rh Damian Maynard, Paul Shapps, rh Grant Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Gummer, Ben McCartney, Jason Sharma, Alok Walker, Mr Charles Gyimah, Mr Sam McCartney, Karl Shelbrooke, Alec Walker, Mr Robin Halfon, Robert McIntosh, Miss Anne Shepherd, Sir Richard Wallace, Mr Ben Hames, Duncan McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Simpson, Mr Keith Walter, Mr Robert Hammond, rh Mr Philip McVey, rh Esther Skidmore, Chris Ward, Mr David Hammond, Stephen Menzies, Mark Smith, Henry Watkinson, Dame Angela Hancock, Matthew Miller, rh Maria Smith, Sir Robert Weatherley, Mike Hands, rh Greg Mills, Nigel Soames, rh Nicholas Webb, Steve Harper, Mr Mark Milton, Anne Soubry, Anna Wharton, James Harrington, Richard Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Wheeler, Heather Harris, Rebecca Mordaunt, Penny Spencer, Mr Mark White, Chris Harvey, Sir Nick Morris, David Stanley, rh Sir John Whittaker, Craig Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Morris, James Stevenson, John Whittingdale, Mr John Hayes, rh Mr John Mosley, Stephen Stewart, Bob Wiggin, Bill Heath, Mr David Mowat, David Stewart, Iain Willetts, rh Mr David Heaton-Harris, Chris Mulholland, Greg Stewart, Rory Williams, Mr Mark Hemming, John Munt, Tessa Streeter, Mr Gary Williams, Roger Henderson, Gordon Murray, Sheryll Stride, Mel Williams, Stephen Hendry, Charles Murrison, Dr Andrew Stuart, Mr Graham Williamson, Gavin Herbert, rh Nick Neill, Robert Stunell, rh Sir Andrew Willott, Jenny Hinds, Damian Newmark, Mr Brooks Sturdy, Julian Wilson, Mr Rob Hoban, Mr Mark Newton, Sarah Swales, Ian Wollaston, Dr Sarah Hollingbery, George Nokes, Caroline Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Wright, Simon Hollobone, Mr Philip Norman, Jesse Swire, rh Mr Hugo Young, rh Sir George Hopkins, Kris Nuttall, Mr David Syms, Mr Robert Zahawi, Nadhim Horwood, Martin O’Brien, rh Mr Stephen Teather, Sarah Howarth, Sir Gerald Offord, Dr Matthew Thurso, John Tellers for the Noes: Howell, John Ollerenshaw, Eric Tomlinson, Justin Harriett Baldwin and Hughes, rh Simon Opperman, Guy Turner, Mr Andrew Gavin Barwell Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Ottaway, rh Sir Richard Hunter, Mark Parish, Neil Question accordingly negatived. Huppert, Dr Julian Patel, Priti Hurd, Mr Nick Paterson, rh Mr Owen Lords amendment 7 agreed to, with Commons financial James, Margot Pawsey, Mark privileges waived. Javid, Sajid Penrose, John Jenkin, Mr Bernard Percy, Andrew Johnson, Joseph Perry, Claire PETITION Jones, Andrew Phillips, Stephen Jones, rh Mr David Pickles, rh Mr Eric Green Bins in South Gloucestershire Jones, Mr Marcus Pincher, Christopher Kelly, Chris Poulter, Dr Daniel 5.51 pm Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Prisk, Mr Mark Kirby, Simon Pritchard, Mark Chris Skidmore (Kingswood) (Con): I rise to present Knight, rh Sir Greg Pugh, John a petition on behalf of the residents of Kingswood. Kwarteng, Kwasi Raab, Mr Dominic The petition states: Lancaster, Mark Randall, rh Sir John Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Reckless, Mark The Petition of residents of Kingswood, Latham, Pauline Redwood, rh Mr John Declares that South Gloucestershire Council is now charging Laws, rh Mr David Rees-Mogg, Jacob residents £36 per year for the collection of their green bins and Lee, Dr Phillip Reid, Mr Alan further that a local Petition on this subject has received over 4,200 Leech, Mr John Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm signatures. Lefroy, Jeremy Robathan, rh Mr Andrew The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons Leigh, Sir Edward Robertson, rh Hugh urges the Government to encourage South Gloucestershire Council Leslie, Charlotte Robertson, Mr Laurence to reconsider this decision and not implement a charge for the Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Rogerson, Dan collection of green bins. Lewis, Brandon Rosindell, Andrew And the Petitioners remain, etc. Lewis, Dr Julian Rudd, Amber [P001344] Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Ruffley, Mr David Lilley, rh Mr Peter Russell, Sir Bob 793 29 APRIL 2014 Rural Bus Services 794

Rural Bus Services turn has held down passenger fares. Nationally, that amounts to £350 million per year, which the 2002 Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House Commission for Integrated Transport described as do now adjourn.—(Gavin Barwell.) “outstanding outcomes for very little cost.” Over the years BSOG has been reduced by 30%, and 5.52 pm not just by this Government, and with local authorities now funding bus services, less money is available for the Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con): We have had commercial operator. As I understand it, BSOG is green bins in Gloucestershire; perhaps we can have ring-fenced only until 2017. Operators in South Dorset green buses in Dorset. are warning that any further cuts will inevitably lead to It is a fact that rural bus services in my constituency service reductions right across the bus network. are under great pressure, as they are across the country. In urban areas, bus services will continue for as long as Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): I congratulate my demand and passenger numbers ensure their viability, hon. Friend on securing this important debate, and I which is highly likely to be the case. Operational costs in endorse his comments. Like him, I have constituents, those areas are met entirely by revenue, and operators whether in Greenhead or Gilsland, who currently have receive no financial support from local authorities. However, no bus service. Is it incumbent on our county councils out in the sticks, where a lot of my constituency is, there to prioritise rural bus services, because without them is no commercial incentive to maintain rural bus routes, our constituents are literally left high and dry, and many of which are underused. Instead, local authorities incumbent on us to support innovative schemes such as run so-called tendered services, which form about 20% catch the bus week, which is this week? I have been of the market. Those are mandatory services, providing proud to support that scheme, and I believe it is a good transport for the old, the disabled, the vulnerable and of innovation that supports bus services, particularly in course our schoolchildren. They also include buses to rural areas. isolated communities, rarely used routes and early morning and late night services. Richard Drax: I thank my hon. Friend for his wise Until recently, those services were tendered for and intervention and I agree with both the points he makes. provided by bus companies. Now, as part of the However, although his efforts to provide some form of Government’s localism agenda, local authorities run service are to be highly praised, such a service does not them. The changes came into effect on 6 April, after necessarily fit in with the right timings to get people to which Dorset county council cut just under £1 million or from work, for example. In Wool, the Share and Care from its bus budget of £2.8 million. Consequently, system has been set up mainly by retired people. Some 38 routes have changed, 12 Saturday services have been 50 drivers provide a service, at a price of about 40p a removed and 10 bus routes have been withdrawn completely, mile, for those who are stuck at home and need to get to while 39 bus services have remained untouched. It was a the doctors or to hospital, or to go shopping and do all difficult exercise for the county council, whose budget the everyday things that people in rural communities has been cut by a third—about £100 million. To its need to do. That is, one could say, the community in credit, it consulted widely on the changes and proposals action, which is to be applauded, but it is slightly were drawn up based on surveys of passenger numbers, regrettable that such a basic service as a rural community to which 1,200 responses were received. The result was bus must be provided almost through charity. As I say, that services during the week were reduced to ensure however, I applaud the initiative. that communities continued to have Saturday services. Dorset county council is also investing £25,000 to help Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): In Northern Ireland community transport schemes tackle the problem of the Rural Community Network scheme provides rural isolation, and it continues to invest almost £2 million Government grant aid and assistance through the Northern a year in bus services. Ireland Assembly to enable those who live in rural areas or are isolated, such as elderly or disabled people or As I have said, however, savings are beginning to take those who do not have cars, to get transport to where their toll on rural bus services, which are a lifeline for they need to go, such as their GPs, doctors or shops, at a many of my constituents and others around the country. price they can afford. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman and For example, the No. 103 bus service from Bovington the Minister will consider that scheme, which enables and Wool to Dorchester now runs only once a week on people in the countryside to access transport. market day, allowing barely two hours in the town. We will all agree that that is too short for shopping, and Richard Drax: I applaud the scheme in Northern certainly too short for any appointments. Ireland. The Minister will no doubt have heard the hon. When cuts are made, evening and Sunday buses go Gentleman’s point and perhaps he will comment on it. first, and of course, it does not make commercial sense Another pressure on rural bus services is the for operators to put on a day service if there is no bus to concessionary bus pass. Government statistics show return on. Go South Coast in Dorset is currently providing that 30% of all bus journeys are now made using this a number of services at a loss in an attempt to retain the pass. Free off-peak bus passes for pensioners are welcome, integrity of its network, but as it says, that situation but they skew the economics of bus networks in rural obviously cannot go on for ever. areas. For example, in Dorset operators are dealing A critical player in this whole issue is the bus services with record numbers of pass holders enjoying our stunning operator grant, or BSOG, which sounds a bit like a sort countryside and coastline. Up to 20 million people visit of underground warthog. Since 1966, bus companies Dorset, many of them on buses. It is a tourist destination. have been able to claim back that fuel duty, which in The original idea of the pass was to ensure that 795 Rural Bus Services29 APRIL 2014 Rural Bus Services 796 bus companies are not better or worse off. However, times of the day. That competition means that someone reimbursement is paid on the basis that without who buys a ticket, unwittingly thinking that they can concessionary journeys, fewer would have been made. use it for the return journey to the village from which Dare I say it, that is slightly illogical in a business sense, they came, can find that that is not possible if the although any money is gratefully accepted. The rebate service is run by a different company. It is completely is about a third of the cost of a ticket, which clearly ludicrous that people should end up having to buy a disadvantages the bus company and the local taxpayer. new single ticket to return on exactly the same route. Inevitably, it means that operators are left struggling to Some of the suggestions that my hon. Friend the Member fund services, not least in rural areas such as my for Hexham (Guy Opperman) made might solve that constituency. problem. The Government recognise the value of the national network, and the “Green Light for Better Buses” agenda Richard Drax: I agree, and I think my hon. Friend is intended to improve local bus services. Some, however, has answered her own point: our hon. Friend the Member such as the Campaign for Better Transport, worry that for Hexham (Guy Opperman) has made some suggestions. 2014 may be the worst year yet for cuts to bus services. I would entirely concur with anything that creates a better, more integrated system that is not as convoluted Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): as she describes. I thank my hon. Friend for giving way and I concur Local authorities nationwide have already announced with everything he is saying, particularly about the savings of almost £20 million so far. I use the word pressure from visitors, who are welcome, on our bus “savings” rather than “cuts” intentionally, because I services in one way or another. Does he agree that this accept, as I know the Minister does, that we face has been a particularly bad year? We have villages that difficult times and we are not out of the woods yet— are now down to just two bus services a week. Young although the economy is showing signs of turning—so people want to be able to take up an apprenticeship and we all have to live more reasonably, and certainly within travel to our local colleges. There are people who, for our means. I welcome a lot of what is going on. This whatever reason—perhaps sight impairment—cannot country has to learn to live within her means, because get to work. We are at crisis point in Dorset. We need clearly we cannot do otherwise. However, I feel that the longer term planning. We cannot go from year to year provision of bus services—better integrated, we hope, with people wondering whether they can stay in the as my hon. Friend the Member for Wells (Tessa Munt) village in which they have lived for many years. has said—will not disappear, and certainly not in my rural Dorset. Richard Drax: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s intervention and I agree with her entirely. I wonder Routes to remote parts at the most unsocial hours are whether the Minister will consider the point I was about the most vulnerable to being lost to savings. In a recent to make. Obviously, some routes in rural areas are reply to me, Transport Minister Baroness Kramer wrote loss-making. When contracts are put out to bus operators, that as part of that contract, should they not have to take on “local transport matters must be determined locally and that the board the whole contract and not be allowed, as they Government’s localism agenda is about giving people the freedom currently are, to drop non-profit-making routes? Business to create effective working partnerships.” plans should be drawn up to take this into account, so In insisting on a localism agenda, we must ensure that that, rather than making x profit the operators make y we do not inadvertently starve councils of the resources profit, but essential bus services are retained. to provide a proper bus network, especially for the most vulnerable in our society. In rural areas, I would categorise Guy Opperman: I utterly endorse the point about not not just the elderly and the sick as “vulnerable”. They dumping unpopular routes at the first opportunity. include, as my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Dorset However, does my hon. Friend agree that the way and North Poole (Annette Brooke) mentioned—she forward is surely to take the London example of an beat me to the punch—those holding down a job, trying integrated transport system with a single card, the to find work or attending college or university. Just Oyster card, that is interchangeable between different because they live in the countryside, they should not be operators—some national, some local—which has the disadvantaged so far as their future careers, what they benefit of reducing the cost to the provider and, ultimately, want to do and where they want to go are concerned. the passenger, and brings down the cost of that transport arrangement? Does he welcome the work that is being Tessa Munt rose— done to try to extend that around the country, beyond London? Annette Brooke rose— Richard Drax: I welcome anything along those lines. I agree with my hon. Friend, and I am sure the Minister Richard Drax: I have got two hon. Friends wishing to can expand on that point and say how far such an intervene. arrangement has progressed. We welcome any initiative that creates a better and more integrated bus service, Annette Brooke: I thank my hon. Friend for giving not least for those who are stuck out in the sticks. way a second time—I will claim first place because I want to mention a Dorset problem. I wonder whether Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): I want to draw the attention he has experienced the same problem that I have, where of the House and, in particular, the Minister to the fact parents and students have decided to go to an out-of- that in my area someone trying to travel to Taunton catchment school, knowing that there was a bus route, from Street in Somerset can get caught out, because but suddenly the bus service has been terminated. Even different bus companies run different services at different for catchment routes, I have got parents and students 797 Rural Bus Services29 APRIL 2014 Rural Bus Services 798

[Annette Brooke] if they wish, as long as what they say is on the subject of the debate, but I implore those who intervene to follow stranded without a bus or a safe route to school along the normal rules of the House, under which an intervention country lanes. Our problem with the main services has must be short and must be relevant to the point that is spilt over into providing services that get young people currently being made. to school and thereby comply with our law and our expectations of young people staying on longer at school. Richard Drax: I assure you, Madam Deputy Speaker, that I too will be very brief. Richard Drax: Again, I agree with my hon. Friend. I have some experiences in my constituency—I am wandering For all the reasons that I have given, I ask the slightly off the point—where, as I understand it, school Minister to consider ring-fencing BSOG beyond 2017 children cannot get to school because the school bus to ensure that the remoter parts of our constituencies will not pick them up, as they are not quite in the continue to be served. Ideally the Government would catchment area, yet if the bus travelled another mile or return BSOG to its earlier levels, although I do not so, they would be. Again, this goes back to—[Interruption.] suppose for a minute that that will happen: I suspect My hon. Friend the Member for Hexham has disappeared. that it is wishful thinking, given our current financial circumstances. Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con) rose— Finally, may I ask the Government to consider a fairer way of sharing the financial burden of concessionary Richard Drax: I give way to my hon. Friend. travel across the United Kingdom? I am thinking especially of counties such as Dorset, where tourism effectively Tessa Munt: Ahem! penalises bus operators. As I said, Dorset is a major Richard Drax: I will give way to my hon. Friend next. tourist attraction, but it suffers a great deal more than other counties that may not attract so many visitors. Neil Parish: I thank my hon. Friend for securing this Our bus companies are, in effect, being paid a third of debate on rural bus services. Does he agree that in some the price of a ticket. areas where there are very few people, a commercial The overall benefits of buses need hardly be rehearsed. operation, however much subsidy we give it, is not Last year 5 billion journeys were made in the United always likely to work? What we need is some support, Kingdom, a fifth of them by commuters. Those benefits, even if just for fuel or whatever, for those who can social and economic, are incontrovertible. Residents of create a transport system, whether charitable or not. At rural areas spend between 20% and 30% more on transport the moment, fuel is very expensive and we do not seem than their city counterparts. The need is there, and in to have any means to help those people to help themselves. some cases it is desperate. Does the Minister not agree We need that help, too. that all Governments of all colours have a duty to preserve some form of service—preferably, as many of Richard Drax: I am going to be very naughty now. my colleagues have suggested, a better-integrated service, Perhaps my hon. Friend was not present at the beginning but at least a service —to support those who live in of my speech— rural areas? Rural bus services provide a genuine lifeline Neil Parish: Iwas,Iwas! for many, and, in my humble opinion, we must do all that we can to protect them. Richard Drax: He was, he was—in which case, I apologise profoundly.I mentioned the bus service operators 6.14 pm grant, which is, in effect, a fuel rebate, and which is being gradually reduced. One bus company managing Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): director has told me that if the Government continue to Madam Deputy Speaker, with your permission, and I cut the grant, bus services will be even more seriously hope that of the Minister, as we have so much time— affected. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. I Tessa Munt: My hon. Friend mentioned jobs. A feel I should just explain to Members, as they may not number of my constituents who live in Cheddar, Axbridge be familiar with this, that the Minister’s permission is and Chippenham work in Bristol, which is on the other not necessary when we are on an Adjournment debate side of the local authority boundary. When Somerset that has begun significantly before the moment of county council makes decisions about transport, it needs interruption. That is a matter for the Chair to judge. to worry only about the areas that it covers, but some of The hon. Lady can make a contribution in this debate. my constituents will have to give up their jobs because, She does not have to seek the Minister’s permission. It owing to the one-mile gap between the Somerset and may have been helpful to remind Members of these North Somerset bus services, they have no means of arrangements, as we do not often start an Adjournment travelling to work in Bristol. There are only 10 or 12 of debate so early. I hope that is clear. them, but the Government should bear in mind the cost of supporting them in some way with taxpayers’ money Annette Brooke: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. because otherwise they cannot reach their workplaces. It is very helpful to have that clarified, and I apologise for my earlier lengthy interventions as I was not aware Richard Drax rose— of that. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. I am deeply concerned about cuts in rural bus services. Before the hon. Gentleman responds, let me say to the I know that they are not just happening in Dorset as House that interventions are becoming speeches: they studies have shown that there have been cuts across the are becoming very long. Of course Members can speak whole country. I therefore think that, as much as we 799 Rural Bus Services29 APRIL 2014 Rural Bus Services 800 want to make our decision making as local as possible, 6.20 pm this is an issue on which an overview from the Government is needed, if only to make sure that best practice—some Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): I could not agree more with of which we have heard about tonight—is shared. That what my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Dorset and should be encouraged and seminars should be available North Poole (Annette Brooke) has said, but I wanted to to show what can be done. bring one or two other aspects of life in Somerset to the Minister’s attention. This subject is one of the most I have a village that has at least 1,200—maybe 1,400— vexing that comes up in casework and in my surgeries, houses. That is quite a large village. Every single year as people complain because they are not able to get to the bus service is threatened. That creates a great deal of work or to hospital appointments. In my part of mid- uncertainty for families and older people, who wonder Somerset, someone wanting to attend an acute hospital whether they can remain there as this goes on year after has to go to Taunton, Yeovil, Bath or Bristol. Nobody year. It is a huge worry, and a great number of petitions complains about that because that is just a fact of life are produced and eventually somebody comes up with and people have to travel 20 or 25 miles to get to any some sort of solution. The current solution, which is appointment. We have the opportunity to do something thanks to the very many people, including councillors, pretty standard; that does not mean we have to have bus who have worked hard to get something in the way of a services once an hour through the villages, but it does solution, is a commercial service. Will that last the year? mean we have to consider people’s needs. When their Will notice be served during the year? Nobody knows, needs cross local authority boundaries, things becomes and even though the bus service is there for some increasingly difficult for them when the authorities do people, we do not have a service between 7 am and not work together. 9 am, which is not terribly helpful for people getting to My hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Guy work. Opperman), who has left the Chamber, was talking As I mentioned, I feel there must be some way in about different technologies and making sure that we which we can have some longer-term planning. Of have some form of co-ordination. A lot of modern course there will have to be variations to take account practices in London and in other cities around the of population movements, but there must be a certain country allow people to see where their cards have been basic level of service to which people are entitled. I am used when they are using a bus or train service. There all in favour of the community services which many should be some way of ensuring that we have co-ordination Members have mentioned and I think parish councils in gaining information on the activities of passengers, are able to take a great lead in these types of services. so that the bus companies are aware of, for example, Very often it is nonsense to have a very large bus exactly how many tickets are used by older members of running on a certain route when there are not many the population at no cost to themselves. We should be passengers. The flexibility of community transport for able to allocate those to services and then take action in some of the functions is all-important, but I would areas such as mine, which have a large number of argue that there is a core service that we need for tourists and a lot of people using their free bus passes to workers, students and apprentices so that they can travel around my beautiful constituency. That would access work or their studies, and so that everybody has allow for a more accurate reflection of what is actually a future. happening. By turning our backs on this problem, we are creating We should also probably examine some of the even more rural poverty. We are all aware of the rural alternatives. As a child, I lived for a while in a part of poverty figures, and it is those families and young the country where there were post buses, whereby the people who are truly deprived as they are not getting Royal Mail provided a minibus that had about 17 seats. access to a lift in the car every day and at all times of the The back part of it was a cage and the postmaster or day, because sometimes that just cannot happen within postmistress would call at villages on a particular route families, whereas for others it can be much easier to give to collect the post or deliver it to the point where people a lift into the local town so family members can socialise. could collect their own post. The post in all the mail This is a crisis and I plead with the Minister to look boxes was collected on that trip, and people had to sit at what is happening over the whole country. I am on the bus and wait for two minutes while people particularly concerned about the situation in Dorset, jumped in and out to put the parcels and envelopes into and the services my constituency shares with that of my the back of the minibus. The Royal Mail needed to hon. Friend the Member for South Dorset (Richard collect the post and there was a civilised, co-ordinated Drax) are constantly being cut away. Our mailbags are and fantastic service, which was reliable because it ran enormous, and they are full of letters from people who to outlying villages regularly at certain times every day are very worried. People should be spared this anxiety and fitted in entirely with the postal collections. I wonder and know that there is a certain minimum level of why government cannot consider co-ordinating services service to which they are entitled. A lot of work may with those of other organisations that have to go into need to be done on encouraging people to use the the villages—the Royal Mail is exactly one such bus—that is acceptable and the strong message of “use organisation. it or lose it” can be given—but we need a continuity of I am sure we can find some way of ensuring that service so that people can be confident enough to plan smaller buses are used for core services. Large areas of their lives around using the bus service. We are in a my constituency, such as Brean and Berrow, attract a downward spiral the more we cut, as people find they huge number of visitors who want to be able to access cannot sustain their living styles with the current provision. the bus service, particularly on changeover days when I issue a plea to the Minister to say what leadership the they need to go to Weston-super-Mare station or down Government can give to save our rural bus services and, to Taunton station. Those bus services need to be at the same time, our rural communities. provided, particularly in the summer months, but perhaps 801 Rural Bus Services29 APRIL 2014 Rural Bus Services 802

[Tessa Munt] My hon. Friend was right to point out, as many people have, that buses play a vital role in our economy. even from March to October. A much more basic Some 2.2 billion journeys were made on local bus service is needed for local people, however, so perhaps it services outside London in the past year and more than might be worth considering an extended service during half of those who rely on bus services outside London the summer months and a basic service during the do not have access to a car. Not only in rural areas but winter months. That might mean having smaller buses, in other areas the bus is essential, not only enabling but having more of them during the summer months. many people to get to work, to education, to the doctors One of my passions is ensuring that younger people or to hospital but for their quality of life. I accept the use bus services. In my area, if someone wants to move case made tonight that for many, particularly in rural out of their village or the most local town, they invariably areas, the bus is a lifeline, and without it people cannot need access to a car. It seems to me that modern access essential services, or do a number of the things technology should allow us to give some sort of restricted that people in cities and towns take for granted. access to a free bus pass. That was one issue on which I We should note that, overall, satisfaction with bus crossed swords with Bob Crow here in Parliament, journeys is high: 88% of passengers are satisfied with because he expressed his desire that only older people their services. As was pointed out, it is not just older should be able to enjoy free bus passes. I do not think people who use buses: under-21s make up a third of bus that is right. We should at least be able to allow young passengers. However, as a result of the concessionary people up to the age of 19 a card that gives them free pass, use among older people is increasing. I will touch travel within a 25 or 30-mile radius of their home. That on some of the compensation arrangements for that in could be done using the technology used on some of a moment. our buses and would reduce the need for young people I want to set out how important the Government to use cars and it would set good habits for the future. think buses are. The point about their importance was I also want briefly to mention a point on which I recently reinforced by a study from Leeds university, hope the Minister can give us absolute clarity. When which pointed out that bus commuters generate £64 billion alternatives such as car sharing are used, what is the of economic output every year, and that one in five bus insurance situation for those who drive other people? Is journeys is for work purposes. I therefore absolutely that considered to be work in some way and is the act of agree with my hon. Friend the Member for South offering lifts absolutely excluded from one’s normal Dorset that there is an onus on the Government to social, domestic and pleasure use of a vehicle? If someone recognise that bus services are essential. The Government’s is effectively charging 40p or 25p a mile, I believe they continued commitment to expenditure on buses, and to can get into difficulties over the insurance cover they improving bus services, reflects that. This year, we will need and there is the question of whether that becomes spend some £1 billion on the concessionary travel business use or whether it is covered by social, domestic entitlement, and some £340 million on direct subsidy. and pleasure use. More than £300 million has been allocated to funding I hope that something can be done to give more major bus projects in the last year, so the Government assurance to people in rural areas about their bus absolutely recognise the importance of bus services. services. Buses provide vital links to the local town. Moreover, we have worked with a number of local Someone living in a village might often have to make a authorities, through the “Better Bus Areas” fund, to journey of five, six or seven miles to reach any services deliver improvements. We have provided £22 million to whatsoever given the reduction in the number of post support community transport, much of it in rural areas. offices, garages and so on. Although one might formerly Many bus improvement schemes are funded via the have been able to buy some small services, a lot of our local sustainable transport fund. A total of £95 million village shops are no longer around and people might has been provided for four rounds of the green bus have to cover significant distances that are far too far to fund, which has also helped to make environmental walk, and in places where there are no footpaths, it is improvements. My hon. Friends rightly make the case extremely difficult for people to access services. I hope for their area, and for us to look at further solutions, that the Minister might be able to address some of the but I hope that they will recognise that in this spending points that I have raised. round, we have protected bus spending until the end of 2015-16, despite the economic chaos that the Government 6.28 pm inherited. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport I am pleased to say that we have looked at Dorset. Its (Stephen Hammond): It is a pleasure to be in the Chamber county council has received some £14.5 million via the this evening and I congratulate my hon. Friend the local sustainable transport fund. My hon. Friend the Member for South Dorset (Richard Drax) on securing Member for South Dorset will know that some of that this debate on rural bus services. I also thank my hon. has funded bus improvements along the Weymouth- Friends the Members for Wells (Tessa Munt) and for Dorchester corridor, which I think goes through Dorset. Mid Dorset and North Poole (Annette Brooke) for That money has also resulted in a package of new their contributions this evening. public transport infrastructure improvements in south-east I listened carefully to the speech made by my hon. Dorset. Friend the Member for South Dorset, who is a passionate Improvements have been made, but the Government advocate for his constituents on a number of matters recognise that more can and must be done. In 2012, our that we have debated. I was particularly interested to “Green Light for Better Buses” document set out the listen to his in-depth knowledge of the local bus service Government’s plans for the bus industry. The proposals and to his view of where issues remain. That was included reforming the bus subsidy, improving competition, helpful. incentivising partnership working, looking at multi-operator 803 Rural Bus Services29 APRIL 2014 Rural Bus Services 804 ticketing, and making access to bus information and The hon. Member for Wells spoke about young people’s ticketing easier for all. We should not underestimate the travel, which is a complex issue. There is no statutory importance of the ability to access information about obligation to provide discounted-price travel to young services and their regularity as a driver for the continued people, but many commercial and publicly funded use of bus services. reductions are available. It is for local authorities to judge whether that is good value when considering the There is no doubt that we are in challenging economic services they provide for young people in their area. times. Government and local authorities have had to Doubtless, she has made entreaties to her local authority make difficult decisions, but the Government want to along those lines. ensure that the bus market is still attractive to all operators, large and small, urban and rural. The funding Bus services in rural areas are not just concerned with that I have mentioned helps to ensure that the market is levels of public funding. Commercial operators provide still attractive. We want to ensure that funding is allocated services in those areas where there are enough passengers, in a way that is perceptibly fair, while giving the best and overall commercial mileage in some rural areas of value for the taxpayer. England has increased. The Government accept that where that is not feasible local authorities have a vital My hon. Friend the Member for South Dorset mentioned role in supporting rural bus services. About 28% of bus the bus service operators grant, or BSOG. I would mileage in predominantly rural authorities is operated describe it not as a warthog, but as something rather under contract to local authorities. It is local authorities more positive. It is not quite the fatted cow, but it that are best placed to decide what support to provide in certainly has been paid directly to bus operators in a response to local views and need, and in the light of fairly blunt and untargeted way that relates to fuel their overall funding priorities, particularly with regard consumption. None the less, BSOG was a help in ensuring to transport. that services continued to be provided. Some local authorities have told us that they can make the bus Richard Drax: While I have heard every word that the subsidy deliver better value for money by working in Minister has said—it is all wonderful stuff, and I welcome partnership with operators to grow the bus market. The what the Government are doing—the key issue, certainly characteristics of local bus markets vary, so different for us, is that although councils are trying to provide a solutions will be appropriate in different areas, which is bus service, they are so pushed for money that they why the Government believe that it is for local authorities cannot provide sufficient services at the appropriate to decide which route to pursue. This year, £43 million times. That means getting people to work at 7 am and of BSOG funding will be paid directly to local authorities, back home at 6 pm. The buses leave at 9 am and return rather than to bus operators, in relation to the services at 3 pm: that is one of our major problems. that councils fund. That will give communities much more control over how that money is spent. As my hon. Friend the Member for South Dorset noted, funding Stephen Hammond: I understand that problem and has been ring-fenced until the end of 2016-17, which have set out the extensive amount of finance and will provides three years of stability and certainty for operators. shortly set out some other solutions for rural areas. I hear what my hon. Friend says, but it is obviously for My hon. Friend tempted me down the line of committing local authorities to establish demand and to decide how the Government to reinstate the full value of BSOG in to use Government support. It is vital that authorities years gone by, and he tempted me down the line of maximise the return on every penny of funding, which ring-fencing funding post-2017. Although I have heard is why my Department met its commitment to publish his entreaty, he will not be surprised to learn that I will revised guidance on best practice when procuring local not be tempted or, rather, I shall resist that temptation bus services and other types of road transport for rural this evening, as it would prejudice the work that we are passengers, taking into account some of the challenges doing on partnership working, where we are moving he mentions. As a result of the guidance, there has been forward to deliver better services. It would be wrong, a lot of innovation from councils up and down the too, to ring-fence any expenditure, and I am sure that country, but there is scope for more. Authorities should the Chancellor would not allow me to do so post-2017. highlight and draw upon the good practice to help rural None the less, the funding that has been ring-fenced users. Much of what tonight’s speeches have demanded, until the end of 2016-17 provides a period of stability such as providing a whole range of solutions, is for local and certainty for operators. authorities. The Government offer support and leadership, but I urge local authorities to consider the best practice. The Government are committed to protecting the national bus travel concession, which is of huge benefit We have been discussing fixed-route bus services tonight, to about 11 million people, allowing free off-peak local but there are also community buses, dial-a-ride and travel anywhere in England. The concession provides other types of demand-responsive transport, such as older and disabled people with greater freedom and taxis or the postal taxi mentioned earlier. My Department independence, as well as a lifeline to their community. It is undertaking further work to consider how to remove enables access to facilities in the local area, and it helps the barriers that prevent such services from operating them to keep in touch with their families. It also provides more effectively. The Minister of State, Department for access to employment for many people who might not Transport, my hon. Friend Baroness Kramer, was right otherwise have that opportunity. A number of my hon. to emphasise that while there may be multiple solutions, Friends have discussed the way in which the Government it will be for local authorities to determine which is the allocate funding. The Department has set out in clear best for them. guidance how local authorities should remunerate local In conclusion, the Government believe in buses. Our operators, taking account of local circumstances, but vision is for a better bus with more of what passengers my hon. Friends will note that operators can appeal. want, which, whether they are urban or rural, is a 805 Rural Bus Services29 APRIL 2014 Rural Bus Services 806

[Stephen Hammond] an onus on them, through the extensive support that they provide, to try to ensure a more competitive and punctual, interconnected, greener and more accessible greener bus network that will encourage more passengers, service with greater availability of smart ticketing. We be they urban or rural. will be considering next year the results of a pilot Question put and agreed to. project in Norfolk that will potentially overcome some of the other ticketing issues that rural people experience. I absolutely accept that there is more to do, but the 6.43 pm Government have shown that they accept that there is House adjourned. 173WH 29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 174WH

Mr Walker: I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Westminster Hall Friend and I will indeed return to that. My hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart), Tuesday 29 April 2014 as Chair of the Education Committee and over a long period, has championed this cause in this and previous Parliaments. Alongside them, Members of all parties [MR PHILIP HOLLOBONE in the Chair] and none in Parliament, councils, governing bodies, parent forums and unions have spoken up for the lowest- Schools Funding funded education authorities over the years. Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting I am grateful to the House of Commons Library, the be now adjourned.—(Elizabeth Truss.) Association of School and College Leaders and the Local Government Association for producing helpful 9.30 am briefs for the debate and, in particular, to the voluntary members and officers of F40 for the detailed work that Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Before I call they have put into informing Members. The F40 campaign Mr Robin Walker, in the interests of good order, I have has been running, representing the interests of the two announcements to make. First, the screens in the least-well-funded local authorities, since the Major middle of the Chamber are not working, so, to see the Government, and this is the first time in all those years time, Members will have to refer to the screens at either that it can celebrate a decisive monetary step towards end of the Chamber. Secondly, I believe that a lot of fairer funding. Members wish to speak. May I ask those who wish to speak to rise now in their place? The previous Labour Government accepted the premise that the system for allocating school funding was unfair, Several hon. Members rose— non-transparent and in need of reform, but they did not have time to deliver on their consultation on a fairer Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Thank you. My system. The coalition Government have already delivered supplementary point is that it would greatly enhance a new consultation, committed to a fairer and more the chances of everyone getting called if those who wish transparent formula and delivered new, simplified local to speak do not intervene on other speakers. I cannot formulae, as well as the pupil premium, which is a better enforce that, but that is my encouragement, so that system for targeting deprivation than what went before. everyone gets in. Until recently, however, F40 had won the argument for changing national funding but had precious little to 9.31 am show for it. Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): It is a real Despite all the aforementioned changes and the pleasure to open this debate and to see such strong Chancellor’s welcome commitment to greater fairness, support from Government Members. It is a particular the same list of authorities remained resolutely at the pleasure to speak again about a campaign that has been bottom of the funding tables and, year after year, the central to my career as an MP, and it is good to do so gaps between those authorities and some of their better- during the Government’s consultation to do something funded neighbours grew bigger and bigger. F40’s long, that no Government this century has done: to help the hard campaign to get a better deal looked as though it lowest-funded education authorities and provide a minimum had won plaudits but no pennies; words but not pounds. level of funding to those who have suffered from unfairness The announcement by the Schools Minister in March for too long. of £350 million specifically to help the lowest-funded I am grateful to the Backbench Business Committee areas changed that for most F40 authorities. for granting the debate and for the cross-party support Many hon. Friends in the Chamber today were with that helped to secure it, which ranged from my hon. me in the debate initiated by my hon. Friend the Member Friend the Member for Stafford (Jeremy Lefroy) and for Gloucester (Richard Graham) in April 2012, when my right hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice and we welcomed the Government’s commitment to a fairer Howden (Mr Davis) to my hon. Friends the Members formula but bemoaned the lack of a down payment to for South Dorset (Richard Drax), for North Devon begin its delivery. I think that it was my hon. Friend the (Sir Nick Harvey) and for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman) who invoked and the hon. Members for Bolsover (Mr Skinner) and the Chinese proverb of Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin). F40 is and always has been who said that the longest journey begins with a single a cross-party campaign, and as we celebrate some measure step. That single step has now been taken. Many parts of progress today, I acknowledge the role played by of the country can rejoice at that. Of the £350 million Members in previous Parliaments, such as the former targeted at helping the lowest-funded authorities, some Member for Stafford, David Kidney, who led the campaign £172 million—slightly less than half—is coming to F40 for many years. authorities. Cambridgeshire, South Gloucestershire, Northumberland and Shropshire all see gains of more Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): I congratulate my than 6% as a result of the projected allocations and, of hon. Friend on securing this debate. I apologise for 34 current members of F40, 23 are seeing some uplift. intervening so early, but he mentioned my predecessor and I want to put on record my tribute to the work that In Worcestershire, the £4.9 million of additional funding he did. I point out that it is rather ironic that Staffordshire that we have so far been allocated—an increase of just is one of the few counties that, despite this excellent 1.7%—has been queried by some as less than our due, move by the Government, has been left out. I am sure but celebrated by most as the first major step forward that my hon. Friend will return to that. after decades of underfunding. 175WH Schools Funding29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 176WH

Sir Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire) (Con): May I Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I congratulate my hon. Friend on his significant role in congratulate my hon. Friend and the Government for achieving that breakthrough? It is, however, only an the moves that they have made. Will the Minister comment initial breakthrough, as he has said. As long as schools on what we are doing about special educational needs in such as Prince Henry’s school in Worcestershire face that regard? Does my hon. Friend support reversing the significant real-terms funding cuts, despite those Government decision whereby schools used to have achievements, much more work needs to be done. I offer more say over their budget, which in rural areas really him every best wish in pursuing this excellent campaign helped those schools most in need? into the future. Mr Walker: I hear what my hon. Friend says and I Mr Walker: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for hope that the Minister will answer her point. I agree that intervention. He has been a long-term champion of that giving schools greater say is important and very fairer funding for schools, and I think that his constituent, much in line with some of the Government’s policies. Helen Donovan, would be very proud of the work he The East Riding of Yorkshire is by most calculations has done on that front. The Worcestershire Association very low in the table for school funding, yet gets only of School Business Managers and head teachers and 0.3% through this allocation, and Staffordshire’s MPs governors have expressed their appreciation for the have been among the most consistent in pressing F40’s progress made so far, but he is right that there is still case. much further to go. Having made the campaign my No. 1 priority as a Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con): I have a little list result of meeting all the primary school heads in Worcester and Staffordshire is 12th from the bottom. Given that during my time as a candidate—every single one of the F40 campaign began in Staffordshire, does my hon. whom railed at the unfairness of the funding system—I Friend understand the surprise of all MPs in Staffordshire promised them that further progress will and must that we have had no uplift at all? Can he explain that? follow. Some F40 areas have not however been so fortunate, and I want to ensure this debate hears the Mr Walker: That is obviously for the Government to voices of those such as Warrington, Trafford, Solihull explain. I share my hon. Friend’s mystification, though, and Nottinghamshire who, despite being F40 members that a county so close to the bottom of the table has so and languishing towards the bottom of the tables for far received nothing, and I hope that because consultation per pupil funding, have yet to see progress. is continuing that is something that can be changed and that areas such as the East Riding of Yorkshire, Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): I congratulate my Staffordshire and Trafford, which have so far missed hon. Friend on securing this debate and on all the work out, may still have something to gain from the process. that he has done on this. One authority that he did not They certainly have something to gain from fairer funding. mention is York, which is moving towards the bottom In its consultation response, F40 has queried the of the school funding table. We have made great steps methodology used by the Government in allocating the forward, and we must congratulate the Government £350 million. One substantial difference between its and the Minister for doing that, but we are still some calculations and the Government’s is the unit of funding way off having that level playing field that authorities used. F40 has tended to use the guaranteed unit of such as mine strive for. funding, whereas the Department used a new measure called the single basic unit of funding. I do not want the Mr Walker: I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. debate to be dominated by the technicalities of funding Friend. I will come on to some of the reasons why that mechanisms. However, I understand that that technicality might be the case in my later comments. is part of the reason why the East Riding of Yorkshire may have done less well than Cambridgeshire, despite Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I thank similarly low funding. Differences in the local approach the hon. Gentleman for mentioning the situation in my to the allocation of high-needs funding account for local authority, Trafford. He will be aware that Trafford much of the difference in the outcomes. F40 has asked in general is a well-off borough, but it has pockets of the Government to look at those matters again, to very serious deprivation. Does he agree that it is extremely ensure that each poorly funded authority gets a fair difficult to deal with such deprivation when other chance to secure better funding. I hope that the Minister neighbouring Manchester boroughs are so much better will be able to look into that. funded and that that puts our children at a real disadvantage? Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): I want to express support for the hon. Gentleman’s efforts, and Mr Walker: The hon. Lady is absolutely right. The I congratulate my hon. Friends on what they have evidence that we saw at the recent F40 conference was achieved in government; they have done something that that, although there is little link between funding and two previous Governments failed to do. Does the hon. overall attainment, there is a link between funding and Gentleman share my anxiety that nothing that happens raising the attainment of the most deprived cohorts. in the consultation should undo the benefits that a That is where the F40 campaign has always said that number of authorities have now received—not before funding does make a difference and fairness in funding time—such as Northumberland’s extra £10.6 million? is vital to help those people. I completely agree with her, and I will come on to some of the urban areas represented Mr Walker: Absolutely. I completely agree. After by the F40, such as Trafford and York, that could have fighting for so long for any improvement at all, it would done better out of the consultation. be tragic if at this stage the benefits that the consultation 177WH Schools Funding29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 178WH brings to areas that have suffered for far too long were It is perhaps the inclusion of such an allowance for to unravel. However, there are one or two allocatons in costs that has allowed relatively well-funded London the consultation that F40 would question. boroughs to benefit from the uplift, while urban F40 members such as Warrington, Solihull and Trafford seem to have missed out. I ask the Minister to look at Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): I that carefully. thank my hon. Friend for his valiant efforts to get fairer funding for schools. I do not want to sound ungrateful In previous debates, hon. Members from both sides for the extra £203 per pupil that Leicestershire gets, but of the House have set out their concerns about the we have jumped in the league table from 151st to 150th challenges of rural sparsity and delivering education to and continue to receive almost £1,000 less than schools sparse communities. F40 has always supported the idea in the city of Leicester. What does my hon. Friend think of including a sparsity factor in the national formula about that? and welcomed its inclusion for the first time in the new local formulae. However, without national funding in the national funding formula, there has been surprisingly Mr Walker: Clearly, there is much further to go in the little uplift from sparsity. In its consultation response, process of providing fairer funding. What has been the group said: done is a down payment—a first step. I am glad that Leicestershire, which has been at the bottom of the “We agree that sparsity is potentially a useful means of targeting funding at small rural schools. Many authorities have not introduced table for too long, is getting substantial uplift from the a sparsity factor for 2014/15, taking the view that further work is process, but that is by no means the end of the story. I needed on producing a viable model. We would welcome an share my hon. Friend’s concern about the need to go evaluation by the Department on the approaches local authorities further. Indeed, by F40’s own calculations, it seems that with different characteristics have adopted for 2014/15.” Leicestershire, as the least-well-funded authority, deserves Although the constituency that I represent is not a at least the 5% uplift that it is receiving. The East sparse one, it appears to suffer from a lack of funding Riding of Yorkshire, the third worst funded, deserves because it is in a larger local authority that suffers more than its 0.3%, and Worcestershire—much as we significantly from sparsity. I think that the Government appreciate our gain—has not done as well as might have have further to go to meet the challenges of rural been hoped, with an increase of less than 2%. Every sparsity and to ensure that rural authorities are properly other F40 member among the 20 authorities in the funded for the future. lowest position has had at least that uplift, with the exception of Warrington, Staffordshire and Solihull. Perhaps the most important part of F40’s consultation response is about the challenge that many of the lowest- Higher up the table, more F40 members have missed funded areas still face: out. There are some surprising gainers who, according to F40’s calculations, might not have been expected to “The Department will be aware that schools are facing major cost increases at a time of ‘flat cash’ funding settlements, particularly: gain so much. F40 does not mind—nor do I—that September 2014’s 1% pay increase for teachers (typically, teacher’s authorities outside its membership benefit by a move salaries account for 65% of school costs)”— towards fairness; we should celebrate the fact that low- funded areas such as Wiltshire, Rutland and Poole have in Worcestershire that figure is more like 85%, because gained substantially from what has been done, despite of years of underfunding— not being members of the F40 campaign. Cornwall has “The anticipated increase to non-teaching staff pay—which as also gained, although not as much as it might have yet remains unknown; The increase in the employer’s superannuation hoped. contribution from 14.1% to 16.4% from September 2015; The introduction of a flat rate state pension from April 2016, the Harder to explain is the fact that some of the better- impact of which will be to increase schools’ costs of in excess of funded local authorities—high in the table of funding 2% for teaching staff and most ancillary staff; For schools with by GUF—are nevertheless receiving substantial uplift. sixth forms, a continuing reduction in sixth form funding; Energy, In the words of the secretary of F40: fuel and other cost increases”. “We think it is odd that so many LAs in the higher part of the F40 says: funding league table (too high in the league to be f40 members) “We urge that these cost pressures are fully taken into account are gainers, whilst LAs that are obviously more poorly funded in the Spending Review for 2016-17 onwards. Without additional have small gains or are overlooked”. funding a typical secondary school will need to identify compensating The gains made by Westminster, which is one of the savings of around £350,000, the equivalent of ten teachers.” 10 best-funded authorities in the country, and by Brent, F40 schools, which have suffered from decades of Sutton and Bromley, the three biggest gainers in per underfunding, have no spare capacity to make such pupil terms but all in the top half of the funding table, savings. look much harder to justify from an F40 perspective. In In meeting the challenges, we must recognise that its response to the consultation, F40 argued: March’s funding announcement was not and was never “We do not understand the rationale for adjusting for labour intended to be the end of the shift to fairer funding. As market costs—as they are already fully taken into account in the the Minister made clear at the time, it was a one-off main funding distribution between local authorities.” measure to help those areas that were hit hardest by It said: unfair funding and a precursor to more substantial reform. Ivan Ould, the chairman of F40, said in his “We can see no case for supplementary funding for area costs. response to the announcement: The research work undertaken by f40 has clearly identified that the very large funding differential between London and f40 “The additional funding is seen as a down-payment, or first authorities enables schools in London to employ significantly step towards a new and fairer allocation system. This marks a more staff; it does a great deal more than compensate for additional huge step forward for our campaign for fair funding. The fact is employment costs.” that pupils and schools in f40 local authority areas have been 179WH Schools Funding29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 180WH

[Mr Robin Walker] Mr Walker: I would not claim that the hon. Gentleman’s remarks were necessarily party political, but many Members dis-advantaged by an archaic system for nearly twenty years: they present at the time commented on his attitude to the have been the poor relations in terms of the share of education announcement, which seemed to be negative. funding. This is a red letter day for members of f40 who can now look Kevin Brennan rose— forward to a time when the injustice will end.” F40 members will scrutinise closely the manifestos of Mr Walker: The hon. Gentleman will have the each of the major parties, to see what they will propose opportunity to respond later. with a view to ending the injustice swiftly and surely. F40 has always been a cross-party campaign, and we The F40 campaign has been driven by many hon. will look to each of the parties to deliver progress and Members on both sides of the House, and I am only will judge their manifestos by how clearly and within one of many voices who have been calling for progress. I what time scale they commit to fair and transparent hope that we will hear those voices following up on that funding. Our funding has been unfair for far too long, in the debate, but I also hope that we hear from all such and F40 authorities will not have endless patience for Members recognition of the progress that has been interim measures to ensure that better-funded authorities made to date. I urge the Minister to listen particularly hold on to their advantage if that means holding back closely to the concerns of those long-suffering F40 long-awaited justice for our constituents. We must have areas that have so far missed out and to ensure that all progress and we will scrutinise each statement of every the lowest-funded authorities get the fairest deal possible party for what it can deliver. from the consultation. I urge her to keep up the pressure for progress towards a fair and transparent system of I was not in the Chamber for the announcement of funding and to commit ever more firmly to real fairness the £350 million for underfunded areas. Had I been in the years to come. there, I would have welcomed it, but I would have called, as I do now, for further progress. The debate is not a partisan one, but I was mildly disappointed by the Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) (Con): I congratulate Opposition Front Bench response on that day. In response my hon. Friend on securing this important debate. Free to those who have argued, wrongly, that the first steps schools is one area that is party political. I am sure that that have been taken are in any way partisan or designed we all welcome the excellent progress made by the to help coalition members, I would point out that many Government and that the funding formula for free of the Conservative seats that have benefited, including schools has had a stronger impact on the lowest-funded my own, were held by Labour until 2010. areas than, perhaps, on the wealthier ones. Does he agree that the Government need to address that in F40 Michael Fabricant: My hon. Friend makes a powerful areas? point. As he said, the F40 campaign was started by a Labour MP, David Kidney, in Staffordshire. Is he as Mr Walker: Changes to the system for free schools surprised as I am to see just one Labour MP—no, two? and to the LACSEG—local authority central spend [Laughter.] equivalent grant—a couple of years ago have produced some effects that have tended to hurt the lowest-funded Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): I am not one areas more. That is a consequence of unfair funding, of them. rather than of the changes, and the key thing is to get the funding system right, so that we do not have such Michael Fabricant: Am I wrong? There are two. pernicious effects in future. I thank my hon. Friend for [Interruption.] Anyway, is my hon. Friend as surprised his intervention, because it gives me the opportunity to as I am at the lack of turnout from Labour MPs apart welcome the Government’s decision to fund the Aspire from the shadow spokesman? academy in Worcester, a free school that is taking over pupil referral unit provision in the county, which is Mr Walker: I am delighted that we have a Labour MP badly needed and supported by a wide range of secondary in the Chamber, arguing the case for her F40 constituency. schools in Worcester. I am also delighted that, in proposing the debate, I had I want our party to set down clearly in its manifesto the support of the hon. Member for Bolsover, whose our commitment not only to a fair, transparent funding constituency stands to gain 34 times as much as the formula in years to come, but to its rapid implementation. Prime Minister’s. The hon. Member for Halton (Derek I am proud that, with the help of so many colleagues, I Twigg), who made critical points in the debate, stands will be able to face the electorate of Worcester and say to gain more in his constituency than does the Minister that we have won a better deal and that fairer funding is for Schools, who made the announcement about fairer on its way, but the fight is not yet over—it has scarcely funding. If every F40 authority were to benefit from the begun. We have secured the first down payment on changes, the winners would also include the shadow fairer funding. F40 MPs must keep campaigning together Chancellor, the shadow Education Secretary and the to secure the real fairness that our schools, their teachers shadow Health Secretary, so Labour has a strong interest and, most importantly, their pupils have been denied for in supporting proper reforms. We want to see them step too long. up to the plate. Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): I thank hon. Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): The hon. Gentleman Members for that excellent start. To get all 10 speakers referred to me, so perhaps he will point to any part of in, there will be a time limit of four and a half minutes my statement in the House at the time that was party each, which should leave the Front Benchers with 10 minutes political. There were no such remarks. each at the end of the debate. It will not work, I am 181WH Schools Funding29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 182WH afraid, if there are interventions. To assist Members, Andrew Percy: I am grateful. Obviously, I am also this nice bell next to me will be rung by the Clerk, which grateful for the extra funding for the north-east, but my will indicate that there is a minute to go. After four and hon. Friend is right to highlight the deprivation of a half minutes, we will move on to the next speaker. Goole, in the East Riding part of my constituency. Does he share my shock that local Labour councillors in Goole have attacked me for campaigning on the issue 9.53 am and for pointing out how much less well off Goole was, compared with neighbouring Hull and Doncaster, although Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): we have the same levels of deprivation? Thank you, Mr Hollobone. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship and to follow such a powerful, well thought-out speech by my hon. Friend the Member Mr Stuart: The aim of the Rural Fair Share campaign, for Worcester (Mr Walker); he has done a sterling job which I co-chair and helped to found, is certainly to since coming to the House in 2010. The turnout today is ensure that fair-minded Labour Members of Parliament a reflection of not only the importance of the issue to see the case as well. We have to ensure that the split is our constituents, but the leadership that he has shown. not partisan; we are looking for a system that takes He has shown that again today, with his powerful scarce resource and allocates it on the basis of need. At championing of the case. a time of austerity, it is more rather than less important The campaign for fairer school funding has been to get those allocations right. Such reallocations may be running for at least a decade. For too long, the extra politically difficult, but because no more money is being costs faced by rural authorities have not been acknowledged thrown at the system every year, the unevenness becomes properly by the funding system. A whole generation of more apparent as the tide goes down and creates a more school children, in places from Devon to Northumberland, difficult challenge. have lost out. Seven years ago this week, I led a Westminster The East Riding has some good schools, but, regrettably, Hall debate on this very subject and it has become no too many indifferent ones. Last June, Ofsted reported less urgent since. As everyone in the Chamber knows, that in the East Riding a child has only a 66% chance of for many years the school funding system in England attending a good or better school, compared with 79% has operated on the basis of outdated data and in in England as a whole. Only 38% of secondary schools accordance with political priorities that channelled funding in the East Riding are rated good or outstanding, away from rural areas and into urban ones—based on compared with 74% in neighbouring North Yorkshire. politics, not need. In the 13 March statement on school If the Minister compares the number of good or funding, the Minister for Schools hit the nail on the outstanding schools in the East Riding with those in head when he characterised the end result as neighbouring similar authorities, she will see a stark “opaque, overly complex, and, frankly, unfair to pupils, parents differential. In the light of those numbers, I ask her to and teachers.”—[Official Report, 13 March 2014; Vol. 577, reflect on the methodology that the Government have c. 427.] come up with to allocate that welcome £350 million. The inequity is recognised across the political spectrum. In an article for The Guardian earlier this month, Fiona I am aware that, given my position as Chair of the Millar—not exactly the greatest champion of the Education Committee, I ought to keep my language Government’s policies—admitted that moderate, but was the person who devised the system sober? The Government have put things off; the national “the differentials between London and the rest of the country, funding formula will come, but they have decided— which are often rooted in historical political decisions, are simply unfair.” politically or otherwise—that, a year before a general election, a fundamental reallocation is perhaps not If Fiona Millar can see that, the case for change across politically deliverable. The interim £350 million to help the spectrum is overwhelming and needs to be acted on. the poorest-funded authorities, however, is welcome. One does not need to look far to find glaring examples; But why is the money going to authorities in London the East Riding of Yorkshire is a case in point. It is a that are not among the poorest-funded authorities? My beautiful part of the world, but it does not conform to hon. Friend the Member for Worcester touched on that, any lazy stereotype of rural affluence. Median gross as did my right hon. Friend the Member for Berwick- earnings are below the national average and towns such upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith). We do not want to see the as Withernsea, Goole and Bridlington have pockets of money stripped away from Northumberland; the Minister real deprivation. Mike Furbank, head of children and must have the courage, despite the publication of the young people’s services at the East Riding council, has allocations, to look again at the methodology. explained: The East Riding, because it was historically underfunded “As a rural authority we suffer the hidden deprivations of and had so many small schools, poured all the money it social isolation for children living in remote communities where could into the schools block of funding and so had the families have limited access to services and the wider cultural life lowest high-needs block in the country. The new of the area. methodology, however, looks only at the schools block. These deprivations are not recognised in any formula and Under this intervention to help lower-funded authorities, often the ‘goldfish bowl’ view of village life makes poor families what is the situation of the East Riding of Yorkshire—the unwilling to accept support or declare their eligibility.” third-lowest-funded authority overall when the whole quantum is considered? It is moving from being the Andrew Percy: Will my hon. Friend give way? third-lowest-funded authority to being the lowest-funded in the entire country. After many years of campaigning, Mr Stuart: With an eye on the Chair, I give way to my that does not feel like a result. I ask the Minister to look hon. Friend. again at how the money is allocated. 183WH Schools Funding29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 184WH

9.59 am very Chamber he so eloquently made us all Taoists and Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): In June 2013, the began the long journey with a first step. It is as well to Chancellor of the Exchequer said clearly that current remember that the words he used then from Deng schools funding Xiaoping—the Minister is a keen student of Chinese “is distributed on a historical basis with no logical reason.” maths—were “Yi Bu, Yi Bu”, or “one step at a time”. We are slowly getting there and I pay tribute to all hon. I think we all agree that the facts speak for themselves Members, particularly the F40 campaigners, on a fantastic and that there is no logical reason for the present journey. funding system. My right hon. Friend went on to say: “The result is that some schools get much more than others in I can walk over the border from Northumberland, the same circumstances.” which receives £5,241 per pupil, to Newcastle upon He further observed that Tyne, which receives £6,052 per pupil—a difference of “That is unfair and we are going to put it right.”—[Official £809. Teachers in some of my schools in Northumberland, Report, 26 June 2013; Vol. 565, c. 311.] such as East Tynedale, send their own children to The question that most of us, and our constituents, schools in Newcastle, which can almost not spend their want to ask of ministerial colleagues in the Department money, while Northumberland is struggling desperately. for Education is: when will it be put right? The system must change, and I welcome hugely the 6.4% uplift of £10 million. This is not a partisan issue. I did not think I would ever agree with a London socialist such as Fiona Millar, A point that has not been made today, but needs to but she said: be made, is that the consultation expires tomorrow and “But even as one of the beneficiaries of a skewed system, it still there are still opportunities for all our teachers—I have seems profoundly wrong to me that every school should be written to all of them in every school in my area—to subject to increasingly rigid national accountability measures, yet respond to it. If they fail to do so, the Department for be expected to deliver the same results when such huge regional Education will not have the benefit of their wisdom and funding disparities persist.” robust comments, which Members of Parliament have I think we would all agree with that. She also mentioned received. I thank those who have written to me, including that the Minister for Schools observed, when announcing Ponteland middle school and Whitley Chapel first school, the £350 million, that schools with 3% of children on making the case, and those who have responded to the free school meals in Birmingham receive higher funding consultation. per pupil than schools in some rural areas with more I want to touch briefly on rural schools. I disagree than 30% of pupils eligible for free school meals. How with my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester does one make sense of that? (Mr Walker) on only one matter: I say “sparsity” and he Even allowing for higher area costs and deprivation says “spercity”. That is my only disagreement with his in London, the gap between most London boroughs outstanding speech. and much of the rest of the country is far too high, The long and short of the matter is that rural schools reaching £1,000 per pupil in some cases. Quirks in the have been in a singularly difficult situation for many current funding system result in schools with the same years under successive Governments. In areas with a characteristics and miles from one another receiving three-tier system, such as Northumberland, it is particularly wildly different sums depending on their local authority. complex because the system is focused increasingly on The £350 million is welcome, but we are discussing a two tiers. I mean no disrespect to the Department for league of pity—where people appear in the league table. Education, but it seems to struggle and have great The consultation document lists 62 authorities that are difficulty in understanding what three-tier education is in line to receive additional funding under the indicative and to accommodate it in a funding system and the minimum funding level. Oxfordshire is 59th on the list Government’s approach. and receives a lower percentage and cash increase than The honest truth is that the head teachers we meet any other English county.Oxfordshire loves Cambridgeshire day in, day out, whose schools are in the F40 group, are dearly, but there seems to be no logic in the fact that clearly struggling to provide for their individual schools. Cambridgeshire will receive from the £350 million a On the day when most of us have suffered the delights boost of around £20 million in 2015-16 when Oxfordshire of the RMT’s approach as a dinosaur trade union is set to receive only £500,000 or 0.14% of the total new opposing all automation, we are dealing with teaching funding—more than 10 times less than the £5.64 million unions that are struggling desperately. We should pay average increase of the 62 authorities that are benefiting. tribute to the individual teachers in the F40 schools Even in the context of the £350 million that has been who are struggling to provide quality education in given additionally to try to mitigate some of the unfairness, extremely difficult circumstances. Oxfordshire is still being treated extremely badly, and The crucial point is that the Government are making there is absolutely no intellectual or policy justification a difference to those schools. We must have a continuing for that. At a time when schools throughout the country campaign. I endorse the point that we must scrutinise are rightly obliged to set national targets, standards and all political parties on their approach because the matter performance levels, it is grossly unfair that schools in will not be solved overnight. The long journey has had some parts of the country are receiving so much more many steps, but they are leading in the right direction. I money than those in other parts. That is unjust and welcome what we have done and I support the campaign. unfair. It must be put right, and quickly.

10.4 am 10.8 am Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): Sadly, my hon. Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I Friend the Member for Gloucester (Richard Graham) congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester cannot be here today, but it is two years since in this (Mr Walker) and all colleagues who have been associated 185WH Schools Funding29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 186WH with this campaign for years. I want to focus my comments It seems to me that £350 million is an injection of on schools in rural communities, but on a day when we money that is both substantial and much needed. It is a are mourning the loss of a teacher—the first teacher clear admission that the funding system needs to be ever to be killed in a classroom—we must take the fixed, because having in place a measure such as this, opportunity to pause and pay tribute to the pressures however temporary, demonstrates that the system is under which teachers work, and particularly to the flawed. Today, if we do nothing else, we should acknowledge lovely teacher who lost her life. We can never reward that point, so that we can move on to devise a system teachers or thank them enough for their work. that is workable and fair for rural schools as well as all My hon. Friend the Member for Worcester referred other pupils who might be suffering in an indirect way. to the cost of staffing as 65% and sometimes 85%. We I would never automatically link the amount of money must not lose sight of the fact that if there were a spent to the services provided, but I will draw hon. change of Government and national insurance Members’ attention to the fact that Ofsted has produced contributions rose, that would take an enormous chunk a very important report, “Unseen children: access and out of school budgets. We must be extremely mindful of achievement 20 years on”, which highlights the failure that. of many schools in rural and coastal areas. We have to The Select Committee on Environment, Food and acknowledge that that is just not good enough. We need Rural Affairs does not focus only on food, eating, a system that ensures that all schools, all teachers and farming and fishing. We recently produced a very wide- all pupils benefit from fair funding. I would say to my ranging report on rural communities. One of its most hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness alarming conclusions was about what my hon. Friends (Mr Stuart), the Chairman of the Select Committee on the Members for Hexham (Guy Opperman) and for Education, that that is a subject for his Committee to Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart) mentioned: the consider, because we need to lay the foundations for particular pressures on the budgets of schools in rural fundamental reform. I ask my hon. Friend the Minister areas. There are particular issues about travel to work to talk about just how thorough the Department will be and school buses. I know that the matter is constantly in ensuring that all areas are considered when coming reviewed in areas such as North Yorkshire. I am grateful up with a new formula that provides fairness. Of course, for the tribute paid by my hon. Friend the Member for there is also the issue of timeliness, because we cannot Beverley and Holderness to the outstanding excellence wait indefinitely. We need a firm commitment that and achievements of North Yorkshire schools. I pay action will be taken on this matter. That has already tribute also to the local education authority of North been recognised to be necessary. Yorkshire, which is generally there when needed but is As for my own patch in Gloucestershire, I of course recognised to be a very light-touch LEA. It has a good welcome the £9.6 million. That is much needed and will relationship overall with local schools. be wisely spent by our schools, because they have However, as I mentioned in an intervention on my consistently suffered, as many of my colleagues have hon. Friend the Member for Worcester, we regret the noted about the schools in their constituencies. Ironically, loss of autonomy suffered by individual schools, which the situation is about the same between Northumberland previously had the opportunity to have more say over and Newcastle as it is between Gloucestershire and budgets. That is highly regrettable. We called in our Bristol. That is just not a reasonable situation for us to report for it to be reversed, and I repeat that call here have to deal with, so my question to the Minister is today. basically this: what commitment will she give to ensuring that fundamental reform of the formula funding system Let me deal with sparsity funding. Historically, rurality will be brought about, and how long will it take? I ask and sparsity have always been recognised by Governments. that because the needs of our children and the urgency In particular, the members of the current coalition, the of our reforms elsewhere in the education system, coupled Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives, have historically with our place in the global economy, all add up to this paid great attention to rurality and sparsity. I urge the being a major part of the long-term economic plan. Department and the Minister to have a greater focus on that. There was, if I may say so, a very small, pitiful amount of money for sparsity provision. Look at the 10.15 am neighbouring education authority of York. One of the Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): I congratulate greatest difficulties is that when York went unitary, a my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester (Mr Walker)—it big chunk of the education budget went into the York was a pleasure to work with him on this issue—and all unitary authority and now we are feeling that pinch in the F40. My focus has been on schools funding in North Yorkshire. Cambridgeshire. We get the least per pupil as a basic I have been able to make only a few remarks, but I amount and we have been underfunded for some 30 years. believe that the measure we are discussing is a very That is a very serious issue, which has affected us very important step. It would be churlish not to recognise seriously. I first campaigned on it when I was still at that it will have a significant impact on schools in North school; the campaign was led by the now Baroness Yorkshire. Brinton. I have also worked on it as a county councillor and as a Member of Parliament. It has been a long fight 10.12 am by many people. Councillor Peter Downes, when he was Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): First, I pay tribute head of Hinchingbrooke school, campaigned on the to my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester (Mr Walker) issue. Cambridgeshire Schools Forum, led now by Philip for the tremendous work that he has done, because this Hodgson, has campaigned on it. Over the decades, it is a complicated but very important subject. His has affected us very heavily, and ultimately that is not achievement is the start of a very necessary journey that for any good reason; poor decisions made by the county has still to be completed. council in the 1980s have left us with this situation. 187WH Schools Funding29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 188WH

[Dr Julian Huppert] fast-growing county and we need to have money not only to pay teachers but to build schools. We have We are so far behind. Cambridgeshire gets £600 per problems with sixth-form funding, and I hope that the pupil per year less than the English average. That is Minister will have news to share with us on those about £250,000 for a typical primary school. Comparisons matters. We would like that assurance, and I would like have been made with Oxfordshire. Oxfordshire gets an absolute assurance from the shadow Minister that if more money per pupil now than Cambridgeshire will his party were in Government, they would continue to get with the extra money, so I will accept the praise in give us the fair funding that we deserve. I say a big the Oxford Mail for my lobbying campaign—I was “Thank you”to the Government. We need our £20 million, delighted to see it there—but I do not think that one and we will be grateful for it and for anything more that can feel particularly sorry for Oxfordshire, whose pupils can be done. will continue to get more than pupils in my area and others in Cambridgeshire. 10.20 am We are seeing real problems as a result of the continued Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con): It is a pleasure to underfunding. We are seeing the achievement gap widening, serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I am because there are simply not the resources in the schools delighted to have the opportunity to speak in this to be able to do the work that is necessary to close that debate, the subject of which will make a considerable gap. Fantastic work is done by dedicated teachers. Excellent difference to the futures of young people in my constituency. staff are doing their best, but with such scarce resources, I start by paying tribute to my hon. Friend the Member right at the bottom end, it will always be a challenge. for Worcester (Mr Walker)for securing the debate but Despite the fact that the issue had been raised for so particularly for his tireless work on the subject, not only many years, the previous Government did not do anything in our county but nationally. His constituents, like mine, to fix it. They did not help the people in Cambridgeshire; have suffered from unfair funding in education for far they did not ensure that we got the fair amount that we too long. It has been a priority for many of us since we deserve. That is why I was so delighted when, after were elected to see the mess of education funding sorted much lobbying by me as well as many others, my right out. I am pleased that now we are starting to see real hon. Friend the Minister for Schools announced that progress on the matter following the previous Government’s we would get a substantial amount of extra money— failure to act. £20.5 million in Cambridgeshire. In fact, that is less My own passion for the subject predates my time as than half the gap between us and the English average, an MP and goes back to my own experiences of education although of course the English average will go up. It funding when my children were at school, which was will help; it is incredibly welcome, but it is not all that many years ago, I have to say. When my family moved we need. to Worcestershire in 2000, I was shocked to find that my We in Cambridgeshire have taken the approach of children’s education in Redditch did not seem to carry saying thank you. Just yesterday, I handed in to the with it the same monetary value as it did in our former Minister for Schools a petition with about 2,000 signatures home of Wrexham. My awareness of that grew further on postcards, pieces of paper and online to say how when I became a governor at Vaynor First school in much people in Cambridgeshire want to get this extra Redditch and saw that the situation was worse than I money. We need it, and we need it soon. The money will had anticipated. As has already been said, Worcestershire go some way towards starting the change that is needed. is one of the lowest-funded local education authorities I agree with all the hon. Members who have said that in England. It is in the bottom 10. Despite my constituency this can only be the first step on the way to a proper fair being just 5 miles outside Birmingham, there is a difference funding formula that makes sense, that starts off not of around £700 between what pupils get towards their based on historical numbers but by working out what is education in both areas. I hope that the Minister will be needed for schools and pupils. This is nothing like the able to address that point and explain to the parents in end of the road. Redditch why their children are worth less than children 5 miles up the road. Philip Hodgson, the chair of the Cambridgeshire In 2009 Redditch was red flagged for unsatisfactory Schools Forum, has said that he is educational attainment by the Audit Commission, as “pleased the Government has at last recognised the problem but the borough was falling way behind the rest of the the extra money is needed now.” county. However, in the years that have followed, thanks Schools in Cambridgeshire and, I am sure, in other to both the hard work of teachers and the reforms made areas face problems in this financial year as well. Having by this Government, schools in Redditch have gone to wait until the next year will cause problems for from strength to strength. Redditch now boasts some of schools that have been pared to the bone for 30 years. the best-performing schools in the county—a remarkable We are having to try to cope with decades of turnaround for the borough’s schools, where almost underfunding—chronic underfunding—which has hit 70% of pupils now achieve the five A* to C GCSE the infrastructure and everything else in those schools. standard compared with only 37% in 2007. Imagine It makes it harder to adapt. We need some sort of what would happen if we got fairer funding in Redditch. immediate relief. If anything more could be done, that This will be the first time in a decade that funding has would be great, but most importantly we need to get been allocated to Redditch, Worcestershire and other this money; we need to get it in full; and we need that local areas on the basis of the actual characteristics of real and sustainable fairer funding system to last beyond pupils and schools, rather than simply on the basis of 2016. historical levels of spending. Under the minimum funding There is more to be done as well in terms of capital levels proposed, young people in Redditch stand to money and to make sure that places such as Cambridgeshire receive a 1.7% or £4.9 million rise in funding per pupil, can continue to build the schools that we need. We are a which will rise from £4,231 to £4,302. 189WH Schools Funding29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 190WH

Having studied the figures across the different local (Mr Walker) on continuing to lead the campaign and authorities, however, I am concerned that Worcestershire securing today’s debate. He has already made an eloquent is still not getting as good a deal as others, particularly contribution, and the point about salary increase and given that some better-funded authorities stand to gain increase in pension contribution, or superannuation, more from the proposals. There is real concern that has been well made. without more funding they will still continue to meet I am here to fly the flag for Suffolk, as many other their responsibilities. I look to the Minister for comment, hon. Members have flown the flag for their own and hope that after the consultation period some of the constituencies. I am sure that the Minister will do the figures will be adjusted accordingly. The commitment same for Norfolk in her contribution. I welcome the we have made is an important step forward, and it is extra money that we have received, but I echo and worth remembering how far we have come in such a endorse the points made by many hon. Members about short time. the real disparity that continues to be a feature of The campaign has been about securing a fair deal for education funding. I agree with my hon. Friend the our constituents and righting an obvious wrong. Of Member for Stroud (Neil Carmichael) that more money course, money is not all that is required to give our is not necessarily the only way to make improvements in young people a good start in life but it certainly goes a educational attainment, but I am sure that it will help long way towards doing so. Our Government must and I hope that the increase of £105, or 2.5%, will go continue to work to show children and their parents some way to address the situation in Suffolk. that no matter where they come from or what their background is, we are committed to improving the As has been mentioned, Suffolk is a rurally sparse education they receive. county that struggles with attainment. The county council, working with the Royal Society of Arts and the schools 10.23 am themselves, have embarked on something called “Raising the Bar.” It is a strategy to raise attainment that will Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con): Although take some time, but there will hopefully be some good it is not a member of the F40 campaign, I would like to results quickly en route. We have paired up with Hackney, make a plea for fairer funding for Cornwall. Currently a great council that has seen significant improvement in the duchy is towards the bottom of the funding table educational attainment. I have some sympathy with my with our dedicated school grant at just over £5,000 per head teachers when they point out that we will be pupil. We are grateful for the small increase we have moving to funding of £5,251 on average per pupil, but received. Hackney currently receives £9,268, which is an additional Cornwall, for many pupils, is a very rural area. The £4,017 or 76% per child. There is a lot more money to cost of getting to school children who are spread out provide additional teachers and facilities to tackle some over a large area is much greater than in a city where of the issues that Hackney deals with well, including many students are likely to be within walking distance through some of the specialist units that have been and therefore the cost to the local education authority is developed to help with difficult children. There is a much less. Often, rural areas have many more excellent huge difference. small schools but they lose the economies of scale which larger urban schools can gain. Teachers, too, face I want to make a point about the pupil premium, of these additional travel costs. In Cornwall we have relatively which the coalition is rightly proud. I point out to the high housing costs in relation to wages. I do not have to Minister and hon. Members present that my part of be told what a beautiful place Cornwall is because I was Suffolk has a low unemployment rate of less than 2%. lucky enough to be born there. However, that drives up People who do not have a job are rare—there are about housing costs. 800 in total—but that does not mean that average or median wages are particularly high. In fact, they are Surely, we should see equal spending per pupil regardless lower than in Liverpool, where I attended school. In of their location. That would provide a level playing Liverpool Wavertree, the median monthly wage is £510; field, allowing schools to offer equal pay and conditions, in Suffolk Coastal it is £490; and in Ipswich, it is £460. to give us a chance to attract the best teachers. The The pupil premium is adding to a significant funding education of our children is one of the most important gap between different parts of the country. aspects of government. Well-educated children tend to work harder and contribute more to our economy. Cornwall is lucky enough to qualify for substantial EU Kate Green: Although the Government have made a growth funding, as it has been classified as a less-developed welcome commitment to extend free school meals to all region. Surely, one of the best things the Government children at key stage 1, does the hon. Lady share my could do is to improve the education in Cornwall, to concern that, because parents will presumably no longer give it the very best opportunity for the future and to have to apply for free school meals, it might become bring it in line with the rest of Britain. more difficult to identify all the students who should The F40 campaign believes that an extra funding attract the pupil premium? That might further exacerbate allowance in the formula should be made to help more their position. rural schools—the sparsity element—and, if it can be done, take account of the size of classes. I echo that call Dr Coffey: Some local authorities already do that. I for my home county and Duchy of Cornwall. think it is for the Government and the Department to learn from where it already happens successfully, so I 10.26 am am not going to go down that route. I will explain my Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): It is a point by making another comparison with Hackney. pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. About half of the children there are eligible for the I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester pupil premium, and at £1,300 for a primary pupil and 191WH Schools Funding29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 192WH

[Dr Thérèse Coffey] of the 152 local authorities. Warrington, which is 135th out of all local authorities, will receive no extra funding. £935 for a secondary pupil, that is very welcome. However, Perhaps my previous speech was not as effective as it that is almost double the budget available to head might have been. teachers in Suffolk. I want to echo the words of the F40 campaign in its The extra funding that has been announced is a consultation response. What we have ended up with is welcome step, but it is only a sticking plaster, and we neither transparent nor fair. The formula can do lots of recognise that. It is going to take quite a lot of bravery things—it takes into account attainment and all sorts to get to the point where there is not such a disparity of of other factors—and I understand that, even allowing thousands of pounds per pupil that turns into hundreds for the very low budget in Warrington, attainment there of thousands of pounds in our large secondary schools. is pretty good, which is testimony to the quality of We must get to grips with that. I encourage my hon. teaching and the efforts made. However, when we know Friend the Member for Worcester to keep the campaign that the formula must be changed but it is not because going, and I am sure that all Members will be working to do so would be politically difficult, that is not courageous on our education Ministers and shadow Ministers in government. order to ensure that appropriate provision is made in I have asked why the new Government, who came in the manifestos for the 2015 election. bristling with talent, new ideas and determination to get things right, have not been able to put the formula right. 10.31 am It looks like they are not going to be able to do so over the five years of this Parliament. I understand that the David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): I would like formula was inherited from the previous Government, to congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester that many of the trade-offs were unacceptable, particularly (Mr Walker) on leading the charge on such an important in the massive haemorrhaging of funding to London, issue. and that that will take a while to unwind. Nevertheless, I have now been an MP for four years, and one of the as my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Guy advantages of that is that I can look back on my old Opperman) said, every journey must start with a small speeches and make them again. It is two years since we step. We have not really taken that step yet. were all in this Chamber discussing how we were going to reform the formula inherited from the previous Government. There was no dispute that that formula 10.35 am was wrong and there was no serious attempt to justify Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): It is pleasure it. The Minister for Schools, the right hon. Member for to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington Yeovil (Mr Laws), has continued with the attitude that South (David Mowat) and to contribute to the debate, the existing formula is wrong and must be changed. The which was opened so well by my hon. Friend the Member issue has been one of timing and expediency. for Worcester (Mr Walker). He has done a fantastic job When I spoke two years ago, I gave the example of of promoting the F40 cause, alongside many colleagues the contrast between funding in Warrington and in this place. Westminster, two places that I know—I live in Westminster When the initial funding announcements were made, when I am in London and in Warrington when I am in I was surprised for two reasons. First, I was pleasantly Cheshire. I made the point that funding was £8,100 per surprised to see that North Lincolnshire will receive an head in Westminster and about £5,000 per head in extra £153 per pupil, despite previously being, I think, Warrington. My right hon. Friend the Member for the 57th worst-funded authority. We are lucky to have Banbury (Sir Tony Baldry) made an excellent speech, people in our borough such as Tony Norton—who may but he was wrong to say that there was a differential of or may not be present today—who have fought hard for £1,000 per head; the differential is £3,000 or even £4,000 us on the issue locally. I was pleasantly surprised to see per head for some schools. that figure of £153, and then thought that, given that In my previous speech on this issue, I explained that I North Lincolnshire was receiving that extra amount per did not understand how Westminster, a relatively affluent head despite being either the 50th or 60th worst-funded part of London, could receive such an increased allocation authority at that point, there must be good news for over and above Warrington, which is not particularly the East Riding of Yorkshire as well. That is when the affluent, although parts of it are. Teachers at schools second, less pleasant, surprise occurred: I noted that the such as St Monica’s and Appleton Thorn are dealing figures for the East Riding of Yorkshire showed an with really quite tough budgets and having to make increase of just £12 or £13, despite it being the third very hard decisions, whereas there is a great deal of worst-funded authority. evidence to suggest that the extra money received by We are grateful for the increase, and I certainly do not places such as Westminster resulted in more teachers want to see changes to the extra £153 per head that is per head. The differential of more than £3,000 per pupil going to be awarded to North Lincolnshire and for is enormous when multiplied out and compared with a which schools are starting to plan. However, I do want school with 100 or 200 pupils. to see changes to the £13 increase for the East Riding of It was agreed that the existing formula had to change, Yorkshire, which, as I said, is the third worst-funded and no serious attempt was made to defend it. We have authority. As things stand, we will have two boroughs now received the first response in the form of the initial next to each other, one of which, North Lincolnshire, allocation. I hate to say that my words did not work, but will receive £5,426 per pupil next year, while the Westminster, which previously received £3,100 more per neighbouring borough, the East Riding of Yorkshire, pupil than Warrington, will receive a further £200 per which was the worst funded to being with, will receive pupil from the initial allocation. Westminster is 10th out less than £5,000 per pupil. 193WH Schools Funding29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 194WH

Nearby Hull will receive £5,978 per pupil. I have Kevin Brennan: In a moment. I was just about to taught at schools in both Hull and North Lincolnshire, mention the hon. Gentleman, so I will do that first before where these is a massive discrepancy. It makes a huge giving way briefly. Other contributors to this debate difference in what is provided to schools on the ground. have included the Chair of the Select Committee, the The money is not always well spent—I think my hon. hon. Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart), Friend the Member for Stroud (Neil Carmichael) said who did in his remarks exactly what I did by pointing that he does not always associate extra money with out that the timing of the announcement could be improved outcomes, and that is certainly true. Nevertheless, interpreted in a certain way if one were of a cynical when dealing with rural schools, particularly schools bent, as some of us might be from time to time. that are perceived to be doing okay but are doing so only because the majority of their cohort are from the sort of background where the kids naturally do quite Mr Stuart: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. He well, the money does make a difference, because, as will know that in times of austerity, redistribution is colleagues have mentioned, the perception that they are harder. He said that we are on a journey. Is his party on doing okay can mask a failure to deal with some of the that journey? Will he commit today to coming forward more challenging pupils or those who are struggling the during the next Parliament, should his party form a most. Government, with a national funding formula that bravely reallocates funding and has losers as well as winners, in That is where money really does make a difference, order better to match need with the funding that goes because it means that extra individuals can provide alongside it? dedicated support. We had that in Hull, and I do not wish to take a single penny away from the city of Hull, which has great needs. I simply wish to make the case Kevin Brennan: I can absolutely confirm that we are for levelling the playing field a little. We could not offer on that journey. The last Government started the the same level of intensive support to struggling pupils consultation process on that journey towards the end of in schools in the East Riding of Yorkshire, in which I the last Parliament, as the hon. Member for Worcester have done quite a bit of work in the past, and especially mentioned in his opening speech. not in North Lincolnshire. The money just is not there We also heard contributions from the right hon. to do that. Member for Banbury (Sir Tony Baldry), who mentioned I am pleased that the Government have recognised Taoism in his remarks, and from the hon. Member for the fact that there is a discrepancy and a problem—that Hexham (Guy Opperman), who mentioned Deng certainly was not the case when the campaign started—and Xiaoping. Perhaps I can also quote Zhou Enlai, who, that is a great move forward. However, it is inexplicable when asked about the effects of the French revolution, to me as a local MP to have to go back to the two local said that it was too early to tell. It is also, perhaps, a authorities I represent and say to the worst-funded, little too early to tell exactly what the outcome of the “You’re getting 13 quid extra,” while saying to the other, funding formula for schools will be, but we would which is still badly funded and desperately needs the welcome some transparency about it from the Government. money, “You’re getting £153 extra.” That does not I associate myself with the remarks of the hon. make sense. It is not fair on the East Riding of Yorkshire, Member for York Outer— which has some very deprived areas, including Goole, which I represent. My hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart) also mentioned in Miss McIntosh: I am the Member for Thirsk and his excellent speech places such as Withernsea and Malton. Bridlington, as well as areas on the edge of Hull. I thank the Government for the changes that have been made, but I think that things can be done in a much Kevin Brennan: I beg the hon. Lady’s pardon. The better way. constituencies keep changing all the time. The hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh) paid 10.39 am tribute in her remarks to the teacher Ann Maguire, who was tragically killed yesterday in school. I associate Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): I congratulate myself with those remarks, and I am sure that everybody the hon. Member for Worcester (Mr Walker) on securing in the House would want to do the same. this debate and on his speech, in which he outlined many of the problems with the current funding formula Contributions were also made by the hon. Member system. He was ably supported by many other hon. for Stroud (Neil Carmichael) and by the hon. Member Members. He pointed out the reasons why the Government for Cambridge (Dr Huppert), who recognised the long- should spell out their longer-term intentions in relation standing issues and the source of some of the present to the national funding formula and why, although his inequalities in the system, acknowledging that some of hon. Friends might have criticised me for saying so, the the issues in Cambridge go back to decisions taken by Government should not hide the fact that there will be the county council in the 1980s. Such historical difficulties losers in the process or pretend that there will not be, are hard to unravel, as Governments of all colours have just because we are a year away from a general election. found. Contributions were also made by the hon. Members I might have been criticised for saying that, but it is the for Redditch (Karen Lumley) and for South East Cornwall truth. We must ensure that we are open and transparent (Sheryll Murray). The hon. Member for Warrington about the journey that we are on in relation to a fairer South (David Mowat) managed to point out some of funding formula for our schools. the odd outcomes of the Government’s methodology in the current allocation made in the recent statement. We Mr Graham Stuart: Will the hon. Gentleman give heard a contribution as well from the hon. Member for way? Brigg and Goole (Andrew Percy), who also pointed 195WH Schools Funding29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 196WH

[Kevin Brennan] schools would lose at least 10% of their budgets as a result of the Government’s plans as outlined at that them out and summed up the difficulty for all Governments time, that one in 10 would gain at least 10% and that when he said that he does not want to take a single nearly 20% of primary schools and 30% of secondary penny away from Hull. schools would experience a cash-terms cut in funding if Will the Minister acknowledge that introducing a those plans were introduced. national funding formula will result in losers as well as Having realised how complicated and difficult it is to winners? We must be open and honest about that. What get it right, as we must—I welcome hon. Members’ I found frustrating about the statement was that the remarks that we should attempt to do so in a cross-party Schools Minister would not acknowledge that, and that way—the Government have tinkered with the proposals some of the bad news about what will happen elsewhere a bit in the meantime and have put some money towards was being parked down the road rather than openly the problem in the announcement that we are discussing. alluded to now. I make that point now, as I made it at However, as hon. Members have acknowledged, the the time. Interventions were made by many hon. Members Government have not done what they said they would present, including my hon. Friend the Member for do at the beginning of this Parliament and introduced Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green), who rightly pointed the national funding formula. They could have done so, out that her local authority has been subject to issues but they chose not to. That is the reality. Although they relating to the national funding formula. have made a down payment, as hon. Members have There are undoubtedly wide disparities among different described it—another way of putting it is that they have areas. Some of those disparities can be explained by thrown a bit of money at the problem—they have not levels of deprivation or by things such as London actually introduced the national funding formula, as weighting, but it remains true that pupils in schools they committed themselves to do. I do not criticise them with essentially similar characteristics can be funded overly for that, as it is a difficult thing to do, and it must very differently depending on where in the country they be got right. We have seen what the consequences are, as are. It goes back even as far as to when I was teaching, the IFS has pointed out. 25 years ago, before the introduction of the dedicated On the Government’s proposals themselves, the current schools grant. Before that, the exact level of funding for proposals assert that no authority will lose money as a schools was determined by local authorities, and the result. That may be true purely in cash terms, but it will grant from central Government was part of the overall occur in the context of no increase for inflation throughout local government settlement. The Government set out this Parliament, and an extra 2.3% increase in employer an expected level of school funding for each local pension contributions that will not be funded by the authority during that time and well into the 2000s, until Government. The consequence will be a continuing 2006, when the dedicated schools grant was introduced. squeeze on school budgets. Will the Minister acknowledge However, authorities were free to ignore it, as the money that that is the reality on the ground? For many schools, was not ring-fenced. That is exactly what happened in many of the gains will only offset losses that they suffer Cambridgeshire, as the hon. Member for Cambridge elsewhere. Welcome as the proposals are for those schools, pointed out. the reality is that they will not lead to a real increase in The result was that most councils spent more than the amount of money available to them, and that other the Government’s expected amount, which was known schools’ budgets will be squeezed by increasing pressures. then as the school formula funding share, but to widely Malcolm Trobe of the Association of School and College different extents. The exact level of funding was determined Leaders said that the announcement as a result of local political priorities, including the level “is completely overshadowed by the reality that all schools and of council tax, and the arcane working of the local colleges will have a huge hole in their budgets caused by the government settlement as a whole. The national funding pensions contribution rise. This will have a catastrophic effect and formula grant was introduced in 2006, and those basic lead to larger class sizes and reduced curriculum choice.” levels of funding were taken as the baseline. The grant I shall just ask a few questions, because I want the was increased by a given percentage each year, so the Minister to have time to respond. Will she confirm—it differences basically continued, except that authorities was difficult to get this information out of the Minister that spent less got an increase to bring them up to that for Schools because he would not answer me—exactly level. Over and above that, there was some relative where the money is coming from? He said that it was a increase in the funding for areas of deprivation. That mixture of Treasury and Department for Education leads us to the consultation that took place towards the money and, later, following a written parliamentary end of the last Government. The issue is long-standing, question, on which I had to press him to get an answer, and it is rooted in how the funding was calculated he mentioned that some £90 million of the £350 million formerly. The last Government changed that system. I would come from the Treasury, the rest being taken accept that the disparities remained, which is why we from other parts of the schools budget. Will she confirm began consulting towards the end of the last Government that and tell us which programme that money is being on a national funding formula approach. taken from? I have the text of that written answer, but The current Government have committed themselves not the reference from Hansard. to the national funding formula, but when they made Will the Minister publish the Government’s modelling their announcement back in 2011, they did not analyse of who will be the winners and losers from the national the figures fully. It was up to the Institute For Fiscal funding formula? If she cannot do so now, will she Studies to do so, and its report showed that the level of place that in the Library? Over what period is she disruption caused by the introduction of the Government’s planning to introduce the national funding formula, if proposals for the national funding formula would be it is to be introduced, if the Government are re-elected highly unpredictable. The IFS calculated that one in six at the next election? Other hon. Members asked about 197WH Schools Funding29 APRIL 2014 Schools Funding 198WH that. Is it possible that after the consultation there will but is it a genuine consultation? Will the Minister be changes to the allocations announced in the statement consider points that have been made and, despite the and that some authorities will lose money that they political difficulties, ensure that that funding is distributed were expecting and others will get more than they were in the fairest way possible? expecting? Hon. Members have asked about that, too. Elizabeth Truss: It is a genuine consultation. We will 10.50 am listen to representations, not just from today’s debate, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education but from discussions that we have had as a team with (Elizabeth Truss): I congratulate my hon. Friend the the F40 group. It is a difficult process, obviously. A lot Member for Worcester (Mr Walker) and the F40 group of hon. Members mentioned the problems in moving for the amazing progress that has made on this campaign. towards a fair national funding formula. As hon. Members have said, this long-standing issue is A number of hon. Members mentioned that the finally starting to be dealt with. It is down to the longest journey begins with a single step. We have made dedication of all right hon. and hon. Members who that step. There are always issues with the way that a have attended this debate and made such eloquent formula for minimum funding is decided; all sorts of contributions that we are finally making progress on aspects have to be considered in a formula, including this issue. sparsity, rurality, deprivation and attainment. There is Many hon. Members have highlighted the idiosyncrasies no perfect formula. There will always be some local and unfairness of the current system. I do not think authorities that gain more and some that gain less, and that there is any disagreement about that. Our spending even when we get to the holy grail of the national on education is the fifth highest in the OECD. We have funding formula, that will be so. There has to be a protected the education budget during this Parliament, formula. However, where the Government have had an because we believe that education spending is vital for opportunity to allocate new money, as with the two-year-old the future of our children and our nation. Nevertheless, offer, we have allocated it completely fairly throughout this spending is not fairly distributed at the moment; it the country, and done so on a per-child basis with an is unfair and inefficient. Unfortunately, this unfairness area cost adjustment. Where this Government have had has been baked in over the years, so even when education an opportunity to allocate new money, we have done it budgets were rising significantly, it was not dealt with. fairly. We are playing catch-up at the moment, as was mentioned I am committed, as my colleagues are, to a national by a number of hon. Members, my hon. Friend the funding formula. It is incredibly important for equity, Member for Redditch (Karen Lumley) in particular. social mobility and for our long-term economic plan, as My hon. Friend the Member for Worcester made the hon. Members have said. good point that the link between funding and attainment I recognise the issues raised about the high-needs is not always clear, but that there is greater clarity in block and the perceived unfairness of looking at the respect of those from the most deprived backgrounds. schools block. There would be issues in looking at the Of course, one of our main priorities as a Government entire block, as well. Because the whole situation is so is closing the gap between those on the lowest and complicated, with the schools block, the high-needs highest incomes. We have a long tale of under-achievement block and the early years block, we have taken it step by in this country that has a profound impact on social step, starting with the schools block. That matter has mobility and our economy, and that is something that come through in the consultation and we will look at we are keen to address. that. My hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Neil I note the specific issues in Staffordshire, the East Carmichael)referenced the report, “Unseen Children”, Riding, Leicestershire and Warrington. I agree with my which highlighted the issues for children in rural and hon. Friend the Member for Warrington South (David coastal areas in general. That is a major problem, and Mowat); I have seen excellent attainment in Warrington, we need to deal with it. at the Evelyn Street primary school, which I visited with My hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton him. It is a such an outstanding school that we are using (Miss McIntosh) talked about the issues faced in her it as a national case study of how to integrate early constituency. I associate myself with her comments years into schools. Fantastic work is going on in Warrington, about the terrible tragedy of the dedicated teacher, Ann but that does not mean that Warrington should be Maguire, in Leeds. I went to school in Leeds. My underfunded. thoughts are with her friends and her family. I have also taken the point about the area cost adjustment, I am pleased that hon. Members have recognised that particularly about how that has benefited London the Government have provided £350 million of funding. authorities in particular. We have to reflect the cost of I cannot provide the hon. Member for Cardiff West teacher salaries in different areas, but how that is reflected (Kevin Brennan) with additional information about his in the overall allocations will be under consideration in parliamentary question, but it is significant that the the consultation. Government have found this additional money. We recognise that this is a priority. We are vigorously pursuing We have recognised sparsity, although a number of a route towards a national funding formula, which is my colleagues do not think that we have recognised it the right way forward, and we are pressing that case. enough. But it is recognised in a minimum funding This funding represents a step towards it. level, with a grant being given per school. I acknowledge points made about the rising costs Mr Graham Stuart: The consultation on how the faced by schools, whether teacher salaries or pension £350 million is allocated closes tomorrow. It is difficult and energy costs. However, in difficult economic times, to comment once indicative allocations have been given, we have protected education spending in real terms, 199WH Schools Funding 29 APRIL 2014 200WH

[Elizabeth Truss] Planning (North East Lincolnshire) because we consider it a priority. The question about what we will do on education spending and the national 11 am funding formula is important for our respective parties, going forward into a future Parliament. I cannot fully Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): As always, it is a announce our position on that today; we are still working pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. on the plans. I will focus on the inability of North East Lincolnshire My hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Guy council, as the local planning authority, to protect the Opperman) said that he is pleased that we are going in best interests of local residents and to allow communities the right direction. It is important to acknowledge that. to influence major planning issues in their own areas. This has been a long time coming. We have taken steps Although I acknowledge that it is not possible to separate with the £350 million, although people may not think it local decision making from the role of central Government has been allocated in an absolutely ideal fashion. There because of national guidance, I aim to highlight the fact have been detailed discussions about the modelling used that, because the council will not have an approved for the formula. This is probably a precursor to discussions local plan until November 2017, it will be almost impossible that will go on about what a fair national funding to defend decisions made in line with local opinion. I formula will look like. also want to ask the Minister to consider intervening—if I also acknowledge the points made by my hon. not now, certainly at some time at the future—to protect Friend the Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) about my constituents from unwanted, unloved developments the positive changes that we have made in Cambridgeshire, that have the potential to destroy the environment and particularly with respect to the capital budgets there. change many of the villages that make up the rural part To summarise, we have made the largest step that we of my constituency for ever. can in a single year by securing the additional £350 million It will help if I sketch out a picture of my constituency. funding, without creating major turbulence in the system, The town and resort of Cleethorpes is part of the urban which is a danger of moving too fast in funding reform. area of Grimsby and Cleethorpes, and only locals know There is not a perfect formula. The arguments will where the boundary between the two lies. Roads such as continue about what factors are most important and Park street and Clee road have one side in Grimsby and what really drives the costs in schools. The Department the other in Cleethorpes. The villages that form the is working on better analysis of schools’ costs, so that suburbs of Grimsby and Cleethorpes have distinct identities. we can ensure that a future national funding formula In the past, when regional spatial strategies were in properly reflects the costs, such as attracting and retaining place, things were complicated by the fact that many high-quality staff in rural areas. I commit to listening to suburbs were not just in a different council jurisdiction representations. but in a different region. People will accept new developments and there is a need for more housing, but unless councils have proper policies in place, developments will take place in a haphazard fashion and will not be part of a proper structure. My constituency is served by two unitary authorities, Conservative-controlled North Lincolnshire and Labour- controlled North East Lincolnshire. Around three quarters of the constituency is in North East Lincolnshire, and I wish to focus on that area today. In recent months, the council has had to determine a number of applications, particularly in the Humberston and New Waltham ward, but villages in the Waltham ward and the Wolds ward are now also being affected. As we know, local plans are the rock on which local authorities build their planning policies and are subject to intense scrutiny by local people, acting both as individuals and collectively, through residents associations and, importantly, through parish councils. Without an up-to-date plan, a council is unable to direct developments to preferred sites that have been the subject of extensive local consultation. In recent months, North East Lincolnshire council’s failings have been highlighted by the planning inspector who heard the appeal into the proposal by Keystone Developments. The inspector published an extremely critical report, highlighting the council’s many failings. The inspector’s report to the Secretary of State stated, in paragraph 5.1: “The Council is not able to demonstratea5yearsupply of housing land…locally-derived figures require 410 houses per year for the period 2011-2017, and 520 houses per year thereafter… 201WH Planning (North East Lincolnshire)29 APRIL 2014 Planning (North East Lincolnshire) 202WH

The Council has not succeeded in delivering 410 houses in any “The Council accepts that it does not have a five year housing recent year… The implication of this is that the first part of LP land supply, and as a consequence, LP policies relevant to the Policy GEN2 has to be treated as out of date”. supply of housing should not be considered up-to-date”. When local plans are out of date, there is a presumption As the inspector’s report notes in paragraph 11.2, in favour of development. “where relevant policies are out of date, then (unless material The report points to the council’s failure meet its considerations indicate otherwise) planning permission should be statutory duty to identify a five-year supply of land for granted unless any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against residential development. Failure to meet that requirement the policies in the Framework taken as a whole, or specific means that local people suffer. Of course, identifying policies in the Framework indicate development should be restricted.” such land can be controversial and there will always be objections—those of us who have served as local councillors Again, that makes it clear that, without approved policies, know that there are serial objectors who will oppose the council is letting down the people it should be anything and everything—but the overwhelming number representing. of people will accept decisions when they have seen a The council further weakened the defence of its original transparent process and have been able to have their say decision to refuse permission for the development by through their elected representatives and as individuals. Keystone because, as noted in paragraph 12 of the Department’s letter, it had already accepted the developer’s offer of a financial contribution to mitigate highway Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): I pay tribute congestion. That paragraph states: to my hon. Friend for his excellent work on behalf of his constituents in Cleethorpes. I know that the electorate “The Secretary of State notes that the Highway Authority has confirmed that the proposed financial contribution would enable there appreciates it, and as his constituency neighbour, I it to satisfactorily mitigate the increased congestion that the hear positive things from residents. Will he draw out construction of the new dwellings would otherwise cause. He once more the comparison between the two unitary therefore agrees with the Inspector that there would be no adverse authorities? The situation that he is demanding is what impact in this respect to weigh against the proposal”. happens in the parts of his constituency and mine that In its overall conclusions, the letter from the DCLG are under North Lincolnshire council—the local authority states: has clear plans in place and is prepared to stand up for residents and to go to appeal and defend them in such “Parties are agreed that the local planning authority does cases. Often, it does so in the teeth of opposition from nothavea5yearsupply of housing and, in accordance with paragraph 215 of the Framework, the Secretary of State concludes Labour councils, which then accuse the council of wasting that full weight can no longer be given to the relevant housing money because it is standing up for people. There is a supply policies of the development plan.” real contrast in our area between the appalling situation under North East Lincolnshire council and what happens I return to the inspector’s conclusions, beginning at under North Lincolnshire council, where residents are paragraph 11.7, which states: at the centre of planning policy. “The Council has consistently viewed the regeneration of the district’s urban areas as one of its priorities, and to this end has identified a number of previously developed (‘brownfield’) sites in Martin Vickers: My hon. Friend highlights something urban areas, many of which are presently occupied by old or that is apparent. As I mentioned earlier, two wards of unwanted buildings which contribute little or nothing to the North Lincolnshire council are in my constituency. surrounding area.” Under the leadership of Councillor Liz Redfern, that At this point, I should mention that the former Bird’s council is robust and determined in its planning policies Eye factory site in Ladysmith road is the one site that is and, as my hon. Friend points out, prepared to defend always drawn to my attention as being in urgent need of the interests of local communities. It is able to do so redevelopment. because it has a robust local plan and is proceeding well with its new plan. The paragraph continues: “Some of these sites were allocated for residential development When the Department for Communities and Local in the current Local Plan, and some have been granted planning Government was required to confirm the inspector’s permission for housing. That is consistent with the NPPF’s approach findings, there was no possible reason for it to overturn of encouraging the effective use of such land, but as is evident the decision. Indeed, the letter sent by the Department from the number of them which have the benefit of an allocation to confirm the inspector’s decision said in point 6: and/or planning permission yet still remain undeveloped, provides no guarantee that housing will actually be delivered on those “The current Local Development Scheme states that the new sites.” Local Plan is due to be adopted in 2015. As the new Local Plan is still in the early stage of preparation, the Secretary of State Paragraph 11.8 states: attaches little weight to it in the determination of this appeal.” “In the circumstances, I can understand the Council’s concern I draw to the Minister’s attention the fact that a report to ensure that nothing should discourage the re-development of approved by North East Lincolnshire council’s cabinet these urban brownfield sites, but am not persuaded by its argument that permitting the residential development of the appeal site on 31 March shows that the amended date for final would necessarily have that unwanted effect. I have not been adoption of the new local plan has slipped further, to provided with any substantive evidence that the delivery of housing November 2017. For a further three and a half years, on greenfield sites prejudices the delivery of housing on brownfield my constituents will be left high and dry by their local sites. The Council contends that the situation speaks for itself, but authority and will be unable to protect the environment it seems to me that it would be over-simplistic to assume that a or identities of their local communities. housebuilder would always choose a greenfield site over a brownfield site. Much will depend on the specific circumstances of each site, I return to the Department’s letter, which in paragraph 7 and the capabilities, preferences and financial arrangements of states: each developer. Some may favour a greenfield site, to avoid the 203WH Planning (North East Lincolnshire)29 APRIL 2014 Planning (North East Lincolnshire) 204WH

[Martin Vickers] one urban mass. I hope that the Minister will agree to meet me in the near future to discuss the problems need to demolish existing unwanted buildings: some may favour a specifically in north-east Lincolnshire. brownfield site, to avoid the need to lay electric, gas, water and sewage connections.” Paragraph 11.9 states: 11.15 am “Further, in the context of the acknowledged shortfall in the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for district’s housing provision, I see no reason why housing permitted Communities and Local Government (Nick Boles): It is a on greenfield sites in order to redress that shortfall should in any pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone, way affect the housing on brownfield sites that has already been and it is a particular pleasure to take part in a debate assessed by the Council as deliverable within the next 5 years. among Lincolnshire MPs about the examples of good There is no indication that the assessment of deliverability was based on the premise that no other housing sites would come and poor local government in our wonderful county. forward.” I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Paragraph 11.10 says: Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers) on securing the debate. I know that the issue is of great importance to him and “As to the brownfield sites assessed by the Council as not being capable of delivering housing within the next 5 years, again I see his constituents, because this is by no means the first no reason to suppose that situation would alter as a result of the time that he has talked to me about this subject—his residential development of the appeal site. The deliverability of concerns about the lack of a local plan in north-east such sites is far more likely to be affected by the market conditions Lincolnshire and the effect that that is having on decision and housing need that exist five years hence. The Council does making about particular applications in his constituency. not seek to argue that it would be right to countenance an Because he has such a sophisticated understanding of under-provision of housing for the district, in the hope that such the planning system, he will understand that I cannot under-provision would incentivise the earlier regeneration of these refer to any decision that has been made or any application sites. There is no evidence at all that such an approach might work, and it would in any event conflict with the NPPF’s clear that may be under way, but I can talk to his point about objective ‘to boost significantly the supply of housing’ by requiring the local plan and to the effects on decision making of Councils to make provision for a five-year supply of deliverable not having an up-to-date local plan. housing sites.” My hon. Friend is absolutely right that local plans Paragraph 11.11 states: are absolutely at the heart of the planning system in a “Taking all of this into account, I find no convincing evidence way that they were not when we came into government to support the Council’s assertion that there must be a connection in 2010. The previous Government’s approach was that between the non-delivery of a large number of brownfield sites local areas were told what they had to do and where and the continued coming forward of greenfield sites. That being they had to do it, and they were denied both the the case, I attach only very limited weight to the possibility that responsibility and power to make decisions about providing permitting the residential development of the appeal site would for their needs. That happened through regional strategies, discourage the regeneration of brownfield sites” and he referred to the fact that his authority lies at the in the district. edge of two such regions. Paragraph 11.12 says: On coming into government, we strongly felt that it “As discussed above, the fact that the Council cannot demonstrate was important not only that local areas were given the a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites means that by power to make decisions about development, but that operation of paragraph 49 of the NPPF, relevant policies for the that power could be transferred to them only if they supply of housing should not be considered up-to-date.” had taken responsibility for showing how they would I stress that those are the words of an inspector, not a meet their housing needs by identifying, through a local partisan politician. Clearly, the construction of 400 new plan, a sufficient supply of sites to meet those needs so homes will have a considerable impact on the demand we could all be reassured that enough houses and other for local public services, and as we are aware, those are facilities would be developed over the coming years to always under pressure. The proposals provide some meet the area’s needs—hence the importance of local additional funding for primary schools, but the local plans. senior school is an academy, and as the chairman of I am glad to say that nationally, local authorities have governors, who attended my surgery earlier this month, been making very rapid progress in plan making. When drew to my attention, it therefore does not qualify for we came into office, less than a third of local authorities funding through a section 106 agreement. Perhaps the had a draft published plan and only 17% of authorities Minister could indicate whether that is a matter for his had an adopted plan. The latest figures, in 2014, are Department or for the Department for Education and that 76% of all authorities have a draft published plan whether consideration is being given to reconsidering and more than 54% of authorities have an adopted that apparent anomaly. plan. There are lots of local councils whose plans are in I was a local councillor in north-east Lincolnshire for examination or about to be submitted for examination 26 years, and I recognise the difficulties that the council by inspectors, so I am hopeful that those figures will has in attracting high-quality recruits to specialist areas continue to rise steadily over the next few months and such as planning. It has relied too much in recent years years. on interim appointments and the situation needs to be What those figures highlight, I am afraid, is the resolved as soon as possible. If overdevelopment in failure of some authorities, including north-east Humberston, New Waltham, Waltham, Laceby and the Lincolnshire, to do what many other authorities have other lovely villages in north-east Lincolnshire continues, managed to do. I am not suggesting for a moment that it will totally change the character and nature of those putting together a local plan is easy or straightforward, villages. My constituents value their local environment or that it is uncontentious. It is not easy, straightforward and identity, and they do not want to be merged into or uncontentious in any part of the country, but 76% of 205WH Planning (North East Lincolnshire)29 APRIL 2014 Planning (North East Lincolnshire) 206WH local authorities have managed to produce a draft plan decisions, but we have to return to the fundamental and 54% have managed to have it passed through point that we can transfer the power to say yes or no to examination and be formally adopted, so there simply is development proposals only if local councils have taken no excuse for his local authority not having managed to responsibility for identifying how they will meet those make more progress. My hon. Friend the Member for needs. It is only when that responsibility has been Brigg and Goole (Andrew Percy) draws a contrast with demonstrated through a five-year land supply that that the other authority in the neighbourhood, North power can be transferred to local councils in a relatively Lincolnshire council, which is Conservative controlled. unfettered way. That contrast is instructive because the north Lincolnshire I know that my hon. Friends the Members for local plan was adopted in June 2011 and sets out a Cleethorpes and for Brigg and Goole, and indeed all five-year land supply, which means that North Lincolnshire hon. Members, including yourself, Mr Hollobone—nobody council’s development decisions are respected. As I is more involved at both local level and parliamentary often put it, North Lincolnshire council is in the driving level in representing people than you are—want our seat on local development decisions. authorities to be in a position to make decisions on If North Lincolnshire council could adopt a plan in behalf of local people that local people have helped to time—and no doubt it had to go through difficult shape and form. That is what we all long to see. The moments and have difficult conversations with local good news is that most areas are arriving at that point, communities—and ultimately do what we elect local but I completely understand the frustration of my hon. authorities to do, which is to take responsibility for Friend the Member for Cleethorpes that his authority, a local decisions, there is simply no reason why a neighbouring Labour-controlled authority, is entirely failing. I wonder authority should not have been able to do the same. I whether that failure is a result of incompetence or have to confess that I can see absolutely no reason or cowardice, and I wonder whether his local authority excuse for the suggestion that North East Lincolnshire prefers to be able to blame the Government and the council will not be able to put a plan in place until Planning Inspectorate for difficult decisions, rather than November 2017. World wars have been fought and won taking responsibility for having conversations locally in the same amount of time. It is extraordinary that an about where development should take place. I hope that authority will spin its wheels for so long. the people of north-east Lincolnshire will not reward My hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes is entirely people for failing to take responsibility, for acting in a right about the effect on decision making. In his textbook cowardly fashion and for failing to discharge their exposition of the planning system, he made only one responsibilities. very small error when he said that, in cases where there We are all elected to public office to do a job on is no five-year land supply, there is a presumption in behalf of our communities. That job is not always favour of development. The presumption is actually in popular, and it is certainly not always to avoid difficult favour of sustainable development, which means that decisions; the job is to work with communities to explain policies on environmental protection, respecting the what is needed, to talk about the alternatives and to need for adequate transport infrastructure and recognising secure broad community support for a balanced plan floodplains, and so on, have to be seriously taken into for discharging our responsibilities. That is what we try account. The presumption will apply only if a proposed to do here in Parliament, and I suspect that it is what all development can be demonstrated to be sustainable. of us here today tried to do when we were councillors Nevertheless, my hon. Friend is right that, in the representing people on local authorities. It is what absence of a local plan and a five-year land supply, the North East Lincolnshire council should be doing, and it presumption in favour of sustainable development will is what North Lincolnshire council is doing. be what determines whether a development should go I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate, ahead. The preferences of local people and local and I will be delighted to meet him to discuss further communities as to where development should happen how we can help him to kick North East Lincolnshire will unfortunately not carry the weight that they would council into swifter action on making its local plan. have carried if the local authority had a five-year land supply and a local plan. Indeed, that is what has happened Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): I thank all those in some of the decisions to which he referred, and it is who have taken part in this extremely important debate. happening in other areas of the country, too. I completely understand local people’s frustration and dismay that 11.25 am their opinions are effectively being overridden by such Sitting suspended. 207WH 29 APRIL 2014 Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles 208WH

Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles The Cabinet Office guidance on consultations states: “Timeframes for consultation should be proportionate and realistic to allow stakeholders sufficient time to provide a considered [MR CHRISTOPHER CHOPE in the Chair] response… For a new and contentious policy, 12 weeks or more”— that is 12 weeks, not 12 days— 2.30 pm “may…be appropriate. When deciding on the timescale for a Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): It is a pleasure given consultation the capacity of the groups being consulted to to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Chope, and to respond should be taken into consideration.” have this opportunity to raise some important issues in As has been demonstrated by the objections raised by relation to the Deregulation Bill. I am delighted that the all concerned parties outside Whitehall, the policy is Minister is here to respond. clearly contentious and there are a number of different I am speaking up for my constituents in Easington viewpoints. Indeed, I have had a couple of debates over who are likely to be affected by the amendments that the past few days, including one this morning on local the Government made to the Deregulation Bill in radio, and there is a huge degree of contention on the Committee. I am also speaking up for Unite the union—of pros and cons of the three new clauses. Nowhere in the which I and many taxi drivers are members—and the guidance do I see a reflection of the current situation, in GMB. I am also speaking on behalf of a number of which such a disparate industry with such disparate stakeholders who feel disfranchised by the Government’s views, and with many different stakeholders and interested truncated consultation. parties, was given only 10 days’ notice of the proposals. It might be useful if I mention the background and Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): This rushed and ill-thought- where we stand with consultation. Back in July 2011, through process has caused real concern among my the Government asked the Law Commission to consider disabled constituents. Would my hon. Friend welcome wide-ranging reforms to taxi and vehicle licensing legislation. an assurance from the Minister that the Government do The Department for Transport asked the Law Commission not propose to make any changes to section 37A of the to undertake a comprehensive review with the aim of Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which makes it modernising and simplifying that legislation. There is illegal for minicab drivers to refuse to carry guide dog no doubt that taxi and vehicle licensing is a complex owners simply because they are accompanied by a guide area, and many right hon. and hon. Members have dog? concerns about the effect that the amendments are likely to have in their constituencies. Grahame M. Morris: My hon. Friend makes an In May 2012, the Law Commission launched a wide- important point. Although I welcome the Government’s ranging consultation on the Government’s proposals. assurances on that specific issue, I am concerned about Indeed, the industry has many stakeholders who have the Government’s amendment on contracting out. A been involved in that ongoing process over the past two customer might telephone a private hire company for years. In parallel with the Law Commission’s ongoing a particular reason. They may have a disability or a review, however, the Government launched another review preference, or they may get a better price. Unfortunately, with a truncated 10-day informal consultation on three some taxi operators discriminate against disabled people specific new clauses that were added to the Deregulation by charging them a higher premium. There are considerable Bill in Committee. and worrying implications for disabled people, even if The long consultation process under the auspices of we accept some of the Minister’s assurances. the Law Commission is still ongoing, but I understand that stakeholders and industry and union representatives Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): I congratulate the were told on Friday 14 March 2014 that the new clauses hon. Gentleman on securing this debate. He will surely would be added to the Deregulation Bill. That is accept that the Deregulation Bill is going through the unacceptable. Will the Minister give an explanation? I Commons and the House has yet to complete its have sought advice from a number of stakeholders not consideration of the new clauses. Surely, he cannot just within my trade union but within the trade, and the possibly object to one of the new clauses, so this is my only conclusion I can draw is that the Government have simple question: why should we not allow a private hire decided that there is insufficient time to allow due vehicle to be driven, when off duty, as a normal vehicle, consideration of the Law Commission’s draft Bill before thereby freeing a family from the need to run a second the general election in 2015. car, particularly given the cost-of-living crisis that he so frequently asserts? Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this important debate. Is he saying Grahame M. Morris: There is a reason, which I will that the Government have pushed through three address in more detail. On the immediate question, amendments to the Deregulation Bill while there is an there is ample evidence, particularly in the City of ongoing consultation? London, of a problem with unlicensed taxis and rogue minicab operators. If people drove around in private Grahame M. Morris: My hon. Friend is absolutely hire vehicles, it would be much easier for them to pick right. I hope that the Minister is able to clarify the people up and engage in illegal activity. I have seen figures Government’s thinking, because the shortened consultation showing that in London last year there were 260 assaults was launched with barely a week’s notice before the and 54 rapes, so we should be cognisant of that. amendments were considered by the Public Bill Committee. That must concern parliamentarians who are keen to Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): If we ensure that there is full and proper consultation on look at the Bill in a broader sense, the Government are controversial and contentious issues. trying to deregulate health and safety, and the new 209WH Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles29 APRIL 2014 Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles 210WH clauses affect health and safety in a number of ways. Under the new clause, family members will be free to Women are being attacked in unlicensed taxis, for example. use a private hire vehicle on a personal basis, so long as Eighteen months ago, if I went outside not far from they do not use it for private hire. The Minister said that here, an unlicensed person would be touting to take my it would be totally straightforward to identify abuses, fare at an extortionate price. Finally, in answer to the but it would be hugely problematic. I was trying to hon. Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman), the taxi is imagine how someone could be stopped on suspicion of primarily a working vehicle. That is a fundamental committing that abuse, and that should have full and difference. To police that, a family vehicle and a working proper consideration. It was one of the reasons for vehicle have to be distinguished. setting up the Law Commission consultation.

Grahame M. Morris: I agree with my hon. Friend’s Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): I point. The fundamental point that I was trying to make congratulate the hon. Gentleman on securing this important before that series of interventions is that the Public Bill debate. On the overall review, he must have seen the Committee did not have the opportunity to consider judgment by the Court of Appeal on Stockton-on-Tees properly representations from the trade in the time scale borough council and the taxi trade. The court said that allowed. My understanding is that these new clauses it could only do a certain number of things, and the rest had not been tabled when the evidence sessions were was left to Parliament to review. Does he agree that, if held. It is important that those representations are we are going to review this, we should review the whole properly considered. thing and ensure that there are proper criteria and a structure with one piece, rather than numerous pieces, A number of important stakeholders—including the of legislation dealing with it? That would only be fair to Local Government Association, which has contacted all taxi drivers, including those in my constituency. me—have said that the informal consultation on the measures has been completely inadequate. What is the Grahame M. Morris: The hon. Gentleman makes an point of the Law Commission going to the expense of eminently sensible point, which is the one that I am compiling a detailed report if we are not going to wait trying to make. We should not approach the matter in a for its outcome? Undoubtedly, a considerable amount haphazard, piecemeal fashion, particularly when we of time, money and effort have been spent on it, and have set in train a major review and are consulting with Members should have an answer. all stakeholders, not all of whom would agree with me. That seems sensible, and I cannot for the life of me see Guy Opperman: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? the logic in ploughing ahead with these changes in such a piecemeal fashion. Grahame M. Morris: If the hon. Gentleman does not mind, I will make a little bit more progress. I am sure Guy Opperman: The hon. Gentleman talks about that he can make a fuller contribution in a moment. stakeholders, but does he accept—on BBC radio this [Interruption.] Well, I did give way to him once already. morning, he debated with one of the stakeholders, who made this case robustly—that the change will bring a I will quote from some of the representations that I considerable number of new jobs to the north-east? have received, given that the Public Bill Committee was Lord knows we need them, and the hon. Gentleman not able to take evidence on the issue. My union, Unite, often makes the case for them. which represents thousands of taxi drivers up and down the country, said: Grahame M. Morris: I did have a debate this morning “These amendments are a last minute attempt by the Department with a representative of Blueline Taxis from Newcastle. for Transport to get something on the statute books without One of my hon. Friends wants to talk about some of proper or full consultation with stakeholders having taken place the problems that have arisen, so I will leave them to and without waiting for the Law Commission’s Draft Bill.” respond on that. I think that that is a fairly accurate statement of fact. There is a consequence to what we are doing. I hold To go into the specifics, the first of the Government’s taxi drivers in the highest regard. I socialise with a three proposed new clauses would allow drivers, as the number of taxi drivers. I count them among my best hon. Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman) said, who friends, and I want to keep them. I do not want their do not hold a private hire vehicle licence to drive such status and prestige to be undermined by unlicensed a vehicle when it is not being used as a private hire taxis and the potential consequences of rushing this vehicle. I read the text of the Minister’s response in ill-thought-through legislation through Parliament. Committee in Hansard, and in mitigation he indicated that London was a precedent for the proposed changes. Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Does my hon. We have to recognise that London has one of the largest Friend agree that there is a consensus across the trade taxi markets in the world and is a truly global city. We that this piecemeal approach is not what is needed? We have heard arguments about exemptions for investment need to wait for the Law Commission to bring forward in transport. A figure that I often quote is that the holistic legislation, as the hon. Member for Gillingham investment in transport infrastructure in my region is and Rainham (Rehman Chishti) said. Contrary to the £5 a head, and in London it is £2,900 a head. If we are views of the hon. Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman), using precedent as an example, we should have a 500-fold that holistic approach will lead to safer taxis and more increase in investment in transport infrastructure in the jobs for people than the Government’s piecemeal approach. north-east. It is not always appropriate to use precedent. Compared with the rest of the country, the situation in Grahame M. Morris: I absolutely agree with my hon. London is rather different in terms of regulation, Friend’s point. There are dangers, not only to the trade, enforcement and Transport for London. but to the safety of the travelling public. I mentioned 211WH Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles29 APRIL 2014 Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles 212WH

[Grahame M. Morris] they then carry on and park in a stand-by, that would be illegal and that would put more pressure on the local some of the campaigns that have been run, which I enforcement authorities’ resources. Does the hon. support, on alerting people to the dangers of unlicensed Gentleman agree that that must be addressed? and unauthorised taxis. Police figures show that 214 women were sexually assaulted in London last year after getting Grahame M. Morris: I do. The hon. Gentleman has into illegal minicabs and unlicensed taxis, and 54 were made a couple of really good points. The other aspect raped. My concern is that new clause 8 would increase that I thought of when considering the arguments is the number of unlicensed drivers pretending to be legitimate that, to the best of my knowledge, the licensing budget and make the enforcement process against the illegal is ring-fenced on the basis of fees and charges. Therefore, use of licensed vehicles almost impossible. In particular, if a local authority is ring-fencing a budget based on a when we factor in the subcontracting amendment, the licensing and inspection regime on an annual or two-yearly taxi might well be from another area, if we are looking basis and that is then changed to three and five years, outside London. there will be a commensurate drop in income. If that is how the enforcement officers are paid, that must impact Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) on their ability to take enforcement action. That is a (Lab): I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this good point. There are a number of implications to debate. He is talking about passenger safety, but I extending the licensing period and it is not all good wondered whether, in addition to the other issues with news, as some of the operators would have us believe. the Deregulation Bill, increased deregulation also creates Consequently, it is good that local authorities have issues for driver safety. In Oldham, there is big concern some discretion. about that. There has been a spate of attacks on taxi One of my principal concerns relates to the Government’s drivers, and there are concerns that deregulation will amendment to the Deregulation Bill that allows private make them more vulnerable. hire vehicle operators to subcontract and book an operator licensed in a different licensing area. When I was reading Grahame M. Morris: That is a legitimate point, which Hansard, I saw that the Minister said that that will give I hope the Minister will consider on Report, along with customers more choice and that it may be advantageous whether we should wait for the Law Commission’s in that passengers could ring up their local provider if report. they did not know who to call. However, passengers may well not want to use the subcontractor sent to their There are also concerns about new clause 9, which door. would set a standard duration of three years for taxi and private hire vehicle driver licences and five years for Mike Weatherley (Hove) (Con): Does the hon. private vehicle operator licences. Industry and trade Gentleman agree that one of the good things about our unions expressed concerns during the limited time available. taxis in this country is the local knowledge that people The National Private Hire Association and the Institute need to have? That sets us aside from many other of Licensing said that the clause would remove the countries in which we are suspicious of taxi drivers and flexibility from councils, and there are already concerns where they are taking us on their meters. I am grateful about how effectively drivers are scrutinised. to the Brighton Sudanese Taxi Forum for alerting me to I raise that because local authorities have a degree of this issue. Does he agree that deregulation that leads flexibility. Indeed, it was pointed out to me that the to subcontracting to a taxi company outside a city is three-year licensing period already applies in London. fraught with danger in terms of local knowledge? However, an authority might wish to have annual licensing of drivers and operators, which is currently permitted Grahame M. Morris: Again, I completely agree. It is under legislation, as that is a proven way to keep track very unusual for me to agree with Government Members— of behaviour and to take remedial or preventative action. [Interruption.]. Apart from Guy. That is an excellent Although local authorities impose licence conditions point and I hope that the Minister will take that into on private hire vehicle drivers and vehicle operators that account. require them to report criminal convictions and changes Quality is an issue, and in some cases the name of a to their medical status within a specified period, those company is important. People may book on that basis are often ignored. and choose not to book others on the same basis. The Even in relation to drivers’ licences, where the police customer may have experienced many problems with are supposed to inform the local authority of any one operator. If a member of the public calls a specific recordable convictions and have discretion to inform operator because they feel that it is reliable and safe to the local authority of minor matters, information is travel with—I am thinking here in particular about often haphazard. Some local authorities get information women who are out late at night who may have a directly from their local police forces, but there are very preferred operator because they know that they will be few instances of local authorities receiving information transported safely—surely they should have the comfort from police forces that do not cover their area. That is and knowledge that that company will take them home. important because one of the Government’s amendments There is a risk in passing jobs from one company to will allow subcontracting, so a taxi or private hire firm another; it is not the wonderful panacea that some of might come from another area and be covered by a the advocates of deregulation would have us believe. We difference police force. should think about some of the consequences. The Transport Committee recommended that the Rehman Chishti: On private hires operating in an area Government engage with the trade unions, local authorities, where they are not licensed, if they are going there licensing authorities and users about future legislation simply for private hire, that may be lawful. However, if and commit to reform in this Parliament. Ministers 213WH Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles29 APRIL 2014 Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles 214WH should be working collaboratively with the industry, industry has served the public well down the years, but drivers and passengers, rather than just rushing contentious the Government’s desire to shrink the state means that clauses through Parliament. The new clauses are evidently good systems in place for good reasons are under contentious and 10 days’ notice before the Public Bill unprecedented attack. Committee was completely inadequate to allow for any Safety is an integral issue. Taxis are essential for so meaningful consultation. many people, such as women at night, schools or people The consequences of the new clauses have not been with disabilities. They have to have confidence and trust considered sufficiently. It seems to me that there is a in those with whom they are sharing the vehicle. mad, ideological rush to deregulate on occasions. We Deregulation could hit safety standards and cause chaos. would not do that if we were talking about firearms It is yet another example of a Government who talk up regulations, would we? I hope that we would not, anyway. localism while ripping up local powers in the interests of The idea appears to be that we must cut red tape big business. Our tremendous passenger safety culture, without considering all of the consequences, even though which has been established in the industry over many we have set in train the Law Commission, which is years, cannot simply be disregarded in such a way. engaging in the process. Many stakeholders feel—rightly, There is real concern that the Government amendments in my opinion—that they have been ignored and passenger could lead to more women being put at risk of assault safety and the enforcement of private hire vehicle or attack when they have to travel late at night by registration could be undermined. I respectfully urge unlicensed and unregulated drivers. The deregulation of the Minister to remove the clauses added to the the taxi industry could also lead to rogue taxi drivers— Deregulation Bill in Committee—he can do that on criminals posing as drivers—passengers being ripped Report—for the safety and confidence of the travelling off and chaos on our streets, with people unsure about public and, indeed, for the reputation and livelihoods of whether the taxi that they have just flagged down is the taxi and private vehicle hire trade. legitimate. We need to ask why such potentially dangerous changes 2.57 pm are being rushed through. We know that good money Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): It is a can be made from the taxi and private hire or minicab pleasure to serve under you, Mr Chope. I add my industry—Addison Lee has made so much that it is congratulations to those of everyone else who has giving it away in large quantities to the Conservative congratulated the hon. Member for Easington (Grahame party, and are we supposed to believe that Addison Lee M. Morris) on securing this important debate. As we has had no influence on the move to push amendments have heard, taxis and minicabs are an essential part of through before the publication of the Law Commission’s our transport network, not least for people with disabilities, in-depth review of taxi and PHV legislation? women, in particular, for getting home safely at night, John Griffin, the boss of minicab giant Addison Lee, and people who do not have access to a car. was embroiled in a cash-for-access scandal in 2012, Regulation of the taxi industry has been around for a after his firm gave £0.25 million to the Conservative long time. A House of Commons Library note says that party. At the time, Mr Griffin was quoted at saying: it could be said to have begun in 1636 under King “Politicians are not running the country. Businessmen are. Charles I. More recently, the issue has come up under They are the housewives. We give them the money.” successive Governments who, having looked at the evidence, We can make of that what we will, but we read that last decided to leave regulation of this essential industry in year Mr Griffin kept up his company’s generosity with place. an individual donation of £500,000 to the Conservative I want to reiterate the question asked by the hon. party—reportedly, the third largest donation in the Gentleman: why now the rush to rip up that regulation? three months to the end of September. Suddenly, the Government are amending their own Bill Mr Griffin is clearly a man who has a potential to give the market more power over this essential part of political agenda for the minicab business. For example, our transport network with barely any effort even to he appears to hate cyclists. In comments that beggared pretend to consult about it. The Local Government belief, he described deaths and serious injuries among Association politely said: inner-city cyclists as “inevitable” and primarily the fault “We are disappointed that the LGA was not made aware of of “untrained riders”. That controversy came less than these proposed clauses until they were brought before the Deregulation a week after he had spent several days in the spotlight Bill Committee.” because he had ordered the drivers of his company’s How can the Government possibly justify their failure 3,500 vehicles in London illegally to use bus lanes while to discuss this change with councils in advance of the promising to indemnify his staff against any fines. Clearly, parliamentary process? he thinks he is above the law, and we cannot help but In my city of Brighton and Hove we have 1,800 drivers ask ourselves what he might want in return for his large who serve our city well. I share the deep concerns of donations. many of the drivers whom I have met. They are worried The Government’s wish to sweep away regulation in that the Government’s attempt to rush through changes the interests of their industry mates represents a systemic to taxi and minicab regulation will be bad for consumers, and systematic attempt to water down the standards bad for our city and potentially dangerous. and rules that should have been, and have been, designed The changes will allow, as others have said, anyone to serve and protect the public. The Government should with an ordinary driving licence to drive a minicab be heavily criticised for showing an extraordinary disrespect when it is off duty; minicab operators to subcontract to for those who rely on taxis and minicabs, for councils operators licensed in a different district; and fewer and for drivers. I urge Ministers to scrap their rushed licence checks. The measures weaken protection for the and misguided amendments when the Bill returns to the public and they should be stopped. The licensed taxi House of Commons on Report. Instead, the Government 215WH Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles29 APRIL 2014 Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles 216WH

[Caroline Lucas] The company quickly performed a welcome U-turn on the decision, given the ensuing negative publicity, should be following the 2011 proposals of the experts but the issue continues to be one that users of the taxi on the cross-party Transport Committee: listening to service talk about and it is often referred to when the users, in particular vulnerable groups, to the trade and firm is discussed. That there was even such a proposal to local authorities, and keeping the situation simple in the first place, however, I fear shows an unwelcome and local. eagerness to discriminate and to treat disabled passengers as liabilities, rather than as valued customers. My main 3.3 pm fear about the proposed deregulation of the trade is that such practices will become more common. Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland) (Lab): Thank you, Mr Chope, for the That is only one case, but demonstrates a problem opportunity to speak in the debate. I congratulate my that I suspect, from communications from disabled hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Grahame M. people throughout the region, to be systemic. The Law Morris) on securing it and on expounding a well worked-out Commission is therefore correct to identify equality and argument, with which I am certain that most hon. the needs of disabled passengers as an area in desperate Members in the Chamber agree. The Law Commission need of legislative reform. In the consultation, disability consultation is extensive, asking many questions and groups highlighted the lack of training and disability offering several sensible proposals. I will focus on my awareness among taxi and private hire drivers, with concerns about the accessibility of taxis and private hire issues such as an increased risk of injury due to wheelchairs vehicles for disabled people. not being properly secured, or a deaf passenger being unable able to communicate effectively with the driver. At the beginning of this year, Boro Taxis, which That is of course a two-way street: drivers may also operates in the south Middlesbrough part of my injure themselves while helping disabled passengers in constituency, hit the headlines in national and local an inexpert fashion. Employers have to ensure that their media outlets following what many might see as exploitation drivers are trained and compensated properly for such of and disregard for disabled passengers. On 31 December training. 2013, Middlesbrough council’s licensing department was reported to have found that a number of private hire Some excellent training schemes are available to drivers operators were charging disabled passengers—wheelchair on all aspects of dealing with people with a disability, users, in particular—up to twice the standard fare, with such as loading and unloading wheelchair users, securing licensing officer Tim Hodgkinson arguing that this was the wheelchair, or how to operate the swivel seat, the a “widespread” practice and a “direct consequence” of hearing loop and so on. More importantly, however, passengers’ disability. training will ensure that drivers and indeed taxi firm owners are aware that it is imperative to treat all people The council sent notices to the relevant operators of differing abilities with dignity. advising them that it considered the practice to be in breach of their regulatory and statutory obligations. I Various training schemes have been adopted by local am sure that most hon. Members find such flagrantly authorities, but I firmly believe that national safety discriminatory practices repugnant. Disabled people standards should be applied as a minimum and that throughout the country struggle to access transport as this should include disability awareness training. On a is, and to charge them extra because of their disability business level, there should therefore be a fair playing strikes me as totally wrong. field and a good standard of customer services maintained for all, especially disabled people, nationally. Furthermore, Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab): Does my a statutory requirement should be placed upon licensing hon. Friend agree that one of the fundamental principles authorities to take steps to ensure taxi and private hire underpinning the Equality Act 2010 is that disabled drivers’ compliance with their equalities obligations. customers should not be treated on less favourable Middlesbrough council’s report into accessibility, which terms than able-bodied customers, and that surely extends highlighted the issue of charging disabled passengers to the price that fare-paying taxi customers are charged extra, was a welcome step. It will have made a real for the same journey? If that happens under the existing difference for disabled people in the town. That should regulatory framework, what on earth will things look be the practice nationwide, and it should be done on a like if the deregulation programme goes ahead? regular and standardised basis. I am aware that some councils are hesitant to undertake monitoring and Tom Blenkinsop: I agree with my hon. Friend. Such testing due to concerns about the safety and welfare of circumstances are occurring now, while the trade is their employees, but a statutory requirement of that regulated, but my fear is that with further deregulation, kind could be met through regular consultation with instances such as the one I described will become disabled passengers by licensing authorities, and through increasingly common and harder for local authorities to improved and easier reporting structures for recording monitor and to manage. incidents. On 11 January 2014, somewhat astonishingly, the owner of Boro Taxis, Mr Bashir, admitted that his own 3.8 pm company policy at the time was “morally totally wrong”. The firm, however, subsequently started to refuse to Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): It is a great pleasure carry any wheelchair users, arguing that it would be to be able to take part in the debate, and I congratulate “uneconomic” to do so. News of the Boro Taxis decision my hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Grahame resulted in a ferocious backlash, and thousands of M. Morris) on securing one on such an important issue. social media users, many of whom were likely customers, I also declare that I am a proud member of Unite the called for and pledged to a boycott of the firm. union, which has an interest in the taxi trade. 217WH Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles29 APRIL 2014 Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles 218WH

Two weeks ago, my two Bolton colleagues and I possible. We need a framework in which it can happen, attended a meeting in my constituency, which had been under which local authorities can get remuneration to called by the National Association of Licensing and enable them to carry out checks when licensing has Enforcement Officers. In attendance were people from been carried out by a different authority. The situation the Law Commission, the Local Government Association, is complicated and is not solved by the legislation. the National Taxi Association, the National Private This issue came to my attention when the parents of a Hire Association, Unite and the GMB, the police and 13-year-old girl came to one of my constituency surgeries crime commissioner for Greater Manchester and councillors because they were concerned about a specific incident from a number of Greater Manchester authorities, including that had happened to her. She had taken a taxi. To start Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Trafford, Stockport and with, she was going into Bolton, but part of the way Salford. It was interesting that those attendees, from a through the journey she received a call from her friend vast range of different backgrounds, all spoke with one to say that they needed to meet elsewhere. It would voice. They did not understand why the clauses affecting appear that at some point during the journey the taxi taxis were being rushed into the Deregulation Bill. They driver turned off all his monitoring equipment—his wanted them to be withdrawn, and instead wanted GPS and everything else. The 13-year-old was taken to holistic legislation, focused on the Law Commission quite a remote estate in the constituency. The taxi driver review. In a meeting of such a diverse group of people it parked up there and said, “I’m just waiting for a friend is unusual for them all to speak with one voice. to bring me a phone charger—we just have to wait for We know that there are already problems in the them to turn up.” system. For instance, in the north-west, Rossendale has The girl started to get agitated. She had told the taxi licensed over 1,000 hackney carriages, most of which driver that she was 16, because her mum had said that are being used not in Rossendale but elsewhere. Where she should tell people that she was a little older, thinking are checks carried out, and by whom? We do not have that that would protect her—in fact, in the circumstances national standards, so we could have a situation in it appears to have done the opposite. The girl became which a taxi that is licensed in Rossendale but would concerned about the questions the taxi driver was starting not reach the standards required by authorities in Bolton to ask her about her social life and so on. Fortunately, is driving around in Bolton, and a passenger in Bolton she had the nous to get out of the taxi. She played a who wants to complain about the taxi cannot do so to ruse; she said, “I just want to pop to the shop over officers in Bolton, as they have no right to inspect the there,” got out of the taxi and ran like hell. Fortunately vehicle or check the driver. she met a bystander who listened to her, took her to a Let us look at the situation in Sheffield. North East McDonald’s, called the police and waited with her until Derbyshire district council has licensed a Sheffield-based they turned up. operator that uses hackney carriages licensed by Gedling It transpired that the taxi driver had a record of past borough council. Effectively, no council has regulatory misdemeanours. He was taken through the tribunal control. Sheffield council is particularly powerless when system and lost his licence, so is now unable to operate there are complaints from Sheffield residents about in Bolton. But, like me, the girl’s parents were absolutely taxis overcharging or poor driver behaviour. horrified to learn that although the driver is banned in Bolton he could become a taxi driver anywhere else, Rehman Chishti: There is a similar situation in Medway depending on whether another local authority were to in Kent. Drivers from Tonbridge and Malling are operating do a police check—and because he was not actually in Medway, which according to my local taxi drivers is prosecuted, a police check may not throw up the fact exceptionally unfair. The local authority has said that it that he is a danger to the travelling public and, it would makes enforcement difficult. Does the hon. Lady agree appear, to young women in particular. that taxi drivers should operate in the area in which I asked the Department a written question on what they are licensed? That makes enforcement easier and proportion of local authorities in England and Wales makes things easier for the people who use taxis. require a disclosure and barring service check on applicants before issuing a taxi or private hire vehicle licence. Julie Hilling: The interesting question is why Rossendale, I have received this response: for example, is licensing so many taxi drivers. Why is “The Department for Transport does not hold this information. that happening—why are firms going to Rossendale or Local authorities are under a statutory duty to ensure that any person to whom they grant a taxi or private hire vehicle driver’s to Gedling for licences? Is it that the regimes in those licence is a ‘fit and proper person’. As part of this process they places are much easier to get through or that it is can undertake criminal record checks on applicants but we do not cheaper to get vehicles licensed there—what is it about keep details of the assessment policies and procedures adopted by the system there? When the system as a whole is fractured, local authorities.” there are all sorts of ways through it for disreputable That “can” seems inadequate. I have asked questions drivers, disreputable companies or people who are simply about whether all local authorities carry out police trying to make the cheapest buck they can. checks, but as nobody holds the information we do not There is also the question of whether operators should know. That is another reason why we need holistic be able to carry out journeys across local area borders. legislation that ensures that licensing authorities carry The legislation does not solve that problem. We need to out proper checks on drivers. We need a system in which look holistically at what we do about those cross-border if a person is banned by one local authority they are journeys to ensure that there can be enforcement of banned, full stop. The changes proposed in the Deregulation regulations. Wherever a taxi was licensed, if is operating Bill will make the situation worse, not better. in Bolton why cannot Bolton enforcement officers be The hon. Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman), allowed to enforce regulations on that vehicle? I am not who is no longer in his place, asked why family members sure that the answer is necessarily to say that it is not should not be allowed to use a taxi when it is off duty. 219WH Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles29 APRIL 2014 Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles 220WH

[Julie Hilling] Bill? It is fair to ask why those reforms have been made in a rush, as last-minute and very contentious—and I was puzzled myself about that when I met operators questionable—new clauses to the Deregulation Bill. I and others involved in the industry, and was not wholly see the Minister smiling. I am sure that he has the right convinced by the answers I got, so I asked about whether answers, and we all want to hear that the changes are in taxi markings could be removed. I was told, basically, everyone’s best interest. that that would be extremely difficult for taxis operating The Minister has ignored everyone who works in the in my own local authority area—I would guess that industry—the people in the trade, and the trade unions, would also be the case for all those operating outside which have been asking for meetings to discuss the London—because they are marked clearly as taxis. matter: Unite, GMB and the National Union of Rail, Another issue raised was what would happen in areas Maritime and Transport Workers, which take the health where taxis are allowed to use bus lanes. What happens and safety of the general public seriously. There have to an off-duty taxi then—how would we enforce proper been no consultations with the trade unions or the use of bus lanes? trade. There is just a cabal of people from Government We already have a massive problem in all of our areas who want to push through legislation against ordinary with unlicensed taxis touting for business, particularly working people. late at night. I am not often in city centres late at night, I appeal to the Minister to recognise that there is a but I have been there in the past, and it has to be said threat to passenger safety. The Government’s reforms to that one becomes quite desperate for a taxi. In particular, licences could increase the number of unlicensed drivers. when young people have perhaps been drinking more That is something that no one here wants. Unlicensed than they should have, they will not be rigorous about drivers who can masquerade as legitimate present a checking the identity of the driver or the car. In those huge problem for the general public. I am like anyone circumstances people are simply pleased to get a lift else: I have been in the city centre and needed a cab—it home. We should not bring in any measure that weakens need not even be a city centre, but could be somewhere regulation and makes it more likely that people will be quite isolated. If someone calls for a cab they need to be in a vehicle that is driven by someone who is not the confident that the driver of the vehicle that comes is a licensed driver. licensed driver for an organisation that they can have There are real problems with the system as it is. I ask full confidence in. the Minister to look seriously at removing the provisions Even if, as my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton from the Bill and to make sure that we have holistic West (Julie Hilling) mentioned, someone rolled out of legislation based on the Law Commission report. It the pub—and there are no MPs who do that, by the seems a nonsense that we are looking to pass the Bill way—slightly inebriated at night in the city centre, and with those provisions, and I ask him wholeheartedly to there was a taxi there, I am sure they would not knock remove them. on the window politely and say, “Excuse me, is this for Mr Ian Lavery of 42 Chiltern close? Sorry, what is your 3.19 pm licence number?” That just does not happen. That is Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): It is important to why we must ensure that the safety of the public who recognise that 99.9% of taxi drivers, if not more, provide use the services is paramount. a fantastic service to many of the public. A lot of taxi My hon. Friend the Member for Wigan (Lisa Nandy) drivers go beyond their duty, at times. We are not here raised an important point about subcontracting. There to have a go at taxi drivers—quite the opposite. We are have been problems in the past, and legislation has been here to support them and the industry as a whole. passed about disabled people in cabs, which has been I am not sure why on earth the three new clauses to positive, to be fair. However, there will be problems. I the Deregulation Bill were tabled. It is beyond me. If it want to raise the issue of rogue drivers. What problems is believed that there is a need for legislation, and if that might arise? Someone—perhaps a disabled person—who is contentious, perhaps it is in everyone’s best interest to did not have confidence in a particular firm might ring consult the people who work in the industry. As my another, but if that firm could subcontract without hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Grahame M. permission, someone from it could turn up in an isolated Morris) eloquently said, the Cabinet Office suggests place to pick up the individual or group. The problems that there should be at least 12 weeks’ consultation for could be immense, and that is not what we want. any contentious legislation. Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) (Con): Where was the consultation in the present case? Why My understanding of what the Law Commission is has there been none? There were 10 days’ consultation— trying to do is not that the broad thrust will be deregulatory what on earth was the reason for that? I know the at all. In my central London constituency, we have great Minister will give a full-hearted answer to that question; concern about pedicabs and stretch limousines—two I just will not be sure about it. What I am sure about is matters that the Law Commission recommends should that when the coalition Government come forward with be brought within the scope of taxi and private hire legislation—particularly to do with the Deregulation regulation. Does the hon. Gentleman share my view Bill—it will never be good news for the people working that it is desirable that the Law Commission should in an industry. I am positive that that is true about the stick to that position and include pedicabs in the scope issue we are debating. of regulation, rather than taking a deregulatory approach The Law Commission is currently drafting a Bill, such as he has described? which is due by the end of April. Is it not slightly confusing that the Government should have commissioned Ian Lavery: I fully understand what the hon. Gentleman it to draft that Bill and that before it has even been says, and other coalition Members have made similar published they have tabled amendments to the Deregulation remarks. It has been suggested that the Law Commission 221WH Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles29 APRIL 2014 Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles 222WH report should be looked at. There has not been any covering the sector are based on the needs of passengers consultation about input into that, and it has not yet and why the bodies responsible for enforcing the regulations been published. People have not yet had the opportunity must do that with passenger safety and effectiveness in for input, as the hon. Gentleman was perhaps suggesting mind. they should. It is widely accepted, including by the Transport Committee’s comprehensive report into the sector in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport 2011, that the current legislation is outdated and needs (Stephen Hammond): It is simply wrong to say that there reform. As this debate has shown, regulations governing has been no consultation on the Law Commission taxis and private hire vehicles are complex and often report or that no contributions have been given to the contentious, so one hopes that the Department for Law Commission. More than 3,000 contributions and Transport will approach reform in an inclusive, submissions have been made to it about the likely comprehensive and balanced way. As hon. Members report. have said—I highlight the contributions from my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton West (Julie Hilling) and Ian Lavery: I fear the Minister picked up the wrong the hon. Member for Gillingham and Rainham (Rehman thing from what I was saying. I am complaining entirely Chishti)—this reform is not being carried out in that about the fact that such contentious measures as clauses balanced and comprehensive way. 8, 9 and 10, which should have had the full consultation Speeches and interventions today have revealed the grave period of 12 weeks, as outlined by the Cabinet Office, problems resulting from the attempt to sort the situation have been given only 10 days or so. Whether I put it over out with last-minute amendments to the Deregulation wrong or whatever, that is the point I wanted to make. Bill. That has undermined confidence in the previous There has been very little consultation about a contentious reform process—the Law Commission’s investigation. measure. It might be helpful if the Minister mentioned, There is serious anger and concern from various when he has the opportunity, whether he believes the stakeholders who have felt ignored or marginalised in clauses are contentious. From what I have read, I think the process. As my hon. Friend the Member for Easington that the Government are saying they are non-contentious, explained, the Government’s guidance on consultations and that would be alarming to say the least. stresses the importance of adequate time, engagement From the Opposition’s point of view, the clauses are and transparency with key stakeholders in policy making. deregulation gone mad. They are ideological—an attack However, in this case and despite the fact that, as the on ordinary people and a blinkered pursuit of deregulation Minister said, the Law Commission was already consulting at all costs. They risk damaging the taxi and PHV before introducing these proposals, Ministers decided industry, and threaten public choice and safety. Someone that informal consultation based on piecemeal reforms mentioned the red tape challenge, but I would rather would be enough and that it would take 10 days—eight talk about the challenge of bloodied red bandages. That working days. is how I look at things—with regard to health and safety. The key test that any reform to private hire I hope the Minister is aware of the views of a host of vehicle regulation should pass is whether it will improve organisations that have expressed concern: the National passenger safety. If the clauses do not pass that test, Private Hire Association, Unite, which is my union and they should be withdrawn. that of other hon. Members here, the GMB, the RMT, the National Association of Licensing and Enforcement As hon. Members on both sides of the House have Officers, the Licensed Private Hire Car Association, the agreed, it would be sensible to have full and proper National Taxi Association and the Local Government consultation about all and any changes. I simply ask the Association. They are not just one set of interest groups; Minister to withdraw the three amendments, to have they represent a crescendo of concern. full and proper consultation, to listen to the trade unions—the RMT, Unite, GMB and all other unions—and The Local Government Association said: to listen to the people in the trade who operate licences. “Changes to regulations should be considered in the context of He would then be in a better position to say where the the legislation as a whole, rather than in piecemeal fashion...The law needs to be altered. failure to discuss these proposals with councils…significantly reduces the opportunity for councils to provide constructive input on the feasibility of the proposals and their potential impact.” 3.30 pm I will echo what my hon. Friends have asked. Given Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield) (Lab): It is that Government guidelines say that up to 12 weeks is a pleasure, Mr Chope, to serve under your chairmanship necessary for adequate consultation, why does the Minister again. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for believe that 10 days is adequate in this case? Why was it Easington (Grahame M. Morris) on securing this important not made clear to stakeholders involved in the informal debate and other hon. Members—I counted 12—on consultation that these measures were intended for inclusion their excellent contributions. They covered different in the Deregulation Bill? It would be helpful if the aspects of the issue, but were united in asking why it has Minister clarified why the measures were not initially come forward at this time and in this way. proposed on Second Reading of the Bill. Was there a As my hon. Friend the Member for Wansbeck (Ian specific reason, or was it to minimise parliamentary Lavery) said, we must recognise that taxis and private scrutiny and opposition? hire vehicles are a critical but often overlooked public My hon. Friends have made points about the impact service. They are vital to enable people to get from A to of the proposals. First, changing who is eligible to drive B early in the morning and absolutely vital late at night. a private hire vehicle risks increasing the number of They are often the only form of transport available in unlicensed drivers pretending to be legitimate. We have remote areas for people who cannot afford to run their heard from hon. Members today about the real safety own car. That is why it is so important that regulations risks that could accompany that. At the moment, we at 223WH Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles29 APRIL 2014 Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles 224WH

[Richard Burden] powers for licensing officers, such as the ability to stop licensed vehicles, to impound PHVs and to issue fixed least have the safeguard that only licensed drivers can penalties. Those powers, if they are to work, would need drive PHVs, but the Government propose to remove to apply in respect of out-of-area vehicles to ensure that that without giving councils additional enforcement cross-border hire can be implemented safely, too. Why, powers. Currently, licensing officers have no power to therefore, have the Government not listened to the Law stop moving vehicles, to prevent drivers from driving off Commission? As the Government have said, it has had or even to request a driver to reveal their identity. an extensive consultation process on a complex issue, The Minister will probably say, “Don’t worry. It including more than 3,000 written responses from across works in London, in the capital.” As has been made the trade, a four-month series of 84 meetings and an clear, the situation in London is different. Since industry survey. responsibility moved to Transport for London, I understand As Frances Patterson QC, the law commissioner that on-street enforcement is conducted with a police responsible for the review, said: presence, or the police are called on to act when necessary. “The legal framework governing the taxi and private hire We simply cannot assume that that would be the case trades is complex and inconsistent. The purpose of our review is elsewhere. As my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry to improve and simplify it, and ensure it is fit for purpose.” South (Mr Cunningham) said, the health and safety Amen to that, but if Ministers are determined to consequences are very real indeed. It is simply not good plough ahead with reforms before the Law Commission enough for the Government continually to dismiss these has reported, was the review that they commissioned widespread concerns. When will the Minister recognise just a complete waste of time and taxpayers’ money? that additional enforcement powers are necessary if he After continuous delays, the Law Commission’s final is going down this road? If he recognises that, what report and draft Bill were finally expected—we were should they be? told—in April. We now know that they will come in Secondly, changing licensing terms will make it even May, after the local and European elections, it seems— harder to monitor and take action against non-compliant presumably because the issue is so sensitive. Is that not drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles. The vast clear proof that the Government’s proposals are far too majority of drivers are excellent, and—pardon the pun—will controversial and complex for the paltry 10-day consultation go the extra mile for their passengers, but we know that that they had in this case? things sometimes go wrong. If we need more reminders The Government are making the point—and will no of that, we can do no better than to remember the story doubt argue again today—that the reforms are about from my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton West cutting red tape. However, as my hon. Friends and about the 16-year-old in her constituency. If the other hon. Members have made clear, far from cutting Government introduce the proposed requirements, how red tape, they could increase it. They will increase will they ensure that they are effectively policed and uncertainty and the potential danger to passengers. The monitored? Government state that the reforms will reap benefits for The Government propose to implement an extremely the trade. In light of the concerns I have raised, I want contentious policy to enable some subcontracting by to ask the Minister this: if he really feels that, does he PHV operators across different licensing districts. We have a shred of evidence to back it up? have been told today by my hon. Friends the Members I am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Wigan (Lisa Nandy), for Middlesbrough South and for Easington for giving us the opportunity to debate East Cleveland (Tom Blenkinsop) and for Middlesbrough these issues today; sadly, the Government have not (Andy McDonald) about some of the problems that provided the House with such an opportunity so far. may arise, particularly in respect of people with disabilities. They have tried to rush the proposals through without When will the Minister accept that the drafting of the adequate parliamentary or public scrutiny, as today’s clause is completely inadequate if we are to make debate has made abundantly clear. cross-border hire work effective? Taxis and private hire vehicles are important parts of our transport system, but as we have heard, the legislation Grahame M. Morris: My hon. Friend raises an interesting regulating them is complex and contentious. It requires point that I did not cover properly. Does he share my close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders if concern that, far from increasing employment opportunities, it is going to be reformed effectively. The Government’s as has been suggested, the contracting-out clause, which attempts at deregulation have not only been woefully is the most damaging, is likely to dilute and drive down inadequate in doing that, but, as I said, they have earnings if drivers are subcontracted in from neighbouring undermined the process that they established with the areas at a lower rate? That would be bad for the taxi Law Commission investigation. The result is a set of drivers as well. piecemeal proposals so poorly thought through that they threaten public safety and are set to increase Richard Burden: I am sure it would be bad for taxi bureaucracy and litigation for the trade. and PHV drivers. The key point that the Minister must I urge the Minister to reconsider these rushed reforms. address is how the system will be policed. If we know If he will not do that today—and I hope he will—I that local authorities already have inadequate control assure hon. Members that when the Deregulation Bill and powers for effective policing, how can an extension reaches Report, Labour will move to delete new clauses 8, of cross-border work be policed effectively? 9 and 10. To do otherwise would represent a complete In the light of strong and widely held concern about disregard not only of the taxi and private hire vehicle enforcement, the Law Commission’s July 2013 interim sector, but—perhaps even more importantly—of the statement recommended that, if reforms are to be interests of the public, who rely on the sector as an implemented, they must be underpinned by tougher important means of public transport. 225WH Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles29 APRIL 2014 Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles 226WH

3.43 pm be presenting a report in the next few weeks—and at that stage, as with all reviews and reports, the Government The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport will review the whole of those detailed findings and (Stephen Hammond): It is a pleasure to serve under your recommendations. chairmanship, Mr Chope. Like everybody else, I congratulate the hon. Member for Easington (Grahame We gave the Law Commission a simple instruction, M. Morris) on securing the debate on the proposed which was that it should carry out a review with a clear reforms to taxi and private hire vehicle regulation that objective to deregulate as far as possible, and after we have been discussing. A number of contributions careful consideration, should the Government decide to have stressed continuing themes: first, the lack of take forward legislation arising from the review, we will consultation; secondly, concerns over safety; and thirdly, do so in a way that removes burdens and ensures that concerns about the proposals being piecemeal. safety is still paramount. The publication of the Law Commission’s report has been delayed by several months, I hope to address all those points in my speech, but so there was no chance to have a dedicated Bill in the let me start by saying that important issues were also final Session in order potentially to introduce some of raised about accessibility and, from the hon. Member the wider reforms that the Law Commission will shortly for Wigan (Lisa Nandy), who is no longer here, about recommend. guide dogs. Let me put on record right at the beginning that nothing in the measures impacts on accessibility in Julie Hilling: I wonder what the point of the Law any way. If anything, there are real opportunities to Commission report is if the clauses are put in the improve accessibility. Let me make it absolutely clear Deregulation Bill. What if they are contradictory and that there are no plans to change any relevant legislation what happens to the rest of the Law Commission’s with regard to guide dogs. The Government are considering work? I would be grateful if the Minister could explain commencement options for section 165 of the Equality to us what will happen with the Law Commission Act 2010 that will set out in greater detail the requirements report if it comes up with some really positive suggestions. of drivers when assisting wheelchair users. I also point out that a lot has been made of subcontracting and of Stephen Hammond: I expect the Law Commission to potential restrictions. Of course, subcontracting would come up with a lot of positive suggestions and a lot of allow private hire vehicle operators who do not have recommendations on removing some of the more archaic wheelchair access vehicles to subcontract to private hire aspects of the existing legislation. I do not expect any of vehicle operators who do. what is being proposed to contradict in any way that report. We have had to weigh up the case for finding a Grahame M. Morris: On that specific point—the suitable opportunity to look at pragmatic changes in assurances the Minister gave that nothing would be the immediacy rather than looking at the possibility of changed in relation to disabled access—one criticism I waiting until everything is reviewed. The Government have received representations about is that the amendments, have chosen to operate and act pragmatically, and to hastily drafted as they are, have not addressed case law introduce limited measures at this point, because it is where some of those things could have been looked at. clear that the care we are taking to introduce the It would obviously be more opportune to look at the amendments will make life easier for small businesses issue in the round with the Law Commission report, but and allow them to remove some restrictions that are is it not a bad thing not to address previous case law, completely unnecessary. That opportunity has been particularly in relation to discrimination against disabled presented by the Deregulation Bill. It allows us to make people and access? immediate progress to assist both taxi and private hire businesses. Stephen Hammond: As I have set out, we are looking at commencement orders that will set out some details Mark Field: My hon. Friend the Minister is absolutely and obligations more carefully. right. This issue is a frustration for us all. As I mentioned in my earlier intervention, I would like pedicabs to be There has been a huge amount of talk this afternoon brought within the scope of regulation and the Law about the trade, which many of us rely on heavily on for Commission is quite keen that they be regulated. But our everyday lives. The sector is also made up of thousands clearly, once the Law Commission reports, it will take of small businesses; indeed, the single owner-driver is some time before a Bill gets on to the statute books. I a typical feature of the industry. As the hon. Member say to all Opposition Members that it surely makes for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery) said, these businesspeople sense that elements of deregulation that apply to all are experts who often go the extra mile. That was small businesses, whether in the private hire vehicle something I certainly agreed with him on, although I industry or elsewhere, should become apparent sooner suspect that the hon. Gentleman and I did not agree rather than later, given that it will probably be, I fear, thereafter. the next Parliament before we can get the fruit of the The hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Richard Law Commission’s work into a Bill that, I hope, all of Burden) made the point that it has been clear for some us will be able to support in Parliament going forward. time that the law covering this transport mode is both archaic and complex. In many ways, it has not kept up Stephen Hammond: I thank my hon. Friend for that with a number of other pieces of transport law and intervention. He is absolutely right. The measures that more importantly, it has placed a number of unnecessary we are introducing via the Deregulation Bill will apply burdens on small businesses. That is why the Government in England outside London and Wales. They represent asked the Law Commission to carry out a comprehensive the first part of a longer journey towards a deregulated review of the law. As has rightly been pointed out, it will trade. As I said, my hon. Friend is right. I remember in present its report—it will not be presenting a Bill; it will the last Parliament arguing in this very Chamber that 227WH Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles29 APRIL 2014 Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles 228WH

[Stephen Hammond] The second measure proposed in the amendments to the Deregulation Bill will save the private hire trade pedicabs should be regulated and the member of the many thousands of pounds. At the moment, private Government saying that they should not be. Perhaps hire vehicles can only ever be driven by a licensed there has been a change of view on regulation. I see this private hire driver. That creates a substantial burden for as the first part of a journey that my hon. Friend is right the trade, as in many cases people have to buy a second to say is likely to take longer than the lifetime of this car for family members to drive. That is an unacceptable Parliament, because of the necessary review of the Law restriction, particularly in the current economic climate. Commission report. Let me just state this on the record. It came about only because of an unexpected interpretation I do expect there to be more comprehensive reforms. We of the law in a legal judgment back in 1997. At a stroke, have asked the Law Commission to undertake extensive that meant that thousands of families had to buy a consultation, and it has done that. I referred earlier to second car in order to remain within the law. That is a the more than 3,000 responses that there have been burden too far and one that is ideal for reform using the already. It is worth stating on the record that each of the Deregulation Bill. Therefore, we propose to change the measures that we propose we have already discussed in law so that any person with the appropriate driver’s detail with the Law Commission. licence and insurance can drive a private hire vehicle when it is off-duty—when it is not in use in connection Richard Burden: If I am reading the Minister correctly, with a hiring for the purpose of carrying a passenger he is saying, “Why hang around if there are simple and not immediately available to an operator to carry things you can do now?” In that case, may I put to him out a booking. In that way, private hire vehicle owners one of the proposed changes, which is removal of the and their families stand to make substantial savings. requirement for annual licensing? We know—we heard There is a precedent for the change that we are this from my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton West introducing The judgment was made in 1997. Parliament (Julie Hilling)—that a number of drivers do not always took account of that judgment when framing the much do what they should do, which is to report criminal newer legislation governing private hire vehicles in London. convictions, bans and so on. The Institute of Licensing The Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 allows a has said that if we move away from annual licensing and person who does not hold a private hire driver’s licence the licence period is to drive a licensed private hire vehicle while it is off duty. “extended to 3 years…a great many unsuitable and potentially Quite rightly, some concerns have been expressed dangerous persons would remain licensed for longer.” about safety and the effective enforcement of the measure. That surely is not something simple and uncontentious. That is why in the clause that introduces it, we introduce It requires rather more scrutiny than the Government a reverse burden of proof. If a driver without a private are giving us today. hire vehicle driver’s licence is caught driving a private hire vehicle with a passenger, the clause puts the onus Stephen Hammond: The whole issue about people on that person to show that the vehicle was not being who choose to put their licence at risk is about enforcement. used as a hire vehicle at the time when it was being I will come on to that direct point in a moment, but I driven. That reverse burden of proof will make things want to set out exactly what these three measures are substantially easier for enforcement officers and overcome designed to do. We want to work with private hire a number of the concerns about enforcement that are operators to help businesses to flourish and grow; we being raised. Of course, in most cases, it will be abundantly want to make life easier for passengers; and we certainly clear in a matter of seconds that the passenger is in the want to ensure that safety is at the forefront of all that is vehicle as part of the general domestic use. It will also being done. Private hire operators have said that the become apparent very quickly if the driver’s sole reason existing restriction on sub-contracting such that people for being in the vehicle is to undertake private hire can subcontract only to operators based in the same work. It seems absolutely reasonable to put the burden district is frustrating for many of them and artificial. It of proof on the driver to show that they are not driving means that often they have to tell passengers that they for private hire purposes. That reverse burden of proof cannot take their booking. is significant and it enhances the enforcement powers. If Allowing private hire operators to subcontract to people consider it carefully, they will see that that operators licensed in a different district is a simple safeguard goes a long way towards meeting the concerns change. It will have a huge impact on the ability of about safety and enforcement. operators to meet passenger needs and to grow their The third measure relates to taxi and private hire businesses, and it should help to make the passenger’s vehicle driver and operator licence durations. Again, experience much more convenient. In short, it is a there has been much talk about cost, but there are also liberating measure. It will allow the private hire trade to savings. This measure will save about £9 million for the operate in the way that it sees fit, not just in the way that trade, as well as a great deal of administrative hassle. At the current legislation dictates. present, the law allows local authorities to grant taxi There has been some talk about accountability. It is and private hire vehicle driver’s licences for a maximum absolutely clear that there is no compromise to the of three years. However, far too many authorities are liability in respect of passengers. The Bill makes it opting for shorter periods. Therefore, three years will be absolutely clear that the onus is on the original operator, the standard duration for all taxi and private hire vehicle who accepts the booking and subsequently passes it on, drivers. That seems to me to be a perfectly sensible to retain liability for the satisfactory completion of that standard to move to. journey. It is also clear there is a duty on the operator I appreciate that some concerns have been expressed who takes the booking to keep a full record and to about adverse safety implications from allowing drivers report the full record of that journey. to have a licence for three years. The safety of the 229WH Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles 29 APRIL 2014 230WH general public is of course paramount. The licensing Music in Prisons system, though, should be proportionate. It should recognise that where there is a requirement, there is also a cost. It is a question of striking a balance. As the hon. 4pm Member for Wansbeck said, 99.9% of drivers are safe Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): I am pleased to and responsible. The licensing of those drivers should have been able to secure this debate on music in prisons. be proportionate. I am sorry that the Under-Secretary of State for Justice, I hope that in the few minutes available to me I have the hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam (Jeremy been able to demonstrate that the Government have Wright), who has responsibility for prisons, is unable to considered the measures carefully. They are pragmatic attend, but he did me the courtesy of speaking to me amendments to the Deregulation Bill. They will allow personally to apologise and I know that he has briefed substantial scrutiny in Committee and will reduce the the Under-Secretary of State for Justice, the hon. Member burdens on the taxi and private hire trade. They are for North West Cambridgeshire (Mr Vara) on the issues effective and safe steps along the longer deregulatory that we are debating. journey. The Prisons Minister is well aware of the efficacy of the arts, and specifically music, as a means for the rehabilitation of prisoners. Research by the National Offender Management Service into the arts in prisons concluded that “arts projects are effective at improving in-prison behaviour (such as compliance with rules and engagement with the regime) and individual psychological factors (such as depression and a sense of purpose).” In 2008, a study by Cambridge university stated that “it is clear that the Music in Prisons project contributes to the Prison Service’s aim to provide ‘safe, secure and decent regimes’” and it concluded that music projects “play a role in fulfilling the NOMS ‘Seven Pathways to Reducing Reoffending’.” I could go on citing evidence on the matter, but I know that the Department and the Minister are well aware of it. As the Prisons Minister said to me in answer to a question in the House on 18 March: “He is right that music can be a method of rehabilitation.”— [Official Report, 18 March 2014; Vol. 577, c. 637.] I know, therefore, that the Prisons Minister accepts that that is the case. Given that well established consensus, I was surprised earlier this year to start receiving letters from prisoners who knew of my interest in music, telling me that new rules on incentives and earned privileges meant that they would no longer be permitted to keep steel-strung guitars in their cells, and they were having to hand them in. One wrote to me “have you ever visited a prison and seen first-hand the power that music has, in particular learning a musical instrument, to change prisoners’ attitudes and lives for the better?” I have visited prisons in my former position as a Minister for skills and education, and I have seen the kind of power that such programmes can have on rehabilitating offenders. The prisoner went on to describe how the new restrictions were impacting on prisoners. That is just one of the many representations that I have received. I raised the matter with the Prisons Minister at Justice questions, and his answer gave me some encouragement that he was prepared to look into it. I was slightly disappointed—I will not put it any more strongly than that at this point—when the follow-up letter that I received from him simply confirmed the policy and did not offer any rationale whatsoever for it. I applied for today’s debate to pick up the thread and find out what it is all about. Most people who hear about the change in policy assume that some kind of security risk is at its source, but nowhere in his answer to me in the House or in his 231WH Music in Prisons29 APRIL 2014 Music in Prisons 232WH

[Kevin Brennan] it is necessary to be able to practise. I would have thought that that was the very definition of a purposeful subsequent letter did the Minister make any such suggestion. activity, which is what the Government want to incentivise. It is true that a prisoner might do harm with a guitar or with guitar strings, but that is equally true of nylon Guy Opperman: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? guitar strings, the thicker of which—the bass strings—are wound with steel in any case, as the Minister acknowledged Kevin Brennan: I will not, because it is a conversation in his letter. between me and the Minister, but I appreciate the hon. Gentleman’s interest. I would like to use the time that I Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): I congratulate the have, but perhaps he can intervene on the Minister if hon. Gentleman on securing the debate. The issue is there is time. The Minister rightly wants to incentivise important, and I support the thrust of his argument. I such purposeful activity, and for that to happen, a should make a declaration in relation to the book that prisoner has to have the same sort of guitar available in I published last year on prison reform, which is in the their cell as they are using in their lessons. Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Does the I assume that the Minister has seen the letter in hon. Gentleman agree that, although we should encourage today’s Guardian—I am sure that he is an avid reader of music in prisons to the greatest extent possible, it is a that newspaper—signed by an impressive array of legitimate and proper part of the prison rehabilitation musicians, starting with Billy Bragg. I am sure that we process that the Government—and, to be fair, the previous all agree that he has done tremendous work for many Government—have been engaged in to make music part years, taking on the mantle of the great Johnny Cash in of an incentive programme? helping to spread the message of the rehabilitative and redemptive power of music in our prisons. The letter Kevin Brennan: I absolutely accept that proposition, was also supported by guitar legends such as Johnny but I will go on to show that I do not think that it Marr, formerly of The Smiths—I understand that even applies in this case. I believe that this restriction, however the Prime Minister is a big fan—Richard Hawley, formerly it has happened—perhaps by accident—is without any of Pulp, and, in this year of the 60th anniversary of the rationale. I might add that I would offer to send a copy Fender Stratocaster, Pink Floyd’s Dave Gilmour, who of the hon. Gentleman’s book to some prisoners, so owns the Stratocaster with the serial number 0001. that they could read it, but of course we are not allowed Those musicians understand how music can transform to do that any more. lives. They also understand, as they make clear in their I have not been able to discover any rhyme or reason letter, that an ill-thought-through, unnecessary restriction for a blanket ban on steel-strung guitars. In fact, the of this kind can have a serious effect in our prisons. In NOMS incentives and earned privileges instruction, their letter, they ask the Secretary of State to look which I commend to the hon. Gentleman and which urgently into the rise of self-inflicted deaths and self-harm brought the policy into effect from last November, in our prisons and to consider whether some of the new helpfully lists all the restrictions on items approved for restrictions may be a contributory factor. That is not as prisoners on the standard and enhanced scheme and far-fetched as it may sound to some people. Last year, places a convenient “S” next to any item that is restricted researchers at the university of St Andrews found that for security reasons. Of course, there is no “S” placed playing a musical instrument, even at moderate levels, next to the guitar string restriction, so the change is not can benefit brain functioning. Ines Jentzsch from the to do with security. university’s school of psychology and neuroscience said Why should this really matter? What difference does of the research: it make whether prisoners are permitted nylon-strung “Our findings could have important implications as the processes or steel-strung guitars? I accept that it is not the most involved are amongst the first to be affected by aging, as well as a important issue in the world, or even in prison policy. number of mental illnesses such as depression.” For a guitarist, however, there is an obvious difference Earlier today, I spoke to the fiancée of a prisoner between nylon-strung and steel-strung guitars, which is who told me that the prisoners who play guitar in the not simply to do with the sound that they make or the prison where her fiancé is serving a sentence have been style of music for which they are suited. Even more devastated and depressed by the recent decision because, crucially, it is to do with the way in which the strings are in effect, it meant that they had to hand in their guitars. attached to the body of the guitar, which is completely I want to be charitable to the Minister, and to the absent different in each case. As a result, existing guitars that Prisons Minister, because I get the sense that they prisoners have bought out of their prison wages for use probably did not intend this outcome, not least because in their cells can become redundant, and they have when I first raised the issue in the House the Prisons become so in many cases. Prisoners wrote to me to Minister told me that he was unaware of the detail of explain that, and I quote from one of those letters: this restriction. “There are a lot of devastated guys who are having to hand Many other parts of the new restrictions are controversial, back electric guitars and steel strung acoustics. Many of them including the restrictions on books—to which I alluded would have saved up over months or years, from their £14.47 per earlier—and clothing. I am sure that Ministers will have week prison wages, to buy their instruments.” to look at them again. Nevertheless, this debate is about The vast majority of guitars in prisons are steel music, so I urge Ministers to look again at this decision strung. The Prisons Minister said in his letter to me that with a view to reinstating prisoners’ permission to have the guitars donated by the Jail Guitar Doors initiative, steel-strung guitars in their cells. We have already established which was founded by the musician Billy Bragg, are that the relevant NOMS document does not name mainly used in organised settings outside the cell. That security as a concern, and noise or nuisance cannot be is correct, but to gain any benefit from a musical instrument, the issue because steel and nylon-strung acoustic guitars 233WH Music in Prisons29 APRIL 2014 Music in Prisons 234WH make similar levels of noise. If electric guitars are the In chaplaincy, we see activities involving and using concern, rather than banning them completely, restrictions music in a range of ways. As well as music being used as could be placed on amplification, not least as it is part of some of the main acts of worship, a number of perfectly possible to insist that such guitars are played chaplaincies have choirs or chapel bands, which allow through headphones—they can effectively be silent and prisoners to be part of a creative shared experience. They not disturb anyone. That would be a sensible restriction. can also help prisoners to develop listening and communication One prisoner who wrote to me said: skills and engage with others in a positive way. “I am not sure why this change in national policy has occurred In education, there is significant provision for learning but, as one prison officer put it, the prisoners who are learning a about music. The offender learning and skills service, musical instrument are generally the most well behaved”. which has been commissioned jointly by the National I understand that the Minister, who is deputising for the Offender Management Service and the Skills Funding Prisons Minister, might not be in the position to reverse Agency, works with offenders to identify their learning the policy here and now, but will he report back to the needs and advise on what learning and training Prisons Minister on this afternoon’s discussion? Will he opportunities are available in prisons. Vocational also ask whether the Prisons Minister will agree—I have opportunities are available towards the end of a prisoner’s reason to think that he will not—to meet me and the sentence, to ensure that any training undertaken is musician Billy Bragg, if we can synchronise diaries, to current and relevant to the local job market on release. explore the issue further and discuss the possibility of The offender learning and skills service—OLASS—also changing the decision? funds personal and social development, which may The Prisons Minister is a reasonable man and I think include recreational learning, such as music activity. he has understood that neither I, the prisoners themselves, Personal and social development is particularly helpful Billy Bragg nor the other musicians who have supported when engaging with resistant learners who might not the campaign are arguing that, when they commit a participate in more formal learning. In the 2011-12 crime that leads to their imprisonment, prisoners should academic year, there were 580 enrolments on OLASS not lose many of the rights that they would have on the courses that included music as part of the course title. A outside. However, we are all arguing that a significant range of courses are available, including the awards for public investment is made in our prisons, and most of music practitioners, in music theory and in sound the prisoners in them will eventually be released into the engineering and music technology. community, where they will live among us. Aside from learning, prisoners are also able to listen Music is a proven aid to rehabilitation, and restricting to music in their cells by listening to CDs in their access to it will, in the end, cause more problems than possession or to the radio. As well as the availability of can be justified by the as yet unknown reason for such national radio, prison radio is now installed in 102 prisons. an unnecessary and counter-productive restriction. I look forward to hearing the Minister’s response. As an Guy Opperman: I am grateful to my hon. Friend the optimist I have every confidence that good sense will Minister for giving way. I have appeared on prison radio eventually prevail and that prisoners will once again be and experienced its quality in Brixton prison, which is able to play their guitars and prepare for a new beginning one of the hubs for prison radio, so I would like to say when they get out of jail, perhaps by playing and first of all that it is doing a fantastic job and should be singing the old Bob Dylan song with which I am sure supported by the Ministry of Justice. Secondly, I can you, Mr Chope, are familiar: assure the House that although my book, quite rightly, “Anydaynow,anydaynow cannot be posted at random to a prisoner by any I shall be released”. person, however esteemed, it is available in prisons via the usual channels and is being read. 4.14 pm The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Mr Vara: I am sure that those prisoners who are (Mr Shailesh Vara): It is a privilege to serve under your regular and avid readers of Hansard will take note of chairmanship again, Mr Chope. I would like to thank that plug for my hon. Friend’s book, which is easily the hon. Member for Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan) for available in the relevant prison libraries. I note what he securing this debate on such an important subject. It is said about the prison radio service, which is available in abundantly clear from what he has said that he has great many prisons. The Prison Radio Association delivers expertise and knowledge on the subject. I assure him national prison radio, and prison radio tutors work that I will ensure that what he has said today will be with prisoners to develop new and innovative content. conveyed to my hon. Friend the Prisons Minister. Also, As well as output that is focused on reducing reoffending I am more than happy to facilitate a meeting for him, to and encouraging engagement with education, training the extent that he feels one is necessary after I have said and opportunities in prison, music is broadcast. Many my piece. individual prison governors also engage with local This is an important debate. I welcome the opportunity community and voluntary sector organisations, which to speak about the important role that music plays in facilitate music-based activities. our prisons and set out the position regarding prisoner There is plenty of music to be heard in our prisons. I access to musical instruments. Let me be clear: facilitating recognise, however, that the hon. Member for Cardiff access to musical instruments for prisoners is an important West is particularly concerned about changes that we part of their rehabilitation. Whether individual prisoners have made to the incentives and earned privileges policy learn to play musical instruments or music is played in a framework and what those changes might mean for shared environment, such as a prison chaplaincy, music prisoners who want to play guitars. It important that I can provide focus, encourage positive social interaction explain the intention behind the changes and what they and provide constructive activity. mean in practice. 235WH Music in Prisons29 APRIL 2014 Music in Prisons 236WH

[Mr Vara] there need not be with regard to nylon strings—why is that not indicated in the National Offender Management The policy on incentives and earned privileges underwent Service list of items and restrictions, and why is there no a thorough and detailed review, the first such review for security “S” flag on the document? more than 10 years, to ensure that the revised framework would properly address reoffending and that the public Mr Vara: I am not saying that there is no security risk could have confidence in it. The review of the policy with nylon strings, because I think it is acknowledged included extensive consultation with prison operational that there is. It is just felt that there is a greater risk with staff. metal strings. As for the specifics that the hon. Gentleman requires, I am mindful of the time limit on this debate Since the changes came into effect on 1 November and keen to put as much on record as I can, but I am 2013, the absence of bad behaviour has no longer been happy to return to the issue later. enough to earn privileges; now prisoners must also work towards their own rehabilitation and help others. Kevin Brennan: Before the Minister moves on, there The focus on rehabilitation resulted in numerous other are six minutes left and this is the heart of the matter. changes to the framework. For example, prisoners can The NOMS document does not say that there is a no longer sit in their cells watching television when they security concern. I would be grateful if, following this should be out working or in education, and they can no debate, he would send me the details of the concern and longer spend much of their days in the gym. of how it was raised during the consultation, and perhaps An important part of our changes was ensuring that indicate why it is not signalled in the NOMS document. prisons operate to a consistent standard in allowing However, I am grateful for his earlier offer of a meeting privileges to prisoners who have earned them. That is with the Minister to discuss it further. why we introduced the standardised facilities list, which Mr Vara: I am certainly happy to follow up on this identifies and limits the items of property that prisoners debate by supplying the information that the hon. can retain in their cells, subject to their IEP level. The Gentleman has requested and providing the explanations list is available for each governor to select from as they that he has sought. consider suitable to the specific population, physical fabric and regime of the prison. I am keen to get everything on the record in the limited time that I have. The hon. Gentleman referred The changes have not prevented prisoners from playing to electric guitars, particularly with reference to a letter musical instruments. The greater the commitment a that he had received. The standardised list does not prisoner shows to the requirements of the IEP framework, allow prisoners to have electric guitars in their possession. the more money they can earn from working, the more It was certainly not the case before the standardised they are allowed to spend and the greater the range of facilities list came into effect that prisons routinely property they are allowed to have. Prisoners who work allowed prisoners to have electric guitars in their possession; hard, engage and achieve standard and enhanced levels it has always been more usual for prisoners to have can purchase a musical instrument to keep in their access to electric guitars in a supervised setting. I know possession at the governor’s discretion. Prisoners who that charities such as Jail Guitar Doors have donated do not engage are not permitted to possess a musical numerous electric guitars to prisons over the past few instrument. The standardised facilities list sets out a years. Those guitars are most often kept in educational number of different instruments that prisoners can or chaplaincy departments for prisoners to use in a purchase: for example, a flute, a harmonica or an acoustic supervised environment, rather than kept by individual guitar. prisoners. It is important to be clear that none of the The hon. Member for Cardiff West is particularly changes involved in IEP should have affected the use of concerned about the position in respect of prisoner electric guitars and other musical instruments in a access to guitars and the type of strings permitted. supervised setting. The changes to IEP involve the Prisoners on the standard and enhanced levels of the property that prisoners can possess in their cells. IEP framework can be allowed an acoustic guitar with Inevitably, when deciding what items prisoners can nylon strings. For the bass notes, that can include nylon possess, there will be a variety of views on whether strings with metal coiled around the outside. Guitar particular items should be allowed. We are clear, however, strings can be issued on a one-for-one basis, subject to that the items that we have included on the standardised risk assessments. Full metal guitar strings are not permitted. facilities list provide a suitable range from which governors As I have mentioned, the revised policy was subject to a can select so that prisoners can be rewarded consistently significant amount of consultation with the operational and appropriately for engaging with the requirements line and other interested parties. The consultation extended of the IEP policy framework and that, with appropriate to the contents of the standardised list itself. In the light access to musical instruments, the quality of their lives of security concerns, a decision was made not to allow can be improved and their chances of successful full metal strings. rehabilitation enhanced. I congratulate the hon. Gentleman again on securing Kevin Brennan: I am grateful for that information. As this debate, and I reiterate the assurance that I made at far as I am aware, that is the first time that Ministers the outset that I will facilitate the meeting he requested have mentioned any security concerns. If that is the with the Prisons Minister and follow up with the case—incidentally, I hope to persuade the Minister that outstanding information mentioned in this debate. 237WH 29 APRIL 2014 Syrian Refugees (Support and Aid) 238WH

Syrian Refugees (Support and Aid) people. Does not my hon. Friend agree that there are two problems? There are now actually more than 3 million 4.27 pm displaced people—1 million in Lebanon, 1 million in Jordan and 1 million in Turkey—and 7 million internally Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): The River Euphrates displaced people. Does he agree that it is a priority to on the Syria-Turkey border should be a place of peace, get the international community, particularly the UN, calm and holiness. Instead, at the Nizip Syrian refugee to ensure that there is support for Security Council camp, which lies on its banks, the consequences of the resolution 2139, which says that aid must get to the Syrian civil war are all around. On a visit there in Syrian people who are currently displaced internally January this year, I, along with other colleagues present, and with no support? saw 17,000 men, women and particularly children existing in giant compounds, waiting for the conflict to end so Guy Opperman: I totally agree. It is significant, is it that they could go home. The refugees in Nizip, helped not, that as we began the fourth year of this conflict, as they are by British overseas aid, multiple charities, the United Nations finally took significant action on some other countries and a supportive host country in 27 February and passed resolution 2139, which deals Turkey, are the lucky ones. The colleagues who went with the humanitarian crisis inside Syria? Adopted there with me spent four days in the camps, and we saw unanimously, it calls for an immediate end of all violations at first hand and had a good chance to assess what life of international humanitarian law and violations and was like in a refugee camp, and we saw a good camp. abuses of human rights; it demands that all parties fully I want to address the state that Syria is in, the implement the provisions of the Security Council and progression of the conflict and its impact on the Syrian asks them immediately to lift the sieges of populated people and their neighbours, the nature of our aid operation areas and to provide unhindered cross-border and cross- outside Syria itself, which is frankly very good, the line access for UN humanitarian agencies and their limited aid in Syria and the problems that it is causing implementing partners, stressing the need to end impunity and what we can do both in Britain and as part of the for violations. I will talk about that in more detail. United Nations to exercise greater influence and impact The UN has helpfully conducted a 30-day review of on what is going on. However, we must accept the harsh resolution 2139, which means that every month it is reality that it is everyday Syrians—the men and women reviewing how aid is progressing from outside into in the street inside Syria—who are fundamentally affected Syria and the impact that the resolution is having. I by the conflict and who are not receiving the aid that urge all parties that are interested to study those reviews— they need to survive. Only this week, BBC journalists I have copies here—and note that, in reality, aid is not on the ground in Aleppo reported: getting through to any great degree or in any meaningful “A trickle of aid makes its way across the border but Syrians assessment. Therefore we have to ask ourselves what feel shunned by what they see as the indifference of the outside more we are prepared to do. world. They are defenceless in the face of incessant attacks, caught between two sides determined to fight to the bitter end Mr Newmark: My hon. Friend is missing one part of and with little hope of either respite or relief.” resolution 2139, on the cessation of barrel bombs. The reality is that the Syrian conflict is a problem Barrel bombs are highly destructive and are exacerbating that will not go away, either for Britain or for the United an already bad humanitarian crisis. It is important that Nations. For my part, I believe and will make the case we give more teeth to the resolution, to stop the Assad that the United Nations must do more. Put simply, it regime dropping barrel bombs on its own people. needs to add some bite to its bark. Syria forces us to examine our consciences and ask ourselves searching Guy Opperman: The one action that we have taken is questions, such as: what is the role of the UK Government to attempt to stop the chemical weapons. Three shipments and the United Nations in confronting the conflict, how of chemical weapons have been destroyed already. Russia do we physically save the lives of refugees who are says that Syria should complete the transfer of its affected by that conflict, how do we convince our voters weapons stocks and they should be totally destroyed by of the wisdom—I believe it is wisdom—of spending 30 June. The problem is that, chemical weapons having UK taxpayers’ money on humanitarian aid and how do been taken out of the game, almost—we are getting we ensure that that aid gets to the recipient who needs it there—the preferred weapon of choice is the barrel in Syria? Put simply, what more can we do? bomb. I endorse what my hon. Friend said. The barrel We have thus far chosen diplomacy as our major bomb is wreaking havoc within Syria and is making life approach to this matter. The crisis that began in March extraordinarily difficult, not just for Syrians, internally, 2011, with protests against the Assad Government, has but in respect of how we get humanitarian aid to those long since escalated to a civil war between Government people. With barrel bombs being used regularly, it is forces and an array of rebel militias. Having decided not exceptionally difficult. to intervene in the conflict, Britain and the UN have chosen to pursue diplomacy to resolve it, but this has Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab): Is not the central failed to prevent the killing and, with the war now in its point that the way to solve the humanitarian crisis is to fourth year, this conflict is fragmenting into ever more bring the conflict to an end? The way to bring the complex disputes. At the same time, the death toll, as we conflict to an end is to force Assad to the negotiating all know, has exceeded approximately 150,000 people table and we will not do that while he thinks he is and the number of displaced persons is a huge 2.6 million winning the military conflict. Surely, the answer is to people and rising fast. Inaction is not an option. ensure that the Free Syrian Army is properly armed and equipped and able to prosecute this conflict more effectively Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): I congratulate and to force Assad to the negotiating table, so that the my hon. Friend on securing this debate and thank the conflict can be brought to a conclusion and the Government for all they are doing to support the Syrian humanitarian crisis can be solved. 239WH Syrian Refugees (Support and Aid)29 APRIL 2014 Syrian Refugees (Support and Aid) 240WH

Guy Opperman: I totally respect the point that is constituencies for the humanitarian assistance going to made. All hon. Members in this Chamber and in the those outside Syria but of Syrian origin, and rightly House, and everyone everywhere, would like a resolution mentions the lack of support inside Syria. I am sure to the civil war. I am concerned that, even if all those that he welcomes the open letter today from humanitarian points were made, this is not a war that is going to end law experts, saying that there is no legal blockage to UN within six months or, in all probability, in 12 months. cross-border operations in Syria on a humanitarian Even with all the actions that the hon. Gentleman basis. Would he support calls to the UK Government to legitimately and fairly mentions, that humanitarian crisis back such operations? is worsening by the day, week and month. The expectation is that at least 1 million more refugees will attempt to Guy Opperman: I certainly want the UK Government leave Syria by the present process that we are engaged to do more. I have not seen that specific letter, but I take in, even as it goes ahead. what the hon. Gentleman says. I would like the UK Government to do considerably more to enforce the Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon) (Con): I resolutions and the law that operates to allow international congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. aid through. I have received briefings from a number of I was with him in Syria. I take his important point, organisations, including UNICEF, Oxfam, Amnesty which is that we should look at the aid being given International, Christian Aid and many more. Amnesty, within Syria, but there is a third category of those who for example, makes the case that the Security Council are out of Syria but outside the camps. In Turkey, there must ensure that resolution 2139 is effectively implemented are 600,000 refugees, but only 250,000 are in camps. by both the Syrian authorities and the armed opposition UNICEF made the point that those outside the camps groups and that non-compliance should result in further are not being educated, so in some ways they have many measures being taken. Amnesty cites the application of of the problems of those within Syria. sanctions and full arms embargoes against any groups Guy Opperman: I endorse my hon. Friend’s point. We suspected of human rights abuses. One has to question were lucky enough to go to the Nizip 2 camp, which is whether more should be done, and I will try to address the gold standard of modern refugee camps, supported that question in a second. as it is by this country and others and by a multitude of There are strong obstacles, and I accept and endorse aid organisations and charities. It is good at this point that, in the statement by the Secretary of State for to say that we should make it clear that the work of the International Development and the Foreign Secretary likes of Oxfam, Amnesty International and all the various on 14 March 2014, the UK Government made it clear charities involved is massively to be applauded. I am that they condemn those who are stopping such aid sure that the Minister will go on about the £600 million getting through. But the reality of the situation is that that this country is spending and I endorse and support the vast majority of the parties on the ground, primarily that. That spending is popular in my constituency. Assad but also some extremist and opposition groups, Whether it is expressed by the churches in my constituency are preventing that aid getting through, and we need to or at the pub quiz that I went to on Easter Sunday at the consider the further steps that the Security Council Feathers Inn in Hedley on the Hill, where they raised promised if non-compliance persisted after 30 days. money for the Syrian refugees, there is a strong view Those 30 days have been and gone on two occasions. that we are doing the right thing by supporting people The last report was barely a couple of days ago. Although in this way. there have been small successes—I cite the 9 April 2014 We saw in Nizip a strongly supported camp. My hon. delivery of aid to a besieged neighbourhood in eastern Friend the Member for Huntingdon (Mr Djanogly) Aleppo and other small examples of ongoing aid that is mentioned education.I went round the classrooms there, getting into Syria—the vast majority of aid is not as several of us did, and saw how those involved were getting through. The consequences are significant. Frankly, trying to provide education. I met Suleiman, a former the parties that are still in Syria believe there is no engineer in Homs, who is now a teacher of year 6 and prospect of survival and are therefore looking to leave. 7 children in the camp. He spoke movingly of the family The reality is that there is effectively ethnic cleansing members he had lost and of his desire, one day, to because people are being forced out by another means. return, and about the difficulties of trying to provide To a certain degree, there is no need to kill those people. education in a container or a tented camp on the Syrian If those people’s lives can be made so unbearable that border. they are forced to leave, Assad and others will think that Aid is being provided outside Syria and I think that they are going to win. no one would dispute that this country is doing everything it possibly can in terms of the financial contribution Mr Newmark: Will my hon. Friend join me in paying and diplomatic and other efforts being made to ensure tribute to Ali Gunn, who travelled with us to Nizip and that the refugees, whether in Turkey, Lebanon or Jordan, sadly died a couple of months ago? My hon. Friend and are getting as much support as they can. We should I have discussed using the Nizip refugee camp as an make it clear that those three countries in particular example of best practice. Surely one of the things the have gone above and beyond the expectations of many UK can do is to ensure that the best practice we saw in and are to be supported and validated. It is noted that Nizip is shared with other refugee camps, particularly in they have done a great deal to support the Syrian Jordan, which seems to be fairly chaotic at the moment. people. I am particularly concerned about the situation inside— Guy Opperman: I endorse both of my hon. Friend’s points. We need a detailed understanding of what the Anas Sarwar (Glasgow Central) (Lab): I congratulate UK Government are going to do. First, what the hon. Gentleman on securing this rather important representations will they make to the United Nations so debate. He rightly mentions the support in all our that it considers resolution 2139? For the first time—some 241WH Syrian Refugees (Support and Aid)29 APRIL 2014 Syrian Refugees (Support and Aid) 242WH could argue this has taken too long, but we are where consultations. The money is also delivering a range of we are—we have a common United Nations resolution shelter and essential relief items to Syrians displaced by agreed by all parties that provides a framework for violence. getting things done inside Syria, but that resolution is Food, water and medicine are not enough. More than not working. That may not surprise any of us who have 1.3 million children—my hon. Friend raised the plight watched, observed and visited the Syrian conflict. The of children—have crossed the border to escape the question is what more we are prepared to do. It is a bloodshed. Some have seen their families split up, and question not of picking a side and fighting for that side some have seen their parents and friends killed. Away but of specifically trying to understand how aid will get from their homes, many face neglect, exploitation and into Syria. abuse. Even very young children are being sent out to There is a degree of pressure on individual aid agencies work or beg, and girls as young as 13 have been sold and charities working on the ground in Syria because, into early marriage. to be blunt, most of their work is limited to the Damascus area because the situation is exceptionally difficult and Guy Opperman: Does my hon. Friend also welcome complicated, but they have to ask themselves whether the fact that this country has approved more than 3,500 they are doing what they need to do to ensure that their asylum applications and that the vulnerable persons work happens. relocation programme started approximately a month Secondly, the British Government and the United ago? Will she make the case that we should not be Nations have to look specifically at how they will enforce encouraging our young men in particular, but also our resolution 2139. I would like to see efforts made to women, to go to Syria to try to get involved in the ensure that the United Nations, which has considerable struggle? We should be deprecating and stopping such clout even in these difficult days, does what it said it involvement as much as possible because the situation would do, because what is the point of such resolutions is well looked after by both the UK Government and if we do not try to enforce them? I hope the Minister individual charitable organisations. will address that point and take the message from this House that Members are keen that more is done to Lynne Featherstone: This country has an honourable ensure that humanitarian aid gets through to Syria. We history of receiving asylum seekers, and I am pleased must recognise that we have to do all we can to support that the first refugees under the new scheme arrived in the Syrian people, because few can imagine their plight. March. Our young people are going to fight in Syria 4.45 pm with what I hope are misguided good intentions. The Foreign Secretary and the Foreign and Commonwealth The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Office have made it absolutely clear that such activity International Development (Lynne Featherstone): It is a should not be embarked on, as it is dangerous beyond pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Chope. belief and can lead to no good for those individuals or I begin by congratulating my hon. Friend the Member their families. for Hexham (Guy Opperman) on securing this important debate. As the Syrian conflict enters its fourth year, I A destroyed childhood is a destroyed life, and as the genuinely welcome his efforts to bring the plight of crisis rages on, an entire generation of children is being Syrian refugees to the House’s attention. I will give a shaped by this relentlessly brutal war that has ripped broad description of what we are doing, but I hear away every bit of normality. That will have long-term, loudly and clearly his message on what he feels is profound consequences for Syria, the region and further impotence in the face of a security resolution that is not afield—we cannot afford to let those children become a being fulfilled on the ground. I will address that point. generation lost to conflict. That is why, right from the start of the crisis, the UK Government have highlighted We continue to be very concerned about the Syrian the plight of vulnerable children and focused on ensuring refugee situation and the impact that the crisis is having that they have the basics they need to survive. on neighbouring countries. There are more than 2.7 million Syrian refugees in the region. Neighbouring countries In September last year, the Secretary of State for have been extremely generous in hosting Syrian refugees, International Development helped launch the “No Lost and we urge them to continue showing that generosity Generation” initiative, which is designed to galvanise a by welcoming those seeking safety from violence and by global co-ordinated effort to provide Syrian children keeping their borders open. Stretched services such as with the education, protection and psycho-social support water and health care, however, are under increasing they so desperately need. Slightly off topic, but not very strain. Rents, food prices and unemployment are on the far off topic, is our work in Sudan. The loss of 20 years rise. Access to education and protection for refugee of education to the children of Sudan has affected the children, particularly girls, are major concerns. recovery there. As can be seen from the problems that As many here today will be aware, the UK has been at Sudan is experiencing, a lost generation is something the forefront of the humanitarian response in Syria, that we cannot afford. and I thank my hon. Friend for praising the Government’s Earlier this month, the Secretary of State convened a actions. The UK’s total funding for Syria and the region high-level summit to underline the critical need for is now £600 million—three times the size of its response renewed financial and political commitment for the to any other humanitarian crisis. Of that total, our “No Lost Generation” initiative and announced a further support for Syrian refugees and host communities in £20 million of funding for it, bringing the total UK the region amounts to £292 million. That money is support to £50 million. reaching hundreds of thousands of people across Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey and Egypt and provides food to Anas Sarwar: The Minister is rightly outlining some 190,000 people, safe drinking water and sanitation services of the humanitarian assistance, particularly for children, to more than 213,000 people and more than 71,000 medical happening around the Syrian conflict. Will she break 243WH Syrian Refugees (Support and Aid)29 APRIL 2014 Syrian Refugees (Support and Aid) 244WH

[Anas Sarwar] We need to maintain pressure on the regime and its allies. We need to maintain our dialogue with neighbouring down specifically what support there is in Syria? What countries, regional partners and the opposition. As the additional support can go into Syria within the legal resolution makes clear, we fully intend to take further framework? steps if the demands it sets out are ignored; I accept that they are being ignored. We will return to the UN Lynne Featherstone: I will come to that. It is important Security Council to consider further measures. It is vital to recognise the impact the refugee crisis is having on to the credibility of the Security Council that it acts the host communities, which is why we are working with when its will is so clearly undermined. I have heard partners to ensure that host community needs are loudly and clearly the message that my hon. Friend incorporated into all programmes. If the host communities wants me to take back to my Secretary of State and to are not supported, only the refugees are getting support, the Foreign Secretary about applying more pressure which causes all sorts of knock-on problems. The UK and going back to the UN Security Council to say, also gives £12 million of funding to targeted programmes “This is urgent. These people are in desperate need. We to meet the specific needs of host communities. cannot wait for things somehow to resolve.” Conditions inside Syria continue to drive the refugee Obviously, things such as humanitarian corridors crisis as neighbouring countries’ capacity to support have been looked at, but they are simply not feasible at growing numbers of Syrian refugees is limited. We are the moment. It therefore behoves us to press the UN working hard to ensure that more aid is delivered inside Security Council to take further steps to put pressure on Syria. The UK has allocated £249 million to partners to the Syrian authorities and on the opposition. The Syrian provide assistance to all 14 governorates of Syria. That authorities could certainly be seen to be arbitrarily is delivering food for approximately 380,000 people and blocking access to refugees, particularly in opposition- helping to supply drinking water to more than 1.4 million surrounded areas. people. Anas Sarwar: Would the Minister support UN cross- Guy Opperman: Will the Minister give way? border humanitarian operations? Lynne Featherstone: I will, but I want to get to my hon. Friend’s point. Lynne Featherstone: There is a legal discussion going on at the moment. The UK Government agree that Guy Opperman: I am sure the Minister does. No one providing partial humanitarian aid cross-border without disputes that the UK Government are allocating money, explicit regime consent is not unlawful in circumstances resources, food and all manner of things to individual in which the regime is arbitrarily denying consent for organisations and on the ground, but the problem is humanitarian access across borders over which it has that it is not getting there. The question that the UK no control and in the light of the fact that the regime is Government have to ask themselves is about what they employing starvation as a method of warfare, which is are specifically going to do, whether alone or as part of against international law, against its own people. Such the United Nations. I assure the Minister that she has aid, however, must fulfil the requirements of humanity more than seven minutes left. and impartiality. On whether the UN should give cross-border aid, Lynne Featherstone: I thank my hon. Friend. I am humanitarian agencies should deliver aid by the most keeping an eye on the time, because I want to address effective route possible to get aid to those who need it. the specific points raised. Although aid is getting through, A decision on the UN going across borders without it is not enough. Access is extremely unpredictable. regime consent must be taken after consideration of not Thousands of people in desperate need wait each month only the legal arguments, which we are having now, but for relief that does not arrive because humanitarian the security risks and the risks of regime retaliation agencies are prevented from reaching them. against humanitarian operations in other parts of the To address the point more directly, I should say that country where we are getting access to those who are in the UK lobbied strongly for the UN Security Council need. There could be reprisals and then more difficulties resolution on access, and it was unanimously agreed. It created, so worsening the situation. was the first time that the UN Security Council came We continue to urge the United Nations to do all that together in support of a humanitarian resolution since it can to ensure that aid reaches those who need it. It is the start of the conflict. It is vital that the Syrian regime indeed a hugely frustrating and dangerous situation, and its backers respond immediately to those demands, and a desperate one. Although there has been an important which they clearly are not doing. step forward, the UN report to the Security Council on On the changes we have seen since that resolution 28 March made it clear that obstruction of humanitarian was delivered, the report on the implementation makes operations is going on in violation of the UN resolution. it clear that the regime continues to obstruct humanitarian That is why, as I said to my hon. Friend the Member for operations, in violation of the resolution. We are expecting Hexham, I will take the message back loud and clear a further update later today—the one that my hon. that the UK Government need to consider what our Friend said was leaked. next steps will be to press the United Nations on what further actions it might take. Baroness Amos will provide Guy Opperman: Ihaveacopyofithere. further details later today, although my hon. Friend already has the details of her proposals—I cannot Lynne Featherstone: Indeed. I do not doubt my hon. comment on why his information is better than mine. I Friend’s access to it; I am merely explaining that it was assure him, however, that the UK will do everything to have been released officially later today. possible to provide humanitarian assistance to Syrian 245WH Syrian Refugees (Support and Aid)29 APRIL 2014 Syrian Refugees (Support and Aid) 246WH refugees in the region and outside Syria. We call upon working hard to find a political resolution to the Syria other nations to contribute their fair share in this crisis—although seemingly not in the offing, that is humanitarian crisis. ultimately the only way in which the region will find peace. I thank hon. Members for their interest and concern about such a desperate situation. The Department for Question put and agreed to. International Development, working hand in hand with the Foreign Office, will continue to focus efforts on 4.59 pm ensuring that humanitarian needs are being met, while Sitting adjourned.

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In March the Independent Commission for Aid Impact Written Statements (ICAI) published its review into five of DFID Afghanistan’s bilateral programmes from the growth and livelihoods Tuesday 29 April 2014 sectors. This included three projects in Helmand, two of which have now closed. DFID has welcomed the report and its recommendations as part of its post-2014 planning CABINET OFFICE process. The Department is taking account of the issues raised by ICAI in its work to reduce poverty in Afghanistan over the long term. Senior Salaries Review Body (Triennial Review) On 20 March, insurgents attacked the Serena hotel in Kabul, targeting guests celebrating Nowruz (new year). Nine people were killed in the attack, including an The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster Afghan journalist and his family. This killing and the General (Mr Francis Maude): On 5 March 2014, murder of a dual-national Swedish/British journalist on I announced in Parliament through a written 11 March, prompted the Afghan journalist community ministerial statement—Official Report, column 47WS to enact a 15-day blackout on any reporting of insurgent —the commencement of the triennial review of the messages, to extend over the election period. Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB). I am now pleased to announce the completion of the review. On 20 March I announced the closure of the UK-led Helmand provincial reconstruction team (PRT). This is The work of the SSRB, and the publication of its in line with President Karzai’s request that all PRTs annual reports on senior salaries, provides transparency across Afghanistan are to close by the end of 2014 in and allows for public scrutiny of senior pay. This review keeping with the process of transition to an Afghan has concluded that the body remains fit for purpose, lead. UK forces continued the redeployment of personnel delivering functions which continue to be relevant and and equipment in central Helmand, with the closure of beneficial to the Government within an appropriate forward operating base Price on 15 March. This leaves governance framework. However, the SSRB of the future just Camp Bastion and observation post Sterga 2 with a must be strong, with sufficiently skilled and competent UK presence in the region. Taskforce Helmand has members to make robustly evidenced and sensibly judged begun the process of integration with HQ Regional advice to Government. As a result, a number of Command (Southwest), and ceased to operate a separate recommendations have been made to improve the HQ from 1 April. governance and composition of the SSRB. I welcome the presidential and provincial elections The triennial review has been carried out with the that took place on 5 April. These will be covered in participation of a wide range of interested parties across April’s parliamentary report. Government. I am grateful to all those who contributed I am placing the report in the Library of the House. to this triennial review. The final report has been placed It will also be published on the gov.uk website (www.gov. in the Libraries of both Houses. k/government/publications/afghanistan-progress- reports).

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE HOME DEPARTMENT Afghanistan (Monthly Progress Report) Migration Advisory Committee (Triennial Review) The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr William Hague): I wish to inform the House that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, together The Secretary of State for the Home Department with the Ministry of Defence and the Department for (Mrs Theresa May): On 27 March 2012 I announced in International Development, is today publishing the Parliament, through a written ministerial statement— 36th progress report on developments in Afghanistan Official Report, column 128WS—the commencement since November 2010. of the triennial review of the Migration Advisory Committee. I am now pleased to announce the completion During March, three candidates withdrew from the of the review. presidential race. On 6 March, Qayyum Karzai, the President’s older brother, withdrew and threw his support The Migration Advisory Committee provides behind Zalmai Rassoul. Similarly, Nader Naeem (who independent and evidence-based advice to Government stepped down on 26 March) endorsed Rassoul’s campaign. on migration issues. However, Abdul Rahim Wardak chose not to endorse The review concludes that the functions performed another candidate when he resigned from the race on by the Migration Advisory Committee are still required 16 March. and that it should be retained as a non-departmental First Vice-President, Marshal Mohammed Qasim Fahim public body. The review also looked at the governance Khan, died on 9 March. President Karzai declared arrangements for the body in line with guidance on three days of national mourning in response to his good corporate governance set out by the Cabinet Office. death. On 18 March, President Karzai appointed The report makes some recommendations in this respect; Mohammad Younis Qanuni as first Vice-President, to these will be implemented shortly. replace the late Marshal Fahim. Qanuni’s appointment The full report of the review of the Migration Advisory was approved by Parliament, as required by the constitution, Committee can be found on the gov.uk website and on 25 March. copies have been placed in the House Library. 47WS Written Statements29 APRIL 2014 Written Statements 48WS

TRANSPORT All work at the stations is due to be completed by the end of rail control period 5 in 2019. These measures will Access for All (Funding) make a real difference to people’s lives, not only opening up access to leisure and employment for disabled rail passengers but making it easier for those with heavy The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport luggage or children in buggies to use the network. (Stephen Hammond): Improving access to Great Britain’s railway stations is a key priority for this Government and so, despite the deficit, we have confirmed that the Contingencies Fund Advance Access for All programme will continue. The existing programme will deliver an accessible, step-free route at more than 150 key stations by March 2015 and has The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick already delivered smaller scale accessibility improvements McLoughlin): I hereby give notice of the Department at more than 1,100 stations through the small schemes for Transports’ intention to seek an advance from the fund. Contingencies Fund. The Department requires an advance to meet an urgent cash requirement pending parliamentary I am therefore pleased to announce the stations which approval of the main estimate 2014-15. will benefit from the additional £100 million we have made available to extend the Access for All programme It was announced on 23 April that Network Rail from 2015 until 2019. The selected stations will, subject borrowing directly from Government rather than issuing to a feasible design being possible, receive an accessible debt in its own name would provide better value for route into the station and to and between each platform. money for the taxpayer. The Department for Transport has included in total £6,500,000,000 in the main estimate The stations due to benefit are: 2014-15 for this change in borrowing arrangements—this Alfreton amount includes £550,000,000 which will be taken as a Barry Town Contingency Fund advance. Barnes Battersea Park Parliamentary approval for capital of £550,000,000 for this new expenditure will be sought in the main Blackhorse Road estimate 2014-15 for the Department for Transport. Blairhill Pending that approval, urgent expenditure estimated at Cathays £550,000,000 will be met by repayable cash advances Chatham from the Contingencies Fund. Cheltenham Spa Elgin The advance will be repaid immediately following Royal Assent of the Supply and Appropriation Bill in Garforth July. Godalming Grays Hamilton Central Ultra-low Emission Vehicles Hebden Bridge Hither Green Kidsgrove The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Leyland (Mr Robert Goodwill): I am pleased to inform the Lichfield Trent Valley House that my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Liverpool Central Minister has announced today the key elements of a comprehensive package of measures to support ultra-low Llanelli emission vehicles (ULEVs) between 2015 and 2020. Luton This follows the announcement by the Chancellor of Manningtree the Exchequer in the 2013 spending round that the Market Harborough Government will make £500 million available to support Northallerton ULEVs in this period. Peckham Rye The outline package of measures confirms the UK Penrith (North Lakes) Government’s strong commitment to making the UK a Petts Wood premier location for the design, manufacture and adoption Queen’s Park of ULEVs. It aims to provide a long-term, stable and Seven Sisters comprehensive policy framework backed by a significant Southend East funding commitment. The package gives certainty on St Mary Cray grant support for consumer incentives, provides funding Streatham for vital infrastructure, recognises the importance of Theale other vehicle sectors including buses, taxis and HGVs and provides guaranteed funding for ULEV-specific R Tottenham Hale and D. It also encourages innovative measures from Trefforest cities to turn their areas into exemplars for ULEV Virginia Water take-up. Walton-on-Thames Key elements include: Warwick At least £200 million for the continuation of the plug-in car West Hampstead grant, with the grant cap remaining at £5,000 per car until a Weston-super-Mare review in 2017, or the first 50,000 vehicles, whichever is the Whitton sooner; 49WS Written Statements29 APRIL 2014 Written Statements 50WS

£100 million for ULEV-specific R and D; I can confirm that the Government are also seeking £35 million for a new city scheme competition, to support to adopt a flexible approach. Not all the £500 million flagship cities in introducing innovative local measures; funding is allocated here, and minimum allocations are given which could be extended to reflect market conditions. £20 million for ULEV taxis; Many elements of the package, including the consumer £30 million for low-emission buses; incentives, are also subject to securing the necessary £32 million for infrastructure including rapid chargers; state aid approvals from Europe. More information on the package can be found at, £31 million for other ULEV types including vans; and www.gov.uk/olev and further detail will be made available £4 million for HGV gas refuelling infrastructure. by autumn 2014.

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the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHl) this autumn, and Written Answers to we intend to mirror the RO requirements within the Contracts for Difference. Questions Dounreay

Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Monday 28 April 2014 and Climate Change what the estimated value of the [Continued from Column 502W] contract of Dounreay Site Restoration was at the time of the award in April 2012; what the estimated savings to the public purse were; what the estimated value of the contract is to date; and what the estimated savings ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE to the public purse are to date. [195770] Michael Fallon: The estimated Target Cost at the time Biofuels of contract award in 2012 was approximately £1.5 billion in 2012-13 money values. It covered all of the scope in Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Dounreay Lifetime Plan to bring the site to its Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his answer of Interim End State which was capable of definition at 14 January 2013, Official Report, column 481W, on the time of tender; it excluded scope that was not biofuels, is biomass feedstock origin recorded in the capable of definition at the bid stage. The contract renewable energy planning database; and what his contained provisions for change control for new scope policy is on the use of biomass feedstock sourced from and also for indexation for inflation. The Target Cost at outside the UK. [196358] 31 March 2014 is £1.7 billion. The estimated saving to the public purse arising from the Preferred Bidder’s Michael Fallon: Biomass feedstock origin is not recorded target costs compared to the extant Lifetime Plan was, in the renewable energy planning database but this and remains, well in excess of £1 billion. information is required to be submitted as part of the reporting requirements for biomass and bioliquids under Energy: Meters the Renewables Obligation and is published annually by Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Ofgem. Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to With regards to bioliquids, the Renewable Energy encourage the use of smart meters; and if he will make Directive sets out the sustainability requirements which a statement. [196001] must be complied with in order to receive financial support. The key considerations of land use criteria and Gregory Barker: The Government’s vision is for every greenhouse gas balance are required to be met by both home and smaller businesses in Great Britain to have domestic and imported feedstock. smart electricity and gas meters by the end of 2020. In In the case of solid and gaseous biomass, the UK has December 2012, the Department published the smart established its own criteria which include a minimum of meter Consumer Engagement Strategy which sets out 60% greenhouse gas (GHG) lifecycle saving against the the approach to how domestic and non-domestic consumers average EU fossil electricity grid intensity. Transport will be encouraged to use smart meters to take control related carbon emissions as well as any direct land use of their energy—helping them to save energy and money. change, whether in the UK or elsewhere, are considered Energy suppliers will have the primary consumer as part of the GHG lifecycle assessment for biomass engagement role as they are the main interface with electricity. consumers before, during and after installation. Supplier engagement will be supported by a programme of Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for centralised engagement undertaken by a Central Delivery Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his answer of Body (CDB), which the larger energy suppliers were 16 January 2014, Official Report, columns 994-5, required to set up in June 2013. whether his Department is seeking to promote first or The Department also has a continuing role in consumer second generation biomass and biofuels; and whether engagement. For example, we are working with stakeholders, his Department has made a sustainability assessment such as third-sector organisations, in engaging consumers, of both forms. [196359] and ensuring that accurate information on smart meters is available online. Michael Fallon: First and second generation biofuels are the responsibility of the Department of Transport. Energy: Prices Biomass, when sourced sustainably, can provide a Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for cost-effective, low carbon and controllable source of Energy and Climate Change on how many occasions renewable energy. and on what dates he has met National Grid to discuss The sustainability standards referred to by the Secretary the Supplemental Balancing Reserve in each month of State’s answer of 16 January 2014, Official Report, since January 2013. [195470] columns 994-95, refer to the use of solid and gaseous biomass for the purposes of renewable electricity generation Michael Fallon: Details of meetings between the Secretary under the renewables obligation (RO). To ensure that of State for Energy and Climate Change, the right hon. Government only supports sustainably produced biomass, Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), and it recently introduced requirements as part of the renewables external organisations are published quarterly on the obligation. Similar measures will be introduced under departmental website at: 505W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 506W

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ministers- Michael Fallon: No decisions have been taken yet on meeting-with-external-organisations bonus payments for 2014. Bonus payments will be based I met National Grid on Wednesday 9 April 2014 and on a review by the NDA’s Remuneration Committee of Ministers do so regularly. performance against targets across the year, with input from internal and external auditors, and from the chief Fracking executive. This process will not conclude until June The outcome will be reported in the NDA’s annual report and accounts. Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has had with the US Department of Energy on licensing Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and regulatory regimes in relation to fracking in (a) and Climate Change what the (a) highest bonus, (b) Lancashire and (b) the UK. [196180] number of bonuses and (c) average bonus payments was that the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority paid Michael Fallon: Ministers in the Department have to employees in 2013. [195767] met their ministerial counterparts from the Department of Energy in the United States of America on a number Michael Fallon: As set out in the NDA’s annual of occasions and have had wide-ranging discussions. report and accounts for 2013: All meetings between external organisations and The highest bonus paid to an employee was £83,003; Ministers in the Department of Energy and Climate The number of bonus payments made was 295; Change are published on a quarterly basis on the The average bonus payment was £10,160. Department’s website and are available for download at this link: Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/accesstoinform/ and Climate Change how much the Nuclear registers/registers.aspx Decommissioning Authority has paid in severance payments As has been the case with successive Administrations, and associated pension contributions to employees since it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of May 2010; how many such severance payments there all such meetings. have been; and what the average length of service in the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority was of those receiving Nuclear Decommissioning Authority payments. [195768]

Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Michael Fallon: Between May 2010 and 31 March and Climate Change (1) what assessment he has made 2014 the NDA paid a total of £5.058 million in severance of the commercial and procurement capability of the payments to 76 members of staff in line with the Civil Nuclear Decommissioning Authority; and what steps Service Compensation Scheme rules. The average length have been taken to assist the authority in the development of service was 4 years 7 months. The NDA has made no of its capability in this area of operations; [195763] associated pension contributions. To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (2) what support his Department has given to Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for its and Climate Change what assessment his Department commercial and procurement capability; and what and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority made of assessment he has made of that capability. [195765] the performance on previous and existing Nuclear Decommissioning Authority programmes when awarding Michael Fallon: The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority ownership of shares in Magnox Ltd and Research Sites (NDA) is responsible for running competitions to manage Restoration Ltd on 31 March 2014. [195948] its sites, and for managing the contracts with those sites; maintaining the capability to do so effectively is also the Michael Fallon: The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority responsibility of the NDA. The Secretary of State (NDA) is responsible for running the competition for a appoints the Chairman and other non-executive members new parent body for Magnox Ltd and Research Sites of the NDA Board and we have ensured that it has Restoration Ltd using the Competitive Dialogue procedure, strong commercial skills to support the Executive. under which the evaluation must identify the Most With regard to the NDA’s Parent Body Organisation Economically Advantageous Tender measured against competitions, the process is subject to governance by agreed evaluation criteria. Each consortium’s capability the NDA’s Competition Programme Board (CPB), on and expertise was assessed during the pre-qualification which the Shareholder Executive (on behalf of DECC), process; this included but was not limited to experience HM Treasury and Infrastructure UK sit. A key role of on NDA programmes. It would have been contrary to the CPB is to provide assurance that the NDA has the UK and EU procurement regulations to have made right commercial and procurement capability. We also experience on NDA programmes an evaluation criterion monitor continuously the NDA’s performance, capability in the bidding process. and overall effectiveness. Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the underlying calculations and Climate Change what the (a) highest bonus, (b) were for the statement by the Nuclear Decommissioning number of bonuses and (c) average bonus is that the Authority that £1 billion would be saved from awarding Nuclear Decommissioning Authority plans to pay to ownership of shares in Magnox Ltd and Research Sites employees in 2014. [195766] Restoration Ltd on 31 March 2014. [195950] 507W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 508W

Michael Fallon: Bidders were required to submit target Policy cost proposals for delivery of the first seven years of scope within the contract. All four bids received showed Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy savings compared to the extant programme in excess of and Climate Change in what circumstances he uses a £1 billion. calculation of the (a) value of preventing a fatality, (b) willingness to pay and (c) cost-per-quality adjusted life Nuclear Installations year approach to quantify the value of a policy intervention; what other tools he uses to quantify the benefit of a Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy policy intervention; and if he will make a statement. and Climate Change what oversight mechanisms his [196462] Department had in place of bid evaluations of the contract to award ownership of shares in Magnox Ltd Gregory Barker: All new policies, programmes and and Research Sites Restoration Ltd on 31 March 2014; projects in the Department of Energy and Climate and if he will make a statement. [195949] Change (DECC) are subject to comprehensive but proportionate assessment of costs and benefits following Michael Fallon: The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Her Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) Green Book guidance. (NDA) is responsible for running the competition to The guidance provides advice on valuing costs and secure a new Parent Body Organisation for Magnox Ltd benefits including where there is no market value: and Research Sites Restoration Ltd. Bid evaluations https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ were made by the NDA’s competition team in strict attachment_data/file/220541/green_book_complete.pdf accordance with UK and EU procurement regulations. In cases where non-market costs or benefits have a DECC was not involved in the bid evaluations. Oversight significant impact on the outcome, DECC adopt different and governance of the wider competition process is valuation techniques to elicit values as far as possible. provided by the NDA’s Competition Programme Board For example, willingness to pay and willingness to (CPB), on which DECC is represented by the Shareholder accept techniques have been used to elicit the value that Executive. Formal Government approval will be required users attribute to security of electricity supply (value of before the contract can be awarded in September. lost load): https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Gas Storage Facility: Lancashire attachment_data/file/224028/ value_lost_load_electricty_gb.pdf Quality-adjusted life year (QALY)-based methods Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for have also been used by the Department to illustrate the Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has potential health impacts of improving the energy efficiency made of the implications for his policies of the of fuel poor homes in the ‘Fuel Poverty—a framework Administration Court decision in the case CO/6036/ for future action’. Work is planned to understand how 2013, Halite Energy Group Limited v The Secretary of estimates of QALYs may be incorporated into cost-benefit State for Energy and Climate Change. [195951] analysis in the future: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuel-poverty-a- Michael Fallon: Following the decision of the High framework-for-future-action Court, Halite Energy Group Ltd v. The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the Secretary of On other tools to quantify non-market costs and State will now re-determine the application by Halite benefits, DECC has produced supplementary guidance Energy Group Ltd for development consent for the to the Green Book which applies the Green Book proposed underground gas storage facility including techniques and principles in the specific context of associated development in Preesall, Lancashire. He is valuing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions: currently seeking further information in writing from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ interested parties in accordance with the Infrastructure attachment_data/file/254083/ Planning (Examination Procedure) Rules 2010 to enable 2013_main_appraisal_guidance.pdf him to do that. Power Failures The Secretary of State is considering any potential wider implications of the decision, in consultation with the Planning Inspectorate. Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what information his Department holds on the incidence of power cuts by Nuclear Power Stations (a) county and (b) parliamentary constituency. [196271] Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether the costs associated with Michael Fallon: Statistics on the number of power supporting new nuclear power stations in England and cuts are held by Ofgem. Ofgem measure the number Wales will be levied on energy consumers in Northern and duration of power cuts based on the number of Ireland. [196414] customer interruptions (interruptions per 100 connected customers) and customer minutes lost (minutes of supply Michael Fallon: The supplier obligation will raise lost per connected customer). The statistics, broken funds to cover all liabilities under all Contracts for down by Distribution Network Operator, can be found Difference (CfDs), including nuclear ones. All licensed in tables A10.1 and A10.2 of Ofgem’s Assessment of suppliers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be the RIIO-ED1 business plans document, pages 86 and obliged to pay the supplier obligation in due course. 88: 509W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 510W

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/84945/ he has made of whether the average time taken from assessmentoftheriio-ed1businessplans.pdf submission of a planning application to full generation Ofgem do not collect a more detailed regional breakdown for offshore wind is reasonable; and whether he has than what is presented in both of these tables. recently discussed this matter with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. [195717] Solar Power Michael Fallon: Since the introduction of the new Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Planning Act 2008 regime in March 2010 in England and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 7 April and Wales (planning is devolved in Scotland), there is 2014, Official Report, column 81W, on solar power, now a statutory maximum time scale of 12 months for whether he plans to make changes to the 250-5MW the examination, report writing and decision making FiT band for the purpose of encouraging greater phases of applications for the development consent of deployment of mid-size rooftop solar PV. [195700] nationally significant infrastructure projects (including offshore wind farms over 100MW). The Secretary of Gregory Barker: We are working to clear the way for State for Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. the widespread use of mid-scale solar on top of factories, Friend the Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), supermarkets, warehouses, car parks and other commercial has made decisions on three offshore wind farms under and industrial buildings. We are currently considering a that regime, all within the statutory deadlines. range of options to achieve this as set out in the solar The time taken to construct the offshore wind farm strategy. following consent is a matter for the developer. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/302049/ uk_solar_pv_strategy_part_2.pdf NORTHERN IRELAND Stationery Equal Opportunities Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what levels of stock his Department Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern holds of (a) stationery, (b) printer cartridges, (c) Ireland what assessment she has made of her progress treasury tags and other fasteners and (d) other office in discharging her responsibilities under section 75 of consumables. [196204] the Northern Ireland Act 1998 in respect of (a) HM Revenue and Customs, (b) the Driver and Vehicle Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Agency and (c) the UK Border Agency. [195999] Climate Change does not keep a central record of stock levels for stationery, treasury tags or any other office Mrs Villiers: Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act consumables. This is because individual teams within 1998 imposes a statutory duty on public authorities (as the Department are responsible for their own particular defined therein) with regard to the carrying out of their needs (with weekly deliveries when required), negating functions relating to Northern Ireland. the need for an overall ’Departmental’ store. The bodies concerned are not within my responsibility, However, printer cartridges are procured and stored but that of Treasury Ministers, the Northern Ireland by the departmental IT team. The stock is regularly Executive Minister of the Environment and the Secretary checked with an aim to ensure there are always of State for the Home Department, respectively. approximately 80 cartridges on site (of varying types and colours) to cover four central London buildings/offices. Terrorism Wind Power Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Ireland (1) who took the decision not to announce the and Climate Change how many tonnes of carbon dioxide use of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy in respect of were displaced by onshore wind electricity generation in members of the IRA in the London Gazette or the (a) the UK, (b) England, (c) Scotland and (d) Wales Belfast Gazette; [194052] in the latest year for which figures are available. [196079] (2) for what reasons the use of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy granted in respect of members of the IRA Michael Fallon: Provisional 2013 data show that was not announced in the London Gazette or the 11.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide were displaced by Belfast Gazette. [194051] onshore wind electricity generation in the UK. DECC does not publish a breakdown of electricity generated Mrs Villiers: There have been no instances in which by onshore wind for each constituent country so carbon the Royal Prerogative of Mercy (RPM) has been issued dioxide savings are only available for the UK as a whole. in respect of paramilitaries in Northern Ireland since the current Government came to power in May 2010. Wind Power: Planning Permission I am not aware of any legal requirement to publish in the media information relating to the use of the Royal Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Prerogative of Mercy (RPM). In England and Wales, and Climate Change pursuant to the answers of RPMs signed by HM the Queen, on the advice of the 19 December 2013, Official Report, column 745W and Secretary of State, are then passed to the Clerk of the 13 January 2014, Official Report, column 342W, on Crown in Chancery for sealing, who by convention wind power: planning permission, what recent assessment subsequently places the notice in the London Gazette. 511W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 512W

By convention in Northern Ireland, RPMs signed by In addition we have set up the Smart Cities Partnership, HM the Queen are not subsequently placed in the through which we will work with the nine largest cities Belfast Gazette. in England (excluding London) and operators to support them in delivering and enhancing smart, integrated ticketing schemes. TRANSPORT The outcome of this partnership approach will be greater co-ordination of efforts, concentration on resolving Aviation: Noise long-standing problems, a framework for other transport authorities to adopt and an acceleration of delivery Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport of smart ticketing products for passengers. I ensure if he will establish an Aircraft Noise Ombudsman; and accountability of the Partnership through its governance arrangements. if he will make a statement. [196176]

Mr Goodwill: The Government is currently considering the recommendations made by the Airports Commission, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency including the recommendation to create an independent noise authority. The Government will respond to the Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Interim Report as soon as possible. Transport how many officials of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency are responsible for (a) driver and Bus Services: Concessions (b) operator compliance in the bus industry. [195277]

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Stephen Hammond: It is not possible to determine the what recent representations he has received from number of roles within the Driver and Vehicle Standards organisations representing pensioners on the start and Agency (DVSA) that are responsible for (a) driver and end times of the National Concessionary Bus Travel (b) operator compliance in the bus industry, as it forms Scheme; and if he will make a statement. [195365] only a part of a number of roles within the Agency. However, for the financial year of 2014-15, DVSA is Stephen Hammond: During the past 12 months we budgeted to provide over 38 man-years of resource on have received no representations on this subject from the enforcement of the bus industry, for deployment of organisations representing pensioners. tasks such as roadworthiness checks, visits to licensed The Chancellor has committed to maintaining the operators and bus operator account management. statutory concession until the end of this Parliament, and we have no plans to amend its hours of validity. Travel Concession Authorities have powers to implement Driving: Eyesight discretionary enhancements to the statutory concession, including extending the hours of validity.The Department’s Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for annual concessionary travel survey monitors the availability Transport what assessment his Department has made of such discretionary concessions, and the most recent of the potential effect changes to the Driver and dataset can be found at: Vehicle Licensing Agency vision testing contract will http://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/bus08- have on independent optical practices. [195706] concessionary-travel/ Stephen Hammond: As part of the procurement process, Bus Services: Tickets the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency identified that 2,009 optical practices carried out vision testing services. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for The new contract means that independent practices are Transport what steps he is taking to encourage the no longer required to carry out on average 20 assessments interoperability of smart tickets on local bus services per year. This equates to around 10 hours of work. outside London where more than one bus company runs the service; and if he will make a statement. [196006] Driving: Licensing

Stephen Hammond: The Government’s ambitions for Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for smart and integrated ticketing on England’s buses are Transport whether there are plans for the Driver and set out in chapter 4 of the Door to Door Strategy. Local Vehicle Licensing Agency to accept Army Personnel authorities already have the powers to introduce multi- Centre records of driver qualifications as proof of operator ticketing schemes. In March 2013, the Department army personnel having passed driving tests. [195683] published guidance to help and encourage authorities to establish schemes in their areas. Stephen Hammond: Legislation provides, under delegated A significant number of smart ticketing schemes authority, for military personnel to carry out driving already operate across the UK and the Department has tests. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) held a series of conversations with the Brighton and following a notification from the Military of Defence Hove transport authority and operators to see how records the test pass and applies the new entitlement to their offer can be accelerated. All of the major urban the driving record. Letters from the Army Personnel areas, and a number of counties, have smart ticketing Centre are also accepted, provided it confirms that the schemes, and all buses in London and over three quarters driver has passed an appropriate driving test that allows of buses elsewhere in England are smart-equipped. them to drive on public roads. 513W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 514W

Employment Agencies High Speed 2 Railway Line

Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which five companies were used most often to provide if he will publish a list of responses to the Environmental temporary workers for his Department in the last financial Statement in Advance of Second Reading of the High year; and how much in agency fees was paid to each of Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill. [196392] them. [195562] Mr Goodwill: The responses to the Environmental Stephen Hammond: The five companies used most Statement have been published and can be found at: often to provide temporary workers to Department for https://hs2phaseonebilles.dialoguebydesign.net/ Transport were: This includes responses from both individuals and Badenoch and Clark organisations, unless they had requested that their response Capita was not made public. Networkers Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Spring Technology if he will make it his policy that the compensation Michael Page consultation and trial scheme in relation to High Speed We are unable to provide the amount in fees paid to 2 should be published by the end of 2014. [196393] each supplier as this information is not recorded. The cost of a temporary worker is provided as a total daily Mr Goodwill: Following the Secretary of State for rate which is inclusive of supplier fees. Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), announcement on 9 April Euston Station 2014 of decisions regarding HS2 London to West Midlands property compensation, it is our intention to consult on additional cash payment mechanisms over summer 2014 Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for and to announce the way forward by the end of 2014. Transport what the capacity utilisation on trains out of Euston between 6.30am and 9.00am on a weekday Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for morning was in the latest period for which figures are Transport if he will publish details of who considered available. [195752] the proposals for a property bond in relation to High Speed 2; and what the reasons were for rejecting that Stephen Hammond: Published information relating to proposal. [196394] rail demand is available via this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/rai02- Mr Goodwill: The Secretary of State for Transport, capacity-and-overcrowding my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales Table RA10203 shows the following pattern of demand (Mr McLoughlin), considered the option of a property for trains departing Euston on a typical autumn weekday bond for Phase One of HS2 and has ruled out this in 2012. option for the reasons set out in ‘Property Compensation Consultation 2013 for the London-West Midlands HS2 Start of service 07:00- 08:00- route: Decision Document’, published on 9 April 2014. to 06:59 07:59 08:59

Euston Passengers 1,046 2,290 3,378 Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for departures Transport when the safeguarding directions in relation Total 5,826 6,117 7,471 to High Speed 2 were last updated; and if he will seats publish the maps relating to that update. [196395]

Ferries: France Mr Goodwill: The safeguarding directions in relation to High Speed 2 were last updated on 24 October 2013. The updated maps are published on the High Speed 2 Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Ltd website at the following link: if he will open discussions with his French counterpart http://www.hs2.org.uk/safeguarding?sg_link=576 to ensure crews on ferries operating between the UK and France are paid under British or French minimum London Midland wage regulations. [196313]

Stephen Hammond: The issue was discussed at length Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for at the recent maritime roundtable, at which industry Transport what steps he is taking to improve the including the maritime unions were present. The performance of London Midland commuter trains. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, working [196279] with this Department and HMRC, will review the application, guidance and enforcement of the national Stephen Hammond: We do not monitor train operator minimum wage towards seafarers, to ensure that employers performances by service type (i.e. commuter trains only) are aware of their responsibilities and employees are under the Franchise Agreement; we monitor each operator’s aware of their rights. As part of this, we will consider a performance across their whole network against targeted enforcement programme for this sector. benchmarks under the Franchise Agreement. 515W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 516W

The Department monitors each train operator’s overall Mr Goodwill: No assessment has been made as we performance against these benchmarks and there are believe Scotland is stronger in the UK and the UK is clear actions set out in the Franchise Agreement should stronger with Scotland in it. NATS’s success in winning performance drop below what is expected. This regular international contracts is a matter in the first instance monitoring includes monthly meetings with their senior for its Board. management where performance figures are scrutinised and challenged. Network Rail At present London Midland are assessed as being within their contracted performance benchmarks as set Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for out in the Franchise Agreement. Transport how many staff Network Rail employed (a) in the last year for which figures are available and (b) In 2002 when Network Rail took control of Britain’s in 2010-11. [195953] Rail infrastructure, train performance was languishing at record low levels (78.6% of trains arriving on time Stephen Hammond: Network Rail is currently a private nationally). Since then, it has risen to averaging around sector company limited by guarantee, and its annual 90%. Network Rail has been tasked with ensuring that total staff complement is a matter for the company. 92.5% of trains arrive on time nationally by 2019. Network Rail advises that in 2012-13, the last year for We are determined that improvements in infrastructure which figures are available, the average number of its across the network, as evidenced by the £38 billion employees was 35,190. The figure for 2010-11 was 35,606. investment agreed with Network Rail for the next five years, will further improve the performance of all train Network Rail: Land operators. Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Motor Vehicles: Insurance what the value of outstanding property development proposals on Network Rail land is. [195952] Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the Competition Commission’s inquiry Stephen Hammond: Network Rail is currently a private into the car insurance industry to report. [195976] sector company limited by guarantee and the development of its property portfolio is a matter for the company, Mr Goodwill: The Competition Commission is required within the regulatory and incentives framework established to publish its final report by 27 September 2014. for it by the independent Office of Rail Regulation. Public Transport: Tickets Motor Vehicles: Secured Loans Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with cities outside London what assessment he has made of the prevalence of the on interoperability of smart tickets between rail and bus practice of logbook lending. [196314] services; and if he will make a statement. [196007]

Stephen Hammond: No assessment has been made by Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport is the Department for Transport. The regulation of consumer working closely with nine major cities and regions credit, including the practice of logbook loans, is a outside London to establish how plans to accelerate matter for the Financial Conduct Authority. smart ticketing on bus and rail can be achieved. The initiative known as the ‘Smart Cities Partnership’ and National Air Traffic Services funded by the Department brings together the authorities concerned, the operators and the policy makers to address some of the technical and commercial challenges. Mr Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to meet the costs This programme will pave the way for other cities and of the National Air Traffic Service’s employee share authorities with similar ambitions to have smart scheme if the Civil Aviation Authority decides that interoperable ticket offers to passengers. It will also these costs will no longer be allowed for in the next build upon the South East Flexible Ticketing programme regulatory settlement. [195722] which the Department is leading on which will see rail stations suitably equipped for smart ticketing, and more Mr Goodwill: The regulatory settlement is a matter flexible smart ticket products on offer which are better for the Civil Aviation Authority. We would expect the suited to meet modern working and leisure patterns. NATS Board, in the first instance, to continue to consider the benefits of the employee share scheme and the Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for terms on which it operates. Transport what discussions he has had with Transport for London (TfL) about the use of other smart ticket systems in the TfL area; and if he will make a National Air Traffic Services: Scotland statement. [196015]

Mr Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Stephen Hammond: Department for Transport officials what assessment he has made of the potential effects of work regularly with Transport for London (TfL) both the forthcoming independence referendum on the National on the national strategy for smart and integrated ticketing Air Traffic Service Centre in Scotland’s ability to secure and on implementation in and around London. international contracts. [195721] Cooperation with TfL is integral to any smart ticketing 517W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 518W system which includes the London area, in order to Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy sets out anticipated ensure full integration of systems and a positive passenger changes in demand to 2024-25 and is available here: experience. http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse_documents/ TfL will shortly have completed the delivery of the rus_documents/route_utilisation_strategies/ “ITSO on Prestige” project, specified and funded by the west_coast_main_line/westcoastmainlinerus.pdf Department, which has equipped the capital with readers that can now accept the national open standard for Railways: Tickets transport ticketing (ITSO) as well as contactless bank cards. We have been working closely with them to make Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport the most of this investment, including accepting Southern’s what progress his Department has made on the introduction “The Key” card which was successfully launched at of part-time season tickets for rail commuters; and if he Victoria by my Noble Friend the Minister of State for will make a statement. [195460] Transport, Baroness Kramer, last year. Southern is also working closely with us and TfL to roll out more Stephen Hammond: Part-time season tickets for rail products progressively as the capability becomes available. commuters will be trialled on a London commuter TfL is also a key delivery partner for the South East route next year; a competition will be held later this Flexible Ticketing programme (SEFT) and has been a year to identify a train operator to undertake the trial. signatory to the Memorandum of Understanding and a member of the Programme Board since the beginning. Rescue Services Significant work continues to be undertaken with them in order to ensure that the SEFT scheme will interoperate properly with their existing infrastructure in the London Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport area. (1) how many coastguard operations room staff have applied for both new posts in the new coastguard structure Railways: Fares and voluntary redundancy; [196405] (2) how many coastguard operations room staff have Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for applied for voluntary redundancy; [196406] Transport if he will estimate the modal shift from car (3) how many coastguard operations room staff have to railway use as a result of eliminating the weekday applied for posts in the restructured coastguard service. minimum fare resulting from the use of the Network [196407] Rail card; and if he will make a statement. [196008] Stephen Hammond: As at 14 April 2014, of those Stephen Hammond: It is not proposed to make any Coastguards currently working in a Maritime Rescue estimate of the modal shift that might result from the Coordination Centre, 86 have applied for both new removal of the minimum fare applying on weekdays to posts in the new coastguard structure and voluntary the Network Railcard. The Network Railcard is offered redundancy, 140 have applied for voluntary redundancy on a commercial basis and therefore it would be for the only and 128 have applied for a new post in the new train operators to consider any changes to its terms and coastguard structure only. conditions. Railways: Passengers Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how often and when each coastguard station Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for has been under-staffed in the last two years. [196410] Transport what estimate he has made of increases in passenger numbers (a) nationally and (b) on the West Stephen Hammond: The following table shows the Coast Main Line over the next 10 years. [196423] number of occasions each Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed at below risk assessed Stephen Hammond: The total train passenger numbers levels over the last two years by month. is forecast to grow from an estimated 1,530 million in Where there are specific issues at a MRCC Her 2013-14 to 1,842 million by 2023-24. Majesty’s Coastguard is using the current long established The Department has made no forecast of increases in pairing arrangements between MRCCs. This enables passenger numbers on the west coast main line over the each MRCC to be connected to at least one other next 10 years. Chapter 4 of Network Rail’s West Coast MRCC which is available to provide mutual support.

Number of occasions each Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed at below risk assessed levels Watches Month per month Shetland Aberdeen Humber Thames London Dover Solent Portland

March 2012 62 1 13 6 33 0 7 3 13 April 2012 60 1 58 0 40 0 38 9 41 May 2012 62 1 22 3 26 0 36 8 19 June 2012 60 0 28 2 40 0 26 9 30 July 2012 62 0 41 0 40 0 39 8 16 519W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 520W

Number of occasions each Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed at below risk assessed levels Watches Month per month Shetland Aberdeen Humber Thames London Dover Solent Portland

August 2012 62 0 37 0 48 0 38 10 5 September 60 0 38 0 50 0 32 4 8 2012 October 2012 62 0 46 0 45 0 15 0 8 November 60 0 27 0 41 0 19 3 9 2012 December 62 0 35 0 53 0 22 3 24 2012 January 2013 62 0 30 1 37 0 22 1 19 February 2013 56 1 27 0 46 0 34 0 9 March 2013 62 0 31 19 34 0 37 0 6 April 2013 60 1 24 1 22 0 32 3 5 May 2013 62 6 25 5 24 0 18 2 11 June 2013 60 1 25 11 16 0 31 4 8 July 2013 62 6 27 14 46 0 32 7 15 August 2013 62 20 26 20 55 0 27 15 30 September 605 263435034210 2013 October 2013 62 0 7 21 33 0 16 3 16 November 602 102733013212 2013 December 623 333033021710 2013 January 2014 62 1 14 25 21 0 19 5 2 February 2014 56 4 16 22 25 0 17 3 8 March 2014 62 2 28 21 37 0 28 10 7

Month Brixham Falmouth Swansea Milford Holyhead Liverpool Belfast Stornoway

March 2012 1-22204005 April 2012 1-243321259 May 2012 1-2911982519 June 2012 1- 25 0 1 7 16 23 13 July 2012 1- 39 10 3 21 15 24 20 August20127212 313112918 September 4 39 0 5 9 20 14 13 2012 October20122290103612 November 3332007147 2012 December 63416254520 2012 January 2013 3 10 2 1 2 16 48 3 February 2013 2 13 2 1 7 11 46 8 March 2013 0 13 4 2 7 10 35 16 April 2013 1 2 2 0 2 32 48 7 May 2013 2 7 3 1 5 23 37 7 June 2013 6 12 7 1 10 26 51 3 July 2013 1 2 23 5 14 39 50 13 August 2013 1 3 30 3 10 39 41 12 September 8 0 7 415203412 2013 October 2013 1 5 9 1 1 20 5 8 November 0397011814 2013 December 5 3 21 2 0 15 11 13 2013 January2014101050765 February 2014 0 5 6 5 0 11 5 5 March201411026288 6 1 No data-The information for Brixham MRCC between March and July 2012 was not collated. 521W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 522W

Rescue Services: Liverpool covers to prevent slipping and injury. That said, we are aware of a number of authorities who are taking steps Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for to replace manhole covers with ones having enhanced Transport how many coastguard operations room staff anti-skid properties. in Liverpool have left the service in the last two years. Taxis: Licensing [196409]

Stephen Hammond: Since April 2012 eight Coastguards Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for that worked in the operations room at Liverpool Maritime Transport what proportion of local authorities in Rescue Coordination Centre have left Her Majesty’s England and Wales require a Disclosure and Barring Coastguard. Service check on applicants before issuing a (a) taxi and (b) private hire vehicle licence. [195957] Roads: Brighton Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for does not hold this information. Local authorities are Transport what recent discussions his Department has under a statutory duty to ensure that any person to had with Brighton and Hove City Council on the whom they grant a taxi or private hire vehicle driver’s condition of roads in that area; and if he will make a licence is a “fit and proper person”. As part of this statement. [195372] process they can undertake criminal record checks on applicants but we do not keep details of the assessment Mr Goodwill: Officials at the Department for Transport policies and procedures adopted by local authorities. discuss highways maintenance matters with local authorities Transport: Per Capita Costs as and when issues are raised with them. Brighton and Hove City council also registered to attend the recent ‘Gearing up for Efficient Highway Delivery and Funding Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for from 2015 Roadshow’ where the Department sought Transport what estimate he has made of the level of views from the sector on the future of funding arrangements funding per head of the population for transport in (a) for highways maintenance and on improvements to the Coventry North East constituency, (b) Coventry, (c) value for money of the local road network programme. the West Midlands and (d) England in each of the last five years. [196230] The Department for Transport provides capital funding to local highway authorities from the local maintenance Stephen Hammond: The most recent data available highways maintenance capital block grant and over the for regional expenditure is the Country and regional four year period from 2011 Brighton and Hove City analysis for 2013, published by HM Treasury. Council’s allocation is £13.9 million. Table A.15 shows UK identifiable expenditure on The Department has also allocated additional highways services by function, country and region, per head, maintenance funding to authorities to help repair roads 2008-09 to 2012-13, of which: Transport damaged due to severe weather events. For Brighton and Hove City Council this includes £0.152 million in The following table gives identifiable expenditure per 2010/11, £0.412 million in March 2011 and more recently head for the West Midlands and England. Committed £0.295 million in March 2014. spend is not analysed at a lower level.

A £200 million Pothole Fund was announced in the 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 recent Budget. From this, £168 million is being made available to councils in England through a bidding West 283 258 218 206 202 exercise. Further details of the fund were made available Midlands on 24 April, and can be found at: England 317 348 317 288 267 www.gov.uk/government/publications/pothole-fund-2014-to- 2015-application The Department for Transport is not the only public body responsible for transport and a large proportion Any local authorities wishing to apply for a share of of expenditure is covered by local government bodies. the funding are required to submit an application to the Department for Transport by 22 May 2014. Roads: Safety WORK AND PENSIONS Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Atos Healthcare Transport if he will bring forward legislative proposals to require landowners and service suppliers to install Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work manhole covers that have resistance abrasion values to and Pensions pursuant to the written statement of prevent slipping and injury. [196318] 27 March 2014, Official Report, columns 56-7W, on Atos, how many Atos Healthcare staff currently carrying Mr Goodwill: The majority of manhole covers on the out work capability assessments are expected to carry highway network fall under the responsibility of utility out personal independence payment assessments in future; companies, with a small percentage in the ownership of and if he will make a statement. [195741] local highway authorities. The Department for Transport currently has no plans Mike Penning: The Department maintains separate to bring forward legislative proposals for landowners contracts with Atos Healthcare for the delivery of work and service suppliers to install high-friction manhole capability assessments and Personal Independence Payment 523W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 524W assessments and these contracts require that resources of missed payments so we can investigate non-compliance for these two contracts be kept separate. earlier, reducing the time in which arrears could build. We are also looking at new techniques for collecting Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work older debt. The trial of the process of reclassifying and Pensions pursuant to the written statement of 27 arrears has concluded and we are analysing how this March 2014, Official Report, columns 56-57W, on initiative might be used in the future. Atos, whether Atos Healthcare will continue to carry out assessments for industrial injuries disablement Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work benefits; and if he will make a statement. [195743] and Pensions what the (a) timetable and (b) process will be under which debt suspension in older Child Mike Penning: The written statement of 27 March Support Agency (CSA) cases will be reviewed during 2014, Official Report, columns 56-58WS, refers to the the forthcoming CSA case closure process; and what exit of Atos Healthcare from the medical services process will be put in place to enable the participation agreement. This contract includes assessments for industrial of the parents in that process. [195740] injuries disablement benefits. Atos will continue to provide assessments until the transition to a new provider in Steve Webb: The Child Support Agency (CSA) plans early 2015. to close all 1993 and 2003 scheme cases over a three year period starting in 2014. Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work When a client’s ongoing maintenance liability has and Pensions what contracts are held by his ended, the case will be reviewed to ensure any arrears Department with Atos Healthcare for the provision of balance is accurate. This process will include any suspended medical and health-related assessments. [195784] debt to ensure the reason for suspension remains valid and, if not, the debt will be reinstated. Whether the Mike Penning: The Department holds a national CSA need to contact the client during this process will contract with Atos Healthcare for the provision of depend on the circumstances of the individual case. work capability assessments and contracts for personal When the review has been completed, both clients independence payment assessments for PIP lot 1 covering will be informed of the arrears balance and can contact north west England, north east England, Scotland and the CSA about this should they wish to do so. Isle of Man and PIP lot 3 covering London/southern England. Consultants Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to monitor the and Pensions which 10 consultancy firms were paid the transitional arrangements put in place by Atos Healthcare most by his Department in the last financial year; and following the termination of his Department’s contract how much each of those firms was paid. [195587] with that company for the provision of work capability assessments. [195785] Mike Penning: The top 10 consultancy firms by spend in 2013-14 is shown in the following table. Mike Penning: The Department has negotiated a more robust agreement covering the remaining contract £ term; with an agreed performance regime that gives us confidence delivery goals will be achieved. Atos will PricewaterhouseCoopers 2,964,276 continue to deliver Work Capability Assessments (and KPMG 2,573,186 other assessments and advice) until contract exit and WS Atkins plc 2,155,486 will be subject to a rigorous quality and service credit Capgemini plc 1,520,975 regime. To this end, a remedial advisory team is being Ernst and Young 1,195,116 appointed to work with the Atos Healthcare management Deloitte MCS Ltd 836,116 during this period to assist Atos in meeting their contractual Methods Consulting Ltd 35,400 obligations, ahead of awarding the contract to a new Compass Management Consulting 31,250 provider. Ltd British Telecom plc 27,250 Children: Maintenance Experian Group Ltd 12,500

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Employment Agencies and Pensions what progress has been made on his Department’s child maintenance arrears and Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work compliance strategy for 2012 to 2017; and if he will and Pensions which five companies were used most make a statement. [195739] often to provide temporary workers for his Department in the last financial year; and how much in agency fees Steve Webb: Since 2008 we have considerably slowed was paid to each of them. [195565] down the growth of arrears via faster case processing and better enforcement. The successful introduction of Mike Penning: In the last financial year 2013-14 the new 2012 Child Maintenance Scheme allows most DWP used the services of Capita Resourcing Limited paying parents to be assessed more quickly, which reduces and Capita Business Services to provide temporary the number of cases that accrue arrears. The new Child workers. The amounts paid in agency fees were as Maintenance Scheme is also built to trigger notification follows: 525W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 526W

Capita Resourcing Limited £9,517,163 remedies such as finding work or alternative accommodation, Capita Business Services £1,108,082 are less readily available, and as a result, transitions may Both Capita Resourcing Ltd and Capita Business take more time. Services provided a managed service to DWP to provide Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing interim personnel and specialist contractors. The figures represent the total fee paid to Capita including the fees paid by Capita to the workers. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 2 April 2014, Official Report, column 724W, on Employment Support Allowance housing benefit: social rented housing, for what reasons his Department has determined that a longer Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for time frame than one year is required to assess the Work and Pensions how many times he has met work effects of the under-occupancy penalty on rent arrears programme providers or their representative body to in the social rented sector. [196166] discuss the progress of employment support allowance claimants since June 2011. [196104] Esther McVey: Rent arrears can have multiple causes and levels tend to fluctuate over time. Analysis of monthly, Esther McVey: The Secretary of State has not met quarterly or even a single year of arrears is insufficient with work programme providers or their representative to reliably remove these normal fluctuations, driven by body about the progress of employment support allowance both seasonal and general economic trends, and to claimants since June 2011. determine whether and to what extent the removal of the spare room subsidy has impacted on rent arrears Housing Benefit: Rural Areas levels.

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Work and Pensions what plans he has to continue for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 2 April discretionary housing payments for rural communities 2014, Official Report, column 724W,on housing benefit: beyond 2014-15. [195837] social rented housing, if he will make an interim assessment of the effects of the under-occupancy penalty on rent Steve Webb: In January 2014 the Government announced arrears in the social rented sector in the first year of its that the additional £5 million funding for the 21 least introduction. [196167] densely populated local authorities would be maintained in 2014/15. Information about individual DHP allocations Esther McVey: We have already commissioned a two-year to local authorities was published in the Subsidy Circular evaluation of the effects of the removal of the spare S1/2014. This can be accessed on the Government website room subsidy across Great Britain. The evaluation GOV.UK through the following link: commenced in April 2013 and is being led by Ipsos https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hb-subsidy- MORI and includes the Cambridge Centre for Housing circular-s12014-discretionary-housing-payments-for-local- and Planning Research. The final report will be published authorities-2014-to-2015 in late 2015. An assessment has not yet been made about the level Rent arrears can have multiple causes and levels tend of need in rural communities for Discretionary Housing to fluctuate over time. A longer time frame than one Payments (DHP) beyond 2014-15. DHP funding after year is required in order to factor out short-term fluctuations 2014-15 will be agreed in due course and will be informed and to see whether and to what extent the removal of by evidence on the use and demand for DHPs, including the spare room subsidy has impacted on rent arrears in rural communities. The Department is currently collecting levels. data on the use of Discretionary Housing Payments in There is some evidence that rent arrears levels are the 2013-14 financial year. falling, as the Homes and Communities Agency reported in February 2014 that the median level of arrears among Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for larger housing associations had fallen from 4.1% in the Work and Pensions on what criteria he is distributing second quarter of 2013-14 to 3.9% in the third quarter the additional £5 million discretionary housing payment of 2013-14. for the least densely-populated areas announced on 30 July 2013. [195839] Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer to the Steve Webb: The £5 million rural discretionary housing right hon. Member for West Ham of 3 February 2014, payments (DHP) fund for 2013-14 was allocated to Official Report, column 100W, on housing benefit: those local authorities (LA) with the smallest population social rented housing, what work his Department per square metre. The fund was then proportionally would need to undertake in order to assess the distributed using LAs share of the original DHP allocation, potential effects of the under-occupancy penalty on the i.e. if an LA had an 8% share of the total DHP level of child poverty in the UK; and if he will make a allocation of the least populated LAs, then they received statement. [195681] 8% of the rural fund. The £5 million funding provided in 2014-15 is intended Esther McVey: To assess the impact the Department to avoid a disproportionate impact on those affected by would need to adapt simulation models and undertake the removal of the spare room subsidy in remote and validation work to ensure consistency with published isolated communities. The Government has assessed measures of child poverty. This would incur that the geography in some areas means that potential disproportionate cost. 527W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 528W

This Government has made good progress in tackling Esther McVey: The Department has received a number the root causes of child poverty and has recently published of inquiries from charities and community organisations the 2014-17 draft child poverty strategy for consultation on the removal of customer access phones. which outlines the actions we are taking. The latest They have all been reassured that claimants will still figures from 2011-12 show that 2.3 million children have access to a telephone when necessary. (17%) are in relative income poverty-down 300,000 Jobcentres provide face to face support for claimants. since 2009-10. These are the lowest levels since the After the removal of customer access phones, claimants mid-1980s. The number of children in workless households who require access to a phone in connection with their has fallen by more than 270,000 since 2010, which is key benefit or job search will be given controlled access to a to driving down poverty. telephone in a jobcentre. Independent Living Fund National Employment Savings Trust Scheme Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what funding for the independent Work and Pensions how many people are currently living fund his Department has withdrawn from local auto-enrolled in the National Employment Savings Trust authorities in (a) 2015-16 and (b) 2016-17. [195856] (NEST); and what the mean monthly contribution paid in by members of NEST is. [196179] Mike Penning: Responsibility for supporting former ILF users will transfer to local authorities and the Steve Webb: The National Employment Savings Trust devolved Administrations from 1 July 2015. (NEST) announced on 1 April 2014 that they have over In line with the commitment made in last year’s a million members. spending review, local authorities and devolved The Department for Work and Pensions does not Administrations will be fully funded to enable them to hold information about the level or amount of member meet those responsibilities in 2015-16. contributions to NEST. Budgets for 2016-17 and later years will be determined in future spending reviews. Pensioners: Poverty Industrial Health and Safety: EU Action Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to tackle Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for pensioner poverty; and if he will make a statement. Work and Pensions (1) what assessment he has made of [196012] the progress of the current review of the European strategy on health and safety at work; [195718] Steve Webb: This Government wants all pensioners (2) what representations he has made to the current to have a decent and secure income in retirement. We review of European strategy on health and safety at have restored the link to earnings for the basic state work; and if he will make a statement. [195719] pension and also introduced the ’triple lock’, the guarantee that the basic state pension will increase by the highest Mike Penning: The UK Government responded to of the growth in average earnings, price increases or the public consultation on a new policy framework for 2.5%. We have protected key benefits for older people health and safety at work in the EU conducted by the including: free eye tests; free NHS prescriptions; free European Commission in 2013. We emphasised the bus passes; free television licences for those aged 75 and need for any new policy framework to be rooted in over and winter fuel payments. the principles of better regulation. The Commission has said that it expects to publish a communication on Personal Independence Payment the outcome of that consultation this year and I look forward to seeing it in due course. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with Capita Jobcentre Plus on the need to seek evidence from health and social care professionals in progressing personal independence payment Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for assessments. [195825] Work and Pensions what the average caseload was for a Jobcentre Plus advisor in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011, Mike Penning: The Department’s guidance to personal (d) 2012 and (e) 2013. [196468] independence payment assessment providers explains that they should take steps to obtain further evidence if Esther McVey: The information requested is not readily they believe it would help inform their advice to the available and could be provided only at disproportionate departmental case manager, who will make a decision cost. on the benefit claim, or negate the need for the claimant to attend a face-to-face consultation. Such evidence can Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for come from a variety of sources, including but not Work and Pensions what representations he has limited to health and social care professionals. received from charities and community organisations More information can be found at: on the removal of warm phones from Jobcentre Plus https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ offices. [196471] attachment_data/file/210722/pip-assessment-guide.pdf 529W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 530W

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work are not required where a claim has been referred under and Pensions what meetings he has had with organisations the ‘Special Rules for Terminal Illness’ provisions. (a) from the advice sector and (b) representing people More information can be found at: with disabilities on the performance of Capita in introducing https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ personal independence payments. [195826] attachment_data/file/210722/pip-assessment-guide.pdf Mike Penning: I have had regular meetings with various stakeholder organisations, for example Macmillan, and Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work my officials and I continue to engage with them on a and Pensions what assessment he has made of the regular basis. quality of feedback to hon. Members by (a) his Department and (b) private sector providers when they raise constituents’ concerns about personal Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work independence payments. [195872] and Pensions (1) what assessment he has made of the early operational performance of each private sector company providing personal independence payments Mike Penning: The Department for Work and Pensions assessments; [195828] and Ministers provide feedback to hon. Members in a (2) what assessment he has made of the performance range of ways, for example at meetings, during debates, of Capita on the delivery of personal independence through correspondence and by answering parliamentary questions. Where it is not possible to answer a particular payments for those who are terminally ill; [195868] query the Department will say so and indicate, where (3) what assessment he has made of the performance appropriate, when the information will become available of Capita in the delivery of personal independence in the future, for example through the release of statistical payments in Wales. [195870] material. The two assessment providers for personal independence Mike Penning: Personal independence payment (PIP) payment are responsible for dealing with complaints is a new benefit and processes are currently bedding in. about their own respective levels of service and I understand The Department’s contracts with Capita and Atos that they may also deliver their own events for hon. Healthcare for the delivery of assessments for personal Members. Both providers have their own processes for independence payment include a full set of service level dealing with inquiries from MPs. agreements setting out the Department’s expectations for service delivery, including quality of assessments and the number of days to provide advice to the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Department. and Pensions (1) how many new personal independence payment claims were submitted by December 2013; and Officials meet regularly with both assessment providers how many decisions have been made on those claims; to discuss performance. We are closely monitoring their [195873] progress against the Department’s expectations for service delivery and are taking action to drive up performance (2) what the maximum length of time taken to process where this does not meet the required standards. In an application for personal independence payments has particular, for both providers, the end-to-end process been since the introduction of that payment; [195829] for many claimants is taking significantly longer than (3) what proportion of Capita personal independence originally anticipated. We are working with the providers payment assessments have involved people who were to ensure that they are taking all necessary steps to mentally ill since the introduction of that assessment; improve performance, speed up the process and ensure [195867] claimants receive a satisfactory experience. Special rules claims for terminally ill claimants are dealt with urgently (4) what the average length of time taken was for by our assessment providers. The latest published statistics personal independence payments to be made in Wales show that over 99% of people with terminal illnesses in each month for which data are available. [195871] who have applied have been awarded the benefit, which means over 9,500 terminally ill claimants are now receiving Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to the answer personal independence payment. I gave to the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby Although limited data has started to feed through, (Stephen Twigg), and the hon. Member for Airdrie and we need to wait until the Department has quality assured, Shotts (Pamela Nash), on 5 March 2014, Official Report, meaningful figures for publication. We intend to publish column 850W. official statistics on PIP from spring 2014 in line with our publication strategy. An ad-hoc release of PIP Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work information was published on 11 February 2014. and Pensions (1) what recent estimate his Department has made of the savings to the public purse from the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work personal independence payment programme; and what and Pensions what guidance his Department has issued assessment he has made of the long-term risks to that to personal independence payment providers on calling programme; [195874] in clients for personal independence payment (2) what assessment he has made of the National assessments who are terminally ill. [195866] Audit Office’s conclusion in its report on personal independence payments: early progress that his Mike Penning: The ‘PIP Assessment Guide’, the Department has increased the risk that the personal Department’s guidance for personal independence payment independence payment programme will not deliver assessment providers, states that face-to-face consultations value for money in the longer term. [195879] 531W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 532W

Mike Penning: The National Audit’s Office (NAO) From 10 March, we have included with the PIP2 report acknowledged that it is too early to make judgments “How your disability affects you” questionnaire, issued about value for money. to PIP claimants, communications explaining how long Both the NAO and Office for Budget Responsibility they might be expected to wait for a PIP assessment. noted that the introduction of personal independence This information is also available on Gov.uk. payment is expected to deliver very significant savings for the taxpayer, estimated to be £3 billion per year by Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2018 as well as delivering fairer outcomes for disabled and Pensions what assessment his Department made of people. Capita’s ability to handle large numbers of personal independence payment (PIP) claims before award of the PIP contract. [195881] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what outstanding commercial risks that Mike Penning: The assessment of Capita’s ability to might affect operational security his Department has manage PIP claimant volumes was undertaken as part identified in its relationship with contracted assessment of the PIP Assessment Procurement exercise, conducted providers. [195876] in line with Cabinet Office Guidelines.

Mike Penning: In the area of contracted assessment Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work providers who are delivering work capability assessments and Pensions how much his Department has held back under the medical services contract and personal from payments to Capita because of poor performance independence payment assessments, the Department on personal independence payment assessments. has no commercial risks that might affect operational [195882] security.Any commercial risks that might affect operational security are managed within the Department’s standard Mike Penning: The Department has applied performance risk management framework and procedures. measures against both of the Personal Independence Payment Assessment Providers and has recovered Service Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Credits (Financial remedies) in accordance with the and Pensions (1) what tests his Department has made contract. on its operating assumption across the whole claims Specific application of service credits for Capita is process to identify future bottlenecks; [195877] commercially sensitive information. (2) what guidance his Department has issued on the amount of time to be taken for an individual to be Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work assessed for a personal independence payment; [195869] and Pensions (1) whether the contract for the introduction (3) whether his Department has tested (a) assessment of personal independence payment included targets for providers’ and (b) departmental plans for dealing with the (a) proportion of assessments to be conducted face (b) backlogs and high numbers of assessments; [195878] to face and average length of time for each assessment; [195883] (4) what plans his Department has to inform claimants about delays they may experience while plans (2) what proportion of personal independence to improve performance of personal independence payment assessments were face to face in each month for which information is available. [195884] payment take effect. [195880] Mike Penning: The Department has not set personal Mike Penning: The Department does not have a independence payment assessment providers targets for target for completion of personal independence payment the proportion of assessments to be conducted face to (PIP) claims while processes are bedding in. Clearly, we face and the average length of time for each assessment. want to minimise the length of time claimants have to wait for assessments, but the key requirement is to Personal independence payment started from April produce high quality assessments, to enable DWP decision 2013 and although limited data has started to feed makers to make the right decisions about benefit through, we need to wait until the Department has entitlement. quality assured meaningful figures for publication. The Department is working to guidelines set by the UK We are committed to driving up PIP performance Statistics Authority to ensure we are able to publish and are in regular contact with our assessment providers statistics that meet high quality standards at the earliest to do this. We already monitor performance closely and opportunity. We intend to publish official statistics on liaise with assessment providers on a daily basis, PIP from spring 2014 in line with our publication supplemented by formal monthly performance review strategy. meetings. We will continue to work closely with assessment providers on an ongoing basis to monitor quality. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Our original departmental operational delivery plans and Pensions what proportion of personal independence assumed a larger volume of assessment provider referrals payment claimants faced travel times to assessments than we are currently receiving and we have retained greater than 60 minutes; and what proportion of those this surplus capacity using it to consolidate learning or claimants were mentally ill. [195885] carry out other duties. This will be available for deployment as cases are returned to the Department for decision Mike Penning: The Department does not hold central maker action. The Department has contingency plans records on claimants travelling time to a personal in place to secure additional capacity from other areas independence payment consultation, nor is it gathered of the Department should assessment provider volumes by health condition, this information could be collated exceed plans. only at disproportionate cost. 533W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 534W

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work of JSA claims, two per cent of ISLP claims and around and Pensions (1) how many concluded applications for one quarter of a per cent of ESA claims for failure to personal independence payment there have been to attend an appointment date, by parliamentary constituency; [196120] The information requested up to September 2013 is (2) how many applications have been made for the shown in the table below. personal independence payment to date, by parliamentary Number of individuals who had their benefit sanctioned for failure to constituency. [196121] attend: Great Britain, April 2012 to September 2013 April 2012 to March Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to the answer 2013 April 2013 to September 2013 I gave to the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby Total 274,650 94,340 (Stephen Twigg) and the hon. Member for Airdrie and Notes: Shotts (Pamela Nash), 5 March 2014, Official Report, 1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 and totals will include column 850W. individuals who have had a sanction applied for more than one period eg if an individual had a sanction applied in April 2012 and in April 2013 then they will appear in both of these periods. Separated People: Finance 2. Individuals who have had claims for more than one benefit sanctioned in the period will count twice, eg an individual receiving an ESA Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for sanction in April 2012 who makes a subsequent JSA claim and receives a JSA sanction will count twice Work and Pensions when each of the 10 Help and 3. The number of individuals sanctioned is the number of sanction or Support for Separated Families Innovation Fund disallowance referrals where the decision was found against the projects announced by his Department in December claimant. 2013 will start. [195695] 4. New sanctions rules came into force for JSA and ESA from 22 October 2012 and 3 December 2012. Further information can be found here: Steve Webb: The round two projects delivered by the https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jobseekers-allowance- Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships, Mediation overview-of-sanctions-rules Now, Family Matters Mediate, Family Lives, Children Failure to attend for JSA includes: Failure to attend a place on a 1st, Sills and Betteridge, Headland Future and National training scheme or employment programme, Failure to attend or failure to participate in an Adviser interview and Failure to attend Family Mediation have all started. Projects being run Back to Work Session, without good reason. Failure to attend for by NACCC and Pinnacle People have started to recruit ESA includes: Failure to attend/participate in a mandatory interview. parents to the project and will start seeing them before 5. Income Support Lone Parents receive a fixed sanction of 20% of the end of April. the personal allowance rate of a single claimant (not aged less than 25) for each failure to attend/participate in a Work Focused Interview until 10 pence is left in payment. This sanction lasts until the individual Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for attends and participates in a Work Focused Interview. In the case Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 7 April where there is more than one sanction in place the claimant need only 2014, Official Report, column 103W,on separated people: attend/participate in one Work Focused Interview in order for all finance, whether the proposed external independent related sanctions to be removed from their benefit. evaluation of the Help and Support for Separated Families 6. Information on JSA and ESA sanctions is published and available at: Innovation Fund projects will include as a consistent https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ measure across the different projects the increase in the Source: number of children benefiting from regular child DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: Sanctions maintenance payments to meet their day-to-day living and Disallowance Decisions Statistics Database and Income Support costs as a result of the interventions being tested. Computer System [195696] Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households in the UK Steve Webb: External independent evaluation of the received in excess of £100,000 in social security Innovation Fund projects will measure improvement in payments in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011, (d) 2012 the relationship between parents, and therefore, their and (e) 2013. [196102] likely ability to reach agreement on a range of issues affecting their children, including agreeing financial Esther McVey: This information is not available. arrangements. As the primary aim of these projects is helping parents to resolve conflict and work together, Social Security Benefits: Fraud we will not specifically be measuring the number of children benefiting from regular child maintenance payments. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent steps he has taken to prevent benefit fraud; and if he will make a statement. [196011] Social Security Benefits Esther McVey: The level of fraud in the benefit Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work system is relatively low at 0.7% of total benefit expenditure. and Pensions how many benefit claimants were However, any loss to the public purse due to fraud is sanctioned for failure to attend an appointment unacceptable, which is why the Department is working between (a) April 2012 and April 2013 and (b) April across Government-and with the private sector-to further 2013 and April 2014. [195947] reduce the level of loss due to benefit fraud. We have made considerable progress since the Fraud Esther McVey: In the latest quarter for which figures and Error Strategy was published in 2010. In terms of are available (June to Aug 2013), decisions to apply a prevention, this includes using Real Time Information sanction were made against approximately two per cent in the universal credit pathfinders to prevent fraud and 535W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 536W error on new claims before payments are issued. In State Retirement Pensions: British Nationals Abroad addition we recently announced a package of measures which, amongst other things include extending these Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for checks to other benefits. Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has We are also testing the effectiveness of communications made of extending the triple lock guarantee to all to help change attitudes to benefit fraud and to encourage British pensioners resident abroad; and if he will make people to routinely report changes of circumstances. a statement. [196233]

Social Security Benefits: Immigrants Steve Webb: The triple lock guarantee is intended to reflect the circumstances of pensioners living in the UK. It means that for this Parliament the basic state Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Work pension will increase by the highest of the growth in and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with average earnings or price increases or 2.5%, for pensioners his EU counterpart on further steps to prevent benefit in the UK and for those who live overseas and currently tourism. [196145] receive an up-rated basic state pension. Esther McVey: Ministers and officials are in regular There are no plans to change the up-rating arrangements dialogue with the European Commission and other for UK state pension paid to pensioners overseas. member states about the co-ordination of social security in the European Union. DWP Ministers and officials Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for have met with a number of their European counterparts Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the in recent months to discuss mutual matters of interest number of British pensioners resident abroad whose where reforms to the social security coordination system pensions have been frozen. [196242] have been discussed. Steve Webb: The information as requested by nationality of state pension recipient is not available. Social Security Benefits: Preston However statistics on state pensioners residing abroad by frozen and non frozen rate countries are available on Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department’s website at Work and Pensions how many people in Preston http://83.244.183.180/100pc/sp/tabtool_sp.html constituency are subject to sanction of their (a) employment and support allowance and (b) jobseeker’s allowance. [196142] Unemployment: Young People

Esther McVey: Statistics on the number of jobseeker’s Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for allowance benefit, and employment and support allowance Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of claimants in the Preston parliamentary constituency the effect of the Youth Contract in the 20 designated who have been sanctioned, from April 2000, the earliest areas of high youth unemployment. [196469] data we have, up to September 2013 which is the latest data available, are published and can be found at: Esther McVey: The Department has carried out an https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ evaluation of the YouthContract, to assess the effectiveness of the programme at a national level. The evaluation Guidance for users is available at: does not provide results for specific geographical locations, https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Stat- but the YouthContract Official Statistics provides regional, Xplore_User_Guide.htm Jobcentre Plus district, local authority and parliamentary constituency level data for work experience and sbwa. Sportsgrounds: Industrial Health and Safety The information can be found at: Published evaluation reports Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Work and Pensions what representations he has made attachment_data/file/222943/ to authorities in Brazil and Qatar conveying the lessons early_impacts_of_work_experience.pdf learned in the UK about health and safety in https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/youth-contract- constructing sporting stadia. [196103] wage-incentive-wave-2-research https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/youth-contract- Mike Penning: A senior official from the Health and customers-experiences Safety Executive (HSE) participated in the Government https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employer- to Government Olympic Handover in Rio de Janeiro in perceptions-of-work-experience-and-sector-based-work- November 2012 and established ongoing contact with academies-rr-842 the Brazilian labour inspectorate. HSE attended meetings https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early- held with the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Supreme evaluation-of-the-youth-contract-wage-incentive-scheme- Committee in London during February 2014. In both rr828 engagements, attention was also drawn to the material https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-youth- published by HSE on the successes and lessons learned contract-findings-from-research-with-jobcentre-plus-staff-in- from the ’Big build’, which formed part of the Olympic five-case-study-districts-rr-833 Delivery Authority’s legacy commitment. This can be Official Statistics found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/youth-contract- http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/london-2012-games/index.htm official-statistics-february-2014 537W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 538W

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions whether his Department is monitoring and Pensions how the universal credit local support the progress and effect of the EU Youth Guarantee. services framework supports claimants who may [196470] require extra support in accessing universal credit. [196139] Esther McVey: My Department takes part in a range of discussions at the EU level on issues relating to youth Esther McVey: We recognise that some people will unemployment. need help with the new demands of UC. This could The European Commission also continues to collect include understanding the new system, help with getting information from member states in this respect. online, and help with managing on a monthly budget and paying rent. We believe that action is best taken at a national level Central to the Local Support Service Framework is because governments are best placed to know what the “Delivery Partnerships Approach”under which DWP measures are needed to address the particular situation and local authority managers and service providers in their country. (such as Social Landlords and Charities) will work This Government introduced the youth contract, which together to agree upon delivery of services at the local is in addition to the support already on offer through level. This will enable the provision of a joined-up, the jobcentre. holistic service for claimants with complex needs and a Latest statistics show that we are making real progress “coherent claimant journey” for helping the claimant in tackling youth unemployment. Overall, youth move from welfare dependency. Wherever appropriate, unemployment in the UK is lower than most EU countries; this may also result in work readiness for each claimant. it has fallen by 127 000 since peaking in 2011 and continues to fall. The Government remains focused on Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work addressing this issue. and Pensions when he plans to publish on the Government website an up-to-date impact assessment for universal credit. [196194] Universal Credit Esther McVey: The Government published a detailed impact assessment in December 2012 to accompany the Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work laying of the universal credit regulations that came into and Pensions what steps he has taken to ensure the force in April 2013. There are no current plans to long-term viability of the system for paying benefits publish an update. into Post Office card accounts under the universal credit programme. [195972] Vacancies: Greater London Steve Webb: No decision has been made on the future of the POca but discussions are currently taking place Mary Macleod: To ask the Secretary of State for between DWP, Post Office Ltd and the Department for Work and Pensions how many job vacancies there are Business, Innovation and Skills to consider the future in (a) London, (b) the London Borough of Hounslow needs of customers beyond 2015. and (c) Brentford and Isleworth constituency. [196412]

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Esther McVey: Headline figures on the number of and Pensions if he will provide a simple route for unfilled vacancies at a point in time are published by the people to donate their universal benefits back to the Office for National Statistics, based on a regular survey state; and if he will make a statement. [196078] of employers. Latest figures, covering January-March 2014, show over 600,000 vacancies available in the UK economy at any one time. The sample size of the survey Steve Webb: The majority of winter fuel payments is, however, too small to allow information to be published are sent out automatically. However, people can simply below national level. return their winter fuel payment to the office that issues it. They can also write to the Department requesting not to receive a winter fuel payment for future years, Work Experience either in advance of first getting a payment, or after they have received one or more payments. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Anyone aged 75 or over is entitled to a free TV Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure Licence for their main address. The free licence is not that paid employees are not being replaced by unpaid issued automatically and needs to be applied for. Once staff under the Work Experience scheme; and if he will issued, licences are renewed automatically every year make a statement. [195720] unless the customer does not have a national insurance number in which case TV Licensing will contact them Esther McVey: All potential host businesses must to confirm their circumstances have not changed each sign an agreement with Jobcentre Plus, confirming that year. An over 75 licence can be cancelled at any time the work experience opportunity they wish to offer is on and a paid-for licence requested. top of (not instead of) current and future vacancies. The concessionary travel benefit is optional. An eligible If there is any suspicion that a host is not complying person can choose not to take up the entitlement. The with this agreement, the matter will be fully investigated. National Travel Survey 2011 shows that in GB, 79% of If doubts remain about the host employer’s integrity, people eligible for an older persons’ bus pass held one. Jobcentre Plus will immediately terminate the agreement. 539W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 540W

Work Programme information could be obtained only through a manual search of records which would incur a disproportionate Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for cost. Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 6 January 2014, Official Report, column 66W, on the Work Mr Buckland: To ask the Attorney-General whether programme, how many of the organisations listed with any cases of domestic violence have led to prosecutions sub-contracts as at 30 September 2013 had received no for stalking when the stalking behaviours occurred referrals in the previous years. [195697] before the victim and perpetrator had separated. [195669] Esther McVey: The Department does not hold the information requested. The Solicitor-General: The records held by the Crown Prosecution Service do not identify the number of people prosecuted for domestic violence that have led to prosecutions for stalking where the stalking behaviour ATTORNEY-GENERAL occurred before the victim and perpetrator had separated. Such information could only be obtained through a Crown Prosecution Service manual search of records which would incur disproportionate cost. Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what the performance of each Crown Prosecution Service Pornography: Internet business area was on (a) pre-charge decisions, (b) decisions to take to further action, (c) discontinuances after charge, (d) prosecutions, (e) convictions and (f) Helen Goodman: To ask the Attorney-General how convictions after a not-guilty plea for each of the flagged many prosecutions have taken place under the Obscene offence groups in 2013-14 and each of the five previous Publications Act 1959 for the offence of providing years. [194784] unrestricted access to hardcore pornography online, as set out in the 2005 Crown Prosecution Service The Solicitor-General: Tables have been deposited in guidelines, disaggregated by year. [196000] the Library of the House containing the following information for each of the last five years for which The Solicitor-General: The records held by the Crown complete and validated data is available. Prosecution Service (CPS) indicate the number of offences Number of pre-charge decisions and the proportion that resulted charged, in which a prosecution commenced at magistrates in a decision to take no further action. courts under Section 2 of the Obscene Publications Act Number of finalised prosecutions 1959 (publishing or having an obscene article for publication Number of convictions and the conviction rate for gain), rather than identifying the number of people prosecuted. Number of prosecutions discontinued after charge Number of convictions in contested cases Section 2 of the Obscene Publications Act 1959 creates The figures are broken down for the 13 regional the offence of publishing or having an obscene article Crown Prosecution Service Areas and by principal offence for publication for gain. category of the cases concerned. The principal offence The following table shows, in each of the last eight category indicates the most serious offence with which years, for which figures are available, the number of the defendant is charged at the time of finalisation. offences, charged by way of Section 2 of the OPA 1959, and which reached a first hearing at magistrates courts, Domestic Violence in England and Wales.

Obscene Publications Act 1959 Mr Buckland: To ask the Attorney-General (1) how Financial year {2} many domestic violence cases have led to prosecutions for non-injurious behaviours; [195667] 2005-06 111 (2) whether any domestic violence cases have led to 2006-07 105 prosecutions for coercive control since the inclusion of 2007-08 111 coercive control in the Government’s definition of 2008-09 152 domestic violence in March 2013; [195663] 2009-10 82 (3) how many cases of domestic violence have led to 2010-11 71 prosecutions for psychological abuse in each of the last 2011-12 76 five years. [195668] 2012-13 34 Data Source: The Solicitor-General: The CPS flags all cases identified CPS Case Management Information System as domestic violence according to the revised Government Private Sector definition implemented in March 2013. This includes the elements of coercive control, and behaviours which do not display visible injuries such as psychological Lucy Powell: To ask the Attorney-General how many abuse which were introduced in the revised definition. jobs have been transferred from the public to the However, the records held by the Crown Prosecution private sector as a result of privatisations or Service (CPS) cannot separately identify the number of outsourcing by the Law Officers’ Departments since people prosecuted for each of these elements. Such May 2010. [195504] 541W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 542W

The Solicitor-General: The Law Officers’ Departments The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service have not transferred any permanent jobs from the public (CPS) maintains a central record of the number of to the private sector as a result of privatisations or suspects (not cases) referred to prosecutors for a pre-charge outsourcing since May 2010. decision and the number of defendants prosecuted, following a decision to charge. Prosecutions The table below shows, in each of the last five years Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how for which figures are available, the total number of many cases were referred to the Crown Prosecution charging decisions made against suspects and the outcome Service for pre-charge decision in 2013-14 and each of of decisions where the decision was to (a) take no the five preceding years; how many of those cases were further action, (b) caution, (c) conditionally caution (a) subject to a decision to take no further action, (b) or (d) recommend another out of court disposal. In disposed of by way of a simple caution, (c) disposed addition, the table shows the number of defendants of by way of a conditional caution, (d) disposed of by prosecuted at magistrates courts and at the Crown another type of out-of-court disposal, (e) prosecuted, court, by the CPS following a decision to charge (e), (f) prosecuted successfully and (g) prosecuted the number convicted (f) and the number convicted successfully where the defendant contested the charge. after a contested hearing (g). The table does not include [194680] other outcomes related to pre-charge decisions.

Total pre- (a) No (c) (d) Other (g) charge further (b) Simple Conditional out of court (e) (f) Conviction decisions action caution caution disposal Prosecuted Convictions after contest

2008-09 532,427 140,895 9,596 8,378 4,520 357,785 288,996 31,049 2009-10 477,522 127,502 8,040 8,229 3,088 326,051 259,017 28,777 2010-11 468,656 120,144 6,595 6,935 2,390 332,935 261,539 28,186 2011-12 369,564 89,104 4,275 4,982 1,377 282,970 223,504 26,042 2012-13 309,315 73,916 2,993 3,781 863 233,594 185,176 20,872 Source: CPS Case Management Information System.

The data reported in the above table are inclusive of the pensions market to stimulate innovation and new suspects referred to the CPS for a charging decision and competition in the retirement income market. The shape defendants prosecuted by the specialised national divisions of the market will now be driven by the choices consumers of the CPS including, from April 2011, proceedings make, placing power back into the hands of savers. formerly dealt with by the prosecution functions of the In December 2012 Government passed legislation to Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, amend the Equality Act and ban gender-sensitive pricing. Department for Work and Pensions and Department of This means that annuity providers can no longer use Health. gender as a factor when calculating annuity offers. Since 2011, the police have been able to charge some offences without referral to the CPS, as outlined in the Child Benefit DPP’s Guidance on Charging which can be found on the CPS website at: https://www.cps.gov.uk/publications/directors_guidance/ Jake Berry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer dpp_guidance_5.html how many cases of child benefit fraud his Department is investigating. [193521] Data for the annual year 2013-14 are not currently available. Nicky Morgan: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) approach to child benefit error and fraud is to verify all new claims and, on a risk basis, to check existing claims TREASURY for incorrect information against data from other systems. Where HMRC consider that a claim may not be correct, Annuities they open an enquiry. Where the enquiry determines that the claim is incorrect, the claim or part of the claim Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the is terminated. Exchequer what estimate he has made of the likely Child benefit compliance enquires are carried out change in annuities in 12 months’ time for the average continually throughout the year and as at 31 March 65-year-old (a) man and (b) woman. [196040] 2014, HMRC had 3,565 ongoing cases. Mr Gauke: At Budget, the Government announced significant reforms to the pensions market, giving people Coinage: Forgery greater choice about how to access their defined contribution pension savings. For many people, purchasing an annuity Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the will remain the best way to secure an income in retirement. Exchequer what estimate his Department made of the These reforms will help consumers choosing to buy annual level of fraud involving the existing one pound an annuity to get a better deal in a much more competitive coin in order to inform the decision to introduce a new market place. The Government expects the change to style coin. [196039] 543W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 544W

Nicky Morgan: At Budget the government announced Mr Gauke: Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) is payable by that it will introduce a new and highly secure £1 coin. purchasers of UK land or property, whether or not the According to Royal Mint estimates counterfeiting of purchaser is resident in the UK. The rates apply equally the £1 coin has been on an upwards trend for the past to UK and foreign nationals or companies. decade. The latest data shows an increase in the The information requested is not held in the format counterfeiting rate to 3.04%. This data is based on a required and could be provided only at disproportionate survey undertaken in November 2013. Further information cost. can be found at: Income Tax www.royalmint.com/discover/uk-coins/counterfeit-one- pound-coins Mr Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the effect was on revenue from top rate Enterprise Zones: Coleraine income tax of the reduction of the top rate from 60 per cent to 40 per cent in 1988 in the (a) first year and (b) Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the second year following that reduction. [195687] Exchequer if he will take steps to ensure that discussions are held with any relevant third parties Mr Gauke: Observed changes in tax receipts following regarding the boundaries of the proposed enterprise rate changes will reflect a combination of effects of the zone near Coleraine in relation to proposed private rate changes and underlying economic and distributional sector developments on adjacent land. [195865] changes. One study that analyses these effects is set out in the Danny Alexander: Designating the boundaries of the Institute Fiscal Studies (IFS) Mirrlees Review, “Dimensions pilot Enterprise Zone in Northern Ireland is a matter of Tax Design”. This studied the revenue impacts of tax for the Northern Ireland Executive. changes during the 1970s and 1980s, including the rate changes in 1988. It is available at: Floods: Northern Ireland http://www.ifs.org.uk/mirrleesreview/dimensions/ch2.pdf (see chapter 2). Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer This study was part of the evidence considered by what funds were provided in Barnett consequentials to HMRC in the report “The Exchequer effect of the 50 the Northern Ireland Executive as a result of the flood per cent additional rate of income tax” published at relief funds granted in England and Wales. [195791] Budget 2012. The behavioural response estimated in the HMRC report is consistent with a range of academic Danny Alexander: The table below sets out the extra studies including the results from the IFS. funding allocated to the Northern Ireland Executive The HMRC report is available at: through the Barnett formula to reflect new funding http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2012/excheq-income-tax- provided to UK government departments for flood 2042.pdf defence measures at Budget 2014. Individual Savings Accounts £ million Northern Ireland Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the 2014-15 2015-16 Exchequer whether the increase in ISA limits announced in the 2014 Budget allow those with current Flood Maintenance (Resource) 0.7 1.2 ISAs to take advantage of the new limit between the Flood Maintenance (Capital) 2.0 0.8 present time and March 2015. [196043]

Gift Aid Mr Gauke: The 2014 Budget announced that the annual ISA subscription limit for 2014-15 will stand at £15,000. The new £15,000 limit will take effect on 1 July Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the 2014. From that date, for the first time ever, ISA savers Exchequer what change there has been in the total will be permitted to deposit their full ISA allowance amount of gift aid claimed by charities between 2008 into either a cash ISA, a stocks and shares ISA, or split and 2013. [196042] in any combination between the two. Between now and 1 July 2014, savers are permitted to Nicky Morgan: HMRC publishes data on repayments deposit up to £11,880 into a stocks and shares ISA and of Gift Aid to charities in Table 10.1 of its National up to half of this amount into a cash ISA. From 1 July, Statistics at: subject to the terms and conditions of their accounts, https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ they will be permitted to add additional funds up to the attachment_data/file/256802/table10-1.pdf new £15,000 limit. Landfill Communities Fund Housing: Sales Ian Austin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the (1) what assessment he has made of the performance of Exchequer how many property purchase transactions projects funded by the Landfill Communities Fund; were made in each UK nation and region by non-UK what plans he has for the future of the fund; and if he residents in each of the last five years. [195714] will make a statement; [196348] 545W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 546W

(2) what recent discussions he has had on the future Mr Gauke: Table 1 shows the latest available statistics of the Landfill Communities Fund. [196355] on proposals (appeals), by region, to amend the 2010 rating lists. The numbers provided cover England and Nicky Morgan: The Government regularly meets a Wales for the duration of the 2010 rating list as of 30 range of stakeholders on the Landfill Communities September 2013. Fund. Table 1: Proposals to amend the 2010 rating lists The LCF makes a valuable contribution to local Total Total Median communities. All projects have to be approved by received1,2 cleared1,2 1 Total time to 1 April April 2010 outstanding1,2 clear ENTRUST as meeting specific criteria, to ensure the 2010 to 30 to 30 at 30 (days) 30 project benefits the wider community. The value of the September September September September landfill communities fund for 2014-15 will be reduced Region 2013 2013 2013 2013 to £71 million. This reduction takes account of progress that environmental bodies have made to address the England 572,780 409,680 163,100 360 and Wales government’s challenge to reduce unspent funds. The saving will be used to fund an equivalent one-off increase England 544,550 388,850 155,700 360 North 23,030 17,370 5,660 360 in DEFRA’s budget to address waste crime. The East Government intends that environmental bodies’ North 79,090 58,620 20,470 370 performance against the challenge is published once the West final information is available later this year. Yorkshire 52,920 41,150 11,770 330 and the National Savings Bonds: Pensioners Humber East 34,530 26,520 8,010 300 Midlands Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Chancellor of the West 53,310 40,540 12,770 320 Exchequer what impact assessment he has made of the Midlands effect of pensioners savings bonds on the private sector East 53,340 37,530 15,820 380 investment market. [195031] London 119,130 71,540 47,590 400 South 77,700 56,440 21,260 380 Nicky Morgan: The Budget set an upper limit of £10 East billion for the level of inflows that National Savings and South 51,500 39,150 12,350 350 Investments (NS&I) should attract into the fixed-rate West savings bonds for people aged 65 or over. This is less Wales 28,230 20,830 7,400 360 than 1% of the total UK retail savings market. 1 Figures may not sum to the totals due to the rounding of figures. 2 VOA Official Statistics, Local Rating Lists: Business Rates The NS&I savings bonds announced at Budget should (Experimental Statistics): Table As, November 2013 therefore not stop other institutions from attracting http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/_downloads/xls/ deposits or increasing lending. Furthermore, the NDR_TableA_All_2010.xls introduction of New ISAs with an annual subscription limit of £15,000 will provide additional opportunities Office of Tax Simplification for banks and building societies to attract retail deposits. Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer how many meetings he held with the Office what assessment he has made of the compatibility of of Tax Simplification in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13. the proposed role for National Savings and Investment [195455] (NS&I) offering pensioner savings bonds with NS&I’s objective of reducing the cost to the taxpayer of Mr Gauke: Treasury Ministers regularly meet with the Office of Tax Simplification and other parts of Government borrowing. [195033] Treasury group as part of normal departmental and Government business. As was the case with previous Nicky Morgan: NS&I’s purpose is to provide cost Administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to effective financing for the Government that balances provide details of all such meetings and discussions. the interest of savers, taxpayers and the wider markets. Details of ministerial and permanent secretary meetings Given that the NS&I fixed-rate savings bond for with external organisations on departmental business people aged 65 or over are a Budget measure designed are published on a quarterly basis and are available at: to offer targeted support to a particular group of savers, http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/minister_hospitality.htm the costs of raising funding through these bonds, rather than gilts, was represented in Table 2.1 of the Budget 2014 document. Personal Income

Non-domestic Rates: Appeals Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the average net change in household income, taking account of consequential changes to Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer benefits and tax credits, for (a) single earner how many business rates appeals to the Valuation Office households (i) without children, (ii) with one child and Agency are currently classified as (a) outstanding, (b) (iii) with two or more children and (b) two-earner received and (c) cleared, by region; and what the current couple households (i) without children, (ii) with one median time taken in days is to clear business rates child and (iii) with two or more children in receipt of challenges in each region. [195251] universal credit or other tax credits or in-work benefits 547W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 548W as a result of the increase in the personal allowance in Revenue and Customs (1) 2014-15, (2) 2015-16 and (3) 2016-17. [195598] Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Nicky Morgan: This information is not available, as what land is owned by HM Revenue and Customs the requested breakdowns have not been collated in this (HMRC); and what land HMRC plans to sell in the way. next year. [194789] The Government routinely publishes distributional analysis of the cumulative impact of all its measures-which Mr Gauke: HMRC does not own any land, and does includes any offsetting reductions to benefits as a result not have any un-encumbered freehold buildings within of changes to tax-in the “Impact on Households” its estate. The only exceptions to this are that freehold document, the most recent of which accompanied Budget interests in five Grade 1 Listed buildings are owned by 2014. HMRC. However, each of these is subject to encumbrances impacting value and market demand. These five are Policy comprised of the following; Three historic Custom Houses (London, Greenock & Belfast) each of which is subject to a 175 year lease from 2001 with nil Mr O’Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer rent receivable. HMRC sold the virtual freehold interest in in what circumstances he uses a calculation of the (a) these properties in 2001 value of preventing a fatality, (b) willingness to pay Darwin House in Shrewsbury is subject to a 175 year lease and (c) cost-per-quality adjusted life year approach to from 2001 with nil rent receivable. HMRC also sold the virtual quantify the value of a policy intervention; what other freehold interest in these properties in 2001 tools he uses to quantify the benefit of a policy 100 Parliament Street / 1 Horse Guards Road in London is intervention; and if he will make a statement. [196467] subject to occupational rights to 2037 for the PFI provider, with nil rent receivable. Danny Alexander: The Green Book and associated The 100PS Exchequer Partnership (EP 2) PFI agreement supplementary guidance is publicly available on the commenced on 19/11/2004 and runs for 33 years. HMT have a Treasury web site. It sets out a range of approaches and separate EP1 agreement for 1HGR. methods that may be appropriate in a number of different HMRC does not plan to sell land or buildings in appraisal circumstances. The valuation of preventing 2014-15. fatalities makes a contribution to the calculation of risk This position was previously stated and accepted in a reduction in many situations and is used extensively by response to an enquiry made by the Homes and Community the Department for Transport among others. Department Agency in November 2013 on behalf of Cabinet Office of Health policies are likely to impact on health and (Government Property Unit) in relation to the Strategic longevity. For the majority of these policies, the impacts Land and Property Review. will be quantified in terms of quality adjusted life years. The cost of producing a quality adjusted life year is Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the used as part of the appraisal and evaluation of alternative Exchequer what representations HM Revenue and health investments. Customs has received from interested parties on the sale of the Customs House landholding near Dover Public Expenditure Priory railway station. [195409]

Margaret Curran: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs does not own Exchequer (1) when the last Finance Ministers Quadrilateral the freehold interest and has not received any representations met; and if he will place in the Library the minutes of on the sale of the Custom House (also known as Priory that meeting; [195135] Court) landholding near Dover Priory railway station. (2) when the next meeting of the Finance Ministers Quadrilateral will take place; and what will be discussed Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidelines exist for the sale of assets at this meeting. [195134] and land belonging to HM Revenue and Customs. Danny Alexander: The last Finance Quadrilateral [195490] was held on 18 November 2013. Mr Gauke: The guidelines for the sales of assets and No formal minutes of the meeting were taken, but land belonging to HM Revenue and Customs are contained Ministers present discussed the general economic outlook in ‘Managing Public Money’ published by HM Treasury. for the UK and for each of the devolved Administrations, as well as looking forward to the forthcoming autumn Revenue and Customs: Northern Ireland statement. Agreement was reached at the meeting regarding the framework under which the devolved Administrations Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer could carry forward financial transactions capital into what representations he has received on the future of future years. HM Revenue and Customs’ centres in Northern The Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Finance Ireland. [195975] Ministers from the devolved Administrations aim to meet regularly in Quadrilateral format, complimenting Mr Gauke: HMRC has recently announced its intention bi-lateral meetings and conversations throughout the to consult on the proposed closure of 12 of its general year. It is anticipated the next Quadrilateral will take offices across the United Kingdom. This process will place over the coming months. No date or agenda has start in June 2014 and will include one office in Northern yet been set. Ireland; Custom House, Newry. 549W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 550W

HMRC officials and I met with you and three The methodology for producing the estimates are parliamentary colleagues representing Northern Ireland provided in the ‘Methodological Annex for Measuring interests on 15 January 2014. At this meeting HMRC Tax Gaps 2013’. officials advised that none of its general offices will Both documents can be accessed via the following close until at least 2015. page on the HMRC website: As already announced on 12 February, HMRC will https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/measuring-tax- be closing its 10 Northern Ireland enquiry centres later gaps this year. This is as a result of HMRC introducing a new service, supporting customers who need extra help getting their tax and benefits right. This service will Tax Avoidance offer customers who need extra help more in-depth support on the phone and a mobile advisory service if they need a face-to-face appointment. HMRC will roll Mr O’Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer out the new service across the UK from 31 May 2014, (1) with reference to HM Revenue and Customs’ followed by the closure of Enquiry Centre network by consultation document, Tackling marketed tax avoidance, 30 June 2014. published on 24 January 2014, whether consideration wasgivento(a) running the consultation for longer HMRC has widely consulted with third parties on than one calendar month and (b) initiating it earlier, to the Enquiry Centre closures and piloted the new service allow more time for the decision-taking process in advance in the north-east of England. of the March 2014 Budget Statement; [196163] (2) with reference to the statement by the Exchequer Revenue and Customs: Preston Secretary to the Treasury in his foreword to HM Revenue and Customs’ consultation document, Tackling marketed Mr Winnick: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer tax avoidance, that there is evidence that in the vast if he will put arrangements in place to enable telephone majority of cases of challenges in court to tax avoidance callers to the Tax Credit Office in Preston to raise schemes, when the dispute is resolved, tax is due, what queries with an official rather than through the that evidence is and what the range and frequency of automatic telephone system. [195176] amounts so due has been, on a graduated scale from £1 owing and upwards. [196161] Mr Gauke: The introduction of HMRC’s Intelligent Telephony Automation (ITA) system has enabled HMRC Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has to significantly reduce call handling and call waiting been successful in challenging tax avoidance and, in times and increase satisfaction. relation to avoidance cases that go to litigation, around The speech recognition technology system reacts to 80% of cases litigated resulting in the tax being due. what the caller says instead of selecting an option by This led to around £1.7 billion of tax being protected in pushing a button on their phone. ITA allows customers 2013. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of the to say what they want to discuss when they telephone range and frequency of amounts of tax due without HMRC. For the majority of customers, this means their causing undue cost on the department to provide the queries are answered by tailored informational messages, information. without the need to speak to an adviser. If a customer The Government considered different options for the still wants to speak to someone, ITA ensures the adviser consultation period for the proposals but concluded is already aware of the customer’s reason for calling, that the time period made available was reasonable. offering a more effective customer service. There were a very large number of responses, which This enables HMRC to offer a more efficient and suggests that the timescale did not cause any undue tailored customer service and where necessary, give the impediment to those who wished to give their views in customer extra support. response to the consultation. ‘Tackling Marketed Tax Avoidance’ followed on from the earlier consultation over the summer of 2013 ‘Raising the Stakes on Tax Smuggling: Tobacco Avoidance’, which consulted in detail on the initial proposal for the Follower Notice measure. Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the (a) number of cigarettes, (b) volume of roll-your own tobacco and Taxation: Financial Services (c) value of the (i) cigarettes and (ii) tobacco smuggled into the UK in each of the last five years; [196390] Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (2) what estimate he has made of the loss to the what discussions he has held with financial institutions public purse as a result of illicit, illegal and smuggled based in the UK in respect of improving tax tobacco in each of the last five years. [196391] transparency in other jurisdictions in which they or their subsidiaries operate. [195444] Nicky Morgan: Estimates of the volume and total revenue losses associated with the tobacco illicit market Mr Gauke: The Government carried out a formal are published in ‘Tobacco Tax Gap estimates: 2012-13’. consultation, starting in September 2013, on the capital The figures are available in tables 4.1 and 4.5. requirements directive’s tax transparency proposals for These estimates cannot be disaggregated by the type financial institutions which require country-by-country of illicit activity, e.g. through smuggling, counterfeiting reporting. The records of the consultation are publicly or other fraud. available. 551W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 552W

VAT: Publishing All free schools are able to allocate places outside of local authority co-ordination in their first year; while all Mr Burley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer academy schools opened since 2012 can prioritise what recent discussions officials in his Department admissions for pupils eligible for the pupil and service have had with their EU counterparts on (a) VAT rates premiums. We would also permit those opening before on e-books, digital magazines and newspapers and (b) 2012 to change their funding agreements in order to application of reduced rates; and if he will make a give priority to such pupils. statement. [196173] Specific derogations have also been agreed for individual schools. As stated on the Department’s website, where Mr Gauke: Officials discuss a variety of VAT issues parents have worked hard to create a free school, we will with the European Commission and the officials of consider requests to allow a limited number of founder’s other member states. children in that school to get priority in admissions. We have permitted a small number of free schools to give priority to founder’s children. These are detailed in the schools’ funding agreements. Specific derogations are EDUCATION also in place for three academy schools set up under the previous administration, in Belvedere Academy (Liverpool) Academies for a transitional period until 2015 to allow pupils on the roll of an independent school that used to be part of Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Belvedere to be admitted to the academy; in Priory Education whether academies are permitted to (a) sell LSST (Lincoln), to permit it to select 10% of its students and (b) otherwise financially profit from their holding by technology and in Ormiston Academy (Birmingham) of school title deeds which were formally held by local to allow it—as a regional centre for the arts—to select authorities. [195447] the majority of its pupils by aptitude for the performing arts. Mr Timpson: When community schools convert to academies, the freehold is retained by the local authority Autism and a lease is granted to the academy trust. There are strict rules protecting publicly funded land used by academies, regardless of who holds the freehold. Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for This is set out in published guidance, which is available Education what assessment his Department has made at: of the DSM-5 diagnosis method for autism. [195762] www.gov.uk/government/publications/protection-of-school- Mr Timpson: The Department for Education has playing-fields-and-public-land-advice made no assessment of the Diagnostic and Statistical 5 A copy of the guidance has been placed in the House (DSM-5) diagnosis for autism. Diagnostic methods are Library. matters for appropriately qualified professionals. Schools and local authorities have duties to identify, assess and Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education make suitable provision for children with special educational what criteria Ofsted uses when inspecting academies needs whether they have a medical diagnosis or not. that do not follow the National Curriculum in Key Stage 3 and do not use National Curriculum levels; and how Ofsted judges pupil progress in these circumstances. Children in Care [195802] Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. I have Education pursuant to the answer of 18 March 2014, asked Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, Official Report, column 556W, on children in care, if he to write to the hon. Member. A copy of his reply has will publish the list of local authorities which provided been placed in the House Library. information on virtual school head teachers. [195781]

Academies: Admissions Mr Timpson: All 152 local authorities in England have provided information about officers in the authority Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for who are carrying out the virtual school head role. Education which academy schools have been granted a relaxation or variation of the School Admissions Code; Children: Cerebral Palsy and what the nature of each such relaxation or variation is. [195798] Mr Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to ensure parents are Mr Timpson: All academy schools’ funding agreements aware of the early years educational support available require them to comply with admissions legislation and to children with cerebral palsy under two years of age. the school admissions code. The Secretary of State for [195484] Education can agree different arrangements (‘derogations’) for individual academies and free schools but would Elizabeth Truss: The Early Years Foundation Stage only do so in limited circumstances where it would framework makes clear that providers must have and benefit local children. implement a policy and procedures to promote equality Derogations are contained within the admission annex of opportunity for children in their care, including of the relevant funding agreements published at: support for children with special educational needs http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/ (SEN) or disabilities. 553W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 554W

The Government is introducing wide-ranging reforms We provide funding to Early Support to support the through the Children and Families Act 2014 to improve implementation of the SEN reforms. As part of this, provision and support for children and young people Early Support worked with Scope to produce guidance with SEN and disabilities from birth up to the age of to parents and others on cerebral palsy, which was 25. published in 2012. This guidance is published online at: The Act requires local authorities to publish a local http://www.ncb.org.uk/media/923252/ offer of services for children with SEN or a disability earlysupportcerebral_palsy_final.pdf which will include children with cerebral palsy. The local offer will set out in one place information about Children: Mental Health provision families can expect to be available across education, health and social care for children and young Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for people who have SEN or are disabled, including those Education what steps his Department is taking to deal who do not have Education, Health and Care (EHC) with emotional neglect of children. [196374] plans. Mr Timpson: Our revised statutory safeguarding The local offer will also provide parents with clear, guidance, ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children comprehensive and accessible information about the 2013’, includes a definition of emotional abuse which services and support available and how to access it, social workers already act on when deciding on what including that from Early Years services. This should action to take to keep a child safe. include relevant services from agencies such as Portage and Early Support, arrangements for identifying and We want social workers and other professionals who assessing children’s needs in the early years and support work with children and families to recognise the early available to parents to aid their child’s development at signs of all forms of abuse and neglect and take appropriate home. action. To support this, the Department is working on a number of initiatives. We have brought together a panel The offer will make provision more responsive to of experts to review the evidence concerning indicators local needs and aspirations by directly involving families of neglect that are associated with a likelihood of future and service providers in its development and review, harm to babies, pre-school children and school-age enabling them to have a greater say in how services and children. support develop over time. We are reviewing the recommendations in the Action The new birth to 25 SEN Code of Practice, due to for Children report ‘Child Neglect: The scandal that come into force from September 2014, will set out clear never breaks’ and the Ofsted report ‘In the child’s time: expectations for practitioners on how they work together professional responses to neglect’ and will consider how with families of children with SEN or disability to to support professionals in recognising early signs of all understand their child’s needs and help them to access forms of neglect. We are also working with the Department support quickly. of Health on their proposals for the development of a new criminal offence of ill-treatment or wilful neglect. Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Following the Narey review, we are improving social (1) what assessment he has made of the quality of early work training and developing further the skills of social years education support for children diagnosed with workers in critical areas including neglect and how to cerebral palsy; [195705] undertake a good quality assessment. (2) what discussions he has had with the Department We have also published training materials commissioned of Health on joint working to produce best practice from Action for Children and the University of Stirling. guidance for education and health professionals to These materials, ‘Childhood neglect: Improving outcomes ensure that children with cerebral palsy have their for children’, contain guidance and training resources needs identified and supported. [195704] to help staff identify and respond early to all signs of neglect and to know what types of interventions are the most effective. Mr Timpson: Under the Children and Families Act 2014, health bodies identifyinga0tofive-year-old child Children: Social Services with special educational needs (SEN) or a disability must discuss this with the parent and bring the child to Mr Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for the attention of the local authority so they can consider Education what resource is available to parents who whether an education, health and care plan is needed. believe that Social Services departments are behaving The Department for Education is working with the unreasonably in pursuing their children’s safeguarding Department of Health and NHS England to support activities. [196247] health commissioners and clinicians to play their part in the SEN reforms. Mr Timpson: Parents should, in the first instance, In early years settings practitioners must consider the complain to the service provider or the local authority’s individual needs, interests, and stage of development of complaints officer if they are unhappy about the way a each child in their care and whether a child may have local authority has handled a specific case. They may SEN or a disability requiring specialist support. Providers find it helpful to contact the local authority to obtain must review children’s progress between the ages of two details of the authority’s own complaints procedure. and three. Where SEN or disability is identified, practitioners Details of how to complain about a local authority should develop a targeted plan to support the child’s service can be found online at: future learning and development involving other https://www.gov.uk/understand-how-your-council-works/ professionals as appropriate. make-a-complaint 555W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 556W

Parents may wish to complain to the Local Government Elizabeth Truss: Under this Government’s transparency Ombudsman (LGO) if they feel dissatisfied with the programme, details of spend for the Department for handling of their complaint under the local authority Education are published on gov.uk which are available procedure. More information on making a complaint to at: the LGO is available at www.lgo.org.uk or by calling the https://www.gov.uk/government/ LGO advice line on 0300 061 0614 or 0845 602 1983. publications?departments%5B%5D=department-for- education Consultants To provide the level of detail requested in relation to agency fees would incur disproportionate cost. Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which 10 consultancy firms were paid the Free School Meals most by his Department in the last financial year; and how much each of those firms was paid. [195572] Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Elizabeth Truss: Under this Government’s transparency State for Education what support he plans to give programme, details of spend is published on gov.uk schools which have no kitchen facilities and are unable which is available at: to build such facilities because of financial constraints, and which cannot have meals delivered from other http://data.gov.uk/data/openspending-report/index local schools, to enable them to provide free school Creationism meals for infant children; and if he will make a statement. [196056] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what mechanisms his Department has put in Mr Laws: The Government is providing £150 million place to ensure that (a) schools, (b) nurseries and (c) capital funding in 2014-15 to support the introduction learning establishments receiving any funds or of universal infant free school meals, in addition to over endorsement from his Department teach evolution and £1 billion additional revenue funding over the two years do not teach that creationism is scientifically valid. 2014 to 2016. Local authorities are also free to use some of the capital they receive for general maintenance and [196449] improvement purposes to upgrade kitchen and dining Elizabeth Truss: The Government’s policy is that facilities in schools, if that is a priority locally. evolution should be taught in schools as an essential The pilots of universal free school meal provision element of a rigorous scientific education; teaching which ran in Newham and Durham between 2009 and creationism as science is incompatible with the delivery 2011 showed, however, that building new facilities is not of a broad and balanced curriculum. the only way to increase school meal uptake. The national curriculum requires all maintained schools To help schools to find solutions which meet their to teach evolution as an established scientific theory. All local circumstances, on 6 March we launched a national academies and free schools are required to deliver a support service which consists of a telephone and online broad and balanced curriculum. The model funding advice service for schools, local authorities and caterers, agreements for all kinds of academies and free schools and a direct-support service for schools which need are being revised. The latest published version includes additional support. The service is being provided by a specific requirement to teach evolution, and prohibits school food experts, the Children’s Food Trust and the the teaching of creationism as an evidence-based theory. Lead Association for Catering in Education, in conjunction As in all areas of education, we look to Ofsted as the with a number of delivery partners. More information best and most effective lever to ensure expected standards is available at: are being achieved. All state funded schools are subject http://www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/Root/schools/ to Ofsted inspections which are required to report on schoolfoodplan the quality of education provided in the school including the quality of teaching. Park View Educational Trust Providers in receipt of early years funding must follow clear standards to make sure children are taught the key Mr Khalid Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State skills they need to get a good start in life. Where an for Education if he will direct the Park View Educational Ofsted inspector identifies any concerns, they must Trust to disclose the sources of other income, donations notify Ofsted’s compliance, investigation and enforcement or fundraisers as identified in their accounts. [195786] team, who will consider notifying the appropriate agencies. We expect the Government’s position on creationism Mr Timpson: Under the terms of their funding and evolution to be supported by any learning establishment agreements with my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of in receipt of funding from the Department for Education State for Education, all academy trusts are required to to support science education. prepare annual financial statements in accordance with company, charity and public accountability requirements. Employment Agencies Academy trusts are required to have their financial statements audited by a registered auditor, including Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for the regularity of income and expenditure. Disclosure Education which five companies were used most often requirements are set out in the Academies Accounts to provide temporary workers for his Department in Direction, which is available at: the last financial year; and how much in agency fees www.gov.uk/government/publications/academies-accounts- was paid to each of them. [195550] direction-2013 557W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 558W

Policy Pupil Exclusions

Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for in what circumstances he uses a calculation of the (a) Education pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2014, value of preventing a fatality, (b) willingness to pay Official Report, columns 787-8W, on pupil exclusions: and (c) cost-per-quality adjusted life year approach to autism, how much funding is allocated specifically to quantify the value of a policy intervention; what other exclusion advisers. [195809] tools he uses to quantify the benefit of a policy intervention; and if he will make a statement. [196461] Elizabeth Truss: Funding is given to the National Autistic Society under the Department’s National Elizabeth Truss: Department for Education economists Prospectus Grants Programme covering April 2013 to employ a range of valuation tools as appropriate to March 2015. Of the £440,000 under this grant, the specific policy interventions in order to advise Ministers, Society estimates that some £80,000 over the two years following the principles and techniques prescribed in will have been spent on the exclusions work. This will HM Treasury guidance. Such techniques are also used cover the salary of the exclusion adviser, related costs as appropriate in research commissioned by the such as pension and national insurance contributions, Department, for instance in policy evaluations. recruitment costs, overheads, the production of resources, along with a report and its dissemination.

Primary Education: Admissions Pupil Exclusions: Bullying

Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for pursuant to the answer of 8 April 2014, Official Report, Education how many schools suspended pupils for (a) column 205W, on primary education: admissions, and bullying and (b) cyber-bullying between 2004 and the of 6 March 2014, Official Report, column 904W, on latest date for which information is available. [196060] academies, regarding primary school admissions from nursery schools, if he will make it his policy to reject Elizabeth Truss: Figures on the number of schools the Chief Schools Adjudicator’s recommendation to that excluded one or more of their pupils for bullying issue further guidance for admission authorities and since the 2004/05 academic year have been provided in instead amend the admissions code to enable primary the following table. Information on cyber bullying is not schools to create all-through primary schools that collected by the Department for Education. include the years prior to reception. [R] [196101] State-funded primary, state-funded secondary and special schools1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Number of schools with at least one pupil receiving a permanent Mr Laws: The School Admissions Code does not or fixed period exclusion for bullying prevent a school from becoming an all-through primary England, 2004/05 to 2011/127 school for children aged two or three to age 11. It does, Number of schools Number of schools however, prevent schools from giving priority for reception with at least one with at least one places to children who have been admitted to the nursery pupil receiving a pupil receiving a permanent exclusion fixed period class unless they can do so fairly and without disadvantaging for bullying exclusion for bullying children whose parents choose other forms of early education. 2004/05 109 2,321 8 9 Ministers are considering the Chief Schools Adjudicator’s 2005/06 68 — recommendation that they issue further guidance for 2006/07 75 2,152 admission authorities so that there is fair access to 2007/08 66 1,871 schools for all children. 2008/09 38 1,768 We take fair access very seriously but also want to 2009/10 45 1,784 explore the incentives for schools to use their expertise 2010/11 45 1,666 to enhance early years education. 2011/12 37 1,587 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes all primary academies, including free schools. Private Sector 3 Figures relating to permanent exclusions include data for both city technology colleges and all secondary academies, including all through academies and free schools. Information is as reported by schools. Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 4 Figures relating to fixed period exclusions include city technology how many jobs have been transferred from the public to colleges and all secondary academies, including all through academies the private sector as a result of privatisations or outsourcing and free schools. Information on fixed period exclusions was collected by his Department since May 2010. [195508] from city technology colleges and academies for the first time in 2005/06. 5 Figures for permanent exclusions include maintained special schools, Elizabeth Truss: The number of jobs transferred from non-maintained special schools and special academies. Excludes general the Department for Education to the private sector hospital schools. since May 2010 is set out in the following table: 6 Figures for fixed period exclusions include maintained special schools and special academies. Non maintained special schools are included from 2006/07. Excludes general hospital schools. Number of jobs transferred 7 Figures relating to permanent exclusions for the years 2004/05 to 2009/10 are estimates based on incomplete pupil-level data. 2010-11 0 8 In 2005/06 only secondary schools returned fixed period exclusions, 2011-12 0 therefore, figures for this year are not comparable to other years. 2012-13 12 9 Not available 2013-14 0 Source: Termly Exclusions Survey and School Census 559W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 560W

Pupils: Disadvantaged to inspect individual schools at prescribed intervals, and Section 8 Education Act 2005, contains a general power Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which enables the Chief Inspector to call for the inspection whether Ofsted’s interpretation of closing the of a school in circumstances where he is not required to attainment gap between pupils eligible and not eligible inspect. for free school meals relates to the gap in attainment nationally or in the school being inspected. [R] [195857] Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 7 April 2014, Mr Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. I have Official Report, column 81W, on academies, for what asked Her Majesty’s chief inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, reason bodies which run academy chains are not to write to the hon. Member. A copy of his reply has inspected by Ofsted separately from the individual been placed in the House Library. schools run by the academy chains. [196165] Schools: Disadvantaged Mr Timpson: Ofsted already inspects academy chains through batched inspections of schools within chains. It has recently undertaken focused inspections of academies Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Education within E-ACT multi-academy trust, and has previously how many times (a) he and (b) officials in his Department inspected a group of academies within the AET chain. have visited schools in the areas of highest deprivation This has shown to be an effective approach and there since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. are no plans to widen Ofsted’s legal powers to include [195371] the inspection of head offices. Elizabeth Truss: The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath Sixth Form Colleges (Michael Gove), has made a priority of visiting schools and colleges located in deprived areas. Almost two thirds of the schools and colleges the Secretary of State Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Education has visited since 2010 are located in the 50% most whether he plans to provide capital funding for sixth deprived areas of England according to the 2010 Index form colleges to enable them to provide free school of Multiple Deprivation. This does not include political meals to disadvantaged pupils. [195955] or constituency visits. It is not possible to say on how many occasions Matthew Hancock: We are making available officials from the Department have visited schools in approximately £75 million revenue funding over the this group, as this information is not readily available course of the 2014-15 and 2015-16 financial years to and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. enable sixth-form and further education colleges to provide free meals to disadvantaged 16 to 18-year-old Schools: Flags students. Wewill publish advice on the funding and implementation Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for of this policy shortly. Education what assessment he has made of the merits of requiring all schools in the UK to fly the Union flag. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Education [196305] what criteria were used to calculate the levels of area cost adjustment used for sixth form colleges in (a) Mr Laws: The Department for Education has made Cambridgeshire and (b) Oxfordshire; and how frequently no such assessment. those criteria are reviewed. [195956]

Schools: Inspections Matthew Hancock: Area cost adjustments for 16-19 education and training are based on the differing wage Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education costs across England, as indicated by the Labour Force for what reasons local authorities are inspected by Survey (LFS). The same area cost index is used for sixth Ofsted separately from schools maintained by local form colleges as for all other post-16 institutions in authorities. [196164] England that are funded by the Department for Education. It is also used for education and training for adults Mr Laws: The Chief Inspector has powers to carry funded by the Skills Funding Agency. out an inspection of the performance of a particular The current area cost index was developed in 2002 by local authority function as set out in Section 136(1)(b) the Learning and Skills Council and has been reviewed of the Education and Inspections Act 2006. Specifically, on several occasions since then. Initially Cambridgeshire he can use this power to inspect how well the local did not have an area cost adjustment, but in 2008 there authority is fulfilling its general duty to promote high was a specific review of the area cost adjustment for the standards and fulfilment by every child of their educational county, which considered a range of factors and gave potential as set out in Section 13A of the Education Act Cambridgeshire an uplift of 2% for the academic year 1996. 2009/10 and all years subsequently. The uplift for These powers are separate from his powers and duties Oxfordshire is 7%. in relation to the inspection of individual schools which The whole post-16 funding formula was reviewed in are set out in Section 5 and Section 8 of the Education 2012, and we decided at that stage not to make any Act 2005. Section 5 requires Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector changes to area cost adjustments. 561W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 562W

Social Services: Somerset Special Educational Needs

Mr Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what measures are in place to check whether Education what estimate his Department has made of the decision made by Somerset County Council on the additional financial contributions made by parents safeguarding children are fair in their treatment of to top up care for children with statements of special parents. [196246] educational need. [195754]

Mr Timpson: In ‘Working Together 2013’, the Mr Timpson: The Department for Education has not Department for Education set out the expectations and made such an estimate. Where a child has a statement of requirements of all local authorities in relation to their special educational needs (SEN), it should detail the statutory duties to safeguard and promote the welfare provision that the child requires to meet their SEN. The of children. A copy of ‘Working Together 2013’ can be local authority has a duty to ensure that the provision found in the library of the House, or online at the set out in the statement is made. following address: Where a parent feels that the provision specified in a https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ statement is no longer sufficient, they can request a attachment_data/file/281368/ reassessment. They can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal Working_together_to_safeguard_children.pdf for Special Educational Needs and Disability against This includes how children and families should be treated any decision not to re-assess, or if they do not agree during any investigations. Should any parent be dissatisfied with the provision set out in the resulting statement. about the way a local authority has handled a specific The Children Act 2014 makes provision for education, case, they may find it helpful to obtain details of the health and care plans (EHC plans) to replace statements. authority’s own complaints procedure. EHC plans will cover the full range of the child’s needs. Parents may wish to complain to the Local Government They will be subject to the same protections and rights Ombudsman if they feel dissatisfied with the handling of appeal as statements. In addition there will be a new of their complaint under the local authority procedures. duty on health commissioners to arrange health provision It is the Ombudsman’s role to investigate complaints in set out in the EHC plan. a fair and independent manner. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Assessment of overall children’s services provision Education pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2014, and safeguarding is undertaken independently by Ofsted Official Report, column 191W, on special educational under the new Single Inspection Framework. needs, which local authorities will trial the First-Tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) Mr Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for pilots. [196028] Education what assessment he has made of the performance of the children and families department in Somerset Mr Timpson: We have not yet selected the local County Council. [196248] authorities for the pilot.

Mr Timpson: Ofsted inspected Somerset county council’s Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for arrangements for the protection of children between Education (1) pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2014, 24 June 2013 and 3 July 2013 and published their Official Report, columns 789-90, on special educational findings on 5 August 2013. Ofsted judged the authority’s needs, when he expects the special educational needs performance as ‘inadequate’. (SEN) gateway will be available for all parents of SEN My officials met with representatives of Somerset children; [196031] county council on 20 August 2013 to discuss the Ofsted (2) what support his Department is providing to judgment, the Department’s proposed course of action Nasen. [196029] and the Council’s immediate plans for improvement. I wrote to the leader of Somerset county council, Mr Timpson: The Department for Education is providing John Osman, on 13 September 2013 to underline my funding of £918,000 to Nasen over two years to develop concern at the Ofsted judgment of performance and set a special educational needs (SEN) gateway. This will out my intention to issue the council with an Improvement provide professionals with access to free high-quality Notice. SEN resources and training materials to support children with SEN and disabilities. I issued a 12-month Improvement Notice to Somerset county council on 22 November 2013, requiring the The gateway will be designed primarily for educational council to institute an improvement board headed by professionals in schools, colleges and other educational an independent chair to drive improvement and hold settings rather than for parents, although they will be partners to account. The improvement board has sat able access the gateway. It is due to be launched in May monthly since October 2013 and I am represented at 2014. each board by my officials. I plan to visit Somerset county council to assess Stationery improvements for myself. My officials will also undertake a review of progress in June 2014 and report findings to Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education me. I will then assess progress against the Improvement what levels of stock his Department holds of (a) stationery, Notice and Ofsted recommendations and decide whether (b) printer cartridges, (c) treasury tags and other fasteners to intervene further. and (d) other office consumables. [196203] 563W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 564W

Elizabeth Truss: The information requested is not Bananas: Diseases held centrally, and could be collated only at disproportionate cost. Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what assessment the University Technical Colleges Government has made of the spread of Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race Four; [195325] Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what steps her Department is taking internationally Education pursuant to the answer of 1 April 2014, to stem the spread of Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race Official Report, column 633W, on university technical Four. [195326] colleges, if he will publish the information he plans to publish in June 2014 immediately. [195815] Lynne Featherstone: DFID support international partners monitoring the disease’s spread. The UK is one of the Mr Timpson: The information previously requested largest funders of the international agriculture research will be published in the statistical first release ‘Schools, consortium, the CGIAR (Group on International pupils and their characteristics: January 2014’, in June Agricultural Research). The CGIAR, FAO and national 2014. partners have established a task force to track the disease spread and to develop an effective response. This is in accordance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. In Mozambique, where a new outbreak of TR4 was reported November 2013, all sites where the disease was found have now been isolated, the affected plants destroyed, Vocational Guidance and appropriate phytosanitary measures have been put in place to prevent the disease from spreading. A consortium Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for of partners, including the Mozambique Department of Education when he plans to publish statutory guidance Agriculture, the CGIAR, Stellenbosch University, FAO on careers advice. [196107] and National Agricultural Research and Regulatory Organisations throughout Africa is being mobilised to Matthew Hancock: The revised statutory guidance address the outbreak, monitor plantations and raise “Careers guidance and inspiration in schools”was published awareness. on 10 April. CDC Effective from September 2014, the guidance sets a clear framework for schools with a focus on preparation for work and high ambitions for every student. This Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for important guidance will encourage schools to build International Development with reference to the report links with employers to inspire and mentor pupils, of Parliamentary Ombudsman into the complaint raised helping them to develop high aspirations and realise by a constituent of the hon. Member for Brighton, their potential. Pavilion regarding her Department’s oversight of CDC Group Investments published in February 2014 and her Non-statutory departmental advice has also been letter of 19 November 2013 to the hon. Member for published containing examples of schools that already Brighton, Pavilion stating that she would reply in full offer innovative careers guidance. after the publication of the Ombudsman’s report, when Copies of both documents have been placed in the she plans to make that full reply. [196113] House Library and can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/careers-guidance-for- Justine Greening: I have replied to the hon. Member’s young-people-in-schools latest correspondence on this issue. Consultants

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which 10 consultancy firms were paid the most by her Department in the last Afghanistan financial year; and how much each of those firms was paid. [195579] Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has Mr Duncan: The 10 consultancy firms paid the most made of levels of violence against women in Afghanistan. by the Department for International Development in [196071] the last financial year, and how much each was paid; is detailed in the following table. Justine Greening: The UK Government shares the widespread concern about attacks and intimidation faced Company Amount (£) by Afghan women, including those who work to defend Computer Futures 79,334 the rights and fundamental freedoms of others. Mark McGivern 27,188 Eliminating violence against women and girls is a Unit 4 14,806 strategic priority for DFID’s work in Afghanistan and a Kilcher Consultancy Limited 14,642 range of programmes are being implemented to directly Tam O’Neil 10,000 tackle women’s violence and support women’s Naina Patel 7,194 empowerment. 565W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 566W

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Company Amount (£) International Development how her Department Network of International 6,358 measures the effect of support for the New Alliance for Consultants in Health and Food Security and Nutrition. [196346] Development Social Development Direct Ltd 6,048 Justine Greening: Every DFID programme which is Aikan Uganda Limited 3,643 contributing to the New Alliance initiative is subject to Zodiak Broadcasting Station 3,480 DFID’s annual review processes. In addition, this year, partner Governments will conduct their first annual reviews of the effects of the New Alliance at country Developing Countries: Agriculture level.

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department International Development what support her Department gives to the World Economic Forum’s New Vision for gives to small-scale food producers in areas supported Agriculture. [196356] by the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition. [196347] Justine Greening: DFID does not provide financial Justine Greening: DFID funding to New Alliance support to the World Economic Forum’s New Vision programmes is not disaggregated in the form requested, for Agriculture initiative. though much of the expenditure committed by DFID under the New Alliance includes programmes which Developing Countries: Females specifically targets smallholder farmers. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of International Development what conditions are placed State for International Development with reference to on recipients of support from the New Alliance for the Agreed Conclusions of the 58th Session of the Food Security and Nutrition. [196357] Commission on the Status of Women, if she will support the inclusion of a specific target on women’s Justine Greening: The New Alliance Co-operation full, equal and effective participation in all fields and Frameworks in each country outline mutual commitments leadership at all levels of decision-making within the of governments, the private sector and development post-2015 development framework. [196376] partners and create an enabling environment for responsible investment. Lynne Featherstone: I am pleased that the Agreed Developing Countries: HIV Infection Conclusions reached by member states at the 58th session of the Commission on the Status of Women Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for (CSW) included a call for a dedicated goal on gender International Development how much of the overseas equality, women’s and girls’ empowerment and the human aid budget is being used to help combat the spread and rights of girls and women. It also called for ending all treatment of HIV and Aids; and in which countries. forms of violence against women and girls; economic [196112] empowerment; leadership and participation in decision making; and ending harmful practice, including child, Lynne Featherstone: The UK Government’s expenditure early and forced marriage, and female genital mutilation. on HIV is provided through: UK Government contributions The UK statement at the CSW highlighted the need to multilateral and global initiatives that work on HIV for a dedicated goal on gender equality, and the prevention and treatment; HIV-specific bilateral projects empowerment of girls and women in the post-2015 and programmes; bilateral support to health systems framework. We are working with others across the and service delivery; and by supporting HIV related international community, including civil society, to ensure research. that this is achieved. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria is the principal mechanism the UK uses to finance our Developing Countries: Food contribution to combat HIV.The UK has pledged up to £1 billion to the Global Fund over the next three years, of which around 50% will be spent on HIV. In 2012-13 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for the UK provided £90.4 million to HIV-specific bilateral International Development how much support her projects and programmes, supporting HIV prevention Department is giving to the New Alliance for Food and treatment in 17 countries and across a number of Security and Nutrition. [196345] regional programmes. Further details of these projects and programmes are available in the 2013 review of the Justine Greening: The UK has committed a total of HIV Position Paper “Towards Zero Infections″ £600 million to the New Alliance for Food, Security https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ and Nutrition. This includes £480 million in funding attachment_data/file/261341/Towards_Zero_Infections_- commitments made through Country Cooperation _Two_Years_On_22_November_FINAL_word_version.pdf Frameworks; a £76 million contribution to the Global Details of the total expenditure on health are published Agriculture and Food Security Programme and a further in Statistics on International Development (SID) which £44 million for enabling actions. The New Alliance was is available in the House Library or online at launched in May 2012 and the full £600 million will be www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for- spent by the end of 2018. international-development 567W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 568W

Developing Countries: Nutrition Falkland Islands

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) how much of the £32 International Development how many UK construction million for the creation of a new catalytic fund, companies are involved in development projects in the announced at the Nutrition for Growth summit, has Falkland Islands. [195966] been disbursed; [R] [195788] (2) what progress she has made on the creation of the Mr Duncan: The Falkland Islands are not eligible for catalytic fund announced at the Nutrition for Growth official development assistance and the UK Government do not fund any development projects on the Falklands. summit; [R] [195789] (3) pursuant to the answer of 14 October 2013, Lesotho Official Report, column 568W, on catalytic fund, whether it has been agreed how the catalytic fund will Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for International function and who will be able to access funding; and if Development what projects her Department has in Lesotho. she will make a statement. [R] [195792] [196073]

Lynne Featherstone: The new catalytic financing Lynne Featherstone: Lesotho does not receive any mechanism will aim to provide incentives to attract new direct development funding from the UK, but does private funds alongside increased domestic budgets for benefit through DFID’s Southern Africa Regional high impact nutrition interventions. The scope and programmes. UK support to Lesotho is mainly delivered governance of the fund is being developed with the through Civil Society Organisations such as Gender Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. No funds have Links, Commonwealth Business Council and Common been disbursed. DFID will consider its own contribution Ground Initiative, a joint fund with Comic Relief. once the mechanism and governance have been agreed. Middle East Developing Countries: Satellites Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many visits she made Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for to the Jordan Valley in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) International Development what steps she has taken to 2012. [196106] ensure developing countries can access UK satellite technology to monitor local agricultural land and Justine Greening: The former Secretary of State for environmental risks; and if she will make a statement. International Development, my right hon. Friend the [196128] Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell), visited the Jordan Valley in 2011. Lynne Featherstone: DFID is supporting projects that use satellite data. DFID supports the World Agroforestry Pacific Islands Centre to use data to help monitor and assess agriculture land use and environmental risks including land Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for degradation. DFID contributes to the UK Environment International Development pursuant to her answer of Observations Framework Coordinating Climate 5 March 2014, Official Report, column 871, on Pacific Observations Group which co-ordinates Her Majesty’s Islands, how much support, and under what categories Government activities supporting the development and her Department gave indirectly to Pacific Island countries use of climate data, including from satellites. in 2013-14. [196375]

Employment Agencies Mr Duncan: DFID may give aid indirectly to countries in the Pacific region if multilateral organisations in receipt of DFID core contributions give aid to countries Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for there. It is not possible to directly track this funding to International Development which five companies were individual countries. To provide an indication of the used most often to provide temporary workers for her destination of aid, the overall proportions of aid reported Department in the last financial year; and how much in by the relevant multilateral agencies are used to impute agency fees was paid to each of them. [195557] a DFID contribution. The DFID imputed multilateral shares for the Pacific region in 2011-12 are set out in the Mr Duncan: The following list details the five companies following table. Figures for 2013-14 will not be available used most often to provide temporary workers for DFID until autumn 2015. in financial year 2013-14: 1. Hays Specialist Recruitment Ltd Pacific Island Countries £000 2. Hudson Global Resources Ltd Cook Islands 88 3. Anderson Knight Ltd Fiji 0 4. Allegis Group Ltd Kiribati 3,537 Marshall Islands 4 5. Michael Page International Micronesia, Fed. States 10 It is not possible to disaggregate agency fees from the Nauru 69 total payments made to these companies for the services Niue 0 of temporary staff. 569W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 570W

programme of support commenced, to improve the Pacific Island Countries £000 overall quality of primary education in seven disadvantaged Palau 1 regions. Papua New Guinea 0 Pitcairn Islands 0 Uganda Samoa 1,444 Solomon Islands 570 Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Tokelau 2 International Development what assessment she has Tonga 4,393 made of the implications of the Anti-Homosexuality Tuvalu 1,399 Act in Uganda for the operation of UK aid in (a) the Vanuatu 264 health sector and (b) other sectors in that country. [195356] Wallis and Fortuna 0 South Pacific Regional 0 Lynne Featherstone: The UK ended Budget Support Oceania, regional 275 to the Ugandan Government following concerns about Total Pacific 12,055 corruption last year. Our development programme continues to support poverty reduction and growth in Private Sector Uganda. DFID is providing £16.3 million over four years to Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for support an improved HIV prevention response in Uganda, International Development how many jobs have been which will include provision for specifically targeting transferred from the public to the private sector as a Most At Risk Populations (MARPS). We also provide result of privatisations or outsourcing by her Department support through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB since May 2010. [195514] and Malaria. We are working with other donors and the Ministry of Health in Uganda to assess the likely impact Mr Duncan: No DFID jobs have been transferred to of this legislation. the private sector as a result of privatisation of outsourcing since May 2010. West Africa

Stationery Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department has offered to countries in West Africa to Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for help tackle the recent outbreak of the deadly form of International Development what levels of stock her the Ebola virus. [195862] Department holds of (a) stationery, (b) printer cartridges, (c) treasury tags and other fasteners and (d) other Lynne Featherstone: DFID continues to closely monitor office consumables. [196211] the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa. DFID has committed $30,000 (£17,908) for infection Mr Duncan: DFID does not hold information on control training and supplies in Liberia through UNICEF. stock levels. Stationery and other items, including printer In Sierra Leone, DFID is supporting Ebola sensitisation cartridges, are ordered and distributed as and when efforts in communities and through UNICEF has required. prepositioned medical supplies to districts on the Liberia and Guinea borders. We are also working with the Tanzania Government of Sierra Leone on their Ebola Emergency Response Plan to help bridge critical funding gaps. Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for In addition to our direct support, the UK funds a International Development (1) how her Department substantial share of contributions from the European plans to support the Tanzanian Government to ensure Community Humanitarian Office, which has provided the effective implementation of the Literacy and ¤1.4 million to the region to combat the recent outbreak. Numeracy for All Children, pre and primary education age, in and out of school programme; [R] [195790] (2) what steps her Department is taking to reduce the BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS number of out-of-school street children in Tanzania. [R] [195787] Apprentices

Lynne Featherstone: DFID is the largest financier of Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for the Global Partnership for Education and in Tanzania Business, Innovation and Skills what the (a) median has supported the award of a £57 million grant to and (b) mean (i) annual and (ii) hourly salary is for (A) implement the “Literacy and Numeracy Education Support men and (B) women in Government-sponsored (LANES)” programme. LANES targets the acquisition apprenticeship schemes; and what those figures were in of reading, writing and numeracy skills among children each of the last five years. [195007] in and out of school, targeting especially the marginalised. DFID’s programme in Tanzania provides major support Matthew Hancock: In 2012, the median gross hourly to basic education. In 2013-14 £24 million of education wage for an Apprentice in England was £6.09. The sector budget support was provided directly to the mean was £6.21. In 2011, the equivalent gross hourly Tanzanian government. In addition a £49 million wages were £5.83 and £5.80. 571W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 572W

For females, in 2011, the median gross hourly wage Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for was £5.96 and the mean £5.88. In 2012, these were £6.19 Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to and £6.23 respectively. Growth is Our Business: A Strategy for Professional For males, in 2011, the median gross hourly wage was and Business Services published in July 2013, what £5.43 and the mean £5.71. In 2012, these were £5.93 and engagement plan for disseminating high value £6.19 respectively. opportunity programme opportunities has been developed; and what opportunities have been identified Please note that the only available data we have for within the professional and business services sector. Apprenticeship Pay is for 2012 and 2011, from the two Apprenticeship Pay Surveys (APS). These surveys do [195986] not calculate an annual wage from the survey responses as the hours Apprentices work are variable. There was a Michael Fallon: Through this strategy UKTI has pay survey conducted in 2007, but this is not considered invigorated its support for this vital sector including a to be comparable with the two later years. sector-focused trade mission programme, new business ambassadors, a marketing plan, and a sharper focus on Source: the High Value Opportunity (HVO) programme, to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship- make sure professional and business services (PBS) pay-survey-2012 businesses are aware of the export opportunities and are able to get involved. We are engaging with industry Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for on how we maximise the impact of these activities and Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his what more we can do to help. This has included discussions Department has taken to introduce customer service with businesses from this sector across the country and training in the apprenticeship programme. [195934] the devolved Administrations. Matthew Hancock: An apprenticeship is a job with Companies are able to find out more about HVO an accompanying skills development programme designed opportunities including a link to an opportunity map at by employers in the sector to meet the key requirements https://www.gov.uk/high-value-opportunities of the job role. In many cases this will include an aspect of customer service as many jobs recognise the importance Business: Derbyshire of such skills and these will be reflected in the apprenticeship framework. Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for More than 400 employers are involved in the development Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses of new apprenticeship standards as part of our Trailblazers were registered in High Peak constituency in each of programme. Where they see customer service skills as the last five years. [196244] crucial to an occupation, they will include these within the new employer-led standards. Michael Fallon: Companies House is only able to For individuals in jobs that are specific customer provide figures on the number of new companies it service roles there is a dedicated Customer Service registered in each of these years by postcode area. As Apprenticeship available. postcode areas can cross constituency boundaries, the figures below must be considered approximations. Business Number of companies registered Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many professional 2009-10 15 and business services special envoys have been appointed 2010-11 35 by his Department; and what the remit of those envoys 2011-12 33 is. [195937] 2012-13 28 2013-14 17 Michael Fallon: There are currently six appointed Business Ambassadors covering the Professional and Business: Regulation Business Services Sector: Caroline Plumb—CEO FreshMinds, Alan Parker—Chairman Brunswick Group, Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE—CEO MITIE, Rona Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he has taken Fairhead CBE, Will Lawes—Senior Partner Freshfields to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses; Bruchaus Deringer and Steve Varley—UK Chairman and if he will make a statement. [196014] and Managing Partner (UK and Ireland) EY. Business Ambassadors are appointed by the Prime Michael Fallon: The Department for Business, Innovation Minister to act as advocates of the UK, promoting the and Skills has put in place a robust framework to UK’s excellence, economy, business environment and its reduce the burden of regulation on all businesses, reputation as the international trade and inward investment particularly small business. partner of choice. In January 2011, we brought in the One-in, One-out Business Ambassadors agree to undertake a programme rule. This required departments wanting to introduce of activities agreed with UK Trade and Investment new regulation which generated costs for business to (UKTI) including, among others, holding events to first identify a corresponding cut in regulation elsewhere promote UK businesses around the world, meeting with the same value. In January 2013 this was increased overseas Ministers and inward missions; participating to a more demanding One-In, Two-Out rule so that in trade missions; and providing insights into how UKTI departments now need to find £2 of savings for every can best deliver for business. £1 cost they introduce. To date, as set out in the 573W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 574W

7th Statement of New Regulation published on control over (a) a company, (b) names of the chain of 17 December 2013, we have cut the annual cost of companies that demonstrate a person is the beneficial domestic regulation by £1.19 billion. owner and (c) any other means by which a person We are also reducing the stock of regulation through exercises control over a company. [196061] the Red Tape Challenge, with over 3,000 regulations now having been identified to be scrapped or improved. Jenny Willott: As outlined in the Government’s response When fully implemented, we expect that these changes to the Transparency and Trust discussion paper we are will bring estimated annual savings to business of over continuing to develop how details of the beneficial £850 million. interest are to be recorded on the company’s register and at Companies House. We intend that this information Specifically to help small business, in April 2011 we will allow users of the register to build a meaningful introduced a moratorium exempting micro and start-up picture of the company’s ownership and control structure. businesses from new domestic regulation for three years. From 1 April 2014 this was extended to include small Competition and Markets Authority businesses (with up to 50 employees) through the introduction of the Small and Micro Business Assessment Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for (SaMBA). Business, Innovation and Skills how many apprentices Measures that this Department has introduced aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) between 19 and 24 and (c) 25 specifically to reduce the burden of regulation on small years or over are employed at the Competition and businesses include giving small and medium-sized Markets Authority. [195281] enterprises the flexibility to determine the most appropriate set of accounting rules for them, along with flexibility Matthew Hancock: The Competition and Markets in how they submit their company reports through Authority employs no apprentices at this time. regulatory changes to audit rules. We have also extended As a supporter of apprenticeships, the Government the qualifying period of unfair dismissal to two years launched the first Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship and introduced a new employment status of employee Scheme in 2013. shareholder. As at September 2013, the most recent date for which figures are available, the Civil Service Fast Track Companies: Registration Apprenticeship Scheme had 100 18-21 year old apprentices employed in permanent posts across government on the Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for 2-year scheme. Business, Innovation and Skills whether information included in the registry of company beneficial Education: Finance ownership information will be available for free. [196058] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what research his Department Jenny Willott: Companies House is a Trading Fund has commissioned into the effects of reducing funding and must recover the costs for the services it provides to further, higher and adult education. [196108] where there are clear identifiable costs. However, Companies House already provides a lot of company data for free, Mr Willetts: Changes to the Student Finance system including company appointments. It is actively working weredesigned to meet the Government’s aims of increased to increase the amount of data available for free and dynamism and student choice. If the Higher Education company beneficial ownership information will form Funding Council for England (HEFCE) recurrent grant part of this ongoing strategy. for teaching and the estimated fee income from students subject to regulated fees is combined, the overall Higher Education Institution resource from teaching actually Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for rises from around £7.9 billion in 2011-12 to almost Business, Innovation and Skills whether information £8.5 billion in 2013-14. It has the potential to reach included in the registry of company beneficial £9.9 billion in 2015-16 dependant on recruitment. ownership information will be cross-checked against data held by (a) passport authorities, (b) vehicle BIS has asked HEFCE to monitor the impact of the licensing authorities, (c) electoral registers and (d) Higher Education (HE) reforms introduced in 2012 to other databases. [196059] assess the effect of changes. In March 2013, HEFCE published their first update “Higher Education-Impact Jenny Willott: Companies House currently undertakes of the 2012 reforms”. This is available online at: a range of checks across the breadth of documents http://www.hefce.ac.uk/about/intro/ delivered to them. In 2012-13 over 400,000 documents abouthighereducationinengland/impact/ were rejected because they did not pass these checks. This was followed a year later by an updated report We are carefully considering whether any further entitled “Higher Education in England 2014” published reform is necessary, whilst ensuring the UK’s company on 10 April 2014. This provides an overview of recent registration regime remains quick, simple and inexpensive. shifts and longer-term trends in publicly-funded higher We do not however envisage that this would include education and considers possible further changes and cross-checking data against other sources of information. continuities in the year ahead. This is available online at: Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.hefce.ac.uk/heinengland/2014/ Business, Innovation and Skills whether the registry of Analysts in my Department also monitor the impact company beneficial ownership information will contain of any changes to funding methods for Higher Education a description of how the beneficial owner exercises using leading data on applications for places. The latest 575W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 576W application figures published by UCAS in January 2014 Football show that young people have not been put off applying to university. The application rate for young people Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for from England has risen to 34.8% this year, the highest Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made an ever. assessment of the recommendations contained in the In Further Education, while the budget for adult Association of Business Recovery Professionals publication skills has reduced, savings have been made in a way that entitled Level Playing Field: SMEs, taxpayers, and the protects the vulnerable and supports economic growth, Football Creditors Rule. [196373] ensuring that Government funding provides value for money. Overall funding for adult further education and Jenny Willott: R3 has made some interesting skills is £4.1bn in 2014-15 financial year; of that £3.4bn recommendations which the football authorities should will be granted to the Skills Funding Agency to support consider carefully. The football authorities have already learners. made some changes, notably through agreeing ″financial fair play″ rules, salary caps and an early warning system Because of the reforms we have put in place, more for tax debts, as well as to governance arrangements, to learners are taught today than under the last policy: increase financial stability in the leagues and to increase Over 1 million adult learners have participated in government- transparency for creditors. funded English and maths training in each of the last two years-higher than in previous years. Higher Education In 2012/13, there were 973,000 learners participating in Full Level 2 courses (similar to 2008/09), and 495,000 learners participating Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, in Full Level 3 courses (up 16.8% on 2008/09). Innovation and Skills (1) when the Higher Education There were 869,000 funded Apprentices participating in 2012/13 Funding Council for England plans to commence its - almost double the number in 2008/09. annual monitoring exercise to collect information Advanced Learning Loans have been successfully introduced, about the ongoing financial sustainability, quality of encouraging 60,000 people to apply to take training courses at provision and changes to management and governance Level 3 and above. arrangements at alternative learning providers; and An evaluation published in October 2013-based on a when that body plans to publish such information; survey of nearly 500 colleges and providers-showed that [195753] there is strong support in the sector for the overall aims (2) when the Higher Education Funding Council for and objectives of the reforms. This report-’Further England will run its annual monitoring exercise to education and skills reform plan ’New Challenges, New collect information about the ongoing financial Chances’: evaluation’-is published at the following link: sustainability, quality of provision, and changes to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further- management and governance arrangements at alternative education-and-skills-reform-plan-new-challenges-new- learning providers; and when the Higher Education chances-evaluation Funding Council for England will publish this information. [195764] Exports Mr Willetts: The Department will publish guidance Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for on the annual monitoring process and associated timetable Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment in July 2014. he has made of the Government’s progress in encouraging exports to emerging markets; and if he Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, will make a statement. [195157] Innovation and Skills whether any alternative learning providers have notified the Higher Education Funding Michael Fallon: UK exports of goods and services to Council for England of material changes which may Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRICs) reached £34.9 affect their financial sustainability or quality of billion in 2013, their highest level since records began in provision. [195761] 1999. In the Budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Mr Willetts: The requirement for providers to notify Osborne), highlighted rising exports, with combined the Higher Education Funding Council for England goods exports to Brazil, India and China rising faster (HEFCE) of material changes which may affect their than those of the UK’s competitors (France, Germany, financial sustainability or quality of provision is a new Italy) in 2013, but said there was more to do. condition that providers are required to meet after they UK Trade & Investment’s Britain Open for Business: have successfully applied to have courses designated The Next Phase (January 2014) underlined that: under the under the new specific course designation arrangements. All alternative providers must go through ‘To deliver our ambitious trade and investment targets we are the new process during the 2013/14 academic year. Of continuing vigorously to pursue opportunities in developed markets while strengthening our efforts in high growth markets’. those providers that have already successfully applied none has yet notified HEFCE of material changes The Chancellor has given UKTI additional funding to which may affect their financial sustainability or quality strengthen its support for high growth markets. of provision. Additionally, UK Export Finance (UKEF) is devoting additional resources to supporting High Value Higher Education: Finance Opportunities. UKEF also has cover available for over 200 overseas markets and is increasing its product range Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, to provide more effective support to Mid-Size Businesses Innovation and Skills how much in cash terms and (MSBs) and smaller companies. what proportion of total university funding came from 577W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 578W

(a) domestic tuition fees, (b) foreign student fees, (c) Magnox Reactors public funding and (d) external sponsorship in the last year for which figures are available. [196285] Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Willetts: Information on the finances of English Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions his Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is collected and Department has had with the Department for Energy published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency and Climate Change about the local socio-economic (HESA). A summary of the income of publicly-funded effects of the Magnox nuclear sites before the award of HEIs in England from Home and EU Tuition Fees, the decommissioning contract on 31 March 2014; and Non-EU Tuition Fees, Public Funding and External if he will make a statement. [195775] Sponsorship has been provided in the table. Income of publicly-funded higher education institutions1. English Michael Fallon: This Department has not had any Higher Education Institutions. Academic year 2012/13 discussion with the Department of Energy and Climate Share of total Change (DECC) about the Nuclear Decommissioning Academic year Income (£ million) income (%) Authority’s (NDA) competition to secure a new parent body organisation for Magnox Ltd and Research Sites Total course fee 10,142 41.7 Restoration Ltd. The NDA ran the competition in strict income accordance with UK and EU procurement regulations. Of which: Oversight and governance of the process was provided Home and EU 6,479 26.6 by the NDA’s Competition Programme Board. The Tuition Fees Government is represented by the Shareholder Executive Non-EU Tuition 2,997 12.3 Fees (on behalf of DECC), HM Treasury and Infrastructure UK. Other Tuition Fee 666 2.7 Income2 Public Funding3 8,580 35.3 External 5,598 23.0 Maternity and Paternity Pay Sponsorship4 Total Income 24,320 100.0 Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 The University of Buckingham are the only non-publicly funded HEI to return financial data to HESA and their income has been Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has omitted from the final figures. made of the adequacy of the provision of statutory 2 Other Tuition Fee Income includes income received from FE maternity and paternity pay to parents of premature Courses and Non-Credit bearing courses. and sick babies. [195855] 3 Public Funding refers to funding received from Funding Bodies, BIS Research Councils, UK Central Government, Local Authorities, Health and Hospital Authorities and EU Government Bodies. Jenny Willott: The UK’s maternity leave provision is 4 External Sponsorship refers to income from non-public sources one of the most generous in the world; all employed including research grants and other income from EU and UK industry, commerce and other corporations. women have a “day one” entitlement to 52 weeks of Note: maternity leave. Mothers with 26 weeks qualifying service All figures are rounded to the nearest £ million and, as a result, and meeting the earnings requirement are entitled to columns may not total correctly. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). Those mothers who do Source: not qualify for SMP may be entitled to Maternity HESA Finance Record Allowance. This means that expectant mothers and Land Registry mothers can take time off work to prepare for and recover from childbirth and bond with their babies, and to deal with unexpected eventualities including ill health, John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for premature births and any complications associated with Business, Innovation and Skills how much compensation sick babies. was paid by the Land Registry following fraudulent Through the Children and Families Act 2014, the registrations in each year since 2005. [195443] Government is introducing a new system of shared parental leave which will give parents much more flexibility Michael Fallon: Indemnity figures are published in in how to use their leave entitlement. This flexibility will Land Registry’s annual report and accounts and the be particularly valuable to parents who have to deal information for the years requested is collated as follows: with difficult or unexpected circumstances and it will allow parents, for the first time, to take leave together in Indemnity paid due to fraud and a way that suits them. The system will be available for Financial year forgery (£)1 working parents whose baby is due on or after 5 April 2005/06 9,834,617.73 2015 (irrespective of when the baby is born), and will be 2006/07 2,123,496.34 introduced later this year so that it catches babies who 2007/08 3,953,378.02 are born early. 2008/09 5,074,113.43 The Government has committed to explicitly considering 2009/10 4,947,650.06 the issues facing families with babies admitted to neonatal 2010/11 7,367,416.18 care within the context of the review that the Department 2011/12 7,190,094.82 for Business, Innovation and Skills has announced it 2012/13 5,101,916.00 will undertake on the review of changes to employment 2013/14 7,209,713.53 law enacted by the Children and Families Act after 1 Substantive loss plus costs. 2018. 579W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 580W

Nuclear Installations Michael Fallon: The UK and Ireland have embarked on a wide programme of cooperation following the visit Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, of HM the Queen to Ireland in 2011. Led by the Prime Innovation and Skills what support his Department Minister and the Taoiseach, this programme is designed plans to provide to areas affected by changes to the to develop and strengthen the relationship between the nuclear decommissioning programme following the award UK and Ireland over the next decade across a range of of a new contract on 31 March 2014. [195776] policy areas. The UK and Ireland delivered the first ever joint Michael Fallon: This Department, together with the trade mission between the two countries to the Singapore Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), is Airshow during the week commencing 10 February fully committed to helping to deliver the Nuclear Industrial 2014. The UK-Ireland mission delegation consisted of Strategy, including through the Nuclear Industry Council, 25 companies, 16 from the UK (including nine from on which the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Northern Ireland) and nine from the Republic of Ireland. also sits. The announcement of the preferred bidder in Delivering a joint trade mission was one of the key the NDA’s parent body competition for Magnox Ltd deliverables for the 2014 PM/Taoiseach Summit. and Research Sites Restoration Limited should not UK Trade and Investment is committed to maintaining materially affect our support. The Cavendish Fluor its work programme with Enterprise Ireland to further Partnership brings a successful track record and extensive develop cooperation on trade promotion in support of nuclear experience that will bring benefits to the UK and Irish business. decommissioning and clean-up programme. They are Regional Growth Fund: Ashfield committed to developing the skills of the workforce and to meeting socio-economic responsibilities, as were all Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for the bidders. Business, Innovation and Skills how many projects in This Department will continue to work with DECC, Ashfield constituency have been selected to receive the NDA and the industry to ensure that decommissioning funding from the Regional Growth Fund in the latest is achieved safely, to schedule, competitively and taking period for which figures are available; and how many into account UK economic benefit. projects from Ashfield constituency have received final Overseas Trade: Israel offer letters from the Regional Growth Fund in the latest period for which figures are available. [195636] Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Michael Fallon: There was one round 4 Regional Innovation and Skills what the value of bilateral trade Growth Fund (RGF) project award from the Ashfield in agricultural goods and services between the UK and constituency. However, the postcode of the project has Israel was in each year since 2004. [196116] changed since and the project now falls under a different constituency. Michael Fallon: Data on agricultural goods trade There are two awards made to RGF programmes to between UK and Israel in each year since 2004 is shown which small and medium-sized enterprises in the Ashfield in the following table. Data on agriculture services trade constituency may bid. is not available from official published sources. Robotics UK trade in agricultural goods with Israel, 2004-13 £ million Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, UK exports to UK imports Total bilateral Innovation and Skills what research and development Israel from Israel trade into the commercial application of robotics his Department 2004 10 169 179 funds; and if he will make a statement. [196017] 2005 10 198 208 Mr Willetts: This Department has worked with the 2006 13 190 203 Technology Strategy Board’s (TSB) Robotics and 2007 13 204 217 Autonomous Systems (RAS) Special Interest Group to 2008 8 132 140 develop a National Strategy for robotics in the UK, 2009 4 93 97 which will identify commercial opportunities in key 2010 6 95 101 sectors of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. 2011 5 96 101 The Department and its partner organisations fund 2012 6 128 134 research and development into the commercial application 2013 6 121 127 of robotics as follows: Source: BIS Eurostat (Comext), based on CPA 2008 (Classification of Products by Activity) code 01 “Products of Agriculture”-values converted from This Department is currently providing funding of euros into £ using HMT Pocket Databank exchange rates (27 March £1.5m to support the development of autonomous road 2014) vehicles. The consortium (which includes Oxford and Overseas Trade: Republic of Ireland Cambridge Universities, the Transport Systems Catapult and other partners) will develop small pod-like vehicles Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for capable of carrying up to two passengers and which will Business, Innovation and Skills what joint trade ultimately be capable of autonomous operations. missions have been undertaken by the UK and the BIS has previously funded a two year automation Republic of Ireland since 2010; and what steps he is programme with the British Automation and Robot taking to increase collaboration with the Republic of Association that ended in September 2013. The £600,000 Ireland on trade and exports. [195631] programme over two years enabled the provision of a 581W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 582W one day manufacturing review and diagnostic to small (2) how many firms that advised his Department on and medium-sized enterprises on the potential to apply the privatisation of Royal Mail were awarded a bonus robotics and automation in their businesses. The programme payment. [195939] also provided the opportunity for more detailed interventions. Over 268 one day reviews were carried Michael Fallon: No firms have received bonuses in out, and more detailed interventions accounted for a relation to the sale of Royal Mail shares. further 282 days of advice. Research Councils Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills who made the decisions The Research Councils current investment into research and on what basis were the decisions made on how related to the commercial application of robotics is many shares would go to each priority investor, each £36.5 million, which includes a £10 million investment institutional investor and each retail investor in respect through the Natural Environment Research Council of the privatisation of Royal Mail. [196282] into Marine Autonomous Systems. Technology Strategy Board Michael Fallon: The Government set the overall allocation The TSB is the prime channel through which policy with the aim of getting the right balance between Government supports business-led technology innovation. longer-term, stable investors, retail investors arid shorter- Since 2010 it has invested £8 million in robotics and term investors who provide liquidity in the market. robotics related projects, helping business develop and Allocations were made to a number of institutions commercialise new products and services. who in the early stages of engagement were willing to The TSB is arranging an entrepreneur-led overseas place non-binding orders despite the risks attached to delegation to the US in June 2014 to develop the UK’s the IPO such as the industrial relations situation. These brand in robotics and to engage with the rapidly growing investors gave us confidence that there was sufficient robotics cluster in San Francisco and San Diego. This demand to proceed with the IPO. creates a real opportunity for UK robotics companies We had nearly three-quarters of a million retail to capitalise on this growth and take a lead in integrating applications so their allocations were scaled back as their technologies in a range of markets that could they were for institutional investors. Given this high exploit them. The message behind the mission is that demand, Ministers decided to prioritise smaller investors the UK is open for business and has innovative robotics and put in place a cut-off above £10,000 and give companies that are interested in the US market and are everyone below that the same number of shares. Around ready to engage in dialogue, form partnerships and do 95% of retail investors were allocated shares. business in the international arena. In addition, the Government (through TSB) has Small Businesses: Derbyshire previously funded research and demonstration of civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicles through the £62 million Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for ASTRAEA programme over the past seven years. The Business, Innovation and Skills how many small programme has made possible the ‘unmanned’ flight of businesses in High Peak constituency have received a Jetstream 31 from Lancashire to Inverness, clocking support from the Regional Growth Fund. [196243] up to 2,500 miles in flights between Lancashire and Inverness and around the Irish Sea. Michael Fallon: We do not hold the information UK Space Agency requested. However, businesses in High Peak constituency are eligible to bid to the Regional Growth Fund programme The UK Space Agency encourages and supports administered by Derbyshire county council as well as companies and research organisations to spin-out national programmes. technology developed through space exploration into non-space sectors. The funding provided by the Agency Students: Loans is for feasibility studies. The relevant studies funded are: the application of Mars rover autonomous navigation for large Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, off road vehicles; and Innovation and Skills what he expects the RAB charge development of Auto-Resonant Control System. to be for extra students entering higher education when the present cap on student numbers is removed in Royal Mail 2014-15. [195413] Mr Willetts: We produce a single RAB charge that is Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for an estimate of the overall cost of issuing loans to Business, Innovation and Skills what incentives were students. This charge is currently around 45% for full (a) offered to (b) accepted by priority investors in time students. Similarly, a single RAB charge will be relation to Royal Mail privatisation. [195211] applied to all students entering higher education in 2014-15. Michael Fallon: No incentives were offered to priority investors. Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will break down by Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for component elements the increase in the RAB charge Business, Innovation and Skills (1) for which firms his from 33 per cent to 45 per cent. [195456] Department has agreed bonus payments as part of the privatisation of Royal Mail; and on what criteria such Mr Willetts: The increase in the RAB charge has payments were made; [195936] been due to: 583W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 584W

Macroeconomic effects-earnings growth has been lower than Statistics referring to the financial year 2013-14 will expected since the £21,000 threshold was set making it more be published in June 2014. generous in real terms than was expected at the time it was set; and Student loan repayments financial years 2009-10 to 2012-13 Modelling changes-we have made methodological improvements £ million to our modelling of individual borrower’s earnings over time. We Financial year have done this through a new approach that takes greater account 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 of an individual’s past earnings and of Student Loans Company data on actual loan repayments. Repaid directly by customer 302.2 326.5 294.6 256.9 to SLC Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Reported by HMRC as 726.4 850.0 1,044.9 1,185.3 collected via PAYE and Self- Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the Assessment proportion of student loans issued under the (a) Refunded by SLC to -18.8 -33.6 -33.6 -35.5 pre-2012 and (b) new funding system that will be fully customer written off. [195458] Total amount repaid, 1,009.7 1,143.0 1,305.9 1,406.8 including interest, during the Mr Willetts: Our model is designed to estimate aggregate financial year repayments across the full range of borrowers. It does Notes: not estimate outcomes at the individual level, such as 1. Repayments are shown in the financial year when they are posted the probability of an individual’s loan balance being to customer accounts. The SLC are notified of repayments by HMRC, usually within one year of the end of the tax year to which fully written off. they relate. However, Student Loans Company data for early 2. Refunds can occur when an account holder has overpaid SLC in pre-2012 cohorts show that around 10% of the cohorts previous financial periods for various reasons. up to 2005 have made no repayments since taking out Source: “Statistical First Release Student Loans for Higher Education in their loans. England” Trade Promotion Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his Department’s estimate Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for is of the latest RAB charge for part-time students. Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to [195459] Growth is Our Business: A Strategy for Professional and Business Services published in July 2013, if the new Mr Willetts: The current estimate for the resource envoy network has been convened through UK Trade accounting and budgeting charge for part-time students & Investment; and what progress his Department has is 65%. made in orchestrating a mission programme. [195994] Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Michael Fallon: In line with the commitment in “Growth Innovation and Skills what the student loan default is Our Business” to invite leading business people from rate is for students and graduates of (a) Bristol, (b) professional and business services (PBS) to act as sector Cambridge, (c) Durham, (d) Exeter, (e) Leeds, (f) envoys whilst travelling abroad, several individuals were Manchester and (g) Oxford Universities. [196099] approached to join the Prime Minister’s list of Business Ambassadors. Appointments of four new PBS Business Mr Willetts: Information on the repayment status of Ambassadors were announced in January 2014. These student loans is available in the Student Loans Company were Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE (Chief Executive Officer (SLC) publication ‘Income Contingent Repayments by MITIE), Rona Fairhead CBE, Steve Varley (UK Chairman Repayment Cohort and Tax Year’, which is available at and Managing Partner (UK and Ireland) of Ernst and the following link: Young) and Will Lawes (Senior Partner, Freshfields http://www.slc.co.uk/media/589346/slcosp012013.pdf Bruckhaus Deringer). They joined Caroline Plumb (Chief Institution-specific information is not published and Executive Officer, FreshMinds), Alan Parker (Chairman, can only be provided at disproportionate cost. Brunswick Group), who were already active. Business Ambassadors agree to undertake a programme Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for of activities agreed with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Business, Innovation and Skills what revenue the including holding events to promote UK businesses Government received through student loan repayments around the world, meeting overseas Ministers and inward in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013. [196183] missions, participating in trade missions and providing insights into how UKTI can best deliver for business. Mr Willetts: Information on the repayment of student loans is published in the Statistical First Release “Student Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Loans for Higher Education in England”. The latest Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to Growth publication is available at the following link. is Our Business: A Strategy for Professional and Business Services published in July 2013, whether his Department http://www.slc.co.uk/statistics/national-statistics/ is on course to run at least two professional and business newnationalstatistics2.aspx services dedicated trade missions each year; and what The amounts repaid via HMRC through Pay As You such missions have taken place since the Strategy was Earn (PAYE) or directly to Student Loans Company published. [195995] (SLC) in the financial years 2009-10 to 2012-13 have been provided in the table. The statistics include repayments Michael Fallon: UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is made on outstanding debt from both Mortgage Style developing professional and business services dedicated and Income Contingent Repayment (ICR) loans. trade missions to North America, South America, South 585W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 586W

East Asia and India this year. These missions will meet the Estonian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, complement other planned trade missions open to this with whom I will discuss security and defence issues. sector, for example the business delegations which Our defence relationship, led by the Ministry of Defence, accompany the Lord Mayor of London’s overseas visits. with all three Baltic countries is strong and we co-operate UKTI delivered a professional services event in Russia on a wide range of areas. with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment British Indian Ocean Territory and the Royal Society of Chartered Surveyors in November 2013. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had about the British Indian Ocean Territory resettlement feasibility study. [195738] FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Mark Simmonds: The feasibility study has now begun Africa in earnest and the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Administration continue to welcome views on it. Since Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State the summer of 2013, BIOT officials have carried out for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his three consultations, receiving responses from all major Department has updated its advice given to UK nationals groups representing Chagossians and others with an in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, South interest. There will be further key consultation as the Sudan and Gabon or who are considering visiting those study progresses. We have also consulted with the countries following the recent outbreak of Ebola in the Governments of the United States, Seychelles and region. [195864] Mauritius. In November, the Senior Minister of State for Foreign Mark Simmonds: We have updated our travel advice and Commonwealth Affairs, my noble Friend the right for the following countries to notify travellers about the hon. Baroness Warsi, reaffirmed the Government’s recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease: Guinea, Senegal, commitment to look at this issue transparently in response Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania to the Chagos Islands (BIOT) All Party Parliamentary and Cote d’Ivoire. Group’s (APPG) debate in the House of Lords. I have https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice exchanged several letters with the Chair of the Chagos We advise people travelling to the affected region to Islands (BIOT) APPG about the study and I have also check the health advice issued by the National Travel discussed the study with the Mauritian Foreign Minister Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). during a meeting at the African Union Summit in January. I subsequently wrote to the Mauritian Foreign http://www.nathnac.org/ds/map_world.aspx Minister inviting the Mauritian Government’s engagement, We will continue to monitor the situation in each which they have declined. country to ensure that our travel advice is up to date and accurate. Burma Argentina Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for answer of 7 April 2014, Official Report, column 139W, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has made on Burma, what commitments the Burmese immigration any assessment of the appointment of former Senator minister made on conduct of the census. [195982] Daniel Filmus as head of the Malvinas Secretariat in Argentina. [195824] Mr Swire: On 26 March, I spoke to Immigration Minister U Khin Yi, reminding him of the Burmese Mr Swire: We do not judge that Mr Filmus’ appointment Government’s assurance that all individuals would have marks a significant change in Argentina’s policy towards the right to self-identify their ethnicity and that international the Falkland Islanders. Rather we understand that observers would be allowed to monitor the census across Mr Filmus is accountable to Foreign Minister Hector the country. I also made clear that the census must have Timerman, who retains overall responsibility for Falklands adequate security.The Immigration Minister acknowledged policy within the Argentine Foreign Ministry. our concerns. Baltic States We are pleased that international observers were invited to monitor the enumeration process across the country. However we were deeply disappointed that the Burmese Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign government went against its long-standing assurances and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he on census conduct, in particular the right to self-identify has had with his counterparts in (a) Latvia, (b) ethnicity. The Burmese ambassador was summoned to Lithuania and (c) Estonia about strengthening defence the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 7 April, and security relationships with those countries. [196265] where I made clear that this decision was in contravention of international norms and standards on census conduct. Mr Lidington: On 24-25 March 2014, I travelled to both Latvia and Lithuania and met with the Latvian Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Foreign Minister, for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions and the Lithuanian Foreign Minister and Vice-Minister he has had with his counterpart in Burma on protecting of Defence. The focus of this visit was the situation in Burmese soldiers who refuse orders which could result Ukraine. I will visit Estonia on 28-29 April and hope to in human rights abuses. [196328] 587W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 588W

Mr Swire: During my second visit to Burma in January, Commonwealth I personally pressed the Burmese Government and members of the Burmese military, including the Burmese Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Commander in Chief, to address our human rights Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the UK’s concerns. I was also fortunate to visit Kachin State in trade in (a) exports and (b) imports for (i) goods, (ii) January—the first British Minister to do so since Burma services and (iii) current accounts was with each gained independence. I made clear to the Government Commonwealth country between 1988 and 2014. and the military that conflict should end and that there [195599] should be unhindered humanitarian access to the areas affected. I also raised our concerns about very serious Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the allegations of sexual violence in conflict and the forced Cabinet Office. conscription of child soldiers. The information requested falls within the responsibility While I did not discuss the issue of soldiers refusing of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority orders which could result in human rights abuses, a to reply. discussion of the nature of illegal orders featured during the Managing Defence in a Wider Security Context Letter from Glen Watson, dated April 2014: course, delivered by the UK Defence Academy in Burma As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I in January. The 30 course participants were a mix of have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth mid-ranking military officers, members of the police Affairs what the UK’s trade in (a) exports and (b) imports for (i) and officials from Burma’s foreign ministry. goods, (ii) services and (iii) current accounts was with each Commonwealth country between 1988 and 2014. [195599] Colombia Geography tables for the UK balance of payments are produced annually and the most recent publication covering 2002 to 2012 within Chapter 9 of the UK Balance of Payments Pink Book can Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign be found at the link below. and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/bop/united-kingdom-balance- has had with the Colombian government on human of-payments/2013/rft-part-3--chapter-9-tables--geographical- rights and the deaths of striking agricultural workers. breakdown-of-the-current-account.xls [195962] These tables cover a range of countries based on internationally agreed regulations. Estimates for Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Mr Swire: The UK is fully engaged on a range of India, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore and South Africa are available. Estimates for other Commonwealth human rights issues in Colombia. The UK’s priority countries will be included in the relevant aggregations for example areas include access to justice, support to human rights Sri Lanka is part of ‘Asia-Other’, but are not available separately. defenders, work to prevent sexual violence against women and encouraging business to implement human rights Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for protocols in their operations. The British embassy continues Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the to monitor and raise human rights issues with the Government is taking to promote freer trade (a) Colombian Government. The Secretary of State for between the UK and other Commonwealth countries, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. (b) between Commonwealth countries and the EU and Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), (c) amongst Commonwealth countries in Africa, the and Deputy Prime Minister both raised human rights Pacific and the Caribbean. [195634] with President Santos during their separate visits to Colombia in February. Michael Fallon: I have been asked to reply on behalf In June 2013, the British embassy in Bogota met with of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. representatives of peasant associations and civil society The European Commission leads on trade negotiations and requested that the Colombian government initiate on behalf of the EU and its member states. The UK is a dialogue and investigate the alleged excessive use of strong advocate of the EU’s ambitious trade agenda force during the social protests involving striking agricultural and has supported the pursuit of comprehensive trade workers in Catatumbo. The British embassy also raised agreements with several Commonwealth countries. concerns with the Finance Minister, Defence Minister Negotiations on free trade agreements with Canada and the Head of the Colombian police. and Singapore are close to finalisation, we are the EU’s On 17 March 2014, senior Foreign and Commonwealth strongest champion of a trade agreement with India, Office (FCO) officials in the UK also met with the and a joint declaration between EU leaders and the visiting Colombian Vice-Fiscal, General, Jorge Perdomo, Prime Minister of New Zealand last month paves the and discussed the progress made in the investigations way to potential trade negotiations between the EU and into the deaths of the striking agricultural workers. New Zealand starting under the next European They also discussed the reform of the Criminal Justice Commission. System, which would ensure the protection of fundamental The UK strongly supports economic partnership human rights and the human rights situation in Colombia. agreements (EPAs) between the EU and seven regions Most recently on 9 April 2014, senior FCO Officials across Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific. EPAs are in in the UK and the British Embassy in Colombia discussed place with Papua New Guinea, the Caribbean, Mauritius the Colombia chapter in the FCO’s 2013 Annual Human and Seychelles, and we are working towards further Rights Report, in which we raised the need for conclusive agreements in west, east and southern Africa which will investigations into members of the security forces accused include several Commonwealth members. Pakistan, of excessive use of force during the protests of June to Bangladesh, Malawi and Nigeria are among the countries August 2013. that benefit from trade preferences granted unilaterally 589W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 590W to developing countries by the EU. The UK argued Mr Swire: The hon. Member will be aware that strongly in favour of these, and as a result, Pakistan responsibility for the promotion of business and trade recently benefited from valuable additional EU trade opportunities in an Overseas Territory belongs to the access. In a move that promotes freer trade among Government of that Territory: in this case the Falkland Commonwealth members, the EU allows preferential Islands Government (FIG). We understand that FIG is market access to be retained even when production and planning to revise its Economic Development Strategy processing is shared between developing countries. in the coming months to provide for the future development The UK is also an active supporter of the of all sectors of the Falkland Islands economy, and that Commonwealth Business Council which works to increase they actively welcome the interest of UK companies. trade and prosperity across the Commonwealth. FIG itself would be best placed to provide the hon. Member with further details. Dmitry Firtash As noted in the Overseas Territories White Paper of 2012, the UK is strongly committed to supporting British companies who wish to do business in the Territories. Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for The investment opportunities in the Overseas Territories Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will list were highlighted in November last year as part of the all meetings Dmitry Firtash has had at his Department Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), with a half day Investment since May 2010; [195694] Forum at which over 150 businesses attended. A similar (2) who Dmitry Firtash met at his Department on event is planned as part of the JMC programme for this 24 February 2014; [195690] year. (3) what was on the agenda for the meeting with Dmitry Firtash at his Department on 24 February Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for 2014; [195691] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is (4) if he will publish a note of the meeting with taking to encourage businesses in the fishing sector to Dmitry Firtash at his Department on 24 February operate in the Falkland Islands. [195963] 2014; [195692] (5) whether matters of national security were Mr Swire: The hon. Member will be aware that discussed with Dmitry Firtash at the meeting at his responsibility for the promotion of business and trade Department on 24 February 2014. [195693] opportunities in the Falkland Islands, including in the fishing sector, lies with the Falkland Islands Government Mr Lidington: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FIG). FIG itself would be the best source of further (FCO) officials met Dmitry Firtash on 24 February to information as it has responsibility for fishing policy, discuss developments in Ukraine and support for Ukraine licence applications and most other maritime matters in from the international community. They did not discuss the Islands. matters of national security. The meeting was part of a As noted in the Overseas Territories White Paper of wider approach by the FCO to understand better the 2012, the UK is strongly committed to supporting situation in Ukraine, by seeking information and views British companies who wish to do business in the Territories. from a wide range of contacts, including senior business The investment opportunities in the Overseas Territories figures. The Government does not have plans to publish were highlighted in November last year as part of the a note of the meeting at this time. According to our Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), with a half day Investment records, Dmitry Firtash has not attended any other Forum at which over 150 businesses attended. A similar meetings with the FCO in London. event is planned as part of the JMC programme for this year. Employment Agencies Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which five taking to encourage businesses in the construction companies were used most often to provide temporary sector to build houses in the Falkland Islands. [195964] workers for his Department in the last financial year; and how much in agency fees was paid to each of them. Mr Swire: The hon. Member will be aware that the [195553] primary responsibility for the promotion of business and trade opportunities in the Falkland Islands, including Mr Lidington: All contingent labour (provision of in the construction sector, lies with the Falkland Islands temporary workers) procured by the Foreign and Government (FIG). FIG itself would be the best source Commonwealth Office is provided by Hayes Specialist of further information on construction in the Islands as Recruitment. In the last financial year (2013-14) £476,000 it has responsibility for all infrastructure development. was paid to Hays in agency fees. As noted in the Overseas Territories White Paper of 2012, the UK is strongly committed to supporting Falkland Islands British companies who wish to do business in the Territories. The investment opportunities in the Overseas Territories Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for were highlighted in November last year as part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), with a half day Investment he has had with UK companies to encourage them to Forum at which over 150 businesses attended. A similar take part in construction and development projects in event is planned as part of the JMC programme for this the Falkland Islands. [195961] year. 591W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 592W

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Iran Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to help workers in the oil industry to seek Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for employment in the Falkland Islands. [195965] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will call for the immediate release of the seven Baha’i leaders Mr Swire: The hon. Member will understand that imprisoned in Iran since 14 May 2008. [195836] employment in the oil industry is primarily a commercial matter for the companies involved. However, the UK Hugh Robertson: We have repeatedly expressed concern Government offers advice and support to those people at the sentencing of seven Baha’i leaders in Iran to 20 and companies who wish to avail themselves of the years imprisonment. We raised the treatment of Baha’is varied economic opportunities in the Falkland Islands. with the UN Special Rapporteur at the UN Human Rights Council in March 2014, and in our contacts with the Iranian authorities. We will continue to call on the Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Iranian Government to ensure that all Iranian citizens Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response he are able to exercise their right to freedom of religion, plans to make to the statement of the President of free from persecution and harassment. Argentina on 2 April that the UK was keeping NATO’s most powerful armed bases in the Falklands and that Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State this included a nuclear attack submarine. [196189] for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Iranian authorities Mr Swire: The British ambassador in Buenos Aires about the persecution and detention of members of the has conveyed our disappointment to the Argentine Deputy Bahá’í faith in that country. [196289] Foreign Minister that the President of Argentina once again repeated her unfounded claims about the UK Hugh Robertson: We have repeatedly expressed our military presence in the South Atlantic on the very concern at the treatment of the Baha’i community in anniversary of Argentina’s illegal invasion of the Falkland Iran, including the sentencing of seven Baha’i leaders in Islands which tragically led to so many deaths on both Iran to 20 years imprisonment and the regular harassment sides. Claims that the Falklands is a “military nuclear the community suffers from. We raised the treatment of base for NATO in the South Atlantic”, or represents a Baha’is with the UN Special Rapporteur at the UN military threat to the region are obviously untrue: The Human Rights Council in March 2014, and in our UK’s military presence on the Falkland Islands is purely contacts with the Iranian authorities. We will continue defensive in nature and the number of UK forces has to call on the Iranian government to ensure that all its declined to the minimum necessary to defend the Islands. citizens are able to exercise their right to freedom of With regard to nuclear weapons, the UK’s position is religion, free from persecution and harassment. clear. The United Kingdom ratified the protocols to the Nuclear Weapons Free Zone covering Latin America Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State and the Caribbean (the Treaty of Tlatelolco) in 1969, for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions and it fully respects these obligations. The UK position he has had with his German and US counterparts on on its deterrent is unambiguous and well known: the securing the unconditional release of Pastor Saeed Abedini UK will not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons from prison in Iran. [196290] against non-nuclear weapons states parties to, and in compliance with, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Hugh Robertson: We remain deeply concerned about the detention and treatment of Pastor Saeed Abedini. We have called publicly for the Iranian Government to Iceland release him and to end all persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith. We have not discussed this particular case with German or US officials, but discuss Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for regularly with them action we can take to improve Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions human rights in Iran. he has had with his Icelandic counterpart on strengthening UK-Icelandic business relations. [196325] Laos

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Lidington: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member he has had with his counterpart in Laos about the for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), met both the Icelandic persecution of Christians in that country. [195902] Prime Minister, Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, and Foreign Minister, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, in London Mr Swire: Our recently reopened embassy in Vientiane in September and November 2013 respectively. They regularly raises human rights concerns with the Lao discussed a range of topics, including the increasingly Government, including their adherence to their international strong and productive trade relationship between the human rights commitments that protect freedom of UK and Iceland. religion and belief. Laos has seen some improvements in The UK remains committed to a robust commercial religious freedom over the past decade with a reduction relationship with Iceland, and there are many lucrative in the number of long-term Christian prisoners of areas of trade and investment that we continue to conscience. However, we are aware of cases of Christians cooperate on closely, such as fish-processing in Humberside being arrested for proselytising. The EU raised these and the proposed IceLink electricity interconnector. cases at the last EU-Laos Human Rights Dialogue in 593W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 594W

February 2013 and we will press for it to be raised at the resolution at the UN Human Rights Council, calling next EU-Laos Human Rights Dialogue which will take for accountability for the range of human rights violations place in Brussels in May 2014. We continue to work documented in the DPRK. with the EU and other like-minded partners to raise our The annual FCO human rights report, published on concerns about religious freedom with the Lao Government. 10 April 2014 includes the DPRK as a country of concern. The full report can be found at Lesotho http://www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Occupied Territories and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK Government Ministers have visited Lesotho since 2010. [196122] Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Mark Simmonds: I visited Lesotho in March 2013 as he has made to the government of Israel regarding part of a larger tour of the Southern African region. plans for the creation of a new settlement in the Old My visit to Lesotho was the first bilateral ministerial City of Hebron. [196143] visit to the Kingdom since 2002. I was delighted that the Prime Minister of Lesotho was able to visit the UK Hugh Robertson: The Secretary of State for Foreign between 4-9 April, further strengthening bilateral relations and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend, the and the ongoing links between our two countries. The Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), issued a Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, statement on 17 April 2014 condemning the Israeli my right hon. Friend the Member for East Devon (Mr decision to create a new settlement in Hebron. Swire), and I both enjoyed meeting the Prime Minister of Lesotho during his visit to the UK. Official Visits

Middle East Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what the Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign country of origin was of each special mission to the and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made UK that has been refused since 4 March 2013; and of the number of (a) Palestinians and (b) Jews what were the grounds for each refusal; [196034] displaced from their country of origin in the Middle (2) whether he would refuse to consent to a special East since 1984. [195958] mission on (a) human rights grounds and (b) where the person in question has been the subject of a UK Hugh Robertson: We have not made an estimate on judicial arrest warrant, European Arrest Warrant or this issue and do not keep records of this type. similar judicial process; [196032] (3) what the country of origin was of each special North Korea mission to the UK since 4 March 2013; and whether any person travelling on a special mission to the UK Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for has been the subject of (a) an arrest warrant or (b) a Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent criminal investigation conducted by SO15 since discussions he has had with his counterpart in North 4 March 2013; [196033] Korea on freedom of religion. [196307] (4) pursuant to the written statement of 4 March 2013, Official Report, columns 55-6WS, on special Mr Swire: The Secretary of State for Foreign and mission immunity, how many special missions have Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member been (a) consented to and (b) refused under the pilot for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has never met his process; and if he will make a statement. [196035] Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) counterpart. Mark Simmonds: I refer to the statement made by the However, the UK takes every opportunity to raise Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth with the DPRK authorities our concerns about their Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond appalling human rights record, not least with regard to (Yorks) (Mr Hague), to the House on 4 March 2013, freedom of religion or belief. The British embassy in Official Report, columns 55-56WS. The Secretary of Pyongyang last raised our concerns with the DPRK State announced a new process by which we would be Ministry of Foreign Affairs in March 2013. A senior informed of visits that may qualify for special mission official in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office raised status. The pilot process has improved the process for this issue with the North Korean embassy in February communicating and decision-making in respect of visits 2014. that may qualify for special mission status. Since the We have also raised concerns specifically about recent pilot’s inception, we have received six such requests. reports that 33 people have been sentenced to death for There are no requests outstanding. alleged contact with Kim Jung-wook (aka Kim Jong-uk), The former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State a South Korean arrested by the DPRK authorities last for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. year on suspicion of trying to establish underground Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair churches. We have requested official confirmation of Burt), confirmed to the House on 12 July 2013, Official what has happened to the individuals concerned and Report, columns 427W and 429W, that two of the called on the DPRK to respect the provision in its requests which were granted, related to visits by Lieutenant constitution guaranteeing “freedom of belief in religion”. General Benny Gantz of the Israeli Defence Forces and We also played a leading role in securing a strong Doron Almog, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Chief of 595W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 596W

Staff for Bedouin Status improvement. In view of the working on our trade and investment strategy and on confidentiality of diplomatic exchanges, we have no planning across government, and work to address visa plans to publish further details about requests that have barriers to trade and investment. been granted or refused. But if those applying for special mission status wish to announce the details of Pakistan their visit to the UK, they are of course at liberty to do so. Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State All applications for special mission status are considered for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make carefully in view of both obligations incumbent upon representations to the government of Pakistan the UK under customary international law and our expressing disapproval of the recent decision in that policy of ending impunity for the most serious of country to prosecute a nine month old child for international crimes and a commitment to the protection planning a murder. [195863] of human rights. Above this, it is for the courts to decide on the legal consequences of any decision to Hugh Robertson: This is a matter for the Pakistani grant special mission status. authorities. However, I am pleased to hear that charges against the child have now been dismissed by a judge. Overseas Trade Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is representations to the Pakistan government on the case taking to ensure UK embassies, high commissions and of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar who have been sentenced to death for allegedly sending a text consulates are promoting trade with the UK. [196322] message regarding the prophet Mohamed. [196041] Mr Swire: Over the past three years we have put commercial and economic diplomacy at the heart of the Hugh Robertson: I am concerned to hear about the FCO’s agenda. We are committed to supporting British case of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar and business and boosting UK trade as set out in the the imposition of the death penalty on them. We regularly Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) Charter raise the issue of blasphemy laws, and their misuse for Business and UKTI’s Strategy “Britain Open for against both Muslims and religious minorities, at the Business: the Next Phase”. highest levels in Pakistan. We have consistently pressed the Government of Pakistan on the issue of the death We have opened new missions and reinforced our penalty and our principled opposition to it in all cases economic diplomacy staff in many of the fastest growing and we will continue to raise both these issues with the markets in the world. We have taken steps to strengthen Government of Pakistan. commercial skills at all levels within our embassies. Ambassadors and their teams across our network are Palestinians lobbying hard to open markets, promote free trade, support pro-growth policies and counter risks to economic Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for stability. This approach lies at the heart of our G8 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he agenda on tax, trade and transparency and underpins has received of 10 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and our ongoing work to deliver an ambitious EU-US trade the West Bank who were murdered by the Israeli deal. military in March 2013. [196156] With UKTI we are delivering a number of ambitious initiatives across the globe to promote trade and investment Hugh Robertson: The Foreign and Commonwealth and boost jobs and growth. The High Value Opportunities Office receives various reports throughout the year on programme aims to assist UK businesses to secure £10 the issues affecting Israel and the Occupied Palestinian billion of business in key emerging markets. The Prime Territories, this includes reports, from credited and Minister has appointed 16 trade envoys who are working un-credited sources, on Palestinians killed by the Israel with our embassies and high commissions to champion Defence Forces. opportunities for British business and lobby to improve the business environment and resolve market access Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for issues. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Our Posts are also promoting Britain through the he has made to the Israeli government regarding the “Great” campaign—a visually powerful campaign that distribution of water between Palestinians and settlers is making real strides in promoting the UK as a modern in the west bank. [196157] and innovative country in which to invest and with which do business. Ministers have been urged to travel Hugh Robertson: Officials from our embassy in Tel extensively to support this. We are focusing our efforts Aviv most recently raised the issue of water distribution on both established markets and those emerging markets in the west bank with the Israeli Office for the Coordination where there is high potential for growth in the future. of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) The FCO and UKTI are also committed to implementing on 22 April 2014. the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee review: Supporting British Exporters Overseas (see Treasury Private Sector Minute CM 8847—37th report), a key component in the Government’s ambition to achieve £1 trillion of Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for exports annually by 2020. We have committed to an Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many jobs economic ‘roadmap’ to the £1 trillion target, closer joint have been transferred from the public to the private 597W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 598W sector as a result of privatisations or outsourcing by his also been involved. On 14 April, the FAC agreed to Department since May 2010. [195511] expand the second tier of sanctions and to add further names to the list of individuals subject to those sanctions. Hugh Robertson: Comprehensive information on all The FAC agreed on the urgency of completing work on outsourcing activities and the number of jobs involved a possible third tier of more far-reaching sanctions, is not held centrally and could be obtained only at which might be implemented in the absence of meaningful disproportionate cost. diplomatic engagement by Russia or further provocation against Ukraine. The European Commission was tasked Russia to identify such economic measures. As the Foreign Secretary has made clear to the Russian Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign Minister, the EU remains prepared to impose and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has additional sanctions should that become necessary. Russia made of the effect of the Russian annexation of Crimea should be clear that any deliberate escalation of this on the Moldovan government’s commitment to signing crisis may bring serious political and economic an Association Agreement with the EU. [195756] consequences.

Mr Lidington: The Government of the Republic of Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Moldova began to negotiate an Association Agreement Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment with the EU in January 2010. Negotiations concluded he has made of the implications for the UK of in June 2013 and the text was initialled at the Vilnius international sanctions against Russia. [196303] Eastern Partnership Summit in November 2013. Throughout this period, the Moldovan Government Mr Lidington: The effect of sanctions so far imposed has been clear in its wish to achieve signature of the by the EU is on individuals from Crimea and Russia Association Agreement as early as possible. This position most closely involved in violating the sovereignty and has not changed in recent weeks. territorial integrity of Ukraine. The EU has been clear that it would move to impose a package of wider The Conclusions of the European Council held on 20 economic sanctions if there is a lack of progress on the and 21 March 2014 confirmed the aim of the EU to diplomatic front and further moves by Russia against sign the Association Agreement no later than June Ukraine. Such measures would have consequences for 2014. The UK is working with our European partners the UK’s commercial relationship with Russia, and for to ensure the conditions are in place to meet this deadline, those of other EU member states, but the clear aim including through the appropriate parliamentary scrutiny. would be to demonstrate to Russia that there are wider The UK supports Moldova’s choice of European consequences for its actions in Ukraine, while minimising integration, which will help to bring greater stability, the impact on the EU. prosperity and democracy to all Moldovan citizens. We have been clear in dealing with Russia that Moldova Scandinavia should be able to make its own choices, including on European integration, without pressure from third countries. Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for has had with his counterparts in (a) Norway, (b) Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions Finland and (c) Sweden about the security situation in he has had with representatives from the European the Scandinavian region. [196263] Commission on European sanctions on Russia. [196301] Mr Lidington: We have a strong and regular dialogue with Norway, Finland and Sweden on security and Mr Lidington: As the Secretary of State for Foreign defence issues at both ministerial and official level, and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the bilaterally and in the context of regional groupings such Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), told the as the EU and NATO. In the past year, I have met with House on 8 April 2014, Official Report, column 101, we my counterparts, and a number of Government officials, are gravely concerned about the situation in Crimea and from each of Norway, Finland and Sweden, as well as in the east of Ukraine. We have consistently condemned the Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister and Finnish Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea including in public Prime Minister. statements, international fora and in bilateral contacts Syria with the Russian Federation. The UK has played a key role in ensuring a tough Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and united response from the international community. and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has We have reviewed all bilateral engagement with Russia made of the security and humanitarian situation in and have frozen military co-operation, refused export Kessab. [195799] licence requests which may be used by the Russian military, and postponed a number of planned ministerial Hugh Robertson: We remain deeply concerned about summits. Along with other G7 members, the UK has the safety of all in Kessab and in all areas affected by withdrawn participation in the planned G8 summit in the conflict. We believe that the majority of Kessab’s Sochi in June, and will instead take part in a G7 meeting inhabitants, including most of the ethnic Armenian in Brussels. population, left the town because of fighting in the The Foreign Secretary has taken part in a number of area. They join the more than 9 million Syrians of all discussions on sanctions at the EU Foreign Affairs faiths and ethnicities who have been driven from their Council (FAC), in which the European Commission has homes by the ongoing conflict. 599W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 600W

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Uganda and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Turkish government on the security Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and humanitarian situation in Kessab. [195800] and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in Commonwealth Hugh Robertson: We have regular discussions with governments regarding Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality the Turkish authorities regarding the appalling situation Act. [195354] in Syria. We work closely with Turkey to coordinate the substantial humanitarian effort in the region and we Mr Swire: As I made clear to the House in the welcome their assistance in facilitating aid delivery. Adjournment debate on this subject on 2 April, combating Turkey is also a valued security partner of the UK. We violence and discrimination against LGBT communities work closely with Turkey to restrict the ability of foreign forms an integral part of our tireless efforts to protect fighters to cross into Syria. We will continue to engage and promote human rights internationally. We have with Turkey on these important topics. raised our deep concern about the Anti-Homosexuality Act with the Government of Uganda at the highest Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign levels. Since that debate, the Under-Secretary of State and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend received on which actors are currently involved in, or the Member for Boston and Skegness (Mark Simmonds), have helped to facilitate, recent violence in Kessab. has raised the issue with the Ugandan Foreign Minister [195816] on 3 April. Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act runs counter to Hugh Robertson: We understand that a wide range of the Commonwealth’s commitment to equality and respect groups have been involved in the fighting, including without discrimination on any grounds. The Foreign Ansar al-Sham, and Sham al-Islam, as well as the al Secretary wrote to the Secretary-General of the Qaeda affiliated al-Nusra Front. Commonwealth on 1 March to ask him to work with us to review the worrying trend on lesbian, gay, bisexual Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for and transgender rights in some Commonwealth member Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress he states. I discussed the issue with the Commonwealth has made on establishing a date for a third round of Secretary-General on 19 March. We also use negotiations for the Geneva Conference on Syria. Commonwealth fora, such as the Commonwealth Law Ministers’ meetings (CLMM), to raise concerns. Our [196110] high commission in Kampala continues to discuss the issue with Commonwealth high commissions. Hugh Robertson: The Geneva 2 process is currently stalled because of the Syrian regime’s refusal to accept UN/Arab League Joint Special Envoy Brahimi’s proposal Ukraine on the agenda for a further round of talks. We remain in very close contact with the UN and our international Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for partners in our efforts to find a way to make progress on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has the political track. taken to assist in the return of occupied Ukranian government buildings to the Ukranian Government. Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign [195734] and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the safety of the Armenian community in Mr Lidington: The occupation by armed groups of government buildings in towns in eastern Ukraine is a Kessab. [196188] further dangerous escalation of an already dangerous situation. On 14 April, the Secretary of State for Foreign Hugh Robertson: We remain deeply concerned about and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the the safety of Armenians and members of all other Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), made a minority groups in Syria. We believe that the majority statement condemning these acts and said that it was of Kessab’s inhabitants, including most of the ethnic important that the EU gave a clear, strong and united Armenian population, left the town because of fighting response. He also called on Russia to repudiate these in the area. Our understanding is that they have mainly lawless acts. joined other Armenian communities in Syria and neighbouring countries. They join the more than 9 million On 17 April, the Foreign Secretary welcomed the Syrians of all faiths and ethnicities who have been commitments made in talks between the EU, US, Ukraine driven from their homes by the ongoing conflict. and Russia in Geneva; that all illegally armed groups must be disarmed, all illegally seized buildings must be returned to legitimate owners, and all illegally occupied Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign streets, squares and other public places in Ukrainian and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has cities and towns must be vacated. He said that rapid made of the composition of the different groups which implementation was essential. On 23 April, he spoke comprise the combatants in Kessab. [196190] about this issue with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, urging Russia to take steps to fulfil the Geneva statement Hugh Robertson: We understand that a wide range of and to de-escalate the situation in eastern and southern groups have been involved in the fighting, including Ukraine, including making a clear public statement Ansar al-Sham, and Sham al-Islam, as well as the calling for illegally armed groups in eastern Ukraine to al-Qaeda linked al-Nusra Front. disarm and vacate occupied buildings. He also invited 601W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 602W

Russian diplomats to join efforts by the Organisation As the Secretary of State has made clear to the for Security and Co-operation in Europe Monitoring Russian Foreign Minister, the EU remains prepared to Mission in the eastern Ukraine. impose additional sanctions should that become necessary. The British Government will continue to work closely Russia should be clear that any deliberate escalation of in support of the Government in Ukraine, and encourage this crisis may bring serious political and economic Ukraine’s political leaders to continue to respond to consequences. events calmly and with determination, in order to harness the united efforts of all Ukrainians to work together for Vietnam a successful future. Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for taken to draw attention to the persecution of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Christians in Vietnam; and what discussions he has had discussions he has had with his Russian counterpart on with his counterpart in Vietnam on that matter. the situation in Ukraine. [196302] [195903]

Mr Lidington: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Mr Swire: We highlight Vietnam as a country of Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member concern in the annual Foreign and Commonwealth for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), discussed the situation Office human rights report published on 10 April. in Ukraine with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on Our assessment is the Vietnamese Government is 23 April. The Secretary of State pressed for the immediate allowing more space for religious expression and has implementation of the 17 April Geneva agreement. He increased the number of churches and places of worship urged Russia to take steps to de-escalate the situation in approved for use in 2013. In general the Vietnamese are eastern and southern Ukraine, including making a clear able to practise the religion of their choosing and a public statement calling for illegally armed groups in number of prominent Ministers, including the Prime eastern Ukraine to disarm and vacate occupied buildings. Minister, are openly Buddhist. He also invited Russian diplomats to join efforts by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe The authorities take a harder line when religious Monitoring Mission in eastern Ukraine. groups are involved in political movements, with persecution taking place in this context. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Our embassy continues to promote freedom of religion Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans his and belief in this atmosphere and meets with leaders of Department has in place to be executed in the event of all faiths. In January they accepted a petition by families further Russian aggression on the Ukrainian border. of Catholic activists on trial and supported an EU statement calling for the Vietnamese to uphold freedom [196320] of expression in these cases. Staff also attended meetings, alongside other EU member states, with the Ministry of Mr Lidington: As the Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign Affairs calling for greater transparency over and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the allegations that authorities had intimidated Catholics in Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), told the Nghe An province. House on 8 April, we are gravely concerned about the We also make sure to raise our concerns at a ministerial situation in Crimea and in the east of Ukraine. We have level at every opportunity—be it through the annual consistently condemned Russia’s illegal annexation of UK-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue in October 2013 or the Crimea including in public statements, international Secretary of State’s meeting with Deputy Prime Minister fora, and in bilateral contacts with the Russian Federation. Vu Van Ninh earlier this month. The UK also runs The UK has played a key role in ensuring a tough projects designed to allow greater scope for civil society and united response from the international community. to develop and receive basic protections when raising We have reviewed all bilateral engagement with Russia their concerns and pursuing their beliefs. and have frozen military cooperation, refused export licence requests which may be used by the Russian Western Sahara military, and postponed a number of planned Ministerial Summits. Along with other G7 members, the UK has Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for withdrawn participation in the planned G8 Summit in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he Sochi in June, and will instead take part in a G7 meeting has received on the effects of delays in the organisation in Brussels. of the referendum in Western Sahara on the security The Secretary of State has taken part in a number of situation in that region. [196298] discussions on sanctions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), in which the European Commission has Hugh Robertson: We receive reports on the security also been involved. On 14 April, the FAC agreed to situation in the region including in Western Sahara expand the second tier of sanctions and to add further from a number of sources. The UN mission, MINURSO names to the list of individuals subject to those sanctions. reports each year to the UN Security Council, most The FAC agreed on the urgency of completing work on recently in document S/2014/258 dated April 2014. a possible third tier of more far reaching sanctions, which might be implemented in the absence of meaningful Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for diplomatic engagement by Russia or further provocation Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions against Ukraine. The European Commission was tasked he has had with his US counterpart on human rights in to identify such economic measures. Western Sahara. [196299] 603W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 604W

Hugh Robertson: Her Majesty’s Government has regular confidential and may only be disclosed in certain discussions with their US counterparts, including on circumstances as set out in section 139 of the Constitutional Western Sahara. We support UN efforts to find a negotiated Reform Act 2005. settlement. Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (a) started and concluded its investigation into Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Benjamin Mire; and what steps that office subsequently and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of took. [196400] 11 March 2014, Official Report, columns 161-2W, on Syria, on what basis the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom was selected as the recipient of Mr Vara: The investigation into Mr Mire’s conduct £200,000. [195973] was initiated by the president of the Residential Property Tribunal in accordance with the Judicial Complaints Hugh Robertson: The FCO’s Human Rights (Tribunals) Rules 2008 and the Judicial Discipline Development Programme Board approved funding to (Prescribed Procedures) Regulations 2006 (as amended). the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office was advised (WILPF) based on the strength of their project proposal. of the complaint against Mr Mire on 13 October 2011. WILPF have been active in promoting the participation The investigation was conducted in accordance with of Syrian women at the Geneva II peace conference, the regulations and ceased upon Mr Mire’s resignation have developed a strong network of Syrian women as a valuer chair of the Southern Property Tribunal on activists, and work in close collaboration with other the 16 July 2013. international non-governmental organisations. Their activities support our wider efforts to ensure that Syrian Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for women are fully included in the political process. Justice whether Benjamin Mire was shown the report of the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office into his conduct. [196401] JUSTICE Mr Vara: The investigation into Mr Mire’s conduct Alternatives to Prison: Preston was conducted in accordance with the Judicial Discipline (Prescribed Procedures) Regulations (2006) (as amended). The regulations require a draft of a review body report Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for to be disclosed to the subject of the disciplinary process. Justice how many people residing in Preston constituency The regulations were followed accordingly in this case. are (a) being monitored by an electronic tag (b) subject to a suspended sentence order and (c) subject to a community order. [196141] Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice under what circumstances the Judicial Conduct Jeremy Wright: On 30 September 2013, 492 people in Investigations Office report on Benjamin Mire can be Lancashire were monitored by an electronic tag. A made public. [196402] more detailed breakdown below Probation Trust area is not collected centrally. Mr Vara: Information gathered in the course of a Data on the number of people subject to a suspended judicial conduct investigation is confidential and may sentence or community order is published in Offender only be disclosed in the circumstances set out in section Management Statistics Quarterly. The most recent report 139 of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. covers the period to 30 September 2013 and shows that 1,368 offenders subject to a suspended sentence order Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for and 2,288 offenders subject to a community order were Justice what timescale Benjamin Mire would have been supervised by Lancashire Probation Trust. This includes removed from his appointment to the property tribunal people who are both monitored by an electronic tag and following the conclusion of the report on the Judicial supervised by Probation. A more detailed breakdown Conduct Investigations Office had he not resigned below Probation Trust area is not collected centrally. from that post. [196403] The most recent Offender Management Statistics report may be found on the gov.uk website. Mr Vara: Mr Mire’s conduct was investigated in Benjamin Mire accordance with The Judicial Discipline (Prescribed Procedures) Regulations 2006 (as amended). These Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for regulations provide opportunities for the subject of the Justice when and for what reasons Benjamin Mire left disciplinary process to make further representations his judicial appointment on the property tribunal. and for the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice [196399] to consider these and take such action as they think fit. It is therefore not possible to specify a time frame for Mr Vara: Mr Mire chose to resign as a valuer chair of concluding the disciplinary process. Mr Mire resigned the Southern Property Tribunal on the 16 July 2013 before the disciplinary process was concluded. following an investigation into his conduct. The reasons Since 1 October 2013, judicial conduct has been given by Mr Mire form part of the information gathered considered under the Judicial Discipline (Prescribed in the course of a judicial conduct investigation which is Procedures) Regulations 2013. These now provide for 605W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 606W the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice to continue (2) how many people have been convicted of an to make a finding of misconduct in certain circumstances offence contrary to section 1 of the Protection of Children where a judicial office holder has ceased to hold office Act 1978 in each of the last four years. [196441] during the course of a conduct investigation. Jeremy Wright: Possession of indecent images of Cherry Groce children is prohibited and the police and courts will rightly take robust action against those who flout the Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice law. The number of offenders found guilty at all courts (1) if he will grant the request by the family of Cherry for the selected offences relating to illegal images of Groce for legal aid for their representations at the children in England and Wales from 2009 to 2012 (latest inquest into her death; and if he will make a statement; data available) can be viewed in the table. [195620] Court proceedings data for 2013 are planned for (2) when he expects to have concluded his consideration publication in May 2014. of whether to grant legal aid to the family of Cherry Offenders found guilty at all courts for selected child pornography Groce for their representations at the inquest into her offences, England and Wales, 2009-121,2 death. [195619] Statute Offence 2009 2010 2011 2012

Mr Vara: Following a review of its decision in the Protection Take,permitto 1,024 1,246 1,283 1,315 of be taken or to Groce family’s case, the Legal Aid Agency made a Children make distribute funding request to the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Act 1978 or publish Chancellor has considered the request and has granted as indecent funding. amended photographs or by pseudo— Consultants Criminal photographs of Justice & children Public Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Order Act which 10 consultancy firms were paid the most by his 1994 Department in the last financial year; and how much (S.84), S.1 each of those firms was paid. [195580] Criminal Possession of 222 165 246 247 Justice Act an indecent 1988, S.160 photograph or Mr Vara: The Ministry of Justice can provide spend pseudo- for the provision of services with the top 10 consultancy photograph firms for 11 months of the last financial year (2013-14) 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons as March 2014 spend is not yet available. All spend is for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they exclusive of VAT. The table shows the top 10 suppliers were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or for consultancy for 2013-14 and spend. more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more Consultants can provide a fast, flexible and efficient offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory way to obtain necessary skills that are not available maximum penalty is the most severe. inhouse. Consultancy spend is governed by strict Cabinet 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are Office controls and any spend over £20,000 requires accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems approval by the departmental board on behalf of the generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care Secretary of State. Consultancy contracts in excess of should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their nine months require further approval by the Cabinet inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are Office. used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice Supplier 2013-14 YTD (£) Courts: Lancashire 1 PricewaterhouseCoopers 8,617,495.63 2 Ernst and Young Global 5,870,242.50 Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Limited Justice pursuant to the answer of 2 April 2014, Official 3 PA Consulting Group 3,200,003.90 Report, column 703W,on translation services, how much Limited was spent on interpreters in courts in each court in 4 Mckinsey and Co Inc. 2,596,675.00 United Kingdom Lancashire in 2011, 2012 and 2013; which languages 5 Allen and Overy LLP 765,883.60 were interpreted; and how much was spent on interpreting each language. [196153] 6 Capgemini S.A. 723,189.07 7 Methods Consulting Ltd 364,726.69 Mr Vara: The Department does not hold centrally all 8 Bird and Bird 312,387.78 of the information that has been requested. To provide 9 Pinsent Masons 161,134.37 the information would incur disproportionate cost. 10 Regency IT Consulting 116,805.00 Crime Convictions Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for how many new criminal offences have been created in Justice (1) how many people have been convicted of an each year since May 2010; and what the predicted effect offence contrary to section 160 of the Criminal Justice was on the number of prisoners for each such offence. Act 1988 in each of the last four years; [196442] [188279] 607W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 608W

Simon Hughes: I have set out the number of criminal of the Mental Health Act 1983. The new Code, including offences in England and Wales created by Government this requirement, was published last October and came Departments. The numbers are collated by the Criminal into force in December. Offences Gateway which scrutinises proposals on new and amended criminal offences for England and Wales. Dangerous Driving The numbers are based on offences put through the Criminal Offences Gateway during the period 1 June Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010 to 31 May 2013 (the latest available data). Justice how many convictions there have been for the offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving Further information can be found in the New Criminal since its introduction in 2012; and what the average Offences England and Wales: length of sentence handed out by the courts for that https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/revised-new- offence is. [196057] criminal-offences-statistics-in-england-and-wales-june-2009- may-2013 Jeremy Wright: The maximum penalty for causing The numbers of new criminal offences, which include serious injury by dangerous driving is five years custody. entirely new offences and existing offences which have Since the introduction of this offence on 3 December been extended or amended in some way, are published 2012, one person has been proceeded against at, found annually by my Department in the statistical bulletin guilty and sentenced at a magistrates court in England New Criminal Offences. The new criminal offences enforce and Wales in 2012. There is too small a sample to Government policy in a range of areas, including to provide a meaningful average custodial sentence length. contain the spread of serious animal diseases and to We are keeping the law in this area under review. If any criminalise squatting in a residential building. changes are needed, we will bring forward proposals. Court proceedings data for this offence for 2013 are Total Number of legislative provisions criminal planned for publication in May 2014 as part of the (secondary and primary) offences Criminal Justice Statistics 2013 publication. Please note Period covered containing new offences created that this data presents the principal offences under which a defendant has been proceeded against. If a 1 June 2010 to 33 174 31 May 2011 defendant has been proceeded against for two or more offences it is the offence with the higher or highest 1 June 2011 to 52 292 31 May 2012 maximum penalty that is selected. 1 June 2012 to 60 327 Doncaster Prison 31 May 2013

712 criminal offences were created during the period John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 June 2009 to May 2010 which was the 12 months Justice whether the payment by results pilot in HMP immediately prior to the establishment of the Criminal Doncaster has been terminated. [195833] Offences Gateway. Jeremy Wright: The HMP Doncaster Payment by New offences are needed for a number of reasons, for Results (PbR) pilot was established to test the introduction example, to update legislation that is now out of date, to of PbR to reduce reoffending, in response to commitments underpin delivery of Government priorities and to set made in the Coalition Agreement. The pilot has been out clearly what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. running since October 2011, with offenders released The Government committed to putting in place a from Doncaster prison given additional rehabilitation mechanism, an additional layer of scrutiny, for proposals support to help turn their lives around. to create new offences. This is the first time a Government has done so and committed to doing so publicly. The The pilot predates the Transforming Rehabilitation Government has repealed 140 offences in the 12 months programme and while it has provided important learning ending May 2013. to inform our plans, the delivery model at HMP Doncaster is not fully aligned with these reforms. As a result, we The information on the predicted effect on the number have decided to bring the pilot to a close, to help ensure of prisoners for each relevant offence is not available the effective transition to the new model for rehabilitation and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. services and offender management in the South Yorkshire Contract Package Area. No further participants will Crime: Victims enter the pilot beyond the end of 2014. Employment Tribunals Service Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the proportion of victims of crime who suffer from mental health problems in Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice each of the last five years. [195654] (1) when his Department plans to carry out a review on its policy on fees in the employment tribunal system; Damian Green: The Ministry of Justice does not [196187] publish information in relation to the proportion of (2) what plans his Department has to increase or victims who suffer mental health problems. Last year lower the level of fees in the employment tribunal the Department consulted on a new Code of Practice system. [195746] for Victims of Crime. One of the proposals was that agencies in the Criminal Justice System must provide Mr Vara: The Lord Chancellor is committed to reviewing enhanced services to vulnerable victims, which include the impact of the introduction of fees in the employment those who suffer from mental disorder within the meaning tribunals system. The Ministry of Justice is currently 609W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 610W finalising arrangements for the timing and scope of this Magistrates Courts review, to enable the impacts to be properly assessed, and we will be making an announcement in due course. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many cases were dealt with in magistrates courts Family Proceedings in 2013 (a) in total and (b) for non-payment of a television licence. [194495] Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the Mr Vara: Statistics on prosecutions, convictions and effectiveness of presumption for contact in relation to sentencing for calendar year 2013, including those of the role of fathers in the family courts; and if he will installing or viewing a television receiver without the make a statement. [194357] appropriate licence, are planned for publication in May 2014 as part of the Criminal Justice Statistics annual Simon Hughes: Section 11 of the Children and Families publication. Act 2014 requires courts to presume that a child benefits from the involvement of each parent who can be involved Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in a way which does not put the child at risk of harm. what steps he is taking to ensure that there is adequate This is subject to the principle that the welfare of the staffing in magistrates’ courts to ensure the efficient child must be the courts’ paramount consideration. and speedy provision of information to the bench. ‘Involvement’ may be direct or indirect and it is for [196023] courts to determine the most appropriate way for a parent to be involved in the light of the individual Mr Vara: There are adequate legal advisers in the circumstances. magistrates courts who provide speedy advice to magistrates in order to ensure the efficient administration of Justice. Section 11 of the Act will be commenced in the We have resourcing models in place which help determine autumn. One of the aims of the policy is to encourage the aggregate staffing numbers required to manage parents to resolve disputes without the need for court anticipated work loads. Further, delivery directors ensure intervention. The Government therefore intends to consider that resources are deployed effectively at individual the impact of the policy as part of wider work to assess courts. the impact of the family justice provisions in the Act. Magistrates Courts: Wrexham Hunting Act 2004 Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for (1) what discussions (a) HM Courts Service and (b) Justice how many prosecutions under the Hunting Act his Department has had with North Wales police about 2004 there were in 2013; how many of those future cell provision at Wrexham magistrates’ court; prosecutions were successful; and what offences these [196268] prosecutions involved. [196479] (2) if he will make provision for construction of secure accommodation at Wrexham magistrates’ court Damian Green: Court proceedings data for 2013 are to replace accommodation at Wrexham police station planned for publication in May 2014. due to be closed by North Wales police in 2016. Legal Aid Scheme [196270] Mr Vara: No detailed discussions have taken place Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice between HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) (1) how many law firms were permitted to resubmit or the Department with North Wales police with regards their tenders to the then Legal Services Commission to future cell provision at Wrexham magistrates court. bid for a contract to provide publicly funded HMCTS is considering its options. Further discussions immigration services in the 2010 tender round after the will take place once preferred options have been identified. deadline set out in the tender rules; [196221] Any decision for new arrangements for dealing with (2) how many bids to the Legal Services Commission custody cases at Wrexham magistrates court will be for a contract to provide publicly-funded immigration guided by the principles of access to justice and best services were rejected as incomplete in the 2010 tender value for the taxpayer. round; [195843] (3) on what date the Legal Aid Agency first informed Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if Aman Solicitors that its bid was successful for a he will ensure that criminal cases continue to be contract to provide publicly-funded immigration considered at Wrexham magistrates’ court over the services in Luton in the 2010 tender round; [195844] next five years. [196269] (4) which firm had its award of a contract to provide Mr Vara: HM Courts and Tribunals Service has no publicly-funded immigration services withdrawn in the current plans to cease criminal work at Wrexham 2010 tender round; [195845] magistrate’s court. (5) how many (a) asylum and (b) non-asylum New Matter Starts were awarded to the firm that had its Manchester Prison award of a contract withdrawn in August 2010. [195846] Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Vara: These questions relate to ongoing litigation Justice whether prisoners at HM Prison Manchester against the Lord Chancellor and in the circumstances it have access to (a) library books on specialist subjects would be inappropriate to respond at the current time. and (b) educational courses. [196234] 611W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 612W

Jeremy Wright: Prison library providers ensure that Policy the range of reading and reference material available in each library reflects the needs and diverse nature of the Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice prisoners held. They enable prisoners to receive, subject in what circumstances he uses a calculation of the (a) to the constraints of operating within a custodial value of preventing a fatality, (b) willingness to pay environment, a service equivalent to that provided for and (c) cost-per-quality adjusted life year approach to library users in the community. quantify the value of a policy intervention; what other The prison library at HMP Manchester holds books tools he uses to quantify the benefit of a policy on a number of specialist subjects and will consider intervention; and if he will make a statement. [196466] requests for others where there is a particular need. Mr Vara: The Ministry of Justice does not use Offences against Children calculations of (a) the value of preventing a fatality, (b) willingness to pay and (c) cost-per-quality adjusted Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for life year approach to quantify the value of a policy Justice how many child sex offenders were in prison in intervention. each year since 2003. [196054] The Ministry of Justice uses a range of analytical approaches to assess and evaluate policies, including Jeremy Wright: From the data held centrally, it is not quantifying the benefits, in line with guidance provided possible to separately identify those offenders convicted by HM Treasury: of sexual offences against children, because the prisoner offence details held centrally do not include information “The Green Book: appraisal and evaluation in central government” on the age of the victim. Such offenders are included “The Magenta Book” on designing an evaluation. with other sexual offences. These are published on the HM Treasury website: In order to provide data relating to child sex offenders https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-green-book- in prison, it would be necessary to manually examine appraisal-and-evaluation-in-central-governent the individual prison records of over 10,900 sex offenders https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-magenta- in prison as at 31 December 2013-this could be done book only at disproportionate cost. Prison Service Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many complaints were made by imprisoned Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice child sex offenders against (a) prison officers and (b) what sentence was received by each employee of the prison staff in each of the last 10 years. [196055] Prison Service found guilty in 2013 of criminal activity in the workplace. [192343] Jeremy Wright: The information requested is not available centrally and could be obtained only at Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management disproportionate cost. Service (NOMS) does not hold records of employees found guilty of all types of criminal activity. Personal Injury While the vast majority of its staff are honest and hard working, NOMS is committed to detecting, deterring Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for and disrupting all corrupt behaviour by individuals Justice what assessment his Department has made of working in prisons. A dedicated NOMS Corruption the Supreme Court’s judgment in Summers v Fairclough Prevention Unit was set up to ensure staff corruption is Homes that exaggerated or fabricated personal injury identified and tackled. As part of this work NOMS has claims might be struck out in exceptional circumstances; compiled a central record of staff convicted of criminal and if he will make a statement. [196051] offences which meet the NOMS definition of corruption. This definition is that corruption occurs when a Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for person in a position of authority or trust abuses their Justice if he will bring forward legislative proposals to position for their or another person’s benefit or gain. provide for first party and third party personal injury This would include the misuse of their role in order to insurance fraud to be treated the same way by the plan or commit a criminal act, or a deliberate failure to courts. [196151] act to prevent criminal behaviour. Mr Vara: The Government is committed to reducing There were 23 convictions for corruption-related offences the number of fraudulent personal injury claims. To during 2013. A breakdown of the different sentences is this end, we are considering what specific reforms might provided as follows. be appropriate. Sentences As announced last year, we are working with stakeholders Four years six months imprisonment in the industry to tighten the medical evidence process Four years imprisonment so that only evidence from accredited experts can be Three years imprisonment considered, and the costs for those reports can be fixed. One year nine months imprisonment This will mean people can no longer profit from exaggerated One year four months imprisonment or fraudulent compensation claims but victims with genuine cases can still get the help they deserve. We are One year one month imprisonment introducing these reforms later in the year. We are also One year imprisonment working to secure better data on motor accident cases, Nine months imprisonment including the number of fraudulent cases. Eight months imprisonment 613W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 614W

Six months imprisonment Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Four months imprisonment what maximum number of staff of each grade could be 10 months imprisonment provided by each prison supplying staff for detached 12 month custodial sentence suspended for two years. duty in each month since December 2013. [195224] 11 months custodial sentence suspended for a year Jeremy Wright: The deployment of staff between Nine months custodial sentence suspended for 12 months. prisons on detached duty is a regular and normal part 200 hours community service of prison resourcing. It allows staff to be allocated from Eight months custodial sentence suspended for two years and prisons with the capacity to provide them, to those a six month residency order where additional staffing is required. A nationally Four months custodial sentence suspended for two years co-ordinated detached duty scheme has been operating Four months custodial sentence suspended for two years. since 21 October 2013. 100 hours unpaid work The number of staff available/maximum number of 12 months Community Order. 150 hours unpaid work staff available for detached duty at any one time is a 100 hours community service and 12 months probation matter for operational judgment and takes account of Community Order. Ordered to pay £85 costs and £60 to overall staff numbers, levels of sickness, prisoner numbers complainants and the regime and security requirements. The total number of convictions by year for corruption- The average headcount of Band 3 staff who worked related offences is shown in the following table. The on detached duty during December 2013 was 190, this number of convictions has remained broadly constant represents 1.3% of all Band 3 officers. The following over the last five years. table contains a list of prisons broken down by the full-time-equivalent staff allocated and grade, during Number December 2013. 2013 23 Some allocations outside of the national scheme 2012 25 continued after October 2013 but are not included in 2011 21 the information provided. London region particularly 2010 18 allocated staff within their own region. Information is 2009 21 collected on the staffing allocated. On occasions the resource is not actually deployed due to changes in local The information provided has been drawn from live circumstances. administrative data systems which may be amended at List of prisons receiving staff on detached duty by average headcount any time. Although care is taken when processing and for December 2013 analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to Headcount Band 3 Band 4 the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording 5 or fewer Aylesbury Brixton system Bedford Coldingley Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Brixton Guys Marsh what shortfalls in staffing (a) including temporary Bullingdon Leyhill cover and (b) excluding temporary cover against Coldingley — Target B3 staffing levels were in each prison since Cookham Wood — December 2013. [195223] Erlestoke — Isis — Jeremy Wright: The number of full-time equivalent Band 3 staff employed in each establishment of the Isle of Wight — Public Sector Prison Service of England and Wales, as Leeds — at 31 December 2013, is published in the National Leicester — Offender Management Service workforce statistics at: Onley — https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-offender- Send — management-service-workforce-statistics Sheppey Cluster — Staffing figures are published on a quarterly basis, and figures for 31 December 2013 are the most recently Wandsworth — published figures. Figures as at 31 March 2014 will be Winchester — published on the 29 May 2014. Although vacancy numbers are reported to the centre, 10 Wormwood Scrubs High Down workforce planning is managed locally by prisons. There Norwich — are a number of complexities around the reporting of Glen Parva — vacancies, in particular variations to staffing levels arising Bristol — from changes in prison function/role, changes to prison capacity and changes resulting from the prison Werrington — benchmarking/efficiency programme. Given these Pentonville — complexities it is not possible to provide an accurate Rochester — prison by prison breakdown. Wayland — A new workforce reporting tool is being implemented Littlehey — from April 2014 which will improve the consistency of The Mount — reporting at prison level. 615W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 616W

List of prisons receiving staff on detached duty by average headcount or maintaining family ties, and comes with strict conditions for December 2013 that must be met. All offenders are subject to a risk Headcount Band 3 Band 4 assessment before being released. Temporary release Nottingham — contributes to public protection by enabling release plans to be tested, under strict conditions, before the Guys Marsh — offender is released. It also allows prisoners to participate High Down — in necessary activities outside of the prison establishment. Moorland/Lindholme — This helps them to adjust to life on release, which contributes to reducing reoffending. 20 Feltham — On 10 March, the Government announced a package Portland — of measures to improve the consistency, risk assessment and monitoring of releases on temporary licence. The Staffing figures are provided as at the end of each improvements will apply to all prisoners but, in addition, quarter and the last available figures are for 31 December a new scheme of Restricted ROTL will be introduced 2013. Information from after that date is therefore not for those prisoners who have committed serious crimes provided. in the past. This will feature more stringent risk assessment All staffing figures have been rounded to the nearest procedures carried out by probation professionals, and 10 in line with the department’s policy for presenting more robust monitoring arrangements when this sort of staffing data. offender is on temporary licence in the community. Prisoners In 2012, the latest period for which figures are available, 611 prisoners serving a life sentence, and 1,043 prisoners Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice serving an indeterminate sentence for public protection, what the prison population was, by prison, on 19 were granted release on temporary licence. These figures March 2014; how many prisoners each prison was built have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, for; and how many foreign national prisoners there are as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. in each prison, by country. [194014] Jeremy Wright: Individual prison population and Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice capacity information is published monthly on the Ministry what arrangements he has put in place to inform of justice website at: victims of crime of the date when perpetrators of crime against them will be released from prison. [195652] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prison- population-figures-2014 Damian Green: The Probation Victim Contact Scheme This data is produced on the last working Friday of provides valuable support to victims of offenders who each month and therefore the information published is receive a sentence of imprisonment of 12 months or from the last working Friday in February (28th) and not more or a hospital order for a violent or sexual offence. on 19 March as requested. The Scheme enables victims to be informed of key A table which will be placed in the Library identifies stages of an offender’s sentence, such as if they are the number of declared foreign national offenders in transferred to open prison conditions. Victims will also each prison, by nationality, as at 31 December 2013. be informed of the prospective date of release. The This is in line with the latest published figures. point at which this information is provided to a victim These figures have been drawn from administrative varies on a case by case basis. IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording Where the offender is serving a determinate sentence, system, are subject to possible error(s) with data entry the release date is fixed. Victims will be informed of the and processing. expected month of release very early following sentence All foreign national offenders sentenced to custody and will be updated should this date change—for example, are referred to the Home Office for them to consider if the offender receives added days. deportation at the earliest possible opportunity. Where the offender is subject to discretionary release Reducing the FNO population is a top priority for by the Parole Board, the victim will be informed early in this Government. We are working hard to reduce the the sentence of the month in which the offender will flow of FNOs into our prison system and increase the become eligible for consideration for release, and be number of FNOs removed from the UK through prisoner informed of the Parole Board’s decision, including if transfer agreements (PTAs); the early removal scheme this is to release the offender. (ERS) and tariff expired removal scheme (TERS). Victims also have a statutory right to make representations about licence conditions on release, to Prisoners’ Release re-assure and protect them, and to be informed which Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice conditions have been included on the licence as a result how many prisoners serving (a) life and (b) indeterminate of their request. These will typically be exclusion zones sentences for public protection were granted release on to reduce the risks of unexpected contact, and a no temporary licence in the latest period for which figures contact condition. are available. [194678] Prisoners: Complaints Jeremy Wright: Release on temporary licence is the process where, towards the end of his or her sentence, Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for an offender can be released from a prison establishment Justice what the average cost to the (a) public purse on a temporary basis. This release has to be for a and (b) prison service is of processing a complaint by a specific purpose, which may include training, employment, prisoner against a prison officer. [196053] 617W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 618W

Jeremy Wright: The information requested is not Prisons: Libraries available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many items were borrowed from prison libraries in Prisoners: Publications each year from 2010 to 2013. [195806]

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Jeremy Wright: The requested information is not Justice what recent assessment he has made of the held centrally and would need to be collated through availability of books to prisoners; and if he will make a enquiries at each prison in England and Wales. This statement. [193995] would incur disproportionate cost.

Jeremy Wright: There have been no changes in the Prisons: Publications availability of books in prisons. Every prison has a library, to which every prisoner has access. Up to 12 books Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice may be held by prisoners in their cell at any one time which prisons withhold books from prisoners when and additional volumes may be stored locally at the they first arrive; and for what reasons such books are prison. so withheld. [195609] The National Offender Management Service works closely with schemes such as the Shannon Trust Reading Jeremy Wright: On reception, prisoners may retain in Network, which includes peer mentoring. possession authorised property appropriate to their Incentives and Earned Privileges level, subject to the Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice limitations in place on the prison’s facility list and if he will ensure that restricted access to books for overarching controls on the total volume of property prisoners is not an obstacle to preparation for held. employment; and if he will make a statement. [195058] Prisoners may hold up to 12 books in their cell at any one time and additional volumes may be stored locally Jeremy Wright: We firmly believe that giving offenders at the prison. the skills and training they need to get and keep jobs on Restrictions are applied through local discretion where release reduces their likelihood of re-offending. This a book would be inappropriate due to a prisoner’s will include providing access to books, subject to the offence type, or where the book is itself unsuitable, such constraints of operating within a custodial environment. as where it gives advice on avoiding detection or how to Prisoners undertaking education courses (including commit offences, or is pornographic or extremist. This distance learning) are provided with relevant course is a matter for individual Governors and the information materials and set books. cannot be collected without incurring disproportionate cost. Prisoners: Radicalism Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on how many occasions drugs were found in parcels how many prisoners in each prison have (a) started containing books destined for prisoners in each of the and (b) completed the Ibaana programme since it was last four years. [195805] introduced. [196380] Jeremy Wright: Prisons employ a range of measures Jeremy Wright: The training to deliver the Ibaana to detect, disrupt and deter the trafficking of drugs into programme has just been completed. Prisoners will be prisons. offered the programme in the coming months. Details of how many occasions drugs were found in parcels containing books destined for prisoners in each Prisons: ICT of the last four years are recorded on a central incident reporting system as a drug-related incident. To establish Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice a figure for the period in question would require the what security breaches associated with the Prisons ICT interrogation of over 18,000 individual electronic incident Academy programme there have been since 1 January files. This could be achieved only at disproportionate 2014; when these first came to the attention of cost. Ministers; what the (a) nature of and (b) the outcome of their investigation was; and what illegal activities by Prisons: Smoking prisoners were uncovered. [196383] Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Jeremy Wright: We are aware of two security breaches Justice what assessment he has made of the effect of a within the Prison Information Technology Academies smoking ban in prisons on the number of incidents of (PICTA) since 1 January 2014. These came to the violence relating to cigarettes. [194411] attention of Ministers on 26 February 2014. As a precaution we immediately suspended the use of the PICTA workshops Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management across the prison estate, pending an investigation which Service (NOMS) support the desirability of attaining a is still in progress. It would therefore not be appropriate smoke free prison estate in the future and continue to to comment further at this stage. In addition we are work towards this objective. However, the timing of increasing the security measures within PICTA workshops that implementation will take account of the operational and we expect them to reopen in the near future. realities of running safe, decent and secure prisons and 619W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 620W in particular the impact any smoking ban may have on Jeremy Wright: Pre-sentence reports currently fall the general safety of staff and prisoners. Therefore the into three categories; standard delivery (SDR), fast decision on timing to move to smoke free prisons will delivery (FDR), and same day (or oral) reports. This reflect an operational assessment of risk, which will process allows courts the flexibility to deliver sentencing include an assessment of potentially adverse impact on decisions in the appropriate time frame, depending on prisoner behaviour and how this risk can be minimised each individual case, reducing the number of adjournments and effectively managed. This assessment is ongoing and expediting the criminal justice process. and the risks are being carefully considered to ensure The transforming rehabilitation reforms will introduce effective plans and support are in place before introducing a new risk of serious recidivism (RSR) tool which will smoke free prisons. be used to inform the allocation of cases to new community The work by NOMS on moving to a smoke free rehabilitation companies (CRCs) or the national probation prison estate will continue to be informed by the UK service (NPS) and complements the pre-sentence report Centre for Tobacco Control Studies in Nottingham process. Our testing with operational staff in trusts of University; by further assessments of air quality in the RSR tool indicates that it is straightforward to use, prisons; and by the work with Public Health England in line with our commitment to minimising bureaucracy and expertise from the New Zealand prison service for front-line staff. which has introduced smoke free prisons. The new national probation service (NPS) will be responsible for advice to courts and, prior to sentence, the NPS will advise courts on sentencing options for Probation cases as part of a pre-sentence report (in accordance with the reserved function of advice to court under John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for section 4 of the Offender Management Act 2007). Justice whether the assessment and allocation tools to Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State be used by probation staff in England and Wales from for Justice what resources he will make available for 1 April 2014 have been finalised. [195831] interviews between a prisoner and a probation officer to allocate the case to the National Probation Service Jeremy Wright: We are carrying out extensive local or a Community Rehabilitation Company after a testing of the key elements of the new transforming sentence of imprisonment after the introduction of the rehabilitation systems across a number of probation Transforming Rehabilitation Agenda in England and trusts. Findings are helping us to refine the associated Wales. [195849] tools and guidance. We have now completed testing of the new risk of serious recidivism (RSR) tool, which Jeremy Wright: The Transforming Rehabilitation will be used to inform the allocation of cases to new transitional process taking place during April and May community rehabilitation companies (CRCs) or the national 2014 will allow us to refine all new procedures before probation service (NPS), and we have begun the roll out the creation of CRCs and the NPS on 1 June 2014, and of the current version of the tool to all trusts. help to ensure the right resources are in place to carry out all associated tasks. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when supervision of prisoners on release Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice serving less than 12 months will begin in England and (1) what guidance his Department has issued to magistrates Wales. [195834] on consideration of breach applications following the introduction of the Transforming Rehabilitation agenda Jeremy Wright: The extension of statutory licence in England and Wales; [196021] conditions and rehabilitation supervision to offenders (2) what guidance his Department has issued to sentenced to less than 12 months imprisonment is subject magistrates in Wales and England on the implications to the commencement of the relevant provisions in the of the Transforming Rehabilitation agenda for the Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014. This change to the functioning of the courts. [196019] sentencing framework is a core element of the Ministry of Justice’s Transforming Rehabilitation Programme. Jeremy Wright: The Department has engaged regularly Ministry of Justice officials are currently managing the with the magistracy on the Transforming Rehabilitation transitional and implementation arrangements for the reforms, via the National Sentencer Probation Forum programme, including the timing for commencement of and other meetings, and through the usual communication this part of the Act. channels. Our intention is to ensure that the magistracy We are on course to award and mobilise the new and sentencers more widely are fully informed of the contracts for delivering rehabilitation services by 2015. Transforming Rehabilitation reforms and associated implications, including for breach applications. Training for the magistracy and any sentencing guidelines relating Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for to the Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014 will be a matter Justice (1) whether the national probation service will for the independent Judicial College and the Sentencing be responsible for the provision of court reports after Council respectively. the introduction of the transforming rehabilitation agenda in England and Wales; [195848] Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (2) what estimate he has made of changes to the (1) what effect the introduction of the Transforming number of fast delivery reports to magistrates courts in Rehabilitation agenda in magistrates’ courts in England and Wales after the introduction of the England and Wales will have on report writing slots; transforming rehabilitation agenda. [195847] [196022] 621W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 622W

(2) what steps he has taken to ensure that there will magistracy about the Transforming Rehabilitation reforms not be delays in the delivery of court reports to magistrates’ via the National Sentencer Probation Forum, as well as courts in Wales and England following the introduction through other regular communication channels. Our of the Transforming Rehabilitation agenda. [196020] intention is to ensure that the magistracy and sentencers more widely are fully informed about the Transforming Jeremy Wright: We are engaging with the magistracy Rehabilitation reforms. Training for the magistracy and and sentencers to ensure they are fully informed of the any sentencing guidelines relating to the Offender Transforming Rehabilitation reforms and associated Rehabilitation Act 2014 is a matter for the independent implications. The new National Probation Service (NPS) Judicial College and the Sentencing Council respectively. will be responsible for advice to courts and, prior to sentence, the NPS will advise courts on sentencing Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for options for cases as part of a pre-sentence report (in Justice (1) what plans he has to introduce specialisations accordance with the reserved function of giving assistance in magistrates’ courts in England and Wales following to any court in determining the appropriate sentence to the introduction of the Transforming Rehabilitation pass, under section 4 of the Offender Management Act Agenda; [196372] 2007). (2) what plans he has to introduce individual case As now, the three categories of pre-sentence report, reviews following the introduction of the Transforming Standard Delivery (SDR), Fast Delivery (FDR), and Rehabilitation agenda into magistrates’ courts in Same Day (or Oral) reports will allow Courts the flexibility England and Wales. [196371] to deliver sentencing decisions in the appropriate timeframe, depending on each individual case, reducing the number Jeremy Wright: The Government has not yet decided of adjournments and expediting the criminal justice on the future of the provision for case reviews. We have process. The new Risk of Serious Recidivism (RSR) no plans to introduce specialisation in magistrates courts. tool will be used to inform the allocation of cases to However, the Government is currently undertaking a new Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) or review of the role of magistrates with a view to ensuring the NPS and complements the pre-sentence report process. that the magistracy remains the cornerstone of our The RSR will be straightforward to use and aims to justice system. A public consultation paper will be reduce bureaucracy in the report writing process. We issued later in the year. We are engaging with the will ensure through the contracting process that CRCs magistracy and sentencers to ensure they are fully informed work closely with the NPS so that cases where the about the Transforming Rehabilitation reforms. offender is under CRC supervision are brought before the courts speedily and effectively. Probation Trusts: Sick Leave

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what plans he has to introduce training for Justice whether sickness rates in probation trusts in magistrates and legal advisers following the introduction England and Wales have risen since January 2013. of the Transforming Rehabilitation Agenda in England [195832] and Wales. [196369] Jeremy Wright: Information on the average levels of Jeremy Wright: Responsibility for judicial training absence due to staff sickness in the Probation trusts is lies with the Lord Chief Justice as head of the judiciary, published annually, at national level, in the NOMS and is exercised through the Judicial College, an independent Annual Report and Accounts: Management Information body. The Ministry of Justice is keeping the Judicial Addendum. College informed of implementation plans for the Offender A link to the latest published report for FY 2012/13 is Rehabilitation Act 2014 and wider Transforming provided as follows: Rehabilitation reforms to enable the College to deliver https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ training as it sees fit. attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf The NOMS Annual Report and Accounts: Management Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Information Addendum for FY 2013/14 will be published Justice what guidance he has given magistrates in England on 31 July 2014. and Wales on the introduction of the risk of serious recidivism tool into the National Probation Service Probation: Northumberland following the introduction of the Transforming Rehabilitation model in England and Wales. [196370] Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many organisations remain in the bidding Jeremy Wright: The new Risk of Serious Recidivism process for the Northumbria Community Rehabilitation (RSR) tool will be used to inform the allocation of Company. [195090] cases to either the National Probation Service (NPS) or a Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC). We have Jeremy Wright: In mid December 2013, the bidders begun the roll out of the tool to all Trusts, and have who passed the first stage of the competition to bid for ensured that it is designed to minimise unnecessary the regional rehabilitation contracts were announced. bureaucracy so that staff working in the NPS or a CRC The list includes a mix of private and voluntary sector can spend more of their time managing and rehabilitating partnerships with more than 50 organisations represented. offenders. A list of the bidders who have been successful at this The RSR tool is an aid for probation staff and we stage can be found at: have not issued magistrates with specific guidance on it. https://www.justice.gov.uk/transforming-rehabilitation/ However, the Department engages regularly with the competition 623W Written Answers28 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 624W

The process to award Community Rehabilitation Detail regarding all organisations funded through Company contracts is ongoing and the details of which the Victim and Witness Fund, which includes the Rape bidders are interested in bidding for each Contract Support Funds 2011-14 and 2014-16 can be found at Package Area (CPA) is commercially sensitive information, gov.uk, the information provided includes the amount which it would not be right to make public at this stage of funding awarded to each organisation. The documents as this would affect the bidding process for the overall are located in the transparency data section of the competition. The contract winners for each Community Publications tab at: Rehabilitation Company will be announced by the end https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/victims-and- of 2014. witnesses-funding-awards Procurement The document for the 2014-16 Rape Support Fund is divided into police and crime commissioning areas and includes the funding amounts awarded for both 2014-15 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and 2015-16. The document was published on 8 April 2014. which contracts his Department holds with (a) Capita, (b) A4E, (c) G4S, (d) Serco, (e) GeoAMEY, (f) Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Sodexo and (g) Mitie; when each contract started; how Justice what criteria were used to determine the funding much each contract is expect to cost over its lifetime; allocation for rape crisis centres for the 2014-16 period; when each contract is due to end; whether there are any and on what grounds the funding for Hull Rape Crisis options in the contract for extension; whether any Centre was cut. [194745] financial penalties have been incurred by each contractor to date; and whether each such contract has Damian Green: This Government has committed to a break clause. [177489] increasing available funding for services for victims of crime by potentially raising up to an additional £50 Jeremy Wright: The answer to the question tabled by million per year from offenders, almost doubling current the right hon. Member will be answered in due course. funding if realised. Therefore more money than ever The requested data are not held centrally in their entirety before will be available for services to support victims of and answering the request will require approaching crime, with a potential total budget of up to £100 individual contract managers to gather and validate million with offenders paying a much greater share. data. The 2014-16 Female Rape Support Fund provides Substantive answer from Jeremy Wright to Sadiq Khan: funding to organisations that successfully met the funds I undertook to write to you when the information had been showstopper and quality criteria. The 2014-16 Rape received. Support Fund has awarded funding to 80 organisations. The table contained within Annex A, which will be placed in The rape support funding is designed to be leveraged the Library, details the live contracts that the Department holds funding to cover part of each centre’s funding needs with Capita, G4S, Serco, GeoAmey, Sodexo and MITIE. The based on the annual income of each centre. table provides you with details on the start and end dates of these On this basis, Hull Rape Crisis Centre have been contracts, the estimated value of the contract as advertised when awarded £20,000 for both 2014-15 and 2015-16. the procurement process was initiated, extension options and whether there is a break clause. Where information pertaining to Shoplifting any of these questions is already in the public domain, you will find for ease of reference links to the Hansard extracts. Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for There are no contracts between the Department and A4E. Justice if he will bring forward legislative proposals to The table within Annex A provides details on financial penalties increase sentences for shoplifting. [195904] where this information is already available in the public domain. To obtain this information for all the contracts listed would incur Jeremy Wright: The maximum penalty for theft is disproportionate costs. seven years’ imprisonment. The independent Sentencing The details for the legacy Electronic Monitoring contracts Council is responsible for issuing guidelines which all between the Department and G4S and Serco have not been provided to you due to the ongoing criminal investigation into courts must follow when determining the appropriate issues relating to these contracts. sentence in each case, within this maximum penalty. On 3 April, the Council opened a consultation on a new Rape: Victim Support Schemes draft guideline for theft offences. The consultation period ends on 26 June 2014 and is open to everyone. The Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice responses received will inform the definitive new sentencing (1) which rape support centres and helplines that guideline for theft offences in due course. received funding from the Rape Support Fund in any of the last three years will not receive any such funding Stationery fund in 2014-15; [194741] Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) which rape support centres and helplines (a) Justice what levels of stock his Department holds of nationally and (b) in each region will receive funding (a) stationery, (b) printer cartridges, (c) treasury tags from the Rape Support Fund in 2014-15; and how and other fasteners and (d) other office consumables. [194742] much funding has been allocated in each case. [196212]

Damian Green: The Ministry of Justice remains Damian Green: The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) does committed to supporting organisations that deliver specialist not record levels of stock held of (a) stationery, (b) support to female victims of rape and sexual violence printer cartridges, (c) treasury tags and other fasteners and has committed £4.4 million per year over 2014-16 and (d) other office consumables. This information through the Rape Support Fund. could be collated only at disproportionate cost.

627W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 628W Written Answers to Stationery Mr Redwood: To ask the Attorney-General what Questions levels of stock the Law Officers’ Departments hold of (a) stationery, (b) printer cartridges, (c) treasury tags and other fasteners and (d) other office consumables. Tuesday 29 April 2014 [196196]

The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service has reduced its expenditure on stationery substantially ATTORNEY-GENERAL since 2010, however, inventories of stationery items and Proceeds of Crime office consumables are not maintained and to calculate the stock levels held would incur a disproportionate Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how cost. much money subject to a Crown Prosecution Service The remaining Law Officers’ Departments operate restraining or confiscation order has been diverted to “Just in Time” purchasing for most stationery items meet the costs of a private-sector receiver in each of the and do not therefore keep details on the exact levels of last three financial years; and what proportion that stock of stationery, printer cartridges, treasury tags and amount was of all assets subject to such orders. other fasteners or other office consumables. Providing [195842] such information would incur a disproportionate cost.

The Solicitor-General: The following table contains data from the last three financial years on the total amount restrained under restraint orders, the total fees BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS paid to management receivers and the percentage of receivership fees as a proportion of the restrained amount. Apprentices Management receiverships Total amount Percentage of Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, restrained receivership fees Innovation and Skills how many apprentices aged (a) Fees paid to under restraint as a proportion 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 24 and (c) 25 years or over are Financial management order amount1 of the amount employed at each of his Department’s Executive agencies, year receivers (£) (£) restrained non-departmental public bodies and associated bodies 2011-12 1,677,316.04 142,861,002.70 1.17 and agencies. [195212] 2012-13 995,667.35 142,878,474.31 0.70 Matthew Hancock: I have asked chief executives of 2013-14 1,168,938.64 145,485,882.31 0.80 the Executive agencies to respond directly to the hon. 1 The amount shown represents the entirety of restrained funds. However, in many cases, the receiver is appointed to manage carefully Member. selected assets and not all of the funds restrained. Accordingly, the Until 2013, the Department for Business, Innovation receiver’s fees as a proportion of the amount of restrained funds he and Skills did not keep a record of the age of internal manages could be considerably higher than the figures shown above. apprentices. The table shows the age of both externally Note: The amount restrained is constantly fluctuating due to a number of recruited apprentices since 2010 and ages of those factors including payment of reasonable living expenses from restrained apprentices embarking on the Departments’ internal funds and the changing values of real property. Accordingly, it is apprenticeship programme in 2013. The 2013 figure difficult to get an accurate value as to the amount restrained at any refers to the ages of those on the Departments’ internal one time. programme. There are no externally recruited apprentices The following table contains data from the last three in the 25 years or over category. financial years on the total confiscation order amount (i.e. the sum of all assets included in confiscation orders), 2010 2011 2012 2013 total fees paid to enforcement receivers and the percentage of receivership fees as a proportion of the confiscation 16 to 18 0 0 0 1 order amount. 19 to 24 2 1 2 11 25 years or over 0 0 0 16 Enforcement receivers Percentage of The Department for Business Innovation and Skills Total receivership currently has 53 apprentices. We have had 4 successful confiscation fees as a order amount1 proportion of completions this year. Fees paid to (including any the 16 of these 53 apprentices are under the age of 21 enforcement variations) confiscation with a further 6 apprentices under 21 expected to join Financial year receivers (£) (£) order amount the Department later in the year. 2011-12 2,716,436.53 109,684,469.49 2.48 Letter from John Alty, dated 7 April 2014: 2012-13 2,982,980.41 140,752,428.67 2.12 I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office 2013-14 1,413,235.87 138,249,651.38 1.02 to your Parliamentary Question tabled 3rd April 2014, to the 1 The amount shown represents the total sum of assets available for Secretary of State for Business. Innovation and Skills in which confiscation. However, in many cases, the receiver is appointed to you ask the Secretary of State for Business, innovation and Skills, realise carefully selected assets and not all assets listed in the confiscation how many apprentices aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 24 and (c) 25 order. Accordingly, the receiver’s fees as a proportion of the assets he years or over are employed at each of his Department’s executive is appointed to realise could be considerably higher than the figures agencies, non-departmental public bodies and associated bodies shown above. and agencies. (195212) 629W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 630W

The Intellectual Property Office is an executive agency of the Companies House does not employ any apprentices. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). It does not Letter from Vanessa Lawrence, dated 4 April 2014: currently employ any apprentices, but is in the process of introducing a scheme to bring 8 in from September 2014. As Director General and Chief Executive of Ordnance Survey, Letter from John Hirst, dated 7 April 2014: I have been asked to respond to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, I am replying on behalf of the Met Office to your Parliamentary how many apprentices aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 24 and (c) 25 Question tabled on 3 April 2014, DIN 195212 to the Secretary of years or over are employed at each of his Department’s executive State for Business, Innovation and Skills. agencies, non-departmental public bodies and associated bodies There are no apprentices working at the Met Office. The Met and agencies. Office primarily meets its needs for trainees through graduate (a) No apprentices aged 16 to 18 are employed by Ordnance recruitment campaigns. In addition, the Met Office runs an Survey. innovative IT Trainee Scheme, training individuals from A-Level standard upwards. It also offers paid summer placement opportunities (b) No apprentices aged 19 to 24 are employed by Ordnance to those who have just completed the first year of A’ levels, Survey. current undergraduates or those who have completed their studies. (c) No apprentices aged 25 or over are employed by Ordnance I hope this helps. Survey. Letter from Richard Judge, dated 8 April 2014: Should you have any further questions, please let me know. In response to PQ 2013/3483, I confirm that the Insolvency I hope this information is helpful. Service has twelve existing members of staff who are undertaking Letter from David Parker: an apprenticeship. The age breakdown is provided in the table. Thank you for your question addressed to the Secretary of Number of apprentices currently State for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills Age of apprentice employed asking how many apprentices aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 24 and (c) 25 years or over are employed at each of his Department’s 16-18 0 executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and associated 19-24 1 bodies and agencies. 25 years or over 11 The UK Space Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department Total number of apprentices 12 of Business, Innovation and Skills and has no apprentices employed. The Agency does not have any new hire apprentices in its employment at present. Government Departments: Secondment Letter from Ed Lester, dated 8 April 2014: Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, I write on behalf of Land Registry in response to your parliamentary question numbered 195212 tabled on 03 April 2014 Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer to Lord which asked the following: Adonis of 3 June 2013, Official Report, House of Lords, column 122WA, on Government Departments: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many apprentices aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 24 and (c) secondments, of those secondments to his Department 25 years or over are employed at each of his Department’s listed on that date, how many of these secondments executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and associated related (a) wholly, (b) partly and (c) incidentally to bodies and agencies. the privatisation of Royal Mail; and how many of those I can confirm that Land Registry does not currently employ secondments took place primarily for the purpose of any apprentices but that we are working on proposals to take on helping with the privatisation of Royal Mail. [195632] apprentices in future. I hope that you find this information helpful. Michael Fallon: Of the secondees listed in the answer Letter from Barbara Spicer, dated 7 April 2014: given to the noble Lord, Lord Adonis on 3 June 2013, Thank you for your question asking the Secretary of State for two worked on the Royal Mail privatisation in the Business, Innovation and Skills, how many apprentices aged (a) Shareholder Executive. 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 24 and (c) 25 years or over are employed at each of his Department’s executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and associated bodies and agencies. (195212) Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many secondments from the Please be advised that the Skills Funding Agency has 28 apprentices in total aged (a) 16 to 18-2 (b) 19 to 24-24 (c) 25 years private sector to his Department and its agencies the or over-2 secondee’s work-related (a) wholly, (b) partly or (c) I hope this satisfactorily addresses your question. If you have incidentally to the privatisation of Royal Mail; from any follow up queries, please let me know. which firms those secondments were made; and on what dates they began and ended. [195633] Letter from Sarah Glasspool, dated 4 April 2014: I am responding in respect of the National Measurement Office (NMO), an executive agency of the Department for Business, Michael Fallon: In the Shareholder Executive teams Innovation and Skills (BIS), to your Parliamentary Question are put together to work on specific projects bringing tabled on 3 April 2014, asking the BIS Secretary of State how together appropriate skills and experience; such teams many apprentices aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 24 and (c) 25 years or regularly include secondee appointments. Three secondees over are employed at each of his Department’s executive agencies, from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Lazard and KPMG non-departmental public bodies and associated bodies and agencies. spent varying degrees of time working at the Shareholder The National Measurement Office (NMO) employs one apprentice Executive on the Royal Mail IPO. The Freshfields secondee who falls into age bracket (a). worked on various projects, and worked wholly on the Letter from Neil Hartley, dated 4 April 2014: Royal Mail privatisation for the second half of the I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary secondment. The Lazard and KPMG secondees were Question tabled 3 April 2014, UIN 195212 to the Secretary of engaged to work principally on Royal Mail. No secondee State for Business, Innovation and Skills. held a senior position in the team. 631W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 632W

The KPMG secondment started in June 2013 and is occupations and employers in the sector are currently continuing. The Freshfields secondment started in designing a new apprenticeship standard for ratings as December 2012 and ended in November 2013. The part of our Phase 2 Trailblazer programme. Lazard secondment ran from January 2013 to January The Government has recognised through Alternative 2014. Completion Conditions Regulations that, in some maritime occupations, apprentices may be trainees rather than Royal Mail employees. The apprenticeships funding reform technical consultation is open until 1 May 2014 and this includes Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, a question about how, or to what extent, the new Innovation and Skills what due diligence was undertaken funding principles and mechanism can be applied to by officials in his Department in relation to the reliability non-employed apprentices. of the gentlemen’s agreement on the holding of Royal Mail shares by priority investors. [195593] CABINET OFFICE Michael Fallon: There was no agreement—gentleman’s Consultants or otherwise—on the holding of Royal Mail shares by priority investors. Chris Leslie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) which 10 consultancy firms were paid the Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for most by No. 10 Downing Street in the last financial Business, Innovation and Skills what safeguards were year; and how much each of those firms was paid; (a) sought and (b) put in place to ensure that priority [195582] investors would continue to invest over a longer period (2) which 10 consultancy firms were paid the most by of time in respect of the privatisation of Royal Mail. his Department in the last financial year; and how [195594] much each of those firms was paid; [195568] (3) which five companies were used most often to Michael Fallon: More than 500 would-be investors in provide temporary workers for his Department in the Royal Mail were approached in the lead up to the sale last financial year; and how much in agency fees was including potential long term institutional investors. paid to each of them; [195546] As is standard practice for any flotation, we did not (4) which five companies were used most often to seek to lock in any investors in as they would have paid provide temporary workers for No. 10 Downing Street less for a stock they could not trade. in the last financial year; and how much in agency fees We understand that the majority of the shares, other was paid to each of them. [195560] than those owned by Government, the Royal Mail workforce and retail investors, are currently held by Mr Maude: The Prime Minister’s Office is an integral long term institutional investors. part of the Cabinet Office. Before the last general election, including for the Shipping: Training entire period while the hon. Member was a Minister in this very Department, there were no effective cross- Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, governmental controls on consultancy spend. Nor were Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of spending controls exercised on other areas such as the potential effect of reform of apprenticeships resulting procurement, advertising and marketing, and IT spend. from the Richard Review on the cost of training new That’s all changed and ministers—supported by Cabinet (a) ratings and (b) officer cadets in the maritime Office officials—now closely scrutinise what we spend industry; and if he will make a statement. [195525] on consultants and temporary labour. Departments saved over £1 billion in 2012-13 (the last year for which Matthew Hancock: Different apprenticeship programmes we have audited figures) compared to the spending operate in England and Scotland. Doug Richard’s Review levels in the final year of the last administration, 2009-10. focused on English apprenticeships and he made a This helped us save taxpayers £10 billion in 2012-13 number of recommendations to make the programme against a 2009-10 baseline. more rigorous and responsive to employers’ needs. The We will continue to spend money on consultants and Government accepted the Richard Review principles temporary labour when there is an appropriate business and set out its apprenticeship reform programme in the need to do so. Indeed in some cases engaging temporary October 2013 Implementation Plan. labour is more flexible and cheaper for the taxpayer The reforms include employers developing new than taking on new staff. But we are also ensuring that apprenticeship standards, requiring employers to co-invest, the civil service has the skills needed. Our Capabilities putting the Government funding for the external training Plan is designed to address long-standing gaps in four and assessment of apprentices in the hands of their particular areas: digital skills, project management skills, employers and setting maximum Government contribution commercial skills, and the leadership and management levels. With direct access to funding, employers will be of change. able to negotiate a price for the training with their We publish all spend data over £25,000 and contracts provider, and this means it is not possible in advance of over £10,000 on Gov.uk and Contracts Finder. the reforms to say what the costs of training apprentices Domestic Violence in specific occupations will be. The Maritime sector has a long tradition of Mr Sheerman: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet apprenticeships which we wish to continue. English Office what analysis of the victim profile in domestic apprenticeships are currently available for Maritime abuse cases his Department has undertaken. [196559] 633W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 634W

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. asked the authority to reply. Letter from Glen Watson, dated April 2014: Letter from Caron Walker, dated April 2014: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I In the absence of the Director General for the Office for have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking National Statistics (ONS) I have been asked to reply to your what analysis of the victim profile in domestic abuse cases has Parliamentary Questions asking the Minister for the Cabinet been undertaken. (196559) Office what estimate he has made of the number of people of The Office for National Statistics publishes an annual report Latin American ethnicity in (a) the UK, (b) England and Wales, which focuses specifically on violent crime and sexual offences. (c) London, (d) each London borough and (e) Streatham constituency Within this publication, there is a subset of information which (196454) and what plans his Department has to ensure that the covers profiles of victims of domestic abuse, for offences occurring Latin American community is better recognised in official statistics. in the previous year as well as those taking place since age 16. (196455) A copy of the most recent of these reports, ‘Focus On Violent 196454 Crime and Sexual Offences 2012/13’, can be found here: Table 1 provides the information you require using 2011 Census http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/crime-stats/crime-statistics/ data for Northern Ireland, England and Wales, London boroughs focus-on-violent-crime-and-sexual-offences--2012-13/ and Streatham constituency. Equivalent data was not collected index.html for Scotland by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) therefore I am not able to provide information at the UK level. Ethnic Groups: Latin America 196455 The 2011 Census data for Latin American was collected through ‘write in’ responses to the ethnic group question. A consultation Mr Umunna: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet was undertaken to determine the ethnic group tick boxes to be Office, (1) what plans his Department has to ensure that included in the England and Wales 2011 Census. ONS recommends the Latin American community is better recognised in that this ethnic group question be used in all social surveys, official statistics; [196455] though organisations may want to adapt it to incorporate specific data requirements. While the Office for National Statistics (ONS) (2) what estimate he has made of the number of received requests for approximately 20 new tick boxes, there was people of Latin American ethnicity in (a) the UK, (b) no strong policy need highlighted for a Latin American tick box. England and Wales, (c) London, (d) each London There are currently no plans to relook at the recommended ethnic borough and (e) Streatham constituency. [196454] group standards.

Table 1: Number of usual residents identifying their Ethnic group as Latin/South/Central American All usual Ethnic group: Latin/ Ethnic group: Latin/ residents South/Central South/Central (Persons American1 (Persons American1, 2 Area type Area code Area name number) Number) (Persons percentage)

National K04000001 ENGLAND AND WALES 56,075,912 71,131 0.1 Country E92000001 ENGLAND 53,012,456 70,404 0.1 Country W92000004 WALES 3,063,456 727 0.0 Country N92000002 NORTHERN IRELAND 1,810,863 191 0.0 Region E12000007 LONDON 8,173,941 48,065 0.6 E13000001 Inner London 3,231,901 34,199 1.1 London borough E09000007 Camden 220,338 1,877 0.9 London borough E09000001 City of London 7,375 61 0.8 London borough E09000012 Hackney 246,270 2,413 1.0 London borough E09000013 Hammersmith and Fulham 182,493 1,802 1.0 London borough E09000014 Haringey 254,926 2,828 1.1 London borough E09000019 Islington 206,125 2,314 1.1 London borough E09000020 Kensington and Chelsea 158,649 1,652 1.0 London borough E09000022 Lambeth 303,086 5,906 1.9 London borough E09000023 Lewisham 275,885 2,091 0.8 London borough E09000025 Newham 307,984 2,349 0.8 London borough E09000028 Southwark 288,283 5,169 1.8 London borough E09000030 Tower Hamlets 254,096 1,254 0.5 London borough E09000032 Wandsworth 306,995 2,344 0.8 London borough E09000033 Westminster 219,396 2,139 1.0 E13000002 Outer London 4,942,040 13,866 0.3 London borough E09000002 Barking and Dagenham 185,911 335 0.2 London borough E09000003 Barnet 356,386 1,526 0.4 London borough E09000004 Bexley 231,997 195 0.1 London borough E09000005 Brent 311,215 1,489 0.5 London borough E09000006 Bromley 309,392 551 0.2 London borough E09000008 Croydon 363,378 1,495 0.4 London borough E09000009 Ealing 338,449 989 0.3 London borough E09000010 Enfield 312,466 876 0.3 London borough E09000011 Greenwich 254,557 842 0.3 635W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 636W

Table 1: Number of usual residents identifying their Ethnic group as Latin/South/Central American All usual Ethnic group: Latin/ Ethnic group: Latin/ residents South/Central South/Central (Persons American1 (Persons American1, 2 Area type Area code Area name number) Number) (Persons percentage)

London borough E09000015 Harrow 239,056 399 0.2 London borough E09000016 Havering 237,232 141 0.1 London borough E09000017 Hillingdon 273,936 437 0.2 London borough E09000018 Hounslow 253,957 525 0.2 London borough E09000021 Kingston upon Thames 160,060 450 0.3 London borough E09000024 Merton 199,693 952 0.5 London borough E09000026 Redbridge 278,970 534 0.2 London borough E09000027 Richmond upon Thames 186,990 561 0-3 London borough E09000029 Sutton 190,146 342 0.2 London borough E09000031 Waltham Forest 258,249 1,227 0.5 Parliamentary E14000978 Streatham 115,046 1,987 1.7 constituency3 1 The ethnic group category in Northern Ireland is Latin/South American. 2 Percentage figures rounded to 1 decimal place. 3 Parliamentary constituency boundary as at 2010. Note: 2014 Figures for England and Wales and constituent areas sourced from 2011 Census Table CT0010. Figures for Northern Ireland sourced from 2011 Census Table QS201NI Table population: All usual residents Sources: Survey: 2011 Census of England and Wales, 2011 Census of Northern Ireland reference date: 27 March 2011 Office for National Statistics (2011 Census in England and Wales) Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (2011 Census in Northern Ireland)

Government Departments: Video Conferencing Mr Maude: As was the case under the previous administration, details of internal meetings are not Simon Kirby: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet normally published. Office whether it is his policy to encourage civil Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations servants to use video conferencing in order to reduce are published at: costs; and if he will make a statement. [195411] https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ministers- transparency-publications. Mr Maude: Yes. Video conferencing can be used to reduce costs but specialist equipment can be required. Officials and ministers also make use of telephone conferencing. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Private Sector Natural Gas: Safety

Lucy Powell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Office how many jobs have been transferred from the Communities and Local Government what steps his public to private sector from (a) his Department and Department is taking to encourage local authorities to (b) the Office of the Leader of the House as a result of promote gas safety among leaseholders in local privatisation or outsourcing since May 2010. [195522] authority-managed properties. [187486]

Mr Maude: The Leader of the House’s Office is an Kris Hopkins: The Department does not provide integral part of the Cabinet Office. advice on gas safety specifically for leaseholders in local Since May 2010, twenty-two jobs have been transferred authority–managed properties. However, the lease of a to the Private Sector. property will set out the responsibilities of the freeholder and the leaseholder, including responsibility for maintenance Six posts through the SWIRL joint venture and 16 of gas appliances. posts with the mutual joint venture of the Behavioural Insights Team. In the private rented and social rented sectors, landlords are required by law to: repair and maintain gas pipework, We know that joint ventures and mutuals can help keep flues and appliances in safe condition; ensure an drive up productivity and we will continue to support annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue; and innovative business models. keep a record of each safety check. For the social housing sector, the Homes and Trade Unions Communities Agency ‘Home Standard’ says that registered providers must “meet all applicable statutory requirements Graeme Morrice: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet that provide for the health and safety of the occupants Office how many meetings his Department has had for in their homes”. The Homes and Communities Agency which the check off system of paying trade union fees has recently issued three ‘serious detriment’ notices was on the agenda. [196720] against Gallions, YourHousing Group and the Guinness 637W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 638W

Partnership for failing to maintain gas safety and they Details on renewable energy projects are held on the have all had their Governance ratings downgraded partly Department of Energy and Climate Change’s Planning based on that. Database at: The Home Standard is a ‘consumer’ standard and https://restats.decc.gov.uk/cms/planning-database/ therefore applies to all registered providers, including local authorities.

Non-domestic Rates: East Sussex CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Aerials: Planning Permission Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for taking to help shops in (a) Brighton, Kemptown Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made constituency and (b) East Sussex with their business of the average time taken to grant planning permission rate bills; and if he will make a statement. [196009] for mobile telephone base stations in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [196025] Brandon Lewis: At the autumn statement we announced a £1 billion package of business rates support to help Nick Boles: I have been asked to reply on behalf of shops and local firms. This included a £1,000 discount the Department for Communities and Local Government. for two years for shops, pubs and restaurants with a rateable value of below £50,000. We do not hold figures The information requested is not held centrally and for numbers benefitting from that measure in the Kemptown could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. constituency. However, based on local authority reports Last August, to support the roll-out of superfast of the amount of relief awarded in the Brighton and mobile broadband (4G), I brought forward changes to East Sussex areas, we estimate that 2,270 properties will permitted development rights which grant planning benefit in Brighton and Hove, 890 in Wealdon, 810 in permission for specific types of mobile development. Lewes, 750 in Rother, and 720 in Eastbourne. We do not These changes apply to England only. yet have an estimate for Hastings. The support package also included a 50% discount for businesses taking on long-term empty shops, the DEFENCE doubling of small business rate relief for another year, a 2% cap on RPI increases for 2014-15, and allowing Air Force businesses to spread their rate payments over 12 months. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Secularism and Humanism pursuant to the answer of 17 March 2014, Official Report, column 490W, on the Royal Air Force, if he will Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for provide details of (a) each base at which RAF personnel Communities and Local Government what meetings from the Remotely Piloted Air System division are (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have had stationed and (b) the branch and specialisation of with (i) secularist and (b) humanist organisations since every such person. [195004] May 2010. [195487] Mr Francois: RAF Remotely Piloted Air System Stephen Williams: Ministers have regular meetings (RPAS) personnel are based at RAF Waddington and with a range of different partners and organisations. Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. Details of Ministers’ meetings with external organisations RAF personnel are from the following branches or are published on the Department’s website. specialisation: Branch/Specialisation Wind Power Pilot Sensor Operator Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Mission Intelligence Coordinator Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 18 March 2014, Official Report, column Operations 533W, on wind power, where within his Department Engineer information on the energy capacity of schemes is held. Administration [195380] RAF RPAS Squadrons can also include personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army. Kris Hopkins [holding answer 9 April 2014]: The individual details of each appeal are submitted by the Armoured Fighting Vehicles parties within a variety of documents, stored separately on the individual case files. Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for My Department does not analyse or keep running Defence what estimate he has made of the number of totals of the generation capacity of wind turbine appeals, armoured fighting vehicles which will be (a) returned and it would incur disproportionate cost to create such to the UK, (d) destroyed or (c) sold by the time of the information retrospectively. The main consideration in main withdrawal from Afghanistan; and what the costs wind turbine appeals is the potential impact of the associated with each of those categories are to date. development on the surrounding area. [196076] 639W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 640W

Mr Francois: All armoured fighting vehicles deployed EDUCATION to Afghanistan will be returned to the UK. None of these have been destroyed and none are currently due to Youth Work be sold. The information on costs associated with this activity Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for cannot be readily broken out from the wider costs of all Education what steps his Department is taking to equipment and personnel recovery. promote the reputation and status of youth work. [196223] Baltic States Matthew Hancock: Responsibility for youth policy, Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence including youth work, transferred to Cabinet Office on what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts 3 July 2013. Cabinet Office co-ordinates cross-government in (a) Latvia, (b) Lithuania and (c) Estonia about work on youth policy and is also responsible for policy strengthening defence and security relationships with on international youth issues, youth voice and democracy, those countries. [196264] and the role of local authorities as well as working with the youth sector. Mr Philip Hammond: I regularly engage with my The Department for Education continues its commitment Baltic counterparts, including through EU and NATO to all young people through its responsibilities for education meetings. I visited Latvia and Lithuania in September and children’s services in England; and works closely 2013; and I intend to visit the region again in the very with the rest of Government on key issues such as near future. reducing risky behaviour and increasing participation In December 2013 I visited Estonia where I signed in education, employment and training. the General Defence Engagement Memorandum of Understanding between our two countries.

European Fighter Aircraft ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Electoral Register Defence how many air proximity incidents by classification took place with a Typhoon aircraft in each of the last Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South three years; and what the other aircraft involved was in West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on each incident, broken down by location. [194524] the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answers of 3 February 2014, Official Report, columns 59-62W and Mr Francois: Details of the air proximity incidents 6 March 2014, Official Report, column 892W, on the involving Typhoon aircraft in 2011, 2012 and 2013 have electoral register, what the average planned cost for been published online and can be obtained from the each download target for each voter registration UK Airprox Board website at: campaign was for each of the last five elections. http://www.airproxboard.org.uk/ [191081] default.aspx?catid=423&pagetype=90&pageid=5639 Scandinavia Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that it did not set specific targets for the cost per download of each registration campaign during the last Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence five elections but that these campaigns were carefully when Ministers in his last met their counterparts from planned to be as cost effective as possible. (a) Norway, (b) Finland and (c) Sweden. [196262]

Dr Murrison: Defence Ministers meet their counterparts Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West regularly at multinational meetings throughout the year. Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the The Secretary of State for Defence most recently met Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answer of 6 March Official Report, the Defence Ministers of Norway, Finland and Sweden 2014, column 892W,on electoral register, at the Northern Group meeting in Helsinki in December if the Electoral Commission will set more rigorous 2013, and I had a bilateral meeting with the Defence targets for expected registration downloads in future Minister of Sweden at the EU Foreign Affairs Council registration campaigns. [191082] (Defence) meeting in Luxembourg in April 2014. Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me Ukraine that it always seeks to set stretching targets for its registration campaigns based on exceeding targets set Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for for the nearest equivalent previous campaign. Defence whether the UK is deploying any military The Commission will be undertaking a thorough assets to assist the NATO patrol over Ukraine. [196181] review of how best to increase voter registration ahead of the 2015 UK General Election. This will look at Mr Francois: NATO is not patrolling Ukranian airspace. lessons from previous campaigns as well as exploring Therefore, nor is the UK. However, the UK is contributing new and potentially more cost efficient ways of generating an E3-D aircraft to the NATO Airborne Early Warning public awareness about voter registration, including and Control Force flying in NATO airspace and it will how best to support the work of other organisations. be deploying four Typhoon aircraft to enhance the Rigorous targets will be set to reflect the objectives of Polish rotation of NATO’s peacetime Baltic Air Policing the campaign and the fact that it will be possible to mission, which polices NATO airspace. register online for the first time in Great Britain. 641W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 642W

Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission which local authorities in Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Great Britain failed the Standard Three performance and Climate Change what steps he is taking to ensure standard for the completeness and accuracy of that the renewable heat incentive scheme is targeted on electoral registration records in 2013. [191114] households most in need of help with their energy bills. [196236] Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that this information was published and tabled in a Gregory Barker: The domestic Renewable Heat Incentive written statement to the House on 31 March. The (RHI) is targeted at, but not limited to, homes off the Commission has written to the hon. Member with a gas grid, which are more expensive to heat than those copy of the report. with mains gas. Households without mains gas have the most potential to save on their fuel bills and decrease Parliamentary Advisory Group their carbon emissions. The RHI is funded through general taxation rather than through a ‘green levy’ on Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South energy bills. West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on As well as homeowners, the domestic RHI is also the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answer of open to social landlords and private landlords. Following 26 February 2014, Official Report, columns 338-9W, on the very successful renewable heat premium payment Parliamentary Advisory Group, on what date each social landlords’ competitions, with over 4,200 installations member of the Parliamentary Advisory Group was to date, we expect to see significant take-up in the social appointed; and what the attendance record of each housing sector. member has been at meetings of that Group since their appointment. [191075] Solar Power

Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy that its Parliamentary Advisory Group is made up of and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 7 April politicians whose expertise it uses to help it consider a 2014, Official Report, column 81W, on solar power, range of different issues. The group has no formal what recent discussions he has had with representatives status so there is no specific date of appointment for of the solar industry regarding changes to the Members. The minutes of each Advisory Group meeting, 250-5MW FiT band for the purpose of encouraging which includes a record of the attendance at each greater deployment of mid-size rooftop solar PV. meeting, are published on the Commission’s website [195701] here: http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/our-work/who-we- Gregory Barker: I have been in regular contact with are/governance-and-decision-making/parliamentary-advisory- representatives of the Solar Trade Association and British group Photovoltaic Association over the last few months, in the lead-up to the publication on 4 April 2014 of the UK Government’s Solar Strategy, the first of its kind in Europe. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE I have discussed with the industry a range of options Energy Companies Obligation for removing the barriers to greater deployment of mid-scale building mounted solar PV. As set out in the Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for strategy, we will be considering specific proposals for Energy and Climate Change for what reasons he doing this in the coming months. deleted Question 10 in the current consultation exercise on the reductions in the size of the Energy Company Obligation; and what his policy is on the Obligation ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS and its size after March 2017. [195736] Agriculture: Exports Gregory Barker: As stated on page 6 of the consultation document, the Government has confirmed that ECO is Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for intended to be ambitious and long term, extending Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his through at least until 2022. The precise shape of the Department is taking to increase agricultural exports as obligation beyond 2017 will be consulted on in due part of the export-led recovery. [195698] course, and is not in scope of the current consultation exercise which focuses on the period through to 2017. George Eustice: DEFRA and UKTI with industry The original question 10 was unclear, in that it requested are working together to increase exports in the agri-food views on the proposed ECO target in the obligation sector. We launched a refreshed Exports Action plan period to March 2017, but followed a series of specific last October. It commits us to deliver £500 million of questions (now questions 10, 11, 12 and 13 in the value to the UK economy by supporting 1,000 companies amended consultation document) seeking views on targets by October 2015. Food and drink exports in 2013 for each of the ECO sub-obligations in that period. As reached £18.9 billion, against £18.2 billion in 2012, and explained on the DECC website, the question was therefore are now 50% higher than 10 years ago. UKTI has removed in the interests of clarity and to avoid unnecessary established a dedicated team with civil servants and repetition. industry experts to improve the value and volume of 643W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 644W inward investment and exports in agricultural technology. George Eustice: DEFRA is currently working closely This team is working with UKTI posts overseas to help with Natural England and AHVLA to develop the UK-based agri-technology companies succeed in detail of how the monitoring will be implemented, international markets. including auditing and evaluation procedures. The results and outcome of the monitoring of the pilot cull will be Air Pollution made publically available after they have been completed. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which key delivery taking to ensure that (a) the ongoing monitoring of partners his Department has met to inform a second the pilot badger culls in Somerset and Gloucestershire consultation on local air quality management as mentioned will be independent and (b) their effectiveness, in the Local Air Quality Management in England: humaneness and safety is based on rigorous scientific Review-Summary of Responses and Government Reply. methodology. [195733] [195709] George Eustice: Monitoring of compliance with licence Dan Rogerson: DEFRA officials have met with lead conditions will continue to be carried out by the licensing officials at the Department for Transport and Greater authority, Natural England. AHVLA will continue to London Authority, and, through the Regional Coordinators carry out post-mortem examinations of carcases. DEFRA Group, local air quality practitioners and environmental is currently working closely with Natural England and health officers from across England. This group, which AHVLA to develop the detail of how the monitoring meets at least twice a year, includes representatives from will be implemented, including auditing and evaluation other Government Departments and key stakeholders. procedures. We will continue to engage fully with these and other delivery partners to help inform our second consultation Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State on revised regulations and guidance for local authorities. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to his statement of 3 April 2014, Official Report, columns Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for 1034-7, on bovine TB, what the evidential basis is for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the the statement that about a third of badgers in TB Government has adopted a formal position on the EU hotspot areas are infected with TB. [195920] air package; and if he will make a statement. [195711] George Eustice: The prevalence of M. bovis in badgers Dan Rogerson: The Government welcomes the European based on post-mortems and a subsequent analysis of Commission’s Clean Air Package which was published the post-mortem protocol following the Randomised on 18 December last year. The Commission has recently Badger Culling Trail (RBCT) showed prevalence of published several reports updating its impact assessment around 33%. for the package, and we are in the process of analysing the proposals. The Government is committed to working In the long-running study of badgers at Woodchester park TB prevalence in badgers has increased to over with the Commission, the European Parliament and 1 other member states to ensure the package is proportionate, 30%. deliverable and achievable. In a separate study in Gloucestershire between 35% and 53% of badgers tested positive to a TB test.2 Biodiversity 1 Delahay et al. Epidemiol. Infect. (2013), 141, 1445-1456. Long-term temporal trends and estimated transmission rates for Mycobacterium bovis infection in an undisturbed high-density badger (Meles Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for meles) population Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to 2 Carter SP, et al. (2012) PLoS ONE 7(12): e49833. doi:10.1371/ his Department’s biodiversity offsetting schemes, what journal.pone.0049833 BCG Vaccination Reduces Risk of Tuberculosis spatial constraints will be placed on the location of Infection in Vaccinated Badgers and Unvaccinated Badger Cubs. such schemes. [195680] Dredging and Cockle Fishing Dan Rogerson: DEFRA is currently considering its policy options on offsetting which include what spatial Mr Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for constraints there might be on the location of offsets. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations These considerations are being made in light of feedback his Department has received from bodies supporting and evidence from several sources. These include our (a) hydraulic dredging and (b) hand-raking methods public consultation on biodiversity offsetting in England, of cockle fishing; and if he will make a statement. the Environmental Audit Committee’s report and evidence [196276] from the six offsetting pilots. George Eustice: In the last 12 months DEFRA has received two e-mails from two different individuals regarding Bovine Tuberculosis cockle fishing methods. The correspondents asked for confirmation that the use of hydraulic dredging for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for cockle fishing is legal and to express their support for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he hand-raking methods of cockle fishing. Officials responded plans to take to ensure that the ongoing monitoring of to both individuals and advised them to contact the the pilot badger culls in Somerset and Gloucestershire local Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority is independently scientifically evaluated. [195732] (IFCA) which is responsible for managing the inshore 645W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 646W area (1-6 nautical miles) around the English coast. Dan Rogerson: The Environment Agency has 100 Officials also made the local IFCA aware of both members of staff fully trained in asset inspection who emails. In addition, I will be responding shortly to have all been deployed in the last five months. Only correspondence I have received expressing concerns on trained staff are used to inspect assets. behalf of the commercial cockle fishermen from King’s Lynn, Norfolk. Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Fisheries: Norfolk Government’s report into the condition of all flood defence assets following the winter floods will be published; and if he will make a statement. [195126] Mr Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Dan Rogerson: The Government’s report into the Department is taking to (a) protect and (b) police the condition of flood defence assets will be published shell fisheries industry in the Wash area. [196277] when the results of the national assessment have been analysed by the Environment Agency. This is currently George Eustice: The shellfisheries in the Wash are expected to be in May. managed by the Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) through a combination of the Wash Floods Fishery Order 1992 Regulations and local IFCA Byelaws. This includes the introduction of closed seasons, gear Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for restriction and the use of permits to control access to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the certain fisheries. This is in addition to EU and UK answer of 13 February 2014, from the Parliamentary regulations. The IFCA officers also work closely with Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Marine Management Organisation officers on enforcement Rural Affairs, Official Report, column 1005, what operations within the Wash area. assessment he has made of how the farming and forestry improvement scheme might help those affected Fisheries: West Africa by flooding. [196340]

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for George Eustice: The Farming and Forestry Improvement Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions Scheme was reviewed at the end of February and revised he has had with his EU counterparts on renegotiating to offer support to rural businesses affected by flooding. overseas fishing agreements with Guinea-Bissau and The scheme now funds additional items, such as other countries along the West African coast. [196130] pumps, that will help businesses to become more resilient to future flooding. It also offers an increase in grant George Eustice: The fisheries agreement between the rates. European Union and Guinea-Bissau has been inactive Applications from those affected by flooding are since 2012 when the protocol was suspended due to being prioritised and the deadline for applications has political tensions in the country. I am unaware of any been extended. further discussion about this agreement since that time. At present, the EU has active fisheries agreements Forests with the following countries in Western Africa: Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, São Tomé e Príncipe and Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Mauritania. In addition, there are a number of agreements Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress which are currently dormant. his Department has made in the development of the The UK plays an active role within the EU when Woodland Carbon Code. [195355] these agreements are negotiated. Our views are based on the following principles: that agreements allow EU Dan Rogerson: The Woodland Carbon Code, developed fleets only to fish against genuinely surplus stocks; that by the Forestry Commission, was introduced in July best available scientific advice is taken into account to 2011 following a pilot phase that began in September fish sustainably; that due consideration is given to human 2010. Subsequently, a group scheme has been launched rights issues; and that agreements be financially beneficial to enable financial costs to be shared by participating to the EU and the third country in question, with schemes, alongside a shared responsibility for ensuring sufficient controls in place to ensure funds received by that Woodland Carbon Code requirements are met at third countries are used in appropriate ways. Furthermore, all sites. In July 2013 the Code was launched on the the UK also believes that the financial burden of agreements Markit Environmental Registry to provide open and should be moved towards vessel operators, from the EU transparent project registration as well as Woodland taxpayer, taking into account the profitability of the Carbon Unit issuance, tracking and retirement. As of stock. 31 March 2014, 202 projects covering an area of 15,401 hectares had registered with the Woodland Carbon Code, of which 67 projects had been validated. Flood Control Fracking Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment Agency staff have been redeployed to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which chemicals inspect flood defence assets in each of the last five are authorised for use in the fracking process in the months. [195064] UK; what assessment he has made of the potential risk 647W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 648W posed to humans and the natural environment from £ those chemicals before their authorisation; and if he will make a statement. [194996] Organisation For Economic 285,579.00 Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Dan Rogerson: The Environment Agency will require DLA Piper UK LLP 148,283.34 full disclosure of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. CBRE Ltd 103,412.14 Operators will not be able to use chemicals for well Field Fisher Waterhouse 52,940.75 stimulation unless the agency considers them acceptable Fonnegra Gerlein S.A 50,745.43 for use. The Environment Agency will assess the hazards Samson And Mcgrath 34,136.41 presented by fracking fluid additives on a case-by-case Accenture (UK) Ltd 29,892.00 basis. DTZ Consulting and Research 28,700.00 Allowing the use of a chemical at one site does not Hogan Lovells International LLP 26,153.81 automatically mean the agency will allow it to be used Herbert Smith Freehills 21,061.27 elsewhere. This is because the environmental risks may be different, for example, due to local geological conditions.

Private Sector HEALTH Cerebral Palsy Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many jobs Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State have been transferred from the public to the private for Health (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that sector as a result of privatisations or outsourcing by his children under the age of two years old who are Department since May 2010. [195510] diagnosed with cerebral palsy may be assessed for an education, health and care plan; [195464] Dan Rogerson: Since May 2010, 202 core DEFRA (2) how many children under the age of two years staff have transferred to the private sector. old have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy in the latest period for which figures are available; [195465] Water: Meters (3) how many children aged between the ages of two and 18 years old have been diagnosed with cerebral Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for palsy in the latest period for which figures are available; Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make it [195466] his policy that householders may choose a conventional or analogue water meter instead of a wireless smart (4) how many people have had a selective dorsal water meter where their water supplier is rolling out rhizotomy performed in NHS hospitals the latest water metering; and if he will make a statement. period for which figures are available; [195467] [195780] (5) what information his Department holds on how many people have had a selective dorsal rhizotomy in Dan Rogerson: Metering can be a fair way of charging the UK in the latest period for which figures are for limited water resources. As circumstances are very available; [195521] different in different regions, the Government do not (6) how many people have had a selective dorsal take a blanket approach to metering policy. In areas of rhizotomy paid for by the NHS in the latest period for serious water stress where there may not be enough which figures are available. [195523] water available to meet demand, a water company can include plans for metering all of their customers in their Dr Poulter: Information concerning the number of Water Resources Management Plan. In all other areas, Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) procedures that have household customers are entitled to have a meter installed been paid for by the national health service, performed free of charge by their water company on request, but in NHS hospitals or carried in the United Kingdom cannot be required to have one fitted. The type of water cannot be provided. In the OPCS Classification of meter to fit is a matter for the water company to decide. Interventions and Procedures used in the NHS there is no coding for SDR and so this procedure cannot be identified in hospital episode statistics data. In addition to this SDR is not currently routinely funded by the FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE NHS in England following the publication of a single national policy in April 2013. Consultants Information concerning the number of people diagnosed with cerebral palsy is not collected. However, it is estimated Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign that the condition affects three in 1,000 live births. and Commonwealth Affairs which 10 consultancy firms Finally, NHS England’s Paediatric Neurosciences were paid the most by his Department in the last (Neurology) service specification clearly defines what financial year; and how much each of those firms was NHS England expects to be in place for providers to paid. [195575] offer evidence-based, safe and effective services for children with cerebral palsy. It ensures equity of access to a Mr Lidington: For the past financial year (2013-14) nationally consistent, high quality service for patients. the 10 organisations paid most by the Foreign and This specification sets out that the optimal management Commonwealth Office (FCO) for consultancy and the of patients with neurological conditions improves health associated spend figures were as follows: outcomes and can also help to minimise other, often 649W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 650W detrimental, impacts on social, educational and employment financial year; and how much in agency fees was paid activity. It also makes clear that the children in the care to each of them. [195555] of paediatric neurology multi-disciplinary teams should have access to non-clinical staff, including: neuromuscular Dr Poulter: The following table provides information family care officers; hospital teachers; and, play therapists. on the five companies most used by the Department in terms of the volume and value of purchase orders Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for placed in 2012-13 for temporary (non-payroll) staff. Health (1) what steps he is taking to clarify the The Department uses the Crown Commercial Services responsibilities of health services in ensuring the early definition of contingent labour, which includes clinical and educational intervention for children under administrative and clerical, interim manager and specialist two with cerebral palsy; [195853] contractors. (2) what steps he is taking to clarify the responsibilities of health services in the identification Number of purchase orders raised in Purchase order of cerebral palsy in children under two years. [195854] Supplier 2012-13 value (£) Dr Poulter: Diagnosis of cerebral palsy can take time Hays Specialist 427 6,854,143.51 and there is no single test that confirms it or rules it out. Recruitment Ltd In some cases, when a baby requires special care after Capita Resourcing 286 13,599,410.39 being born, it may be possible for a confident diagnosis Ltd of cerebral palsy to be made relatively quickly. Other Reed Specialist 12 534,042.98 cases will be initially identified through routine screening Recruitment Ltd and monitoring. Tate 9 400,522.00 Quality Business 7 38,432.50 We understand from NHS England that babies diagnosed Management Ltd with cerebral palsy have multi-disciplinary team surveillance Notes: and an action plan, which includes support with whatever 1. The purchase order value is calculated on the basis of total cost service is needed, including physiotherapy, occupational per hour/day which includes pay rate and other agency costs therapy and speech and language therapy in the community, including agency fee. The agency fee is not recorded separately and as such it is not possible to calculate the total agency fees paid to and regular follow up. Ongoing neurological problems each of the five suppliers without incurring disproportionate cost. are reviewed and referral to other specialists such as 2. For information and for comparative purposes, the total staff paediatric orthopaedic specialists made as necessary. costs, as shown in the Department’s published resource accounts for Under the Children and Families Act, health bodies 2012-13, were £258 million. identifying a 0-5 year old child with special educational General Practitioners need or disability must discuss this with the parent and bring the child to the attention of the local authority so Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health they can consider whether an education health and care what estimate he has made of the number of patients plan is needed. The Department is working with the who have been diagnosed via a telephone appointment Department for Education and NHS England to support with their GP in each of the last three years; and how health commissioners and clinicians to play their part in many such diagnoses have (a) resulted in sending a the special educational need reforms. prescription without a face-to-face appointment and (b) needed a face-to-face appointment at a later date. Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health [195686] what early screening protocols by specialist services and paediatricians are in place for children diagnosed Dr Poulter: The requested information is not collected with cerebral palsy. [195703] centrally. Dr Poulter: Diagnosis of cerebral palsy can take time Although there are no specific national requirements and there is no single test that confirms it or rules it out. on telephone consultations, general practitioners (GPs) In some cases, when a baby requires special care after must act in accordance with the good practice guidance being born, it may be possible for a confident diagnosis from the General Medical Council and should apply of cerebral palsy to be made relatively quickly. Other the same standards of quality they would for a face to cases will be initially identified through routine screening face consultation. When undertaking a consultation and monitoring. over the telephone, GPs should only provide a diagnosis or prescription drugs or treatment where it is clinically We understand from NHS England that babies diagnosed safe and appropriate. with cerebral palsy have multi-disciplinary team surveillance and an action plan, which includes support with whatever Health Services service is needed, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy in the community, Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for and regular follow up. Ongoing neurological problems Health pursuant to the answer of 3 April 2014, Official are reviewed and referral to other specialists such as Report, columns 792-3W, on health services, what is paediatric orthopaedic specialists made as necessary. meant by the statement in that answer that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Employment Agencies (NICE) commissioning resources page signposts to NICE products of value to commissioners, including Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health NICE pathways, referral advice, cost savings, NICE do which five companies were used most often to provide not do recommendations database, social value temporary workers for his Department in the last judgments and the NICE field team; and what steps his 651W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 652W

Department takes to ensure that written answers to Further details of these resources can be found at: parliamentary questions are in comprehensible www.nice.org.uk/usingguidance/implementationtools/ English. [195670] howtoguide/nicesupportforcommissioners.jsp Hospices: Children Jane Ellison: The Department makes every effort to ensure that answers to parliamentary questions can be readily understood, and to respond to any requests for Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for clarification. Health if he will extend the current transitional funding arrangements for children’s hospices to The statement, support the sector during the change to the per-patient “(the) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) funding system for children’s hospices beyond 2015. commissioning resources page signposts to NICE products of [195773] value to commissioners, including NICE pathways, referral advice, cost savings, NICE ‘do not do’ recommendations database, social value judgments and the NICE field team” Norman Lamb: We have committed to continuing the annual grant of over £10 million, allocated by NHS describes the range of information which can be accessed England, while they and Monitor develop a per-patient from the NICE commissioning resources webpage. This funding system to ensure that from 2015 hospice services information can be used by clinical commissioning groups can be funded locally on an equitable and transparent (CCGs) to support their efforts to commission high basis. No decision has been made on an extension of quality services for patients. the grant beyond 2015. A more detailed description of each of these resources It will be important that there is a smooth and follows: managed transition from the current system to the new ‘NICE pathways’ is a website which brings together all relevant payment system. NICE recommendations, quality standards and commissioning advice for each clinical topic or condition; Hospitals: Waiting Lists The NICE ‘referral advice’ recommendations database contains current advice on primary-to-secondary care referral from all Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for NICE’S guidance products, including clinical guidelines, cancer Health (1) how many patients were on a waiting list for service guidance and public health guidance; one of the 15 key diagnostic tests in January in each of The NICE list of cost-saving guidance contains a list of the last five years; [195517] recommendations from NICE guidance that may either deliver savings or free up resources and capacity that can be used for (2) how many and what proportion of patients other-services; waited 13 weeks or longer for one of the 15 key diagnostic tests in January in each of the last five years; The NICE ‘do not do’ recommendations database identifies clinical practices that NICE recommends should be discontinued [195518] completely in the NHS, or not used routinely; (3) how many and what proportion of patients The NICE publication ‘Social value judgments’ describes the waited six weeks or longer for one of the 15 key principles that NICE follows in developing its guidance and diagnostic tests in January in each of the last five years. processes; and [195519] The ‘NICE field team’ is a team of consultants who work with local NHS organisations to support implementation of NICE’S Jane Ellison: The information is shown in the following guidance. table:

Table to show the number and proportion of patients waiting for diagnostic tests in January for each of the last five years Proportion of Total number of Proportion of Total number of patients waiting Total January Total number of patients patients waiting patients waiting six weeks or activity for the 15 patients waiting waiting13 weeks 13 weeks or longer six weeks or longer key diagnostic at month end or longer (percentage) longer (percentage) tests

January 2010 486,101 599 0.1 7,080 1.5 1,145,244 January 2011 527,390 802 0.2 11,363 2.2 1,240,157 January 2012 583,257 792 0.1 8,973 1.5 1,370,595 January 2013 633,102 1,224 0.2 8,308 1.3 1,487,229 January 2014 732,840 1,197 0.2 13,335 1.8 1,595,250 Source: Monthly Diagnostic Waiting Times and Activity—NHS England

Medical Records: Databases national health service to submit data to it when directed by the Secretary of State for Health or by NHS England. This does not extend to private providers unless they Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health are providing NHS care. whether patient records from private healthcare providers will be extracted as part of care.data. Medical Records: Internet [195850] Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Poulter: The Health and Social Care Act 2012 Health what recent steps he has taken to allow people empowers the Health and Social Care Information Centre to view their medical records online; and if he will to require organisations providing care funded by the make a statement. [196077] 653W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 654W

Dr Poulter: NHS England has outlined the steps it process outsourcing (private companies delivering services will use to drive the use of information and technology previously provided by the public sector), nor any central in the national health service (NHS) in the published means of consistently identifying outsourced services. plan, ‘Putting Patients First: Business plan 2014-15 to 2016-17’. By March 2015, NHS patients will have the opportunity of online access to their medical records from 95% of general practitioner practices. HOME DEPARTMENT A copy has been placed in the Library. Neuromuscular Disorders: Leicester Asylum

Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for what progress he has made on providing consultant the Home Department (1) how many rejections of support in Leicester for people with muscular asylum seekers, by country of origin, there have been in dystrophy and neuromuscular conditions; and if he will each of the last five years; [196228] make a statement. [195682] (2) how many asylum seekers there were, by country of origin, in each of the last five years; [196226] Norman Lamb: NHS England is responsible for commissioning specialised services, including neuromuscular (3) how many asylum seekers, by country of origin, services. have been waiting for a decision on their application for asylum for (a) one and (b) more than five years. In July 2013, NHS England published the service [196227] specification Neurosciences: Specialised Neurology (Adult). This describes the service to be commissioned by NHS James Brokenshire: Figures for asylum applications England for patients with a neuromuscular disorder. for main applicants, by nationality, from 2009 to 2013 We are advised that NHS England commissions specialist are published in Table as_01 (Asylum data tables Volume consultant-led neuromuscular services for the East Midlands 1) in the release Immigration Statistics. from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The number of asylum applications from main applicants The hon. Member may wish to approach the NHS pending an initial decision, by nationality, for (a) more England Leicestershire and Lincolnshire Area Team for than one year and (b) more than five years, as at the further information. end of 2013, can be found in the table, “Asylumapplication from main applicants pending an initial decision as at Palliative Care 31 December 2013” which I will place in the House Library. Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health These figures are a subset of those also published in what assessment his Department has made of the Table as_01 (Asylum data tables Volume 1) of the (a) (b) potential cost and savings to (i) the NHS and release Immigration Statistics. (ii) local authorities of supporting more people to die in their preferred place. [195759] Figures for asylum applications from main applicants refused a grant of asylum, humanitarian protection, Norman Lamb: The Department has made no specific discretionary leave or other grants of leave, at initial assessment of the potential cost and savings to the NHS decision, by nationality, from 2009 to 2013 are published and local authorities of supporting people to die in in Table as_01 (Asylum data tables Volume 1) of the their preferred place. release Immigration Statistics. However, Public Health England, in its report ‘What The latest release Immigration Statistics October to we know now 2013’, published in November 2013, December 2013 is available from detailed a series of studies undertaken by both independent https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration- and NHS organisations looking into the costs of deaths statistics-october-to-december-2013 in hospitals against deaths in usual place of residence. and from the Library of the House. The report is available at: Asylum data tables volume 1 is available from www.endoflifecare-intelligence.org.uk/resources/publications/ what_we_know_now_2013 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/283693/asylum1-q4-2013-tabs.ods The Government is committed to extending patient choice in end of life care, and a review will be looking into this issue this year. Asylum: Repatriation Private Sector Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Home Department what her Department’s total how many jobs have been transferred from the public budget for assisted voluntary returns projects is for the to the private sector as a result of privatisations or current financial year, and what has been the total outsourcing by his Department since May 2010. budget for such projects in each of the last five years. [195512] [196222]

Dr Poulter: The Department’s central procurement James Brokenshire: The information requested is shown system does not have a separate category for business below. 655W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 656W

The Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Total spending on assisted voluntary returns programmes Programmes in Greece and Turkey also receive funding Financial year (£ million) from the British Government’s Return and Reintegration Fund. The figures quoted incorporate this funding stream. 2009-10 20.5 The figures provided are sourced from a Home Office 2010-11 17.4 management information system and the Foreign and 2011-12 7.5 Commonwealth Office which is not quality assured 2012-13 8.9 under National Statistics protocols and is subject to 2013-14 8.6 change due to internal data quality checking. Figures 2014-15 10.8 provided from this source do not constitute part of The figures quoted relate to the UK Assisted Voluntary National Statistics and should be treated as provisional. Return Programme, and the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programmes operated in Greece and Turkey. Convictions The figures for years 2009-10 to 2013-14 relate to actual spend and the figures for 2014-15 are projected Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the spend. Home Department how many people have been The Home Office also receives funding from the convicted of an offence contrary to section 4 of the European Union for the UK Assisted Voluntary Return Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants programme. Due to a change in financial reporting the etc.) Act 2004 in each of the last four years. [196431] amounts for 2011-12 onwards are shown net of the amounts received or expected from this source, while James Brokenshire: The following table provides the the amounts for 2009-10 and 2010-11 are shown gross number of defendants proceeded against for offences although the yearly total budget allocation remains under Section 4 of the Asylum and Immigration Act broadly the same. 2004 in England and Wales from 2009 to 2012.

Defendants proceeded against for offences under Section 4 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 2004 in England and Wales, 2009 to 20121

Magistrates Courts The Crown Court

Found Found Act Section Offence description Proceeded against guilty For trial guilty

2009 Asylum and 4(1)(5) Trafficking people into 13 0 2 2 Immigration Act the UK for the purpose 2004 of exploitation

2009 Asylum and 4(2)(5) Trafficking people 11 0 0 0 Immigration Act within the UK for the 2004 purpose of exploitation

2009 Asylum and 4(3)(5) Trafficking people out 0000 Immigration Act of the UK for the 2004 purpose of exploitation

2010 Asylum and 4(1)(5) Trafficking people into 4 0 10 5 Immigration Act the UK for the purpose 2004 of exploitation

2010 Asylum and 4(2)(5) Trafficking people 3021 Immigration Act within the UK for the 2004 purpose of exploitation

2010 Asylum and 4(3)(5) Trafficking people out 0000 Immigration Act of the UK for the 2004 purpose of exploitation

2011 Asylum and 4(1)(5) Trafficking people into 11 0 5 1 Immigration Act the UK for the purpose 2004 of exploitation

2011 Asylum and 4(2)(5) Trafficking people 6080 Immigration Act within the UK for the 2004 purpose of exploitation

2011 Asylum and 4(3)(5) Trafficking people out 0000 Immigration Act of the UK for the 2004 purpose of exploitation

2012 Asylum and 4(1)(5) Trafficking people into 8062 Immigration Act the UK for the purpose 2004 of exploitation

2012 Asylum and 4(2)(5) Trafficking people 7040 Immigration Act within the UK for the 2004 purpose of exploitation 657W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 658W

Defendants proceeded against for offences under Section 4 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 2004 in England and Wales, 2009 to 20121 Magistrates Courts The Crown Court Found Found Act Section Offence description Proceeded against guilty For trial guilty

2012 Asylum and 4(3)(5) Trafficking people out 2000 Immigration Act of the UK for the 2004 purpose of exploitation 1 Where a defendant is prosecuted for one or more non-immigration offences and one or more immigration offences the offence recorded is the principal immigration offence. Source: Ministry of Justice

The statistics on defendants proceeded against for Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the offences under Immigration Acts 1971 to 2007 in England Home Department how many people have been and Wales are supplied by the Ministry of Justice for convicted of an offence contrary to section 145 of the the Home Office to publish annually within Immigration Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 in each Statistics. Annual data are available in the latest release, of the last four years. [196440] Immigration Statistics: October December 2013, table pr_01, from the Library of the House and from the James Brokenshire: The table below provides the number gov.uk website at: of defendants proceeded against for offences under https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration- section 145 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum statistics-october-to-december-2013 Act 2002 in England and Wales from 2009-12.

Defendants proceeded against for offences under section 145 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 in England and Wales, 2009- 121, 2 Magistrates courts The Crown court Proceeded Act Section Offence description against Found guilty For trial Found guilty

2009 Nationality, 145 Trafficking in 0000 Immigration and prostitution Asylum Act 2002 2010 Nationality, 145 Trafficking in 0011 Immigration and prostitution Asylum Act 2002 2011 Nationality, 145 Trafficking in 0000 Immigration and prostitution Asylum Act 2002 2012 Nationality, 145 Trafficking in 0000 Immigration and prostitution Asylum Act 2002 1 ‘Section 145’: Repealed and replaced by sections 57-58 of the Sexual Offenders Act 2003. 2 Where a defendant is prosecuted for one or more non-immigration offences, and one or more immigration offences, the offence recorded is the principal immigration offence. Source: Ministry of Justice.

The statistics on defendants proceeded against for The Home Office transferred responsibility for publishing offences under Immigration Acts 1971 to 2007 in England them to the Independent Office for National Statistics and Wales are supplied by the Ministry of Justice for and have made more crime data available to the public the Home Office to publish annually within immigration on street-level crime maps. The Secretary of State for statistics. Annual data is available in the latest release, the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member Immigration Statistics: October—December 2013, table for Maidenhead (Mrs May), has also written to chief pr_01, from the Library of the House and from the constables emphasising that the police must ensure that gov.uk website at: crimes are recorded accurately and honestly. Her Majesty’s https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration- inspectorate of constabulary is inspecting the quality of statistics-october-to-december-2013 crime recording in every force in England and Wales, and will report back later this year. We look forward to Crime the interim report this month.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the the Home Department what steps her Department is Home Department what estimate she has made of the taking to ensure police officers record all crimes they (a) number and (b) proportion of crimes reported in a deal with. [196323] police station in each year since May 2010. [196378] Damian Green: It is vital that recorded crime statistics are as robust as they can possibly be, and the Government Norman Baker: The requested information is not held has a strong record on reinforcing their independence centrally. The Home Office holds data on offences and accountability. recorded by the police. 659W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 660W

Crimes of Violence: Foreign Nationals Norman Baker: The requested information is not held centrally. The Home Office holds data on offences Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for recorded by the police. the Home Department what proportion of violent crimes were committed by non-British nationals in Driving Offences: Motorways 2013. [196304] Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for the Norman Baker: The Home Office does not hold data Home Department (1) with reference to the 2013 on the nationality of offenders, and so cannot provide edition of the Highway Code, paragraph 264, what data on the number of crimes committed by non-British guidance her Department has given to motorway nationals that were recorded by police. police on enforcement of the requirement that drivers The Ministry of Justice collects details on the number overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles should of offenders and offender characteristics, but does not return to the left-hand lane as soon as they are safely collect information on the number of offences that past; what the maximum penalty is for a driver not these offenders commit. complying with that requirement; and on how many occasions in the last 24 months (a) warnings have been Domestic Violence given to such drivers, (b) enforcement procedures have been instigated against such drivers and (c) such Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for the drivers have been prosecuted for related road traffic Home Department if she will introduce specialist-led offences; [196159] training for police services in England and Wales on (2) what guidance her Department has given to motorway domestic violence and coercive control. [195665] police on advising (a) vehicles without all-round screen Damian Green: The College of Policing sets standards vision and (b) public service vehicles carrying passengers of training for police officers and staff in this important of (i) up to 3.5, (ii) between 3.5 and 7.5 and (iii) over 7.5 area of policing. Subject matter experts are already tonnes maximum laden weight against entering or travelling used in developing training and delivery into forces, in, or preventing such vehicles entering or travelling in, ranging from initial training through to specialist training the right-hand overtaking lane of a three or more lane for senior investigating officers. motorway; and which last edition of the Highway Code included advice on these matters. [196160] Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there are any plans to Damian Green: The Home Office has not issued any create a legal framework which criminalises patterns of guidance and does not hold any information on the coercive control. [196150] enforcement of lane discipline. Enforcement of the law is an operational matter for the police. Norman Baker: Domestic abuse is a crime and we already have a framework which covers coercive control. Entry Clearances There is a range of existing offences for which a perpetrator of domestic violence can be prosecuted, Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the including common assault. Home Department what assessment she has made of the number of people who have overstayed their Coercive control can amount to common assault approved visa to be in the UK by (a) up to six months, where the perpetrator, via their words or actions, (b) six months to one year, (c) more than one year and intentionally or recklessly causes another to fear unlawful (d) more than three years as at 31 March 2014. or immediate violence. In sentencing, the courts can also take into account as aggravating factors a range of [194952] features which are common in domestic violence cases, James Brokenshire: It is not possible to accurately such as the vulnerability of the victim, the repeated quantify the number of immigration offenders in the nature of the assaults and abuse of power by the UK as, by their very nature, those that deliberately perpetrator. evade immigration control to enter and stay in the Last September, the Home Secretary commissioned country illegally are not officially recorded until they Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary to conduct come to light and are arrested. a review of the response to domestic abuse across all The Immigration Bill will provide new powers to police forces. The Inspectorate published its findings in implement exit checks, which the last Labour Government March 2014. It emphasises that the key priority is a scrapped in 1998. This will allow the Home Office to culture change in the police so that domestic violence screen those who leave the UK to identify threats and and abuse is treated as the crime that it is and the police persons of interest to Border Force, immigration use the full range of tools already available to them. enforcement and other law enforcement bodies, and to The Home Secretary will chair a national oversight enable an appropriate response. group to oversee delivery against each of HMIC’s The Home Office continues to prevent abuse, pursue recommendations on which I will also sit. offenders and increase compliance with immigration Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences law—our immigration compliance and enforcement teams across the UK target illegal migrants who have no right Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the to live and work in the community. Home Department how many cases of (a) domestic The Immigration Bill will stop migrants using public and (b) sexual abuse were reported by victims services to which they are not entitled, reduce the factors attending a police station in each year since May 2010. which encourage people to come to the UK and make it [196377] easier to remove people who should not be here. 661W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 662W

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the against all travel to Syria and warn British nationals Home Department what the average time is between who travel there that the FCO will not be able to the expiry of a visa and (a) the person voluntarily provide them with any assistance. The FCO also advise leaving the country and (b) the forcible removal of the against all but essential travel to Iran and advise British visa holder. [196067] nationals to seek assistance from any EU member state present in the country. James Brokenshire: The information requested is not available. Entry Clearances: Israel

Margaret Beckett: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many family visit visa the Home Department how many Israeli citizens were applications to the UK were made between June 2013 found to be working in the UK without an appropriate and December 2013; and how many such applications visa in each of the last five years. [196266] were (a) granted, (b) refused, (c) withdrawn, (d) lapsed and (e) given the right to appeal. [196070] James Brokenshire: The following table gives the number of Israeli nationals arrested on illegal working type James Brokenshire: From the 1 of June until the 31 of enforcement visits from 2009 to 2013. December 2013 there were 149,995 applications for Table 1: Israeli nationals arrested on illegal working type enforcement family visit visas. Of those applications: visits, 2009 to 2013 111,990 were issued Arrests 37,370 were refused 2009 46 65 were lapsed 2010 43 330 were withdrawn 2011 1 4,570 were given the right to appeal 2012 0 These figures are based upon management information, 2013 7 and have been rounded to the nearest five. Until the Total 97 24 June 2013, any family visit visa that was refused was given a right of appeal against that decision. The numbers Entry Clearances: Lesotho above reflect this change to appeal rights. Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department how many people from Lesotho applied Home Department what criteria are used to decide in for UK visas in each of the last 12 years. [196074] which countries to have UK consular and visa offices. [196075] James Brokenshire: The available information is given in the following table: James Brokenshire: Decisions regarding the location of our visa application centres, and the places in which Entry clearance visa applications: Lesotho nationals the applications are decided, are based on a number of different factors, including geography, security issues, 2005 144 distribution of demand, political and economic impacts, 2006 178 as well as the financial cost. The Home Office uses 2007 90 commercial partners to help run its network of visa 2008 79 application centres, which are the customer-facing end 2009 268 of the service. Under new contracts which came into 2010 360 effect on 1 April 2014, we will have 340 visa application 2011 331 points in 142 countries around the world. Applications 2012 246 submitted at visa application centres are then sent to 2013 279 one of our 32 decision-making hubs for consideration. Source: On the consular side, the Foreign and Commonwealth Table be_03, Before Entry Volume 2 tables, Immigration Statistics Office (FCO) supports British nationals through the October-December 2013 diplomatic network of 220 posts around the world, in The latest Home Office immigration statistics on 170 countries. They also have a network of 230 honorary entry clearance visa applications (by nationality) are consuls who provide support in places where the UK is published in the quarterly Immigration Statistics release, not otherwise represented. Having consular partners which is available from the Library of the House and on present in countries where the UK is not represented the Department’s website at: ensures British nationals have immediate access to assistance. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration- There are only three countries in the world where there statistics-quarterly-release is no in country consular representation by the UK or any of our main consular partners (EU, Australia, Illegal Immigrants: Employment Canada, US or New Zealand). These are Palau, Sao Tome & Principe and Tuvalu. Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the In these cases, UK Travel Advice instructs British nationals Home Department what total amount of fines has been to seek assistance when needed through the nearest (a) levied and (b) collected under the Immigration, country with British diplomatic representation: Philippines, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 for employment of Angola and Fiji respectively. The FCO currently advise illegal workers in each year since 2010. [192805] 663W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 664W

James Brokenshire: The civil penalty scheme to prevent than among UK nationals. However, this pattern has illegal working was introduced in the Immigration Asylum reversed, and over the last year around 90% of employment and Nationality Act 2006 (2006 Act), and came into growth was accounted for by UK nationals. effect in February 2008. Before 2010, the average value of penalties collected Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the under the scheme was 14%. Since 2010, the average Home Department how many immigration reconsideration value of penalties collected has been 45%. The information cases have been outsourced to Capita Business Services; requested is in the following table. The figures are based what payment Capita Business Services receives to process on the number of civil penalties served at visited business these cases; which country these cases are processed in; addresses. and what targets she has set Capita Business Services for that work. [196177] Please note the figures are for penalties levied at the initial decision stage which may be reduced, cancelled, James Brokenshire: Capita has been contracted to increased or reissued at the objection or appeal stage. deliver contact management and casework services for Please also note that the collection figures are not the Home Office. The initial target is for 50,000 casework cohort based statistics and therefore do not represent outcomes to be delivered, which includes responding to payment against penalties issued in a particular year. requests for reconsideration.

£ million Disclosure of payment information would result in commercially sensitive information being placed in the Value of initial Value of penalties public domain and could jeopardise the effective use of Financial years penalties issued collected public money by undermining further contractual 2008-2009 16.7 1.3 negotiations. 2009-2010 23.2 4.4 Capita process all of work under this contract in the 2010-2011 17.1 6.9 United Kingdom. 2011-2012 11.4 6.5 Capita are currently delivering a phased mobilisation 2012-2013 10.8 6.3 of casework services in a model office environment, to 2013-2014 up to 15.6 5.2 build up capacity and refine processes. The contract 28 February 2014 requires Capita to deliver the first 50,000 casework outcomes within nine months of completing model Immigration office and moving into full delivery under the contract.

George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Police the Home Department what estimate she has made of the number of workers made unemployed, or displaced, Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for the as a result of immigration from countries outside the Home Department how many police officers have received EU in the last year. [191003] (a) redundancy payments and (b) pension enhancements since 2010; and what the cost of each such type of James Brokenshire: The Government commissioned payment is. [196317] the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to “research the labour market, social and public service impacts Damian Green: The Home Office does not hold this of non-EEA migration; and to advise on the use of such evidence information. in cost-benefit analyses of migration policy decisions”. Decisions regarding the award and administration of The MAC’s report published in 2012 called “Analysis of both redundancy and pension payments to police officers the Impact of Migration”, available at: are made locally in accordance with the appropriate https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ police regulations. It is the responsibility of chief constables, attachment_data/file/257235/analysis-of-the-impacts.pdf working with police and crime commissioners, to ensure suggested that that they manage their resources appropriately to deliver “between 1995 and 2010 an additional 100 non-EU migrants value for money to the public. were associated with a reduction in employment of 23 native workers”. Police and Crime Commissioners Recently, the Government published a report on the “Impacts of migration on UK native employment: An analytical review of the evidence”, available at: Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was claimed by https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ police and crime commissioners in expenses in 2013-14. attachment_data/file/287086/occ109.pdf [196324] This report is a comprehensive review of the evidence around the displacement effect of migrants on UK Damian Green: The Home Office does not collect native employment and builds on the MAC 2012 report. data on expenses claimed by police and crime In addition, a report on the “Employment and commissioners (PCCs). Occupational skill levels among UK and foreign nationals” Under paragraph 1 (d) of schedule 1 of the Elected available at: Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ 2011, PCCs are obliged to publish attachment_data/file/282503/occ108.pdf “the allowances paid to each relevant office holder in respect of finds that over most of the last decade, employment expenses incurred by the office holder in the exercise of the body’s levels in the UK rose faster among foreign nationals functions”. 665W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 666W

Article 1(2) of the Elected Local Policing Bodies Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply on behalf of (Specified Information) Order 2011, PCCs defines “relevant the Cabinet Office. office holder” as, where the elected local policing body 25% of business from contract start to the end of is a police and crime commissioner, the commissioner January 2014 was invoiced to Capita and their prime and any deputy police and crime commissioner appointed supplier list. The value of this expenditure is £9,893,960. by the commissioner. On SMEs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) won 64% of awards from the start of the contract to the Police Custody: Young People end of January 2014. We do not hold breakdown by value. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the code governing detention of teenagers under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act will be redrafted to ensure that 17 year olds in HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION custody are treated as teenagers by the police. [196089] Palace of Westminster: Police Damian Green: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by the Minister for Modern Slavery and John McDonnell: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Organised Crime of 8 April 2014, Official Report, column Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of 202W. Commons Commission, what the police staff turnover rates have been at SO17 Palace of Westminster over the Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the last 10 years. [194359] Home Department how many 17 year olds have been held in police custody in the UK in each year since John Thurso: The turnover for police staff (security 2010. [196091] officers) at SO17 Palace of Westminster since the start of the current contract in April 2010 is as follows: Damian Green: This information is not held centrally. April 2010 to March 2011: 5.1% April 2011 to March 2012: 3.2% Police: Bureaucracy April 2012 to March 2013: 7.6% April 2013 to March 2014: 7.6% Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for the These figures are provided by SO17 and were calculated Home Department what steps her Department has by dividing the number of leavers every year by the total taken in the last 12 months to reduce the burden of number of staff. I understand that data for previous administration for the police. [193681] years could only be derived from manual records and are not readily available. Damian Green: This Government has acted so that the police focus on fighting crime and not processing John McDonnell: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, paperwork. Our work which has already taken place to Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of reduce bureaucracy could see up to 4.5 million hours of Commons Commission, how many police officers have police time saved across all forces every year-the equivalent been employed in office-based roles in SO17 Palace of of over 2,100 officers back on the beat. Westminster in each of the last 10 years. [194360] In the last 12 months we have established the Police John Thurso: The number of police officers employed Innovation Fund to support innovative delivery approaches in office-based roles in SO17 Palace of Westminster to policing and free up officer time to fight crime. We since the start of the current contract in April 2010 is as have extended the use of police-led prosecutions, reducing follows: bureaucracy for officers dealing with high-volume offences. We have also introduced an improved approach to April 2010 to March 2011: 7 dealing with Missing People so resources are deployed April 2011 to March 2012: 7 more intelligently. April 2012 to March 2013: 8 We are producing digital case files to improve file April 2013 to March 2014: 9 build and reduce paperwork and we are supporting all At the start of 2013-14 there were 164 police officers forces to develop digital solutions so officers can submit and 356 security officers in SO17. These figures are information via mobile devices and not have to return provided by SO17. I understand that data for previous to the station to fill in forms. years could only be derived from manual records and are not readily available. Procurement John McDonnell: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Commons Commission, how many police officer managers Home Department (1) what proportion of business have been deployed at SO17 Palace of Westminster in awarded under Framework Contract RM1568 was each of the last 10 years. [194361] awarded to businesses on Capita’s prime supplier list; and what the value of that business was; [195588] John Thurso: The average number of police officer (2) what proportion of business awarded under managers, defined as Chief Superintendent, Superintendent, Framework Contract RM1568 was awarded to small Chief Inspector, Inspector and Sergeant, deployed at and medium-sized enterprises; and what the value of SO17 Palace of Westminster since the start of the that business was. [195589] current contract in April 2010 is as follows: 667W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 668W

April 2010 to March 2011: 20 Offenders found guilty at all courts for offences under the Mental Health Act 1983, England and Wales, 2008-121, 2. April 2011 to March 2012: 21 Section 20083 2009 2010 2011 2012 April 2012 to March 2013: 19 of Act April 2013 to March 2014: 21 S1285 ---2- The numbers vary from month to month so the ‘-’ = Nil figures above are rounded averages for the 12 month 1 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these periods shown. At the start of 2013-14 there were 164 offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. police officers and 356 security officers in SO17. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same These figures are provided by SO17. Data for previous disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is years could only be derived from manual records and the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most are not readily available. 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 JUSTICE to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Convictions 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 4 Describes offences of ill-treatment of patients. Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for 5 Describes offences of assisting patients to absent themselves without Justice how many people have been convicted of an leave etc. offence contrary to section 170 of the Customs and Source: Excise Management Act 1979 in relation to goods Justice Statistics Analytical Services-Ministry of Justice. prohibited to be imported under section 42 of the Deportation Customs Consolidation Act 1876 in each of the last four years. [196433] Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Jeremy Wright: Information held centrally by the Justice pursuant to the answer of 31 March 2014, Ministry of Justice on the Court Proceedings Database Official Report, columns 532-3W, on prisoners: foreign does not include the circumstances behind each case nationals, what the main features of the Early Removal beyond the description provided in the statute. It is not Scheme are; how many foreign national offenders were possible to separately identify from this centrally held deported under this scheme in each of the last five information offences under Section 170 of the Customs years; and what the main features are of the Tariff and Excise Management Act 1979 relating to prohibited Expired Removal Scheme. [195009] goods under Section 42 of the Customs Consolidation Act 1876 from offences of prohibited goods relating to Jeremy Wright: Under the Early Removal scheme other statutes. This detailed information may be held on (ERS), Foreign National Offenders (FNOs) who are the court record but due to the size and complexity is going to be deported or removed by Immigration not reported centrally to the MOJ.As such, the information Enforcement can be removed from prison and the UK requested can be obtained only at disproportionate up to a maximum of 270 days before their normal cost. release date. This enables their removal earlier than would otherwise be possible, but only after a minimum Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for of half the requisite custodial period has been served in Justice how many people have been convicted of an prison in the UK. offence contrary to sections 126 to 129 of the Mental The Tariff Expired Removal scheme (TERS) enables Health Act 1983 in each of the last four years. [196450] FNOs with life or indeterminate sentences to be removed from the UK using a deportation order once they have Jeremy Wright: The number of offenders found guilty completed their minimum tariff period set by the sentencing of offences under Sections 127 and 128 of the Mental court. Since its introduction in May 2012, 240 prisoners Health Act 1983 in England and Wales, from 2008 to have been removed under this mechanism (as of April 2012 (latest data available) can be viewed in the table. 17 2014). There have been no findings of guilt recorded under section 129 in this time period. Those removed subject to a deportation order cannot legally return to the UK. If they do come back in Court proceedings data for 2013 are planned for breach of their deportation order this is a criminal publication in May 2014. offence. They would also be liable to immediate arrest Data for offences under section 126 of the Mental and return to prison to complete the outstanding part Health Act 1983 cannot be separately analysed from of the sentence they would have served had they not other offences under other statutes. This information is been removed early. held by the individual courts in England and Wales but The numbers removed under ERS in each of the last could only be separately identified at disproportionate four years are: cost. Offenders found guilty at all courts for offences under the Mental ERS removals Health Act 1983, England and Wales, 2008-121, 2. Section 20083 2009 2010 2011 2012 2010 1741 of Act 2011 1672 2012 1974 S1274 4--111 669W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 670W

Table 1: Number of individuals granted ROTL, by licence type and ERS removals gender, 2012 Type of licence1 2012 2013 1968 Females Resettlement Day 635 We are unable to provide data for the 2009 period. Release Since 2010 the Home Office have used one system to Resettlement Overnight 483 report on their data. This was not in place in 2009 Release therefore figures arising from this period may be Childcare Resettlement 111 inconsistent. Not recorded 0 Manchester Prison 1 Where an individual received more than one type of ROTL within the year, this individual has been counted once under each type received. Therefore the sum across all types of licence does equate to Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the total number of unique individuals who were granted at least one Justice how many packages of books delivered to HM instance of any type of ROTL within the year. Prison Manchester were found to contain drugs in each Sources: of the last five years. [196235] 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. Jeremy Wright: Prisons employ a range of measures to detect, disrupt and deter the trafficking of drugs into Prisoners: Nigeria prisons. This is particularly the case at HMP Manchester which is a High Security prison. Over the last 5 years there have been 53 recorded attempts to smuggle drugs Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice into Manchester by post-all were in letters. how much the UK Government has agreed to provide In common with many other prisons, HMP Manchester the government of Nigeria in financial support as part does not allow books to be sent direct to prisoners in of the prisoner transfer agreement with the country packages because of the ease with which illicit items signed on 9 January 2014; and what the benefits for the may be concealed. As such there have been no recorded UK are of that agreement. [196094] incidents of drugs been sent in packages of books over the last 5 years. Prisoners may order books through the Jeremy Wright: We are currently in discussion about prison from approved suppliers and can borrow books supporting further projects that will assist Nigeria to from the prison library. improve their prisons and build the capacity they need to receive prisoners from the UK under the compulsory Prisoners’ Release prisoner transfer agreement we signed in January this year. To date the cross-Government Migration Fund Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for has funded refurbishment works at Kiri Kiri women’s Justice how many (a) male and (b) female prisoners prison in Lagos, and supported a project aimed at were released on temporary licence by way of (i) increasing access to justice for remand prisoners to resettlement day release, (ii) resettlement overnight tackle the issue of congestion within the Nigerian prison release and (iii) childcare resettlement in the latest estate. period for which figures are available. [194409] The prisoner transfer process is just one mechanism for removing foreign national offenders (FNOs). All Jeremy Wright: Table 1 presents the number of FNOs sentenced to custody are referred to the Home individuals who were granted each of these temporary Office to be considered for deportation at the earliest licence (ROTL) release types, broken down by gender, possible opportunity. The number of FNOs deported for 2012, which is the latest year for which published under the Early Removal Scheme (ERS) has increased figures are available. under this Government with nearly 2,000 FNOs removed An individual prisoner can have a number of different in 2013. Under the Tariff Expired Removal Scheme types of ROTL over a period of time. Where an individual (TERS) which we introduced in May 2012, we have received more than one type of ROTL within the year, removed 243 FNOs (at 23 April 2014). this individual has been counted once under each type Whereas this Government has begun to reduce the received. Therefore there will be some individuals who foreign national population in prison since 2010, between are counted more than once in the table presented. 1997 and 2010, the number of foreign nationals in our These figures have been drawn from administrative prisons more than doubled. IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Prisoners: Suicide and processing. Table 1: Number of individuals granted ROTL, by licence type and gender, 2012 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many inmates committed suicide in prison Type of licence1 2012 between 2010 and 2013. [196326] Males Resettlement Day 9,869 Release Jeremy Wright: The number of self-inflicted deaths in Resettlement Overnight 4,321 each year is published in the Safety in Custody statistics Release bulletin. The latest bulletin was published on 24 April Childcare Resettlement 3 and can be found at: Not recorded 0 https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/safety-in-custody- statistics 671W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 672W

We are working hard to manage the levels of self-harm Avon and Somerset Probation Board, which had been in prison and are carefully investigating the rise in created on 1 April 2001 following the merger of the two self-inflicted deaths. separate probation committees for Avon and for Somerset. We are providing further resources and support to prisons to help support their safer custody work. Prisons: Mother and Baby Units NORTHERN IRELAND Consultants Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many places are available in mother and Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for baby units in the custodial estate in England and Wales. Northern Ireland which 10 consultancy firms were paid [188790] the most by her Department in the last financial year; and how much each of those firms was paid. [195581] Simon Hughes: There is currently space for 64 mothers and 70 babies in mother and baby units in the custodial Mrs Villiers: During 2013-14, my Department only estate within England and Wales, which allows for used one consultancy firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, multiple births. who were paid £1,620. Prisons: Publications Employment Agencies Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern how many prisoners borrowed books from (a) HM Ireland which five companies were used most often to Prison Belmarsh and (b) HM Prison Brixton in (i) provide temporary workers for her Department in the January and (ii) February 2014; and what proportion last financial year; and how much in agency fees was of the prison population in each prison this represents. paid to each of them. [195559] [195425]

Jeremy Wright: The information is not held centrally Mrs Villiers: My Department used four companies to by the Ministry of Justice and could be provided only at provide temporary workers during the 2013-14 financial disproportionate cost. year; their names and the amounts paid to them for the provision of temporary staff are shown in the following table. Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent representations he has received from £ organisations concerned about the inclusion of books in the Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme; and G4S 236,685 what assessment his Department has made of the effect Premier People 63,513 the inclusion of books in that scheme will have on Hays 22,742 prisoner rehabilitation. [195779] Networkers International 5,189

Jeremy Wright: There have always been controls on Stationery the sending of parcels into prisons, and allowing parcels to be sent in unrestricted would be operationally Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern unmanageable and would lead to a significant risk of Ireland what levels of stock her Department holds of drugs and other illicit items being smuggled into prisons. (a) stationery, (b) printer cartridges, (c) treasury tags We have always recognised the importance of reading and other fasteners and (d) other office consumables. and literature in the rehabilitative process, and the [196214] positive effects this has on prisoners’ welfare. The National Offender Management Service works closely with schemes Mrs Villiers: The following tables set out the current such as the Shannon Trust reading network, which stock levels of stationery, printer cartridges, treasury includes peer mentoring to improve reading levels. tags and other fasteners and other office consumables The Howard League for Penal Reform, English PEN held in my Department across the three locations at 1 and Liberty have made representations concerning prisoner Horse Guards Road, London; Stormont House, Belfast; access to books. There have been no changes in the and Hillsborough Castle. availability of books in prisons. Every prison has a Table 1: Stationery items library, to which every prisoner has access. Up to 12 books Product Quantity may be held by prisoners in their cell at any one time and additional volumes may be stored locally at the Erasers 1 box prison. Staplers 5 Scotch Magic Tape rolls 6 Probation: South West Stamp pads 3 AAA Batteries 6 packs John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Envelopes, various sizes 16 boxes Justice how long it took to merge Avon and Somerset Paper clips 7 boxes Probation Services. [195830] Black pens 6 boxes and 131 loose Blue pens 2 box and 7 loose Jeremy Wright: Avon and Somerset Probation Trust, Post-it notes 41 packs which was established on 1 April 2010, replaced the 673W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 674W

Table 1: Stationery items SCOTLAND Product Quantity Consultants Highlighter pens 9 packs and 8 loose Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland Printer paper 13 Boxes which 10 consultancy firms were paid the most by his A4 ring binders 4 boxes Department in the last financial year; and how much Lever arch files 1 box and 37 loose each of those firms was paid. [195583] File dividers 15 packs Pencils 2 boxes David Mundell: In the last financial year the Scotland Red pens 1 box and 95 loose Office did not engage or pay any money to any consultancy Hole punch 3 firm. Drawing pins 1 box Employment Agencies Sellotape 14 rolls A4 notebooks 1 pack and 38 loose Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Stick on tabs 15 packs Scotland which five companies were used most often to Notepads 4 provide temporary workers for his Department in the Card folders 4 packs and 70 loose last financial year; and how much in agency fees was Plastic folders 20 paid to each of them. [195561] Scissors 3 pairs David Mundell: The Scotland Office used two companies Elastic bands 4 boxes to provide temporary workers in the last financial year. Address labels 7 packs Temporary workers in Edinburgh were employed from Marker pens 66 Pertemps Recruitment Partnership Ltd at a total cost of Assorted pencils and pens 1 box £37,639.21; in London, temporary workers were employed A5 notepads 3 from Eclipse Recruitment Ltd at a total cost of £40,214.17. A4 index dividers 9 A4 plastic sleeves 2 packs Rulers 7 TRANSPORT Compliment slips 1 box Crossrail Line Carton tape 1 roll Headed paper 6 packs Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Polly pockets 6 packs what steps he has taken to ensure that the benefits of Plastic trays 6 Crossrail are shared with passengers using London Victoria, London Bridge and London Blackfriars railway Table 2: Printer Cartridges stations; and if he will make a statement. [196016] Product Quantity Stephen Hammond: Crossrail will transform rail transport Printer/toner cartridges 40 in London, increasing rail capacity by 10%, reducing congestion and cutting journey times across the city. Table 3: Treasury Tags and Other Fasteners The Crossrail route will run over 100 km from Reading Product Quantity and Heathrow in the west, through new tunnels under central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the Treasury tags 19 packets east. Crossrail will provide connections with more Staples 25 boxes underground lines than any other service, which will Foldback clips 2 boxes enable more direct journeys and simpler interchanges. Bull clips 15 boxes Crossrail will decongest many London Underground lines, notably the Jubilee, Central, District and Circle Table 4: Other Office Consumables lines, which many users of London Victoria, London Product Quantity Bridge and London Blackfriars stations use to connect Ball of string 1 with a range of destinations across London. Bubble wrap 1 roll A new major rail interchange will be created at Farringdon connecting Crossrail and Thameslink services. This will benefit passengers using Thameslink services Terrorism to London Bridge and London Blackfriars who will be able to interchange directly onto Crossrail services operating on a 24 train per hour basis from Farringdon connecting Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for passengers directly to Canary Wharf in nine minutes Northern Ireland how many officials from her Department and Bond Street in five minutes. Passengers using London attended the recent Crown court trial of John Downey Victoria will have quick access to Crossrail services via in an official capacity; which representatives of the the tube network at Bond Street and Tottenham Court British-Irish Inter-Governmental Secretariat attended Road. that trial in an official capacity; and if she will make a Infrastructure: North West statement. [196081] Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Villiers: No official representative from either Transport how much the Government invested in the Northern Ireland Office or the British Irish Inter- highway and infrastructure construction in the North Governmental Secretariat attended the Crown court West in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013. trial of John Downey. [196111] 675W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 676W

Stephen Hammond: HM Treasury’s ‘Country and enable regional, commuter and freight traffic to grow, Regional Analysis November 2013’ states that identifiable and for a well-planned timetable of other services to public capital expenditure on transport in the North places not served by HS2. West of England was: 2009-10 £1,229 million, 2010-11 £1,268 million, 2011-12 £1,261 million, 2012-13 £1,257 Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for million. Transport what calculations he has used to estimate actual take-up by freight of any spare capacity releases Stationery on existing West Coast Mainline tracks if High Speed 2 Phase 2 is realised, including the costs of double and Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for triple handling of goods, products and containers from Transport what levels of stock his Department holds of point of production to point of sale. [195449] (a) stationery, (b) printer cartridges, (c) treasury tags and other fasteners and (d) other office consumables. Mr Goodwill: HS2 has the potential to increase the [196217] amount of freight that can be carried by rail between London and the West Midlands by using the existing Stephen Hammond: The Department does not hold mainline capacity that it releases. HS2 Ltd’s assessment this information centrally and commissioning a stock concludes that an extra 20 West Coast Main Line take of stationery stock levels would represent a freight paths could be released. The Department has disproportionate cost. not conducted any analysis of potential take-up of these freight paths released by HS2, and such take-up Transport: Windsor would be a commercial matter for rail freight operators. Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 6 March 2014, Transport what recent steps he has taken to improve Official Report, column 940W, on railways: passengers, transport connections between Windsor and London. and to paragraph 4 of Annex 2 to the Tenth Report of [195451] the Transport Committee of Session 2010-12, High Speed Rail, HC 1185-i, what assessment he has made Stephen Hammond: The programme to increase passenger of whether an 80 per cent increase in seats on the West capacity on the Windsor to Waterloo railway by 25% is Coast Main Line by 2016 should create enough extra now under way and will be completed in early 2015. 60 seats to deal with projected increase in passenger additional carriages are being incorporated into an growth outlined in the answer. [195482] extended and refurbished fleet of trains to operate as a maximum 10 carriage train length. The first additional Mr Goodwill: The Department for Transport asked vehicles are now in service. From May 2014, platform Network Rail to carry out an assessment of the 51M 20 of the former Waterloo International station will be and RP2 proposals referred to in paragraph 4 of Annex 2 brought into use for scheduled services. Construction of to the Tenth Report of the Transport Committee of Crossrail is now half completed and electrification of Session2010-12, High Speed Rail, HC 1185-i. This the Great Western Main Line is also under way; the assessment is available at: Slough to Windsor and Eton Central line will be electrified http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/hs2-review-of-strategic- by 2019. The Highways Agency is welcoming preliminary alternatives/hs2-review-of-strategic-alternatives.pdf comments on the M4 Smart Motorway scheme between Junction 3 (Hayes) and Junction 12 (Theale) until the Network Rail’s assessment suggests that the additional end of April 2014, and will conduct a formal public capacity proposed by both 51M and RP2 would not consultation on the scheme in the autumn. Subject to match the demand growth on the route and would not development consent and the final business case, solve the overcrowding on suburban services at the construction could start in spring 2016. southern end of the route in the peak.

West Coast Railway Line TREASURY Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what he expects the percentage increase in Jobseeker’s Allowance passenger capacity on the West Coast Mainline to be as a result of High Speed 2. [195448] 15. Nia Griffith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the Mr Goodwill: HS2 provides a very significant expansion effect of fiscal policy on the number of young people of the rail network’s ability to carry passengers and claiming jobseeker’s allowance for over 12 months freight, resulting in improvements to rail services throughout since May 2010. [903723] the country. Compared with today’s capacity, HS2 will ultimately Nicky Morgan: Long-term youth unemployment is triple the seats available at Euston during the peak falling, the number of young people who have been hour. The initial Phase One service plan for HS2 in 2026 claiming jobseeker’s allowance for over a year has fallen doubles seating capacity at Euston during the peak for 17 consecutive months. hour, while more than doubling commuter and regional But no young person should be left behind in the service seating capacity, where the crowding pressure is recovery. We have delivered 1.7 million apprenticeships greatest. HS2 will allow space to be released on the starts so far this Parliament. We will abolish employer existing network, including the West Coast Mainline to national insurance contributions for under 21s which 677W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 678W will help to support jobs for almost 1.5 million young “Europe for Citizens” Programme people in employment. And we are supporting up to 500,000 young people into education and employment 22. Michael Connarty: To ask the Chancellor of the through the Youth Contract. Exchequer what estimate he has made of the potential funds that will accrue to the public purse from the Saving ″Europe for Citizens″ programme. [903731]

17. Steve Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Nicky Morgan: No estimate has been made of potential what assessment he has made of the effect of sustained funds that will accrue to the public purse from the low interest rates on incentives to save; and if he will Europe for Citizens Programme. make a statement. [903726] Business Premises Renovation Allowance

Danny Alexander: Low interest rates have benefited 23. David Mowat: To ask the Chancellor of the everyone, including through reducing mortgage rates, Exchequer what plans he has to reform the business but the Government recognises that this has made it premises renovation allowance following HM Revenue harder for people’s savings to grow and to secure an and Customs’ recent consultation. [903732] adequate income for retirement. The Government believes it is right, therefore, to support hard working people Mr Gauke: The Government has introduced legislation that have taken the long term decisions to save and plan in Finance Bill 2014 to clarify the scope of Business for their future. Premises Renovation Allowance. The aim is to address The Budget package announced last month aims to exploitation of the allowance, while preserving it as an help all savers at all stages of life. It reduces tax for the investment incentive and ensuring continued value for lowest income savers; reforms the ISA regime to give all money for tax payers. savers greater flexibility as to where and how they save their money; and creates new products to help retired Bank Services savers see a better return. Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Income Tax what assessment he has made of the effect the introduction of seven-day bank account switching has had on the number of people changing bank account provider; and 18. Ian Murray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement. [195454] what recent estimate he has made of how much the reduction in the additional rate of income tax to 45 per Andrea Leadsom: The Current Account Switching cent will be worth each year for a person earning Service launched in September of last year, and has had £1 million a year. [903727] a very positive impact. Early signs are positive, with switching numbers in Q4 of 2013 up by 17% compared 21. Lindsay Roy: To ask the Chancellor of the to Q4 of the previous year. Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of how The Financial Conduct Authority will carry out a much the reduction in the additional rate of income tax review in September of this year into the effectiveness to 45 per cent will be worth each year for a person of the Current Account Switching Service. This will earning £1 million a year. [903730] include an assessment of the effect the introduction of seven day account switching has had on the number of Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Gentlemen to the answer I people changing bank account provider. gave today to the hon. Member for Sefton Central (Bill Esterson). Consultants

Pensioners on Low Incomes Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which 10 consultancy firms were paid the most by his Department in the last financial year; and how much 19. Tim Loughton: To ask the Chancellor of the each of those firms was paid. [195585] Exchequer what fiscal steps he is taking to help pensioners on low incomes. [903728] Andrea Leadsom: Since January 2011, central Government Departments have been required to publish Mr Gauke: Supporting pensioners is a key priority on Contracts Finder information on the contracts they for this Government. Due to the triple lock, the full award: basic state pension has increased this month to £113.10 www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/ a week-a cash rise of £2.95. This is around £8.50 a week higher than it would have been if it had been uprated In addition, Departments publish details of spend in only in line with average weekly earnings growth since excess of £25,000 at: the start of this Parliament. www.gov.uk/government/collections/25000-spend We have also passed through the cash rise, due to the Credit: Interest Rates triple lock, to the minimum guarantee in pension credit. This ensures that the poorest pensioners also benefit. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer This Government also continues to protect universal (1) if he will bring forward proposals to limit the pensioner benefits, such as winter fuel payments, free interest rate payable on payday loans; and if he will eye tests and prescriptions. make a statement; [195597] 679W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 680W

(2) if he will bring forward legislative proposals to of the current financial year; and if he will estimate the make personal debt charged at an APR of over 30 per likely numbers of such people in each of the following cent unrecoverable; and if he will make a statement. two financial years. [195483] [195592] Nicky Morgan: The provisional award Child and Andrea Leadsom: The Government legislated in the Working Tax Credits statistics for December 2013, split Banking Reform Act 2013 to require the Financial by geography, are available at: Conduct Authority (FCA) to introduce a cap on the https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ cost of high-cost short-term credit, including payday attachment_data/file/266640/1312_Geog_sent.xls loans, in order to protect consumers from excessive Table 2 breaks down Tax Credit claimants by Region costs. In designing the cap, the FCA will take into and Table 4 by constituency. Those in receipt of WTC account the interest rate and other fees and charges are presented within the ‘WTC and CTC’ and ‘With no which may be incurred in relation to a high-cost loan. children’ columns. As part of the FCA’s powers to cap the cost of credit Figures for the current financial year are not yet in the Financial Services Act 2012, the Government available, but HMRC are due to publish the next provisional gave the FCA specific powers to prevent a lender enforcing tax credits national statistics for April 2014 on 25 April. a credit agreement and recovering the debt, if the agreement contravenes its rules on the cost of credit. It can also Forecasts of tax credit claimant numbers are not require that any money or property transferred under available. the credit agreement must be returned. Official statistics on Universal Credit were published The FCA is currently conducting analysis to inform on 19 March and can be found at: the design of the cap; it has committed to publishing its https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ proposed rules which implement the cap in July. The attachment_data/file/293502/universal-credit-first-release- FCA plans to publish final rules in the autumn and all mar14.pdf lenders must be compliant with the cap by 2 January DWP announced plans for the next stage of 2015. The Government supports the FCA’s proposed implementation on 5 December, and these were set out timetable for implementing the cap: it allows the FCA in a written ministerial statement (WMS). The WMS appropriate time to conduct analysis, consult on its can be found here: proposals and ensure that firms are fully compliant by https://www.gov.uk/government/news/universal-credit- January. It also allows the FCA to draw on the insight progress of the Competition and Markets Authority’s study into Statistics on numbers in receipt of other benefits are payday lenders in designing the cap. available here: Employment Agencies https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit- expenditure-and-caseload-tables-2014 Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer VAT which five companies were used most often to provide temporary workers for his Department in the last financial year; and how much in agency fees was paid Hilary Benn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many VAT431C claims have been submitted in to each of them. [195563] each of the last 32 quarters; [196288] Andrea Leadsom: Under this Government’s transparency (2) how many VAT431NB claims have been submitted programme, contracts are published on Contracts Finder in each of the last 32 quarters. [196287] which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder Mr Gauke: Data on these forms are not kept on a In addition all Departments publish details of quarterly basis. transactions above £25,000. Data for HM Treasury can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/25000-spend WALES Private Sector Consultants Lucy Powell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many jobs have been transferred from the public Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales to the private sector as a result of privatisations or which 10 consultancy firms were paid the most by his outsourcing by his Department since May 2010. Department in the last financial year; and how much each of those firms was paid. [195586] [195516]

Andrea Leadsom: HM Treasury have not transferred Stephen Crabb: The Wales Office did not employ any any jobs to the private sector as a result of privatisations consultants in 2013-14. or outsourcing since May 2010. Employment Agencies Social Security Benefits Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which five companies were used most often to provide how many people in each (a) region and (b) constituent temporary workers for his Department in the last part of the UK were in receipt of (i) universal credit and financial year; and how much in agency fees was paid (ii) other in-work tax credits or benefits at the beginning to each of them. [195564] 681W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 682W

Stephen Crabb: The information requested is as follows, journey, staff recruitment, delivering assessments by for financial year 2013-14: health professionals, performance management, estates and overall implementation. £ Providers were selected on the basis of the most Brook Street 3,929 economic advantageous tender which overall assessed a combination of qualitative, risk and financial factors to Ellwood Atfield 3,054 determine the preferred supplier for each contract to be Stationery awarded. Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales and Pensions what recent estimate his Department has what levels of stock his Department holds of (a) made of the proportion of claimants who will receive stationery, (b) printer cartridges, (c) treasury tags and higher rates under the new personal independence other fasteners and (d) other office consumables. payment compared to the disability living allowance. [196219] [196140] Stephen Crabb: As a small Government Department the Wales Office does not keep large amounts of stationery Mike Penning: The Department published its estimates or other office consumables. The level of stock is monitored of the proportion of claimants to personal independence regularly, and replenished as necessary to meet business payment (PIP) who will be in receipt of both the enhanced needs. rates on 19 December 2012, available at: The Wales Office uses IT services under Ministry of https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/180964/pip-reassessments-and-impacts.pdf Justice contracts which include the supply of printer cartridges. Cartridges are ordered automatically and we By May 2018, we estimate that 23% of claimants will be hold no reserves. receiving both the enhanced rates. In comparison, we estimate that the proportion receiving both the higher rates of disability living allowance without the introduction of PIP would be 16%. WORK AND PENSIONS Disability Living Allowance Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and made of the performance of Capita on processing Pensions how many recipients there are of disability medical assessment reports for personal independence living allowance, by parliamentary constituency. payments. [196278] [196119] Mike Penning: The Department’s contract with Capita Mike Penning: The information requested is already for the delivery of assessments for personal independence published and can be found at: payment includes a full set of service level agreements http://83.244.183.180/100pc/dla/ccparlc/ccsex/ setting out the Department’s expectations for service a_carate_r_ccparlc_c_ccsex_aug13.html delivery. We are closely monitoring their progress against these and are taking action to drive up performance Personal Independence Payment where this does not meet the required standards. We are aware that, in many cases, it is taking longer Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work than we would like for claimants to have their assessments and Pensions how many times the date set for the with Capita. We are working closely with our supplier implementation of the personal independence payment to speed up the process for claimants. programme has changed since that policy was introduced. [196083] Personal Independence Payment: Wales Mike Penning: Personal independence payment was Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work introduced, as planned, to a limited geographical area and Pensions (1) what average length of time was taken from 8 April 2013 for new claimants. As further planned, to process personal independence payments applications it was extended nationally from 10 June 2013 for new and DS1500s for clients who were terminally ill in claimants. Wales in the last year; [195940] Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (2) if his Department will introduce a seven day and Pensions what the criteria is by which his deadline for the processing of personal independence Department determined the successful bidders for payments for the terminally ill. [195827] management of the administration of the personal independence payments contracts. [196118] Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby Mike Penning: The personal independence payment (Stephen Twigg) and the hon. Member for Airdrie and (PIP) assessment providers were selected following a Shotts (Pamela Nash), on 5 March 2014, Official Report, fair and open competition. column 850W. Tenders were assessed against a detailed set of criteria Although personal independence payment is a new which covered key aspects of PIP service delivery. A benefit, and the Department does not have a target for wide range of areas were assessed but particular weighting completion of claims while processes are bedding in, we was given to bidders’ management of the claimant do deal urgently with special rules claims for terminally 683W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 684W ill claimants. We are implementing a range of improvements Steve Webb: The Department has not made any to improve clearance times for people with a terminal estimate of the number of people currently receiving a illness, including a dedicated phone service which we UK state pension and living in the UK who would introduced in February 2014. move abroad if pensions were uprated for all UK pensioners living overseas. Procurement It would be difficult to develop a robust estimate of this, as in practice there will be a wide range of factors Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work that determine decisions to emigrate. and Pensions what assessment he has made of his Department’s performance in handling commercial contracts. [195998] Stationery

Mike Penning: In 2013, the Department recruited a Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work new commercial director who has reviewed the and Pensions what levels of stock his Department Department’s commercial capability and capacity. The holds of (a) stationery, (b) printer cartridges, (c) review took account of the views and policy steers from treasury tags and other fasteners and (d) other office the Efficiency and Reform Group (ERG), the chief consumables. [196220] procurement officer and Crown representatives. The review found that while there are areas of high Mike Penning: We do not have this level of information capability, in some of the most complex contract areas on a site by site basis either by value or volume. We there is a need to improve the capability and capacity of operate a ‘lean’ supply chain with minimal stock holding. the Department’s commercial function and people. In (a) Stationery line with civil service reform and the ERG-led procurement We are unable to confirm any stock held by sites, inclusive of reform programme, the Department initiated a commercial paper as this information is not collected. improvement programme. The programme completed a (b) Printer cartridges commercial skills survey in October 2013. It also restructured the commercial organisation where assessment As part of the managed print service, we operate on the basis of one consumable per device as stock, or three for a colour of current practice against the standards of the NAO device; we also hold some drums and other products depending contract management model was also conducted. on the model. There are approximately 7,910 devices at present. The commercial improvement programme will strengthen This does not take into account devices which are not part of the commercial capability by developing and running training managed print service. to underpin contract management capability and fill (c) Treasury tags and other fasteners identified current skills gaps. Further improvement actions We do not have this information available, this would require will be informed by the report of an independent assessment further analysis of management information for the desktop of the Department’s contract management capability, stationery contract and definition of other fasteners to identify currently being conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers. the appropriate product lines. The Department’s commercial capability will also be (d) Other office consumables evaluated by a review team as part of a new ERG We do not have this information available, this would require programme during 2014. further analysis of management information for the desktop stationery contract and definition of what constitutes other office Social Security Benefits consumables in order to obtain information for each individual product. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the administration costs are, per Wolverhampton claimant, of (a) disability living allowance and (b) personal independence payments. [195875] Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make an assessment of the Mike Penning: Personal independence payment (PIP) effect of using Wolverhampton as a redistribution and disability living allowance (DLA) are different benefits centre for all mail relating to processing benefit claims, with different delivery models. PIP includes a more payments and appeals on (a) time taken to process and objective assessment process, with a face-to-face consultation (b) the reliability of the claims process. [196080] for most people. That is different to DLA, which is a self-assessed paper based process that purely looks at Mike Penning: DWP post opening arrangements are the type of health condition or impairment they have. It delivered as part of a contract for Office Services awarded was always expected that PIP would produce an overall to Cofely (formerly Balfour Beatty Workplace) which increased administration cost compared to DLA for commenced on 1 March 2007. The contract was let in these reasons. The current administration cost for DLA line with EU procurement legislation and offers significant per claimant is £56.06. A comparable administration cost savings and efficiencies over the previous arrangements cost is currently unavailable for PIP. which were a mixture of third party contractors and State Retirement Pensions in-house teams. In 2013 and in partnership with Cofely, DWP has Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work introduced a new initiative to transform DWP’s mail and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number services. The Mail Opening, Scanning and Indexing of people currently receiving a UK state pension and Project will provide a single strategic service for post living in the UK who would move abroad if pensions opening and scanning across DWP allowing our front-line were up-rated for all UK pensioners living overseas. staff to work more efficiently and effectively while [196561] drastically reducing our paper consumption, storage 685W Written Answers29 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 686W requirements and demonstrating the Departments providers impacted in the supply chain to optimise commitment to the Government’s digital agenda. quality, performance and service delivery. As part of the overall efficiencies, we have consolidated As with any new way of working, time is needed for the number of MOUs from 29 sites operated by the processes and procedures to be bedded in and the Royal Mail Group to just two locations operated by Department continues to work closely with the supplier, Cofely, but underpinned by a new Royal Mail sorting regularly reviewing their performance. The Department office in Wolverhampton. is confident that this new way of handling inbound mail when coupled with the increase in scanning, will deliver The consolidation to two MOUs is currently being efficiencies and a better service to our customers in the transformed; the Department is working with all the long term. ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 29 April 2014

Col. No. Col. No. TREASURY ...... 679 TREASURY—continued Average Earnings ...... 686 Fuel Duty ...... 679 Bank Bonuses ...... 680 Income Tax ...... 689 Bank Lending to Businesses...... 683 Infrastructure Projects ...... 689 Child Poverty ...... 691 Manufacturing...... 688 Cost of Living...... 690 Office for Budget Responsibility ...... 693 Economic Growth...... 684 Saving ...... 682 Fiscal Steps (Businesses) ...... 692 Topical Questions ...... 694 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Tuesday 29 April 2014

Col. No. Col. No. CABINET OFFICE...... 45WS TRANSPORT ...... 47WS Senior Salaries Review Body (Triennial Review) .... 45WS Access for All (Funding) ...... 47WS Contingencies Fund Advance ...... 48WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 45WS Ultra-low Emission Vehicles ...... 48WS Afghanistan (Monthly Progress Report) ...... 45WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 46WS Migration Advisory Committee (Triennial Review) ...... 46WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 28 April 2014—[Continued.]

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 539W EDUCATION—continued Crown Prosecution Service...... 539W Autism ...... 552W Domestic Violence ...... 539W Children: Cerebral Palsy ...... 552W Pornography: Internet...... 540W Children in Care...... 552W Private Sector...... 540W Children: Mental Health...... 554W Prosecutions...... 541W Children: Social Services...... 554W Consultants...... 555W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 570W Creationism...... 555W Apprentices...... 570W Employment Agencies...... 555W Business ...... 571W Free School Meals...... 556W Business: Derbyshire ...... 572W Park View Educational Trust ...... 556W Business: Regulation ...... 572W Policy ...... 557W Companies: Registration...... 573W Primary Education: Admissions...... 557W Competition and Markets Authority...... 574W Private Sector...... 557W Education: Finance...... 574W Pupil Exclusions...... 558W Exports ...... 575W Pupil Exclusions: Bullying...... 558W Football ...... 576W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 559W Higher Education...... 576W Schools: Disadvantaged ...... 559W Higher Education: Finance ...... 576W Schools: Flags ...... 559W Land Registry ...... 577W Schools: Inspections...... 559W Magnox Reactors...... 578W Sixth Form Colleges...... 560W Maternity and Paternity Pay ...... 578W Social Services: Somerset ...... 561W Nuclear Installations...... 579W Special Educational Needs...... 562W Overseas Trade: Israel ...... 579W Stationery ...... 562W Overseas Trade: Republic of Ireland ...... 579W University Technical Colleges ...... 563W Regional Growth Fund: Ashfield...... 580W Vocational Guidance...... 563W Robotics...... 580W Royal Mail ...... 581W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 503W Small Businesses: Derbyshire ...... 582W Biofuels...... 503W Students: Loans ...... 582W Dounreay...... 504W Trade Promotion...... 584W Energy: Meters...... 504W Energy: Prices ...... 504W EDUCATION...... 551W Fracking...... 505W Academies...... 551W Gas Storage Facility: Lancashire...... 507W Academies: Admissions ...... 551W Nuclear Decommissioning Authority...... 505W Col. No. Col. No. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued JUSTICE—continued Nuclear Installations...... 507W Courts: Lancashire...... 606W Nuclear Power Stations...... 507W Crime...... 606W Policy ...... 508W Crime: Victims ...... 607W Power Failures...... 508W Dangerous Driving ...... 608W Solar Power...... 509W Doncaster Prison ...... 608W Stationery ...... 509W Employment Tribunals Service...... 608W Wind Power ...... 509W Family Proceedings ...... 609W Wind Power: Planning Permission ...... 509W Hunting Act 2004...... 609W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 609W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 585W Magistrates Courts...... 610W Africa...... 585W Magistrates Courts: Wrexham...... 610W Argentina...... 585W Manchester Prison ...... 610W Baltic States ...... 585W Offences against Children ...... 611W British Indian Ocean Territory...... 586W Personal Injury ...... 611W Burma...... 586W Policy ...... 612W Colombia ...... 587W Prison Service ...... 612W Commonwealth ...... 588W Prisoners ...... 615W Dmitry Firtash...... 589W Prisoners: Complaints...... 616W Employment Agencies...... 589W Prisoners: Publications...... 617W Falkland Islands...... 589W Prisoners: Radicalism...... 617W Iceland ...... 591W Prisoners’ Release ...... 615W Iran...... 592W Prisons: ICT...... 617W Laos...... 592W Prisons: Libraries...... 618W Lesotho...... 593W Prisons: Publications...... 618W Middle East ...... 593W Prisons: Smoking ...... 618W North Korea ...... 593W Probation ...... 619W Occupied Territories...... 594W Probation: Northumberland ...... 622W Official Visits ...... 594W Probation Trusts: Sick Leave...... 622W Overseas Trade...... 595W Procurement...... 623W Pakistan ...... 596W Rape: Victim Support Schemes ...... 623W Palestinians ...... 596W Shoplifting ...... 624W Private Sector...... 596W Stationery ...... 624W Russia ...... 597W Scandinavia...... 598W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 510W Syria...... 598W Equal Opportunities ...... 510W Uganda ...... 600W Terrorism ...... 510W Ukraine...... 600W Vietnam ...... 602W TRANSPORT ...... 511W Western Sahara ...... 602W Aviation: Noise ...... 511W Women’s International League for Peace and Bus Services: Concessions ...... 511W Freedom...... 603W Bus Services: Tickets ...... 511W Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency...... 512W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 563W Driving: Eyesight ...... 512W Afghanistan ...... 563W Driving: Licensing...... 512W Bananas: Diseases...... 564W Employment Agencies...... 513W CDC ...... 564W Euston Station ...... 513W Consultants...... 564W Ferries: France ...... 513W Developing Countries: Agriculture ...... 565W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 514W Developing Countries: Females...... 565W London Midland ...... 514W Developing Countries: Food ...... 565W Motor Vehicles: Insurance ...... 515W Developing Countries: HIV Infection ...... 566W Motor Vehicles: Secured Loans...... 515W Developing Countries: Nutrition ...... 567W National Air Traffic Services...... 515W Developing Countries: Satellites...... 567W National Air Traffic Services: Scotland ...... 515W Employment Agencies...... 567W Network Rail ...... 516W Falkland Islands...... 568W Network Rail: Land ...... 516W Lesotho...... 568W Public Transport: Tickets ...... 516W Middle East ...... 568W Railways: Fares ...... 517W Pacific Islands ...... 568W Railways: Passengers...... 517W Private Sector...... 569W Railways: Tickets ...... 518W Stationery ...... 569W Rescue Services ...... 518W Tanzania ...... 569W Rescue Services: Liverpool...... 521W Uganda ...... 570W Roads: Brighton...... 521W West Africa ...... 570W Roads: Safety ...... 521W Taxis: Licensing ...... 522W JUSTICE...... 603W Transport: Per Capita Costs...... 522W Alternatives to Prison: Preston...... 603W Benjamin Mire ...... 603W TREASURY ...... 541W Cherry Groce ...... 605W Annuities...... 541W Consultants...... 605W Child Benefit...... 542W Convictions...... 605W Coinage: Forgery...... 542W Col. No. Col. No. TREASURY—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Enterprise Zones: Coleraine...... 543W Consultants...... 524W Floods: Northern Ireland...... 543W Employment Agencies...... 524W Gift Aid ...... 543W Employment Support Allowance ...... 525W Housing: Sales ...... 543W Housing Benefit: Rural Areas ...... 525W Income Tax ...... 544W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 526W Individual Savings Accounts ...... 544W Independent Living Fund ...... 527W Landfill Communities Fund...... 544W Industrial Health and Safety: EU Action...... 527W National Savings Bonds: Pensioners ...... 545W Jobcentre Plus ...... 527W Non-domestic Rates: Appeals ...... 545W National Employment Savings Trust Scheme...... 528W Office of Tax Simplification...... 546W Pensioners: Poverty ...... 528W Personal Income ...... 546W Personal Independence Payment...... 528W Policy ...... 547W Separated People: Finance ...... 533W Public Expenditure...... 547W Social Security Benefits...... 533W Revenue and Customs...... 548W Social Security Benefits: Fraud ...... 534W Revenue and Customs: Northern Ireland...... 548W Social Security Benefits: Immigrants...... 535W Revenue and Customs: Preston ...... 549W Social Security Benefits: Preston ...... 535W Smuggling: Tobacco...... 549W Sportsgrounds: Industrial Health and Safety ...... 535W Tax Avoidance ...... 550W State Retirement Pensions: British Nationals Taxation: Financial Services ...... 550W Abroad ...... 536W VAT: Publishing ...... 551W Unemployment: Young People...... 536W Universal Credit...... 537W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 522W Vacancies: Greater London...... 538W Atos Healthcare ...... 522W Work Experience...... 538W Children: Maintenance ...... 523W Work Programme...... 539W WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 29 April 2014

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 627W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 640W Proceeds of Crime...... 627W Electoral Register...... 640W Stationery ...... 628W Parliamentary Advisory Group...... 641W

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 628W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 641W Apprentices...... 628W Energy Companies Obligation ...... 641W Government Departments: Secondment ...... 630W Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme ...... 642W Royal Mail ...... 631W Solar Power...... 642W Shipping: Training ...... 631W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 642W CABINET OFFICE...... 632W Agriculture: Exports ...... 642W Consultants...... 632W Air Pollution ...... 643W Domestic Violence ...... 632W Biodiversity...... 643W Ethnic Groups: Latin America...... 633W Bovine Tuberculosis ...... 643W Government Departments: Video Conferencing .... 635W Dredging and Cockle Fishing ...... 644W Private Sector...... 635W Fisheries: Norfolk ...... 645W Trade Unions ...... 635W Fisheries: West Africa ...... 645W Flood Control...... 645W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 636W Floods...... 646W Natural Gas: Safety ...... 636W Forests ...... 646W Non-domestic Rates: East Sussex...... 637W Fracking...... 646W Secularism and Humanism ...... 637W Private Sector...... 647W Wind Power ...... 637W Water: Meters ...... 647W

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 638W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 647W Aerials: Planning Permission ...... 638W Consultants...... 647W HEALTH...... 648W DEFENCE...... 638W Cerebral Palsy...... 648W Air Force...... 638W Employment Agencies...... 649W Armoured Fighting Vehicles ...... 638W General Practitioners ...... 650W Baltic States ...... 639W Health Services ...... 650W European Fighter Aircraft ...... 639W Hospices: Children...... 652W Scandinavia...... 639W Hospitals: Waiting Lists...... 652W Ukraine...... 639W Medical Records: Databases ...... 651W Medical Records: Internet...... 652W EDUCATION...... 640W Neuromuscular Disorders: Leicester ...... 653W Youth Work ...... 640W Palliative Care...... 653W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued SCOTLAND...... 674W Private Sector...... 653W Consultants...... 674W Employment Agencies...... 674W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 654W Asylum ...... 654W TRANSPORT ...... 674W Asylum: Repatriation...... 654W Crossrail Line...... 674W Convictions...... 656W Infrastructure: North West...... 674W Crime...... 657W Stationery ...... 675W Crimes of Violence: Foreign Nationals ...... 659W Transport: Windsor...... 675W Domestic Violence ...... 659W West Coast Railway Line ...... 675W Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences...... 659W Driving Offences: Motorways ...... 660W Entry Clearances...... 660W TREASURY ...... 676W Entry Clearances: Israel ...... 662W “Europe for Citizens” Programme ...... 678W Entry Clearances: Lesotho...... 662W Bank Services...... 678W Illegal Immigrants: Employment...... 662W Business Premises Renovation Allowance ...... 678W Immigration...... 663W Consultants...... 678W Police ...... 664W Credit: Interest Rates ...... 678W Police and Crime Commissioners...... 664W Employment Agencies...... 679W Police: Bureaucracy...... 665W Income Tax ...... 677W Police Custody: Young People...... 665W Jobseeker’s Allowance ...... 676W Procurement...... 665W Pensioners on Low Incomes...... 677W Private Sector...... 679W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 666W Saving ...... 677W Palace of Westminster: Police...... 666W Social Security Benefits...... 679W VAT ...... 680W JUSTICE...... 667W Convictions...... 667W WALES...... 680W Deportation ...... 668W Consultants...... 680W Manchester Prison ...... 669W Employment Agencies...... 680W Prisoners: Nigeria ...... 670W Stationery ...... 681W Prisoners’ Release ...... 669W Prisoners: Suicide...... 670W Prisons: Mother and Baby Units...... 671W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 681W Prisons: Publications...... 671W Disability Living Allowance...... 681W Probation: South West ...... 671W Personal Independence Payment...... 681W Personal Independence Payment: Wales...... 682W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 672W Procurement...... 683W Consultants...... 672W Social Security Benefits...... 683W Employment Agencies...... 672W State Retirement Pensions...... 683W Stationery ...... 672W Stationery ...... 684W Terrorism ...... 673W Wolverhampton ...... 684W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Tuesday 6 May 2014

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CONTENTS

Tuesday 29 April 2014

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 679] [see index inside back page] Chancellor of the Exchequer

Safe and Sanctuary Rooms (Exemption from Under-Occupancy Penalty) [Col. 701] Motion for leave to bring in Bill—(Alison Seabeck)—agreed to

Business of the House (No. 1) [Col. 705] Motion—(Mr McLoughlin)—agreed

High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill: Select Committee [Col. 707] Motion—(Mr Goodwill)—agreed to

High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill: Instruction [Col. 770] Motion—(Mr McLoughlin)—agreed to

High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill: Carry-over [Col. 771] Motion—(Mr McLoughlin)—agreed to

Positions for Which Additional Salaries are Payable for the Purposes of Section 4A(2) of the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009 [Col. 774] Motion—(Mr Goodwill)—agreed to

Defence Reform Bill: Programme (No. 2) [Col. 774] Motion—(Philip Dunne)—agreed to

Defence Reform Bill [Col. 775] Lords amendments considered

Petition [Col. 792]

Rural Bus Services [Col. 793] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Schools Funding [Col. 173WH] Planning (North East Lincolnshire) [Col. 200WH] Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles [Col. 207WH] Music in Prisons [Col. 230WH] Syrian Refugees (Support and Aid) [Col. 237WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 45WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 503W] [see index inside back page]