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Monday Volume 573 6 January 2014 No. 98

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 6 January 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/. HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT

MEMBERS OF THE CABINET

(FORMED BY THE RT HON.,MP,MAY 2010)

PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. , MP FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. , MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. , MP CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS—The Rt Hon. , MP AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—The Rt Hon. Edward Davey, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR —The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES—The Rt Hon. David Jones, MP LEADER OF THE AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER— The Rt Hon. Lord Hill of Oareford, CBE

DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND MINISTERS Business, Innovation and Skills— SECRETARY OF STATE AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. , MP (Minister for Universities and Science) The Rt Hon. , MP § Matthew Hancock, MP § (Minister for Skills and Enterprise) Lord Livingston of Parkhead (Minister for Trade and Investment) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Jenny Willott, MP § Viscount Younger of Leckie — MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE AND —The Rt Hon. , MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. , MP (Minister for Government Policy) The Rt Hon. , MP § Nick Hurd, MP (Minister for Civil Society) The Rt Hon. , MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES— Joseph Johnson, MP § Communities and Local Government— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Baroness Warsi § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Nick Boles, MP , MP Stephen Williams, MP Kris Hopkins, MP Baroness Stowell ii HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

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

Home Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— , MP (Minister for Immigration) The Rt Hon. , MP ( and Criminal Justice) § Norman Baker, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— , MP Lord Taylor of Holbeach, CBE International Development— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Justine Greening, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. , MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Lynne Featherstone, MP Justice— LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Simon Hughes, MP The Rt Hon. Damian Green, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Shailesh Vara, MP , MP Law Officers— ATTORNEY-GENERAL—The Rt Hon. , QC, MP SOLICITOR-GENERAL—Oliver Heald, QC, MP ADVOCATE-GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Tankerness, QC Leader of the House of Commons— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND —The Rt Hon. , MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Tom Brake, MP Northern Ireland— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP MINISTER OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Andrew Robathan, MP Privy Council Office— DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, MP Scotland Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Alistair Carmichael, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. , MP Transport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP MINISTER OF STATE—Baroness Kramer PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Robert Goodwill, MP Stephen Hammond, MP Treasury— PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP CHIEF SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP FINANCIAL SECRETARY—, MP EXCHEQUER SECRETARY—David Gauke, MP ECONOMIC SECRETARY—, MP COMMERCIAL SECRETARY—Lord Deighton, KBE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Sir George Young, MP LORDS COMMISSIONERS— , MP David Evennett, MP , MP § Mark Lancaster, MP , MP , MP iv HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

ASSISTANT WHIPS— Joseph Johnson, MP Mark Hunter, MP Jenny Willott, MP , MP , MP , MP , MP Wales Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. David Jones, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Stephen Crabb, MP § Baroness Randerson Work and Pensions— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Esther McVey, MP Steve Webb, MP Mike Penning, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Lord Freud Ministers without Portfolio— The Rt Hon. , QC, MP The Rt Hon. , MP The Rt Hon. John Hayes, MP Her Majesty’s Household— LORD CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Earl Peel, GCVO, DL LORD STEWARD—The Earl of Dalhousie MASTER OF THE HORSE—Lord Vestey, KCVO TREASURER—, MP COMPTROLLER—The Rt Hon. Don Foster, MP VICE-CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Desmond Swayne, MP CAPTAIN OF THE HONOURABLE CORPS OF GENTLEMEN-AT-ARMS—The Rt Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns, DBE CAPTAIN OF THE QUEEN’S BODYGUARD OF THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD—Lord Newby, OBE BARONESSES IN WAITING—Baroness Northover, Baroness Jolly LORDS IN WAITING—Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Earl Attlee, Lord Gardiner of Kimble, The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Saltaire, Lord Popat, Lord Bates § Members of the Government listed under more than one Department

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

OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER SPEAKER’S SECRETARY—Peter Barratt ASSISTANT SECRETARY TO THE SPEAKER—Ian Davis MBE TRAINBEARER—Jim Davey DIARY SECRETARY—Briony Potts SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter SPEAKER’S CHAPLAIN—Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin vi HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont.

OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE

CLERK OF THE HOUSE AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE—Sir Robert Rogers, KCB

PRIVATE SECRETARY—Ben Williams PERSONAL ASSISTANT—Caroline Nicholls

PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS—Kathryn Hudson REGISTRAR OF MEMBERS’FINANCIAL INTERESTS—Heather Wood

PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY CO-ORDINATOR PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY DIRECTOR—Paul Martin, CBE ASSISTANT TO PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY DIRECTOR—Emily Baldock PRIVATE SECRETARY—Leonora Chiddicks

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS SECRETARY TO THE CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Sara Howe

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE HEAD OF OFFICE—Tom Goldsmith CORPORATE RISK MANAGEMENT FACILITATOR—Rachel Harrison HEAD OF CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS—Marianne Cwynarski HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT—Paul Dillon-Robinson HEAD OF PARLIAMENTARY PROGRAMME AND PROJECT ASSURANCE— Jane Rumsam STRATEGY,PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE MANAGER—Jane Hough

DEPARTMENT OF CHAMBER AND COMMITTEE SERVICES

CLERK ASSISTANT’S DIRECTORATE CLERK ASSISTANT AND DIRECTOR GENERAL—David Natzler PERSONAL ASSISTANT—Charlotte Every DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENTAL SERVICES—Elizabeth Hunt Overseas Office—— PRINCIPAL CLERK—Crispin Poyser DELEGATION SECRETARIES—Nick Wright, Eliot Wilson INWARD VISITS MANAGER—Alison Game, MBE NATIONAL PARLIAMENT REPRESENTATIVE,BRUSSELS—Edward Beale DEPUTY NATIONAL PARLIAMENT REPRESENTATIVE,BRUSSELS—Sarah Clarkson

COMMITTEE DIRECTORATE Committee Office—— CLERK OF COMMITTEES—Andrew Kennon CLERK OF DOMESTIC COMMITTEES—Robert Twigger PRINCIPAL CLERKS OF SELECT COMMITTEES—Philippa Helme, Mark Hutton, Colin Lee, Simon Patrick BUSINESS MANAGER (LIAISON)—Katie Phelan OPERATIONS MANAGER—Karen Saunders BUSINESS MANAGER (COMG)—Richard Dawson Departmental Select Committees—— BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS:CLERKS—James Davies, Amelia Aspden COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT:CLERKS—Glenn McKee, Sarah Coe CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT:CLERKS—Elizabeth Flood, Grahame Danby DEFENCE:CLERKS—James Rhys, Douglas Wands EDUCATION:CLERKS— Lynn Gardner, PhD, Katy Stout ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE:CLERKS—Dr Farrah Bhatti, Vinay Talwar ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS:CLERKS—David Weir, Dr Anna Dickson FOREIGN AFFAIRS:CLERKS— Kenneth Fox, Peter McGrath HEALTH:CLERKS—David Lloyd, Martyn Atkins HOME AFFAIRS:CLERKS— Tom Healey, Rob Cope INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT:CLERK—David Harrison JUSTICE:CLERK—Nick Walker NORTHERN IRELAND AFFAIRS:CLERK—Mike Clark SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:CLERKS—Stephen McGinness, Leonie, Kurt SCOTTISH AFFAIRS:CLERK—Rebecca Davies, Rhiannon Hollis HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont. vii

TRANSPORT:CLERKS—Mark Egan, PhD, Nick Beech TREASURY:CLERKS—Chris Stanton, Anne-Marie Griffiths WELSH AFFAIRS:CLERK—Marek Kubala WORK AND PENSIONS:CLERK—Carol Oxborough, Joanne Welham Domestic Committees—— ADMINISTRATION:CLERK—Helen Wood, Liz Bolton FINANCE AND SERVICES:CLERK—Robert Twigger Other Committees—— ARMS EXPORT CONTROLS (COMMITTEES ON): CLERK—Keith Neary ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT:CLERK—Simon Fiander JOINT COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS:COMMONS CLERK—Mike Hennessy LIAISON:CLERKS—Andrew Kennon, Philippa Helme JOINT COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY:COMMONS CLERK—Philippa Helme PUBLIC ACCOUNTS:CLERK—Sarah Petit PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION:CLERKS—Sian Woodward, Catherine Tyack, Rebecca Short POLITICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM:CLERK – Joanna Dodd REGULATORY REFORM:CLERK—James Davies EUROPEAN SCRUTINY COMMITTEE:CLERK—Sarah Davies CLERK ADVISERS—Peter Harborne, David Griffiths, Leigh Gibson, Terry Byrne JOINT COMMITTEE ON STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS:COMMONS CLERK—Simon Patrick Scrutiny Unit—— HEAD OF UNIT—Jessica Mulley DEPUTY HEAD OF UNIT (FINANCE)—Larry Honeysett

CHAMBER BUSINESS DIRECTORATE CLERK OF LEGISLATION—Jacqy Sharpe Public and Private Bill Office— CLERK OF BILLS,EXAMINER OF PETITIONS FOR PRIVATE BILLS AND TAXING OFFICER—Matthew Hamlyn CLERKS: Fergus Reid, Kate Emms, Georgina Holmes-Skelton, John-Paul Flaherty, David Slater PRIVATE BILL OFFICE—Neil Caulfield Committees— COURT OF REFEREES:CLERK—Matthew Hamlyn SELECTION:CLERK—Kate Emms STANDING ORDERS,UNOPPOSED BILLS:CLERK—Sara Howe Journal Office—— CLERK OF THE JOURNALS—Liam Laurence Smyth CLERKS: Eve Samson, Huw Yardley, Richard Cooke, Mark Etherton, Margaret McKinnon, Danielle Nash (Clerk of Public Petitions) PROCEDURE COMMITTEE:CLERKS—Huw Yardley, Margaret McKinnon STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES COMMITTEES:CLERKS—Eve Samson, Danielle Nash SPEAKER’S COMMITTEE FOR IPSA: CLERK—Eve Samson SPEAKER’S COMMITTEE ON THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION:CLERK— Eve Samson Table Office—— PRINCIPAL CLERK—Paul Evans CLERKS: Robin James, Tracey Jessup, Mark Etherton, Eliot Barrass, Judith Boyce, Richard Ward, Lydia Menzies SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER—Francene Graham BACKBENCH BUSINESS:CLERK—Robin James Vote Office—— DELIVERER OF THE VOTE—Catherine Fogarty DEPUTY DELIVERERS OF THE VOTE—Owen Sweeney (Parliamentary), Tom McVeagh (Production) PROCEDURAL PUBLISHING PRODUCTION MANAGER—Stuart Miller

OFFICIAL REPORT DIRECTORATE EDITOR—Lorraine Sutherland DEPUTY EDITOR—Alex Newton PERSONAL ASSISTANT—Caroline Rowlands DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING—John Angeli MANAGING EDITORS—Paul Hadlow, Clare Hanly, Deborah Jones, Ann Street, Vivien Wilson, Jack Homer, Ross Gunby, Adele Dodd, Jonathan Hoare viii HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont.

SUB-EDITORS—Eira Gregory, Kate Myers, Juliet Levy, Ken Gall, Victoria Hart, Paul Kirby, Emma Kirby, Tony Minichiello, David Hampton, Jez Oates, Barry Geall, Portia Dadley, Joanna Lipkowska, Richard Purnell, Bran Jones, Patricia Hill, Ian Oakhill, Saul Minaee, Will Holdaway (Acting) SENIOR REPORTERS—Emily Morris, Mayah Weinberg, Jude Wheway, Felicity Reardon, Paul Underhill, Angus Andrews, Jim Barr, Cara Clark, Paul Owen, Tom Martin, Keith Brown, Owain Wilkins, Lydia Davis, Eugene Wolstenholme, Stephen Farrell (Acting), Vivienne Kenny (Acting) HEAD OF ADMINISTRATION—Stephen O’Riordan SENIOR HANSARD ADMINISTRATORS—John Brake, Brian Harrison ANNUNCIATOR SUPERINTENDENT—John LeHunte

SERJEANT AT ARMS DIRECTORATE SERJEANT AT ARMS—Lawrence Ward DEPUTY SERJEANT AT ARMS—Richard Latham ASSISTANT SERJEANT AT ARMS—Lesley Scott CLERK IN CHARGE—Laura Blake ADMISSION ORDER OFFICE—Emily Cathcart PRINCIPAL DOORKEEPER—Robin Fell PASS OFFICE MANAGER—Hannah Evans MEMBERS’STAFF VERIFICATION OFFICE MANAGER—Guy Turner

OFFICE OF SPEAKER’S COUNSEL SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter COUNSEL—Peter Davis (Legislation), Paul Hardy (European Legislation) DEPUTY COUNSEL—Peter Brooksbank, Philip Davies, Daniel Greenberg PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT COUNSEL—Helen Emes ASSISTANT COUNSEL (EUROPEAN LEGISLATION)—Joanne Dee

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SERVICES DIRECTOR GENERAL/LIBRARIAN—John Pullinger DIRECTOR OF SERVICE DELIVERY—John Benger Curator’s Office— CURATOR OF WORKS OF ART—Malcolm Hay Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology (POST) — HEAD— Dr. Christopher Tyler Central Support Services— HEAD OF CENTRAL SUPPORT—Grahame Allen Customer Services— HEAD OF CUSTOMER SERVICES—Dr Patsy Richards HEAD OF FRONT OF HOUSE—Chris Sear SENIOR LIBRARY EXECUTIVES—Amina Gual, John Prince SECRETARY,SPEAKER’S COMMISSION ON DIGITAL DEMOCRACY—Adam Mellows Facer POLICY ADVISER—Lee Bridges

RESEARCH AND LIBRARY DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH SERVICES—Bryn Morgan Business and Transport— HEAD OF SECTION—Tim Edmonds LIBRARY CLERKS—Louise Butcher, Douglas Pyper, Antony Seely, Djuna Thurley Economic Policy and Statistics— HEAD OF SECTION— Lorna Booth LIBRARY CLERKS— Daniel Harari, Feargal McGuinness, James Mirza-Davies, Christopher Rhodes, Gavin Thompson, Dominic Webb Home Affairs— HEAD OF SECTION—Pat Strickland LIBRARY CLERKS—John Bardens, Jacqueline Beard , Lorraine Conway, Joanna Dawson, Catherine Fairbairn, Gabrielle Garton-Grimwood, Melanie Gower, Philip Ward, PhD, John Woodhouse International Affairs and Defence— HEAD OF SECTION—Vaughne Miller LIBRARY CLERKS—Louisa Brooke-Holland, Arabella Lang, Jon Lunn, DPhil, Claire Mills, Ben Smith SENIOR LIBRARY EXECUTIVES—Emma Clark, Julia Keddie HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont. ix

Parliament and Constitution Centre— HEAD OF SECTION—Ed Potton LIBRARY CLERKS—Paul Bowers, Oonagh Gay, Richard Kelly, Mark Sandford, Isobel White Research & Library Central Team— HEAD OF SECTION—Gavin Berman SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS— Jeremy Hardacre, Catrin Owens Science and Environment— HEAD OF SECTION— Sarah Hartwell-Naguib LIBRARY CLERKS— Dr Elena Ares, Dr Sarah Barber, Oliver Bennett, Emma Downing, Louise Smith, Edward White Social and General Statistics— HEAD OF SECTION—Richard Cracknell LIBRARY CLERKS—Paul Bolton, Aliyah Dar, Rachael Harker, Oliver Hawkins, Matthew Keep, Rod McInnes, Tom Rutherford Social Policy— HEAD OF SECTION—Christine Gillie, OBE LIBRARY CLERKS—Manjit Gheera, Sarah , Susan Hubble, Tim Jarrett, Steven Kennedy, Robert Long, Tom Powell, Nerys Roberts, Wendy Wilson

DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT—Steve Wise Indexing and Data Management— HEAD OF SECTION—Gini Griffin/Catherine Meredith Library Resources— HEAD OF SECTION—Susannah Foulis Office Services— OFFICE SERVICES MANAGER—Gabrielle Hughes

PUBLIC INFORMATION DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION—Edward Wood House of Commons Information Office/Parliamentary Outreach— HEAD OF PUBLIC INFORMATION & OUTREACH—Clare Cowan Web and Intranet Service— HEAD OF ONLINE SERVICES—Tracy Green Media & Communications Service— HEAD OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS—Vacant EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER:THE SPEAKER AND HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION—Justine McGuinness

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT—Aileen Walker Public Engagement and Learning HEAD OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND LEARNING—Tom O’Leary Education Service— HEAD OF EDUCATION —Emma-Jane Watchorn Visitor Services— HEAD OF VISITOR SERVICES—Deborah Newman

DEPARTMENT OF HR & CHANGE Director General’s Office— DIRECTOR GENERAL OF HR&CHANGE—Andrew Walker ASSISTANT TO DIRECTOR GENERAL—Jane Leverton DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND DELIVERY—Janet Rissen DIRECTOR OF CHANGE—Selven Naicker DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS AND FINANCE MANAGER—Caroline Young HEAD OF PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT—Patricia Macaulay-Fraser HEAD OF HR OPERATIONS—Alix Langley HEAD OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION—Anne Foster BUSINESS PARTNERS—Elaine Mason, Johan van den Broek, Soraya Ounssi x HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont.

Members’ Advisory Service and Members’ Personnel Advice Service (PAS) — SENIOR HR MANAGER—Dapo Coker Information Rights and Information Security Services (IRIS)— HEAD OF IRIS—Victoria Payne Safety, Health and Wellbeing— HEAD OF SAFETY,HEALTH AND WELLBEING—Marianne McDougall CONSULTANT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PHYSICIANS—Dr Ira Madan, Dr Paul Grimes HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVISER— Amanda Hastings OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING MANAGER—Anne Mossop WELFARE OFFICER – Tanya Harris CLINICAL NURSE ADVISERS—Karen St Cyr, Lucy Walsh, Sally Nightingale Trade Union Side— TRADE UNION SIDE ADMINISTRATORS—Sandra Deakins, Denise Eltringham

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE DIRECTOR—Myfanwy Barrett PERSONAL ASSISTANT—Jo Cunningham Pensions and Payroll— HEAD OF PENSIONS AND PAYROLL— Lucy Tindal

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT—Christopher Ridley HEAD OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING—Amanda Colledge HEAD OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING— Debra Shirtcliffe HEAD OF FINANCIAL SERVICES—Julia Routledge SYSTEMS ACCOUNTANT—Colin Lewis

COMMERCIAL SERVICES DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL SERVICES—Veronica Daly PROCUREMENT MANAGERS—Adrian Moody, Kevan Mayor, Jim Fowles

SAVINGS PROGRAMME HEAD OF SAVINGS REVIEWS—Martin Trott

DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES DIRECTOR GENERAL—John Borley, CB MA CEng MIET EXECUTIVE OFFICER—Katy Gray DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES FINANCE—Philip Collins DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT—Della Herd DEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER—Renee Brownsey-Joyce

PARLIAMENTARY ESTATES DIRECTORATE PARLIAMENTARY DIRECTOR OF ESTATES—Mel Barlex, BSc, MBA, MCR, MRICS, MBIFM DEPUTY DIRECTOR &HEAD OF PROJECTS—Christine Sillis, MBA, DipBldgCons, FRICS HEAD OF DIRECTOR’S OFFICE— Robert Whiteway DEPUTY HEAD OF DIRECTOR’S OFFICE AND BUSINESS MANAGER—Deborah Taylor HEAD OF MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS—Lester Benjamin, BEng, CEng, MCIBS KEEPER OF THE CLOCK—Mike McCann HEAD OF PROGRAMME &PLANNING MANAGEMENT—Steve Beck HEAD OF FIRE,SAFETY &ENVIRONMENT—Martin Wittekind FIRE SAFETY MANAGER—David Kaye, GIFireE PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT —Adam Watrobski, BA (Hons), DiplArch, DiplConsAA, RIBA PRINCIPAL ESTATES MANAGER—Helen Arkell, BSc (Hons), MRICS PRINCIPAL PROJECT LEADER—Victor Akinbile PRINCIPAL ENGINEER—Donald Grant ASSET MANAGER—Andrew Geehan, MSc, BSc, BD ESTATES ARCHIVIST AND HISTORIAN—Dr Mark Collins, BA, PhD ENVIRONMENT MANAGER—Rajnita Patel HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont. xi

CATERING SERVICES DIRECTOR OF CATERING—Richard Tapner-Evans, BSc EXECUTIVE CHEF—Mark Hill OPERATIONS MANAGER—Robert Gibbs CATERING MANAGER,TERRACE COMPLEX—Denise Durkin BANQUETING &EVENTS MANAGER—Lee Holt BANQUETING &EVENTS OFFICE MANAGER—Jason Bonello SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER—Martyn Westcott-Wreford CATERING SERVICES MANAGER,NORTHERN ESTATE (PORTCULLIS HOUSE,1PARLIAMENT STREET,7MILLBANK & MONCRIEFF ’S)—Yvonne Sparrow CATERING MANAGER,7MILLBANK,1PARLIAMENT STREET &MONCRIEFF ’S PRESS COMPLEX—James Ellis PURCHASING &STORES MANAGER—Antony Avella HOSPITALITY AND EVENTS SALES MANAGER—Katie Troup MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER—Tanith Banks

ACCOMMODATION AND LOGISTICS SERVICES DIRECTOR OF ACCOMMODATION AND LOGISTICS SERVICES—James Robertson OBE PARLIAMENTARY LOGISTICS MANAGER—Wesley Auvache MEMBERS ACCOMMODATION MANAGER—Lis Gerhold ACCOMMODATION MANAGER—Susanna Lumsden HEAD OF FACILITIES SERVICE DELIVERY—Brendon Mulvihill FACILITIES SERVICE DELIVERY MANAGERS—Doreen Irving, Noel Kirby, Simon Mansfield, David O’Nions, Les Stockwell CLEANING MANAGERS—Carol Hill, David Ray POSTMASTER—Mark Morrish

PARLIAMENTARY ICT SERVICE (PICT) DIRECTOR OF PICT—Joan Miller DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND MEMBER SERVICES—Matthew Taylor DIRECTOR OF RESOURCES—Steven Mark DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY—Steve O’Connor DIRECTOR OF NETWORK PROGRAMME—Innis Montgomery DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMES AND DEVELOPMENT—Rebecca Elton TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGER—Vacant

OTHER PRINCIPAL OFFICERS CLERK OF THE CROWN IN CHANCERY—Dame Ursula Brennan, DCB COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL—Amyas Morse PARLIAMENTARY AND HEALTH SERVICE OMBUDSMAN—Dame Julie Mellor, DBE

6 January 2014

THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES OFFICIAL REPORT

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

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

SIXTH SERIES VOLUME 573 ELEVENTH VOLUME OF SESSION 2013-2014

Mr Nuttall: I wish you, Mr Speaker, and the whole House of Commons House all the best for 2014. I am most grateful to the Secretary of State for that Monday 6 January 2014 reply. Having been judged inadequate by in each of the past two years, Elton primary school in my constituency is now the subject of a consultation with a The House met at half-past Two o’clock view to its becoming an academy. Will my right hon. Friend reassure me and those parents who have concerns PRAYERS that all the evidence suggests that such a move is more likely to be beneficial than detrimental to their children’s education? [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] Michael Gove: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Mr Speaker: Paul Goggins is a colleague held in Parents are naturally nervous whenever there is a change affection and esteem in all parts of the House and at of management or leadership in any school and so they this very difficult time our thoughts are with him, with should be—they care about their children. The evidence his wife, Wyn, and with their children, Matthew, Theresa points to the fact that when primary and secondary and Dominic. schools have been converted to academies, they have made significant improvements. One of the most controversial academy conversions happened in Haringey when Downhills school was taken over by the Harris Oral Answers to Questions chain. That met furious opposition from the unions and some Labour MPs, but children in that school are now flourishing at last, as are children in so many other EDUCATION academy schools. Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): The Secretary of State was asked— Does not the evidence show that the most important factor is the quality of teaching in our schools? Thousands Primary Schools (Academy Status) of schools around the country have chosen not to go down the academy route. Will the Secretary of State 1. Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): What join me in congratulating Ranworth Square primary assessment he has made of the performance of primary school in my constituency, where the majority of children schools which have attained academy status. [901738] are on meals but where last summer 93% achieved at least a level 4 in English, maths and writing? The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): I associate myself and those on the Front Bench, Michael Gove: That is a significant achievement and Mr Speaker, with your generous words towards Paul I am delighted to be able to congratulate the head and Goggins and his family. We all wish him a very speedy the team of teachers at that school. Many schools that I recovery. hugely admire have chosen not to go down the academy In 2013, the proportion of pupils who achieved the route. Thomas Jones primary in west is one expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics of the most outstanding schools in the country—100% improved significantly more in sponsored academies of its children reach the level to which the hon. Gentleman than in local authority schools. refers—and is not an academy. For schools that are 3 Oral Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Oral Answers 4 foundering or facing difficulties, however, academy solutions Michael Gove: I note what the hon. Lady says, and we have, in an overwhelming number of circumstances, have extended the freedom of information legislation to brought the improvement in results that we would all cover academies, which was not the case before this love to see. Government came to power. It is, however, important that we protect those individuals who made proposals Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): Will the for schools that were not accepted, from the programme Secretary of State update the House on what steps he of intimidation that has been directed at many brave has taken to enable good primary schools to expand, teachers by the National Union of Teachers and other and parents to open new primary schools, in areas extreme left-wing organisations. I make no apologies where new housing has created high demand for places? for protecting from intimidation those public-spirited people who wish to establish new schools. Michael Gove: To facilitate expansion, we have made One of the great things, however, about the free schools sure that all local authority schools receive additional programme is that it implements Green party policy. In support through the targeted basic need and basic need 2010, in the Green party education manifesto, the Green funding, which the Government have made available in party leadership said that we should more generous terms than any previous Government. “Move towards ending the need for private education by creating We have also seen 174 new free schools open, giving a programme of voluntary assimilation of private schools into parents a choice of new, high-quality schools to ensure the state sector.” that their children have the best possible start in life. That is just what we have done.

John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): When a primary academy Mr Speaker: The Secretary of State’s authorship of in a village goes belly up and all the parents start the Green party manifesto is not required. moving their kids, who will step in to bail out that school and ensure that the village retains a school for the future? Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): I hope that the Secretary of State will shortly announce the approval of Michael Gove: Without knowing the specifics of the the Maiden Erlegh free school in my constituency, but case to which the hon. Gentleman alludes, I am cautious is he as concerned as I am by Labour’s secret plan to about venturing into too much detail. Whenever any review free school premises and buildings? Is that not school enters difficulties, whether it is run by an academy simply a back-door way to destroy the free school chain or a local authority, the movement? [Interruption.] is always ready to ensure that an appropriate sponsor is in place to rescue that school. Michael Gove: I share my hon. Friend’s concerns absolutely. We all know that, despite the occasionally Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): How many brave forays into no-man’s land by the hon. Member for academies were there in May 2010, how many are there Stoke-on-Trent Central (), who has tried now and what has been the improvement in educational to defend parent-led academies, the majority of Labour attainment as a result? Members—as we can hear from their catcalls and jeers— oppose free schools and greater parental choice and Michael Gove: There were just over 200 academies in support the attempt of the hon. Member for Cardiff May 2010—203, I believe—and there are now more West (Kevin Brennan) to undermine those schools. We than 3,000. As Ofsted reported in its most recent annual will fight them every step of the way. report, the biggest increase in the quality of good and outstanding lessons ever in the history of the inspectorate Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): On has occurred under this Government. behalf of the Opposition, I should like to thank you, Mr Speaker, for your words about our colleague, the right hon. Member for Wythenshawe and Sale East Free Schools (Paul Goggins), and his wife, Wyn. Our thoughts and prayers are with them for a speedy recovery. 2. (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): How many applications his Department has received to In December, we learnt that the Prime Minister’s establish free schools; and what proportion of such flagship Discovery free school will be closed. The failings of this episode have let down the people of , applications have been successful. [901739] who will hold the Government to account. We know The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): that the Discovery school was opened against the advice The Government received 1,103 applications to establish of the Montessori Schools Association, so will the free schools in the first four rounds of applications and Secretary of State tell the House how many free school 27% of those applications were approved. applications have Ministers approved against the advice of Department officials? Caroline Lucas: I am grateful to the Secretary of State for his response. Why has his Department been Michael Gove: The advice of officials in this case was using all its legal might to prevent the release of free quite clear, and we accepted it. That is why the Discovery school applications and decision letters, even after the free school was opened. Information Commissioner ruled that there was a strong public information argument in favour of releasing Tristram Hunt: That says it all, does it not? We in the them? Surely if public money is being used, in the Opposition are in favour of innovation and autonomy public interest there has to be an absolute right for that in schools, but all we ask is that that is underpinned by information to be put in the public domain. basic safeguards and standards. National Audit Office 5 Oral Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Oral Answers 6 reports reveal that low-scoring applications were waved Matthew Hancock: Yes, I do. I am delighted to say through by Ministers against official advice, so let me that 2,200 people in Lincoln are participating in give the Secretary of State another chance to set the apprenticeships. As is the case in many other places record straight. Did Ministers approve applications for throughout the country, that is a record number. Of the Al-Madinah free school, the Discovery free school course apprenticeships are valuable in companies large or the Kings Science academy free school against the and small. In fact, a majority of apprenticeships are in advice of officials—yes or no? small businesses, but we need to ensure that the benefits of apprenticeships are communicated to all employers. Michael Gove: If the hon. Gentleman had been listening, he would know that I answered the question that he has Andrew Stephenson: Sara Underwood, a higher apprentice just asked first time round. I pointed out that the advice with Rolls-Royce at Barnoldswick in my constituency, from officials was to open the Discovery school. It was was recently awarded the Mary George memorial prize also the advice of officials to back Kings Science academy as part of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s and to back Al-Madinah school. In all three examples, young woman engineer of the year awards. Will the we took the advice of officials, but let me make it clear Minister join me in congratulating Sara on her achievement that it is entirely appropriate for Ministers to overrule and Rolls-Royce on its exceptional apprenticeship scheme? officials at any given point. Officials advise and Ministers decide. But in these three cases, we took the advice of Matthew Hancock: I am delighted to join my hon. officials and appropriate safeguards were in place. One Friend in recognising the work that Sara has done not of the problems that Opposition Front Benchers have is only to win the prize that she so thoroughly deserves, that they support free schools in the abstract, but when but as a true ambassador for apprenticeships as she it comes to the tough decisions necessary to improve goes around explaining the benefits of apprenticeships education in this country, at the first whiff of grapeshot, to young people, employers and the wider economy. they shy away and surrender. (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): A recent Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Ind): The Secretary of survey by Educational Supplement showed State will be aware of the delight with which the rebuilding that three quarters of young people did not receive of Newark academy has been greeted in Newark, yet information about apprenticeships in their careers lesson, the establishment of the free school at the same time so does the Minister still stand by the words of the seems to be competing for small numbers of students Secretary of State to the Education Committee in December who are needed inside the maintained schools. How that the Government have no plans to address and does he answer that charge? amend careers guidance?

Michael Gove: I will look closely at the particular Matthew Hancock: As my right hon. Friend the Secretary case that the hon. Gentleman raises. I know that he has of State said to that Select Committee, we will shortly been an effective champion for good school provision in publish new guidance on careers education. As we have Newark, and I shall ensure that I look closely at the set out many times, a far more important—if not the pupil numbers to which he alludes. most important—thing for young people’s inspiration and motivation is people who themselves are successful Apprenticeships in their careers, so that is what our careers advice policy focuses on. 3. Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con): What steps his Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): I thank Department is taking to improve the quality and the hon. Gentleman for his replies to these questions, quantity of apprenticeships. [901740] but how does he propose to deal with the real dearth of engineering apprenticeships—female ones—when frankly 14. Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): What steps there will not be enough role models to go around? We his Department is taking to improve the quality and need good careers advice in classrooms, but it needs to quantity of apprenticeships. [901751] be targeted so that we get young women, especially, into engineering and STEM—science, technology, engineering The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): and maths—subjects. There were 868,700 people undertaking an apprenticeship last year—more than ever before. We have already Matthew Hancock: Of course role models can be of taken steps to increase standards and remove low-quality either gender, and I am sure that many men can think of provision, and we will take further such steps. women who would be role models for themselves. Under this Government, the number and proportion of Karl McCartney: I am pleased to hear that our applications for apprenticeships in engineering are up, Government are providing more support to young people and the number of applications to study engineering at who do not wish to pursue an academic course at university is up. There is much more to do, but we are university. Does the Minister agree that we need more moving in the right direction. participation in the apprenticeship scheme by small and medium-sized enterprises such as PK Automotive in (Harlow) (Con): Does my hon. Friend Lincoln, which has joined larger firms such as Siemens agree that university technical colleges will make a huge in my constituency, and worked with local institutions difference to apprenticeships? May we have a commitment such as Lincoln college and LAGAT, to help to deliver from the Government that we will have one in every real opportunities for young people? town after the next election? 7 Oral Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Oral Answers 8

Matthew Hancock: I am a great enthusiast for UTCs, Mark Hendrick (Preston) (Lab/Co-op): Fulwood not least because they prepare people to go into not academy in Preston had a recent Ofsted report that only apprenticeships, but an academic career. They can stated that pupil achievement, quality of teaching and open up opportunities for young people, and we work leadership and management were inadequate. The head hard in the Department for Education to ensure that as teacher Richard Smyth has received extra funding for many people as possible get those opportunities. free school meals, disabled pupils and special educational needs. Why should that man remain in post when he has Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) (Lab): Does been at the school for three years and is himself inadequate? the Minister believe that schools are providing adequate careers guidance about the availability of apprenticeships Michael Gove: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman in the light of Sir Michael Wilshaw’s comments: for drawing my attention to those concerns about the principal. I am aware that there are concerns more “It is worrying that the new arrangements are failing to provide good guidance or to promote vocational training options and broadly about Fulwood academy, and I will write to apprenticeships”? him about what we propose to do. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): The key point is Matthew Hancock: I am clear that the strength of how swiftly responses are made to those schools that guidance, inspiration and motivation needs to increase, are failing. Does the Secretary of State agree that the and that the best place to get that motivation is from important thing is leadership and management, and people who are in careers. We have inspirational apprentices that includes the role of governing bodies, which should such as Sara Underwood, who was mentioned by my contain fully skilled governors to do the job? hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Andrew Stephenson), who explain the benefits of apprenticeships. I explain Michael Gove: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. I the benefits of apprenticeships, and it should be incumbent am grateful to him for his work not just on the Education on all of us in the House to explain that opportunities Committee but more broadly in making it clear that we are available to allow people to prosper. need to recruit an even stronger cadre of school governors. I pay tribute to the many thousands of superb school Academies and Free Schools governors that we have in place at the moment, but we need to attract more people, particularly from business, 4. Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) to take on that role in what is an increasingly autonomous (Con): What systems his Department has in place for school system. management of failing academies and free schools. [901741] Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): The Secretary of State said to the Education Committee that he would consider publishing the list of failing free schools and The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): saying whether they had been approved against the The Department monitors schools through scrutiny of advice of officials. Will he give us that list now? performance data and Ofsted reports. All free schools are visited by an education adviser in the first and Michael Gove: I was asked earlier by the shadow fourth term of opening. Concerns are investigated Secretary of State whether I would specifically refer to immediately. It is for an academy trust to ensure that the three schools that have, understandably, been brought appropriate action is taken to bring about rapid to the attention of the public because of their difficulties. improvement. If it does not, we use the intervention I made it clear to him, as I am happy to make it clear powers in the funding agreement. to the hon. Gentleman, that in all of those cases, the advice from officials was clear that the school should Mr Stuart: The recent action taken on Al-Madinah open. and the Discovery New School by Lord Nash, the Under-Secretary of State, followed his setting out in GCSE and A-Level detail the requirements those schools had to follow in order to turn themselves around and required his personal 5. (Henley) (Con): What progress he has supervision of those schools. What role will school made on encouraging the take-up of academic subjects commissioners have in future to ensure that we no at GCSE and A-level. [901742] longer have Ministers trying to run schools from a desk in Whitehall? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Elizabeth Truss): Since this Government took office, Michael Gove: Inevitably, we inherited a situation in we have seen the number of students taking EBacc which funding agreements were the principal method of subjects, core academic subjects, rise by 60%. We are ensuring that both academies and free schools acted also seeing record numbers of students taking maths in conformity with the principles that all of us would and science at A-level, which is good news because expect. We are not intending to abandon the principle those are the subjects that universities and employers that it should be for Ministers to sign and, if necessary, want to see students study. revisit funding agreements, but a new system of regional schools commissioners working to the Office of the John Howell: I want to raise with the Minister the Schools Commissioner can ensure that we have the issue of academic subjects, and languages in particular. local intelligence that we need in order to respond more I am glad to hear that the introduction of the EBacc has quickly, and that there is a greater number of high-quality reversed the decline, but what is she doing to ensure sponsors to help drive school improvement. continued success? 9 Oral Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Oral Answers 10

Elizabeth Truss: I agree with my hon. Friend’s concerns. Elizabeth Truss: I absolutely agree with the hon. Lady. Under the previous Government, we saw a drop in I certainly notice in schools in my Norfolk constituency compulsory languages in 2004 and a decline in the that emigrants from Poland have helped to improve numbers of students taking languages. Over the past results in some subjects, and I completely disagree with year, we have seen a 14% rise in the number of students her leader, the shadow Secretary of State, in respect of taking languages at GCSE, and we expect that to feed making implications about the impact of migrants on through to A-level. From this September, we are introducing academic performance. compulsory languages from the age of seven, so that all our children get the experience of learning languages Further Education (Funding) and are able to build up a level of fluency that will help them in their future careers. 6. Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab): What plans he has for future funding for Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Does students in the further education sector; and if he will the hon. Lady agree that where it is right for a young make a statement. [901743] person to pursue academic subjects it is good that they do so, but many young people in our schools are never The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): given a full choice and the option to do more practical We announced the 16-to-19 funding policy changes for subjects? Is that not part of the reason why the excellent the academic year 2014-15 last month, and we will report “One System, Many Pathways” by the Skills confirm the allocation of funding for individual institutions Commission, which I co-chair, should be looked at by the end of March. closely by her Department? Debbie Abrahams: Oldham sixth-form college and Elizabeth Truss: I think it is good for students to be Oldham college were notified, without any consultation, doing both academic and practical subjects. In countries that their funding would be cut by 17.5%. That has a such as and Poland, which have improved devastating impact on young people in our area and it is their programme for international student assessment— anticipated that 700 young people in Oldham will be PISA—scores, all students do a core of academic subjects, affected. Long-term youth unemployment in Oldham including languages, sciences, history and geography, has more than doubled since November 2010, and we until they are 16. It is an important principle that know that the national figure is 1 million people. Given students need to do both, because that is what will help the Prime Minister’s pledge that our young people them to get good jobs when they leave school. should “earn or learn”, is this move not another example of this Government’s hypocrisy? Mr (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton) (Con): Given that the new primary maths curriculum Matthew Hancock: Not only are unemployment and no longer includes the chunking method in division youth unemployment falling—thankfully—from the very calculations, will the Minister confirm that the revised high levels we inherited from the Labour party, but we key stage 2 assessments in maths will give credit for a have had to make savings in the 16-to-19 budget. We pupil’s working only when the traditional long or short think it is fair to make this change affecting those who division methods are used, and not when the discredited have already had two years of post-16 learning; many chunking method is used? 18-year-olds in full-time education do not study as many hours as 16 or 17-year-olds. I also say to the hon. Elizabeth Truss: First, I pay tribute to my hon. Friend Lady that her Front-Bench colleague, the hon. Member for all the work he did on the maths curriculum, which for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell), said on television is now a world-leading one. Some of our teachers earlier that she wanted the deficit to fall faster. I am not recently went to Shanghai to see how maths is taught sure that she got the memo from the shadow Chancellor, there, and they found that Shanghai is three years ahead but Labour has opposed every single cut, no matter of in this regard. One thing they noticed was how difficult. that the chunking method is not used in Shanghai—long division is used instead. When those teachers brought (Romsey and Southampton North) that back to England, pupils said, “This method is (Con): College principals from around Southampton great. Why aren’t we doing this? This long division is have been keen to emphasise the valid reasons why much easier than the confusing strategies we have been 18-year-olds may need an additional year at sixth form, taught.” So I can say that when we introduce the which include ill health, their possibly suffering from standard assessment tests with the new national curriculum, disabilities, and, of course, the need to improve GCSE chunking will not be rewarded in method marks—long results so that they can go on to study their A-levels. division will. What reassurance can the Minister give me that these young people, who are in need of the most support, are Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington) not going to be penalised? They are the most at risk of (Lab): On the take-up of academic subjects at GCSE becoming NEETs—those not in education, employment and A-level, does the Minister accept that we should all or training. be careful about making a direct link between educational underachievement in our coastal towns and part of Matthew Hancock: When my hon. Friend sees the East Anglia, and recent high levels of eastern European impact assessment, I think that she will be reassured on migration, because there were educational challenges in some of those points. As I have said, this is a difficult those areas long before eastern Europeans showed up decision and not one that we will take lightly, but the and children of immigrant descent can be some of the alternatives are also difficult, and 18-year-olds have most aspirational in our schools system? already had two years of study post 16 and, indeed, 11 Oral Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Oral Answers 12 they often study for fewer hours than 16 to 17-year-olds. which has come to the attention of the Department I look forward to discussing with her, once we have and Ofsted, has also been facing a difficult scrutiny published the impact assessment, exactly why that decision process. was made. Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): My right Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield) (Lab): I hon. Friend, along with Lord Nash, has been assiduous am afraid that the Minister has not answered the point in responding to colleagues’ concerns about academy that the hon. Member for Romsey and Southampton chains. Will he consider changing some of the Education North (Caroline Nokes) raised. Some 71% of the over-18s Funding Agency’s requirements so that in future pre- in further education are on vocational courses and they warning actions can be delivered when schools go into are often the people who need a second chance and improvement status, not just into special measures? additional support, yet he is cutting funding for them by 17.5%. Why is he hitting those who need support? Michael Gove: My hon. Friend makes an important point. It is important that we are energetic in using the Matthew Hancock: As I said to my hon. Friend the warning notices. More than half of local authorities Member for Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline have not used warning notices when schools have been Nokes), once the hon. Gentleman sees the impact underperforming, but where the best local authorities assessment he will be able to have a full view of the have used such notices, and indeed where the Department, value of the policy. on the advice of the EFA or others, has used them, we have seen real improvement. Mr Speaker: I was looking for Dr Huppert. He popped up a moment ago but has popped down again. Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Does the Never mind. We will accommodate him on some other Secretary of State believe that it is acceptable for head occasion. teachers of academies to refuse to respond to complaints taken up by MPs? If he does not, when will he act to Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): My experience of ensure that MPs receive proper responses? the Banbury and Bicester job clubs is that young people who have dropped out of education or training often Michael Gove: I think that MPs deserve proper responses find it difficult to get back into education and training. from all those charged with spending public money. I Can my hon. Friend reassure me that those youngsters will look more closely at the specific case the hon. who have been NEETs but want to get into further Gentleman mentions, but it is important to recognise education will be given support to do so? that the principals of academies are more accountable than the heads of local authority schools—[Interruption.] Matthew Hancock: Of course. The massive expansion “Facts are chiels that winna ding”. That is as a result of of apprenticeships and the introduction of traineeships the greater accountability they face, and not just to the were designed to do precisely that. There is a huge focus taxpayer through the EFA, but to the Charity Commission. on ensuring that those who are in education and those We should be satisfied that the improved governance who are NEET get the opportunities to fulfil their that academies and free schools have means that they potential. Raising the participation age is another part are more directly accountable to taxpayers and elected of the plan for dealing with the problem. There are representatives. many policies designed to have that effect. The changes across the piece are all about ensuring that, within the Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): funds available, we give everybody the best possible Will my right hon. Friend reassure the House that the opportunity. changes to the accountability system for schools will benefit all their pupils, not merely those on the C-D grade borderline? Publicly Funded Schools (Oversight) Michael Gove: My hon. Friend is typically acute in 7. Mr Steve Reed (Croydon North) (Lab): What steps getting to the heart of the matter. The change to judging he is taking to ensure accountability and oversight of schools on how well each student progresses from the all publicly funded schools. [901744] moment they arrive until the moment they take their GCSEs, across a broad range of eight GCSEs, will The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): mean that not just academic excellence but creativity We have reformed Ofsted’s inspection framework to and technical accomplishment will be counted in make it clearer, tougher and fairer. We are also introducing determining how well each school has improved—and new, more intelligent accountability measures in school of course we will move away from the distorting impact league tables. that a focus on the C-D borderline has had in the past.

Mr Reed: Ministers say that the Education Funding Child Care Costs Agency is the only means of oversight for free schools. How many free schools are currently being investigated 9. Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): by the EFA? What steps his Department is taking to tackle the rising costs of child care. [901746] Michael Gove: The EFA is not the only means of oversight for free schools. As we know, Kings Science The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education academy has been the subject of a specific investigation (Elizabeth Truss): First, we are increasing the supply of by the EFA. We also know that the Al-Madinah school, child care to bring down costs, reversing the decline in 13 Oral Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Oral Answers 14 childminders by giving top childminders automatic access Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): I to Government funding, enabling the creation of congratulate the Minister on what this Government have childminder agencies which will be a one-stop shop for done on child care. There have recently been proposals parents and childminders, and getting better value out for universal child care. Will she give an estimate of the of school sites by encouraging schools and nurseries to costs that that might entail? open from 8 am to 6 pm to support working parents. Secondly, we are supporting parents with costs through Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education has tax-free child care, which will be available from next worked out that universal full-time child care for children year and give working parents up to £1,200 per child. aged one to four would cost £18 billion.

Barbara Keeley: Despite budget cuts of £100 million PISA Report since 2010, Salford council is aiming to provide 25 hours of nursery care for our three and four-year-olds. This extra funding for our nursery schools will make a great 10. David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): What difference to hard-pressed families. However, 56 out of assessment he has made of the findings of the recent 76 schools in Salford will lose out from September PISA report as they relate to England; and if he will because of Government changes to their funding make a statement. [901747] allocations. Why are the Government acting to undermine the attempts we are making in Salford to support our 15. Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co- hard-pressed parents who need child care? op): What assessment he has made of the findings of the recent PISA report. [901752] Elizabeth Truss: I assure the hon. Lady that we are in fact increasing spending on early intervention and child The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education care across the country.We have increased early intervention (Elizabeth Truss): The PISA results for 2012 showed spending from £2.1 billion to £2.5 billion, and we are that England’s performance has stagnated in the league increasing the funding for two, three and four-year-olds tables, with no improvement over the entire period of as well. The reality is that under this Government the the previous Government’s time in office. In contrast, costs of child care have stabilised, whereas under the Germany and Poland reformed their education systems previous Government they went up by over £1,000 a and saw a significant improvement in their results, and year. east Asia also moved ahead. That is why this Government are learning from the success of those other countries Chloe Smith (Norwich North) (Con): I welcome my by increasing school freedom and accountability and hon. Friend’s urgent drive to ensure that parents get the focusing on core academic subjects. places to which their children are entitled. I welcome it in Norfolk, where £33 million is allocated for more David T. C. Davies: The PISA results also showed school places. I also welcome it in terms of child care, that things in Wales have not only stagnated, but gone for which 500 more two-year-olds in my constituency backwards, and that educational standards in England will be eligible. Will she join me in getting more information are still far higher than they are in Wales, where the to parents on how they can access that flexibly? Welsh Assembly’s Labour Minister recently had to make a fulsome apology on the front page of the Western Elizabeth Truss: I completely agree with my hon. Mail for his party’s abysmal failure. Why does my hon. Friend. We are keen that school nurseries, which typically Friend the Minister believe that educational standards operate two sessions a day, do it more flexibly to help to in England are so much higher than those under the support working parents so that they can take up three Labour-run Welsh Assembly? five-hour slots a week that may fit in with their part-time jobs. At the moment, too many school assets are empty Elizabeth Truss: My hon. Friend is absolutely right between the hours of 3 pm and 6 pm or before school. and the Welsh Minister was right to apologise for We can use them better and get better value for money. letting children in Wales down. The reality is that the caved in to the unions and abolished Lucy Powell (Manchester Central) (Lab/Co-op): Given national tests and league tables, and their results in that under the hon. Lady’s Government the cost of maths have plummeted to lower than 40th in the PISA child care has risen by 30%, or five times faster than tables. That shows how vital it is that we increase wages, and by a staggering £304 on average in the past accountability in this country and keep up the pace of year alone, what help with these costs is she providing our reforms to make sure that we push ahead like to parents during this Parliament? countries such as Germany and Poland, rather than fall behind like Wales. Elizabeth Truss: The hon. Lady is cherry-picking her statistics. Many studies show that costs have stabilised Mr Bailey: The PISA report emphasised the potential under this Government, and they are in line with inflation. benefits of raising standards through collaboration between Her colleague in the House of Lords, Baroness Hughes, schools. The 2010 teaching White Paper committed admitted that she got it wrong when Labour was in £35 million to school collaboration. Why has that power, when costs went up by £1,000 a year. We have commitment not been fulfilled? upped the amount of free child care for three and four-year-olds from 12 and a half hours a week to Elizabeth Truss: We absolutely encourage collaboration, 15 hours a week, supporting hard-working families, but which is one of the reasons why we sent 50 teachers over we are not making unfunded promises such as spending to Shanghai to see how they do things there and to put the bankers levy 11 times. that in place in our classrooms. We have already seen 15 Oral Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Oral Answers 16 the results in some of our schools in England, including Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Is the Minister really improved practice in the classroom and improved teaching satisfied that the cut in 18-plus funding, which will hit results. youngsters from the least affluent backgrounds, is the best he can do for those young people? Education Attainment (Disadvantaged Pupils) Mr Laws: As has already been made clear, this is not a cut that will disproportionately affect those from the 11. Simon Wright (Norwich South) (LD): What steps backgrounds mentioned by the hon. Gentleman. he has taken to raise the attainment at school of children from less affluent backgrounds. [901748] Kings Science Academy (Bradford)

The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): Disadvantaged 12. Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): What steps primary pupils each attract £953 of pupil premium his Department has taken in relation to the principal funding this year, while secondary pupils attract £900. of Kings science academy in Bradford following the Next year this will increase to £1,300 and £935 respectively. conclusions of his Department’s audit report. [901749]

Simon Wright: According to research recently published The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): by the Department, more than 23,000 disadvantaged Responsibility for a principal’s performance rests of children in the east of England are entitled to, but are course with the governing body of an academy, not the not claiming, free school meals. What steps is the Minister Department for Education. One thing I should say is taking to increase take-up and to ensure that schools do that, as the hon. Gentleman will be aware, there is an not miss out on valuable pupil premium funding? ongoing police investigation, which I have to be careful not to prejudice. Mr Laws: My hon. Friend is entirely right to raise this very important issue. It is a concern that the take-up Mr Ward: That is disappointing, because of course of free school meals varies so much across the country. the head of a maintained school would have been on his That is why the Department has now introduced an bike long ago. May I ask the Secretary of State about a eligibility checking service to make it easier and quicker comment made by a spokesperson for Alan Lewis who to check which families are entitled to free school meals. said: I can tell my hon. Friend that under-registration for the “At no time has Mr Lewis had responsibility for the financial east of England has actually fallen from 23% to 18% over management or governance of the academy”? the past year. If, as I have been told, the report by the auditors recommended to the school by Mr Lewis was presented Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): Children directly to him and amended as a result of his comments, from disadvantaged homes and those with special does the Secretary of State agree that that provides educational needs are most likely to be hit by the cuts to evidence of involvement in both financial management 18-plus funding. When the Secretary of State met the and governance within the school? Education Committee just before Christmas, he told us that he regretted the cut, but that it was the best worst Michael Gove: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman option. These children are the closest to being not in for his question, and for the dogged and persistent way education, employment or training; are they really the in which he has sought to ensure that we can improve ones who should be hit hardest and first? the situation at Kings science academy. I would say that Mr Lewis was responsible for commissioning a report, to which the hon. Gentleman quite rightly draws attention, Mr Laws: The Minister for Skills and Enterprise, who that has played a part in helping to ensure that Kings covers this area, has already responded to this point. science academy moved from a difficult position to a These are very difficult decisions that we are having to better one, but I must stress that I do not want to say take as a consequence of the budget deficit we inherited anything that might prejudice an ongoing police report. from the previous Government. It is a difficult decision, but I believe that the analysis will show that it is Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): I can understand justified. why the Secretary of State wants to protect his flagship policy, but we have had mismanagement, nepotism and 21. [901760] Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con): Obviously, fabricated invoices. Mr Lewis is not just a benefactor; the pupil premium plays a great part in providing help he is a landlord who will receive £12 million in rent in for disadvantaged children, including those at Woodrow years to come from the school, as well as a vice-chair of First school in one of the most deprived areas in my the Conservative party and a major Tory donor. Is that constituency of Redditch. Will the Minister congratulate anything to do with the fact that the Secretary of State head teacher Richard Kieran, who provides an imaginative has refused to take any action whatsoever against anyone curriculum due to the pupil premium? since this scandal broke?

Mr Laws: I am delighted to be able to join my hon. Michael Gove: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman Friend in congratulating the head teacher of Woodrow for raising this issue. It is important to place on the First school. I was particularly pleased to be able to record the fact that Mr Lewis is receiving for the property visit that school with my hon. Friend at the end of last an appropriately guaranteed market rent—less than he year to see the fantastic work that is being done, and I was receiving for it beforehand. It is important to stress was also encouraged by the strong support she is giving that, and it is also important to state that as soon as my to all the schools in her area. Department was made aware of allegations of the 17 Oral Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Oral Answers 18 misappropriation of public money, it contacted Action Michael Gove: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to Fraud and a police investigation is now ongoing as a raise that issue. We are looking not only at how we can direct result. I should also add that my Department was better support all schools in sparse, rural areas, but in touch with the economic crime unit of West Yorkshire specifically at how disadvantage funding for institutions police to ensure that appropriate steps had been taken; that educate 16, 17 and 18-year-olds can better take it was reassured that those appropriate steps had been account of transport costs. taken. The law must follow its course. It is entirely right for the hon. Gentleman to raise questions in Parliament, Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): Has but it would be entirely wrong for me to prejudge the the Minister had any recent discussions with ministerial police investigation. colleagues about the law on child neglect? Is he giving Tablet Devices (Use in Schools) any consideration to updating what many professionals argue is an outdated law that can hamper their ability to intervene and protect vulnerable children? 13. Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): What assessment he has made of the benefits and disadvantages of the use of tablet devices in schools. [901750] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Mr Edward Timpson): I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): for asking that question, if for no other reason than Technology, well used, can be a powerful tool to help that I get to answer a question. This is an extremely teachers drive up standards, and evidence shows that the important issue. I know that he agrees with me about use of technology can have the biggest impact on those the utmost need to make further inroads into eradicating most disengaged from learning. child neglect in our society. There are two definitions of child neglect which relate to criminal law and civil law. I Stephen Mosley: Technology such as tablets can be assume that he is talking about the criminal aspect and very beneficial in the classroom, but it can also put huge the work that is being done in the Ministry of Justice, strain on parental finances. What support can the with which I have had discussions. This is an ongoing Government offer to make sure that all children, irrespective issue and I am happy to discuss it with him further. of their family circumstances, have access to the technology that they need in the classroom? T2. [901809] Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): What steps is my hon. Friend taking, working with the Matthew Hancock: My hon. Friend makes a very Treasury, to equalise the VAT treatment of sixth-form important point. In fact, during the past year the number colleges, such as the outstanding Mid Cheshire college of tablets in secondary schools has gone up by 50%, in my constituency, to bring them in line with school, and the number in primary schools has more than academy and free school sixth forms? doubled, while we also have a special capital fund for colleges to fund such IT. However, this is about more The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): than physical resources; it is about changing the way I am a passionate supporter of sixth-form colleges. teaching is done to make the best use of this tool to I recognise the work that they do, in particular Mid drive up standards. Cheshire college with its outstanding status. I have regular Topical Questions discussions with the Treasury. However, we do not think that we will be able to find the resources in the current spending round to solve the problem with VAT that my T1. [901808] Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) hon. Friend raises. I will continue to work with the (Con): If he will make a statement on his departmental Treasury to try to find a solution. responsibilities.

The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): T3. [901810] Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) It is important that I draw to the House’s attention the (Lab): Ofsted inspections often critique, but usually fact that Ofsted, the Government’s school inspectorate, deliver only advice from a small bag of short-term fixes, has changed its guidance to clarify the vital importance many of which have failed before. Will the Secretary of of not favouring one style of teaching over any other. In State meet me to discuss how Ofsted can be given the the most recent guidance that Ofsted has issued, it power to deliver 10-year strategic interventions to help stresses that inspectors must not give the impression schools deliver school readiness at four and 11, so that that Ofsted favours a particular teaching style. improvements are sustainable, unlike Ofsted’s short-term I use the opportunity that you have given me at the fixes? Dispatch Box, Mr Speaker, to emphasise that point in order to stress to all teachers that we want them to Michael Gove: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman deploy their creativity, skill and intelligence to raise for raising that issue. I believe that we will have an standards for all children, and not to stick to any opportunity to meet and talk tomorrow. I met some outdated rubric in doing so. great head teachers from his constituency last year and their direct testimony weighed heavily with me. I know Miss McIntosh: I welcome the Government review of that he has talked to them about how we can ensure that less well-funded local education authorities, such as Ofsted provides even more support in the future. Other North Yorkshire, but there is a very urgent problem schools have noticed a significant change in the way in with transport for 16 to 18-year-olds attending sixth-form which Her Majesty’s inspectors provide support after or higher education colleges. Will the Secretary of State an inspection, which is sometimes necessarily tough address that problem as urgently as possible? and stringent. 19 Oral Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Oral Answers 20

T5. [901813] Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con): There is overwhelming majority of schools put forward for approval a theme to my questions today. Will my right hon. were turned down. Something like 17% of the lowest-scoring Friend join me in congratulating Arrow Vale RSA schools were approved, but no school that has subsequently academy in my constituency, which he also visited recently? caused concern to the EFA or anyone else was approved It has gone from strength to strength since it converted. against the advice of officials. Will he commend Guy Shears, the principal, for being an outstanding leader and for leading it into being an T9. [901817] Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): outstanding school? I thank the Secretary of State for listening to North Yorkshire MPs about the sparsity factor in the schools The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): Iam formula. Will he meet me about Upper Wharfedale delighted to do so. Again, I was delighted to join my school, deep in the Yorkshire dales, which is suffering hon. Friend in visiting that school. It was impressive to from cuts in bus services for out-of-catchment parents see how rapidly that head teacher and his senior leadership and high demand for special educational needs places? team have turned around a school whose performance was previously extremely disappointing. Michael Gove: I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that school and its students. T4. [901811] Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): The Association of Colleges has said that young people T8. [901816] Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): When from disadvantaged areas and black and minority does the Secretary of State expect that builders will ethnic groups will be hardest hit by the cut of 17.5% in start on site rebuilding Carr infant school in York, the funding for 18-year-olds. That is borne out by the which he wrote to tell me about last June? The school assessment that has been carried out by my local asks whether it will now get a dining room big enough college, Greenwich community college. Why have the for all 320 pupils who will become eligible for free Government not issued an impact assessment on this school meals under the Deputy Prime Minister’s proposal. proposal, given the severe impact that it will have on disadvantaged groups? Michael Gove: A feasibility study is being undertaken, and building work should commence within 12 months. Matthew Hancock: As I said in my earlier answers, we I should say that thanks to the reforms introduced in will publish the impact assessment very soon. The crucial our free schools programme, schools are being built question is how, in the context of getting the country more cheaply and faster than ever before under this out of the budget deficit mess that was left by Opposition Government. Members, we can make decisions that will have the best possible impact on the ground. Is it fair to fund 18-year-olds, Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): As was previously who usually take fewer hours of education per week, at mentioned, Discovery new school in my constituency the same rate, or should we reduce the funding for all had its funding withdrawn last month. Would my right 16 to 19-year-olds instead? hon. Friend consider a reapplication for continued funding from a reconstituted trust? T6. [901814] Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) (Con): Does the Minister agree with the shadow Secretary Michael Gove: We will look at any proposition to of State that Labour failed on vocational education, open a free school to ensure that it will provide welcome and does he agree with me that the Government’s additional capacity. The decision that we took with rectifying of that mistake means that we now have more respect to Discovery was difficult, but it emphasises one employer-led apprenticeships than ever before? thing about this Government: we acknowledge that some schools will fail and some will fall into difficulties, Matthew Hancock: I try not to be partisan at the but we have been faster and more determined than any Dispatch Box, as you well know, Mr Speaker, but it previous Government in turning around or closing failing is absolutely true that we are driving up standards schools. The fact that things will go wrong in the in vocational education across the board and in education system is an inevitability, but having an Education apprenticeships. It was a real pleasure to visit McDonald’s Secretary who is prepared to act quickly and determinedly in my hon. Friend’s constituency, which does a brilliant to deal with that is not an inevitability, it is the dividing job on vocational in-work education. The previous line between the Government and the Labour party. Government made the intellectual error of thinking that just because people have not attained yet, we should Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): not have high expectations of them. We are reversing Is the Secretary of State aware that since his decision to the consequences of that error. make school-based work experience placements optional rather than compulsory, an estimated 64,000 school T7. [901815] Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): Further pupils have missed out on work experience in the past to the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member year? Will he explain why he is taking opportunities to for Stoke-on-Trent Central (Tristram Hunt), will the access the world of work away from young people, Secretary of State tell the House now which free schools particularly when we have almost 1 million young people were approved against the advice of officials? Will he unemployed? commit to publishing a full list of them? Michael Gove: We have not abolished work experience, Michael Gove: I pointed out that three schools had we have removed work-related learning at key stage 4. been the subject of concern for the Education Funding That was a recommendation of Alison Wolf’s report on Agency and others, and as I pointed out to the hon. vocational education, which the Opposition Front Benchers Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas), the welcomed 100%. If the hon. Lady has a problem with 21 Oral Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Oral Answers 22 that policy, she should take it up with them instead of O-level students will not be wrongly or poorly affected merely reading out a question from a Whip who has not because of their A-level qualifications or transport bothered to do his research. ability, regarding qualification to colleges and universities on the mainland UK? Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): British success in the north American war of 1812 to 1814 was as important Michael Gove: I absolutely will. It is vital that we to this country as the victories at Trafalgar in 1805 and reassure students and teachers in Northern Ireland that Waterloo in 1815. Does the Secretary of State agree that the qualifications they sit will be valued, and that access it should be part of the history curriculum, particularly to universities in the rest of the United Kingdom will be as this August will be the 200th anniversary of when the upheld. I am proud that our Kingdom is united, and White House was burned down by the East Essex that there are students in Northern Ireland who see Regiment? themselves as part of a family of nations and a community of learning across these islands. I will uphold their right Michael Gove: On all the visits that I have made to my to equal access to institutions of higher and further hon. Friend’s constituency, I have always had cause to education in these islands as long as I hold this office. thank people not just for the superb way in which history is taught in Colchester and across Essex but for Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con): Proposals the distinguished contribution that public servants in and actions for a royal college of teaching continue Essex, both in uniform and out of it, have made to this apace. Although I am sure the Secretary of State would country. The war of 1812 to 1814 was a cousins’ war, agree that it is not for politicians but for teachers to and it is only appropriate that we remember that as we drive that potential body, can he provide assurance that attempt to—[Interruption.] I see that one of my ain the Government will give all appropriate support and as folk is objecting to that. All I would say, brother mine, is fair a wind as possible to the proposal, which could be a that in the shadow of Burns week, we should extend the game changer for teaching and, of course, ultimately hand of amity, as I do to my American cousins. Even as for our children? we remember their valour, we should also celebrate the fact that we work together in the brotherhood of man Michael Gove: The more that teachers take control of today. their own destiny, and the more the profession is in charge of improving education, the better. I think the best Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The Minister for thing about a college of teaching is that the Government Skills and Enterprise is struggling desperately to understand stand well back and wish it well. the impact of his policy on the most deprived 18-year-olds, so let me tell him about the impact of that policy in Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): One of the discoveries Chesterfield. It means that 655 students in this year’s in the OECD PISA research is that Britain is one of cohort would not get the funding, which the principal only five countries in that study where a child’s achievement of the college in Chesterfield tells me will directly in reading is more closely connected to their parents’ impact on those students who do not achieve well in education and achievement than to any other factor. GCSEs, and clearly be very divisive. The principal told What will the Secretary of State for Education do about me that the assumptions made for this policy are alarmingly the poor achievement in reading by children of poorly naive and fundamentally incorrect— educated parents?

Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman’s inquiry Michael Gove: The hon. Lady is absolutely right, and has concluded. What does the Minister think of it? that is one reason why we are working with schools across the country to ensure that children have the Matthew Hancock: I think much as I thought about chance to decode fluently through the phonics screening five minutes ago when I last answered that question. check highlighted by my hon. Friend the Member for This is a difficult decision, but the impact assessment— Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb). That is which, of course, I have studied—is very clear about why I have encouraged every primary school to expect taking difficult decisions to deal with the catastrophic that children will read at least 15 if not 50 books a year, mess left by the Labour Government. We are having to and why I believe we must ensure that the scandalous take decisions, and we will take them to put this country level of educational inequality to which the hon. Lady on the right track. draws attention is at the heart of everything the Department for Education does. Whether it is the pupil premium, Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): What which was drawn up and brought into Government by would be a realistically ambitious date by which to my hon. Friend the Minister for Schools and the Deputy expect significant improvements in England’s programme Prime Minister, or the academies and free schools for international student assessment scores? programme that we are highlighting, everything we do is intended to erase the scandalous level of educational Michael Gove: Ten years. inequality that we inherited and to which I know the hon. Lady objects. Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): Will the Secretary of State confirm that he intends to visit Northern Several hon. Members rose— Ireland very soon, and that he will meet educationists there and convince them and confirm that A-level and Mr Speaker: Order. We must move on. 23 6 JANUARY 2014 Flooding 24

Flooding during the coastal flooding in early December, our flood defences have protected around 1 million properties in total in England during the last month alone. 3.34 pm The Government are grateful for the excellent response The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and from our front-line emergency services throughout the Rural Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson): I wish you a happy UK, and I pay tribute to the community spirit of new year, Mr Speaker. With your permission, I should all those who have rallied round to help their neighbours like to make a statement about flooding over the Christmas everywhere in difficult times. As far as England is and new year period. concerned, I particularly praise the work of the I chaired a further meeting of the Cobra committee a Environment Agency, the local councils, and the transport short while ago. I am sure that the House would appreciate and energy companies, whose teams worked tirelessly an update on the latest position on the severe weather throughout Christmas and the new year period. The that affected parts of the country over the Christmas Environment Agency has deployed many hundreds of and new year period, which caused extensive damage. staff over the past six weeks to support communities. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected The joint Environment Agency and Met Office flood and whose homes and businesses have been damaged. forecasting centre consistently provided high-quality Tragically, seven fatalities in England between 23 December forecasts to predict accurately flood risks to allow for 2013 and 5 January 2014 are associated with the severe timely action on the ground. Some 147,000 homes and weather conditions. The House will want to join me in businesses have received flood warnings and advice expressing our deepest sympathy to their families and since the beginning of December, enabling both individuals friends. and organisations to take effective action before the Late December saw a number of rain bands crossing storms struck. the country in quick succession, accompanied by strong More than 100 specialist flood rescue teams were on winds. Their cumulative effect meant that, by the start standby across the country as part of the national asset of Christmas week, the ground was saturated and river register managed by the Fire and Rescue Service National levels were high. On 23 and 24 December, there was Co-ordination Centre. I am also grateful to members of widespread rainfall across the entire country—there Kent and Surrey fire and rescue services for calling off was more than 100 mm on Dartmoor, 90 mm in Cumbria, their planned strikes on Christmas eve, which coincided and 70 mm in parts of the south-east—resulting in a with peak river levels in those areas. I would also like to number of rivers bursting their banks. thank the military personnel deployed at very short notice to assist with flood defence preparations at Maidstone The band of rain was accompanied by gusts of up to in Kent. The Thames barrier has been raised nine times 90 mph in southern coastal areas. The strong onshore in the past five days to safeguard more than £200 billion- winds and large waves, combined with high spring tides, worth of property in the capital. led to a surge that brought coastal flooding to parts of the south and west coasts. Further bands of rain moved There is still a complex picture across the country. across the country over the subsequent week and into Some areas are now focused on recovery, while others the new year. The latest rainfall is still working its way remain at significant risk of flooding, and, in many down some of the slower-responding rivers, such as the cases, repeated flooding. The Government are working Thames, and more rain is expected this week. There is a closely with local councils, the insurance industry and risk of groundwater flooding in Dorset and Wiltshire others to ensure that people can receive the help they for some time to come and we need to remain vigilant. need quickly. Approximately 1,700 properties have been flooded in Today’s Cobra meeting agreed that, while we must England so far, with Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Devon, remain ready to respond to further bad weather and the and Dorset particularly affected, although there were risk of surface-water flooding, our focus must turn to also impacts in the midlands and the north-west. In getting back into their homes the people who have had Wales, 140 properties were flooded, and there was also their Christmas and new year ruined and to supporting flooding in Northern Ireland and Scotland. local communities with recovery. Tomorrow, the Under- Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, High winds led to many trees being uprooted, causing my hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth (Brandon further problems, particularly for transport and electricity Lewis) will be chairing a ministerial recovery working networks. Around 750,000 properties were left without group. People who have had their homes damaged an electricity supply, but electricity companies restored should contact their insurance company for advice about power to 90% of those within a day. A number of claims and seek assistance from the local authority properties remained disconnected for longer in some where necessary. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of cases owing to dangers connected to flooding and the State for Communities and Local Government has triggered complexity of the faults. the Bellwin scheme to help local authorities with immediate There was severe disruption to important transport costs caused by flooding, and the Government are in links. Ferries were unable to dock at cross-channel ports active discussions with Kent and Surrey councils. and rail services were disrupted. A number of flights The Government emergencies committee, Cobra, has were diverted and experienced severe met eight times through the Christmas and new year disruption after losing the electricity supply to its north period. I have held meetings with relevant ministerial terminal. colleagues and officials across Government Departments Although it will be of little comfort to those affected and the Environment Agency on a daily basis. Those by the recent floods, more than 220,000 properties were meetings ensured that all relevant agencies and organisations protected over the Christmas period. When added to were doing everything possible to support affected the more than 800,000 properties that were protected households. We will undertake a full assessment in the 25 Flooding6 JANUARY 2014 Flooding 26 coming weeks, but initial reports have identified a number Despite all the efforts of agencies and local government of positive aspects, as well as some areas where lessons staff, however, it is clear that some communities have need to be learned. faced delays and difficulty in securing the help they The majority of local councils and utility companies need. The Prime Minister heard the criticisms for himself responded effectively, but the response of a few left when he visited Yalding in Kent, which suffered severe room for improvement. All received early warning from flooding and where more than 100 homes had to be the Met Office and the Environment Agency that severe evacuated. One resident told him: weather was on its way. The Government contacted all “We were literally abandoned… We had no rescuers, nothing local authorities in England to ensure that all possible for the whole day… The Environment Agency said it was up to action was taken to support affected households and to the council and when I did get through to the council they said if ensure local emergency plans and out-of-hours help were you need sandbags, get your own. On Christmas Day we saw in place to provide immediate assistance. My Department absolutely no one.” contacted the Association of British Insurers and was Another resident said: assured that the CEOs of all member companies would “The people he’s talking to, the Environment Agency and so get loss adjusters to affected properties rapidly. The on, weren’t here… I swam this road on Christmas Day pulling ABI has ensured that guidance on what those affected people out on my own. There was no one here on Christmas Day should be doing about their insurance has been provided. or Boxing Day.” People have a right to a reliable energy network. The Prime Minister was filmed next to an inflatable Despite the sequence of major storms that have hit the boat on his visit, but journalists reported that it had country in the past few months, the electricity network been ferried in 10 minutes before and departed soon operators deserve credit for their hard work in reconnecting after he left. Those affected by these floods do not need an unprecedented number of properties—some 700,000— stunts or the buck-passing we heard from the Environment within hours and in time for Christmas. There are, Secretary when he put the blame on staff absent over however, lessons to be learned about how customers are Christmas. They want to know that lessons are to be supported and informed during power cuts. We welcome learned about why some communities faced significant the additional compensation some operators have delays in securing the help they needed, and they want announced and acknowledge that the response of some to know why lessons do not appear to have been learned companies could have been better. The best performing from previous flooding incidents, despite all the promises companies set a high standard, which I would like all from Ministers at the time. companies to be able to meet. My right hon. Friend the I welcome the fact that the Prime Minister has promised Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change is a review to ensure that lessons are learned, but can the meeting with distribution network operators and Ofgem Secretary of State assure the House and those forced to discuss how the response can be improved for future from their homes that it will begin as soon as the events. current severe weather has subsided, and will he set out Flood management is a real priority for this Government. a clear time frame for when it will be concluded? Will he It has a vital role to play in protecting people and property commit to returning to the House to make a further from damage caused by flooding, and in delivering statement on its conclusions? Will he confirm that the economic growth. Over the current spending review review will focus specifically on preparedness for days period, more is being spent than ever before. In addition, such as Christmas day and Boxing day, including from 2015-16 onwards we will be making record levels appropriate staffing levels, especially when storms are of investment in capital projects. We will invest £370 million predicted? in 2015-16, and then the same in real terms each year, Will the Secretary of State ensure that the review rising to over £400 million in 2020-21—a record investment. looks at whether there is sufficient clarity in the division That will reduce the risk of flooding to a further 300,000 of responsibilities among councils and the Environment households, on top of the 165,000 households protected Agency? Will the remit be wide enough to look at the during the current spending round. performance of the energy companies? As he said, some I would like to express the House’s sympathy to all companies clearly have serious questions to answer those affected by the floods, and I convey my profound about the unacceptable delays in reconnecting homes, thanks to all those involved in responding across the which ruined Christmas for many families, and it is also UK. I can also reiterate the Government’s commitment not clear that the Government acted with as much to continue to invest in our flood defences to help us to speed and firmness as they should have done in pressing continue to respond effectively to any future flooding. those companies to act. Will the Secretary of State ensure that the review 3.44 pm looks specifically at decisions taken on flood defence Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): I thank expenditure since 2010? His Department’s own figures, the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement verified by the House of Commons Library, which I and for updating the House at the earliest opportunity have here, show that expenditure on flood protection following the recess on the latest situation regarding the has fallen in real terms from £646 million in 2010 to floods. I join him in expressing our deepest sympathies £527 million this year and will be £546 million by 2015, to the families and friends of those who have died. Our meaning that we will be spending £100 million a year thoughts are also with the thousands of people affected. less at the end of this Parliament than at its start. Will This is the worst series of winter storms to hit Britain in the review therefore look at whether the right choices more than 20 years, so I also join the Secretary of State were made over how best to implement reductions to and I am sure Members on both sides of the House in the Department’s budget, particularly in the light of the thanking Environment Agency staff and the emergency Environment Agency’s estimate that every pound invested services for their work over the past fortnight, since this in flood defences saves the country as much as £8 in period of extreme weather began. flood damage? 27 Flooding6 JANUARY 2014 Flooding 28

[Maria Eagle] On expenditure, the hon. Lady is, sadly, simply wrong. Since I have been in this post— Does the Secretary of State still believe that no other areas of his Department’s budget or those of its 28 arm’s Maria Eagle: You are wrong. length bodies were a lower priority than flood defences when it came to making decisions on reducing spending? Mr Paterson: I will tell the hon. Lady; the chronology Does that include, for example, the £7.3 million he spent is very simple. I met her former colleague, the noble in recent months on his failed unscientific cull of badgers— Lord Smith, at a tremendous flood scheme in Nottingham, £4,100 for each animal killed? where £45 million had been spent, protecting about Will the Secretary of State confirm that the review 12,000 properties. What was really revealing was not will consider the warning from the chief executive of only the 8:1 gain on the properties protected, as she the Environment Agency that mentioned, but the huge gain in land on the far side of “Flood risk maintenance will be impacted” the river that had been blighted for decades. So there is by further planned budget and staffing reductions? In no stronger enthusiast in this House for flood detection the meantime, will he reassure those living in areas at schemes than me. I agree with Lord Smith that if we risk of flooding that, despite these warnings, he is had a programme of projects that we could press on confident that he can deliver the cuts in a way that will with rapidly, I would do my best to get money from my not reduce the Environment Agency’s ability to protect colleagues in central Government. [Interruption.] All homes and businesses and respond when floods hit? those Opposition Members chuntering have to get back Will the Secretary of State reassure us that his failure to some pretty basic figures. When we came into office to protect flood defence expenditure over other potential in 2010, this country was borrowing over £300,000 a cuts has nothing to do with his personal scepticism minute, and we had to take some pretty difficult decisions. about climate science? Has the Secretary of State listened In the light of that and the dire economic circumstances, to Sir David King, the Government’s special envoy on reductions in revenue inevitably had to be made. Following climate change, who has today again warned that my meetings with the noble Lord Smith, we got an extra “storms and severe weather conditions that we might have expected £120 million for capital and have consolidated that into to occur once in 100 years, say, in the past may now be happening an extended scheme that will see 165,000 properties more frequently....and the reason is—as predicted by scientists—that protected up to 2015. What is absolutely unprecedented the climate is changing and as the climate changes we can anticipate is our clear programme of a further £2.3 billion up to quite a radical change in weather conditions.” 2021 to protect a further 300,000 properties. For all the In the light of that clear warning, does the Secretary of blather from the Opposition, the simple question for State stand by his view that climate change will benefit the hon. Lady is whether she will nod now and say that the UK because of warmer winters? Will he now listen the Labour party will go along with our proposal to to the advice from his own independent advisers—the spend £2.3 billion on capital up until 2021. Mr Speaker adaptation sub-committee of the Committee on Climate and colleagues, it is very noticeable—[Interruption.] Change—who wrote to him towards the end of last year to express concern that his flood reinsurance scheme Mr Speaker: Order. There is a cacophony of noise. It misses simple measures that would reduce cost, increase seems invidious to single out individuals, but I confess a value for money and cope with increasing flood risk? degree of disappointment as I had always envisaged Finally, will the right hon. Gentleman look again at the hon. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) as a Labour’s amendments to the flood reinsurance scheme, future rather cerebral statesman, but at the moment which Conservative and Liberal Democrat Members that point seems to be some way off to judge by the opposed in Committee? cacophony he is generating. The hon. Member for Garston and Halewood (Maria Eagle) took a little Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the shadow Secretary longer than her allotted time, and I allowed for that, but of State for her expressions of sympathy and her thanks it is only fair to allow the Secretary of State to give to those who worked so hard in the Environment Agency proper replies. The House will make its own assessment and local councils through this difficult period. of those replies, but the right hon. Gentleman must be The hon. Lady asked four questions about the review. heard. She will have heard me say that the Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my Mr Paterson: I am very grateful, Mr Speaker, and hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth (Brandon I will be quick. Lewis) is meeting tomorrow to work on recovery, and I shall work across Government with my colleagues to The shadow Secretary of State has very publicly not look at some of the lessons learned. The hon. Lady endorsed our programme to increase spending on capital justifiably touched on one area which is, I think, a to £2.3 billion up until 2021, so the facts are that in this weakness. Although the Environment Agency and the spending round this Government are spending more Flood Forecasting Centre have put out very accurate than any preceding Government and we propose to short-term forecasts and although an efficient system spend more up to 2021. That is something on which she was in place for distributing that information right across needs to reflect before making further criticisms. those on the ground—district councils, power companies, The Government believe in the value of flood protection other utilities, transport companies—we saw a patchy schemes. They deliver a huge advantage for those in take-up of some of that information and a patchy private properties and in business and they free up reaction to it. Some reacted very rapidly and were very blighted land, and we will continue our programme. It effective; others had to be accelerated in their actions is noticeable, however, that the news today is that the after a succession of Cobra meetings. The hon. Lady has Labour party will not endorse our increased spending touched on an area well worthy of investigation. programme. 29 Flooding6 JANUARY 2014 Flooding 30

Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): the Tone, the Brue and the Axe, because if we have not May I add my congratulations to the Environment got the capacity to get that water away, it will stay there Agency and the emergency services, including the lifeboat for a very long time? crews and coastguards who rescued those who put themselves at risk? It is noteworthy that the flood Mr Paterson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. He defences held firm and protected the properties that the and I worked closely on this matter when he was my Secretary of State has highlighted. Will he commit to colleague in DEFRA. Together, we have come to a reviewing his Department’s maintenance budget to ensure number of schemes that are being piloted—seven across that the flood defences that held will have proper the country—allowing local farmers and landlords to maintenance? Will he allow drainage boards to use their clear their own low-risk waterways, under supervision own engineers to ensure that the main water courses are from the Environment Agency; but obviously, if that kept clear in the future, as the Select Committee on work is to go ahead and be meaningful, there must be Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has recommended? proper dredging of rivers, and we will work on that with Will he give the House some examples of imaginative the Environment Agency. partnership approaches, such as the Pickering pilot project, which is building a reservoir, starting tomorrow, Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): How to keep Pickering safe from future floods? does the Secretary of State expect people to believe his claims that flood management is a priority for the Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the Chairman of the Government when, in addition to the Environment Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee for Agency cuts, he has seen the decision to slash DEFRA’s her supportive comments. Emphatically yes, we want team working on climate change adaptation from 38 officials spending on maintenance to continue. That is why I to six and when the Secretary of State for Communities added a further £5 million to that budget for 2015-16. and Local Government has scrapped the obligation for For further information, although there was a 1% reduction councils to prepare for the impacts of climate change? in budgets across DEFRA, I have not passed that on to Will the Secretary of State not acknowledge that that the flood budget. Again, that shows our absolute illustrates an incredibly reckless approach to the risks determination to protect flood schemes. My hon. Friend that extreme weather presents? Will he confirm whether is absolutely right to praise partnership schemes. I have he has found time to hold even one meeting with his been around the country to look at tremendous projects, Department’s chief scientific adviser on this matter— and only today I was on the Thames where there are something that he had failed to do until a few months ago? prospects of extending the Jubilee river scheme that would require partnership spending by six local councils. Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her question. I cannot blame her for the economic mess Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): Is it not that we inherited, but sadly, when we were borrowing the case that the sum being spent is way below what the £300,000 a minute—[Interruption.] Opposition Members Environment Agency said in 2009 would need to be are still chuntering. They are still in denial, and they are spent to keep pace with climate change? Is not the real not apologising to the British people. When we were fact that, as the adaptation sub-committee of the Committee borrowing £300,000 a minute, we had to make difficult on Climate Change’s report states, the decisions. The hon. Lady must acknowledge, because she has been here while I made these decisions in the “extreme events seen in recent years will become the new normal” past 16 months, that we have increased spending in this and that we need to do far more? We need urgently and round up to 2015 and that we have an ambitious programme immediately to review the cuts being made to the of £2.3 billion, as I have just said. Hon. Members Environment Agency. should therefore look at what we are doing on the ground and look at the benefits, with 1 million properties Mr Paterson: I thank the Chairman of the Environmental protected over Christmas. Audit Committee for her comments. Emphatically yes, we have reacted—look at what we are doing. I agreed a Mrs (Meriden) (Con): I am sure whole range of projects with the noble Lord Smith and the Secretary of State would like to clarify for the we got them passed in a difficult spending round. We House that the Opposition’s claim that they could identify have agreed extra funding, as I have just told the Chairman savings from arm’s length bodies falsifies the fact that of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, when this Government took office, there were 91 arm’s for revenue spending and we have agreed, unprecedentedly, length bodies under DEFRA’s wing, which I reduced to a programme of increased spending on capital up until 28, and that those savings were directed precisely to 2021. We are spending more money in this spending help to improve flood defences. round than in the previous four years, we have brought in partnership funding and we have set out an ambitious Mr Paterson: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend programme. We are reacting—the hon. Lady needs only and predecessor for her comments. She is absolutely to look at what we are doing on the ground. spot on. By the very difficult decisions that she took and by reducing the number of bodies that were not Mr (Somerton and Frome) (LD): Not absolutely key, she has enabled me to come forward unusually, a large part of my constituency is under with a programme under which this Government will water at the moment, and many people who live on the be spending more in this round than any preceding levels say that the situation is the worst that they can Government. remember. I know that the Secretary of State understands this, but will he push the Environment Agency very Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): Significant damage hard to go ahead with the plans to clear the waterways was done in Crosby and Hightown during the December and the rhynes and particularly to dredge the Parrett, floods. As a result, council officers told me this morning 31 Flooding6 JANUARY 2014 Flooding 32

[Bill Esterson] west. The actions of the utility organisations and councils and neighbours in many areas were terrific and offset that we were very lucky to avoid further significant some of the damage, but the effects will take a long time flooding this weekend. Cuts to flood defence funding to overcome. I am delighted that he talks of a review since 2010 mean that many communities have now been and more money, but I am cautiously aware that we in left vulnerable to further flooding, so will the Secretary Surrey usually do not get a decent slice of what is of State ensure that funding is made available for the available, so I am putting in a direct bid now. I will be early repair of the flood defences that have been damaged? asking the leader of Surrey county council to work with me, the Environment Agency and the utilities to put Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for together ideas for a report. Will the Secretary of State his question. Of course, his local council can now work accept that report and agree to meet a small deputation with the Environment Agency on partnership funding. that will push the report? I am not sure of the exact physical circumstances, but if there is a possible scheme, there is now a real chance of Mr Paterson: My hon. Friend tempts me with his getting that scheme over the wire. He makes a good question, but I commend his plan to talk to his local point about the maintenance of schemes, and that has council. The partnership mechanism that we have been a daily question in our Cobra meetings and our introduced has enabled several schemes that had previously DEFRA meetings to make absolutely sure that any stalled to get over the bar, so if there is a suitable breaches were mended. I pay tribute to the Environment scheme for his local rivers I strongly recommend that he Agency for the rapid manner in which it worked through work with his council to draw up a bid with the the night, certainly in early December, to put right those Environment Agency. Such a proposal will be assessed breaches. alongside all the other schemes.

Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con): Prevention Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP): I thank is undoubtedly better than cure, and I wonder whether the Secretary of State for his statement. He referred to the Secretary of State agrees that, in addition to wonderful the fact that certain areas in Northern Ireland were flood prevention schemes, education is critical. In my flooded. As the representative of such a constituency, constituency, one of the fatalities involved a misguided may I ask him to hold immediate discussions with the rescue attempt. Does my right hon. Friend also agree Secretary of State for Transport to ensure that any cuts that we should ensure that councils work with parishes to coastguard services will not have an impact on coastal to make sure that plans are in place? No plans were in communities in Northern Ireland that were greatly affected place in some of my coastal villages, and that was by coastal flooding and surges? exactly where we needed them. Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for Mr Paterson: My hon. Friend makes an interesting raising that important point. The Under-Secretary of and valid comment, and I hope that she will contribute State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for to our review. She points out that several absolutely Wimbledon (Stephen Hammond), is in the Chamber, tragic deaths in recent weeks were really unnecessary—if and as the question is about a transport matter, it is only people had paid attention to the warnings. One probably more appropriate for the hon. Lady to write cannot fault the Environment Agency for putting out a directly to him. huge number of warnings using every possible medium, and we need to ensure that those warnings are heeded. Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): I commend the Secretary of State for his personal commitment and John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): energy over the Christmas and new year period; while The high tides and strong winds of recent days have many of us were enjoying our holidays, he was working caused real problems on Walney island, which is home in his Department. I should also, of course, mention the to about 13,000 of my residents. We have had a long hard work of the emergency services and the Environment struggle to try to get adequate protection against coastal Agency. What discussions has he held with the Association erosion, which threatens many homes on Earnse bay, so of British Insurers to ensure that those affected by will the Secretary of State put a rocket up the Marine floods will be reimbursed as quickly as possible? Management Organisation so that it issues a licence without further delay to enable such work to begin? Mr Paterson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his Experts say that if we do not act, Walney could be split comments and for reflecting the tremendous work of into two or three separate islands within 20 or 30 years. those in the Environment Agency and the other services. We raised this matter early after the first flood, and Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for ambassadors of the Environment Agency went to check his question. He makes a valid point, and it would be that members of the public were getting satisfactory appropriate if he put it in writing to the Under-Secretary responses from their insurance companies. The Under- of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural my hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall (Dan Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall, Rogerson), so that we can take it up spoke to the ABI on several occasions to ensure that that was being followed up, and the matter was raised at Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) (Con): I thank the Cobra this morning. I am pleased to say that, at the Secretary of State for his statement. He will be aware moment, we have not heard of any complaints that that the river that gives my constituency its name flooded insurance companies are being slow in sending out and devastated the north of my constituency, as well as assessors. However, at that very difficult time when the north of the adjacent constituencies to the east and someone’s property has flooded, the one thing that they 33 Flooding6 JANUARY 2014 Flooding 34 want is to get their insurance sorted out, so we would of 2007 and the remarkable reaction and community obviously welcome hearing from hon. Members about spirit from our constituents to deal with it. However, any cases where there have been problems. the recommendations of the Pitt report took a long time to implement under the previous Government, and Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): In the early hours of it was not until 2010 that the Environment Agency Christmas eve, 35 homes in Westhorne avenue in my spent significant sums of money to build up flood constituency suffered an avoidable flood when a grill in prevention measures in the city of Gloucester, notably the Quaggy river became completely blocked. It was the Horsbere Brook relief pond, which was opened by only a few hundred yards away from a multi-million my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon) pound flood alleviation scheme, but, sadly, the water in 2011. did not reach there because the Environment Agency Although the floods in 2012 and this year have affected had failed to ensure that the grill was kept clear. This Gloucestershire—anyone who lives by the River Severn has left my constituents in a difficult situation. What should expect some consequences—none of my they need now is for the Environment Agency to ’fess constituents’ houses have so far been flooded, though I up and accept its responsibility for the incident so that stress the words “so far”. I pay tribute to the work of they can start to make their claims. Will the Secretary of the Environment Agency, the city and county council, State contact the Environment Agency on my behalf? Severn Trent, which spent £15 million on a project to improve drainage and sewers, and many other agencies. Mr Paterson: The hon. Gentleman reports on an Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Environment unfortunate case. The appropriate measure is for him to Agency’s work and advance notice and warnings have send the details to the Under-Secretary of State for been significantly improved by better technology which Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend shows where the flooding is likely to impact much more the Member for North Cornwall, and we will take the effectively than it did six years ago? matter up with the Environment Agency.

Mr (Wokingham) (Con): Does the Mr Paterson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his Secretary of State agree that a number of small schemes generous comments. I can confirm that we have to improve the capacity of ditches, culverts and streams implemented nearly all the recommendations of the Pitt could make a lot of difference? My constituency has report. One of the most important ones was the had huge development on flood plain, and every time establishment of the flood forecasting centre, which we have these situations we always get too many properties brings together the Met Office and the Environment flooded because of defective maintenance or because Agency. I pay tribute to the centre, whose work I have the ditches and culverts are not big enough. seen at very closed quarters in recent days, for its great accuracy. I also pay tribute to the Environment Agency Mr Paterson: My right hon. Friend is absolutely spot for the rapid manner in which it got the message out. on. A big difference can be made by micro-management My hon. Friend touches on one of the most important of micro-problems, such as the one cited in the previous recommendations that came out of Pitt. question. Not everything can be done by central Government, national institutions, local councils or even Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): parish councils. In rural areas, we are setting up pilots The Government’s new flood insurance scheme excludes to allow local landowners the right on the ground to properties built after 2009, properties bought under the maintain low-risk areas and to clear out small rivers. Government’s Help to Buy scheme, and small businesses and leaseholders. So can the Secretary of State confirm Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): At the end of that the Prime Minister’s review will look at, and publish last week, high-sea surges and high winds brought details of, the number of properties that have been water over the coastal protection in Porthcawl, both at flooded in recent weeks and those that will not be West drive and in Newton. Local council staff were out covered by the Government’s new insurance scheme? quickly, clearing up the debris along the roadways. The Environment Agency was excellent. None the less, there Mr Paterson: We have already had the Committee are huge financial consequences because we have to stage of the Water Bill, which comes back to the House repair the sea protection and pay for the staff coverage immediately after this statement and that would be the during the clear-up. What money will be available to the appropriate moment to raise these issues. We have said Environment Agency and local councils in devolved that we have to have a cut-off point, and it was 2009, Administrations to ensure that repairs can be done and when the last Government firmed up on the whole idea compensation paid so that councils can carry on with of building on floodplains. There has to be a firm the much needed flood protection works? cut-off point, and the longer this goes on, the bigger the burden will be on other hard-working families who are Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her helping to pay the cross-subsidy. question. Nearly all the issues that she raised are devolved responsibilities for Ministers in Cardiff. However, if she Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con): My wants to write to the Under-Secretary of State for constituency has suffered from two sorts of flooding Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend over this period, and some residents in and the Member for Great Yarmouth (Brandon Lewis), we Lower Kelly are almost cut-off because the road collapsed will see whether we can help. into the river. The council has been really good in working with the local residents, but Cornwall suffers Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): No one in my under the Bellwin scheme because a unitary authority constituency of Gloucester or in neighbouring Tewkesbury was foisted on it by the Labour party, against the wishes will ever forget the devastation caused by the floods of the people of Cornwall. Will my right hon. Friend 35 Flooding6 JANUARY 2014 Flooding 36

[Sheryll Murray] Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her question and thank her for her expression of sympathy speak to his colleagues in the Department for Communities for all those who have suffered over the past few weeks. and Local Government to see whether something can The Bellwin scheme is there to help exactly the sort of be done about the disproportionate way in which the council she is talking about. She should work with her Bellwin scheme works against Cornwall? local council and encourage it to put in an application to the Department for Communities and Local Mr Paterson: My hon. Friend raises an important Government. She can write to the Under-Secretary of point, and I am pleased to say that only this morning State anytime she likes, because he will take it up. the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall and the Under-Secretary of State for Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton) Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend (Con): The Environment Agency’s flood-alert service is the Member for Great Yarmouth met the leader and a valuable early-warning system, but unfortunately it is chief executive of Cornwall council to discuss the impact not available to many households in Littlehampton and of the Bellwin scheme on Cornwall. Bognor Regis. Given the serious flooding in my constituency in June 2012 and the fact that it is on a low-lying coastal Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): As the plain, will the Secretary of State use his influence with former chair of Flood Risk Management Wales, which the Environment Agency to ensure that the service is is charged with investing in flood defences and flood available to all my constituents? risk-management systems across Wales on behalf of the Environment Agency and the Welsh Government, I am Mr Paterson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for very aware that although the Welsh coastline is more making that useful point. I think that the best thing for than a quarter of the size of the English coastline, we him to do would be to write to the Under-Secretary of get only 5% of the money, because that is allocated on State, my hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall, the basis of population. Given the severity of the conditions so that we can put that in the mix and work with the we face, will the Secretary of State look at the case, with Environment Agency on it. the Treasury, for some contingency funding to deal with the damage caused in Wales and review that balance in the light of the growing risk from climate change? Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement and add my thanks to the Mr Paterson: The hon. Gentleman raises an interesting many agencies and staff in Northern Ireland, particularly point, and probably the appropriate route is for him to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, which led the write to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for battle against the elements over the past few days and Wales, who liaises with the Welsh Government and with weeks. I congratulate him on ensuring that there was a the Treasury here in Westminster. good state of preparedness on this occasion, as people were warned when floods were imminent, in stark contrast Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): My right hon. to what had gone before. I hope that that vigilance will Friend referred to the transport disruption caused by be maintained for the future. I ask that he continues to the weather conditions, and I should advise him that share information with the devolved regions so that that high winds have led to the closure of the Dartford-Thurrock awareness is maintained. Will he condemn those people bridge on three occasions during this period. Will he who took it upon themselves to steal sandbags from ensure that Cobra reviews the resilience of the road parts of the river bank in east , putting more network on such occasions, so that that can inform future houses at risk, and then sell them to vulnerable pensioners, transport investment decisions? which was utterly disgraceful? Will he also keep an especially watchful eye on Rathlin island, which remains Mr Paterson: Obviously, we had Department for cut off from sea transport? If that situation continues Transport Ministers at every Cobra meeting. It is safe over the next few days, will he ensure that my constituents to say that, generally, the strategic road network worked there will continue to receive attention, and hopefully a extremely well, but my hon. Friend mentions high-profile drop of supplies? routes that are exposed to winds, and my colleagues in the DFT will be examining that as part of the review. Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): My sympathies his comments. I am as shocked as anyone else in the are with all those who have lost loved ones during this House by the revelation that people were stealing sandbags period, and I am sure the Secretary of State has said the at such a difficult time. We all saw on our television same. May I tell him that Wirral organisations worked screens the extraordinary conditions in Belfast. There incredibly hard to keep going and to get back to normal is probably no bigger an admirer of the PSNI in this during the adverse weather conditions? Unfortunately, House than me, so I happily endorse his comments. their efforts, which should have been supported by the As far as Rathlin island is concerned, I received a council, have been hampered somewhat by the extremity communication on new year’s day from the hon. Member of the cuts that Wirral council faces at this time. He for Vauxhall (), who wished me a happy new says that tomorrow the Under-Secretary of State for year from her cottage there. I am sure that we will hear Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member from her if she gets stuck. Seriously, if people on for Great Yarmouth (Brandon Lewis) will be chairing a Rathlin are having problems with transport, Members meeting of a ministerial recovery working group. Will should take that up with the Secretary of State for that discuss how to assist the councils that have dealt Northern Ireland, who can then take it up with colleagues with the biggest cuts this Government have doled out? in the Department for Transport. 37 Flooding6 JANUARY 2014 Flooding 38

Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): I the Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr Heath) and join the Secretary of State in praising the emergency for Wells (Tessa Munt). We were able to do much to services that helped and protected communities in the support them. However, we are left with the importance face of flood and storm damage. In Wales those were of remembering that the first two years of this Government mostly coastal towns that depend on tourism for their were spent dealing with drought and the last two years living. He has already said that it is a devolved matter, have been spent dealing with really severe floods. It is but will he work with his ministerial counterparts to right that we are encouraging investment in resilience in ensure that there is a Barnett consequential for the the water sector, and it has to be right that we continue Bellwin formula so that local authorities can reinstate to prioritise flood spending. Does my right hon. Friend the infrastructure and the towns can be ready to welcome agree that it is worth reminding the House that the tourists later in the year? previous Government’s so-called Darling plan would have made 50% cuts in capital spending across the Mr Paterson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who Government, which would of course have had an impact raises an important Welsh point that we heard earlier. on precisely the things that Opposition Members are Obviously the Welsh Government were represented in complaining about today? the meetings of Cobra, and I talked with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales only this morning. Mr Paterson: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend. I I think that the appropriate route would be to write to would like, on the record, to thank him, and my predecessor, him, because clearly consequentials have been cited in for the tremendous work that they put in during their relation to the large Welsh coastline. time working on these long-term programmes. What is fascinating about this statement is that it has flushed Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): I out the fact that the Labour party will not match our remind the Secretary of State that when there has been very ambitious long-term programme for flood defences. flooding in my constituency it has been an awful experience, but it can also be months, and sometimes years, before Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): A homes are habitable again. It is a miserable process. constituent of mine has seen his flood risk premiums Does he agree that the Environment Agency has come double to almost £2,500 in 12 months. Does the Secretary out very well from the recent troubles with flooding and of State honestly believe that his Department is doing inclement weather. Should he not now do something to enough, quickly enough, for people like Mr Clayton? restore morale in the Environment Agency, which he is Mr Paterson: The statement of principles, which was well known to dislike, because its staff are very unhappy the ad hoc arrangement left by the previous Government, about the way they have been treated by his Government was always going to end on 30 June last year, and I am over the past three years? sorry to say that the hon. Gentleman’s colleagues had done very little to prepare the ground for a replacement. Mr Paterson: I am grateful for some of the hon. After very detailed negotiation with the ABI, we have Gentleman’s comments, but I honestly have to disagree. come to an agreement on a new programme. The relevant I have been to see people from the Environment Agency measure is going through the House as we speak, and on the ground. Last week I was in Addington, where he will have an opportunity to comment on it in the debate they were manning the control centre. Only this morning, on the Water Bill later this afternoon. I was near Maidenhead looking at the Jubilee river, in absolute pouring rain. Those guys have been working Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): Lowestoft in my all over Christmas and their morale was absolutely constituency was badly affected by the North sea storm tremendous. They are, quite rightly, really proud of surge at the beginning of last month. In the past three what they have done. They have worked their guts out and a half years the Government have made significant under very difficult conditions, and they have delivered. commitments to flood defences in terms of increasing We estimate that approximately 1 million households funding and promoting innovative ways of carrying out are protected through the work of the Environment works. As a result of the recent and ongoing floods, a Agency and all those working in local councils. I am considerable amount of additional work has been created always struck by the real spirit among people in the in relation to preparing damaged defences, working up Environment Agency and their determination to deliver, new schemes that had previously been regarded as whatever the conditions. That also goes back to what long-term projects, and improving risk management happened at the beginning of January, when they were procedures. In the light of what has happened in the working overnight filling breaches on the east coast. I past four to five weeks, will the Secretary of State be have the deepest respect for the hon. Gentleman, who reviewing the funding arrangements for the Environment has been in this House for a long time, and I do not like Agency and local authorities to ensure that they have disagreeing with him, but on this occasion I honestly the necessary resources to carry out this additional think he is wrong, and I am pleased to tell him so. work and that local communities can get back on their I really do think that morale among people in the feet as quickly as possible? Environment Agency is tremendous—and of course they are buoyed up by the prospect of our very significant Mr Paterson: I am happy to repeat what I said long-term programme for flood defences. earlier—that this Government will be spending more on flood defences in the course of these four years than Richard Benyon (Newbury) (Con): Twelve months any preceding Government, and we have set up a very ago I visited the Environment Agency to thank people ambitious £2.3 billion programme going right through for their work over last Christmas, and I visited many of to 2021. I very much hope that his constituents, councils the flooded homes, particularly those of farmers on the and other entities put in bids to participate in these Somerset levels, who were mentioned by my hon. Friends funds. 39 Flooding6 JANUARY 2014 Flooding 40

Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): People in Brampton the public on the ground have a means—and a back-up, in Chesterfield who were flooded in 2007 will have every which is really important—of receiving calls and getting sympathy with what people who have been flooded in information out. The hon. Lady is absolutely right. recent weeks are going through, but they are still waiting for the River Rother flood alleviation scheme that the Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): Will my Government boasted about in 2010. In that context, the right hon. Friend join me in thanking the hundreds of spending figures are very important. The Secretary of people who turned out in my constituency and across State made some claims that would give the impression Cornwall not only to look out for their neighbours, but that flood spending was going up. Can he confirm that to support the whole range of organisations that are the funding for flood defences in 2010-11 was £646 million, doing their level best to prevent damage from flooding? but in 2015-16, in real terms, it will be £100 million less? Will he also, as part of his review, listen to today’s That is a very significant cut, not an increase, is it not? advice from Falmouth coastguards for people to better understand the risks involved in water sports such as Mr Paterson: I am sorry to disappoint the hon. surfing in the sorts of recent weather conditions, not Gentleman, but he is wrong. We are going to spend just to themselves, but to the emergency services that £2.3 billion over the course of this Parliament. The have to go out and save them should an accident occur? scheme he mentions may be a good candidate for partnership funding, which has helped get a whole Mr Paterson: I entirely endorse my hon. Friend’s number of schemes that were stuck beforehand over the comments about the amazing community-level activity barrier because they depended entirely on Environment by members of the public who helped their neighbours, Agency funding. families and friends. I also entirely endorse her comments on the need to somehow get the message across that those who do take part in splendidly energetic sports Dr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): I welcome the such as surfing also take account of the real dangers Secretary of State’s statement and congratulate him on that can occur when the weather goes beyond the point his energetic performance over the Christmas period, at which it is not a safe activity. when I saw him here and on our television screens informing the public. Does he agree that he saw a lot of Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) surface water on his travels, and will he assure me and (Lab): I also extend my sympathies to families and the House that he will have conversations with the friends who have lost loved ones. Department for Communities and Local Government to ensure that local authorities are playing their part in Further to the questions asked by my hon. Friend the clearing culverts to ensure that standing water on roads Member for Garston and Halewood (Maria Eagle) and does not contribute to the worsening floods? others, figures from the 2010 spending review show clearly that central Government spending on flood defences has reduced in real terms—in some cases by up to Mr Paterson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his 20%—compared with, as shown in official documents, comments. DCLG Ministers obviously played a key the increase of 75% in flood defence spending between part in our Cobra meetings, and liaison with relevant 1997 and 2010. The Government have tried to shift the local councils was discussed almost on a daily basis. responsibility for investment and financial risk to individuals That is a key local government responsibility that has and communities. In the light of the devastation to been pursued with vigour by Ministers at the centre. individuals, families and communities as a result of the most recent flood, and given that, according to the Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): Lack of communication Prime Minister, politics is about decision making, does is one of the major complaints made be people whose the Secretary of State regret any decisions he has made public transport arrangements have been disrupted during this time? by adverse weather. Will the Secretary of State tell us what the Transport Secretary is doing to demand Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for improvements from public sector and public transport expressing her sympathies, quite rightly, about those providers, particularly those running stations and airports, who have lost their lives, because that has been really so that people are not left for hours without any information shocking. All I can do is repeat what I said earlier—that whatsoever or have to surge from one platform to in the course of this spending round, this Government another because of conflicting messages? It is simply will spend more than any other Governments have not good enough for people to be left waiting for hours spent on flood defences. We have an ambitious programme and hours without any understanding of what is happening. to spend £2.3 billion on capital alone up to 2021 meaning that 165,000 properties will be protected up to 2015, Mr Paterson: The hon. Lady is absolutely right and I which is 20,000 more than we originally planned, and entirely agree with her. There is nothing more frustrating that a further 300,000 properties will be protected up for all the entities involved if telephone calls are not to 2021. received and information is not passed on. That applies to transport organisations, airports, power companies Jonathan Evans (Cardiff North) (Con): Although my and, obviously, local councils. That is definitely one of right hon. Friend has made it clear that he does not feel the things we will be looking at. People were really it is appropriate to deal with questions about Flood Re exasperated. The power system went out at Gatwick: until later in the day, his statement made so many there were no screens and no public address system, and references to insurance that it is important for the people were, quite rightly, absolutely furious. That is a Secretary of State and the Government to reflect on clear area that we want to look at. We will make areas in which Flood Re does not offer insurance protection, absolutely sure that all the organisations delivering to such as properties in two council tax bands in Wales 41 Flooding6 JANUARY 2014 Flooding 42 and, for instance, the small guest houses on the front of Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con): Will the Secretary the marina in Aberystwyth that have been affected by of State assure the House that he will do everything he appalling waves today. can to make sure that local authorities, highway authorities, the Environment Agency and providers of sewage and Mr Paterson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his water services co-operate and collaborate, rather than question. I am perfectly happy to talk about Flood Re; I pass the buck from one to the other? just thought that as there will be a debate later, and time is short now, it might be the more appropriate to ask Mr Paterson: My hon. Friend makes an important questions about it then. point. We have seen variability with the resilience forums. At the one I went to in Kent, it was quite clear from My hon. Friend raises the issue of guest houses. We listening in on conversations that some agencies were have made it clear that council tax payment is the really sharp, on the ball and participating, but that criterion on which to decide whether one is in or out of others were not quite as reactive. That is one area that Flood Re. I am not totally up to speed on the exact we need to look at in the review, first, as I said earlier, to details of the guest houses he mentioned, but he may check whether information is getting through to some find that many of them pay council tax. of these entities and, secondly, whether the entities are actually taking action. That is the area on which we Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): In November need to concentrate. last year, October this year and again over the Christmas period—[Interruption.] That is the local radio station, Sir (Worthing West) (Con): Some BBC Radio Northampton, asking me about this very 20,000 homes are exposed to flood risk in Worthing and issue. For the third time in the past 12 months, district. I hope that my right hon. Friend will join me in Gainsborough road in Corby has been severely flooded, thanking David Robinson, the Environment Agency and residents were trapped in their homes for a week operations director for South Downs and Solent, and over Christmas. I have been passed around between the the colleagues of Kieran Stigant, the chief executive of Environment Agency, Anglian Water and the county county council, for their preparatory work council, but nobody seems to want to take responsibility. last year, which helped to reduce the risk over the Will the Secretary of State step in to help me stop this Christmas and new year period. Will he join me in pass the parcel and get somebody to address this problem? thanking the local media and those who came out with chainsaws to clear the roads, who helped to reduce the Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for impact of the horrendous conditions, which included his question. I wish him well with his local radio, and tides that were up to a metre higher than expected? I suggest that he writes to the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend Mr Paterson: I am very happy to join my hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall (Dan Rogerson) on in thanking and congratulating the senior members of this particular issue. [Interruption.] the Environment Agency and all the staff who have worked so hard in his area. I am also happy to congratulate and thank all those on the ground who came out with Mr Speaker: Order. I think the hon. Member for chainsaws to work in such a public-spirited manner, as Corby (Andy Sawford) has elevated “on message” to a has been touched on by other Members. new level in that his communication with his local radio station, or a representative thereof, seems effectively to be synchronised. Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): My constituency has also flooded, which has led to one tragedy and widespread disruption and anxiety. I join Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): May the Secretary of State in paying tribute to the Environment I say to my right hon. Friend that there has been more Agency and the emergency services for their tireless flood prevention work in the Cotswolds in the past two work over the Christmas period. However, despite their years than there was in the whole of the 13 years of ever-increasing water bills, my constituents are again the previous Government? Nevertheless, some of my facing foul water flooding from sewers that simply constituents in Cirencester and the area have suffered cannot cope with flooding. What is he doing to put sewage and water flooding for the second Christmas in pressure on water companies to be more prepared for succession. They really appreciated the work of the flood events and to ensure that we prevent these very emergency services, particularly the Environment Agency. distressing incidents from recurring? Will he ensure that the front-line services the Environment Agency so generously provided over this period will be Mr Paterson: My hon. Friend raises a very important maintained and, in particular, that flood maps are point. Very few water shortages have been reported, but rapidly updated, so that they can get up-to-date insurance? we have had incidents of sewage flooding, which she has touched on. Apart from all the other problems of Mr Paterson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his flooding, that is horrendous. We will certainly look comments, which reflect the very good work of the at that issue and the Under-Secretary of State for Environment Agency. I want to quote its chief executive, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend Dr Paul Leinster, whom I have been speaking to daily—I the Member for North Cornwall, will talk to the water hope that this will reassure my hon. Friend—who has companies about it. said: “The planned reductions in posts will not affect the Environment Agency’s ability to respond to flooding Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): incidents and the Environment Agency will minimise In thanking the Secretary of State for the £67 million the impact on other frontline services through the changes.” that he agreed to in the autumn for the renewal of the 43 Flooding6 JANUARY 2014 Flooding 44

[Eric Ollerenshaw] effectively, and his constituents will be among those in the 1 million properties that were protected during this flood defences around Fleetwood at Rossall, may I ask difficult period. him whether there is any chance of his persuading the Treasury to increase the valuation that it places on Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): Many of my agricultural land so that we can justify greater investment constituents in St Nicolas and Weddington wards are that goes beyond 30 years in the sea defences around concerned about the spectre of new housing development Glasson and Thurnham in my constituency? on greenfield land, when there is already a significant flood risk to existing property. Will my right hon. Mr Paterson: My hon. Friend raises an important Friend assure me that priority will be given to ensuring point. We have the conundrum that we must protect that new housing developments do not cause more agricultural land that is of a lower value than land on flood blight? which property is built and land in the cities. Of course, the risk that lives will be lost is also lower than in cities. Mr Paterson: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to The Environment Agency faces that conundrum. There raise the matter. It is absurd, given the knowledge that is a matrix to evaluate each project. The Under-Secretary we now have, to build houses or anything else on a flood of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my plain. It is good that the Environment Agency objects hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall, and I are to planning applications that it thinks are unwise. In the more than happy to talk to him about the details of the first half of last year there were 26,060 such objections case that he mentions. to planning applications, and 99.6% of those objections were endorsed. Our new planning guidance is clear that Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) development should be located away from flood risk (Con): Romsey has been very badly affected over the whenever possible, and as my hon. Friend suggests, past fortnight by high levels in the River Test, massive the Environment Agency is active in vetting planning surface water run-off and, most particularly, effluent applications. from a Victorian drainage system that simply cannot cope. My huge thanks go to Romsey’s retained firefighters Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): I certainly congratulate who worked to pump out houses. Will my right hon. the agencies and the Secretary of State for all that has Friend assure me that he will work closely with colleagues been done in the past few weeks, but given that a theme in the Department for Communities and Local Government today has been that agencies must work together, will to look at areas where housing development is planned he consider asking for a review of how that might be on greenfield sites, but where there is already a problem encouraged? I have various examples from my constituency with drainage systems that cannot cope? of agencies needing to work together more, such as on drainage in Woodchester, sewerage in Slimbridge and Mr Paterson: My hon. Friend raises a very important the Severn estuary flood review. That all shows the need point. It is completely crazy to have new housing projects to encourage agency co-operation. that do not have adequate drainage for the conditions. The Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food Mr Paterson: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for should get this in perspective by saying that there was North Cornwall, is listening carefully. As we go through good co-operation across the country, with enormous the review, she might like to write to him with her work put in by the Environment Agency, councils and recommendations. those in the fire brigade and transport organisations. However, we can do better. He is right that there were a Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Apart from in number of cases on the ground in which a few organisations Maidstone in my county of Kent, were military forces could have been better informed, reacted quicker and deployed in the United Kingdom over Christmas and done more. That is what we want to examine. We need the new year to deal with flooding? to get the system sorted out so that it is much more homogeneous and uniform, but let us get it in perspective—I Mr Paterson: To the best of my knowledge, the only think there only a few cases in which things went really case was a couple of days ago, when 90 soldiers helped badly wrong. to fill sandbags at very short notice in Maidstone.

Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): I, too, welcome the Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Across the comments that my right hon. Friend has made about country, water and power engineers, local authority and better passenger information, following the incident in emergency service workers, volunteers and others have which people were stranded at Gatwick over Christmas done their level best. They are ordinary men and women and the new year. Will he join me in thanking West Sussex doing extraordinary things in exceptionally difficult fire and rescue service for rescuing a number of elderly circumstances. residents in Ifield Green? Will he also join me in recognising As the Secretary of State said in his statement, the that, were it not for the significant capital investment in performance of some utilities and local authorities left the Environment Agency’s scheme at lake, which room for improvement. Where those few councils and was realised over the past few years, the flooding in my utilities have performed badly, almost by definition it constituency could have been a lot worse? will have been because of bad decisions made, usually, by highly paid chief executives. Will the Secretary of Mr Paterson: I thank my hon. Friend, and I am glad State host a meeting, together with other Government he endorses our views on getting information across to Departments, and invite the 10 worst-performing and the public in various forums, particularly at his nearby the 10 best-performing utilities and local authorities, so airport. I am delighted to hear that the flood scheme worked that one group might mentor the other? 45 Flooding6 JANUARY 2014 Flooding 46

Mr Paterson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his Mr Paterson: I enjoyed my visit to my hon. Friend’s question, and that is an interesting idea. We will progress constituency. It was an extraordinary event—I think the review by examining the cases in which we think people told me that it was the worst weather they had things have gone well, and as I touched on in answer to had in 500 years, which shows what the Environment the previous question, I think that there were only a few Agency has had to cope with recently. I would not want cases that showed a need to see how we can co-ordinate to jump the agency’s list of priorities, so perhaps my better. The co-ordination is the key point. hon. Friend would be happy to write to the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): Over hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall, who will Christmas, it was clear that households and businesses take up the matter, and the particular details of the in Snape, Eyke and Southwold were still suffering from project he mentions, directly with the Environment the floods earlier in December. Can the Secretary of Agency. State assure me that the role of internal drainage boards will continue to be enhanced, and will he consider with the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): others a sensitive scheme of felling trees in sensitive It is a pleasure to be the end-stop to this statement. I areas to prevent trees from bringing down power lines? have been a critic of the Environment Agency in the past, but will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating Mr Paterson: IDBs certainly have a great role to play, it on its staff and on the way it is working in partnership and I am a strong supporter of them. It is all part of our with East Riding of Yorkshire council to deliver a much long-term proposal to push responsibility for low-risk more joined-up approach, as mentioned by colleagues waterways down to as local a level as possible. That is across the House? Can he assure residents in Kilnsea how we can help to free up a lot of those waterways, which was flooded—businesses were also flooded there— which have been blocked because work on them was that remote, rural spots such as that will see their flood stopped under the previous Government. I am happy to defences prioritised for investment, and that they will discuss my hon. Friend’s other question with her directly. see that bank renewed, which desperately needs to be done? Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): May I refer my right hon. Friend back to the floods of 5 and 6 December, Mr Paterson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend and and thank him for his visit to my constituency in the admire his patience in waiting until last. I nearly visited immediate aftermath? Subsequent meetings with the his constituency and saw the advantages of the Hull Environment Agency have suggested that it will prepare barrier, which is used as a reservoir at low tide to drain both a short and long-term strategy, and my residents— water from his constituency. If he has a particular particularly in Barrow Haven, which has been flooded project in mind, as with the preceding question I think twice in the past six years—are anxious for those plans the appropriate route is to write directly to my hon. to be implemented speedily. Can my right hon. Friend Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, give a categorical assurance that he will do all he can to Food and Rural Affairs, who will take it up with the ensure that the Environment Agency carries out that work? Environment Agency. 47 6 JANUARY 2014 48

Points of Order Water Bill 4.51 pm Consideration of Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. On 19 and 20 December there was a meeting of the European Council, after the New Clause 1 House had risen for the Christmas recess. The Council specifically discussed defence as well as sustainable LEGISLATIVE COMPETENCE FOR WATER IN WALES growth and unemployment—all things that are important ‘The National Assembly for Wales shall have legislative competence to the United Kingdom. Have you had any application for water up to the geographical boundary with England.’.—(Hywel from the Prime Minister to come to the House and Williams.) make a statement on the outcome of that European Brought up, and read the First time. Council meeting? 4.54 pm Mr Speaker: No, I have not. It used ordinarily to be the case as a matter of course that there were statements Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC): I beg to move, That the on such matters, and generally speaking—if memory clause be read a Second time. serves me correctly—that has continued to be so, with Mr Speaker: With this it will be convenient to discuss one or two exceptions. Those exceptions have sometimes the following: been a cause of some concern to right hon. and hon. Members, and we no longer have the debate in advance New clause 2—Retail exit— of the European Council because the Government judge— ‘(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision which they are perfectly entitled to do—that that should about the transfer of an undertaker’s assets and liabilities come out of the allocation of time for the Backbench associated with its non-household retail business into a separate Business Committee. It seems a pity if there is no company. statement after a European Council meeting, but there (2) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory are various means by which Members can try to pose instrument. questions on such matters orally, and get answers, and (3) Regulations under subsection (1) may, in particular, make each case must be considered on its merits. The hon. provision for any such transfer to be subject to— Lady is an experienced campaigner and she can apply (a) approval by the Secretary of State; her own resources to the matter. (b) any such safeguards as may be specified in the regulations; (c) the transferee company holding a licence containing a Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): On a point of retail authorisation pursuant to section 17A of the order, Mr Speaker. We all appreciate that the Secretary Water Industry Act 1991; of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs may (d) the provision of any information or other such assistance be tired after his endeavours in the past few weeks, but I from the relevant undertaker as may be required by know he would not want that to enable him inadvertently the Secretary of State for the purposes of approving to mislead the House. He said that the figures I quoted the transfer.’. in my question to him a few moments ago were wrong, New clause 11—Duties of undertakers to furnish the but they were provided by a previous Minister in that Secretary of State with information: annual review— Department, the hon. Member for Newbury (Richard ‘(1) Section 202 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (duties to Benyon), in answer to a parliamentary question on undertakers to furnish the Secretary of State with information) is 9 September 2013. Either the Secretary of State was amended as follows. wrong to say what he said, or the written parliamentary (2) After subsection (1A) there is inserted— answer given by the hon. Member for Newbury was “(1B) Any company with a duty under subsections (1) and wrong. I wonder whether you can assist me, Mr Speaker, (1A) must furnish the Secretary of State and the Authority with and my constituents, in getting to the bottom of the an annual review which provides information about— matter and finding out whether the written parliamentary (a) their performance; answer was wrong, or whether the Secretary of State (b) the total amount of investment; was wrong earlier today? (c) their taxation structure; Mr Speaker: What I say to the hon. Gentleman is (d) their corporate structure; and that— (e) the total amount of dividends paid to shareholders. Richard Benyon (Newbury) (Con): He’s wrong. (1C) Information under subsection (1B) must be provided prior to the publication of the annual statement of the Secretary Mr Speaker: No, it is not for me to say that the hon. of State under section 2A.”.’. Gentleman is wrong, but I am tempted to say it is a tad New clause 12—Oversight of charges— tendentious of him to raise that as a point of order. All Members are responsible for the accuracy or otherwise ‘In section 2 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (general duties with respect of the water industry), after subsection (2C) there is of the statements they make in the Chamber, and it is inserted— not for me to seek to assist the hon. Gentleman in his “(2CA) For the purposes of subsection (2A)(a) above the endeavours. I have, however, assisted him to the extent Secretary of State or, as the case may be, the Authority shall have that I have enabled him to raise the point, and he has regard to the rates of charges to— aired it to Members on the Treasury Bench. If any (a) household premises; and correction is required, doubtless it will be forthcoming; if not, the eager beaver that is the hon. Gentleman will, (b) non-household premises.”.’. I am sure, pursue the matter further. New clause 14—Privatisation of water supply: review— ‘(1) Chapter 1 of this Act shall not come into force until the Secretary of State has laid before Parliament a report on the 49 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 50 performance of the water companies since the privatisation of So far, so uncontroversial. That fits into the usual the arrangements for water supply came into force under the Wales box—it is nothing to disturb Front Benchers on Water Act 1989, the Water Industry Act 1991 and the Water either side of the House—and is the conventional picture Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991. of our country as a place of extreme natural beauty, (2) A report under subsection (1) must in particular review— and of a long-lived, varied and inspiring culture, but (a) the cost of water to the consumer, water has also been an emotive, emblematic and defining (b) the number of disconnections of water supply, political matter in Wales for many decades. Let no one (c) the purity of the water supplied and the number and in the Chamber doubt or underestimate the power and consequences of water pollution incidences attributable significance of the water issue in Wales. to the operation of the water companies, I referred in Committee to the controversy and conflict (d) the incidences of leakages, low pressure and disruptions in the 1950s and 1960s over the drowning of Welsh to water supply, valleys to supply English conurbations against the will (e) the levels of investment in the water supply infrastructure of the people of Wales. That was demonstrated in this by the water companies, very House of Commons, when all but one of Wales’s (f) the profits made and dividends paid to shareholders by MPs voted against the removal of the people of the the water companies, village of Capel Celyn and the drowning of their valley (g) the levels of management remuneration of the water to supply the burgeoning and thirsty industrial development companies, of Merseyside. (h) the levels of taxation paid by the water companies, and At the time, the developers saw that as the entirely (i) the adherence of the water companies in their operations reasonable harnessing of readily available natural resources in the UK and internationally to the national legislation for much needed development. They wondered what and international conventions and treaties on the all the fuss was about. Many Welsh people saw it as protection of the environment, human rights and straightforward expropriation, akin to the highland wages and employment conditions.’. clearances. Chillingly, the drowning of Welsh valleys led Government amendments 13 to 22 and 59. to the first sustained campaign of bombing in Wales, Amendment 12, page 124, line 1, in clause 80, at end which, in a further development, led tragically to the insert ‘(h) section [Retail exit].’. injury of an innocent schoolboy, and to the deaths of two of the bombers and the jailing of some of the key Government new schedule 1—‘Orders under section 77: perpetrators. Some hon. Members will be familiar with further provision. the pictures taken by Geoff Charles, the photo-journalist, Government amendments 23 to 28, 60, 29 to 46, 61 to of the 1956 demonstration in Liverpool. The people of 64, 47 to 50, 52, 53, 65 to 87 and 54. Capel Celyn marched through the streets of the city to the council buildings, only to find the doors barred Hywel Williams: As is often remarked, Wales is the against them. Their banners, carried through a city still land of mountains and valleys, and of lakes and rivers. bearing the many scars of aerial bombardment, said: It is therefore very appropriate that I, as a Welsh Member, “Yourhomes are safe. Save ours. Do not drown our homes.” speak on the Water Bill. One of the leaders of that march in 1956 was Gwynfor Water and lakes have had a central part in Welsh Evans, the president of , who in 1966 was culture for many centuries. We witnessed astonishing elected as the MP for Carmarthen. He was the first Plaid discoveries some decades ago at Llyn Cerrig Bach, the Cymru MP, a political earthquake that still reverberates lake on Ynys Môn, of metal offerings to the gods from today. Let no one here today doubt or underestimate 2,000 years ago, including some gruesome slave chains. the power of the water issue in Wales. To borrow RS There is the story of Llyn y Fan Fach. The poor farm Thomas’s line, rather than boy wins the love of the maiden of the lake. By intrigue, “Worrying the carcass of an old song”, they marry and prosper. He strikes her inadvertently let us look at the situation facing us today. three times, and on the third blow she returns to the lake Dwr Cymru Welsh Water is the provider for most of with all their worldly wealth. There are many other such Wales and for parts of England. Dee Valley Water stories. supplies part of north-east Wales and part of the north-west Our lakes have inspired poets—too many to quote. of England. Severn Trent Water supplies mid-Wales One very short extract, which I will translate, will and benefits from its water resources. Indeed, it has a suffice. Gwilym Cowlyd, in his long poem to the mountains 99-year contract with Welsh Water, dating most recently of Wales sings thus: from 1984, to supply up to 360 megalitres per day of “Y llynnau gywyrddion llonnydd - a gysgant non-potable water. That contract ends in 2073. Mewn gw as gawd ofynydd This arrangement has its roots in the Birmingham Corporation Water Act 1892. It might appear to some A thynn heulwen ysblennydd as reasonable and practical at the height of municipal Ar len y dwr lun y dydd”. power at the end of the 19th century or when water was That translates as: the still green lakes sleep in a waistcoat in public ownership. Indeed, it was the pattern adopted of mountain, and splendid sunlight draws on the sheet on privatisation and it continues today. To others, it is of the water the picture of the day. nothing less than a clear injustice, with a private sector Our lakes and rivers inspired Welsh artists such as organisation from another country benefiting from a Richard Wilson, who is sometimes called the father of substantial part of what should be a valuable public “English”—sic—landscape painting. His two substantial resource for Wales. paintings of Afon Dyfrdwy, the River Dee, can be seen The water industry in Wales is different from the industry in the National Gallery.His defining painting of Llyn-y-Cau in England and in Scotland. It is run on a non-profit on Cader Idris can be seen at Tate Britain. distributing basis. Any profits are channelled into lower 51 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 52

[Hywel Williams] not be able to stop anything that he did not like. The condition of having ‘reasonable grounds’ does not help, so vague is the wording prices or investment in the service. This has led to used in the following paragraphs.” below-inflation price rises for the past three years, with It was not just the Plaid Cymru MP who was sceptical a promise of similar for the future; to a sustained about the Labour Government’s attitude. John Selwyn lowering of the gearing of the organisation in an industry Gummer went on to say: where gearing is notoriously high; and to a substantial “I agree with the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy.” and sustained investment programme. That was his constituency at the time. To get to the nub of the matter before us in new “Either we trust the Welsh people or we do not. It is extremely clause 1, the current arrangements are that the National difficult for me to accept that the Welsh people have to be singled Assembly for Wales has responsibility for water in Wales, out and measures taken to ensure that, where water is concerned, save for that water which flows from mid-Wales to they should not in any way or in any circumstances be able to do England. New clause 1 provides that the National Assembly anything that might upset the plans of English Ministers.”—[Official for Wales shall have legislative competence for water up Report, 24 January 2006; Vol. 441, c. 1359.] to the geographical boundary with England—nothing more and nothing less. It is a reasonable aspiration for Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) any legislature to have legislative competence for important (PC): I congratulate my hon. Friend on making a resources within its territory, and it is reasonable that powerful case for the full devolution of Welsh water the current arrangements should be changed. resources. Is it not the case that were his new clause successful, the people of Wales would be in full control Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): I am listening over their entire water portfolio and that those who to the hon. Gentleman’s speech with great interest. abstain or oppose his new clause when we divide will When the water industry was established, the boundaries essentially be saying that large parts of Welsh water were set on the basis of natural watersheds, which, resources should be under the control of the British unfortunately, do not coincide with the boundary between state? Wales and England. Would the new clause not cause unnecessary and potentially expensive administrative Hywel Williams: My hon. Friend makes a telling point complexity which would benefit neither Dwr Cymru that I shall refer to later: there is no centre ground on customers nor those in England? this matter. Either the Assembly controls Welsh resources or the Government here in London do so. It is a question Hywel Williams: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his of whether the Welsh people have self-determination on intervention. He anticipates my next points, though this matter or whether there is a veto from London. he is welcome to intervene again should he still be I know which option he favours—it is the same one I unsatisfied. favour. We are not in a static, pre-privatisation and pre-devolution situation. Things have moved on, not least in respect of Jonathan Evans (Cardiff North) (Con): The hon. the current status of the NAW as a legislature following Gentleman rightly referred to the Capel Celyn situation—I the most recent Act—I note that some hon. Members remember it from many years ago when I first entered still call it a Welsh Administration, but that is another politics—and rightly said that across the political spectrum matter—and there is the prospect of further change as a there was universal opposition in Wales to the drowning result of the Silk commission’s reports. Change is central of valleys. Today, however, he should help the House. to the relationship between England and Wales, and has What is the mood in Wales today? He obviously feels been so at least since the establishment of the Welsh that this is yet another step in devolution, but there is Office in 1964. The pace picked up enormously since no great appetite for it elsewhere in Wales. 1997 and 1999, with the establishment of the Welsh Assembly. The then Labour Secretary of State for Wales said famously that devolution is a “process, not an Hywel Williams: That is an interesting point. At event”. That is a truism, whatever the current Labour every turn, when further devolution is proposed, right First Minister in Cardiff might wish for as a constitutional hon. and hon. Members of all parties always say that settlement, so that it will “all just go away” and he can there is no appetite for it, and they point to polls continue on his unambitious meander. allegedly showing no appetite for further change, but subsequent polls always show that the Welsh people Plaid Cymru tabled amendments to Labour’s support further devolution. They support devolution Government of Wales Bill in 2005-06 that would have that goes further than the Government’s proposals. had a similar effect to new clause 1, but the then Labour They supported further devolution before and after the Government rejected them. They retained what, as a Government of Wales Act. The hon. Gentleman has his shorthand, I call the “London veto on Welsh water”. own opinion and I have mine, but I think I have my ear Their attitude was in contrast to that of the then hon. closer to the ground of Welsh people’s opinion. Member for Suffolk Coastal and former Environment Minister, John Selwyn Gummer, who is now in another place. In response to my right hon. Friend the Member Jonathan Edwards: The hon. Member for Cardiff for Dwyfor Meirionnydd (Mr Llwyd), he said: North (Jonathan Evans) might have noticed over the summer that the Silk commission undertook the most “Under the clause, a Secretary of State, by diktat, would be detailed study of devolutionary attitudes in Wales since able to say that a Measure that has a passing or glancing effect on some matter of importance—sufficiently important for the Assembly the was created in 1999, and it clearly indicated to feel that a Measure is needed—should be stopped because he overwhelming support for the people of Wales getting has ‘reasonable grounds to believe’ that it would have an ‘adverse control over their natural resources, be that wind, water, effect’. It is difficult to imagine that a Secretary of State would shale gas or whatever. The people of Wales want those 53 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 54 resources in the ownership of the Welsh people, and the small amount of money changing hands, which has only guardian of the Welsh people is our own sovereign a marginal effect on what Welsh Water is able to achieve. Parliament in Cardiff. I would also point out that what it achieves by being a not-for-distributive-profits organisation is enormously Hywel Williams: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for greater than any money it might get from Severn Trent. that further point, however disappointed we both might be with the guardianship of the current Government in Mr Hollobone: The hon. Gentleman mentioned fracking, Cardiff. which could well be a growth business in Wales as in Eight years after the Government of Wales Act, England. From what he says, it seems to me that any circumstances on the ground are much more pressing. water abstracted from Dwr Cymru’s area could mean a For example—a small example, perhaps—the fracking negotiation between Dwr Cymru and the users of that industry, if it proceeds, will be a heavy user of water, water. If it wanted to do so, Dwr Cymru could charge and as the Minister of State, Department for Business, quite a high price for what is a very valuable resource. Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon), has confirmed: Hywel Williams: The hon. Gentleman makes a fine point. That would be the case if, say, Northumbrian “Water sourced from local water companies for projects in England could potentially originate from Wales.”—[Official Report, Water sells to Yorkshire Water: there are different prices 18 December 2013; Vol. 572, c. 640W.] in different parts of the country, depending on the economics of the transport of water. The moot point At the very least, there is the threat of history repeating about water is that it is in some ways a transport itself—of industrial development and growth in wealth business rather than a water supply business, because in England being based on resources from Wales, of the water is extremely heavy and difficult to move about. It benefits to Wales being limited and of the legislative would be a matter of negotiation. As I pointed out, control of the Welsh Government being limited to part however, Welsh Water does not have control of some of of the country only and being subject to a London veto. the more significant water resources in Wales—the water I believe that that is insupportable. It would be seen by sources in mid-Wales. Incidentally, I do not want to many as Capel Celyn and Tryweryn once again. stray from the water industry, Madam Deputy Speaker, but fracking might take place in south Wales and possibly Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Does the hon. not in north-west Wales—the part I represent. Someone Gentleman’s new clause imply that the Welsh Assembly has to say that, I suppose—start at home. could stop water coming into England if it wished to do so? Ofwat addressed the matter of realigning legislative competence in its evidence to the Silk commission. People who frighten the horses over the costs would do Hywel Williams: The hon. Gentleman anticipates my well to listen to what Ofwat had to say about the next point: it is a matter for the Welsh Government to “potential impacts” of moving away from the “wholly decide what they would do; they have the right to decide or mainly” boundary—that is, the current situation. It for themselves. What I am against is this place’s veto said: and this place telling the Welsh Government what they would or should do. I think that in a reasonable world—and “During our evidence session I was asked about any possible impacts of moving away from the current policy boundary definition. I think the Welsh Government are very reasonable We believe that there are likely to be some administrative costs to people—they would be highly unlikely to turn the off companies (and customers) from such a change and that there taps, but they might be able to reverse what I described could be some incidence effects on customer bills (which could be earlier as a patent injustice. What might the Welsh positive or negative for different customers).” Government do with legislative competence up to the In other words, it will impact differently, but Ofwat says: border? That is a matter for them. “Generally we would expect both of these to be relatively This Water Bill introduces competition into water minor.” provision. Water companies in Wales are wholly or I do not think that there is a reason to be particularly mainly exempt, but that still leaves open to competition frightened of any costs that might be involved. a huge area of Wales owned by Severn Trent, which is expressly against the wishes of the Welsh Government—at least for that part of Wales for which they have the power 5.15 pm to decide. More significantly, perhaps, I point out to those on the Opposition Front Bench that the Labour party’s Mr Hollobone: I am following the hon. Gentleman’s stance on the matter is clear. In their submission to the speech with genuine interest. If water is abstracted from Commission on Devolution in Wales, the Labour Welsh the area within Dwr Cymru’s competence and Dwr Government stated that they wanted the National Assembly Cymru receives proceeds from that abstraction, could to have full legislative control over water up to the that money be used to keep water bills down for the vast geographical boundary with England. They also stated majority of Welsh Water customers? that they wanted to remove the London Government’s power to intervene in Welsh affairs in relation to water, Hywel Williams: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his which I referred to earlier as the London veto. Interestingly, intervention. As I said, the agreement with Severn Trent that is a complete volte-face from the stance taken by predates privatisation, and the amount of money that the Labour Secretary of State for Wales in 2006, who changes hands is, I think, nominal. I have to confess was insistent on the veto. that I do not know precisely how much it is, but my hon. In its evidence to the Silk commission, Labour said that Friend the Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr “the Assembly’s legislative competence should henceforth extend (Jonathan Edwards) has referred in the past to a very up to the geographical boundary with England” 55 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 56 and, on page 9, that competence should be customers to allow them to stay in the market. New “extended to the geographical boundary with England in line clause 2 and amendment 12 would simply recognise with the legislative competence for other acts of the Assembly.” that impact and allow companies to function in what Labour also said: would be considered a normal competitive market. An exit clause such as we propose would facilitate new “We also propose removal of the existing Secretary of State unilateral intervention power in the case of functions relating to entrants, particularly larger ones, into the water and water”— sewerage retail markets. that is, the veto. It went on to say: We recommended in our report during the pre-legislative “There is an important interdependency between Wales and scrutiny that the Bill should include such provisions to England in terms of water resource management, water supply enable incumbent companies to exit the retail market and water quality. We consider that any concerns about potential voluntarily. It would be helpful to hear from the Minister adverse impact in England in relation to these matters would be whether he is minded to accept new clause 2 and more appropriately addressed through inter-governmental mechanisms amendment 12. During our inquiry, both regulators— that set out the basis for co-operation and joint working between Ofwat, which covers England and Wales, and the Water the respective Governments.” Industry Commission for Scotland—said that incumbent That is the Labour party’s stance. companies and, indeed, new entrants were united in calling for the Bill to include an exit route. Jonathan Edwards: Considering the clear position of During the Public Bill Committee, Opposition Members the Labour Welsh Government, does my hon. Friend proposed a new clause to allow incumbent companies share my surprise that there is not a single Labour MP to choose whether to provide to the retail or wholesale based in Wales in the Chamber today to defend that market only, subject to approval by the Secretary of position? State. Regrettably, the Opposition’s new clause was defeated in a vote. New clause 2 would have a different Hywel Williams: Alas, I am not surprised at all by the effect from the new clause proposed by the Opposition complete lack of Labour MPs from Wales in the Chamber. in Committee, as it would specifically enable companies They might still be celebrating, who knows? to exit the retail market by transferring their retail In conclusion, if the coalition Government are unwise contracts and liabilities—that is, their retail business—to and refuse to accept the new clause and we are forced to a third party where they chose to do so. That would press it to a Division, I expect the main Opposition open up the market to new entrants who hold a retail party, which is also the Government party in Wales, to authorisation, by allowing them to acquire whole retail join us in the Lobby. After all, this is not just a Welsh businesses, rather than acquiring one contract at a time. test for the coalition Government. It is also a test for the That would allow economies of scale. Opposition in this place and for their friends in Wales of their consistency and commitment to the people of Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): The Wales. Are they serious about devolving power to Cardiff, hon. Lady is without doubt an expert in these matters, or is this to be a case of echoing St Augustine: “Make given her role on the Select Committee as well as the me pure, but not yet”? all-party group. On the basis of the work done by her Committee, will she give the House a sense of the amount Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): It is of interest in entering the market and the number of a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Arfon (Hywel people involved? Williams), who moved his amendment so eloquently. Miss McIntosh: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her I want to speak in support of two little amendments good services to the all-party group, where we serve as that have been grouped under the heading “Regime of fellow officers. We hear of many entrants, but obviously, the water industry”. New clause 2 and amendment 12 until the law is in place, it is difficult to put a number on have been tabled in my name and those of a number of that. I am sure that my hon. Friend the Minister will colleagues on the Select Committee on Environment, have heard and can perhaps comment, as he is closer to Food and Rural Affairs. We followed the proceedings in the issue. the Public Bill Committee with great interest, but chose We suggest that if existing companies are unable to to bide our time until the remaining stages before we compete with new entrants who want to come in for entered into the legislative process, having done what I very good reasons and lose customers as a result, it thought was a welcome piece of work in the pre-legislative makes sense to allow an exit strategy. I personally feel scrutiny of the draft Bill. that we heard no compelling evidence during the pre- New clause 2 specifically considers the possibility of legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill and during our allowing a retail exit. It would empower the Secretary consideration of the water White Paper to suggest that of State to make provision by regulation for the transfer the reform should not include a retail exit strategy. That of an undertaker’s assets and liabilities associated with is why we feel honour bound to come forward for the its non-household retail business into a separate company. sake the Bill’s completeness. Regulations would be made in the normal way by New clause 2 would give all undertakers the power statutory instrument and would make provision for any but not the obligation to transfer their non-household transfer to be subject to the approval of the Secretary of retail business to a different company. It would give the State and such safeguards as may be specified in the Secretary of State the power to make any such transfer regulations. Amendment 12 would amend clause 80 by subject to approval and any necessary safeguards to inserting the relevant section on retail exit. ensure an orderly exit from the market. I hope that the We considered retail exit during the pre-legislative House will be able to support the proposals because scrutiny. Inevitably, a number of companies may not much of the Bill is silent on these matters and we want necessarily fail but will regrettably have insufficient to use the new clause and amendment to give it more teeth. 57 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 58

There are several arguments in favour of allowing I want to speak to new clause 14, which is in my name. such a retail exit. For example, an exit clause is needed It suggests to the House that before we move forward to allow the market to function normally and competitively. with further legislation, we stand back and look objectively Additionally, a company should be able to organise its at the performance of the water supply industry since business in the way it considers best in the interests of 1989 when it was privatised. I am not part of this its customers and shareholders. An exit clause would common agreement among some parties in the House facilitate new entrants, especially larger ones, into the that privatisation and competition have been a success water and sewerage retail market because they would and are the way forward. In fact, I deeply regret what not need to win one contract at a time. Without new has happened since privatisation. clause 2, I understand that economies of scale would work against new entrants and either prevent them 5.30 pm from entering the market or, at the very least, reduce the I have set out the suggestion that before we go further, benefits that they could provide to new customers due the Government should produce a report that examines to higher costs of entry. I hope that my hon. Friend the some of the key issues affecting the water supply industry Minister agrees that the proposal is helpful and that and the consumer. I am talking here about the cost of he will be minded to accept it. It would not be in the water to the consumer, the number of disconnections interest of companies or their customers to force companies that took place during privatisation—although that is to stay in a market in which they have few or no no longer allowed under the Ofwat regulations—the purity customers. of water supplies, the leakages, the levels of investment, The general thrust of the new clause goes to the heart the profits and the dividends paid to shareholders, of this group of amendments dealing with the regime management remuneration, the levels of taxation, of the water industry. We should learn from what has particularly taxation avoidance, by the water companies happened in Scotland. I understand that DEFRA has and also their adherence to employment, human rights stated that it intends to create a market in which access and environmental practices across the world. I say that is regulated—in other words, with the rules of entry because the water industry is second only to the energy clearly set out and adhered to by all market participants. industry in ripping off the British public. Since privatisation, The reverse side of the coin is that if the rules of entry the water companies have stolen from the average consumer are to be set out, the House would, I am sure, want rules of water in this country. The Government need to of orderly exit to be set out. I am not saying that exit expose that in a comprehensive assessment, which this would happen in many cases, but it is important that House can debate, before we consider the future structure such rules are on the statute book. of the water industry. Following our pre-legislative scrutiny, we said that as Let me go through some statistics showing what has much detail as possible should be set out in the Bill so happened since privatisation. Since 1989, real water that the House could consider it. It is wrong—I part bills have risen 50%. Since 2005, there has been a 35% company from my hon. Friend the Minister in this respect nominal increase and a 7% real increase in bills. Since —to leave too much to regulations, given that many of 2010, bills have gone up by more than 12.5%. At the us with a great interest in this subject will not be same time, individual family incomes have gone down selected to serve on the Delegated Legislation Committees by 5%. It is interesting to see where the money has that consider them. As the Bill does not provide for gone. Most of it has gone into paying interest charges retail exit, the strategy is too open. It could be argued on water company debts or dividends to their owners that the Government’s approach is based on the premise and shareholders. Interestingly, most of those owners that parties in the retail market should be left to negotiate and shareholders are now overseas. among themselves about matters such as service and The performance of the companies has not really price, but that could be set out in the Bill. matched the rise in payments. I looked at, for example, Considerations of price, service levels and the ability the issue of leakages. A great deal has been said about to respond to difficulties go to the heart of why is it the investment in the infrastructure of the water industry important to have a competitive market in England, as since privatisation. I represent a constituency that is has been achieved in Scotland. There must be a way of served by Thames Water, which continues to lose up to policing a situation in which incumbents are simply a third of its water in leakages every year. The right slow in responding to requests for information or services hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark from new entrants. It is important not only to facilitate (Simon Hughes) wrote an article in the Evening Standard, the path for new entrants, but to allow for an exit which excoriated Thames Water for its failure to invest strategy and to bring about a competitive market. The in tackling that particular problem. Not only do the Bill is completing its remaining stages in the House companies fail to tackle the leakages, but they are some today, but little is known about upstream competition. of the worst polluters of our rivers. I asked the House The Government are asking that we take an awful lot of Commons Library to provide some recent information on trust, but it would be better if the Bill provided for a on the companies. South West Water was fined £50,000 definite exit strategy, which is why I commend new plus costs for sewage discharge into Salcombe bay in clause 2 and amendment 12 to the House. November 2013. It was fined a further £50,000 for sewage discharge into the Tamar estuary. Thames Water John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I am lost a final appeal against pollution fines in 2011, and pleased to follow the hon. Member for Thirsk and the estimated final cost of those fines was £400,000. Malton (Miss McIntosh). I see in the national press that she has had a little local difficulty. I hope that she can Richard Benyon (Newbury) (Con): The hon. Gentleman resolve the matter, because she would be a loss to the has been a consistent if sometimes lonely voice on this House if she were not returned at the next election—unless issue for a great many years. It is not for me or for of course she were replaced by a Labour member. anybody to defend individual water companies, but 59 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 60

[Richard Benyon] Richard Benyon: I promise not to intervene again, but I cannot resist doing so now. Does the hon. Gentleman’s does he not concede that companies such as South West research go back prior to the privatisation of the water Water have spent an enormous amount of money cleaning sector? In those years, were there any cases of pollution, up our beaches and rivers? Has he measured the trajectory of leakage or of poor infrastructure? The Minister will of investment that was happening before privatisation know that there were, because there were some appalling and compared it with the £100 billion plus that has been cases, one of which was in his constituency, and that the spent since privatisation on improving our water sector £100 billion we managed to gear into this sector has and making it more environmentally-friendly and on dramatically improved things. I entirely agree with the keeping costs down for customers? hon. Gentleman that there is much more work to be done, and we cannot have a system where the water John McDonnell: I have heard the argument about industry sits outside— infrastructure investment doubling since privatisation, but what is significant— Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. Interventions are supposed to be brief. If the hon. Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): Let Gentleman wants to make a defence of the water industry, me pursue the point about South West Water. There is he can stand up to make a speech—he may not do so in no doubt that it has made dramatic inroads into the an intervention. problems around the coasts, but there is an issue with the privatisation in the first place. The customer base John McDonnell: Former Ministers need an element was far too small to sustain the work that needed to be of retraining, so may I say to the hon. Gentleman that done around those coasts. As a result, bill payers in the he can intervene on me as often as wants, but perhaps south west—here I disagree with the hon. Member for he could be a bit briefer? Newbury (Richard Benyon)—are paying an extraordinarily high amount for their water. The issue is this: we are not talking about advocating a return to the previous model of nationalisation here; John McDonnell: I agree that significant investment we are talking about the long-term future of the water has been made in the infrastructure, but the problem is industry, which is why this debate is important. My that since the 1990s that has declined as a proportion of view is that privatisation and competition has not worked, the overall turnover of the industry. So the record is not but there are other models that we should explore. The glowing by any means, and the cost of that investment Welsh model of a not-for-profit organisation ploughing has been paid through significant debt burdens on those the money that comes back into the infrastructure and companies, which is eventually then paid for by consumers into quality of service is the one we should now be exploring. Hywel Williams: I am sure the hon. Gentleman would agree that the level of investment would be even higher Hywel Williams: Does the hon. Gentleman agree that if all the profits were devoted to investment in the this can be clearly seen in Welsh Water’s response to the infrastructure, rather than being siphoned off abroad. cryptosporidium outbreak in my constituency some years ago, when it managed to spend £1 million almost John McDonnell: That is one reason why I support immediately on installing new mechanisms to get rid of the Welsh model of a not-for-profit company, because, the cryptosporidium and then spent £7 million on further as I say, I feel that the general public have been ripped treatment works? It responded appropriately and quickly off throughout this period. to the outbreak. Let me just finish off with my last couple of examples, because I would not want to miss them out: United John McDonnell: Competition and privatisation have Utilities was fined £75,000 for management failures that not worked, which is why I do not think that the Bill, contributed to a fire in October 2013; and Severn Trent the main thrust of which is to introduce more competition Water received a £30,000 fine for sewage pollution in and privatisation, represents the way forward. It provides September last year. The performance record of these further opportunities for exploitation. I think that we companies is that not only do they not tackle the can all agree to condemn the level of profiteering that leakages and the real need for infrastructure investment, has taken pace, particularly in recent years. but they are polluting the very water they are supposed I wish to put on the record what has been happening, to be protecting and supplying. as independent examinations have shown. Sir Ian Byatt, Britain’s top water regulator throughout the 1990s, Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): My hon. wrote in the foreword to a report by the think-tank Friend mentioned Severn Trent Water. Given the pollution CentreForum that incidents involving water companies, does he agree that “many companies, especially the private equity infrastructure there is an urgent need to examine the court costs and funds, have paid out excessive dividends to their owners.” fines imposed on water companies? Does he also agree that there is a real danger that some companies might He went on to argue for some form of dividend control. prefer to go ahead, pollute and accept a fine because That was echoed by Jonson Cox, Ofwat’s chairman, that approach is nowhere near as expensive as making who has called for water companies to share unintended the investment in the first place? gains with consumers, arguing that the profits and tax- reducing corporate structures were “morally questionable”. John McDonnell: The drive for profits is making I can understand why. these companies ignore their duty towards the wider Let me give some examples of the profiteering that environment, and the fines and costs are relatively marginal has gone on. Northumbrian Water is owned by Cheung in comparison with the profits they make. Kong Infrastructure Holdings, which is based in Hong 61 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 62

Kong. Last year its operating profits were £154 million, are used as a vehicle. Corporate Watch found that the but it paid nothing in tax. Its debt was £4 billion. Its six companies it looked at—Northumbrian, Yorkshire, chief executive, Heidi Mottram, received a salary, bonus Anglian, Thames, South Staffs, and Sutton and East and benefits worth £595,000. Yorkshire Water is owned Surrey—had borrowed £3.4 billion using this method. by Citi, a US company, GIC, which is based in Singapore, It highlights Northumbrian Water as “the most brazen Infracapital Partners and HSBC, based in the UK. Last case” as it paid 11% on just over £1 billion of loans it year its operating profit was £335 million, but it paid had taken from its owner, the Cheung Kong group, a only £100,000 in tax. Its debt was £4.7 billion. Its chief Hong Kong-based conglomerate run by the world’s executive, Richard Flint, received a salary, bonus and ninth-richest person. No wonder he is the world’s ninth- benefits worth £800,000. richest person—we are making him so. This is a scandal. Anglian Water is owned by Canadian Pension Plan, The Bill does not go any way near addressing this Colonial First State Global Asset Management and rip-off of the British consumer or tackling some of the Industry Funds Management, which is based in Australia, tax evasion and tax avoidance by these companies that and 3i, which is based in the UK. Last year its operating has gone on. People are angry about this. In recent profit was £363 million, but it paid only £1 million in reports in the media there has been exposure after tax. Its debt was £6.9 billion. Its chief executive, Peter exposure, and people expect this House to act on these Simpson, received a salary, bonus and benefits worth matters. £1,024,000. Thames Water is owned by Macquaire Group, which is based in Australia, China Investment Corporation 5.45 pm and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Last year its Before we go any further with this Bill, we should operating profit was £577 million, but it paid minus consider in detail the record since privatisation on all £70 million in tax, because it is receiving grants from the these matters—cost, performance, and implications for Government, as the right hon. Member for Bermondsey our taxation system—and then come to a considered and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) pointed out at the view about whether privatisation has worked and whether time in his article in the Standard on behalf of the there are alternatives. Minor reforms will not satisfy Liberal Democrats. Its debt was £9 billion. Its chief people when their next water bills come through the executive, Martin Baggs, received a salary, bonus and door; they will be extremely angry. I urge that we look benefits worth £845,000. sensibly at the not-for-profit model that is operating in South Staffs Water is owned by Alinda Capital Partners, Wales, because on that basis people can at least be which is based in the US. Last year its operating profit confident about what they pay in and that what is given was £16 million, but it paid only £200,000 in tax. Its to these companies through tax subsidies as a result of debt was £488 million. Its chief executive, Elizabeth their long-term investment plans is poured back into Swarbrick, received a salary, bonus and benefits worth the supply of decent and pure water at a reasonable £202,000. Sutton and East Surrey Water is owned by cost. That is why I tabled my new clause. Sumitomo Corporation, based in Japan. Last year its It may well be that, as the hon. Member for Newbury operating profit was £17 million, but it paid only £1 million (Richard Benyon) said, I am a lone voice in this House— in tax. Its debt was £219 million. Its chief executive, with a number of others; my hon. Friend the Member Anthony Ferrar, received a salary, bonus and benefits for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins) is here and has worth £290,000. Those are obscene levels of profiteering shared similar concerns—but I do not believe that I am at the expense of the consumer. a lone voice in the wider community. People are fed up Why is the borrowing level so high? It is not because with being ripped off by energy companies, water companies it is all going into infrastructure. It has now been and others, and fed up with being exploited as a result exposed that some of the borrowing is being used to pay of privatisation. dividends to shareholders and high salaries to chief executives and board directors. That was not the intention Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): of the Thatcher Government’s original privatisation—well, May I take this opportunity, Madam Deputy Speaker, it was not the stated intention. Privatisation was meant to wish you and all hon. Members a happy new year? I to reduce prices, increase investment and make the hope that all hon. Members have had a peaceful and industry more accountable to the wider public through enjoyable break and have returned refreshed and looking shareholding. That has not been the case. It is not more forward to this busy year. accountable through shareholding, because most of the Unfortunately, the festive period was not a happy companies that now own British water are owned by experience for many households up and down the country. overseas shareholders. It does not make it any more Many hon. Members spent a great deal of their recess efficient for the consumer, because prices have gone dealing with the impacts of the recent weather events on through the roof in recent years, which people are angry their constituents. It is therefore appropriate that later about. It does not make it more accountable to the we will discuss a series of amendments on the clauses taxpayer. In fact, the taxpayer is being bled dry as a that will help to provide support to many of those result of tax avoidance and the various scams that have affected households. I look forward to having that been going on, which have been explored by Richard debate in more detail, but for the moment I want to Murphy, the tax justice expert. focus on the new clauses in the first group of amendments. Corporate Watch has produced an excellent report on some of those issues. It reports that six UK water Last year, in his now infamous letter to water companies, companies took high-interest loans from their owners the Secretary of State trumpeted water privatisation as through the Channel Islands and then converted them “one of the greatest success stories of privatisation.” into euro bonds. They then lent them back to the If one measures success by the payouts made to investors, companies and paid virtually no tax on them whatsoever. it is without doubt a great success story. Let me echo the This is a tax scam for which these water companies thoughtful remarks by my hon. Friend the Member for 63 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 64

[Thomas Docherty] produce the relevant information on an annual basis. Therefore, we believe that this is not an onerous or Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) and pick out bureaucratic requirement. a few examples of the dividends paid out since 1989. New clause 12 would require Ofwat to pay far more Severn Trent Water has paid out £6.2 billion in dividends, attention to the problem of affordability of bills. I am Thames Water has paid out £6.3 billion, the north-west’s conscious that we will have a wider debate about United Utilities has paid out £7.3 billion, and Anglian affordability when we discuss the second group of Water investors have recouped some £6 billion. Overall, amendments, but Ofwat’s current interpretation of its a staggering £40 billion has flowed into the pockets of role as an economic regulator is far too narrow. Both investors. It is fair to say that many customers would household and business customers feel that they are an not share the Secretary of State’s appreciation for his afterthought, and the new clause makes it clear that wonderful friends the chaps running the water companies. Ofwat must have due regard to the cost of bills when Indeed, their view is shared by many of the coalition’s setting the prices in future review periods. Labour believes own MPs. I am disappointed that the hon. Member for that during a time of unprecedented squeezes on household Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith) is not present. In last budgets, much more must be done to help hard-pressed year’s excellent debate on the water industry he said that customers. Our two new clauses are important measures “Yorkshire Water…is exploiting my constituents and people across that would ensure that water companies served their Yorkshire.”—[Official Report, 5 November 2013; Vol. 570, c. 213.] customers’ interests, not the other way around. I do not know whether the Chair of the Environment, We will, unsurprisingly, support the Select Committee’s Food and Rural Affairs Committee shares that view of new clause 2 on retail exit if it is pressed to a vote. We Yorkshire Water. welcome the fact that the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams) appears to have had a Miss McIntosh: Any company that is prepared to change of heart over the festive break. During the Bill’s invest £1 million in improving the provision of water to Committee stage he did not vote in favour of Labour’s Filey has to be congratulated, so I congratulate Yorkshire proposal, but we very much welcome his change of Water on that. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that this heart. If we do not get an opportunity to discuss the Government’s arrangements leave Yorkshire Water and proposal today, we hope that the other place will note other companies free to raise money on the markets in a that even members of the Bill Committee have signalled way that otherwise would not be possible? that they believe, on reflection, that it is a sensible and worthwhile measure. I will not repeat the discussion we Thomas Docherty: I do not want to get sidetracked by had in Committee, but I think it is fair to say that, based a debate about the merits of privatisation—I think you on the signatories to the new clause, the proposal has would pull me back in line if I did so, Madam Deputy cross-party support, which we welcome. Speaker—but I will just point out to the hon. Lady that We will also support the Government’s amendments. Scottish Water, which is owned by the state, has invested I am slightly surprised that they felt the need to table a more per connected property, I think, than any of the series of amendments, but not as surprised, I suspect, as English water companies, with the exception of South the Minister when he was informed by his civil servants. West Water, so I am not entirely convinced by her The Minister has told us many times that he is lucky argument. enough to be half Welsh, so one would have thought To go back to the comments made by the hon. that he would have noticed the impact on Wales of the Member for Skipton and Ripon, despite paying out new clauses tabled by the Government in Committee. hundreds of millions of pounds to investors, Yorkshire I hope he will explain how that slightly embarrassing Water has paid next to nothing in corporation tax over oversight occurred. the past few years. I am not singling out Yorkshire We hope we will have an opportunity later this evening Water in particular—it is clear that its behaviour is no to press our new clauses to a Division. We welcome the better or worse than that of any of its competitors. The spirit in which this first part of the debate has been problem lies with the culture of water companies themselves. conducted and I do not wish to detain the House any They have behaved in an unacceptable manner towards further at this point. their customers for too many years. It is clear that they have come to regard customers as nothing more than TheParliamentaryUnder-Secretaryof StateforEnvironment, cash cows, and many have paid little or no attention to Food and Rural Affairs (Dan Rogerson): I start by echoing customer complaints. That is why we believe it is in the the remarks of the Opposition spokesman, the hon. interests of hard-pressed customers that the industry be Member for Dunfermline and West Fife (Thomas subjected to greater scrutiny. Docherty), with regard to the earlier statement made by New clause 11 in particular shines a light on the my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. Our thoughts opaque world of the companies’ financial and business are with those who have been affected by the storms practices. This is not an unreasonable or overly bureaucratic and flooding over the Christmas and new year period, requirement. For many years, water companies voluntarily and I pay tribute to all those who have worked incredibly produced reports such as those that the new clause hard, including the Environment Agency, local authorities, would require of them; yet, strangely, in recent years the emergency services and, of course, those volunteers they seem to have got out of the habit of providing and community representatives who have supported that information to customers, the regulator and the their neighbourhoods and neighbours. Department. This discussion has covered a number of new clauses It is also worth noting, before the Minister replies, and amendments in relation to the regulation of water that Ofwat’s Scottish counterpart, the Water Industry and sewerage undertakers and licensees, particularly Commission for Scotland, requires Scottish Water to those provisions designed to extend competition in the 65 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 66 sector. The new clause tabled by the hon. Member for 6pm Arfon (Hywel Williams) would alter the devolution New clause 2 would provide the Secretary of State settlement by devolving further powers to the National with the power to make regulations allowing incumbent Assembly, and he has set out his appetite for doing so. water companies to transfer their non-household customers Generally, the Government of Wales Act 2006 devolves to a water supply licensee with a retail authorisation, its issues down the national border, but the situation is subject to the approval of the Secretary of State. That not so straightforward for water supply. Water catchment would allow such companies partially to exit the water areas and water supply management infrastructure cross supply retail market or, alternatively, it might enable the the national boundary. The appointment and regulation introduction of regulations to mandate the separation of any incumbent water company whose area is not of retail and wholesale functions into two legally separate wholly or mainly in Wales is not devolved. That means companies, both of which would be within the incumbent’s that the legislative competence of the Assembly does control. Amendment 12 would commence the provision not cover the parts of Severn Trent Water’s area in on Royal Assent, which means that it might be possible Wales. to transfer customers before the retail market opens in April 2017, if the Secretary of State produced the Jonathan Edwards: Would the Minister be so kind as regulations before that date. to inform the House of the situation in terms of the We heard a range of arguments for retail exit during geographical boundaries of the water system in Northern the debate in Committee. Although some of them Ireland? Is it based on the water table, as is the case in undoubtedly have merit—I again emphasise that we do Wales, or on the actual state border with the Republic? not rule out coming back to the issue in future—other arguments are less convincing. The intention of new Dan Rogerson: The hon. Gentleman sets out his clause 2 is to allow retail exit only from the non-household aspirations quite clearly by viewing the boundary between market, leaving household customers with incumbent Wales and England in the same way as the sovereign companies. That does not address our concern that state boundary between the Republic of Ireland and enabling water companies to walk away from the non- Northern Ireland, but I am addressing my remarks to household retail market risks being a bad outcome for the devolution settlement within the United Kingdom. household customers.

Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): The Thomas Docherty: I wish you a happy new year, Minister is well aware of the new clause’s implications Mr Deputy Speaker. Given that new clause 2 specifies for devolution. Does he agree that such a fundamental that the process can take place only with the Secretary change would be better considered as part of devolution of State’s consent, will the Minister tell the House how legislation, not as a new clause in a Bill on another such an unintended consequence might happen? matter? Dan Rogerson: We are very clear that we look at such Dan Rogerson: I thank my hon. Friend for his helpful issues strategically across the whole market, rather than intervention. He has somewhat pre-empted the remarks picking them case by case. The issue is that we want to I was about to make, but I am happy that we speak as make reforms based on the principles that we set out one on this issue. during discussions in Committee and elsewhere. Licensing of water suppliers is also not devolved. I Were a company to exit and to leave household recognise the deep, historical reverberations in Wales—we customers on their own—without the non-household heard about them in the heartfelt speech by the hon. element—customers would not only be left with a company Member for Arfon—about the management of water, that had limited incentives to focus on improving customer which is an essential natural resource. Much of the service, but would be at risk of having higher bills, responsibility for water is, I am pleased to say, now because providing, as new clause 2 does, for forced legal devolved. However, further changes to the current separation of the companies’ retail businesses would devolution arrangements would have implications for reduce regulatory stability and risk increasing the cost customers and household bills on both sides of the of capital. border. They would also affect the companies, their assets and their operating rules, and possibly the people Let me be clear: we want to see a successful retail who work for them. Therefore, changes should not be market. The Bill sets a framework for new entrant undertaken without very serious consideration of all retailers to enter the market on an equal footing with the implications. the retailers of the incumbent water companies. Our opposition to a provision about retail exit has nothing The UK Government position is that we will not to do with supporting the position of incumbent water make changes to the devolution settlement in advance companies; we expect Ofwat to use its regulatory powers of the review and report by the Commission on Devolution to make sure that new entrants can be confident that in Wales—the Silk commission—which, as hon. Members they are competing on a level playing field. will know, is led by Mr Paul Silk. The commission is currently working on part II of its remit and is expected However, retail exit is not about delivering a level to report in the spring. It is reviewing the powers of the playing field. For example, in written evidence to the National Assembly for Wales in the light of experience. Public Bill Committee, the Water Industry Commission The commission’s terms of reference make it clear that for Scotland argued that a provision about retail exit any changes it proposes must enable the UK Parliament was needed so that new entrants had other options for and the National Assembly better to serve the people of increasing their market share than Wales. “to acquire customers by winning them one contract at a time.” 67 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 68

[Dan Rogerson] of incumbents sitting around while customers disappear is therefore, in our view, an unlikely scenario. In addition, However, that is exactly how entrants to the market in water-only companies will be able to apply to Ofwat for Scotland have had to win business unless an existing a sewerage licence, which will allow them to compete licensee surrenders its licence or has it withdrawn. In with licensees and other incumbent sewerage companies that case, the customers of the exiting licensee are by offering both water and sewerage services to their shared out among other licensees, but otherwise all customers. business customers stay with the incumbent retailer, My point is that this is evolution, not revolution. Business Stream, until they actively decide to switch. Many non-household customers may choose to stick Some commentators have painted a picture of an with the incumbent supplier because the incumbent incumbent water company being left without any customers, supplier will improve its services to them as a result of because all of them are lost to their customers once our the reforms. The benefits of that may in turn be passed retail reforms are in place. We feel that that is a very on to household customers. Forcing or even allowing unlikely scenario, given that non-household customers retail exit ignores such points. Where customers choose represent only some 10% of the total retail market, and to switch, we anticipate a growth market in which that 90% of customers—in other words, households—will innovation and competition lead to benefits, both not be able to switch suppliers. environmentally and in customers’ bills. Allowing partial It is quite an assertion to say that 100% of an incumbent’s retail exit would open the door to forced separation if non-household customers will switch suppliers. Some individual cases of discrimination were discovered, and 60% of non-household customers in Scotland have put we have made clear our position on that. their water services out to tender, but most customers As I have said, any decision on separation should be have elected to stay with Business Stream. We understand made by Ministers and Parliament. We are not prepared that only about 5% to 10% of customers have switched to take the risk of forced restructuring, or even the since 2008. The customers who stayed with Business potential for it as provided for in new clause 2, destabilising Stream have benefited from improved services, without investment or increasing costs to customers. The new having to switch, by renegotiating their terms. We might clause envisages the Secretary of State permitting exits, expect a more active market in England from 2017. but that may not reduce the risk of a competition authority forcing an incumbent water company to make Thomas Docherty: I fear that the Minister is confusing an application to exit. I therefore urge hon. Members two different issues. Undoubtedly, competition in itself who tabled new clause 2 and amendment 12—led by the has brought huge savings and has made Business Chair of the Select Committee, the hon. Member for Stream—or Scottish Water—change its whole ethos, Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh)—not to press but like does not follow like: simply because customers them to a Division. have stayed with Business Stream does not mean that The hon. Lady raised other issues about the industry the market is not working. Given that only 10% of in general, particularly in relation to upstream reform. customers have switched, as he says, does he not accept We know from experience that setting out how markets it is quite likely that some smaller water companies will should work in primary legislation is very inflexible and not be able to compete with big retail providers? can stifle innovation. I know that she is keen for us to do more in that regard, but our view is that that was one Dan Rogerson: I certainly was not seeking to suggest clear lesson from the last attempt to extend competition that the market is not working in Scotland. My point through legislation in 2003. That is why the framework was that some people have chosen to stay with their in the Bill sets the scope and direction of reform, incumbent, and they may wish to do so rather than to without being overly prescriptive. We are working closely have an incumbent abandon them and walk away. with Ofwat, customers and the industry—through the An Oxera report commissioned by WICS and published high-level group and the Open Water programme—to in November 2012 predicted that incumbents would ensure that new markets work effectively, and we know lose some 40% of their non-household customers in that the industry does not want to constrain the market the first year of the opening of the retail market, with a unnecessarily with too much detail in primary legislation, 5% loss of profit. However, arguments that make an any more than the Government want to do that. economic case for exits seem to be based on incumbents On new clauses 11 and 14, the hon. Members for losing all their public sector and multi-site customers Dunfermline and West Fife and for Hayes and Harlington in the first year of market opening. The Oxera view is (John McDonnell) have raised important issues about bolder than that of the rating agency Moody’s which, in how the sector is run. As the hon. Member for Dunfermline February 2012, said that a worst-case scenario would be and West Fife pointed out, we had a previous debate incumbents losing 25% of their non-household customers on this set of issues in which hon. Members from all in the short to medium term, with a much smaller loss parties were keen to put on the record their concerns of 0.69% of profit. Although no doubt all incumbents about the past operation of the industry. I fear, however, will lose some customers, we can suppose incumbents that we have been talking about things as they were, not will take steps, such as those that Business Stream has as they are and will be. Ofwat is already taking action to taken, to retain customers. improve standards of corporate governance across the Anecdotal evidence from business customers suggests sector. It recently consulted on principles relating to that incumbents are already upping their game, even board leadership, transparency and corporate governance, though retail competition reform is some years away. and it is putting pressure on water companies to strengthen Large business customers have suddenly discovered that audit arrangements, board member appointments and they have a named customer service contact, and some governance. The response from water companies has have been offered improved metering services. The idea been positive and I welcome that. I do not want to 69 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 70 belittle the issues that the hon. Member for Hayes and Dan Rogerson: The hon. Gentleman is tempting me Harlington set out, but Ofwat has listened and is providing to get into the specifics of individual companies. The leadership to deal with them. framework that the Government have set out and our policy statements are very clear, and Ofwat is responding John McDonnell: Is the Minister satisfied that United to that. The companies will have to take account of that Utilities, which supplies water to the north-west, is and satisfy the regulator that they are acting fairly and forecast to have made £627 million in the year up to effectively. March last year, which is up from £594 million; that Pennon, the owner of South West Water, which must supply Richard Benyon: Given that one of the key objectives his constituency, is due to unveil profits of £273 million, of the Bill is to increase the resilience of the water sector which is up from £268 million; and that earnings at Severn across the country—or perhaps I should say countries— Trent Water, which supplies the midlands, are expected should we not welcome the fact that Severn Trent is to hit £525 million, which is up from £504 million? The trading bulk quantities of water with Anglian Water profiteering is continuing as normal. and say that we hope to see more water flowing from areas where it rains a lot to areas where it does not? Dan Rogerson: The hon. Gentleman is referring to the current price review period, but we are about to enter a Dan Rogerson: My hon. Friend and predecessor is a new one. The measures that I am setting out have been great advocate of ensuring that we have a far more prepared by Ofwat to change the industry and to meet resilient water sector on environmental and sustainability its aspiration of better performance by the industry. grounds, as well as on economic and social grounds. They also recognise the low cost of borrowing from It is important that we get that message across and which companies have benefited in the latter years of I welcome his intervention. the current price review period. New clauses 11 and 14 would place a duty on water companies to report information that is already freely John McDonnell: Would the Minister put his mortgage available in the public domain. Both new clauses require on United Utilities, Pennon and Severn Trent not increasing reporting about company performance, investment, tax, their profits next year? corporate structure and dividends. Indeed, the hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington cited those figures Dan Rogerson: I suspect that they would not welcome in his speech, which shows that they are readily available. my mortgage, given the debts that they are already New clause 14 would also require the Secretary of dealing with because of the investment that they have State to report on the cost of water, disconnections, put into the sector. The Secretary of State made it very water quality, leakage and the legal compliance of water clear in the letter that he sent to the industry and the companies. The cost of water to consumers is published framework that he set out for Ofwat that we want to see every year in each company’s charges scheme. The a settlement that reflects the market conditions that Water Industry Act 1999 removed the power of any companies have benefited from in recent years. Ofwat, water company to disconnect homes because of the in turn, has been very clear that it expects companies to non-payment of bills. That prohibits the disconnection take account of that in the coming price review period. of the water supply to homes, schools and hospitals. Companies are responding to that and we have seen The drinking water inspectorate is responsible for providing some good signs. independent reassurance that water supplies are safe and that drinking water quality is acceptable to consumers. Mr Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con): I do not In England and Wales, 99.96% of drinking water supplies often applaud water companies, but Affinity Water, meet national and European standards. The tiny proportion which serves large parts of my part of the world, hopes that are failing to meet that standard—0.04%—are to achieve an average bill reduction of 0.7% before predominantly private supplies, rather than supplies inflation in each of the five years up to 2020. That is from incumbent water companies. Since the mid-1990s worth welcoming. under the current framework, there has been a 30% reduction in leakage, which is more than 2 billion litres per day. Companies are now operating at their sustainable Dan Rogerson: I thank my hon. Friend for that economic level of leakage. intervention. As he is not always an enthusiast for what water companies do, it means all the more that he is prepared to offer those words of congratulation. It is 6.15 pm fair for hon. Members across the House to express The information on tax and corporate governance clearly their view that water companies should offer a that is required by both new clauses is already available. fairer deal to consumers. That is what the Government They would therefore not increase transparency. I direct want to see as well. That is why I am pleased that water hon. Members towards each company’s business plan companies are responding positively to the process. and annual reports and accounts.

Hywel Williams: The Minister talks about fair deals Mr Charles Walker: To refer once again to Affinity between water companies. Is he satisfied with the terms Water, its business plan for the five-year period from for the supply of water from Wales to Severn Trent, 2015-16 to 2019-20 states that it intends to reduce especially given that Severn Trent is apparently selling abstraction by 42 million litres a day over that period. on 30 million litres of water a day to Anglian Water at That is very welcome, particularly in my part of the commercial rates? Of course, that is happening on the world. How will I be able to check up on Affinity’s back of Welsh resources. progress towards that objective? 71 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 72

Dan Rogerson: My hon. Friend is an astute and Taken together, our amendments will provide Ministers fearless challenger of all authorities, whether they be in with the maximum flexibility to commence the different the private or public sector. I am sure that he is well market reform provisions transparently and in stages, aware of the routes that he can take to challenge the as per our commitment to stagger the implementation company on that matter publicly and privately. The new of our retail and upstream reforms. They will enable the clauses that we are debating would not assist him in that current arrangements to continue without diverting aspiration. attention from the immediate priority of preparing for the opening of the reformed retail market in April 2017. Thomas Docherty: The Minister probably has first- day-back blues. I refer him to Opposition new clause 11, Hywel Williams: We have had an interesting debate, which would allow the hon. Member for Broxbourne and I was glad to hear the contributions of the Chair of (Mr Walker) to check the performance of his water the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, company. the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh), and the hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John Dan Rogerson: The hon. Gentleman hopes that his McDonnell), with whom I yet again agreed entirely. I new clause would require further reports to be made to was also glad to see the hon. Member for Newbury the Secretary of State. However, that information is (Richard Benyon) taking an interest in his former beat, already in the public domain. That is why supporting and to see the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire new clause 11 would not be helpful. I understand and (Roger Williams) in his place, although essentially in a respect his desire to ensure that the industry is as non-speaking role. transparent as possible. I understand the ambition behind I was disappointed by the lack of contributions from the new clause, but I do not share his enthusiasm for the Welsh Members, and disappointed that the hon. Member wording that he has chosen. for Dunfermline and West Fife (Thomas Docherty) did The privatisation of the water industry has been a not make any reference to my new clause 1. Pretending success story in terms of investment. Helpfully, the hon. it is not there does not mean it will go away. Member for Hayes and Harlington pointed out that I represent a constituency in the South West Water area. Thomas Docherty: The hon. Gentleman should have The coalition Government have recognised that there intervened on me if he was concerned that I had not were a few flaws in the privatisation process, so there is covered his new clause. I echo the point that the Minister now extra money to support bill payers in the south-west, made—the Silk commission is examining the issue and who paid for the clean-up of the beaches around the will report in the spring. [Interruption.] We think that south-west peninsula. will be the right time to consider the matter properly. As was pointed out by my predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon), Hywel Williams: My hon. Friend the Member for there has been huge investment in infrastructure since Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) asks from a privatisation. That is one of the key successes that we sedentary position, “What do you think?” The Minister want to build on and not jeopardise. The stable regulatory might choose to enlighten us, but possibly not—he framework for the water sector has enabled companies would prefer to listen to the Silk commission. to attract more than £111 billion of low-cost investment My hon. Friend the Member for Carmarthen East to upgrade water and sewerage infrastructure and to and Dinefwr (Jonathan Edwards) made a point about improve customer service and environmental standards. legislative competencies and borders. In Northern Ireland I agree that we should be putting pressure on the the matter is not considered problematic, because the water sector to act as transparently and responsibly as national or state boundaries are followed; nor is it possible. Ofwat is already doing excellent work on the considered problematic for legislative competencies to issues that have been raised by hon. Members. I do not cross the border in the case of Wales. Legislative competency believe that duplicating the reporting requirements would seems to become a problem only when proposed by help. For that reason, I believe that new clauses 11 and Plaid Cymru. Of course, it is also proposed by the 14 should be resisted. Labour Welsh Government, but they are not here to make that point. That does not seem particularly fair New clause 12, for which the hon. Member for dealing. Dunfermline and West Fife argued, would place a duty on Ofwat to have regard to the charges to household The Minister said that the status quo is the status quo, and non-household customers. That would simply duplicate and that the matter is not devolved because it is not Ofwat’s existing duty. devolved, and presumably it will not be. He gave us no indication of what the Government would eventually I turn to a number of technical amendments, which propose following Silk. We look forward to that with the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife charitably interest. referred to. I will move amendments 13 to 50, 52 to 54 and 60 to 87 formally at the appropriate time. They will On a personal note, I missed many of the sittings of mainly make changes to schedules 5 and 7. Schedule 7 the Public Bill Committee— makes consequential changes to the Water Industry Act 1991 and other primary legislation as a result of our Thomas Docherty: And we missed you. reforms, and schedule 5 makes further changes should the Welsh Ministers decide to adopt the reforms being Hywel Williams: The shadow Minister is very kind. introduced in England. Amendment 59 and new schedule 1 I was disappointed to have missed those sittings, and I will provide the Secretary of State with the power to apologise to Members of the Committee. Unfortunately, produce transitional orders that allow us to deliver it was unavoidable. retail and upstream reform separately. It is my pleasure to press new clause 1 to a Division. 73 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 74

Question put, That the clause be read a Second time. Henderson, Gordon Newmark, Mr Brooks Hendry, Charles Newton, Sarah The House divided: Ayes 6, Noes 282. Hinds, Damian Nokes, Caroline Division No. 165] [6.23 pm Hoban, Mr Mark Norman, Jesse Hollingbery, George Nuttall, Mr David AYES Hollobone, Mr Philip O’Brien, rh Mr Stephen Hopkins, Kris Offord, Dr Matthew Durkan, Mark Williams, Hywel Howell, John Ollerenshaw, Eric Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Hughes, rh Simon Ottaway, rh Sir Richard Lucas, Caroline Tellers for the Ayes: Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Paisley, Ian McDonnell, John Pete Wishart and Hunter, Mark Parish, Neil Ritchie, Ms Margaret Jonathan Edwards Huppert, Dr Julian Patel, Priti Hurd, Mr Nick Pawsey, Mark NOES Jackson, Mr Stewart Penning, Mike Adams, Nigel Cox, Mr Geoffrey James, Margot Penrose, John Afriyie, Adam Crockart, Mike Jenkin, Mr Bernard Perry, Claire Aldous, Peter Crouch, Tracey Johnson, Gareth Pickles, rh Mr Eric Amess, Mr David Davey, rh Mr Edward Johnson, Joseph Pincher, Christopher Andrew, Stuart Davies, David T. C. Jones, Andrew Poulter, Dr Daniel Arbuthnot, rh Mr James (Monmouth) Jones, rh Mr David Prisk, Mr Mark Baker, Norman Davies, Glyn Jones, Mr Marcus Pugh, John Baker, Steve Davies, Philip Kelly, Chris Raab, Mr Dominic Baldry, rh Sir Tony de Bois, Nick Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Reckless, Mark Baldwin, Harriett Dinenage, Caroline Kirby, Simon Redwood, rh Mr John Barker, rh Gregory Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Knight, rh Sir Greg Rees-Mogg, Jacob Barwell, Gavin Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Kwarteng, Kwasi Reid, Mr Alan Bebb, Guto Doyle-Price, Jackie Lamb, Norman Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Beith, rh Sir Alan Drax, Richard Lancaster, Mark Robertson, Mr Laurence Benyon, Richard Duddridge, James Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Rogerson, Dan Beresford, Sir Paul Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Laws, rh Mr David Rosindell, Andrew Berry, Jake Ellis, Michael Leadsom, Andrea Ruffley, Mr David Bingham, Andrew Ellison, Jane Lee, Jessica Russell, Sir Bob Binley, Mr Brian Elphicke, Charlie Lefroy, Jeremy Rutley, David Birtwistle, Gordon Evans, Graham Leigh, Sir Edward Sanders, Mr Adrian Blackman, Bob Evans, Jonathan Leslie, Charlotte Sandys, Laura Blackwood, Nicola Evennett, Mr David Lewis, Brandon Scott, Mr Lee Blunt, Mr Crispin Fallon, rh Michael Lewis, Dr Julian Selous, Andrew Boles, Nick Farron, Tim Lidington, rh Mr David Sharma, Alok Bottomley, Sir Peter Featherstone, Lynne Lilley, rh Mr Peter Shelbrooke, Alec Bradley, Karen Field, Mark Lloyd, Stephen Simpson, Mr Keith Brady, Mr Graham Foster, rh Mr Don Lord, Jonathan Smith, Chloe Brake, rh Tom Fox,rhDrLiam Loughton, Tim Smith, Henry Bray, Angie Freeman, George Lumley, Karen Smith, Julian Brazier, Mr Julian Freer, Mike Macleod, Mary Smith, Sir Robert Bridgen, Andrew Gale, Sir Roger Main, Mrs Anne Soames, rh Nicholas Brine, Steve Garnier, Sir Edward Maude, rh Mr Francis Soubry, Anna Brokenshire, James Gauke, Mr David Maynard, Paul Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Brooke, Annette Gibb, Mr Nick McCartney, Jason Spencer, Mr Mark Bruce, Fiona Gilbert, Stephen McCartney, Karl Stephenson, Andrew Buckland, Mr Robert Glen, John McIntosh, Miss Anne Stevenson, John Burley, Mr Aidan Goodwill, Mr Robert McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Stewart, Bob Burns, Conor Graham, Richard McPartland, Stephen Stewart, Iain Burrowes, Mr David Grayling, rh Chris McVey, Esther Stewart, Rory Burstow, rh Paul Green, rh Damian Menzies, Mark Streeter, Mr Gary Burt, rh Alistair Greening, rh Justine Metcalfe, Stephen Stuart, Mr Graham Burt, Lorely Griffiths, Andrew Miller, rh Maria Stunell, rh Sir Andrew Byles, Dan Gyimah, Mr Sam Mills, Nigel Sturdy, Julian Cable, rh Vince Halfon, Robert Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Swales, Ian Cairns, Alun Hammond, rh Mr Philip Moore, rh Michael Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hammond, Stephen Mordaunt, Penny Syms, Mr Robert Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hancock, Matthew Morgan, Nicky Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Carmichael, Neil Harper, Mr Mark Morris, Anne Marie Thornton, Mike Carswell, Mr Douglas Harrington, Richard Morris, David Thurso, John Chishti, Rehman Harris, Rebecca Morris, James Timpson, Mr Edward Chope, Mr Christopher Hart, Simon Mosley, Stephen Tomlinson, Justin Clappison, Mr James Harvey, Sir Nick Mowat, David Tredinnick, David Clark, rh Greg Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Mulholland, Greg Truss, Elizabeth Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hayes, rh Mr John Mundell, rh David Turner, Mr Andrew Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Heald, Oliver Munt, Tessa Tyrie, Mr Andrew Coffey, Dr Thérèse Heath, Mr David Murray, Sheryll Uppal, Paul Collins, Damian Heaton-Harris, Chris Murrison, Dr Andrew Vaizey, Mr Edward Colvile, Oliver Hemming, John Neill, Robert Vickers, Martin 75 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 76

Walker, Mr Charles Williams, Stephen New clause 10—Water companies: recovery of losses— Walker, Mr Robin Williamson, Gavin ‘(1) The Secretary of State, or the Authority, may prohibit Walter, Mr Robert Willott, Jenny losses to a water company due to non-payment of bills from Ward, Mr David Wilson, Mr Rob being recovered through charges on customers. Watkinson, Dame Angela Wollaston, Dr Sarah Webb, Steve (2) This section comes into force on the day after the Secretary Wright, Jeremy of State has laid before Parliament a report setting out how water Wharton, James Wright, Simon companies have failed to take action on these matters,’, Wheeler, Heather Yeo, Mr Tim Amendment 9, in clause 80, page 124, line 1, at end White, Chris Young, rh Sir George Whittaker, Craig insert— Zahawi, Nadhim Whittingdale, Mr John ‘(e) section [Provision of benefits information].’. Wiggin, Bill Tellers for the Noes: Willetts, rh Mr David Amber Rudd and Miss McIntosh: I wish to consider new clause 3 and Williams, Roger Anne Milton amendment 9, which seek to address legislation already on the statute books in the Flood and Water Management Question accordingly negatived. Act 2010. I remind the House that the cost of bad debt to each household in England is approximately £15 per New Clause 3 annum, and in times of great hardship and a period of austerity, which the Government are dealing with through PROVISION OF BENEFITS INFORMATION the actions we continue to take, it is incumbent on the Government to consider every opportunity to defray ‘(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the disclosure of benefits information about occupiers to the costs to each household in that regard. water undertakers and sewerage undertakers in connection with New clause 3 seeks to provide benefits information section 144C of the Water Industry Act 1991 (non-owner by allowing the Secretary of State to regulate to occupiers). “make provision about the disclosure of benefits information (2) In this section “benefits information” means information about occupiers” which is held for benefit entitlement purposes by the Department for Work and Pensions.’.—(Miss McIntosh.) to water and sewerage companies in connection with the revised part of the Water Industry Act 1991. It goes Brought up, and read the First time. on to state that Miss Anne McIntosh: I beg to move, That the clause “‘benefits information’ means information which is held for benefit be read a Second time. entitlement purposes by the Department for Work and Pensions.” Amendment 9 would make the consequential change to Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): With this it the current clause 80, to allow the provision of benefits will be convenient to discuss the following: information. I sat where the hon. Member for Dunfermline New clause 7—National affordability scheme— and West Fife (Thomas Docherty) is currently sitting ‘(1) The Secretary of State must, by order, introduce a National and followed the passage of the Flood and Water Affordability Scheme for water. Management Bill as closely as he is following the passage (2) The National Affordability Scheme must include an eligibility of this Bill. I have been very taken with the idea of criteria, determined by the Secretary of State, in consultation trying to reduce bad debt in this way. recently, I was with— most fortunate to receive a written answer from the (a) the Water Services Regulation Authority; and Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for Hemel Hempstead (b) the Consumer Council for Water. (Mike Penning), who helpfully told me that at present (3) An order under this section— the legislation does not permit the transfer and provision (a) shall be made by statutory instrument; and of benefits information by the Department for Work (b) may not be made unless a draft of the order has been and Pensions in the way I wish. He did not say it could laid before and approved by resolution of each not be done; he said only that the current law does not House of Parliament.’. permit it. We are where we are. New clause 8—Billing information: affordability— ‘Any company providing water services to a residential household Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): To help the must include on its bills— House, will my hon. Friend explain what kind of (a) details of any tariffs provided by that company; information she would like to see transferred and how it would help? (b) a recommendation of the lowest possible tariff for each residential household; and Miss McIntosh: I hope that my right hon. Friend will (c) information regarding eligibility criteria and how to bear with me as I take the House through it. make an application for assistance under Water Sure.’. New clause 9—Provision of information to water In the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee companies: landlords— report on the draft Bill, we reiterated our previous recommendations that the Department should implement ‘(1) The Water Industry Act 1991 is amended as follows. without delay the existing provisions of the Flood and (2) After section 207 (Provision of false information) there is Water Management Act 2010 on bad debt, to which I inserted— have referred. In our view, it is unacceptable for honest “Provision of information to water companies: landlords customers to be forced to subsidise those who can pay Where a water company does not have information about a but refuse to pay their water bills. To answer my right resident in a property that is using water, if the occupants of that hon. Friend’s question, the specific provision is section 45 property are tenants, the landlord must, on request, provide to of the 2010 Act, which introduces new section 144C to the water company contact details for the tenants.”.’. the Water Industry Act 1991. That is what we propose 77 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 78 in new clause 3, which would require landlords to arrange to turn off the supply of clean water going in or prevent for information on their tenants to be provided to water waste water—sewage—going out, for reasons of hygiene companies. and good health. Instead of implementing the existing bad debt provisions, the Government currently rely on a voluntary approach, 6.45 pm whereby landlords share information on tenants on an My hon. Friend the Minister must recognise the online database set up by the water companies. Before I urgency. This year, it will be four years since the Flood go further on the voluntary approach, it might be and Water Management Act 2010. The legal basis exists. helpful to ask my hon. Friend the Minister this question: New clause 3 and amendment 9 would give the Secretary what is to prevent a customer who happens to be a of State the power to make the regulations on the tenant from marking on their electricity bill the fact disclosure of benefits information relating to tenants to that they have no problem with it being made known to water and sewerage companies in connection with the the electricity company and the Department for Work bad debt provisions in the Act. The benefits information and Pensions, whichever works best, that they are in should include all information held by the Department receipt of benefits? The Environment, Food and Rural for Work and Pensions on benefit entitlements. Affairs Committee was fortunate to enjoy the company of the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife for All the Secretary of State needs to do is introduce a time. I am sure he remembers our exchange, but the appropriate safeguards in regulations to protect data. Committee has great difficulty in understanding what As I have indicated to the Minister, there could be a box the problem is for the Government—either the Department on the bill for the customer to tick to indicate that they for Work and Pensions or the Department for Environment, are willing to have information shared with the water Food and Rural Affairs—in permitting that flow of or sewerage company. The Committee has previously information. recommended a simple tick-box on a customer’s bill The House will recall the tragic case of an elderly consenting to such information disclosure. I urge him to couple who sadly passed away because they could not tell the House what has changed since he endorsed such afford to pay their utility bills for heating. No one had a provision in the previous Parliament—he was a member informed the electricity company of that fact. I believe of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee that what is good for electricity companies—in law, in the last Parliament, and was so until recently in this such information can be provided to those utility companies Parliament. —should be equally good for the water companies, The Committee believes that the proposal is a helpful which are also utility companies. They should have suggestion to the Government in closing a loophole access to the same information. and preventing an omission from the Bill. The legislation A close reading of proceedings in Committee shows is in place. The new clause would enable companies that Water UK acknowledged the new database for to determine which customers cannot pay and those landlords and tenants, but claimed that who will not do so. There is a clear distinction between the two. Those who can pay but will not pay are costing “experience has shown that a voluntary approach simply does not work.”––[Official Report, Water Public Bill Committee, 3 December £15 per household. The provision would allow water 2013; c. 15, Q19.] companies to target information about the charitable funds and social tariffs they operate on the most vulnerable It gave the example of Northumbrian Water. It has had customers—those who simply cannot afford to pay, perhaps an easy-to-use website for landlords to provide information even for a temporary period—and allow them to make for two and a half years, yet only 7% of all rented arrangements for which they are eligible. properties have been registered. That is a problem and this is a matter of some urgency. The Government need There is a precedent for the disclosure of information. to press ahead—the House would support that. I understand that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs implements the warm home In Committee, the Opposition tabled a new clause discount scheme, which has been regulated pursuant to that would have meant landlords providing contact powers granted to the Secretary of State in the Energy details of their tenants to the water companies, but it Act 2010. was voted down. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee produced a report on the water The information provided by Ofwat following recent White Paper—we have worked hard on the issue and I submissions of water companies’ business plans in hope we have made a positive contribution. My hon. December, which was part of the current price review Friend the Minister nods because he, too, was a member round, shows that three companies have social tariffs, of the Committee when we adopted the report. I find myself that 12 companies will have a social tariff by 1 April 2015, in good company this evening. The report recommended and that five companies have proposed not to introduce that DEFRA work with the Department for Work and a social tariff. Pensions to ensure that all means-tested benefits claimants In conclusion, I urge my hon. Friend the Minister to are given the option to consent to the sharing of their follow through on what he so eloquently supported data with their water company for the purposes of help when he was a member of the Select Committee and with affordability issues. allow consumers to benefit by making benefits information I and hon. Members who have put their names to available at the earliest possible opportunity. That will new clause 3—a number are members of the Environment, enable those who cannot pay to be on the radar screens Food and Rural Affairs Committee—believe that there not just of landlords but of the Department for Work is a difference between electricity and gas bills and and Pensions and their own water utility company. water bills. If people do not pay their heating bill, their supply can be cut off, whereas if people do not pay their Thomas Docherty: I wish you a merry Christmas and water bill, the water company is simply not permitted a happy new year, Mr Deputy Speaker. 79 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 80

[Thomas Docherty] of the price review period, more than a third of water companies will still have not bothered to lift a finger I welcome the thoughtful remarks by the hon. Member and introduce such a scheme. When the water companies for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh). As she rightly gave evidence to the Bill Committee, did they acknowledge said, the Minister and I had the pleasure of serving on that they had let down their customers and Parliament? the Select Committee under her chairmanship. She was Did they acknowledge that the rate of progress was not an excellent tutor to both of us, although I suggest, good enough? Did they say sorry, even once? Of course looking at the debates today and in the Bill Committee, not. They blamed everyone but themselves: they blamed that I remember more of what the Select Committee the regulator, they blamed the Government and they agreed than the Minister. I am sure he will eloquently blamed the customers. explain his position. What has been the response of the Secretary of State, and his Minister with responsibility for water, to the Dan Rogerson: The hon. Gentleman is always kind crisis facing households? The Secretary of State sent a enough to remind me repeatedly, so I fear I can never letter to the companies in October begging them not to forget any of our deliberations. raise prices further. It was not, we note, an instruction or a warning that if they did not take heed, the Government Thomas Docherty: It is always a good thing to be a would step in. It was not even a rebuke; it was just a charitable and giving soul, so I do my best to try to weak letter. That is why the Opposition have tabled four accommodate the Minister. new clauses that will each help hard-pressed households. I would like to speak to the new clauses that stand in Taken together, they would make a tangible difference my name. As I said earlier, much attention has been to those struggling with the cost of living crisis. With paid to households that faced a difficult Christmas and your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, I will briefly take new year because of the climatic conditions that battered each new clause in turn, explaining the existing problems the United Kingdom. Much less, however, has been and how our proposals would address them. written on households that faced a stressful period First, on bad debt, I will build on the excellent because of the economic conditions that have battered remarks by the Chair of the Select Committee. Ofwat the United Kingdom, not just in the past three weeks estimates that on average bad debt adds £15 to every but in the past three years. Hundreds of thousands of customer’s annual bill. Note, of course, that that is just households did not enjoy the Christmas that all of us the average amount; in some cases, it is significantly here in the House of Commons did, in warm and secure more than that. As the hon. Lady said, water companies homes with plenty to eat and with presents given and are, rightly, not allowed to cut off those who cannot received. Too many families were left unable to enjoy afford to pay their bills, but they are allowed to pass the the Christmas joys that we take for granted. cost of non-payment on to their other customers. In The cost of living crisis cannot be dismissed as a effect, the sector already has cross-subsidisation. soundbite, as many Government Members try to do. The cases of hardship regularly brought to the attention of Members of Parliament cannot simply be batted Richard Benyon: Average figures are exactly that— away. At a time when household incomes are continuously average. There are, of course, water companies that being squeezed, it is not acceptable to Opposition Members underperform and their debt is much higher than average, for most water companies to continue to do so little to but the corollary is that other water companies perform help their struggling customers. considerably better. Does the hon. Gentleman not think that there is much work to be done to learn best practice The size of water bills may not have reached the from water companies such as Yorkshire Water, which obscene level of their gas and electricity counterparts, serves the constituency of the Chair of the Select but there is no disputing their cumulative impact. Citizens Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Advice reported to MPs in November that it had received Malton (Miss McIntosh) and is outperforming the others almost as many inquiries from people worried about extremely well? We should learn from such companies their water bills as they had about the other two utilities. about bad debt. DEFRA’s own statistics state that some 2.5 million households now find themselves in what the Department itself defines as water poverty, while in the past year Thomas Docherty: I know that you are a fan of all water companies reported pre-tax profits of £1.9 billion things Yorkshire, Mr Deputy Speaker, and I will come and paid out, in dividends, a staggering £1.8 billion to on to Yorkshire Water in a moment, if the former their shareholders. Minister will bear with me. You might have expected the water companies to As the hon. Lady said, among those who do not pay rush forward with schemes to assist their hardest-pressed there are those who can pay. That is unfair on decent customers, Mr Deputy Speaker. After all, the previous customers who meet their obligations and we believe Labour Government put in place legislation to allow the time has come for more robust action to be taken. each company to introduce a tailor-made scheme for its Some 80% of those who do not pay are in rented own region. The water companies told the then Government accommodation. One of the challenges facing water and Parliament that that was all that was needed: a companies is tracking down those who refuse to pay voluntary system of social tariffs that each and every because they move homes far more often than the water company would then set and implement quickly. average person. The only way to track them down Four years later, what progress has been made? So far, effectively is to require landlords to provide water companies only three water companies have got around to with a list of tenants. Individuals moving property implementing social tariffs, helping a grand total of would not then disappear from the system and evade 25,000 households across the country. Even by the end paying their debts. 81 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 82

The measure would be a simple step and it would not Dan Rogerson: The hon. Gentleman has set out how require a disproportionate amount of new bureaucracy the burden of pursuit would fall on the water companies, to implement. It is estimated that approximately half of but of course the burden of providing that information total bad debt falls into the category of “can pay, won’t to them would fall on the landlords, so there would be a pay”. The Select Committee, of which the Minister was burden. previously a member, has unanimously backed the measure throughout this Parliament, so why the opposition from Thomas Docherty: I congratulate the Minister on the Government? stating the blindingly obvious. Of course, the landlord would have to provide that information, but it is not the Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con): I understand, longest list in the world, and it is information that and sympathise with, the point the hon. Gentleman is landlords have anyway, so the Opposition, like the making, but there is no legal way to force a tenant to Select Committee, find it difficult to comprehend why inform their former landlord of a forwarding address. it would be so onerous for landlords to provide a list How can a landlord know what information to supply of their tenants by property. If he has specific examples to the water companies, so they are able to track former of hard-pressed landlords who have made representations tenants? to him, I am sure he will refer to them when he responds. For the fourth time, I ask myself the question: why Thomas Docherty: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, the opposition from the Government? The Secretary of who I think is a recent addition to the Select Committee. State has had his usual Pavlovian reaction to a suggestion I do not think he was a member of the Committee when that the Government should take action. It appears we had this discussion, so for his benefit I will say that once again that when Parliament, the Select Committee it is quite simple. As the water companies have said, and the water industry ask DEFRA to do something, they would be supplied with names and addresses. The its knee-jerk response is to think of spurious reasons onus would then be on them to carry out the necessary why it should not or cannot do it. Our new clause would activity to match up the appropriate individual, and be a pragmatic and efficient measure that would help to there would be no significant burden on the landlord, drive down costs on all decent households, help water the local authority or social housing provider. The companies to do their job and ensure that all customers burden for that work would fall on the water company. meet their responsibilities. He will recall from our time in Committee that I was not always the water industry’s biggest fan, but on this Our second new clause—new clause 10—recognises the Select Committee, the water industry and the Opposition that not all water companies have done all they can to are united, so again I come back to this question of why tackle the problem of bad debt. As I mentioned earlier, the Government are so opposed to the proposal. although the average bad debt figure is about £15, there are wide variations across the country. As the hon. Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon) pointed out, 7pm that is because some, such as Yorkshire Water, have worked with customers and debt advice groups, such as Mr Redwood: I fully agree with what the hon. Gentleman Citizens Advice, to put in place measures to help customers is trying to do, but I share the concern of my hon. genuinely struggling to access payment packages and Friend the Member for Sherwood (Mr Spencer). How programmes, but unfortunately that is not the case would it help to know the name of the tenant who has across the country. Too many water companies have done a bunk, moved somewhere else and not given a come to the unsurprising conclusion that, because they forwarding address and who has no intention of paying can pass the cost of bad debt on to their other customers, the bill? Would the water companies not need investigatory they need not bother to do anything about it themselves. powers to track down the tenant? That is why we have tabled new clause 10. We want to Thomas Docherty: I have huge respect for the right give Ofwat and water companies a clear and unambiguous hon. Gentleman and his knowledge, but we are clear signal that hard-pressed customers should no longer that, as they themselves accept, it is the water companies be treated as a cash cow by companies that cannot be who would have to do the legwork; no additional burden bothered to meet their own responsibilities. Where the would be placed on the landlord, as it would be for regulator and the Department are satisfied that water the water companies to contact householders, and obviously companies are not doing enough to pursue bad debtors, they would have a list of new tenants. I will use the the cost should no longer be passed on to other customers. example of the electoral roll: candidates, parliamentarians Taken together, not only would our two new clauses be and political parties receive a list of those who are new practical measures, but they would send a clear signal on the register, and we then contact them to welcome that while we will do more to help those who are them to the area. When the name of somebody who struggling, we expect all customers and water companies disappears from one property appears at a different to do their fair share. property, it would not be beyond the wit of a water Our third new clause—new clause 8—would help to company to work out who they were. In Committee, the ensure that customers know about the help for which Government’s key objection seemed to be that it would they are eligible. In 1999, the last Labour Government place an unfair burden on landlords, so we are keen to introduced WaterSure to help low-income metered stress that, as the Minister will recall from his time on households with high essential water use. WaterSure the Select Committee, it would place an additional caps the bills of metered households in receipt of a burden not on the landlord, but on the water companies. qualifying benefit or tax credit at the average bill for The companies themselves want this power. To reiterate, that water company’s operating area. It applies to we are absolutely clear that those who can pay should households with three or more children under the age of pay, so why the opposition from the Government? 19 living at home or where someone in the household 83 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 84

[Thomas Docherty] around the failing economy that they inherited. Needless to say, a section of society will find it very challenging has a medical condition that necessitates high water use. to pay their utility bills, and the Government have an It is an important measure that at the time received obligation to try to assist and support them. cross-party support and which, according to the latest There is another group of people who are unwilling figures that the Minister gave us in Committee, has to pay, as a result of a frankly malicious intent to avoid helped 70,500 households in England—I think a similar paying the bill that is due to be paid. It is vital that the scheme has helped approximately 20,000 households in water companies have the power to decide which cases Wales. Although that is welcome, we believe that that fit into which categories. Those who are clearly unable level is unacceptable. Given that, as the Consumer to pay should be able to receive assistance, support and Council for Water has said, only one third of eligible sympathy from the water companies. New clause 3 goes households are in receipt of the benefit to which they some way towards assisting the water companies to are entitled, the Government have been guilty of identify people within the benefit and welfare support complacency. system, who may be in need of extra assistance. The Minister previously claimed there was no need I am somewhat sympathetic to new clause 8, too, for the new clause because all the water companies which was tabled by the hon. Member for Dunfermline already provided this information. For the benefit of and West Fife (Thomas Docherty) and is designed to Members who have not had a chance to look at the ensure that water companies put the neediest customers amendment paper, we are proposing that information on “the lowest possible tariff”. Those who find themselves about the eligibility criteria and how to apply should be under pressure in the most challenging of circumstances included in all water bills. He believes that all water are often those least able to identify from their bills companies already provide this information, but which is the correct tariff for them to be on and least unfortunately for him the reality does not match his able to challenge the water companies to put them on a statement. Not only do his own figures show that the better tariff, allowing them to afford to pay their household current approach is not working, but our own anecdotal bills. I hope that the Minister will give further consideration research shows that customers are not even aware that to that, if he is minded to do so. WaterSure exists. We want to make it clear to water Finally, I support those who have said it is difficult to companies that they must do much more to promote understand why the Department for Work and Pensions the scheme, and we want Ofwat and the Government to or the Department for Environment, Food and Rural hold them to account if they do not. I hope he has Affairs are unable or unwilling to supply the necessary reflected not only on the evidence we presented in data to the water companies. I hope that when the Committee, but on his own figures and the evidence Minister sums up, he will be able to shed some light on from the CCW, and will listen to common sense. those thoughts. Finally, our fourth new clause—new clause 7—deals with the central problem of the failure of the voluntary Mr Redwood: I hope that the Government will look at approach to social tariffs. As we have set out, too few the issue of unpaid bills. Colleagues of all parties are water companies are helping too few customers through right to draw attention to the problem—one of the social tariffs, and it is clear that left to their own devices many sources of excess cost in the water industry, which many water companies, by their own admission, will it would be good to reduce or eliminate. It is undoubtedly never introduce such schemes. That is why we are proposing the case that we pay dearly for our main utility provision a national affordability scheme to end the postcode in this country, and I fear that the main reason why lottery and ensure national standards for eligibility. We water bills are high and will stay high is that there is no would expect schemes to be funded by the excess profits competition. It is a great pity that this Bill will not of the water companies, not by other water bill payers. introduce proper competition into water as into other As I have said, last year these companies made an areas, as it would make a lot of difference. The amendments eye-watering £1.9 billion in pre-tax profits and paid out are designed to deal with the situation of having regional £1.8 billion to investors. The idea, for example, that monopolies that are in many cases unresponsive and Yorkshire Water, which paid out £240 million, cannot have high cost structures. Then there is the particular afford to provide support through social tariffs is clearly problem of customers deciding—quite wilfully, when nonsense. some of them are perfectly capable of paying—not to Enough is enough. Hard-pressed households need pay their bills. Clearly, more needs to be done on that. real help now, and these new clauses are four practical There is some good in all the amendments before us and simple measures that would ensure they get it. It is this evening, but I am not persuaded that they take the time for the coalition to match our commitments. trick. It might be helpful to know who the tenant was, but if the tenant cannot be traced to where they have Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con): I want to make gone, it will impossible to get them to pay. It might be some brief comments that were too long for an intervention, useful to know something more about the benefits and particularly about new clause 3, tabled by my hon. Friend financial circumstances of individuals, although there the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh). I are issues of privacy and the handling of data that sincerely hope that, in summing up, the Minister will could cause difficulties, but that then fails to enable us reflect on today’s debate, which has shown recognition to come down hard enough on the people who can across the House that consumers and our constituents afford to pay, which is the real issue. are finding it very difficult to pay their household bills because of pressure on the household budget. It is Thomas Docherty: Given that it is the water industry worth saying that the Government recognise that challenge itself that is pressing for this power relating to landlord and are doing their best to assist, not least by turning information and given that it is prepared to bear the 85 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 86 burden of tracking people down, does the right hon. to move forward with the pricing process. What he is Gentleman not accept that such a scheme is clearly saying now is that he has no confidence in the regulator—in workable? other words, that the regulator would set a level of profit that it thinks reasonable for the price review Mr Redwood: It may or may not be. I do not have a period, but that this would now somehow be unpicked very high opinion of the success of the water industry in as being in excess in some cases in order to fund the these areas, and it may not be the best judge, but I scheme. I am happy to give way again, in case he wants accept that this is one of the best points in the hon. to correct this. Gentleman’s case, and I look forward to hearing the Minister’s reply to it. Thomas Docherty: I am grateful, but on this occasion As I say, the amendments and new clauses are all well it is perhaps the Minister who should have paid more intentioned and, if passed, they might not make the attention to my remarks a few moments ago. I clearly situation worse and in some cases might even make it a said that the last Government gave the water companies little better. I hope, however, that the Minister, working time to introduce the voluntary schemes, but that they with the water industry, can come up with something have now failed to honour their commitment, so the better because there is a serious issue here. A lot of Government should step in and do what the companies money is owed to the water industry that people could failed to do themselves. afford to pay, but the matter is not being pressed. Dan Rogerson: I understand the hon. Gentleman’s 7.15 pm views on social tariffs, which he feels have not been introduced in a speedy enough fashion. My point was For very good reasons, nobody here wants to change rather about the issue of excess profits. I said that the the rule about cutting people off because water is so hon. Gentleman was seeking to introduce a concept essential. That weakens the industry’s position, which that is perhaps a subjective rather than an objective then requires other work. If the Minister is going to assessment of the profits made by water companies. advise us to reject the amendments, I hope he will The whole point of the price review process and price provide a scheme of his own because of the serious review period, however, is that a regulated process takes money at risk here and because it is not fair on all the account of the need to attract investment and thus the other people who pay their water bills, many of them need to make a reasonable return in profit. without a lot of resources themselves but who feel that they should pay. There is a cross-subsidisation going on to the benefit of people who often have more money but Roger Williams: My understanding is that the water simply will not pay. companies made larger profits because the period of very low interest rates benefited them to a great extent. Dan Rogerson: The hon. Member for Dunfermline However, basing an entire policy on windfall profits and West Fife (Thomas Docherty) has proposed a that might not occur in the future would certainly not number of new clauses, which I shall address before be a very good idea. dealing with the lead new clause 3, tabled by the Select Committee Chairman. Dan Rogerson: I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. He is absolutely right to point out that New clause 7 would place a requirement on the what is proposed is a new bold national scheme built Government to introduce through secondary legislation on profits that might or might not go up or down in what is described as “a National Affordability Scheme”. accordance with the markets and through the price The details of the scheme are not entirely clear. We review process. Although I accept that the intention of debated in Committee an identical clause tabled by the the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife is, as hon. Gentleman, but at that point, the funding was not always, to be helpful, I feel that his scheme could use a made clear. He said today that it would be funded little work and I therefore urge my hon. Friends to resist specifically from the profits of the water companies it should he seek to press it to a vote. rather than from other bill payers in a cross-subsidy approach. Let me move next to new clause 8, also tabled by the hon. Gentleman. It would place a legal requirement on Thomas Docherty: I refer the Minister to the evidence water companies to include information in their bills session during the eighth sitting of the Public Bill about the WaterSure scheme, but, as I have said—I Committee, where I specifically said that the scheme provided information to this effect to the Committee—all would be funded from excess profits. Perhaps the civil water companies already do so voluntarily. He made a servants should pay more attention in future. point based on anecdotal evidence. I would be happy to see that evidence and I am sure that he will want to Dan Rogerson: The hon. Gentleman is, as always, share it with us, but I think we should base our policy keen to assist. What I said comes entirely from my making on the evidence provided to us and the Consumer recollection of his introduction of the measure in Council for Water has been quite clear that companies Committee and if it is faulty, it is certainly not on provide such information to customers. account of any information briefed to me by others. I In addition, new clause 8 would place requirements am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for highlighting the on water companies to provide information about tariff issue of excess profits. However, this does not address structures and the lowest available tariff, a point picked the point that we have a regulated system under which up on by my hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood the profits are allowed for under the price review process. (Mr Spencer). The proposals simply fail to reflect the I appreciate that he was not a Member when his party realities of the water sector as opposed, for example, to was most recently in government, but it was quite happy the energy sector. Water companies do not have complex 87 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 88

[Dan Rogerson] One reason we do not propose to bring forward the bad debt regulations on landlords is that we do not wish tariff structures. The sole choice for the majority of to endorse the argument that performance on bad debt household customers is whether to pay according to is not within the control of water companies. We think the amount of water they use through a metered tariff, there is more that the companies can do to collect their which is particularly prevalent in areas such as my own, debts and we want them to focus on that rather than or according to the rateable value of their home through look to the Government to solve the problem for them. an unmetered tariff. The cheapest option for each household Of course, the real drivers of company performance will therefore depend on the location of the property are the incentives and penalties set by the regulator so I and the amount of water used by the household. am pleased to be able to report that Ofwat has changed Many smaller households with low water use can its approach to bad debt in the methodology it is using benefit from a meter. Water companies are required to for the 2014 price review. The new approach will enable fit a water meter free of charge on request and they also it more effectively to bear down on the costs of bad advise customers on whether they might benefit financially debt. It is doing so by insisting that the companies from the installation of a water meter. A further point demonstrate that any increase in bad debt is genuinely to bear in mind about the operation of WaterSure is beyond their control and that they have taken all available that it caps the bills of eligible customers at the average steps to control it. Unless they can prove that that is the of the metered and unmetered bill for the area. That case they will not be allowed to include it in customer could, in effect, put the bills of some eligible customers charges. We are already seeing our focus on the industry’s up and it is therefore not surprising that they have taking responsibility for tackling bad debt bear fruit. chosen not to apply for WaterSure. As I mentioned in Committee, the industry is working with landlords’ organisations to establish a new voluntary There is no evidence, in my view, that further regulation scheme that will enable landlords to provide information is required in this area. As I have noted, all companies about their tenants direct to water companies swiftly already include details of WaterSure in their household and easily. bills and they also all provide details of the support available to any customer struggling to pay their bill. Legislation to require the companies to do something Miss McIntosh: I am most grateful to my hon. Friend that they are already doing voluntarily would be redundant. for giving way, but before he concludes his remarks he must say what the Government object to as regards the The Consumer Council for Water works closely with 2010 Act. I do not personally subscribe to the data the companies on the format of their bills. Its expert protection argument if someone is genuinely in need. advice, as we discussed in Committee, is that one of the biggest risks in using water bills as a means of Dan Rogerson: The Chair of the Select Committee is communication with customers is information overload. quite right that I have yet to respond to that aspect of I do not, therefore, consider the new clause to be her argument and I will seek to do so, I hope to her necessary. satisfaction, once I have made my closing remarks on Let me turn next to new clause 9, also tabled by the new clause 9. hon. Gentleman. We discussed an identical clause that The industry is working with landlords’ organisations he tabled in Committee. Section 45 of the Flood and to establish the new voluntary scheme that will enable Water Management Act 2010 already enables Ministers landlords to provide information about their tenants to introduce secondary legislation that would require direct to water companies swiftly and easily and that landlords to provide water companies with personal approach has the support of Water UK and the main details about their tenants or become liable for paying landlords’ organisations. The new database will launch the bill. That was a point that the Chairman of the in March next year and I believe that it should be given Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee was time to work. For those reasons, I believe that new keen to emphasise, given her involvement with the clause 9 is not necessary. passage of that Act. Following extensive consultation with the industry Thomas Docherty: I am grateful to the Minister and and with landlords’ organisations the Government took am listening carefully to what he says. He will, I am sure, the decision that a voluntary approach would be more come on to his justifications as regards new clause 10 in suitable. During consultation, landlords argued that the a second. Before he finishes dealing with new clause 9, additional regulatory burden would be disproportionate however, can he say what he defines as “time to work”? as they are not the source of the problem we are trying to tackle. At the same time, the evidence provided by Dan Rogerson: We should at least allow the database the water sector to support the case for additional to be set up and give it a chance to operate. That would regulation was not sufficient to make the case for additional seem to be a fair approach and it is certainly the one I regulation of millions of small and micro-businesses. seek to take. I understand the hon. Gentleman’s keenness The Government simply do not believe that more to see progress but I believe that the voluntary approach regulation is always the answer. As we discussed in will have some effect and we should give it time to do so. Committee, good practice in tackling bad debt is not Let me turn now, as the hon. Gentleman uncannily applied consistently across the water sector. The hon. predicts, to new clause 10, which he has tabled in his Gentleman quite rightly took great pains to point that efforts to make some changes to the Bill, and in Committee out. The significant variation in performance between we discussed a similar clause that he tabled. The new companies tells us that the focus should be on driving clause will provide a new power for Ministers and Ofwat better standards across the sector rather than regulating to disallow companies from recovering the cost of unpaid landlords. bills from their paying customers. The hon. Gentleman 89 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 90 has argued that there is no incentive for companies to shared are tightly controlled by law. No legislative gateway collect bad debt. During our previous discussions, I permits data sharing for the purposes of collecting made it clear that Ofwat has the power to decide which debt. Therefore, simply passing on the details of all costs may be recovered through the price review. Ofwat those who are on benefits to water companies without is already using the price review process to bear down the appropriate consents would be illegal. on the costs of bad debt and requiring companies to Moving on to the objective of targeting social tariffs, demonstrate high performance in debt collection and to new clause 3 would focus support on a very specific show that any increase in bad debt is beyond their subsection of water customers: those who both receive control before they are allowed to include it in customer benefits and live in rented accommodation. The problem charges. The price review will challenge poor performers with that approach is that it would target help at many to raise their game. people who do not need it and exclude many who do The new clause proposes a power for a future Secretary need it. It is important that we do not over-simplify. of State to intervene in the setting and recovery of Benefit recipients are a very diverse group of people, charges. That is exactly the kind of political interference including, for example, pensioners and those in receipt that concerns the investors who are critical to the water of child benefit, disability benefits and a range of both industry. I have stated before that the stability of the in and out-of-work benefits. regulatory regime is vital to keeping the cost of borrowing Evidence from Ofwat shows that the majority—60%—of low. An increase in that cost will have the direct result of households at risk of water affordability problems do putting up customers’ bills and I am firmly of the view not receive means-tested benefits. Additionally, when that it is for the regulator and not the Government to universal credit is fully rolled out, it will replace all the make detailed decisions about charges. New clauses 9 existing wide-range of income-related social security and 10 intend to incentivise companies to improve their benefits and tax credits. Many of its recipients will be in debt collection performance and I absolutely support work and have reasonable earnings. So receipt of universal that objective. I cannot, however, support the approach credit alone is not a suitable indicator of possible eligibility that has been proposed and I am sorry to disappoint the for access to a social tariff. Similarly, no evidence suggests hon. Gentleman—and, I am sure, to surprise him. that living in rented accommodation is a reliable indicator Let me turn finally to new clause 3, tabled by my hon. of affordability problems. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh), the hon. Members for Poplar and Limehouse Furthermore, many customers, whether or not in (Jim Fitzpatrick) and for North Tyneside (Mrs Glindon) receipt of benefits, own their own property but nevertheless and my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and suffer real affordability problems. Precisely because water Radnorshire (Roger Williams). The proposed clause affordability problems are not simple, we have resisted a targets a number of points that we have already discussed simplistic, top-down approach to social tariffs. in some detail, including bad debt and social tariffs. My hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton The practical effect of the new clause would be to asked why water companies could not simply use a require the Department for Work and Pensions to supply tick-box to ascertain whether people were happy to water companies with personal information about their share their data. Anyone can agree to have their personal customers. The clause focuses solely on the subset of information shared, but that is quite different from the customers that are both in receipt of benefits and living effect of new clause 3, which would require the Government in rented accommodation. Amendment 9 would simply to share personal information. That is perhaps the include the proposed new clause in the list of measures problem that we would have with new clause 3. to be commenced two months following Royal Assent. We must not forget that all social tariffs are cross- I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for subsidised by increasing the bills of ineligible customers. Thirsk and Malton for her clarification that the clause is intended both to help water companies to collect their Thomas Docherty: I remind the Minister that our debts and to target social tariffs at customers in rented scheme would not involve cross-subsidisation. I am accommodation who are also in receipt of benefits. surprised that he is so against the use of benefit systems However, I am afraid that I do not believe that the for social tariffs, because the Liberal Democrats in clause is likely to achieve either objective effectively. Scotland actively supported the introduction of social As I have already set out, the Government’s position tariffs based on council tax benefit. What is the difference? on bad debt among water customers is that there is a great deal more that the industry can do for itself. We Dan Rogerson: I am seeking to point out that there think, therefore, that there is more companies can do to are a range of benefits and a range of circumstances for collect their debts and we want them to focus on that people. The hon. Gentleman highlights one benefit. Of rather than to look to the Government to solve the course council tax benefit no longer exits in this country problem for them. in the format that it does in Scotland, as we have now I am pleased, as I have said, that the industry is moved over to local council tax forms of support, so already taking more responsibility, by working on a there is a different system, which would not necessarily voluntary approach to sharing information on customers translate across. The hon. Gentleman is keen always to in rented accommodation, using the landlord database, learn the lessons of Scotland, but some of these things as we have discussed in response to new clause 9, tabled do not apply simply, given the different frameworks by the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife. following the devolution settlement. 7.30 pm We place emphasis on locally designed social tariffs Benefits data, like all personal data, are highly sensitive. developed in close consultation with the customers who We must therefore take their security extremely seriously. will ultimately foot the bill, as opposed to crude, centrally The circumstances in which any personal data can be imposed eligibility criteria. Although I very much thank 91 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 92

[Dan Rogerson] (a) the regulated facility to which the application for or transfer of the environmental permit relates is to be hon. Members for their new clauses and understand carried on as part of an onshore oil or gas activity; their aspirations in tabling them, I would urge my hon. and Friends to resist them. (b) the regulator is not satisfied that the applicant or the proposed transferee has made or will make adequate financial provision for preventing or mitigating Miss McIntosh: We have had a fruitful debate, but I pollution of the water environment, by ensuring all express my disappointment that my hon. Friend the of the following— Minister has not seen fit to take a simple measure that (i) operation of the regulated facility in accordance already exists on the statute book and is not intended to with the environmental permit; be regulatory. He will, of course, have opportunities in (ii) compliance with any enforcement notice or suspension the future to appear before the Select Committee that I notice or prohibition notice or mining waste facility chair and that will give him plenty of opportunity to closure notice or landfill closure notice which may explain at greater length why he is unable to support be served on the applicant or transferee by the these new clauses. It is my fervent wish that such new regulator under these Regulations; (iii) compliance with any order of the High Court clauses might perhaps find their way on to the notice which may be obtained against the applicant or paper in another place. However, I beg to ask leave to transferee under Regulation 42 for the purpose of withdraw the motion. securing compliance with any of the notices listed Clause, by leave, withdrawn. in sub-paragraph (ii). (iv) compliance with any order of any court issued under Regulation 44 against the applicant or New Clause 4 transferee; and (v) recovery by the regulator of its costs upon any exercise of its power against the applicant or transferee SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE AND AUTOMATIC RIGHT TO under Regulation 57; CONNECT (c) for the purpose of this paragraph ‘onshore oil or gas ‘The Secretary of State shall by order made by statutory activity’ means any activity for the purpose of instrument implement the provisions of section 32 and Schedule 3 exploration for or extraction of onshore oil and gas; of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and any other provisions as the Secretary of State considers appropriate in (d) for the purpose of this paragraph ‘adequate provision connection with the coming into force of those provisions, no by way of financial security’ means financial provision later than the end of the period of one month beginning with the which is sufficient in value, secure and available when date on which this Act is passed.’.—(Miss McIntosh.) required.”.’. Brought up, and read the First time. New clause 13—Unlawful communications— ‘(1) Section 109 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (sewerage: Miss McIntosh: I beg to move, That the clause be unlawful communication with public sewer) is amended as follows. read a Second time. (2) Omit subsection (1)(b). Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): With this it (3) In subsection (2)(a) after “close”, insert “or redirect”. will be convenient to discuss the following: new clause 5 (4) In subsection (2)(b) omit “from the offender”. —Abstraction reform— (5) At the end add— ‘(1) The Secretary of State shall by regulations make provision “(4) The expenses are recoverable from— to introduce a reformed abstraction regime. (a) the offender; or (2) An abstraction regime under subsection (1) must— (b) the owner of the drain or sewer. (a) be resilient to the challenges of climate change; (5) A person who obstructs a sewerage undertaker in exercising (b) be resilient to the challenges of population growth; a power under subsection (2)(a)— and (a) commits an offence; and (c) better protect the environment. (b) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding (3) An abstraction regime must be introduced no later than the level 5 on the standard scale.”.’. end of the period of seven years beginning with the date on Amendment 2, in clause 21, page 62, line 19, after which this Act is passed. ‘undertakers’, insert ‘and highway authorities’. (4) Regulations under this section— Amendment 3, page 62, line 22, after ‘undertaker’, (a) shall be made by statutory instrument; and insert ‘or a highway authority’. (b) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has Amendment 1, page 62, line 23, at end insert— been laid before and approved by a resolution of both Houses of Parliament.’. ‘(2A) Highways authorities must include in schemes for the construction of new roads, drainage systems with a specification New clause 6—Onshore oil or gas activities—effect on designed to decrease the risk of flooding of public sewerage water environment— systems.’. ‘In Part 1 of Schedule 5 of the Environmental Permitting Government amendments 55 to 57. (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 there shall be inserted Amendment 5, clause 51, page 107, line 5, after after paragraph 13 the following— ‘premises’, insert ‘and small businesses’. “Onshore oil or gas activities—effect on water environment Amendment 6, page 107, line 7, after ‘premises’, 13A (1) Without prejudice to the operation of Regulation 35(2) insert ‘and small businesses’. and paragraph 5(1)(d) of Schedule 10 and of Regulation 35(2) and paragraph 7(j) of Schedule 20, the regulator shall refuse an Amendment 8, clause 53, page 107, line 37, after application for the grant or variation of an environmental permit ‘made’, insert or for the transfer in whole or in part of an environmental permit ‘which shall include the occurrence of a 1 in 200 year loss if— scenario’. 93 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 94

Government amendment 58. regimes. We particularly call for the abstraction regime Amendment 7, clause 69, page 119, line 37, at end to be introduced no later than the end of the period of insert ‘“small businesses”.’. seven years beginning on the date on which the Bill is Amendment 10, clause 80, page 124, line 1, at end passed and comes into legal effect. insert— Amendments 2 and 3 would insert into clause 21 the relevant language of “undertakers” and “highways ‘(f) section [Sustainable drainage and automatic right to connect].’. authorities”. I am attracted to amendment 1, tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood (Mr Spencer), Amendment 11, page 124, line 1, at end insert— and look forward to his speaking to it in due course. ‘(g) section [Abstraction reform].’. Amendments 5, 6, 7 and 8 would include small businesses in the flood reinsurance scheme, for reasons that I shall Miss McIntosh: I shall try to keep my remarks brief, give in a moment. but this is the first occasion that I can remember when there has not been a parliamentary week between the Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con): Does completion of the business of the Public Bill Committee my hon. Friend agree that the Flood Re clauses will and consideration on Report and Third Reading. I help the people whom the Minister and I met in Looe should therefore like to pass on my thanks not only to last Saturday who were unable to get insurance because the Committee staff who have accommodated our being of repeated flooding? Flood Re will give them the able to table amendments in a timely fashion, but to all opportunity to obtain realistically priced insurance. those involved in the House service who have enabled us to have amendments before us to debate this evening. Miss McIntosh: Our thoughts are obviously with my I shall go through the new clauses and amendments hon. Friend’s constituents who were sadly inundated first and then give the reasons for them. I, along with a during the recent flooding. I look forward to hearing number of members of the EFRA Committee, have further from her during the debate, as well as the Minister’s thought it fit to assist the Government yet again, and I response. hope that we have more success with this round. Anyone who knows me even remotely will know that I am Amendments 10 and 11 are consequential amendments becoming a compulsive obsessive on sustainable draining to clause 80 arising from new clauses 4 and 5. systems and that I will never pass over a opportunity Before I explain why the amendments and new clauses to discuss SUDS. So, under new clause 4, we seek to are important, I should point out that we have seen introduce the sustainable draining system, which is three types of flooding in the past three or four months. woefully late. It was already given statutory powers The most recent examples have been of coastal flooding, under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and but the Yorkshire and East Anglia coasts suffered tidal in new clause 4 I link that to the end of the automatic surges before Christmas to devastating effect; more right to connect. than 80 houses were evacuated at Filey in my constituency I should like to pay tribute to a great Yorkshireman, and a number more in Whitby. However, we have become Sir Michael Pitt, who after the surface water flooding of more accustomed to surface water and river flooding, 2007 attempted to get on to the statute book under the and surface water flooding has been on the increase, 2010 Act—the then Government’s legislation—the end and has become more of a problem, since 2007. of the automatic right to connect. I would go further I want to hear from the Minister why SUDS have with substantial developments than I have had the been delayed. The latest we heard was that there was an opportunity to do here. I should personally like Yorkshire implementation date of April 2014. People have been Water and other water companies, as well as drainage trying to convince me that Brawby in my constituency boards, to be given the right to be statutory consultees suffered in 2013 not from flooding but due to surface on major new developments on the same basis as that water running off from fields and roads into the combined enjoyed by the Environment Agency following the 2010 sewerage pipe, which then spilled water from the sewerage Act. system back on to the road. In that case, the water did not go into anyone’s house, but at Castlegate in Malton Thomas Docherty: It is worth pointing out that local when exactly the same thing happened—water ran off authorities in Scotland place great emphasis on the the road into the combined sewers—water then entered opinion of Scottish Water, which is, indeed, treated as a a house. major statutory consultee when local authorities are The missing link is an audit of existing SUDS and an making decisions about developments. examination of future SUDS when major developments Miss McIntosh: As a non-practising Scottish advocate, and roads are built. However, from my experience, and I would always say that the Scottish legal system has a given what we heard during the statement on the floods, great deal to commend it, but Scotland needs to remain there is a further problem to deal with. If water runs off part of the United Kingdom to allow us to benefit from a highway, it is the responsibility of the county council, that. the unitary council or the Highways Agency itself. However, if that water then runs into the combined Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): That is for pipes, it suddenly becomes the water company’s problem, another day. although what has happened is not its fault. I hope that that unacceptable situation can be addressed through Miss McIntosh: Indeed, that is a different argument. the measures that I and other members of the EFRA I shall give our reasons for new clause 4 in a moment. Committee have tabled, or through amendment 1, which Abstraction reform forms the basis of new clause 5, in was tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood. which we would return to what was in the White Paper, If fields are saturated, as is the case at present—it was where the Government waxed lyrical on abstraction the situation in my constituency between September 95 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 96

[Miss McIntosh] from rivers or the sea, some 1 million were also at risk of surface water flooding. In addition, 2.8 million properties 2012 and March 2013—highways authorities must take are at risk of surface water flooding alone. If a house is responsibility and create a SUD to take the excess built on land that is prone to flooding, it is highly water. I accept that such a process would involve cost, unlikely to be eligible for insurance. However, in the but I applaud the Government’s approach on partnership case of Filey, an existing bungalow or the school can funding, so we could look to public sector partners, or suffer due to displaced water—secondary flooding, be more imaginative by looking for private sector partners, almost—and then find that its insurance premium and such as local businesses that might be interesting in excess increase. Does the Minister think that that is fair? investing. However, we cannot allow a situation to I do not think that it is, so we need to bring forward continue in which surface water running off a road SUDS as a matter of urgency and end the automatic becomes the responsibility of a water company and right to connect. thus forces it to take preventive measures, given that the Amendments 2 and 3, which would amend clause 21, highways authority—whichever one it might be—should are important so that highways authorities have the accept responsibility for it. power to construct, maintain and operate sustainable The EFRA Committee’s report following our pre- drainage systems to reduce the volume of surface water legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill highlighted concern entering public sewers. If sewage water backs up into about the delayed implementation of the provisions on people’s homes, we know that they will be displaced for sustainable drainage systems in the Flood and Water much longer than if only clean water had entered the Management Act 2010—it is now four years since that house, given the public health requirements that must Act was passed. The Committee also criticised a lack of be met before they are allowed to re-enter. Clause 21 urgency on improving the management of surface water already gives the power to sewerage undertakers. Our in its report on the water White Paper, so I hope that my amendments would extend the power to highways hon. Friend the Minister will be able to clarify what has authorities, and clarify the fact that highways authorities been happening and why the process seems to be so are able to construct SUDS to prevent surface water complicated. As the Committee has not been convinced flowing into sewers. It is the link that is missing at the that the Department’s work to improve the management moment. of surface water has involved the urgency that constituents The Committee’s report on managing flood risk, throughout the country would expect, new clause 4 which was published last July, recommended that DEFRA would require the Government to implement the relevant should liaise with the Department for Transport and provisions of the 2010 Act within a month of the Bill the Department for Communities and Local Government being passed. on measures to encourage highways authorities to install SUDS, which will improve the management of water 7.45 pm run-off from roads. This is intended to be a precursor to creating a statutory duty for highways authorities to The key provisions to be implemented relate to ending take responsibility for surface water on new and existing the automatic right to connect to public sewers in roads, and to build SUDS to address the problem of England and Wales. In addition, developers of substantial surface water flooding. We cannot ignore the incidents property developments should be required to construct and frequency of surface water flooding in addition to sustainable drainage systems before carrying out any river and coastal flooding incidents. The amendments new construction work. When houses are built on a are intended to be helpful to the Minister and the field in Filey that takes surface water, that water will be Government in that regard. displaced to existing developments, or more likely to the school, which required a multi-million pound refit following Let me turn now to abstraction reform and new the 2007 floods. Water will find its way. clause 5. The Committee has repeatedly called for the implementation of abstraction reform by 2022. I cannot We also want the Environment Agency, highways see how we can consider introducing upstream competition authorities, British Waterways, internal drainage boards without having the necessary reforms to abstraction in and water and sewerage companies to be statutory place. consultees when the new SUDS authority makes a determination on an application for connection. The Thomas Docherty: Hear, hear! reason for that is simple: why should a water company be asked to connect what are often outdated Victorian Miss McIntosh: It is always a delight to be supported pipes to a major development of 300 houses, for example, by the hon. Gentleman. when that is simply not possible? It is necessary that action The current system for managing abstraction of water is taken prior to planning permission being granted so from rivers and aquifers was introduced in the 1960s, that developers can make the necessary arrangements and does not effectively address the severity of pressures and save a great deal of grief down the line. on water resources caused by increasing demand from a Surface water flooding is a major contributory factor growing population and an increasingly varied climate. to the damage caused to homes and businesses. It is a The current system does not help abstractors to trade relatively new threat, especially when surface water runs water effectively or provide an incentive for them to off fields and roads and then floods public sewers. manage water efficiently. The current weaknesses in the Extreme weather involving sporadic and intense rainfall— system mean that it could start to constrain economic whether that is due to climate change or because of growth, reduce the resilience of the water supply and another reason—has caused surface water flooding, lead to environmental damage. and it is difficult accurately to predict where such flooding I note that the reasons and need for abstraction will occur. In 2009, the Environment Agency estimated reform are acknowledged and discussed in the Government that of the 2.4 million properties then at risk of flooding consultation “Making the most of every drop”, which 97 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 98 was published last December. When my hon. Friend the and businesses from floods. The Minister will be familiar Minister replies, will he address the issue of why there with the work of his Department in the Natural was so much emphasis on abstraction and resilience in Environment White Paper, which looked at a project the water White Paper, and why we lost that emphasis known as ScaMP—Sustainable Catchment Management in the draft Water Bill and, to a certain extent, in the Programme—involving United Utilities in Cumbria. Bill before us this evening? Surely there must be much more scope for the type of The detail of a new abstraction regime will need to be partnership approaches we have seen in Pickering where developed following the end of the Government the first soil of the reservoir will be dug tomorrow. consultation, which was launched on 17 December. I will conclude my remarks by looking at flood Following the conclusion of that consultation, which insurance. Amendments 5, 6, 7 and 8 seek to amend will not be until March, DEFRA will have to produce clauses 51 and 53. The Select Committee took a lot of legislative proposals and secure space in the highly evidence in relation to Flood Re and the potential for charged legislative programme before a new regime can reinsurance companies. Given how deeply wedded the be introduced. Once again, these amendments are intended Government are to Flood Re, I hope that they have not to be entirely helpful and constructive. closed the door completely on reinsurance. In summing up this debate, perhaps the Minister will inform us how During the Committee stage, the Opposition tabled a the state aid application to the EU Commission in new clause to provide that upstream reform may not be Brussels is going to enable Flood Re to come into effect implemented until new primary legislation on the licensing according to the Government’s timetable. of abstraction has been passed, and five years has expired to allow for its implementation. Sadly, that Clause 51 and the amendments we propose to it proposal was voted down. would have the effect of bringing small businesses within the ambit of Flood Re. There is considerable doubt and New clause 5 would require the Secretary of State to anxiety that small businesses will not be covered under introduce a reformed abstraction regime within seven the new Flood Re proposals. The impact that flooding years of the Act being passed—by 2021. That was on can have on small businesses is clear. In 2001 and 2005, the basis of the evidence that we received, and we a dental practice in my constituency was flooded twice believe that that is the most accurate and cost-effective and the dental chair and all the computer equipment timetable for all the parties involved. had to be replaced each time. The abstraction reform must be resilient to the challenges of climate change, or extreme weather conditions, and Roger Williams: I am sure that many Members will population growth and better protect the environment. have a deal of sympathy for my hon. Friend and her Those high-level requirements are entirely in line with concern for small businesses. I guess that the difficulty the key commitments regarding abstraction reform in in getting this into legislation will be how to define a the water White Paper. small business. Perhaps she has some ideas on that. Let me turn now to upstream and abstraction reform. Miss McIntosh: Like my hon. Friend, I merely shadow In our pre-legislative scrutiny report on the draft Water DEFRA so I do not have the definition to hand, but I Bill, the Select Committee called on the Government to am sure that the Federation of Small Businesses will make clear in the Bill the key principles that underpin have a definition. I think it is generally deemed to be a the introduction of upstream reforms. Further work business that has fewer than 50 employees, though needs to be undertaken to establish how upstream reforms many small businesses employ five or fewer or are often can be introduced in a way that will preserve investor a single employee. The example I cited was that of a confidence, ensure that customers do not face increased small dental practice with two or three dentists. The bills and maintain resilience in the sector. I was extremely knock-on effect on an independently run, stand-alone pleased to see the emphasis on resilience in the water dental practice of fitting, for the second time, a new White Paper. dental chair and computer equipment goes beyond Upstream reform aims to encourage upstream what would normally be expected. The knock-on effect competition. I am talking about the input of raw or on the insurance premium and excess for that dental treated water into a water company’s network or the practice was considerable and, possibly, unaffordable. removal of waste water or sewage for treatment. Clause 1 unbundles all the existing licensing structures so that 8pm new entrants can sell raw or treated water into an Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): Is it incumbent’s network. It also looks at the wholesale the hon. Lady’s understanding that not only would authorisation to input water into a part of the system. small businesses and micro-businesses in commercial The Environment Agency’s statistics show that on average, premises not be covered by Flood Re, but people who between 2002 and 2011, only 45% of the annual total of run businesses from their own homes would find it water licensed for abstraction in England and Wales almost impossible to get insurance under the arrangements was actually abstracted. Therefore, if all of this unused as they stand? but already licensed water was abstracted, there could be a significant deterioration of the environment. We Miss McIntosh: I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s hope that when the Government look at abstraction intervention, but I believe that homes generally are and upstream reform, they will bear these thoughts in covered. Our Government have persisted with his mind. Government’s arbitrary choice of 2009 as the relevant One other aspect of upstream reform and abstraction year, although this is a new Bill and we have a still that the Government should consider is, very topically, relatively new coalition Government. I was very taken the role of water companies and other private sector by what the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent North companies in flood prevention and in protecting homes (Joan Walley) said in a previous debate about 2009 99 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 100

[Miss McIntosh] Our amendments to clause 53 would have the effect of ensuring that insurance companies cover for any having been plucked from the air as an arbitrary date, liability in excess of a one-in-200-year loss. Our amendments and many people will not realise that homes built after seek greater clarification of the Government’s role in 2009 on a floodplain are simply not covered by insurance. this scenario of a one-in-200-year loss, and, in particular, One of the purposes of tonight’s debate is to entice the how the taxpayer would be protected. As I have mentioned, Government to seek a different year—it could be 2013 the Government will, for the first time, be the insurer of or 2015, but let us be imaginative. last resort. In later years, after the fund has built up, I do not believe that that will be a problem, but we are Sheryll Murray: Will my hon. Friend clarify the difference seeking the Minister’s reassurance about what the between an insurance policy that covers a business implications will be in respect of the first three years. In premises and one that covers a private home? Insurers, Committee, the Minister confirmed that there is no and the Association of British Insurers, would probably Government liability for Flood Re and that the Government find it difficult to distinguish if we were to include small have made it clear that Flood Re is not guaranteed businesses, but because her amendment is well intentioned, above the one-in-200-year level, so he might just like to I am sure that she will be able to clarify her differentiation. revisit that and clarify the point. Our amendment 8 would put the Government’s Miss McIntosh: I am sure that the Minister will be commitment in the Bill and create certainty for all well aware of the point that my hon. Friend is trying to concerned as to who will assume the additional liability. make. There is great concern among the farming community A one-in-200-year loss scenario would be the total that farms may be excluded whereas the farm house value of claims from households reinsured through may be included. I commend my hon. Friend’s knowledge, Flood Re that, during the course of a year, actuaries because she worked in the insurance industry for a time. would not expect to be exceeded in 99.5% of years. We need to know whether farms and people working Expressed in a different way, that would mean that the from their own homes are going to be included, and actuaries would be 99.5% confident that the limit would what the position will be for small businesses, because not be exceeded in any one year. It is important to note this could put them out of business in some of the areas that that is not the same as a one-in-200-year flood that we have seen flooded over the past two years in event; the ABI has estimated that this would mean repeat flooding incidents. It has also been brought to flooding six times worse than that experienced in 2007. my attention, although, unfortunately, too late to have Obviously, neither the Minister nor the insurance industry tabled an amendment, that there is concern that blocks will yet be able to say what the cost of the recent floods of flats—leasehold flats—may be excluded from this has been, but I hope that he will see fit to lend his arrangement. That may be news to the Minister as well, support to our amendments, and I commend them to but before Third Reading he might like to ponder the House. whether such blocks will be excluded. Our amendments to clause 51 address concerns relating Joan Walley: I am fortunate to follow the hon. Member to the exclusion of small companies such as charities for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh), who speaks and, as I have mentioned, farms under the new Flood with the greatest authority on these subjects, as I am Re proposals in the Bill. Any business based in a property sure everyone in the Chamber would agree. I particularly that is primarily a residential one, and on which the share her concern about drainage and surface water, occupier therefore pays council tax, would fall within and I agree with the points she made earlier about the the Flood Re scheme. Any business based in premises need to ensure that highways authorities also have used primarily for business will not be covered. It is statutory duties, so that we can deal with this issue in a extremely important that we understand these issues. joined-up way. The debate on this group of provisions is For the first time that I can remember, under the Flood important because we have had pre-legislative scrutiny Re scheme, once it is up and running, the Government by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will be added as an insurer of last resort if in the three of the draft Water Bill and subsequent debate in that years before the fund has built up we suffer an exceptional Committee. When the Minister addresses the various one-in-a-thousand-year incident. comments that have been made, we will see the extent to In the Public Bill Committee, the ABI stated that which the Government are listening to what Parliament Flood Re is not the solution for small businesses and is saying about the amendments. There may not necessarily that there is not a sufficient evidence basis for providing be agreement on all of them; I am talking about the insurance cover for small businesses. The Federation of amendments that seek genuinely to try to improve matters Small Businesses is concerned that small businesses that on the whole issue of water. We have an opportunity to have affordability problems will not be covered, other put in place legislation that is fit for purpose, so I hope than in respect of the insurance premiums or excess that that improvements will be made. they might seek to defray. Although they do not pay council tax, they do pay business rates and therefore Thomas Docherty: It will probably not cheer my hon. could be rated in a similar way to household customers Friend to hear that every single amendment tabled in under Flood Re. There remain a lot of known unknowns Committee by Opposition Members, and indeed by with Flood Re as to why a council band rate has been coalition Members, was rejected, even though the Minister chosen and which particular band rate has been opted had previously agreed with them in the Select Committee. for, but that is a separate debate. If there is a lack of evidence, further investigations and monitoring should Joan Walley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for be conducted with regard to small businesses and how pointing that out. As I have said, the proof of the they might cope with sourcing flood insurance in the pudding will be in the eating, so we will wait to hear free market. what the Minister says in response. Given that the Bill 101 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 102 has further stages to go through before Royal Assent—I competent to carry out fracking activities. However, a am glad to see the hon. Member for Brecon and financial competence check is carried out only in specific Radnorshire (Roger Williams) nodding—I think that it circumstances, and competence is not the same as securing is the Opposition’s duty to press the Government as a form of financial provision or guarantee for long-term much as possible, because it is important that Parliament environmental liabilities. In other words, it does not does the right thing. Even if the Government do not guarantee that a company has put in place funding or make concessions at this stage, there will be an opportunity insurance for dealing with an accident; it only provides in the other place to put more flesh on the Bill and to a snapshot in time of its financial situation. I am make it much more fit for purpose. We will wait to see reminded of the complex discussions there have been what further progress we can make. about the ownership of football clubs and where due I will speak briefly to new clause 6, which stands in diligence should lie. my name, because I realise that many Members wish to speak. I want to introduce my comments by considering 8.15 pm the issue of contaminated land. It is clear to me from It is vital that anyone looking to carry out fracking the work I have done recently that there is a problem should have the finances in place to pay for any remedial with how we deal with contaminated land. The current work that is needed. Tests for technical competence, regime and the funding for it, particularly that which which the Minister also mentioned in Committee to involves local authorities, is not fit for purpose, and it reassure Members, are also limited. Even the most needs to be. We are dealing with a huge amount of technically competent operator might not be able to legacy problems. I do not want the Government to set avoid an environmental impact as a result of its operation. up a whole new regime without giving due consideration I understand that the hon. Member for Brecon and to the preventative measures that would need to be put Radnorshire made the point in Committee—I was not in place in relation to fracking and shale gas extraction. party to those discussions but read the reports Madam Deputy Speaker, I am sure you would rule assiduously—that the amendment was intended simply me out of order if I were to speak this evening on to ensure that there is a plan in place for the low-probability whether we should have fracking or shale gas extraction. but high-risk scenario of a pollution incident occurring. The point I want to make is that if it is to go ahead, with Although a stringent and well-enforced regulatory regime the enormous tax concessions it currently has, there will mitigate risk, it cannot eliminate it altogether. It is needs to be a proper regime in place that relates to for that reason that we need to look seriously at making water, water quality and concerns about contamination. that amendment before the Bill receives Royal Assent. It is for that reason that I have tabled new clause 6. I The importance of protecting ground and surface acknowledge that, were the Government to act on the water must not be underemphasised. In the midlands—I concerns I am raising, there would be need to be represent a midlands constituency—40% of public water consequential amendments to paragraph 9 of schedule comes from ground water. The figure is even greater—more 20 to the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) than 70%—in the southern regions of England. Not Regulations 2010, so I do not want the Minister simply only do we depend on that resource for drinking water, to claim on a technical point that the new clause is but farmers and industries across the country depend unworkable because it is not thorough in that regard. on healthy aquifers, which are estimated to be worth £8 My understanding is that the principles that the billion to the economy. We must look at this in the polluter should pay and that prevention is much better round, because we are talking about the food industry than an end-of-pipe solution mean that we should be and food security.Are we really going to risk contaminating dealing at this stage with the procedures that need to all that simply by failing to put proper safeguards in be put in place to prevent contamination of water as a place when introducing legislation? result of fracking. I point out that the new clause is The Government must therefore put in place adequate supported by many non-governmental organisations provisions to ensure that companies are able to pay working on the front line to deal with that, including for the clean-up of a contamination incident. There is the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Angling much peer-reviewed evidence to suggest that that is Trust, the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Salmon something we should be prepared for. For example, & Trout Association. a study in the USA last year examined stray gas New clause 6 would amend the Environmental Permitting concentrations in 141 drinking water wells near Marcellus (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 to introduce a shale gas extraction sites in Pennsylvania. It detected liability guarantee to ensure that fracking companies methane in 82% of drinking water samples. Average have the funds available to pay the clean-up costs should concentrations were found to be six times higher for an accident occur during the fracking process. I think homes within 1 km of natural gas wells. that is eminently sensible. A similar amendment was Some would argue that our regulatory regime is tabled in Committee and briefly debated, as my hon. much more stringent than that in the US and that we Friend the Member for Dunfermline and West Fife can therefore prevent such accidents from occurring. (Thomas Docherty) just pointed out, but it got nowhere. Although it is true that the existing regulatory regime, if I believe that it was important to table it again for properly implemented and enforced, should mitigate further consideration, mainly because the Minister’s most risk, that does not detract from the need for the response in Committee did not offer adequate assurances new clause. Even if liability can be proven, there remains that the public purse would not be hit should an accident the risk that companies could go bankrupt, leaving occur. taxpayers and water companies with the clean-up costs. As I understand it, the Minister’s main argument was The precedent for that has already been set. I note that the existing regulations on the statute book already that several Members present this evening represent ensure that operators are technically and financially former coal mining constituencies. Those of us who 103 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 104 have dealt with the legacy of mining pollution will The problem is exacerbated when a new road is built. know that the cost of clean-up often falls on the taxpayer. There is a good example of that in Nottinghamshire, In 1994 it was estimated that abandoned coal mines had where the Hucknall inner relief road, which has been polluted more than 400 km of rivers. Treatment schemes permitted by Nottinghamshire county council, is about and remedial works undertaken by the Coal Authority to go right through the town of Hucknall, and the plan have helped to protect the environment and people, but includes dumping the surface water from that new road at a cost of tens of millions of pounds a year to the into an already flooding public sewerage system. That is taxpayer, not the polluter. It is vital that we follow the unacceptable. To put it into Sherwood language, while principle that the polluter pays. we have got diggers on the ground digging up the whole There is also concerning evidence that regulation is town to put a new road in, it is not beyond the wit of not being adequately enforced. I understand that at man to put an enormous pipe underneath the road to Preese Hall, the only site in the UK to be hydraulically take the surface water and not put it into the public fractured to date, the Environment Agency did not sewer and flood the homes of people who are already issue the environmental permits that were required. At suffering from sewage flowing through them. the same time, the agency has committed to a dramatic reduction in the time it takes to issue permits. Streamlining Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): We have exactly the regulation and issuing permits in this way is all well and same problem in my constituency of Stroud in connection good in some circumstances, but as we are dealing with with Slimbridge and a relatively old sewerage system. a new technology in the UK with unknown risks, we The real question is how we manage to calibrate the should not be looking to streamline regulation until we capacity and quality of the systems, certainly some of can be certain that proper procedures are being followed. the older ones, within the context of this Bill. The new clause would ensure that the fracking companies that will benefit from the most generous tax regime in Mr Spencer: It is very difficult, but we can make sure the world for this industry have the funds available to that anything new that is built does not make the pay for the cost of clean-up should an accident occur. problem worse. We have an obligation to try to improve Since we are repeatedly reassured that the risk of an things as developments take place. What causes enormous accident occurring is minimal, why should we be concerned frustration is that the bodies responsible, whether it is that the new clause would impose unreasonable costs the sewerage company or the highway authority, pass on the industry? If there is a minimal risk, there is not a the buck so that, in effect, the person who causes the huge likelihood that it will be needed, but it would problem does not take responsibility for solving it but it ensure that in the event of an accident the industry did falls on someone else. not impose unreasonable financial and environmental Another example is a small village in Sherwood called costs on the public. Farnsfield, where there is already flooding. A developer I wish briefly to refer to aspects of the Flood Re is applying to put a large number of houses and new scheme and the amendments that relate to it. The roads at the edge of the village, and there is no surface adaptation sub-committee, which advises the Committee water system. The poor people in the old village who on Climate Change, has, through its chairman, Lord are suffering with sewage flooding their homes are Krebs, made various points about the importance of going to have that problem made much worse if the new getting the scheme absolutely right at this stage rather development takes place and the surface water is put than later on. In a letter that he wrote to the Secretary into an already overflowing sewerage system. I appeal of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to the Minister to see whether he can find a way to about the awareness of flood risk and the importance of encourage, if not force, local authorities to take taking account of rising flood risk levels, he said that responsibility when they allow planning permission for there are at least five issues that the Government need a new highway or road and make sure that the highway to address but have not yet done so. Given that, as we authority that is developing the road, or the developer heard earlier in the Secretary of State’s statement on that is developing a new estate, picks up the cost of flooding, we know that we are now going to get events solving the problem that they are creating and disposes of this kind far more regularly, it is incumbent on of the surface water responsibly rather than putting Parliament to make sure that the insurance scheme that pressure on an existing, overflowing sewerage system. is being introduced is absolutely fit for purpose. Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): I want to Mr Spencer: I rise to speak to amendments 1, 2, 3 and speak to new clause 13, which I have tabled. It is 10, particularly amendment 1, which stands in my name. headed, “Unlawful communications”. Several hon. There is enormous frustration in Nottinghamshire Members have asked me about that, and I apologise about the fact that when a new development takes place because it is a little confusing. It does not deal with there is an obligation to connect and that often means unlawful communications but unlawful connections, or, that the public sewer, which is already under pressure, more colloquially, misconnections. The new clause would becomes flooded. Many Members will recognise that amend section 109 of the Water Industry Act 1991, and villages in our constituencies have grown over a number that is why it uses the word “communications”, which is of decades. Often in Nottinghamshire, those villages used in that Act. It is exactly the same as an amendment have a working sewerage system but no one has developed that was included in the draft Flood and Water a surface water system. That means that when somebody Management Bill of 2009 but sadly had to be dropped builds a new conservatory at the back of their house the from the final Bill because of a lack of legislative time local authority allows them to put the downpipe into as we approached the 2010 general election. The reason the public sewer, and that puts pressure on an already for tabling the new clause is to find out why the provision pressurised sewerage system. has not been included in this Bill. 105 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 106

Misconnections occur when separate surface water difficult, adjustments have to be made due to the austerity and foul water sewers are wrongly connected by households programme and this is one of the areas likely to be or businesses. The reasons for this range from the under considerable pressure. over-enthusiasm of household DIYersto cowboy builders There would be benefits from allowing water companies and plumbers connecting to the first and most convenient to carry out this sort of work. It should be more sewer, which is often the wrong one. The consequence is efficient if the same organisation did all the preparatory pollution of groundwater, watercourses, streams, rivers, work and then carried it through. That should also and, in my case, a local lake. The problem comes to light mean that the work would be completed quicker and only as a result of the visible pollution that we can see, that it would cost less, which might incentivise some which is sometimes accompanied by some rather unpleasant households and businesses to correct the problems they smells, as has affected local communities in my constituency. have created. The cost of tracking this down once it has been I commend new clause 13 on the simple basis that two discovered is very difficult to quantify, because it is bodies—the local authorities and the water companies— extremely difficult to find out where the misconnections should have the opportunity to carry out the work. It have taken place. It is also very time-consuming. As a may make a significant inroad into the problem. If result, it is a significant problem, particularly in more there is confusion, the Department should play a densely populated areas. A large number of misconnections co-ordinating role and bring local authorities and water are occurring in parts of my constituency. companies together. There are real benefits to be achieved, Thames Water estimates that one in 10 homes in its including a significant environmental benefit. The lake area are misconnected. The Department for Environment, that has been polluted in my constituency is a running Food and Rural Affairs estimates that 300,000 homes in sore. The same is happening to water courses and rivers England and Wales were misconnected in 2009 and, up and down the country. We could really make a ominously, that the number will increase to 500,000 by difference through this very simple procedural measure. 2015. I ask the Minister in a positive spirit whether he has Part of the solution, of course, is better information thought seriously about accepting the new clause. If about and greater awareness of the problem of there are good reasons for refusing to do so, I would misconnection. Some steps have been taken to try to accept them, but it seems to me to be a relatively simple address that. Thames Water has set up an industry measure that could make a significant difference. strategy group, as have other water companies. My local authority has sent leaflets to areas particularly badly Richard Benyon: I rise to speak briefly to new clause 5, affected. Of course, we can do better, but the reality in but I also want to touch on the comments made by my my constituency and up and down the country—this hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss is verified by DEFRA figures—is that, as current McIntosh) about Flood Re. I was intrinsically involved misconnections are dealt with, others are adding to the in the tortuous and detailed negotiations with the industry problem and it is getting worse, not better. I could cite to try to come up with something from zero when the instances in my constituency and I am sure that other coalition Government came into office. We had urgent Members have similar examples. and overdue discussions about what would replace the Part of the reason for the problem is that, although statement of principles. All hon. Members would agree water companies can disconnect from the connected that it is absolutely right that this needs to be scrutinised drains, they cannot redirect them into correct sewers; by the House, with ongoing scrutiny of how it works. I only local authorities have the power to do that. If, for hope that the Minister will agree that flexibility should any reason, the householder or business does not carry be built into it to enable it to be changed as circumstances out the works, the local authority has powers to do so change in years ahead. and to bill that individual or organisation for the costs. New clause 13 seeks to grant water companies the same However, on behalf of my constituents, who suffered enforcement powers as those available to local authorities. some of the worst flooding in the south of England in They could then deal directly—they already deal with 2007 and have continued to face flooding in certain other aspects of the problem—with misconnections. areas since, I beg the House not to unpick the detailed negotiations that have resulted in the Flood Re proposal before the House. For example, if we started to introduce 8.30 pm a wide range of businesses into the scheme, that would This is not intended as a strike against the work of completely change the complex mathematical—probably local authorities. Indeed, in the Greater London area—I algorithmic—calculations that will make it viable. I suspect the situation is similar in other parts of the want as many properties to be included as possible, but country—many local authorities are doing tremendous if we start to say that we want it to include band H work. One London local authority—the borough of houses, different types of businesses, and houses built Ealing—has a 90% record on sorting out these problems after a certain date, hon. Members have to understand and the majority of local authorities achieve greater that that would come at a cost. The cost might be that than 50% of corrections within a reasonable time frame. the industry walks away and that we have nothing, with My own local authority achieved 64%. I am not, therefore, constituents who live in risk of flooding facing the having a go at local government, but one London really terrifying prospect, when we have the kind of borough—I will not name it—has achieved only 12% of weather we are currently experiencing, of not being able corrections. Indeed, it has misconnections going back to get insurance. The affordability factor that we have to 2005. managed to build in would be gone, so I just urge the Local authorities are not incentivised or always resourced House to have a little caution when—rightly—scrutinising to give the priority necessary to misconnections. The this Bill, which I really believe is right and should become situation is getting worse: local authorities are finding it law as quickly as possible. 107 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 108

[Richard Benyon] legislation through Parliament. It undoubtedly uses Henry VIII clauses and would give a dramatic power to I want to speak about new clause 5, but I should have the Committee Corridor, as opposed to the whole House. started by reminding hon. Members about my entry in That would concern many Members of this House and the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I have would certainly concern Members in another place, been accused of obsessing about over-abstraction, and where they do not like Henry VIII clauses. I hope that I have been obsessed about it since long before I entered the Minister will address that in his remarks. the House. More than 20 years ago, I set up an I then looked at how such secondary legislation would environmental body relating to a small river in my implement the abstraction reforms that we want to see constituency, the River Pang, which is a chalk stream. It and that will result from the current consultation and was one of the National River Authority’s ALF—alleviation the implementation of a new scheme. If that could all of low flow—schemes. We managed to stop over-abstraction be dealt with in the obscurity of the Committee Corridor by a water company at the top of the aquifer and to to a level that satisfied my concerns and the concerns of restore the river. It is currently in desperate need of the many organisations that are worried about over- further restoration, as are others in my area, particularly abstraction now and in the future, that would be fine. the River Kennet. It seems strange to talk about over- However, the use of secondary legislation is a limiting abstraction when many of our rivers are overflowing at factor. I regret that in my time as a Minister, I did not this time, but it is nevertheless a very serious issue. The get my head around what an abstraction Bill in the next River Kennet is a site of special scientific interest, and Parliament would look like. I suspect that it will be a has overlaying European and national designations. It relatively complicated document. That legislation would is an example of a river for which we have to find a be diminished if it was dealt with as secondary legislation, better solution. as under new clause 5. When I was in the Minister’s role, I would dearly have I hope that the Minister will give two assurances. loved to bring meaningful abstraction reform before First, I hope that he will address the concerns that were Parliament, but it would have been wrong to do so. As put eloquently by the Chair of the Select Committee, has already been said, we have been dealing with a my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton, regulatory system that dates back to the 1960s, when and my concerns about whether such legislation would people did not mention the words “climate change” and deliver what we want it to deliver. The second assurance we did not have the levels of population and demand is perhaps an impossible one for him to give, but I will that we now face, particularly in the south and east of ask him to give it anyway. I hope that he will give an England. When the consultation and all the work being assurance that the Government are as determined as done by the Department and the Environment Agency they were when they put together the water White is over, I know that we will have about 30,000 abstractions Paper—a document that was roundly welcomed by that affect the livelihoods of our constituents and the Members in all parts of the House, the industry, NGOs ability of their businesses to perform and that have a and every stakeholder I can think of—that abstraction huge impact on our environment. I hope that the House reform will be followed up by his party and mine, and agrees that we must get the system right, and that we hopefully by other parties, and that it will race through legislate in haste and repent—in opposition—at leisure. the House in the early years of the next Parliament so I hope that we get this right, and that the reassurance that we can see meaningful abstraction reform that the Minister will be able to give us will set my mind, and addresses the problems that blight so many rivers. This those of other hon. Members, at rest. is not just an environmental problem; more fundamentally I have said that the problem is complex. Organisations to many of our constituents, it is an economic one. Not such as the WWF have been a fantastic help to the only do we rely on rivers and aquifers for aesthetic Government and hon. Members in our thinking about reasons and leisure activities; they are fundamental to how we should deal with over-abstraction. I regret that our economy. That is why it is so important that we get the abstraction incentive mechanism originally hinted abstraction reform right. I hope that the Minister will at in the water White Paper has been diminished in give us those assurances this evening. relation to its ability to address abstraction where it will cause real problems to the environment. I hope that it Steve McCabe: I will be extremely brief and confine comes forward in the future as a very useful tool that my remarks to Flood Re. With all due respect to the values water differently where it is scarce and where it is hon. Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon), if this is plentiful. the best that three and a half years of intense negotiations There are technical measures in the Bill that will not can produce, I am not sure that congratulations are in be talked about in the Dog and Duck, but that are order. As I understand it, the scheme will cover only a groundbreaking—perhaps game changing would be a fraction of the 6 million homes that are deemed to be at better description. The change from using the environmental flood risk. improvement unit charge method of assessing over- I want to ask the Minister three questions. First, if it abstraction to putting it in the five yearly price review is is true that there is a 60% chance that the scheme will a major one that will make a big difference to how we fall into deficit, and if, as Professor Diacon, who was deal with the environmental damage that is caused by asked to review it, said, it relies on luck in the first place, over-abstraction. what are the contingency plans if the scheme falls I looked closely at new clause 5, which was tabled by apart? Secondly, what will be the trigger for the Government my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton and to intervene on the insurance companies if insurance other Members. I wondered whether it might be an premiums for everyone else, who will not be covered by elegant way forward. However, I think that it would the scheme, continue to rise to such a point that they face problems. There would be problems in getting the cannot afford them? 109 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 110

8.45 pm that, as she said, this is not a debate about the merits There is not a lot of mass flooding in my constituency, and demerits of fracking technology. It is about trying but in one particular area, on the River Rea near to ensure that there are safeguards in place. Her constituency Dogpool lane in Selly Park, homes have been flooded. is still suffering the fallout from open-cast mining not It was the same problem that everyone will be familiar having had sufficient guarantees in place, so I understand with—people were washed out and their belongings exactly where she is coming from. destroyed. In my question following today’s statement, I Given that time is incredibly short I will bring my mentioned a constituent whose insurance premium has remarks to a conclusion, but it is clear that the other gone up by 50% in 12 months. If insurance premiums place will have an important job to do in the weeks continue to rise, what will be the trigger for doing ahead. A number of issues in this group of amendments— something about it? If there is no trigger, this will all and indeed elsewhere—have not been addressed, and have been a waste of time. my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Finally, if Flood Re is not going to cover small and Oak (Steve McCabe) is right to say that we must consider micro-businesses, what is the Government’s plan for Flood Re in some detail. With the greatest respect, the them? Are we simply going to stand aside and see them Opposition will not simply go along with the Government washed away? because they have come to a deal and say that that is good enough; we need more detail from Ministers. We look forward to the Bill making progress but we will, as Thomas Docherty: May I wish you a warm and happy I have suggested, press some amendments to a vote. new year, Madam Deputy Speaker? We have had a thoughtful and knowledgeable debate Dan Rogerson: In the time available I shall seek to over the past hour and a half or so. I commend two respond to as many points as I can. The Chair of the Select Committee Chairmen and a former Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, the their remarks, even if we did not agree with every part hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh), of the former Minister’s interpretation of the past three has been a strong advocate of and campaigner for and a half years. sustainable drainage over many years, and the Government Time is limited, so I hope the House will understand are pressing ahead and implementing the requirement if I restrict my remarks to some of the new clauses. to secure approval for sustainable drainage systems for Unsurprisingly, the Opposition agree with the Environment, new developments under schedule 3 to the Flood and Food and Rural Affairs Committee about SUDS. I am Water Management Act 2010. Regrettably, it is looking sure that, as a former member of that Committee, the increasingly unlikely that we will be in a position to Minister will agree with himself on the issue. The hon. ensure that the scheme comes into force this April, Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh), who which was our preferred date for implementation as chairs the Committee, was right to highlight the increasing stated previously. I accept that that will be a great burden being placed on a network that, in many cases, is disappointment for the hon. Lady and other hon. Members, struggling to cope. We have heard that the ability to but I remain committed to introducing the legislation at cope with additional development is not always given the earliest opportunity.I plan to lay the relevant affirmative the consideration that it needs. I hope that the Minister regulations by April, to underline the Government’s will reflect on the cross-party support on that point that commitment to addressing flood risk. the hon. Lady demonstrated. I share the hon. Lady’s frustration that the process There is a broad coalition of opinion on abstraction has been so protracted, but we are working with developers reform, to which the hon. Member for Newbury (Richard and local government to develop the processes, standards Benyon) alluded, but it is not just made up of what he and guidance that are an integral part of a new SUDS might describe as the usual suspects—the non-governmental approvals and adoption regime, rather than just imposing organisations involved. That well known environmental them. That takes time, but it is time well spent if the end organisation the Food and Drink Federation made a result is an approach that is fair to all parties and submission to the Public Bill Committee. We welcomed successful from the outset because local government the Minister’s announcement in the Committee. It was and developers are fully prepared to take on their disappointing that his colleagues chose to make it to the respective new responsibilities. media before it was made to Parliament, but of course I Amendments 1, 2 and 3 address flooding on highways assign no responsibility for that to him. We welcome the or that caused by the run-off from highways. The causes consultation, but we agree with the Environment, Food of flooding can be complex and it is difficult to make a and Rural Affairs Committee that it is long overdue. general statement about them. There are already legislative I say to the hon. Member for Newbury that the powers to ensure that highway surface water drainage Government certainly could not be accused of legislating does not pollute or flood, and section 100 of the Highways in haste, because after almost four years we simply have Act 1980 enables the local highway authority to take not seen sufficient progress on abstraction reform. My action related to the drainage of highways—for example, hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood it can construct drains or erect barriers on the highway (Maria Eagle) and I look forward as Ministers in the or adjoining land to divert surface water into an existing next Parliament to taking such legislation through with drain. due speed, and we look forward to the support of The majority of new road drainage systems are not Conservative Members. connected to the public sewerage system. Typically, they My hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent North discharge under designated conditions, either to a (Joan Walley), the Chair of the Environmental Audit watercourse or a storage pond with controlled exits to Committee, made an incredibly thoughtful and logical a watercourse, or alternatively soak into the ground in a speech, and we support her new clause 6. We are clear designed manner. A decision to connect new highway 111 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 112

[Dan Rogerson] However, she rightly raised issues that could be addressed following Lord Krebs’s intervention in his letter. I am surface water to a combined or foul public sewer can be pleased to hear her calling for things such as betterment, made only subject to an agreement with the receiving meaning better quality reinstatement, and more information water authority. There is no automatic right to connect to customers, for which Lord Krebs has also called. new highway drainage to the public sewerage system. Many hon. Members would like to include that in We recognise, however, that in some cases local flooding discussions with the ABI. may be exacerbated by drainage from existing highways, On misconnections, the hon. Member for Edmonton and as I have said, the 2010 Act places a duty on lead (Mr Love) is aware that local authorities currently have local flood authorities to develop a local flood risk the power. We are not convinced that giving the power management strategy for their area. I hope hon. Members to companies would be helpful. His points are on the will be reassured by that. record and it is right that the Government take account Let me seek to address the points raised by the Chair of what he has said. I am happy to talk to him in future of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee to see that we get the right response. about flood insurance, and amendments 5, 6 and 7, There is only a very little time for me to respond to all which relate to small businesses. Flood Re has been the points hon. Members have made on abstraction. specifically designed to recreate the current cross-subsidy My predecessor as Minister, my hon. Friend the Member in the domestic home insurance market. There is little for Newbury (Richard Benyon), has rightly said that evidence that the same type of cross-subsidy applies in there is agreement in the House that we want progress. the commercial insurance market, and the majority of Action is taking place under the existing regime—the business insurance policies are already priced to risk. A Environment Agency has changed 77 licences since recent English business survey of more than 9,000 2008, returning around 75 billion litres of water per businesses in England found that fewer than 1% of year—but we need to go much further. That is why we businesses had experienced difficulty getting property are consulting. The process is under way and will lead insurance in the last year due to the risk of flooding, to legislation, hopefully with the support of all parties, and that no businesses had been refused insurance to reform that complicated system. However, we need cover due to such a risk. to do that properly. I do not believe it is appropriate to As outlined by the Association of British Insurers in do it in the way suggested in the new clause. its evidence session, businesses tend not to face the Finally, Government amendments 55 to 57, which I systematic issues that householders experience. We must have tabled, seek to clarify the resilience duty. We want also remember that Flood Re is funded through a levy to make it absolutely clear to hon. Members that we are on all household insurance policies. We have deliberately covering environmental sustainability. I hope the changes set that at £10.50, which the ABI estimates is the same we are making to the resilience duty will reassure hon. as the current cross-subsidy. Widening Flood Re to Members who believe that we need to elevate the sustainable include small businesses would significantly increase development duty that we are looking at environmental costs. We do not want someone living in a council tax resilience as well as social and economic resilience. band A property, for example, to subsidise the cost of insuring a private company that potentially earns up to Miss McIntosh: We have had a good debate on Flood £1 million a year. I am also mindful of the need to Re. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee comply with state aid rules. Government intervention wanted to flag up the point that the proposals do not to support business would be carefully scrutinised and reflect the value for money of other aspects of Government at greater risk of rejection—I know the hon. Lady is policy. familiar with that issue. We have also had a good debate on abstraction, but the jury is out. The Bill would be a retrograde step if On flood insurance and amendment 8, which was there is a severe drought between now and whenever the tabled by the same group of hon. Members, we are clear Government introduce provisions. that we are talking about a one-in-200-year annual loss, not a one-in-200-year flood event. If Flood Re is legally Obviously, both personally and on behalf of the responsible for claims above a one-in-200-year level, the Committee, I am disappointed that the SUDS provisions cost of the liability could be prohibitive. Likewise, if the will not be in place. The House would wish to record its Government took on a liability beyond a one-in-200-year disappointment and the fact that, if the regulations will level, we could expose the taxpayer to extremely large be introduced only in April, there is time before those and unpredictable costs. In such a catastrophic situation, who must apply them are in a position to do so. many more homes than would be insured by Flood Re However, mindful of the opportunities that hon. are likely to be affected. That is why the memorandum Members have had to debate the matter, and that the of understanding says that the Government of the day Bill must continue its passage, I beg to ask leave to would work with Flood Re and representatives of the withdraw the motion. insurance industry to decide how any available resources Clause, by leave, withdrawn. should be distributed to Flood Re customers if flooding exceeds such a level. New Clause 7 Government amendment 58 is a technical one. On the issues raised by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent NATIONAL AFFORDABILITY SCHEME North (Joan Walley), the Chair of the Environmental ‘(1) The Secretary of State must, by order, introduce a National Audit Committee—we discussed them in Committee—the Affordability Scheme for water. Government remain convinced that the existing provisions (2) The National Affordability Scheme must include an would be helpful enough in terms of the checks on eligibility criteria, determined by the Secretary of State, in companies’ financial probity and their technical ability. consultation with— 113 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 114

(a) the Water Services Regulation Authority; and Jones, Graham Qureshi, Yasmin (b) the Consumer Council for Water. Jones, Helen Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Jones, Mr Kevan Reed, Mr Jamie (3) An order under this section— Jones, Susan Elan Reed, Mr Steve (a) shall be made by statutory instrument; and Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Reeves, Rachel (b) may not be made unless a draft of the order has been Keeley, Barbara Reynolds, Emma laid before and approved by resolution of each Kendall, Liz Reynolds, Jonathan House of Parliament.’.—(Thomas Docherty.) Khan, rh Sadiq Robertson, John Brought up, and read the First time. Lammy, rh Mr David Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Question put, That the clause be read a Second time. Lavery, Ian Rotheram, Steve Lazarowicz, Mark Roy, Mr Frank The House divided: Ayes 216, Noes 291. Leslie, Chris Roy, Lindsay Division No. 166] [8.59 pm Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Ruane, Chris Lewis, Mr Ivan Ruddock, rh Dame Joan AYES Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Sarwar, Anas Love, Mr Andrew Sawford, Andy Abbott, Ms Diane Davidson, Mr Ian Lucas, Caroline Seabeck, Alison Abrahams, Debbie Davies, Geraint Lucas, Ian Sharma, Mr Virendra Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob De Piero, Gloria Mactaggart, Fiona Sheerman, Mr Barry Alexander, Heidi Denham, rh Mr John Mann, John Sheridan, Jim Ali, Rushanara Dobbin, Jim Marsden, Mr Gordon Shuker, Gavin Allen, Mr Graham Docherty, Thomas McCabe, Steve Simpson, David Anderson, Mr David Donohoe, Mr Brian H. McCarthy, Kerry Skinner, Mr Dennis Doran, Mr Frank Ashworth, Jonathan McClymont, Gregg Slaughter, Mr Andy Doughty, Stephen Austin, Ian McDonagh, Siobhain Smith, rh Mr Andrew Doyle, Gemma Bailey, Mr Adrian McDonald, Andy Smith, Angela Dugher, Michael Bain, Mr William McDonnell, John Smith, Nick Eagle, Ms Angela Balls, rh Ed McFadden, rh Mr Pat Eagle, Maria Smith, Owen Barron, rh Sir Kevin McGovern, Alison Spellar, rh Mr John Edwards, Jonathan McGovern, Jim Bayley, Hugh Stringer, Graham Efford, Clive McKechin, Ann Begg, Dame Anne Stuart, Ms Gisela Elliott, Julie McKenzie, Mr Iain Benn, rh Hilary Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Ellman, Mrs Louise McKinnell, Catherine Benton, Mr Joe Tami, Mark Esterson, Bill Meacher, rh Mr Michael Berger, Luciana Evans, Chris Mearns, Ian Thornberry, Emily Betts, Mr Clive Farrelly, Paul Miliband, rh Edward Timms, rh Stephen Blackman-Woods, Roberta Field, rh Mr Frank Miller, Andrew Trickett, Jon Blears, rh Hazel Fitzpatrick, Jim Mitchell, Austin Turner, Karl Blomfield, Paul Flello, Robert Moon, Mrs Madeleine Twigg, Derek Blunkett, rh Mr David Flint, rh Caroline Morden, Jessica Twigg, Stephen Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Flynn, Paul Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Vaz, rh Keith Brennan, Kevin Fovargue, Yvonne Morris, Grahame M. Walley, Joan Brown, Lyn Francis, Dr Hywel (Easington) Watts, Mr Dave Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Gapes, Mike Munn, Meg Whitehead, Dr Alan Gardiner, Barry Brown, Mr Russell Murphy, rh Mr Jim Williams, Hywel Gilmore, Sheila Bryant, Chris Murray, Ian Williamson, Chris Glass, Pat Burden, Richard Nandy, Lisa Wilson, Phil Glindon, Mrs Mary Burnham, rh Andy Nash, Pamela Winnick, Mr David Goodman, Helen Byrne, rh Mr Liam O’Donnell, Fiona Greatrex, Tom Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Campbell, Mr Alan Onwurah, Chi Woodcock, John Green, Kate Owen, Albert Campbell, Mr Ronnie Wright, David Greenwood, Lilian Pearce, Teresa Caton, Martin Wright, Mr Iain Griffith, Nia Perkins, Toby Champion, Sarah Gwynne, Andrew Phillipson, Bridget Tellers for the Ayes: Chapman, Jenny Hamilton, Mr David Pound, Stephen Tom Blenkinsop and Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hamilton, Fabian Powell, Lucy Seema Malhotra Clwyd, rh Ann Hanson, rh Mr David Coaker, Vernon Harris, Mr Tom NOES Connarty, Michael Healey, rh John Cooper, rh Yvette Hendrick, Mark Adams, Nigel Beith, rh Sir Alan Crausby, Mr David Hepburn, Mr Stephen Afriyie, Adam Bellingham, Mr Henry Creagh, Mary Hilling, Julie Aldous, Peter Benyon, Richard Creasy, Stella Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Amess, Mr David Beresford, Sir Paul Cruddas, Jon Hoey, Kate Andrew, Stuart Berry, Jake Cryer, John Bingham, Andrew Hood, Mr Jim Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Cunningham, Alex Binley, Mr Brian Hopkins, Kelvin Baker, Norman Cunningham, Mr Jim Howarth, rh Mr George Birtwistle, Gordon Baker, Steve Cunningham, Sir Tony Hunt, Tristram Blackman, Bob Baldry, rh Sir Tony Curran, Margaret Jackson, Glenda Blackwood, Nicola Dakin, Nic Jarvis, Dan Baldwin, Harriett Blunt, Mr Crispin Danczuk, Simon Johnson, rh Alan Barker, rh Gregory Boles, Nick David, Wayne Johnson, Diana Bebb, Guto Bone, Mr Peter 115 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 116

Bottomley, Sir Peter George, Andrew Maynard, Paul Sharma, Alok Bradley, Karen Gibb, Mr Nick McCartney, Jason Shelbrooke, Alec Brady, Mr Graham Gilbert, Stephen McCartney, Karl Simpson, Mr Keith Brake, rh Tom Glen, John McIntosh, Miss Anne Smith, Chloe Bray, Angie Goodwill, Mr Robert McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Smith, Henry Brazier, Mr Julian Graham, Richard McPartland, Stephen Smith, Julian Bridgen, Andrew Grayling, rh Chris McVey, Esther Smith, Sir Robert Brine, Steve Green, rh Damian Menzies, Mark Soames, rh Nicholas Brokenshire, James Greening, rh Justine Metcalfe, Stephen Soubry, Anna Brooke, Annette Griffiths, Andrew Miller, rh Maria Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Bruce, Fiona Gyimah, Mr Sam Mills, Nigel Spencer, Mr Mark Buckland, Mr Robert Halfon, Robert Milton, Anne Stephenson, Andrew Burley, Mr Aidan Hammond, Stephen Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Stevenson, John Burns, Conor Hancock, Matthew Moore, rh Michael Stewart, Bob Burrowes, Mr David Harper, Mr Mark Mordaunt, Penny Stewart, Iain Burstow, rh Paul Harrington, Richard Morgan, Nicky Stewart, Rory Burt, rh Alistair Harris, Rebecca Morris, Anne Marie Streeter, Mr Gary Burt, Lorely Hart, Simon Morris, David Stuart, Mr Graham Byles, Dan Harvey, Sir Nick Morris, James Stunell, rh Sir Andrew Cable, rh Vince Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Mosley, Stephen Sturdy, Julian Cairns, Alun Hayes, rh Mr John Mowat, David Swales, Ian Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Heald, Oliver Mulholland, Greg Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Heath, Mr David Mundell, rh David Swire, rh Mr Hugo Carmichael, Neil Heaton-Harris, Chris Munt, Tessa Syms, Mr Robert Carswell, Mr Douglas Hemming, John Murray, Sheryll Thornton, Mike Cash, Mr William Henderson, Gordon Murrison, Dr Andrew Thurso, John Chishti, Rehman Hendry, Charles Neill, Robert Timpson, Mr Edward Clappison, Mr James Hinds, Damian Newmark, Mr Brooks Tomlinson, Justin Clark, rh Greg Hoban, Mr Mark Newton, Sarah Tredinnick, David Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hollingbery, George Nokes, Caroline Truss, Elizabeth Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hollobone, Mr Philip Norman, Jesse Turner, Mr Andrew Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hopkins, Kris Nuttall, Mr David Tyrie, Mr Andrew Collins, Damian Howarth, Sir Gerald O’Brien, rh Mr Stephen Uppal, Paul Colvile, Oliver Howell, John Offord, Dr Matthew Vaizey, Mr Edward Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hughes, rh Simon Ollerenshaw, Eric Vickers, Martin Crabb, Stephen Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Ottaway, rh Sir Richard Walker, Mr Charles Crockart, Mike Huppert, Dr Julian Parish, Neil Walker, Mr Robin Crouch, Tracey Hurd, Mr Nick Patel, Priti Walter, Mr Robert Davey, rh Mr Edward Jackson, Mr Stewart Pawsey, Mark Ward, Mr David Davies, David T. C. James, Margot Penning, Mike Watkinson, Dame Angela (Monmouth) Jenkin, Mr Bernard Penrose, John Weatherley, Mike Davies, Glyn Johnson, Gareth Percy, Andrew Webb, Steve Davies, Philip Johnson, Joseph Perry, Claire Wharton, James Dinenage, Caroline Jones, Andrew Pickles, rh Mr Eric Wheeler, Heather Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Jones, rh Mr David Pincher, Christopher White, Chris Doyle-Price, Jackie Jones, Mr Marcus Poulter, Dr Daniel Whittaker, Craig Kelly, Chris Prisk, Mr Mark Whittingdale, Mr John Drax, Richard Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Pugh, John Wiggin, Bill Duddridge, James Kirby, Simon Raab, Mr Dominic Willetts, rh Mr David Duncan, rh Mr Alan Knight, rh Sir Greg Redwood, rh Mr John Williams, Roger Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Kwarteng, Kwasi Rees-Mogg, Jacob Williams, Stephen Ellis, Michael Lamb, Norman Reid, Mr Alan Williamson, Gavin Ellison, Jane Lancaster, Mark Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Willott, Jenny Ellwood, Mr Tobias Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Robertson, Mr Laurence Wilson, Mr Rob Elphicke, Charlie Laws, rh Mr David Rogerson, Dan Wollaston, Dr Sarah Eustice, George Leadsom, Andrea Rosindell, Andrew Wright, Jeremy Evans, Graham Lee, Jessica Rudd, Amber Wright, Simon Evans, Jonathan Lee, Dr Phillip Ruffley, Mr David Yeo, Mr Tim Evans, Mr Nigel Lefroy, Jeremy Russell, Sir Bob Young, rh Sir George Evennett, Mr David Leigh, Sir Edward Rutley, David Zahawi, Nadhim Fallon, rh Michael Leslie, Charlotte Sanders, Mr Adrian Farron, Tim Lewis, Brandon Sandys, Laura Tellers for the Noes: Featherstone, Lynne Lewis, Dr Julian Scott, Mr Lee Mark Hunter and Field, Mark Lidington, rh Mr David Selous, Andrew Gavin Barwell Foster, rh Mr Don Lilley, rh Mr Peter Fox,rhDrLiam Lloyd, Stephen Question accordingly negatived. Freeman, George Lord, Jonathan Freer, Mike Loughton, Tim Gale, Sir Roger Lumley, Karen Garnier, Sir Edward Macleod, Mary Garnier, Mark Main, Mrs Anne Gauke, Mr David Maude, rh Mr Francis 117 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 118

New Clause 11 Gapes, Mike Munn, Meg Gardiner, Barry Murphy, rh Mr Jim DUTIES OF UNDERTAKERS TO FURNISH THE Gilmore, Sheila Murray, Ian Glass, Pat Nandy, Lisa SECRETARY OF STATE WITH INFORMATION: ANNUAL Glindon, Mrs Mary Nash, Pamela REVIEW Goodman, Helen O’Donnell, Fiona ‘(1) Section 202 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (duties to Greatrex, Tom Onwurah, Chi undertakers to furnish the Secretary of State with information) is Green, Kate Owen, Albert amended as follows. Greenwood, Lilian Pearce, Teresa (2) After subsection (1A) there is inserted— Griffith, Nia Percy, Andrew “(1B) Any company with a duty under subsections (1) and Gwynne, Andrew Perkins, Toby (1A) must furnish the Secretary of State and the Authority with Hamilton, Mr David Phillipson, Bridget an annual review which provides information about— Hamilton, Fabian Pound, Stephen (a) their performance; Hanson, rh Mr David Powell, Lucy (b) the total amount of investment; Harris, Mr Tom Qureshi, Yasmin Healey, rh John Raynsford, rh Mr Nick (c) their taxation structure; Hendrick, Mark Reed, Mr Jamie (d) their corporate structure; and Hepburn, Mr Stephen Reed, Mr Steve (e) the total amount of dividends paid to shareholders. Hilling, Julie Reeves, Rachel (1C) Information under subsection (1B) must be provided Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Reynolds, Emma prior to the publication of the annual statement of the Secretary Hoey, Kate Reynolds, Jonathan of State under section 2A.”.’.—(Thomas Docherty.) Hood, Mr Jim Ritchie, Ms Margaret Brought up, and read the First time. Hopkins, Kelvin Robertson, John Howarth, rh Mr George Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Question put, That the clause be read a Second time. Hunt, Tristram Rotheram, Steve The House divided: Ayes 218, Noes 289. Jackson, Glenda Roy, Mr Frank Jarvis, Dan Roy, Lindsay Division No. 167] [9.13 pm Johnson, rh Alan Ruane, Chris Johnson, Diana Ruddock, rh Dame Joan AYES Jones, Graham Sarwar, Anas Abbott, Ms Diane Connarty, Michael Jones, Helen Sawford, Andy Abrahams, Debbie Cooper, rh Yvette Jones, Mr Kevan Seabeck, Alison Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Crausby, Mr David Jones, Susan Elan Sharma, Mr Virendra Alexander, Heidi Creagh, Mary Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Sheerman, Mr Barry Ali, Rushanara Creasy, Stella Keeley, Barbara Sheridan, Jim Allen, Mr Graham Cruddas, Jon Kendall, Liz Shuker, Gavin Anderson, Mr David Cryer, John Khan, rh Sadiq Simpson, David Ashworth, Jonathan Cunningham, Alex Lammy, rh Mr David Skinner, Mr Dennis Cunningham, Mr Jim Lavery, , Ian Slaughter, Mr Andy Cunningham, Sir Tony Lazarowicz, Mark Bailey, Mr Adrian Smith, rh Mr Andrew Curran, Margaret Leslie, Chris Bain, Mr William Smith, Angela Dakin, Nic Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Balls, rh Ed Smith, Nick Danczuk, Simon Lewis, Mr Ivan Barron, rh Sir Kevin Smith, Owen David, Wayne Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Spellar, rh Mr John Bayley, Hugh Davidson, Mr Ian Love, Mr Andrew Stringer, Graham Begg, Dame Anne Davies, Geraint Lucas, Caroline Stuart, Ms Gisela Benn, rh Hilary De Piero, Gloria Lucas, Ian Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Benton, Mr Joe Denham, rh Mr John Mactaggart, Fiona Tami, Mark Berger, Luciana Dobbin, Jim Mann, John Betts, Mr Clive Docherty, Thomas Marsden, Mr Gordon Thornberry, Emily Blackman-Woods, Roberta Donohoe, Mr Brian H. McCabe, Steve Timms, rh Stephen Blears, rh Hazel Doran, Mr Frank McCarthy, Kerry Trickett, Jon Blomfield, Paul Doughty, Stephen McClymont, Gregg Turner, Karl Blunkett, rh Mr David Doyle, Gemma McDonagh, Siobhain Twigg, Derek Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Dugher, Michael McDonald, Andy Twigg, Stephen Brennan, Kevin Durkan, Mark McDonnell, John Vaz, rh Keith Brown, Lyn Eagle, Ms Angela McFadden, rh Mr Pat Walley, Joan Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Eagle, Maria McGovern, Alison Watts, Mr Dave McGovern, Jim Brown, Mr Russell Edwards, Jonathan Whitehead, Dr Alan Efford, Clive McKechin, Ann Bryant, Chris Williams, Hywel Elliott, Julie McKenzie, Mr Iain Williamson, Chris Burden, Richard Ellman, Mrs Louise McKinnell, Catherine Wilson, Phil Burnham, rh Andy Esterson, Bill Meacher, rh Mr Michael Winnick, Mr David Byrne, rh Mr Liam Evans, Chris Mearns, Ian Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Campbell, Mr Alan Farrelly, Paul Miller, Andrew Woodcock, John Campbell, Mr Ronnie Mitchell, Austin Field, rh Mr Frank Wright, David Moon, Mrs Madeleine Caton, Martin Fitzpatrick, Jim Wright, Mr Iain Morden, Jessica Champion, Sarah Flello, Robert Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Chapman, Jenny Flint, rh Caroline Tellers for the Ayes: Morris, Grahame M. Tom Blenkinsop and Clarke, rh Mr Tom Flynn, Paul (Easington) Seema Malhotra Clwyd, rh Ann Fovargue, Yvonne Coaker, Vernon Francis, Dr Hywel 119 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 120

NOES Jones, Mr Marcus Pugh, John Kelly, Chris Raab, Mr Dominic Adams, Nigel Doyle-Price, Jackie Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Redwood, rh Mr John Afriyie, Adam Drax, Richard Kirby, Simon Rees-Mogg, Jacob Aldous, Peter Duddridge, James Knight, rh Sir Greg Reid, Mr Alan Amess, Mr David Duncan, rh Mr Alan Kwarteng, Kwasi Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Andrew, Stuart Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Lamb, Norman Robertson, Mr Laurence Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Ellis, Michael Lancaster, Mark Rogerson, Dan Baker, Norman Ellison, Jane Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Rosindell, Andrew Baker, Steve Ellwood, Mr Tobias Laws, rh Mr David Ruffley, Mr David Baldry, rh Sir Tony Elphicke, Charlie Leadsom, Andrea Russell, Sir Bob Baldwin, Harriett Eustice, George Lee, Jessica Rutley, David Barker, rh Gregory Evans, Graham Lee, Dr Phillip Sanders, Mr Adrian Barwell, Gavin Evans, Jonathan Lefroy, Jeremy Sandys, Laura Bebb, Guto Evans, Mr Nigel Leigh, Sir Edward Scott, Mr Lee Beith, rh Sir Alan Evennett, Mr David Leslie, Charlotte Selous, Andrew Bellingham, Mr Henry Fallon, rh Michael Lewis, Brandon Sharma, Alok Benyon, Richard Farron, Tim Lewis, Dr Julian Shelbrooke, Alec Beresford, Sir Paul Featherstone, Lynne Lidington, rh Mr David Simpson, Mr Keith Berry, Jake Field, Mark Lilley, rh Mr Peter Smith, Chloe Bingham, Andrew Foster, rh Mr Don Lloyd, Stephen Smith, Henry Binley, Mr Brian Fox,rhDrLiam Lord, Jonathan Smith, Julian Birtwistle, Gordon Freeman, George Loughton, Tim Smith, Sir Robert Blackman, Bob Freer, Mike Lumley, Karen Soames, rh Nicholas Blackwood, Nicola Gale, Sir Roger Macleod, Mary Soubry, Anna Blunt, Mr Crispin Garnier, Sir Edward Main, Mrs Anne Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Boles, Nick Garnier, Mark Maude, rh Mr Francis Spencer, Mr Mark Bone, Mr Peter Gauke, Mr David Maynard, Paul Stephenson, Andrew Bottomley, Sir Peter George, Andrew McCartney, Jason Stevenson, John Bradley, Karen Gibb, Mr Nick McCartney, Karl Stewart, Bob Brady, Mr Graham Gilbert, Stephen McIntosh, Miss Anne Stewart, Iain Brake, rh Tom Glen, John McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Stewart, Rory Bray, Angie Goodwill, Mr Robert McPartland, Stephen Streeter, Mr Gary Brazier, Mr Julian Graham, Richard McVey, Esther Stuart, Mr Graham Bridgen, Andrew Grayling, rh Chris Menzies, Mark Stunell, rh Sir Andrew Brine, Steve Green, rh Damian Metcalfe, Stephen Sturdy, Julian Brokenshire, James Greening, rh Justine Miller, rh Maria Swales, Ian Brooke, Annette Griffiths, Andrew Mills, Nigel Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Bruce, Fiona Gyimah, Mr Sam Milton, Anne Swire, rh Mr Hugo Buckland, Mr Robert Halfon, Robert Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Syms, Mr Robert Burley, Mr Aidan Hammond, Stephen Moore, rh Michael Thornton, Mike Burns, Conor Hancock, Matthew Mordaunt, Penny Thurso, John Burrowes, Mr David Harper, Mr Mark Morgan, Nicky Timpson, Mr Edward Burstow, rh Paul Harrington, Richard Morris, Anne Marie Tomlinson, Justin Burt, rh Alistair Harris, Rebecca Morris, David Tredinnick, David Burt, Lorely Hart, Simon Morris, James Truss, Elizabeth Byles, Dan Harvey, Sir Nick Mosley, Stephen Turner, Mr Andrew Cable, rh Vince Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Mowat, David Tyrie, Mr Andrew Cairns, Alun Hayes, rh Mr John Mundell, rh David Uppal, Paul Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Heald, Oliver Munt, Tessa Vaizey, Mr Edward Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Heath, Mr David Murray, Sheryll Vickers, Martin Carmichael, Neil Heaton-Harris, Chris Murrison, Dr Andrew Walker, Mr Charles Carswell, Mr Douglas Hemming, John Neill, Robert Walker, Mr Robin Cash, Mr William Henderson, Gordon Newmark, Mr Brooks Walter, Mr Robert Chishti, Rehman Hendry, Charles Newton, Sarah Ward, Mr David Clappison, Mr James Hinds, Damian Nokes, Caroline Watkinson, Dame Angela Clark, rh Greg Hoban, Mr Mark Norman, Jesse Weatherley, Mike Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hollingbery, George Nuttall, Mr David Webb, Steve Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hollobone, Mr Philip O’Brien, rh Mr Stephen Wharton, James Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hopkins, Kris Offord, Dr Matthew Wheeler, Heather Collins, Damian Howarth, Sir Gerald Colvile, Oliver Howell, John Ollerenshaw, Eric White, Chris Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hughes, rh Simon Ottaway, rh Sir Richard Whittaker, Craig Crabb, Stephen Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Parish, Neil Whittingdale, Mr John Crockart, Mike Huppert, Dr Julian Patel, Priti Wiggin, Bill Crouch, Tracey Hurd, Mr Nick Pawsey, Mark Willetts, rh Mr David Davey, rh Mr Edward Jackson, Mr Stewart Penning, Mike Williams, Roger Davies, David T. C. James, Margot Penrose, John Williams, Stephen (Monmouth) Jenkin, Mr Bernard Perry, Claire Williamson, Gavin Davies, Glyn Johnson, Gareth Pickles, rh Mr Eric Willott, Jenny Davies, Philip Johnson, Joseph Pincher, Christopher Wilson, Mr Rob Dinenage, Caroline Jones, Andrew Poulter, Dr Daniel Wollaston, Dr Sarah Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Jones, rh Mr David Prisk, Mr Mark Wright, Jeremy 121 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 122

Wright, Simon Tellers for the Noes: (b) the National Assembly for Wales, in the case of regulations Yeo, Mr Tim Mark Hunter and made by the Welsh Ministers. Young, rh Sir George Amber Rudd (5) Section 213(2) to (2B) applies to regulations made by the Zahawi, Nadhim Welsh Ministers under section 38ZA as it applies to regulations made by the Secretary of State.”’.—(Dan Rogerson.) Question accordingly negatived. Clause 30 Clause 12 STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE: SEWERAGE ARRANGEMENTS FOR WATER UNDERTAKERS TO TAKE Amendment made: 22, page 72, line 31, leave out WATER FROM OTHER PERSONS ‘prescribed’ and insert ‘specified in the direction’.— Amendment made: 13, page 48, line 8, after ‘213’, (Dan Rogerson.) insert ‘(2) to (2B)’.—(Dan Rogerson.)

Clause 22 Clause 64 Amendments made: 55, page 63, line 25, leave out ‘against’ and insert ‘regards’. EXPENSES OF RELEVANT BODIES Amendment 56, page 63, line 32, after ‘resources’ Amendment made: 58, page 115, line 34, leave out insert ‘in sustainable ways’. ‘relevant insurers’ and insert Amendment 57, page 63, line 32, after ‘demand’ ‘insurers of a description specified in the regulations’.—(Dan insert Rogerson.) ‘for water so as to reduce pressure on water resources’.—(Dan Rogerson.) Clause 77

Clause 29 TRANSITIONAL, TRANSITORY OR SAVING PROVISION

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE: WATER SUPPLY Amendment made: 59, page 123, line 20, at end Amendments made: 14, page 69, line 42, after ‘retail insert— authorisations’, insert ‘or restricted retail authorisations’. ‘( ) Schedule (Orders under section77: further provision) (further provision about orders under this section) has effect.’.— Amendment 15, page 69, line 42, leave out ‘Secretary (Dan Rogerson.) of State’ and insert ‘Minister’. Amendment 16, page 70, line 3, leave out ‘Secretary of State’ and insert ‘Minister’. New Schedule 1 Amendment 17, page 70, line 6, leave out ‘Secretary of State’ and insert ‘Minister’. ORDERS UNDER SECTION 77: FURTHER PROVISION Amendment 18, page 70, line 8, leave out ‘Secretary Introductory of State’s’ and insert ‘Minister’s’. 1 (1) The provision that may be made by an order under Amendment 19, page 70, line 31, at end insert— section 77 (“a section 77 order”) includes such provision as is mentioned in this Schedule. ‘(6) In this section— (2) Nothing in this Schedule affects the generality of section 77. “the Minister” means—— (a) the Secretary of State, in relation to supplies of New retail authorisations and the threshold requirement water made in accordance with a retail 2 (1) A section 77 order may make provision for the threshold authorisation; requirement (see section 17D of the Water Industry Act 1991) to (b) the Welsh Ministers, in relation to supplies of have effect for a relevant period in relation to the supply of water water made in accordance with a restricted to any premises, where the supply to those premises is made in retail authorisation; connection with the introduction of water into the supply system “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by of a water undertaker under a new wholesale authorisation. the Minister.”.’. (2) Provision under sub-paragraph (1) may in particular Amendment 20, page 70, line 47, leave out ‘prescribed’ include such modifications of Schedule 2A to the Water Industry and insert ‘specified in the direction’. Act 1991 (forms of authorisations given by water supply licences) as appear to the Secretary of State to be appropriate. Amendment 21, page 71, leave out lines 16 to 18 and insert— Modifications relating to new wholesale authorisations 3 (1) Where a section 77 order makes provision as regards new ‘(2) In the application of section 39 by virtue of subsection wholesale authorisations, that provision may include provision (1)— for provisions of the Water Industry Act 1991 to have effect for a (a) a reference to a water undertaker is to be treated as a relevant period with such modifications as appear to the reference to a water supply licensee, and Secretary of State to be appropriate. (b) a reference to the Secretary of State is to be treated as (2) Provision under sub-paragraph (1) may include provision a reference to the Minister (as defined in section for applying old provisions of the Water Industry Act 1991 with 38ZA(6)). such modifications as appear to the Secretary of State to be (3) Regulations under section 38ZA are to be made by statutory appropriate. instrument. (3) Provision under sub-paragraph (2) may in particular (4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under section provide for the application of provision in old section 66D(2) to 38ZA is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of— (8) for the purpose of determining— (a) either House of Parliament, in the case of regulations (a) the period for which, and made by the Secretary of State; (b) the terms and conditions on which, 123 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 124

a water undertaker’s duties under new section 66B or 66C are (c) provision for the Water Services Regulation Authority to be performed. to vary the agreement by order, on application by a (4) Provision under sub-paragraph (2) may in particular party to the agreement. provide for the application of provision in old section 66E for the (3) Before making provision under this paragraph in relation purpose of determining charges payable in respect of the to old section 66D agreements to which a water undertaker performance of a water undertaker’s duties under new section whose area is wholly or mainly in Wales is party, the Secretary of 66B or 66C. State must consult the Welsh Ministers. (5) Provision under sub-paragraph (1) may in particular make New section 66E and old section 66D agreements provision about the interpretation of references to a water 6 (1) A section 77 order may provide for new section 66E (rules undertaker’s supply system, including in particular provision for about charges that may be imposed under a section 66D such references to be treated as references to the supply system of agreement) to have effect for a relevant period as regards— a water undertaker as it is described in old section 17B. (a) charges payable under old section 66D agreements, or (6) Provision under sub-paragraph (1) may provide for (b) specified descriptions of charges payable under old modifications to have effect for different relevant periods. section 66D agreements. (7) Provision under sub-paragraph (1) may make provision— (2) Provision under sub-paragraph (1) may include provision (a) in relation to new wholesale authorisations that for making such modifications of— authorise the introduction of water into the supply (a) new sections 66E to 66ED, and system of a water undertaker whose area is wholly or mainly in England, (b) old sections 66A to 66D and 66F, (b) in relation to new wholesale authorisations that as appear to the Secretary of State to be appropriate. authorise the introduction of water into the supply (3) Provision under sub-paragraph (1) may provide for the system of a water undertaker whose area is wholly or modification of old section 66D agreements and may in particular mainly in Wales, or include provision for the Water Services Regulation Authority to (c) in relation to new wholesale authorisations that vary the agreement by order, on application by a party to the authorise the introduction of water into the supply agreement. system of any water undertaker. (4) Before making provision under this paragraph in relation (8) Before making provision falling within sub-paragraph (7)(b) to the supply of water using the supply system of a water or (c), the Secretary of State must consult the Welsh Ministers. undertaker whose area is wholly or mainly in Wales, the Secretary of State must consult the Welsh Ministers. Modifications relating to new supplementary authorisations Interpretation 4 (1) Where a section 77 order makes provision as regards new supplementary authorisations, that provision may include 7 (1) In this Schedule— provision for provisions of the Water Industry Act 1991 to have “new restricted retail authorisation” means a restricted effect for a relevant period with such modifications as appear to retail authorisation given by a new water supply the Secretary of State to be appropriate. licence; (2) Provision under sub-paragraph (1) may include provision “new retail authorisation” means a retail authorisation for applying old provisions of the Water Industry Act 1991 with given by a new water supply licence; such modifications as appear to the Secretary of State to be “new supplementary authorisation”means a supplementary appropriate. authorisation given by a new water supply licence; “new water supply licence” means a water supply (3) Provision under sub-paragraph (2) may in particular licence granted under new section 17A; provide for the application of provision in old section 66D(2) to (8) for the purpose of determining— “new wholesale authorisation” means a wholesale authorisation given by a new water supply licence; (a) the period for which, and “old section 66D agreement” means such agreement or (b) the terms and conditions on which, determination as is mentioned in old section 66D(3); a water undertaker’s duties under new section 66B or 66C are “old water supply licence” means a water supply to be performed. licence granted under old section 17A. (4) Provision under sub-paragraph (2) may in particular (2) In this Schedule “relevant period” means— provide for the application of provision in old section 66E for (a) a period specified in or determined in accordance with the purpose of determining charges payable in respect of the a section 77 order, or performance of a water undertaker’s duties under new (b) a period that— section 66B or 66C. (i) begins at a time specified in or determined in accordance (5) Provision under sub-paragraph (1) may provide for with a section77 order, and modifications to have effect for different relevant periods. (ii) ends at such time as the Secretary of State may (6) Before making provision under this paragraph, the specify by order. Secretary of State must consult the Welsh Ministers. (3) Before making provision under sub-paragraph (2)(a) or Old section 66D agreements and new water supply licences (b)(i) or making an order under sub-paragraph (2)(b)(ii) that affects provision to which paragraph 3(8), 4(6) or 6(4) applies, the 5 (1) A section 77 order may include provision for securing Secretary of State must consult the Welsh Ministers. that an old section 66D agreement continues to have effect in a case where the person who entered into the agreement as the (4) In this Schedule a reference to an old provision is a holder of an old water supply licence is granted a new water reference to a provision of the Water Industry Act 1991 as it has supply licence. effect before the coming into force of an amendment or repeal of that provision made by this Act. (2) Provision under sub-paragraph (1) may provide for the modification of the agreement and may in particular include— (5) In this Schedule a reference to a new provision is a reference to— (a) provision for treating a reference in the agreement to the old water supply licence as reference to the new (a) a provision of the Water Industry Act 1991 after an water supply licence; amendment of that provision made by this Act has come into force, or (b) provision for treating a reference in the agreement to an authorisation given under the old licence as a (b) a provision of the Water Industry Act 1991 inserted by reference to an authorisation or authorisations given this Act.’.—(Dan Rogerson.) under the new licence; Brought up, and added to the Bill. 125 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 126

Schedule 4 (2) In the application of section 96 by virtue of subsection (1)— SEWERAGE UNDERTAKERS’ DUTIES AS REGARDS (a) a reference to a sewerage undertaker is to be treated as SEWERAGE LICENSEES a reference to a sewerage licensee, and Amendment made: 23, page 158, line 13, leave out (b) a reference to the Secretary of State is to be treated as a reference to the Minister (as defined in section ‘taking away matter discharged from the’ 95ZA(6)). and insert ‘providing sewerage services to’.—(Dan (3) Regulations under section 95ZA are to be made by statutory Rogerson.) instrument. (4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under section 95ZA is subject to annulment in pursuance of a Schedule 5 resolution of— (a) either House of Parliament, in the case of regulations EXTENSION OF LICENSING PROVISIONS IN RELATION TO made by the Secretary of State; WALES (b) the National Assembly for Wales, in the case of Amendments made: 24, page 164, line 44, at end regulations made by the Welsh Ministers. insert— (5) Section 213(2) to (2B) applies to regulations made by the 24A (1) Section 38ZA (standards of performance in connection Welsh Ministers under section 95ZA as it applies to regulations with the supply of water: water supply licensees) (inserted by made by the Secretary of State.”’. section 29) is amended as follows. Amendment 28, page 169, line 13, at end insert— (2) In subsection (1), the words “or restricted retail authorisations” 44A In section 195(3AA), after “water supply licensee” there is are repealed. inserted “or a sewerage licensee”.’.—(Dan Rogerson.) (3) In subsection (6), for the definition of “the Minister” there is substituted— “the Minister” means— Schedule 7 (a) the Secretary of State, in respect of the supply of water by a water supply licensee in accordance FURTHER AMENDMENTS with the licensee’s retail authorisation using Amendments made: 60, page 172, line 14, at end the supply system of a water undertaker whose insert— area is wholly or mainly in England; (b) the Welsh Ministers, in respect of the supply of ‘Water Act 1989 (c. 15) water by a water supply licensee in accordance (1) Section 174 of the Water Act 1989 (general restrictions on with the licensee’s retail authorisation using disclosure of information) is amended as follows. the supply system of a water undertaker (2) In subsection (2)(b)— whose area is wholly or mainly in Wales;”.’. (a) for “company” there is substituted “person”; Amendment 25, page 165, line 4, at end insert— (b) for “on it” there is substituted “on the undertaker or, 26A In section 63AC(4) (as substituted by section31), the words as the case may be, the person”. “or a restricted retail authorisation” are repealed.’. (3) In subsection (6)(a)— Amendment 26, page 166, line 27, at end insert— (a) for “company” there is substituted “person”; 35A (1) Section 95ZA (standards of performance in (b) for “its licence”there is substituted “the person’s licence”.’. connection with provision of sewerage services: sewerage licensees) (inserted by section 30) is amended as follows. Amendment 29, page 173, line 14, after ‘40F,’, insert ‘63AC to 63AF,’. (2) In the following places— (a) the opening words of subsection (1), Amendment 30, page 173, line 16, after ‘110G,’, insert ‘110L to 110O,’. (b) subsection (1)(b)(i), and (c) subsection (2), Amendment 31, page 189, line 16, after ‘manner’, insert ‘and with such frequency’. for “the Secretary of State” there is substituted “the Minister”. Amendment 32, page 189, line 22, at end insert— (3) In subsection (2), for “Secretary of State’s” there is substituted “Minister’s”. ‘(1B) The Authority may direct that the requirement in subsection (1A) is not to apply to such water supply licensees as (4) After subsection (5) there is inserted— may be specified in the direction.”’. (6) In this section— Amendment 33, page 189, line 23, leave out from “the Minister” means— ‘subsection (2),’ to end of line 24 and insert (a) the Secretary of State, in respect of the provision of services by a sewerage licensee in accordance ‘for “any such direction” there is substituted “a direction under with the licensee’s retail authorisation using subsection (1) or (1A)”.’. the sewerage system of a sewerage undertaker Amendment 34, page 189, line 24, at end insert— whose area is wholly or mainly in England; ‘(4A) In subsection (2B), for “section 17B(5)” there is (b) the Welsh Ministers, in respect of the provision substituted “section 17B”.’. of services by a sewerage licensee in accordance with the licensee’s retail authorisation using Amendment 35, page 192, line 12, at end insert— the sewerage system of a sewerage undertaker ‘(2A) In subsection (1), in the opening words, after “above” whose area is wholly or mainly in Wales; there is inserted “or section 63AC(2)”.’. “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by Amendment 36, page 195, line 18, at end insert— the Minister.”’. ‘80A In section 95B (publication of statistical information Amendment 27, page 166, line 27, at end insert— about complaints)— 35B In section 96ZA (procedure for regulations under section (a) in subsection (1), after “undertakers” there is inserted 95ZA) (inserted by section30), for subsection (2) there is substituted— “or sewerage licensees”; 127 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 128

(b) in subsection (2), after “undertakers” there is inserted (a) after “sewerage undertaker” there is inserted “or a “or sewerage licensees”.’. sewerage licensee”; Amendment 37, page 195, line 18, at end insert— (b) after “to the undertaker” there is inserted “or the licensee (as the case may be)”. 80B (1) Section 96A (information to be given to customers about overall performance) is amended as follows. (4) In subsection (5), after “certain charges” there is inserted “by relevant undertakers”.’. (2) In subsection (1), after “customers” there is inserted “, and, if the direction so specifies, sewerage licensees using the Amendment 44, page 196, line 16, at end insert— undertaker’s sewerage system for the purpose of providing ‘88A In section 147 (charging for use of emergency water), in sewerage services to the premises of customers,”. subsection (1), after “undertaker” there is inserted “or water (3) After subsection (1) there is inserted— supply licensee”.’. (1A) Each sewerage licensee must, in such form and manner Amendment 45, page 196, line 16, at end insert— and with such frequency as the Authority may direct, take steps ‘88B In section 150 (fixing maximum charges for services to inform the licensee’s customers of— provided with the help of undertakers’ services), for subsection (1A) (a) the standards of overall performance established under there is substituted— section 95ZA(1) which are applicable to that licensee; (1A) This section does not apply to— (b) that licensee’s level of performance as regards those (a) water supplies provided by a water supply licensee, or standards. (b) sewerage services provided by a sewerage licensee, (1B) The Authority may direct that the requirement in to premises of customers in accordance with Chapter 1A of subsection (1A) is not to apply to such sewerage licensees as may Part 2.”’. be specified in the direction.” Amendment 46, page 196, line 16, at end insert— (4) In subsection (2), for “any such direction” there is ‘88C In section 152 (grants for national security purposes), in substituted “a direction under subsection (1) or (1A)”. subsection (1), for “and licensed water suppliers” there is (5) After subsection (2) there is inserted— substituted “, water supply licensees and sewerage licensees”.’. (2A) The sewerage licensees referred to in subsection (1) shall, Amendment 61, page 196, line 16, at end insert— if the Authority so directs, pass on the information about the ‘In section 148 (restriction on charging for metering works), in matters mentioned in that subsection to their customers. subsection (2)(cc), after “section 66D” there is inserted “or (2B) In subsection (1), the reference to the sewerage 117E”.’. undertaker’s sewerage system is to be construed in accordance Amendment 62, page 197, line 7, at end insert— with section 17BA(7).” 1 (1) Section 16 2 (works in connection with metering) is (6) In subsection (3), after “undertaker” there is inserted “or amended as follows. sewerage licensee”.’. (2) In subsection (1A)— Amendment 38, page 195, line 26, at end insert— (a) in paragraph (d), for “licensed water supplier” there is ‘83A In section 102 (adoption of sewers and disposal works), substituted “water supply licensee”; in subsection (4) (sewerage undertaker to give notice of (b) after paragraph (d) there is inserted “, or proposal), after “under this section” there is inserted— (e) a sewerage licensee provides sewerage services in “(za) shall give notice of its proposal to any sewerage respect of those premises using the undertaker’s licensee which uses, or removes matter from, the sewerage system.” undertaker’s sewerage system in accordance with a (3) In subsection (1B), for “section 17B(5)” there is substituted retail, wholesale or disposal authorisation;”.’. “section 17B”. Amendment 39, page 195, line 34, at end insert— (4) After subsection (1B) there is inserted— ‘85A In section 105C (adoption schemes: supplementary), in (1C) In subsection (1A)(e) above, the reference to the sewerage subsection (2), after paragraph (a) insert— system of a sewerage undertaker shall be construed in “(aa) any sewerage licensee which uses, or removes matter accordance with section 17BA.”’. from, the sewerage system of any such sewerage Amendment 63, page 197, line 7, at end insert— undertaker in accordance with a retail, wholesale or ‘In section 163 (power to fit stopcocks), in subsection (1), for disposal authorisation;”.’. “a licensed water supplier” there is substituted “a water supply Amendment 40, page 196, line 8, at end insert— licensee”.’. ‘87A In section 113 (power to alter drainage system of Amendment 64, page 197, line 16, at end insert— premises in an area), in subsection (3), for the words from “notice 1 (1) Section 174 (offences of interferences with works etc) is of its proposals to” to the end of the subsection substitute “— amended as follows. (a) the owner of the premises in question, and (2) In subsection (1A)(a)— (b) any sewerage licensee providing sewerage services to (a) in sub-paragraph (i)— those premises.”’. (i) for “any licensed water supplier” there is substituted Amendment 41, page 196, line 8, at end insert— “any water supply licensee”; ‘87B In section 117 (interpretation of Chapter 2), in subsection (ii) for “any such supplier” there is substituted “any (5)(a), after “the Water Resources Act 1991” there is inserted “or such licensee”; the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations (b) in sub-paragraph (ii)— 2010 (S.I. 2010/675)”.’. (i) for “the supplier” there is substituted “the licensee”; Amendment 42, page 196, leave out lines 9 and 10 (ii) for “its licence” there is substituted “the licensee’s and insert— licence”. 88 (1) Section 146 (connection charges etc) is amended as (3) In subsection (2)(b), for “licensed water supplier” there is follows. substituted “water supply licensee”. (4) In subsection (2A)— (2) After subsection (3) there is inserted—’. (a) in paragraph (b), in the opening words, for “a licensed Amendment 43, page 196, line 16, at end insert— water supplier” there is substituted “a water supply ‘(3) In subsection (4)— licensee”; 129 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 130

(b) in paragraph (b)(i), for “the supplier” there is substituted (d) after “Part II of this Act or” there is inserted “to all the “the licensee”; persons holding”. (c) in paragraph (b)(ii), for “the supplier”, in both places, (5) In subsection (5), for “or licensed water supplier” there is there is substituted “the licensee”; substituted “, water supply licensee or sewerage licensee”.’. (d) in the words following paragraph (b), for “section Amendment 52, page 197, line 31, at end insert— 17B(5)” there is substituted “section 17B”. 92F (1) In section 205 (exchange of metering information (5) In subsection (3A)— between undertakers), in subsection (4)— (a) in the opening words, for “the licensed water supplier” (a) the “and” at the end of paragraph (a) is repealed; there is substituted “the water supply licensee”; (b) in paragraph (b), for “licensed water supplier” there is (b) in paragraph (a)(i), for “a licensed water supplier” substituted “water supply licensee”; there is substituted “a water supply licensee”; (c) after paragraph (b), there is inserted— (c) in paragraph (a)(ii)— “(c) any sewerage licensee.”’. (i) for “the supplier” there is substituted “the licensee”; (ii) for “its licence” there is substituted “the licensee’s Amendment 53, page 197, line 31, at end insert— licence”; 92G (1) Section 206 (restriction on disclosure of information) (d) in paragraph (b), for “a supplier”, in both places, there is amended as follows. is substituted “licensee”. (1) In subsection (3)(b), for “a licensed water supplier of any (6) In subsection (5A)— of the duties imposed on it” there is substituted “a water supply (a) in paragraph (a), for “a licensed water supplier” there is licensee or sewerage licensee of any of the duties imposed on the substituted “a water supply licensee”; licensee”. (b) in paragraph (b)— (2) In subsection (5)(a), for “a licensed water supplier of (i) for “the supplier” there is substituted “the licensee”; activities under its licence” there is substituted “a water supply licensee or sewerage licensee of activities under the licence held (ii) for “its licence” there is substituted “the licensee’s by the licensee”.’. licence”; (7) In subsection (8A)(b)— Amendment 65, page 197, line 31, at end insert— (a) for “a licensed water supplier” there is substituted “a 1 (1) Section 203 (power to acquire information for water supply licensee”; enforcement purposes) is amended as follows. (b) for “the supplier” there is substituted “the licensee”.’. (2) In subsection (1)— Amendment 47, page 197, line 31, at end insert— (a) in paragraph (a)(ii), for “company” there is substituted “person”; 92A (1) Section 195 (the Authority’s register) is amended as (b) in paragraph (b), in the opening words— follows. (i) for “company which” there is substituted “person (2) In subsection (2)— who”; (a) in paragraph (bc), for “66D(1)” there is substituted (ii) for “the company” there is substituted “the person”. “66CA(1)”; (3) In subsection (7), after “such an appointment or” there is (b) in paragraph (g), for “or 66H above” there is inserted “a person holding such a”.’. substituted “, 66H, 117N or 117O”. Amendment 66, page 197, line 31, at end insert— (3) In subsection (3AA), for “licensed water supplier” there is substituted “water supply licensee”. 1 (1) Section 208 (directions in the interests of national security) is amended as follows. (4) Subsection (3A) is repealed.’. (2) In subsection (1)— Amendment 48, page 197, line 31, at end insert— (a) for “or licensed water supplier” there is substituted “, 92B (1) Section 195A (reasons for decisions) is amended as water supply licensee or sewerage licensee”; follows. (b) for “or supplier” there is substituted “or licensee”. (2) In subsection (1)(f), for “66D(1)” there is substituted (3) In subsection (2)— “66CA(1)”. (a) for “or licensed water supplier” there is substituted “, (3) In subsection (3), after “appointment or” there is inserted water supply licensee or sewerage licensee”; “the person holding the”.’. (b) for “or supplier” there is substituted “or licensee”; Amendment 49, page 197, line 31, at end insert— (c) for “requiring it” there is substituted “requiring that 92C (1) Section 201 (publication of certain information and undertaker or licensee”. advice) is amended as follows. (4) In subsection (3)— (2) In subsection (1)(b), for “company” there is substituted (a) for “or licensed water supplier”, in both places, there is “person”. substituted “, water supply licensee or sewerage (3) In subsection (2), after “Part II of this Act or” there is licensee”; inserted “a person holding”.’. (b) for “on it” there is substituted “on that undertaker or Amendment 50, page 197, line 31, at end insert— licensee”; 92D (1) Section 202 (duties of undertakers to furnish the (c) for “to it” there is substituted “to that undertaker or Secretary of State with information) is amended as follows. licensee”.’. (2) In subsection (1A), for “company”, in both places, there is Amendment 67, page 197, line 31, at end insert— substituted “person”. ‘In section 211 (limitation on right to prosecute in respect of (3) In subsection (3), for “company”, in each place, there is sewerage offences), in paragraph (b), after “undertaker;” there is substituted “person”. inserted— (4) In subsection (4)(c)— “(ba) a sewerage licensee;”.’. (a) after “particular company” there is inserted “or Amendment 68, page 197, leave out lines 32 and 33 person”; and insert— (b) after “to companies” there is inserted “or persons”; 1 (1) Section 213 (powers to make regulations) is amended as (c) for “description or” there is substituted “description,”; follows. 131 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 132

(2) In subsection (1)— undertaker must send a copy of the notice to the sewerage (a) the words “17D(8),” are repealed; licensee.”’. (b) after “36A” there is inserted “, 66M”. Amendment 75, page 198, line 3, at end insert— (3) In subsection (2)(a), for “or sewerage undertaker or ‘Water Resources Act 1991 (c. 57) licensed water supplier” there is substituted “, sewerage The Water Resources Act 1991 is amended as follows. undertaker, water supply licensee or sewerage licensee”.’. (1) Section 203 (exchange of information with respect to Amendment 69, page 197, line 35, at end insert— pollution incidents etc) is amended as follows. ( ) in the definition of “customer or potential customer”, (2) In subsection (1A)— in paragraph (a), for “licensed water supplier” there is (a) for “licensed water supplier” there is substituted “water substituted “water supply licensee or sewerage supply licensee”; licensee”;’. (b) for “supplier” there is substituted “licensee”; Amendment 70, page 197, line 37, at end insert— (c) for “its licence” there is substituted “the licensee’s ( ) in the definition of “sewerage services”, for “includes” licence”. there is substituted “— (3) In subsection (2A)— (a) in the case of a sewerage undertaker, includes”; (a) for “licensed water supplier” there is substituted “water ( ) in that definition, after the paragraph (a) so formed supply licensee”; there is inserted “or (b) for “supplier” there is substituted “licensee”. (b) in the case of a sewerage licensee, means the services (4) In subsection (3)— provided by that person in that person’s capacity as a sewerage licensee;”;’. (a) for “licensed water supplier” there is substituted “water supply licensee”; Amendment 71, page 198, line 3, at end insert— (b) for “supplier” there is substituted “licensee”. ‘( ) After subsection (10) there is inserted— (5) In subsection (4), for “licensed water supplier” there is (11) Subsection (10) does not apply to references to the Chief substituted “water supply licensee”. Inspector of Drinking Water in sections 8, 17AA, 51CA, 51CB, (6) In subsection (5)(b), for “licensed water supplier” there is 66DB, 66P and 86ZA.”’. substituted “water supply licensee”. Amendment 72, page 198, line 3, at end insert— (7) In subsection (8)— ‘In Schedule 1A (the Water Services Regulation Authority), in (a) for “licensed water supplier” there is substituted “water paragraph 9(3), for paragraph (f) (and the “and” following it) supply licensee”; there is substituted— (b) for “a company” there is substituted “a person”.’. (f) water supply licensees; Amendment 76, page 198, line 3, at end insert— (fa) sewerage licensees; and”.’. 1 (1) Section 204 (restriction on disclosure of information) is Amendment 73, page 198, line 3, at end insert— amended as follows. ‘1 (1) Schedule 2 (transitional provision on termination of (2) In subsection (2)(b)— appointments) is amended as follows. (a) for “company” there is substituted “person”; (2) In paragraph 1— (b) for “on it” there is substituted “on the undertaker or, (a) in sub-paragraph (3A)(a), for “a qualifying licensed as the case may be, the person”. water supplier” there is substituted “a qualifying water (3) In subsection (4)(a)— supply licensee or a qualifying sewerage licensee”; (a) for “a company” there is substituted “a person”; (b) in sub-paragraph (3A)(b), for “carry on activities” (b) for “its licence” there is substituted “the person’s there is substituted “carry on— licence”.’. (i) activities”; Amendment 77, page 198, line 10, at end insert— (c) in sub-paragraph (3A)(b), after the sub-paragraph (i) ‘Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) so formed there is inserted “; or The Enterprise Act 2002 is amended as follows. (i) activities relating to the removal or removals of matter mentioned in section 23(9) of this Act (1) Section 168 (regulated markets) is amended as follows. which were carried on by the transferor until that (2) In subsection (3)(ff), after “section 66D” there is inserted date (as the case may be).”; “or 117E”. (d) in sub-paragraph (4), in the definition of “other (3) In subsection (4)(ff), after “section 66D”, in both places, relevant companies”, for “to be holding” there is there is inserted “or 117E”.’. substituted “to be— Amendment 78, page 198, line 10, at end insert— (a) holding”; ‘In section 249 (special administration regime), in subsection (e) in sub-paragraph (4), in that definition, after the (1)(aa)— paragraph (a) so formed there is inserted “or (a) for “licensed water supplier” there is substituted “water (b) holding appointments as sewerage undertakers for any supply licensee”; area in which, or in part of which, the activities (b) after “administration order)” there is inserted “or a relating to the removal or removals of matter qualifying sewerage licensee within the meaning of mentioned in section 23(9) of this Act will be carried subsection (8) of that section”.’. on by the transferee (as the case may be);”. Amendment 79, page 198, line 14, at end insert— (3) In paragraph 2(7A)(b), for “licensed water supplier” there 1 (1) Section 52 (co-operation between water regulators) is is substituted “water supply licensee or sewerage licensee”.’. amended as follows. Amendment 74, page 198, line 3, at end insert— (2) In subsection (3)— ‘In Schedule 8 (pre-1989 Act transitional authority for trade (a) in paragraph (a), for “and licensed water suppliers” effluent discharges etc), after paragraph 2(3) there is inserted— there is substituted “, water supply licensees and (3A) If a sewerage undertaker serves a notice under sewerage licensees”; sub-paragraph (2) in relation to premises in respect of which a (b) in paragraph (b), for “licensed water suppliers” there is sewerage licensee provides sewerage services, the sewerage substituted “water supply licensees”; 133 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 134

(c) in paragraph (c), for “and licensed water suppliers” (b) at the appropriate place there is inserted— there is substituted “, water supply licensees and ““sewerage licensee” has the same meaning as in sewerage licensees”. Part 1;”; (3) After subsection (8) there is inserted— ““water supply licensee” has the same meaning as in “(9) In this section— Part 1.”’. “sewerage licensee” means a person holding a sewerage Amendment 86, page 198, line 31, at end insert— licence under Chapter 1A of Part 2 of the Water Industry Act 1991; ‘In section 52 (enforcement of requirements imposed under Part 2), in subsection (3), for “or licensed water supplier” there is “water supply licensee” means a person holding a substituted “, water supply licensee or sewerage licensee”.’. water supply licence under Chapter 1A of Part 2 of the Water Industry Act 1991.”’. Amendment 87, page 198, line 33, at end insert— Amendment 80, page 198, line 31, at end insert— In section 6 (other Part 1 definitions), in subsection (11) (“water company”)— ‘Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32) (a) in the opening words, the words “a company which In Schedule 7 to the Government of Wales Act 2006 (Acts of holds” are repealed; the Assembly), in paragraph 19 (water and flood defence), in the second exception, for “licensed water supplier” there is (b) in paragraph (a), at the beginning insert “a company substituted “water supply licensee”.’. which holds”; Amendment 81, page 198, line 31, at end insert— (c) in paragraph (b), at the beginning insert “a person who holds”.’.—(Dan Rogerson.) ‘Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 (c. 17) The Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 is amended as follows. Schedule 11 In section 4 (meaning of “designated consumers”), in subsection (3)— COMMENCEMENT ORDERS: APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY (a) for “or a licensed water supplier” there is substituted “, Amendment made: 54, page 214, line 21, at end a water supply licensee or a sewerage licensee”; insert— (b) for “its capacity” there is substituted “the undertaker’s or licensee’s capacity”.’. ‘Section29 The Secretary of State, in relation to supplies of Amendment 82, page 198, line 31, at end insert— water made in accordance with a retail authorisation. ‘(1) Section 25 (enforcement by regulator of section 24 notice) The Welsh Ministers, in relation to supplies of is amended as follows. water made in accordance with a restricted retail (2) In subsection (2), for “its capacity” there is substituted “the authorisation.’. —(Dan Rogerson.) person’s capacity”. Third Reading (3) In subsection (3), in the table, for “or licensed water supplier” there is substituted “, water supply licensee or sewerage Queen’s consent signified. licensee”. (4) In subsection (7), for “or licensed water supplier” there is 9.26 pm substituted “, water supply licensee or sewerage licensee”.’. Dan Rogerson: I beg to move, That the Bill be now Amendment 83, page 198, line 31, at end insert— read the Third time. In section 33 (supplementary provision about transfer and I begin by thanking those who have been involved in abolition orders), in subsection (10)— the Bill. Members of the Public Bill Committee, under (a) for “or a licensed water supplier” there is substituted “, a water supply licensee or a sewerage licensee”; the excellent co-chairmanship of the hon. Members for Halifax (Mrs Riordan) and for North Wiltshire (b) for “its capacity” there is substituted “the undertaker’s or licensee’s capacity”.’. (Mr Gray), did an outstanding job of ensuring that critical issues were debated in depth, and the considered Amendment 84, page 198, line 31, at end insert— amendments that were tabled allowed us to explore ‘In section 41 (interpretation of Part 1), in subsection (1)— several issues in detail. I thank hon. Members on both (a) the definition of “licensed water supplier” is repealed; sides of the House for their contributions over the past (b) at the appropriate place there is inserted— weeks and months—and, indeed, today. Members of ““sewerage licensee” means a person holding a the EFRA Committee scrutinised the draft Bill, and I sewerage licence under Chapter 1A of Part 2 of was grateful for the continued engagement of current the Water Industry Act 1991;”; and former members of that Committee during our ““water supply licensee” means a person holding a debates on the Bill, including on Report. The Bill leaves water supply licence under Chapter 1A of Part 2 the House stronger as a result of the changes made to of the Water Industry Act 1991.”’. the draft Bill before the introduction of this legislation, Amendment 85, page 198, line 31, at end insert— and the amendments made in Committee and on Report. ‘(1) Section 42 (interpretation of Part 2) is amended as follows. The Bill addresses difficult challenges that we all (2) In subsection (1), in the table— accept that we are facing. Climate change and population (a) in the first column, for “or licensed water supplier” growth will place our water resources under more pressure there is substituted “, water supply licensee or than ever before. At the same time, unfortunately, it is sewerage licensee”; widely recognised that the future holds more frequent (b) in the second column, for “or licensed water supplier in and severe weather events. We need to keep bills affordable its capacity” there is substituted “, water supply while addressing those challenges, which means finding licensee or sewerage licensee in the undertaker’s or new approaches to encourage innovation and greater licensee’s capacity”. efficiency in the water industry. We also need an affordable (3) In subsection (2)— solution to the problem of flood insurance for those at (a) the definition of “licensed water supplier” is repealed; high risk of flooding. 135 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 136

[Dan Rogerson] We are preparing to open the expanded retail market in 2017. Upstream reform will take place at a slower pace The Bill is just one part of the action that the Government because of its increased complexity, which also means are taking to secure our vision of a sustainable and that we expect it to be introduced in parallel with resilient water sector. It provides a framework for greater longer-term abstraction reform. competition with the aim of driving more efficiency and In Committee and today, Members raised concerns innovation. Its measures will ensure a resilient future in about making legislation on upstream reform before the which water is available to all at an affordable price, but abstraction regime has been reformed. Let me assure not at the expense of the environment. It will ensure Members again that we are confident that there are that there is choice and flexibility for customers and sufficient existing safeguards to prevent an unsustainable that bills are kept affordable, that there is more innovation increase in abstraction in response to the implementation in the water industry, and that there are opportunities of upstream reform. We are tackling unsustainable for new businesses so that the industry continues to abstraction now by varying and removing abstraction attract crucial investment. The Bill will not only protect licences, but over the longer term we are committed to and improve the environment, but contribute to the making the abstraction regime more flexible and resilient. growth of our economy. A consultation on abstraction reform was launched on The Bill will deal with the availability and affordability 17 December and we expect to legislate in the next of flood insurance for households at high risk of flooding, Parliament. and in the longer term it will ensure a smooth transition Improving our approach to abstraction is critical, but to a free market. The most significant change made to it is only one part of our approach to ensuring the the Bill during its passage through the House was the long-term resilience of our water resources. Today we addition of its flood insurance clauses in Committee. I amended the Bill to make it absolutely explicit that the am greatly encouraged by the support for our proposed new resilience duty is about ensuring the long-term approach of ensuring that households at high risk of resilience of both our water supply and sewerage services flooding may access affordable flood insurance. and the environment on which those services depend. I I visited the south-west flooding incident room last want to make it very clear that this is not about resilience week, and I would like to thank all those who are still of supply at the expense of our precious water resources. working hard on the ground to support people following It is about ensuring that we all have enough water for such distressing events. Hon. Members know that our the long term and that our environment does not suffer preferred approach on flood insurance is to create an as a result. industry-led flood reinsurance scheme. Flood Re will I have no doubt that this Bill will continue to receive carefully target benefits towards low-income households, thorough scrutiny in another place. I look forward to who are the people most in need of support during the following those discussions with interest. After that, I managed transition to risk-reflective prices. In developing am looking forward to the implementation of the Bill. the scheme, we have been mindful of the costs of the Experts are already working hard on the detailed work levy, which will be spread across all those holding to develop new markets in water. The open water household policies. We believe that our proposals get programme, which includes Government, regulators north the balance right, and it also right that we should take and south of the border, water companies and customers, powers on a fall-back obligation to ensure that there is is developing the practical details of market implementation. certainty for householders. It launched its market blueprint consultation last week. Just as we want to ensure affordable flood insurance, We are also continuing to work with the Association we also want to make sure that water bills continue to of British Insurers, and I am grateful to it and the rest be affordable for everyone, and that has been a recurring of the industry for their co-operation and hard work. I theme of the debate on this Bill. We want those who are reiterate my thanks to all Members and all officials and struggling to pay to get help. All water and sewerage staff who have aided in the preparation and passage of companies have developed packages to help customers the Bill, and I commend it to the House. with affordability problems, and they include customer assistance funds, support tariffs, debt advice and water 9.33 pm efficiency measures. Most water companies are taking Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): This action to put social tariffs in place in 2015. The most Bill includes important reforms that build on three important thing we can do is make sure that everyone’s important reviews taken forward by the previous bills are kept affordable. Let us not forget that this is a Government: the Pitt review on flooding, the Walker sector subject to price-cap regulation, which means that review on affordability and the Cave review on competition. Ofwat scrutinises and challenges the business plan of all It also follows on from the Flood and Water Management water companies to secure a fair deal for customers. By Act 2010 that we took through Parliament before the taking account of lower financing costs, Ofwat estimates last election. That is why the Opposition supported the that the next price review could significantly reduce Bill on Second Reading and will do so again on Third pressure on bills from 2015 by between £120 million to Reading this evening. £750 million a year. This Bill will contribute to the We have backed measures to increase competition, affordability of bills for all. Measures will exert a downward extending to non-domestic customers the opportunity pressure on bills by encouraging greater competition to to switch supplier. Such an opportunity is already enjoyed keep bills as low as possible. in Scotland where it has been shown to be successful in Greater competition will drive more efficiency and reducing costs to business. We support the reforms innovation in the water sector. All customers and the intended to encourage new entrants into the market, environment will benefit from an industry that is incentivised and we back regulatory reforms aimed at ensuring to find the most efficient ways to meet future demand. long-term resilience of our water supplies. We also 137 Water Bill6 JANUARY 2014 Water Bill 138 support the measures, at long last, to provide a statutory non-paying customers to other bill payers. By rejecting basis for agreement on flood reinsurance, providing all of these sensible measures, Ministers have wasted the relief to those who live in hard-to-insure households. perfect opportunity that this Bill offered to tackle the However, there remains a major hole at the heart of impact that rising water bills are having on stretched the Bill, and at the heart of the Government’s water household budgets. Instead, the Government’s preferred policy. That is the absence of any serious attempt to approach has been to send just one weakly worded tackle the impact that rising water bills are having on letter to water bosses, begging them not to hike bills household budgets, which is adding to the cost of living next year, without even a threat of action if they do not crisis. There is a real gulf between the rhetoric of the comply. So while the water companies are doing very Government and the reality on this. Again, this evening, well from their monopoly position, customers in this we have seen Government Members troop through the country will continue to pay among the highest bills in Lobby to stand up for the monopoly water companies, Europe. and against the interests of households. In his Second Disappointingly, Ministers have also not been more Reading speech, the Secretary of State assured the willing to listen to concerns raised on other aspects of House: the Bill during its passage through this House. The “The package of reforms is designed to exert a sustained Government’s only concession has been a grudging downward pressure on water bills”.—[Official Report, 25 November acceptance that it is right to make it clearer to Ofwat 2013; Vol. 571, c. 49-50.] that it must have a higher regard to the environment in Yet, time after time the Government have opposed the way that it regulates the industry. The Government’s sensible amendments that would have ensured that that compromise is to stick to their decision to elevate “resilience” was a reality in this Bill. For all the briefing to newspapers rather than “sustainability” but to require Ofwat to back in October, the Prime Minister and the Secretary “secure resilience in sustainable ways”. of State are simply unwilling to do anything that might We will have to consider carefully whether that sends a be perceived as interfering in a market that they believe clear enough signal or not. is working well. I do not believe that consumers agree Disappointingly, Ministers have not heeded the concerns that a monopoly industry that enabled companies last about the total amount of water taken from the environment year to make pre-tax profits of £1.9 billion and pay out if upstream competition happens ahead of abstraction dividends totalling £1.8 billion to shareholders is a reform. I welcome the fact that the consultation on market that is working and adequately regulated. abstraction licence system reform was finally launched Our reforms would have introduced a new national just before recess, but, on the Government’s own timetable, affordability scheme, requiring all water companies to reforms will not be implemented until the early 2020s, help those struggling with their bills. That would have and upstream competition is due to begin in 2019. ended the current postcode lottery whereby companies Finally, it is disappointing that Ministers have rejected choose whether to offer a social tariff and set the each of the sensible and modest proposals to improve criteria for eligibility.Just three companies have introduced the Flood Re scheme. The Secretary of State will have such a scheme, helping just 25,000 households. In their today heard the clear warnings from Sir David King, submissions to Ofwat for the next price review period the Government’s special envoy on climate change, that from 2015, we see that there are still companies that do changes to the climate will lead to not intend to set a social tariff and that those that do are proposing to assist a relatively small number of “quite a radical change in weather conditions” customers. and more frequent severe flooding. Requiring the Given that Ofwat estimates that 2.6 million Committee on Climate Change regularly to advise on households—11%—currently spend more than 5% of the increase in the number of properties likely to be at their income on water, it is clear that only a tiny fraction risk of flooding as a result and the consequence for the of those struggling are being helped. It is also clear that Flood Re scheme was surely a sensible move, yet it has many customers do not know about even the help that been rejected by the Government. is available. Only a third of eligible households access Similarly, it is difficult to see how the Government WaterSure, which was introduced by Labour to help could have had any serious objections to strengthening households that have a high level of water use due to a incentives for the uptake of household flood protection medical condition or because they have three or more measures—providing a right of appeal for those who children. Yet the Government have opposed our proposal find that their property has been removed from the to require water companies to include information with scheme, allowing a right of public access to any Flood bills about the help available to customers, just as they Re insurance database and publishing figures for the have consistently opposed forcing water companies to number of properties in the categories to be excluded publish annual information, including on their corporate from the scheme. structure, and on their levels of investment, taxation This Bill contains important reforms, but it remains and dividends paid to shareholders, and then enabling seriously flawed as it leaves this House; flawed because Ofwat take full account of that information when it does not sufficiently protect the environment; flawed determining whether to re-open price settlements and because the Flood Re insurance scheme will not be in cut bills. place until 2015 but also remains disconnected from Finally, our proposed reforms would have tackled future increases in at-risk properties as a result of our bad debt, which adds £15 to the average bill, by requiring changing climate; flawed because it has failed to toughen landlords to provide water companies with details of the powers of the regulator to cut bills; flawed because their tenants on request. We sought to give Ofwat it leaves it to the water companies to decide whether to powers to ban water companies that fail to act on bad establish a social tariff and preserves the postcode debt from transferring the cost of lost revenue from lottery on eligibility; and flawed because it does nothing 139 Water Bill 6 JANUARY 2014 140

[Maria Eagle] have listened carefully to the concerns that have been raised today, not least from the Select Committee. We to protect customers who pay their bills from seeing expect to see the same respect and acknowledgment of higher charges as a result of those who can pay but will value for money in that as in other schemes. We will be not. This Bill could have delivered a framework for that looking to see that that is confirmed as we go forward. new deal with the water companies. Instead, a huge opportunity to tackle water’s contribution to the cost of Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): My living crisis has been missed. hon. Friend praises the SUDS system, but will she take into account, and ask our hon. Friends on the Front 9.40 pm Bench to take into account, the fact that we may be building up considerable liabilities for ourselves in future Miss McIntosh: We have had a good debate today. I if SUDS systems are inadequately designed by developers welcome the Bill and thank all those involved in preparing who have clever consultants and local authorities do it, including my right hon. and hon. Friends. Obviously, not have the expertise to vet whether those systems are a lot of work remains to be done to it in the other place, adequate in the type of floods that we are seeing at the and we will watch those developments with interest. moment? I welcome the introduction of retail competition. The Select Committee would like to have seen the primary Miss McIntosh: My hon. Friend will have an opportunity duty of sustainability in preference to resilience. I believe to read our proceedings tomorrow and see the debate that too much detail has been left to be fixed at a later that we have had on SUDS. For reasons that the Minister stage. I enjoyed the comment from my hon. Friend the has not rehearsed in full, the SUDS regulations will not Minister on not wanting to rely too much on regulation, be on the statute book by April. I am sure that there are because just about every clause calls for implementing very good reasons for that, including those that my hon. regulation to be drafted. We will leave that conundrum Friend raised, but I do believe that SUDS will have a with him. substantial role to play. Competition is to be welcomed. It should lead to If the flood insurance system leaves out leasehold greater efficiency. In particular, I hope that both the flats, that will be a matter of concern. current 2014 price review and the competition provisions permitted following the Bill will lead to more innovation, Dan Rogerson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for not least following these weeks of sustained and considerable giving way on this point, as I did not have the opportunity flooding across the country. I applaud the Government’s to deal with it on Report. I assure her that householders search for a partnership approach and for more private living in those sorts of properties would have access to enterprise funding for flood prevention measures. I the contents aspects of flood insurance if they were hope that the water companies will step up to the plate council tax payers. in that regard and that other private sector companies might help to fund schemes from which they might Miss McIntosh: That will be very welcome news. As I benefit. said, I was alerted to this problem after the time for I believe that there are still opportunities to write tabling amendments had expired. other provisions into the Bill before it receives Royal What we have seen this week and saw in the weeks Assent, not least with regard to the partnership approach running up to Christmas shows the scale of the challenge to flood prevention measures, which has been mentioned that we face. I welcome the all-party approach that we this evening, but also for increasing the amount of have seen across the House today and in Committee, maintenance that can be done by internal drainage which I was not at liberty to participate in. That is a boards. We await the results of the pilot schemes, whereby very good basis on which the Bill can go forward from DEFRA is allowing landowners to permit their own this House, and I commend it to its future stages. maintenance to be done on the watercourses locally, to see whether that scheme can be rolled out. Question put and agreed to. It is a joy to me that tomorrow we will see the Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed. Pickering pilot project in my constituency reach its final phase with the cutting of the first sod of earth, which Business without Debate will enable the reservoir to be built. It is a great disappointment for me personally, as I am sure it is for many in the country, that the sustainable drainage systems, SCOTTISH AFFAIRS which are left over from the Flood and Water Management Ordered, Act 2010, will still not be on the statute book by April That Mrs Eleanor Laing be discharged from the Scottish this year. SUDS, on their own, will do a huge amount to Affairs Committee.—(Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, on behalf of the prevent surface water flooding from entering sewerage Committee of Selection.) systems through the combined sewage pipes that we have heard so much about today and that can cause sewage spills on to roads and, regrettably, into homes WELSH AFFAIRS and other properties. Ordered, Perhaps the most innovative aspects of the Bill that That Jonathan Edwards be discharged from the Welsh Affairs are to be welcomed are those relating to flood insurance. Committee and Hywel Williams be added. .—(Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, I commend Flood Re, but I hope that the Minister will on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) 141 6 JANUARY 2014 Access to Justice (British Citizens 142 Abroad) Access to Justice (British Citizens Abroad) risk that the human rights of the victim’s family are being infringed. The Minister will know that we have Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House been repeatedly told that formal requests for information do now adjourn.—(Mr Gyimah.) have been rebuffed by the Greek authorities. Our consulate 9.47 pm tells me that it cannot even find out matters such as a possible date for the trial or the charges laid, even Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): My remarks though it claims to have registered an interest in the will be in three sections, and then I have two questions case. and three requests to put to the Minister. First, I want to talk about the young man for whom I speak this The Minister will also know that, for Tyrell’s hard- evening—Tyrell Matthews-Burton, sadly no longer with working, single mother, the cost of legal advice is us. Secondly, I want to talk about the inconsistent prohibitively expensive. Therefore, the only information nature of the assistance that has been provided to his the family have had about the case has been through family since his tragic murder. Thirdly, I want to talk press reports of the claims of the family of the accused. about the existing protocol for supporting families who I draw the Minister’s attention to the obligations have lost loved ones abroad in such instances as this under law that all member states must case. My hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham East ensure protection for the rights of crime victims, which (Heidi Alexander) also wishes to speak, and I want to international law defines as including the families of ensure that the Minister has ample time to respond to murder victims. The EU framework has been fully in the concerns that we are raising. force since 2006. It requires that victims and their On 23 July last year, Tyrell’s 19th birthday and the families are kept involved and informed throughout last night of his first holiday abroad without his mum, criminal investigations and criminal trials, including the while out with his friends celebrating not just his birthday provision of detailed information in a form and language but their chance to go university, he was brutally killed that they can understand, and for free when they cannot while trying to stop a fight in a bar in Malia. I do not afford to pay. There are also requirements of co-operation know who killed Tyrell, and I am not here to prosecute between member states, so the UK must ensure that the the case against those who stand accused; I am here to family’s rights are upheld by . My first question, ask how we ensure that every British family who has a therefore, is: does the Minister believe that the conduct loved one killed or go missing abroad knows that their of the UK Government on this matter to date is in country will stand by them. This is every parent’s nightmare. accordance with those legal requirements? Tyrell was a young man in his prime, with a passion The Prime Minister kindly agreed to meet Tyrell’s for fashion, which he hoped to make a career of, and mother in September to try to help matters, but I am popular with friends and family and, indeed, young afraid to say that it was not the breakthrough for which ladies. He was cut down before he had the chance to we had all hoped. I know that the Foreign Office itself is show the world what he was capable of. Then he was disappointed with the advice it has given. It admits that disgracefully slandered in the press by Greek officials as the former team at the Ministry of Justice that managed a member of a gang. I have written to Greek officials such matters has been disbanded, so there is no institutional asking for an apology for this, but I am sad to say that, memory as to how we should address such cases. Regretfully, six months on, it is yet to appear. Since Tyrell’s death, we are now told—contrary to the Prime Minister’s own the distress caused to his family by the Greek authorities personal suggestion—that Tyrell’s mother is not eligible has been continuous, from the dismissive actions of the for legal aid as a family member of a victim of crime. Greek coroner to the casual return of the clothes that Nor would she be eligible under the Greek system; even Tyrell was wearing the night he was killed in the post if she was, there would be no guarantee that the person and the continued total lack of communication with would speak English. and respect shown to a grieving family. But I am not The family were then told that there is no public here tonight to call to account the Greek authorities as funding for representation, and so the official advice to why they seem to care so little for this young man’s from Foreign Office officials was that the family should life. I am here to ask: what is the appropriate role of the approach Tyrell’s former employer—he had a Saturday British authorities in such matters? job at Next—or the mother’s current employer, a housing I am sure the Minister has been briefed on the association, to ask them to fund legal advice. When I family’s concerns—from being told consistently by the queried this, the officials simply told me this was standard consulate that it could not find out anything about practice, so my second question to the Minister is: will the investigation and simply to find a lawyer, to then he confirm whether that standard practice is in accordance being given the details of lawyers who represented the with the EU framework that the UK has ratified? person accused of Tyrell’s killing and being subjected to a tirade as to their innocence. The consulate staff knew Thankfully, in the past few weeks some progress has themselves that the clothes, with possible DNA evidence, started to be made. Money has now been made forthcoming were being returned to the family, but they did not from Victim Support. This limited funding, granted in question this and simply telephoned ahead to ensure December, will cover an initial instruction for a Greek that the family would be in when the courier arrived. lawyer, yet this £1,800 is the sum total of support we Tyrell’s mother was told that if she wanted someone to have given as a nation to this grieving mother in a case explain the difference between a UK and a Greek where the costs could reach ¤20,000. pathologist report, she should go to her own GP for I am also still waiting for a response from the Foreign help. Office following its commitment to ask the ambassador But I have not asked for this debate to talk about to raise this matter with the Greek authorities; to secure lessons learned in sensitivity; I have done so primarily a meeting for the family and myself with the Greek because I believe that without intervention there is a authority representatives here; to ask the police lead for 143 Access to Justice (British Citizens 6 JANUARY 2014 Access to Justice (British Citizens 144 Abroad) Abroad) [Stella Creasy] secure a media presence receive the intervention they need when something terrible happens to a family member an update; and to speak to the judge in Greece about overseas. Baroness Browning confirmed that the Home meeting the family. Those promises were made at the Secretary and Prime Minister intervened in the case of start of December. Madeleine McCann because they believed her to be Sadly, this is not an unusual case. My final points alive, and their intervention included a commitment to refer to the protocol that is supposed to define the ensure that the police had what she termed the “necessary treatment of families in such matters. There is a funding”. memorandum of understanding on what should happen Tyrell may no longer be with us, but his right to in dreadful cases of a British national being murdered justice lives on, as do the rights of his family and those abroad. It was formalised between the Foreign Office, of other murdered British citizens. It cannot be beyond the Association of Chief Police Officers and the coroners the realm of possibility for our Government to have a of England and Wales in 2011. It specifically decrees clearer and fairer protocol for the provision of appropriate that where a matter involves both a British national as a support and intervention, subject to differences in countries’ victim and a British national as a suspect, the UK legal systems, to ensure that families have the representation police can appoint a senior investigating officer. Indeed, and assistance that they need. If this involved any of under section 9 of the Offences Against the Person Act our families, we would wish for such certainty of assistance, 1861, the suspect can be prosecuted in England and Wales. as does Ms Matthews, who faced her first Christmas Despite the fact that this case meets that test, there without her son this year and who continues to grieve, has been no involvement in the investigation of this still not knowing whether she will be able to see justice matter or movement on it by the police in relation to done for Tyrell or even hear when it will occur. bringing the case to the UK for trial, even though the Prime Minister agreed to raise it with the Met. An SIO 9.58 pm was finally appointed when the Prime Minister intervened, but nothing more has happened. The police have said Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): I am grateful that, as the Greek police have refused their help, there is for the opportunity to speak in this debate. I congratulate nothing they can do. That stands in contrast to other my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow (Stella well-known cases, such as that of Madeleine McCann, Creasy) on securing it and on presenting her arguments where the Prime Minister’s intervention has rightly so powerfully and in such detail. been crucial to making progress. My interest in speaking in this debate relates to the Of concern to me is the failure of the police to act fact that the individual currently detained in Greece on when the defendant conducted a public interview with suspicion of murdering Tyrell Matthews-Burton is a the British press that was broadcast in the UK. I alerted young man called Myles Litchmore-Dunbar. Myles is the Met before the broadcast of the film and asked my constituent, and in the past six months I have been them to ensure that it would not affect the possibility of in contact with his parents Chris and Carole, and his a trial here. I am afraid that that did not happen. The aunt Denise. The whole family have serious concerns Foreign Office has told me, with circular logic, that about the way in which the Greek authorities have handled the murder investigation. They believe the support “because we don’t know the quality of the Greek investigation they have decided they cannot tell whether it would be appropriate that has been provided to them by the British Government to ask the MET to get involved”. to be wholly inadequate. They believe passionately that the British police should be involved in investigating We therefore cannot know whether the investigation is Tyrell’s murder. proceeding appropriately.Our authorities are not following their own protocol. What confidence can we have that I am not here tonight to assert any individual’s guilt justice will be done? or innocence. This was an horrific crime and I want whoever committed it to be brought to justice. In addition to my requests about clarification of the EU legal framework, I have three requests for the Minister. First, I ask him to request the Greek authorities 10 pm to meet me and Tyrell’s family directly to update them Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9(3)). on the status of the investigation and the time scale for Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House the trial. That this has not happened yet—and, indeed, do now adjourn.—(Mr Gyimah.) that no offer to arrange it has been made, except because of my request—is I am sure something on which the Heidi Alexander: Although I do not come to the Minister will wish to reflect: it should not take a cross Chamber to assert any individual’s guilt or innocence, I MP for our representatives to want such authorities to would like to say for the record that Myles Litchmore- speak to a victim’s family. Dunbar maintains his innocence and argues that on Secondly, will the Minister confirm that the Foreign the night of 23 July last year in Malia, he too was Office will ensure that Victim Support has the funds to attempting to break up the brawl that led to the stabbing be able to provide full financial assistance to ensure of Tyrell. Ms Matthews has legal representation in the trial, or When crimes are committed in the UK, many of us will he and the British Government request, as per the take it for granted that the British police will investigate memorandum of understanding, that the matter is now fully and fairly, and that our legal system will give both brought back to UK authorities for trial and investigation sides a fair hearing in the pursuit of justice. Although I by the UK police? recognise that I do not know the full facts of the case, I Finally, I urge the Government to review their protocol believe on the basis of what I have been told that there is for the management of such cases. We cannot have a reason for the British Government to be worried that fair and just system if only those families who can the process that is under way in Greece will not result in 145 Access to Justice (British Citizens 6 JANUARY 2014 Access to Justice (British Citizens 146 Abroad) Abroad) the sort of justice that we would expect to be delivered Providing assistance to British nationals who are the in our country. I want justice to be done, I want the right victims of serious crimes overseas and their next of kin person to be convicted of the murder of Tyrell Matthews- is a core priority for the Foreign and Commonwealth Burton and I want the British Government to help Office. To put the matter into context, in 2012 alone, make that happen. FCO staff dealt with more than 1 million consular My hon. Friend has referred to the fact that the inquiries and 100,000 consular cases and provided consular clothing that Tyrell was wearing on the night of his assistance to more than 20,000 people as they endured death has been posted back to his family in the UK. I the trauma of being a victim of crime with the additional am at a loss to understand why that clothing was not challenge of being in an unfamiliar country whose retained in Greece as evidence. I am concerned that that language, culture and judicial systems can be very different suggests that the Greek authorities are failing to deal from ours. with the matter appropriately. I could give other examples We can and do provide support, experience and assistance that lead me to say that, but I am not entirely sure that and put those in need in contact with charities and this is the appropriate forum to do so. I have communicated other organisations, several of which we help to fund. my concerns to the Prime Minister in writing. We can and do also use our diplomatic network to put I am here tonight because I want to be assured that pressure on foreign Governments to make changes or the British Government are doing everything they can improvements to their processes. We are committed to to press the Greek authorities to investigate this crime delivering support of the highest standards and, as our in a rigorous, professional and timely manner. I ask the consular strategy makes plain, to improving continually Government to think again about British police involvement our service and offering the most vulnerable the greatest in the investigation. A British man was killed in a brawl level of support. that involved another 18 or so British citizens, and a However, in such circumstances there are also clear British family are grieving for their son. Is there really limitations to what we can do—this is where we come no way in which the case could be investigated by the back to the management of expectation. For instance, British police or heard in a British court? we cannot become involved in the competent judicial My constituents feel badly let down by our Government. process of another country or ask the taxpayer to fund The victim’s family feel badly let down too. For everyone’s legal cases in foreign courts. I know that the hon. sake, I ask the Minister to take heed of the deep and Member for Walthamstow has been deeply concerned serious concerns that have been expressed by those about the case of Tyrell Matthews-Burton, who was involved, and to do whatever he can to ensure that tragically killed in Crete last year. I, too, would like to justice is done. take this opportunity to extend my deepest sympathies to Tyrell’s mother, Ms Matthews. 10.3 pm From the moment we were informed of Tyrell’s death, The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth officials have provided extensive support to Ms Matthews. Office (Mr Hugo Swire): Let me say at the outset that In the immediate aftermath, consular staff in Crete both the hon. Ladies who have spoken have taken spent time at the police station, hospital and court to exactly the right approach in representing their constituents. offer support. The hon. Lady shakes her head in If I were in their position, I would do the same. That is disagreement, but I am stating the chronology of what what MPs are there for. The two hon. Ladies may be happened. It might not have been enough, but it is what representing different sides of the argument—one represents actually happened in the aftermath. the accused and one represents the person against whom In London, teams were in daily contact with the the crime was perpetrated—but they are both absolutely families of those involved to provide assistance and within their rights to come to the House to raise these referrals to organisations such as Victim Support. issues on behalf of their constituents. Ms Matthews was assigned a caseworker and quickly We must manage expectations. I do not agree with issued with a , and with the support of one of the view that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is the charities that the FCO helps to fund, Missing Abroad, not doing enough. I will expand on that in the following flights to Crete and accommodation were arranged at minutes. I am grateful to the hon. Member for Walthamstow no cost to the family. We have continued to provide full (Stella Creasy) for securing a debate on this important support to Ms Matthews, from repatriating Tyrell’s issue. body to liaising with Her Majesty’s coroner following I will deal straight away with the points that were Ms Matthews’s request to see the post mortem report. made by the hon. Member for Lewisham East (Heidi One of the greatest challenges for victims of crime at Alexander). It is worth saying at the outset that the case home and abroad is gaining access to information. Of is now at the judicial investigation stage, which means course, in the case of crimes committed overseas, geographic that the police have handed it to the courts, which will distance, language and procedure are all added barriers. now decide whether further investigation is required or I know that a lack of information can lead to extreme whether they have enough evidence to proceed. In Greece, frustration, compound anxiety and result in a loss of that can be a very long process, and we are doing all we confidence in the judicial process of the country involved. can to ensure that Ms Matthews and others have as That is entirely understandable. We therefore do what much information as possible. It is also worth pointing we can to get updates as soon as possible as well as out that all the men involved in the incident and their providing guidance on local systems and procedures. In families are receiving consular assistance. We repeatedly Tyrell’s case, consular staff were on hand from the advise them, however, to speak to their lawyers about outset to help liaise with the authorities and provide a anything of a legal nature. We met three of the families range of important information explaining the local in particular at their request, and we offered to meet Ms police and legal systems and giving details of local Matthews at any time. lawyers and interpreters. Consular officials at the British 147 Access to Justice (British Citizens 6 JANUARY 2014 Access to Justice (British Citizens 148 Abroad) Abroad) [Mr Hugo Swire] The British Government cannot interfere in trials or legal processes in other countries. We would not accept embassy in Athens have also lobbied for information other countries doing that in the UK, and we therefore the Greek Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Justice, need to respect their systems. In some circumstances, as well as the Greek police and judiciary, and have however, we will continue to make representations to attended some initial meetings. We stand ready to continue local authorities where appropriate. That includes cases to do that as the family navigates the local system, and where there are concerns that the investigation is not to attend the first day and verdict of any future trial. being carried out in line with local procedures. We stand Systems overseas are often different from our own, ready to do that in this case should the need arise. and unlike in the UK, it may not be possible for Meanwhile, we will continue to raise the case more individuals to obtain information directly. Investigating generally through normal diplomatic channels. authorities and courts may refuse to answer inquiries The British ambassador to Greece first raised Tyrell’s from third parties, including foreign Governments or death with the mayor of Malia and the chief of police consular officials. For those reasons, we always advise last summer, and as the hon. Member for Walthamstow victims of crime overseas to instruct a local lawyer who knows, we are facilitating a meeting between her and can access detailed information on their client’s behalf, the Greek ambassador to London in the near future, to and judge whether an investigation is conducted in line discuss the case and the issues it raises. with local laws. From the outset, we and the Greek We have a consular service that many countries envy authorities have recommended that Ms Matthews obtain and of which we are rightly proud. However, we cannot legal representation. always meet every need and expectation. Of course we I understand, of course, that appointing a lawyer can want to improve; we seek to learn from every case, and put a huge financial burden on a family—something to continually review our consular policy, guidance to staff which the hon. Member for Walthamstow alluded. and training. However, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office cannot Stella Creasy: I thank the Minister for intervening fund legal representation. We are simply not resourced and I am pleased that the Foreign Office will be assisting to offer such funding, and in the case of Ms Matthews my office in arranging a meeting with the Greek authorities. we have done all we can to explore alternative legal aid The Foreign and Commonwealth Office had specifically options in the United Kingdom and Greece, including told my office that that was for me to organise, so I am offering advice on the EU compensation scheme. Following pleased that there has been a change of mind. May I the meeting between the hon. Lady, Ms Matthews, and press him on the point about the EU framework on the my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, I am pleased decision on the rights of victims of crime, which has that work to identify a lawyer and funding from Victim been fully in force since 2006? I appreciate that the way Support has enabled Ms Matthews to appoint a Greek in which it applies in the UK with regard to the Greek lawyer. authorities’ behaviour towards the Matthews family is a I also wish to address the concerns raised by the hon. technical point of EU law. However, can he and his Lady that the UK police could do more, and that a officials give me an assurance on that specific point? senior investigating officer and family liaison officer Will he clarify that the conduct of the Foreign Office in were not appointed at the outset. In 2012 the British the matter—it failed to ensure that Ms Matthews had Government agreed a memorandum of understanding legal representation in that trial—is in accordance with with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the that legislation, which our nation has ratified? Coroners’ Society of England and Wales regarding support in murder/manslaughter cases. It sets out Mr Swire: Let me say two things to the hon. Lady. Government support to the next of kin, including what First, we have done everything we can, and continue to we can do to ensure a proper and thorough investigation. do everything we can, in compliance with every international The MOU is clear that the UK police cannot investigate obligation. I have tried to articulate that in what I have a crime overseas unless invited by a foreign Government said in the past 10 or 15 minutes. Secondly, to answer to do so. Even in cases where a suspect is British, the her other question, it is my understanding that the jurisdiction of the country where the crime took place Foreign Office has arranged access to the Greek ambassador takes precedence. in London. Indeed, the consular department of the Foreign Office intends to accompany her to the meeting. The UK police get involved only exceptionally where I hope she is reassured on that point. there is a genuine operational need, such as securing forensic samples or conducting formal inquiries on As I have said, we do not imagine that we get it right behalf of foreign police in the UK, and that was not the the whole time. I have tried to contextualise the matter case following Tyrell’s death. It is an operational decision and to explain to the House not only the complexity but for the police whether to appoint a senior investigating the size of the issue. We are always asked to fund things officer or family liaison officer. In this case, the police that we simply are not funded for. No party in government initially decided to identify an officer as the single point or opposition plans to change the policy—if any party of contact. Following the intervention of the Foreign did, it would be a significant change and one we should and Commonwealth Office, the Greek police assigned be aware of. We do everything we can within the existing an individual to liaise with the Met police and, as a guidelines, but, as I have said, we do not always get result, a senior investigating officer and family liaison things right. We want to improve and learn from experience; officer were duly appointed. However, as the investigation we are human. In this case, we are doing everything we in Greece has been completed and the file now lies with can. the judicial authorities, as I said at the outset of my As I have said, we continually review our consular remarks, there is little information to be shared through policy, our guidance to staff and our training. As part that channel. of that, in 2014 we will evaluate the impact of the 149 Access to Justice (British Citizens 6 JANUARY 2014 Access to Justice (British Citizens 150 Abroad) Abroad) memorandum of understanding on murder/manslaughter grateful if he could clarify, in writing, that he believes and our internal guidance to consular staff on helping that in this matter the current Government have met next of kin. We are making changes to our services so their obligations under EU law on victims of crime and that they focus more effectively on the needs of British their treatment. I appreciate that he believes what he has nationals. That will include better and clearer information been told by officials. I invite him to meet the families to —information is key—on local services such as lawyers understand the other side of the story about what has and legal aid. happened. On the particular point about access to We are currently exploring what more we can do to justice and the requirements under that legislation, will build on the legal guides that Fair Trials International he give a commitment to the House to investigate the has developed—it has done so with Foreign and legal ramifications of the failure of this Government to Commonwealth Office funding. For instance, we are ensure legal representation for the Matthews family in working with Justice Across Borders and identifying the trial? pro bono legal advice providers for victims of crime overseas. That is part of a strategy to establish more Mr Swire: There has been no failure by this Government partnerships with specialist organisations, which goes on any point. I entirely refute that and it is not helpful alongside increasing funding for those with which we for the hon. Lady to suggest that when we are doing already work. Finally, we have introduced flexibility in everything we can for the hon. Lady’s constituent. However, our policy on our staff translating and interpreting I will certainly ensure in writing, if I have not made when British nationals need to talk to local authorities. myself clear verbally, that our position remains clear: Therefore, after three and a half years, the Government we are absolutely certain that we have followed the are seizing the issue and dealing with it in a more existing guidelines in every single way—in fact, more so. realistic way than has perhaps been the case in the past. I concede that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office If the hon. Lady has any concerns, I would be more may not always meet the full expectations of victims than happy for her to come to me or for her to see the and their families. Indeed, it would be impossible for us Under-Secretary of State. I have come to the case to do so, because expectations exceed capability and fresh—I read the reports at the time, but it has not been that would be the same however much resource we on my desk for a long time—and have gone through it threw at this problem. That makes it even more important with officials in some detail today. I have a fresh set of to have under constant consideration what we can offer, eyes. Of course, I do not share the hon. Lady’s views—I and to find new ways to provide it. do not represent her constituent, and I would probably I respect the hon. Lady’s position in bringing this have a different view if I did so—but I am convinced matter to the House, but she is a Member of Parliament that we are doing everything we can. In fact, I believe and she has to respect what all parties are signed up to. we have done more than can be expected in offering to If she feels in any way that the Government have been fix up a meeting between her and the Greek ambassador. derelict in their duties towards her constituent she is We face many challenges as we try to help victims to right to raise that, but I have heard nothing tonight to get justice overseas. Cases can be complex and move suggest that that is the case. On whether the Government slowly through foreign legal systems that British nationals have been compliant with existing laws, I will ensure find hard to understand. British MPs can find them that she is written to, to explain that to her. In the hard to understand or will not understand them. Our meantime, we must all await what happens in Greece. remit does not extend to foreign countries. Things often She will be in a good position when, with the assistance do not work abroad in the way we would expect them to of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, she meets work here. Translating what happens here to systems the Greek ambassador shortly. abroad serves no purpose because we cannot change Question put and agreed to. those systems. We must operate within them. Stella Creasy: I thank the Minister for letting me 10.22 pm intervene. I will try one more time. I would be ever so House adjourned.

1WS Written Statements6 JANUARY 2014 Written Statements 2WS

determined to help councils tackle the small minority of Written Statements rogue landlords, while avoiding disproportionate red tape on the whole private rented sector. Monday 6 January 2014 On 30 December, my Department announced a £4 million boost for local authorities to tackle rogue landlords in their area. Twenty-three councils will share TREASURY the funding so they can take on landlords that force their tenants to live in squalid and dangerous properties, Child Trust Funds making their lives a misery. This is part of a package of measures that will ensure millions of hard-working tenants get a better deal when they rent a home. The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David In addition, new legislation which came into force in Gauke): On 23 December 2013 the Government published December will enable courts to take account of landlords’ their response to the child trust fund assets, as well as their income, when levying fines for consultation. housing offences. In response to the consultation the Government will We also published an application criterion which be going ahead with their proposal to allow the voluntary means redress schemes for lettings and property transfer of savings from child trust funds to junior ISAs management will now be able to come forward for if requested by the registered contact for an account approval. All agents will be required to join one of the (usually the parent or guardian). approved schemes, so their tenants have somewhere to The Government will be taking legislative powers to turn to if they do not get the service they deserve. both permit these transfers and to allow for further intervention in the market in case this is required at a Ensuring fair play on housing waiting lists later date. As a result of lax immigration controls under the last I will deposit copies of the consultation response Labour Government, one in six of all social housing document in the House tenants in London are now foreigners, and across England, Libraries. one in 10 of all new tenants are foreign nationals. This coalition Government are determined that hard- working local people should be given priority for council COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT homes. We want to restore fairness to a system that many people believe is often skewed against the local Christmas Recess (Department’s Work) people it is designed to support. We published new statutory guidance on 31 December The Secretary of State for Communities and Local which makes it clear that only hard-working people Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I would like to update with a well-established residency, relatives or a job in hon. Members on the main items of business undertaken the local area can go on their council’s waiting list. This by my Department since the House rose for recess on means they will be the first to benefit when homes become 19 December. available. Helping councils with flood recovery The guidance ensures councils require people to have I would like to thank the Environment Agency, local lived in the area for at least two years. Only those who authorities and voluntary groups like the British Red pass this test will be accepted onto the waiting list in Cross which have worked successfully with the emergency their local area—and then be considered for social services to deal with the damage caused by the recent housing. flooding and their continued help to households and To reassure local people that they are being treated businesses dealing with the aftermath. fairly, councils are encouraged to publish information Many households and businesses have been disrupted about who is applying for and getting social housing in by the severe tidal surge and resulting floods that have their area. affected parts of the country. We want to ensure all The new guidance also confirms that members of the possible action is taken to help affected households get armed forces, who are often unable to settle in one area the support they need. for a long time, are considered a priority for housing. On 29 December, my Department wrote to all local This move will end years of confusion and anger in authorities in England to notify them that the Bellwin local communities about the way council housing is scheme was activated. The Bellwin scheme retrospectively allocated. reimburses councils for exceptional costs incurred from emergencies or unexpected events. Helping those with small deposits get on and move up the housing ladder We also asked councils for assurance that they are prepared for any future flooding and that everything The Help to Buy schemes help those with small possible is being done to help those affected by the bad deposits get on and move up the housing ladder. The weather during what has been a difficult holiday period Help to Buy equity loan scheme is overseen by my for many. Department; the Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme Tackling rogue landlords is overseen by HM Treasury. The overwhelming majority of landlords are law-abiding Latest figures show that from its launch in April 2013 citizens, who work hard to provide quality accommodation to the end of November, there have been 20,652 reservations to their tenants. However, the coalition Government are for new build homes under the Help to Buy equity loan 3WS Written Statements6 JANUARY 2014 Written Statements 4WS scheme. There have been 9,459 completed sales over the Offering a fair deal to firefighters same period, 90% of which are to first-time buyers and We all hold our brave fire men and women in the the average value of property purchased was £199,000. highest regard and are grateful to them for their help Over 90% of the 1,200 house builders registered under during the recent flooding and bad weather. the scheme are small to medium-sized developers. In contrast to England, the Help to Buy equity loan However, despite offering firefighters a fair deal and scheme is not currently offered by the Labour-run Welsh one of the most generous pension schemes in the public Government. sector, it is unfortunate the Fire Brigades Union took These figures are complemented by the latest Help to the decision to take industrial action during the holiday Buy mortgage guarantee figures showing that over 6,000 season, on 24 and 31 December and 3 January. people have put in offers on a home and applied for a Although Ministers met with the Fire Brigades Union Help to Buy guaranteed mortgage. Households are on Christmas eve to continue discussions their continued looking to buy houses worth about £160,000 on average industrial action shows that they are not serious about (below the UK average price of £247,000) and 80% are resolving this dispute, and have simply further damaged first-time buyers. These mortgages, once approved, will firefighters’ standing with the public. represent nearly £1 billion of new lending to aspiring home owners who may have previously found the property Our fair offer means a firefighter who earns £29,000, market out-of-reach because of the size of deposit and retires after a full career aged 60, will get a £19,000 required. I am pleased to say that the Help to Buy a year pension, rising to £26,000 with the state pension. mortgage guarantee is available across the United Kingdom, An equivalent private sector pension pot would be as it is a reserved matter. worth over £500,000 and require firefighters to contribute twice as much. The two Help to Buy schemes are part of the Government’s long-term economic plan to build a stronger, The firefighter pension age of 60 was introduced in more competitive economy, and support those who 2006 and is in line with the police and armed forces. We aspire to own their own home. Indeed, I would also have been clear with the Fire Brigades Union our note: pension reforms are not introducing a national fitness standard. House building at its highest level since 2007. New orders in Supporting regular bin collections for family homes residential construction have risen to their highest level since 2007 (ONS, Output in the Construction Industry statistics, My Department continues to urge councils to bring 13 December 2013). common sense back to weekly bin collections. Weekly rubbish collections are the most visible of all front-line The value of residential loans advanced to first-time buyers is at its highest rate since 2007 (Bank of England, Mortgage services and we believe every household in England has Lenders and Administrators Statistic, 10 December 2013). a basic right to have their rubbish collected every week. The number of new mortgage arrears cases is at its lowest On 4 January, we published the first ever Government quarterly number of new cases since the series began in 2007 guidance on weekly collections (the “bin bible”) which (ibid.). promotes best practice lessons learnt from the weekly collection support scheme and highlights how all councils Helping social tenants get on the housing ladder can keep weekly collections, increase recycling and still This coalition Government are determined to help make common sense efficiency savings. hard-working tenants aspire to buy their home. We have Fortnightly collections were actively promoted under taken further steps to reinvigorate the Right to Buy the last Labour Government: bin collections halved, scheme across England in 2014. while council tax doubled. Indeed, fortnightly bin collections On 3 January, I announced that the maximum discount are the official policy of the Labour-run Government in for a house will increase from 60% to 70% of its value, Wales—which is now even encouraging monthly bin and the £75,000 cap will start increasing in line with the collections. consumer price index rate of inflation. A £100 million Our guidance builds on steps this Government have fund will improve access to mortgage finance, and new already taken in England including: Right to Buy agents will guide people through the safeguarding weekly collections for 6 million households buying process. Revenue from additional sales will be through the weekly collection support scheme; ploughed back into delivering new affordable homes for removing Whitehall directives, targets and financial penalties rent, which will help drive up the rate of house building demanding fortnightly bin collections; across England. supporting over 41 innovative reward schemes to back recycling; The Right to Buy gives something back to families who worked hard, paid their rent and played by the abolishing plans for new bin taxes; rules. It allows them to do up their home, change their changing the law to scrap unfair bin fines; front door, improve their garden—without getting amending building regulations to tackle “bin blight”; permission from the council. It gives people a sense of pride and ownership not just in their home, but in their removing powers of entry and snooping powers from bin inspectors and scrapped guidance telling people to rifle street and neighbourhood, helping to build strong families through families’ bins. and stable mixed communities. So we are determined that this help is on hand for hard-working, aspiring This Government are standing up for front-line services homeowners. for hard-working people, while keeping their council The support for Right to Buy in England is in strong tax bills down. contrast to the policy of the Labour-run Welsh Government Copies of the press notices and associated documents which has slashed back the Right to Buy. have been placed in the Library of the House. 5WS Written Statements6 JANUARY 2014 Written Statements 6WS

HEALTH made for most secondary care in hospitals. In primary care, we will retain free access to GP consultations. We expect GP practices to participate actively in the Migrant Access to the NHS administration of the new system for identifying and recording chargeable patients. The response signals our commitment to charge visitors The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): for treatment in hospital A&Es, but this will not be On 30 December 2013, I published a response to the introduced until improved systems can support its effective recent consultation on proposed changes to the way administration, including the safe and efficient delivery temporary migrants and visitors access the NHS in of A&E services, avoiding unintended charging of legitimate England. The response sets out initial decisions and residents and ensuring immediately necessary treatment next steps, taking account of feedback received during is not refused. It also confirms the intention to extend the consultation as well as the results of independent charging to other services and treatment that are part of research on visitor and migrant use of the NHS that we primary care, including community-based health care, commissioned in parallel with the consultation and 1 prescriptions and dental services (that are already subject which we published on 22 October . to charges for many residents). Officials will work with research was commissioned to provide, the NHS to determine how appropriate and cost-effective for the first time, a reliable estimate of visitor and migrant non-resident charging should be defined and administered. health care costs, in particular the costs of provision for Finally, the response reinforces the need to make those who should be charged, and for “health tourism” significant improvements in how the NHS manages and where visitors have an explicit intention of obtaining administers the charging and recovery process. Sir Keith extensive health care without due payment. This research Pearson, the independent NHS advisor to the visitor provides a compelling case for new and more robust and migrant NHS cost recovery programme, and the and consistent administrative processes and systems to director of cost recovery are working in partnership be introduced. with external NHS experts and stakeholders to design The consultation was launched on 3 July at the same and roll out proportionate, cost-effective and operationally time as a linked consultation, “Migrant Access to Health successful implementation. Services in the UK” from the . Both All of these proposals apply to the NHS in England consultations put forward the proposal that non-EEA only, although my officials will continue to engage with temporary migrants should in future contribute to the devolved Administrations who may wish to replicate costs of their health care. The Immigration Bill includes some or all of the proposed changes. a provision to introduce the immigration health surcharge on a UK-wide basis to allow people to make this “Sustaining services, ensuring fairness; Government contribution with minimal operational impact or burden response to the consultation on migrant access and on the NHS. financial contribution to NHS provision in England” and the supporting equality analysis has been placed in The consultation also sought views on whether any the Library. Copies of the response are available to hon. changes should be made to the categories of non-residents Members from the Vote Office and to noble Lords from who should be exempted from charges. A proposal to the Printed Paper office. provide more generous exemptions to ex-pats, many of whom should be charged for treatment provided when It is also available at: www.gov.uk/government/ returning on visits, received broad support. The response consultations/migrants-and-overseas-visitors-use-of- proposes to confirm the principle that exemptions should the-nhs. be consistent with criteria applied to UK pensions and Note: other state benefits, but further work is required to 1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-visitors- confirm specific qualifying criteria and financial impact. and-migrant-use-of-the-nhs-extent-and-costs The open review of current exemptions generated requests for a number of new or extended exemptions for maternity, victims of domestic and other violence as PRIME MINISTER well as victims of human trafficking and children. The response commits my Department to give further thought to the exemptions for victims of domestic and other European Council violence and of human trafficking, seeking the views of relevant agencies and advisers as appropriate. We do not intend to establish an exemption for The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): I attended children or for pregnant women. In both cases we the European Council meeting in Brussels on 19 and believe there is significant risk of abuse by visitors 20 December. Discussion focused on defence; economic either seeking maternity care for themselves or care for and monetary union; and EU enlargement and association their children with existing serious illnesses, and may agreements. The opening session was addressed by the act as a draw to illegal migrant families. We will listen to Secretary-General of NATO. arguments about how best to cover other vulnerable Defence children who might otherwise be unable to access treatment. Protecting our national security is our first priority. All of these potential changes will be subject to further At this European Council, the United Kingdom was final cabinet approval following further evaluation. clear that when it comes to defence issues and decisions The consultation also proposed extending the scope about national armed forces, policy must be driven by of NHS services for which charges should apply for nations themselves, on a voluntary basis, according to non-exempt visitors. Charges currently can only be individual priorities and needs; not by the EU institutions. 7WS Written Statements6 JANUARY 2014 Written Statements 8WS

For the UK, this means that NATO has been, and Interior Ministers, Germany, and the Netherlands will continue to be, the foundation of our national all made it clear that we need to find a better approach defence. We are pleased to be hosting the 2014 NATO to tackle free movement abuse. In this spirit, we can summit—the first time such a summit has been hosted now look forward to continuing these discussions in the in the UK since 1990. coming year and ensuring that future enlargements It is of course also right for European neighbours to proceed in a way that regains the trust and the support co-operate on defence issues and in this respect I am of our peoples. proud that the UK is always in the vanguard when our Copies of the Council conclusions are available in the European allies are in need of practical help, including Libraries of both Houses. supporting French efforts in Mali and the Central African Republic and co-ordination of the EU’s counter-piracy operation off the horn of Africa. I made these points at the Council and the agreed WORK AND PENSIONS conclusions make it clear that there will be no EU ownership of defence assets and no EU headquarters. I removed references to Europe’s armed forces, to a European Parliamentary Written Answer (Correction) pooled acquisition mechanism and to EU assets and fleets and made it clear that equipment such as drones and air-to-air refuelling tankers are to be owned and The Minister of State, Department for Work and operated by the member states. The conclusions of the Pensions (Esther McVey): I wish to inform the House European Council are clear that nations, not the EU that an error has been identified in the written answer institutions, are in the driving seat of defence and must given to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull remain there. North (Diana Johnson) on 21 November 2013, Official Report, column 1023W—written answers and statements. Economic and Monetary Union The information included within the table in the answer The Council also held important discussions on the to PQ 176414 contained some incorrect figures and future of the eurozone and measures to strengthen these have now been amended. I apologise to the House economic and monetary union. Britain is not in the for this error. eurozone and will not be joining the euro, but it is in our The full answer given was: interest for those that are to have a strong and stable single currency. We therefore support efforts to achieve Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for that as long as the UK’s interests are protected. My Work and Pensions how many jobseeker’s allowance priority at this Council was to ensure that, just as the claimants in Hull have been sanctioned since 22 October UK is out of the EU eurozone bailout mechanism, so 2012; how many such sanctions have been subsequently there can be no financial liability for the UK from overturned; how many such claimants had previously banking union or from any future euro area mechanism been asked to undertake a literacy course by a jobcentre; of loans or guarantees for eurozone countries. This is and how many claimants were previously claiming reflected in the conclusions which make clear there will employment support allowance. [176414]. be no financial obligations on countries not participating in these areas. The conclusions also reiterate the importance Esther McVey: The information is tabled as follows: of making the EU more competitive, completing the single market and cutting red tape for business. Number of jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) claimants with an adverse JSA sanction decision, and of these, the number overturned upon reconsideration or appeal in Leaders also agreed to build on the UK’s G8 agenda Kingston upon Hull local authority, 22 October 2012 to 30 June 2013 with an explicit commitment to agree further measures Number on tax transparency as swiftly as possible. Total number of jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) claimants 6,540 Enlargement and Association Agreements with an adverse JSA sanction decision Of Which: The UK has long supported enlargement as one of Decision overturned: Total 1,140 the EU’s greatest strengths. The prospect of EU membership Decision overturned: Following reconsideration 1,050 has proved a huge driver for peace, prosperity and Decision overturned: Following appeal 90 progress across our continent. But the EU of today is Notes: very different to the European Community of 50 years 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. ago and it was never envisaged that the accession of 2. Totals will count individuals who have had both a sanction overturned upon reconsideration and also upon appeal. new countries would trigger mass population movements Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: JSA Sanctions across our continent. and Disallowance Decisions Statistics Database. So I made it clear that when future countries join the The information requested how many such claimants EU we must look again at the transitional arrangements had previously been asked to undertake a literacy course for the free movement of workers, and my preference to or how many claimants were previously claiming look at options such as much longer transitional periods employment and support allowance (ESA) is not readily and new benchmarks that would need to be met. I also available and could be provided only at disproportionate made the case for returning the principle of free movement cost. to a more sensible basis and making it clear that it The revised answer is as follows: should never be a completely unqualified right but should be what the EU first envisaged—the free movement Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for of workers, not of those after the best benefit deal. This Work and Pensions how many jobseeker’s allowance is not just the view of the UK. At the recent meeting of claimants in Hull have been sanctioned since 22 October 9WS Written Statements6 JANUARY 2014 Written Statements 10WS

2012; how many such sanctions have been subsequently Notes: overturned; how many such claimants had previously 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. been asked to undertake a literacy course by a jobcentre; 2. Data are to the 30 June 2013 which is the latest available information. and how many claimants were previously claiming 3. Sanction applied: New sanctions rules came into force for JSA from 22 October 2012. The number of sanctions applied is the number of low, intermediate employment support allowance. [176414]. and high-level referrals where the decision was found against the claimant. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/jobseekers-allowane-overview-of-sanctions-rules. 4. The decision to apply a sanction can be overturned following reconsideration or appeal. Esther McVey: The information is tabled as follows: 5. All figures may include individuals who have had more than one sanction decision e.g. if an individual has a sanction applied and another sanction Number of individuals with a jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) sanction by decision in overturned following an appeal then they will appear twice. Kingston upon Hull local authority, 22 October 2012 to 30 June 2013. Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: JSA Sanctions and Disallowance Decisions Statistics Database. Number The information requested how many such claimants had previously been asked to undertake a literacy course Sanction applied 4,330 or how many claimants were previously claiming Overturned following reconsideration 880 employment and support allowance (ESA) is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate Overturned following appeal 80 cost.

1P Petitions6 JANUARY 2014 Petitions 2P

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Diana Petition Johnson, Official Report, 15 July 2013; Vol. 566, c. 884.] [P001196] Monday 6 January 2014 Observations from the Secretary of State for Health: The Department does not recommend the use of OBSERVATIONS conversion therapy and it is not a National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommended treatment. The Government have already indicated that there are no plans to introduce statutory regulation for HEALTH psychotherapists. We do not believe that regulation would necessarily prevent this type of counselling in Control of Conversion Therapy any case as it would not be dependent on the type of The Petition of Citizens of the UK, therapy offered. Declares that the Petitioners believe that being lesbian, It is for commissioners of NHS services to ensure gay or bisexual is not a disease, disorder or illness and that treatment and care, including therapy, is provided cannot therefore be “cured” or changed; and consequent to every patient without any form of discrimination. upon this belief and the declarations of the professional Clinical Commissioning Groups must, in the exercise of bodies of the appropriate medical organizations, further their functions, have due regard to the need to eliminate declares that “conversion” or “reparative” therapy does unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation not work and can do serious harm to patients. and other conduct prohibited under the Equality Act 2010. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of The Department has confirmed it is working with the Commons urges the Government to control “conversion” UK Council for Psychotherapy and NHS England on or “reparative” therapy by banning it completely for the issue to minimise the risk that lesbians, gay men and those under the age of 18 and making it available to bisexual people who seek counselling about their sexuality those over the age of 18 only after informed written will encounter therapists attempting to change their consent and only when carried out by a licensed medical sexual orientation because the therapist considers that practitioner. being gay is wrong.

1W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 2W Written Answers to Letter from Glen Watson, dated December 2013: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking the Secretary of State for Health how many people have survived Questions brain cancer in each of the last three years. [180978], ONS publish one-year and five-year cancer survival estimates Monday 6 January 2014 for adults aged 15-99. Survival is calculated from the date of diagnosis. The latest estimates for patients diagnosed with brain cancer in England are for patients diagnosed in 2007-2011 and followed up CABINET OFFICE to 2012. These figures are presented in Table 1. 10 and 11 Downing Street The latest published figures on cancer survival in England are available on the National Statistics website at: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/cancer-unit/cancer-survival/ Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet index.html Office (1) whether the occupants of the flats in (a) 10 and (b) 11 Downing street contribute to a reserve fund Table 1: One-year and five-year net survival (%)1, with 95% confidence intervals2, for patients (aged 15-99 years)3 diagnosed with brain cancer4 during to help cover unexpected maintenance and repair costs; 2007-2011: England [181720] One-year survival Five-year survival (2) whether his Department provides (a) building Number of and (b) content insurance in respect of chattels not patients % 95%CI % 95%CI owned by HM Government for the flats in (a) 10 and (b) 11 Downing street; [181721] Men 10,530 43.5 42.2 44.9 17.8 15.7 19.8 (3) if he will publish a copy of the lease agreements Women 7,666 44.1 42.5 45.7 20.4 18.1 22.6 between his Department and the occupants of the flats Persons 18,196 43.7 42.7 44.8 18.8 17.3 20.4 1 [181732] Net survival is an estimate of the probability of survival from the cancer alone. in (a) 10 and (b) 11 Downing street; It can be interpreted as the survival of cancer patients after taking into account (4) what level of service charge the (a) Prime Minister the background mortality that the patients would have experienced if they had not had cancer. and (b) Chancellor of the Exchequer have contributed 2 A 95% confidence interval is a measure of the uncertainty around an estimate. for usage of the flats in (i) 10 and (ii) 11 Downing street It provides a range around the estimated value within which we have a 95 per in each year since May 2010; [181733] cent level of confidence that the true value for the population is likely to fall. 3 All adults (aged 15-99 years) in England who were diagnosed during 2007-2011 (5) how the service charge for the flats in (a) 10 with an invasive, primary, malignant neoplasm were eligible for analysis. Ineligible Downing street and (b) 11 Downing street is calculated; patients were those whose tumour was benign (not malignant) or in situ (malignant but not invasive) or of uncertain, behaviour (uncertain whether and how the revenue from that charge was spent by his benign or malignant), or for which the organ of origin was unknown. Department in each of the last two financial years; 4 Brain cancer is coded as C71 in the International Classification of Diseases; [181734] Tenth Revision (ICD-10). (6) whether his Department charges ground rent for the use of the flats in (a) 10 and (b) 11 Downing Cancer: Children street. [181735]

Mr Maude: As was the case under the previous Jim Shannon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Administration, the Ministerial Code sets out any personal Office how many children have been diagnosed with liabilities when allocated an official residence. cancer in each of the last three years. [180977] As was also the case under the previous Administration, the Cabinet Office does not provide insurance for personal Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the contents within the official residence. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. No. 10 and No. 11 have long been the official residences of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer Letter from Glen Watson, dated December 2013: and there have been no lease agreements in this time. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking the Brain Cancer Secretary of State for Health how many children have been diagnosed with cancer in each of the last three years. [180977] Jim Shannon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Table 1 provides the number of newly diagnosed cases of Office how many people have survived brain cancer in cancer in children aged 0-14 years in England for each year from each of the last three years. [180978] 2009 to 2011 (the latest year available). The latest published figures on cancer incidence in England are Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the available on the National Statistics website at: responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference- asked the authority to reply. tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-302299

Table 1: Number of newly diagnosed cases of cancer in children,1 England, 2003-112, 3

Year

ICD-10 Code Site description Sex 2009 2010 2011

C00-C974 All cancers excluding non-melanoma skin cancer Male 683 717 645

Female 593 549 528 3W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 4W

Table 1: Number of newly diagnosed cases of cancer in children,1 England, 2003-112, 3 Year ICD-10 Code Site description Sex 2009 2010 2011

Persons 1,276 1,266 1,173 1 Children aged 0 to 14. 2 Newly diagnosed cases in each calendar year. 3 Excludes non-residents. 4 Excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (C44).

Employment: Medway Iraq Committee of Inquiry

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr : To ask the Minister for the Office how many people in Medway local authority Cabinet Office (1) what proportion of the working time area have entered the workforce for the first time since of officials in his Department has been dedicated to the May 2010; and how many were (a) aged 16 to 24 years Iraq Inquiry since 1 January 2013; [180755] old, (b) women and (c) from an ethnic minority. [180819] (2) when he expects the next progress report from the Chilcot Inquiry on Iraq to be published. [180756] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I asked the authority to reply. gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend West (Mr Amess), on 11 December 2013, Official Report, Letter from Caron Walker: column 252W. On behalf of the Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary The Inquiry is independent of Government, and the Question asking the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions completion of its report is a matter for the Inquiry how many people in Medway local authority area have entered Committee. Sir John Chilcot wrote to the Prime Minister the workforce for the first time since May 2010; and how many on 4 November to inform him of the Inquiry’s progress. were (a) aged 16 to 24, (b) women and (c) from an ethnic minority. Sir John’s letter, and the Prime Minister’s reply, can be (180819) seen on the Iraq Inquiry website: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles labour www.iraqinquiry.org.uk/news/update_on_inquiry_progress_- market statistics for local areas from the Annual Population _november_2013.aspx Survey (APS). However, this source does not provide information on whether those people who have entered employment have done so for the first time. National and local area estimates for many other labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant Kidneys: Diseases count at local level are available on the NOMIS website at: http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Immigration Office how many cases of mortality in (a) Bolton South East constituency, (b) Bolton, (c) Greater Manchester and (d) England have been due to (i) acute Mr Hanson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet and (ii) chronic kidney disease in the last five years. Office what estimate she has made of the number of [180702] (a) Romanian and (b) Bulgarian passport holders in the UK on 19 December 2013. [181831] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the asked the authority to reply. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Letter from Glen Watson, dated December 2013: Letter from Joe Grice: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking the On behalf of the Director General for the Office for National Minister for the Cabinet Office how many cases of mortality in Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to respond to your Parliamentary (a) Bolton South East constituency, (b) Bolton, (c) Greater Manchester Question to ask the Minister for the Home Department, what and (d) England have been due to (i) acute and (ii) chronic kidney estimate she has made of the number of (a) Romanian and (b) disease in the last five years. [180702] Bulgarian passport holders in the UK on 19 December 2013 [181831]. Table 1 provides the number of deaths where (i) acute, (ii) chronic, (iii) other or unspecified kidney disease was the underlying The latest estimates that are available for the number of Romanian cause of death in (a) Bolton South East constituency, (b) Bolton and Bulgarian nationals resident in the UK are derived from the metropolitan borough, (c) Greater Manchester metropolitan county Annual Population Survey for the 12 month period of January to and (d) England, for deaths registered between 2008 and 2012 December 2012. The estimated number of Romanian nationals (the latest year available). was 102,000, with a corresponding margin of error of +/-14,000. The estimated number of Bulgarian nationals was 53,000 with a The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each corresponding margin of error of +/-10,000. year by sex, age, cause, marital status, and place of death are published annually on the National Statistics website at: The margin of error refers to the 95 per cent confidence interval and is a measure of the uncertainty associated with www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all-releases.html?definition making inferences from a sample. =tcm%3A77-27475 5W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 6W

Table 1. Number of deaths where the underlying cause of death was Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I (i) acute, (ii) chronic, (iii) other or unspecified kidney disease in (a) gave on 20 December 2013. Bolton South East parliamentary constituency, (b) Bolton metropolitan borough, (c) Greater Manchester metropolitan county, (d) England, deaths registered between 2008 and 20121, 2, 3 Deaths Mesothelioma Kidney disease Other or Lindsay Roy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Acute Chronic unspecified Office what his most recent estimate is of the number Bolton of people who will die from mesothelioma in the next South East 30 years. [181817] 2008 0 1 3 2009 0 2 5 Mike Penning: I have been asked to reply on behalf of 2010 0 3 4 the Department for Work and Pensions. 2011 1 5 2 2012 1 9 2 Based on the latest projections of annual mesothelioma deaths, the best estimate is there will be around 60,000 mesothelioma deaths in Great Britain over the 30-year Bolton period 2012-41. 2008 0 5 4 The statistical model suggests an uncertainty range 2009 3 5 10 of 55,000 to 65,000 deaths on that estimate. However, 2010 1 5 13 the true uncertainty range may be wider as longer-range 2011 3 12 3 predictions are reliant on assumptions about asbestos 2012 1 17 5 exposures that cannot currently be fully validated. A Bill is currently before Parliament to establish a Greater Manchester scheme to make payments, averaging £115,000 before 2008 35 74 70 benefit recovery, to approximately 300 mesothelioma 2009 46 56 78 sufferers and their dependants annually, who would otherwise be unable to obtain the compensation they 2010 31 72 83 deserve. 2011 28 97 45 2012 39 99 50 Unemployment: Young People England 2008 706 1,636 1,724 2009 784 1,562 1,744 Mr McKenzie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2010 737 1,594 1,796 Office what the current level of youth unemployment [181053] 2011 612 2,279 1,082 on the west coast of Scotland is. 2012 642 2,385 1,027 1 Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). The specific causes of death responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have categorised in this table, and their corresponding ICD codes, are asked the authority to reply. showninBox1. 2 Figures exclude deaths of non-residents and are based on boundaries Letter from Joe Grice, dated January 2014: at November 2013. 3 Figures are based on deaths registered, rather than deaths occurring On behalf of the Director General for the Office for National in the years 2008-2012. Further information on registration delays for Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary a range of causes can be found on the ONS website: Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/health-and-life- current level of youth unemployment on the west coast of Scotland events/impact-of-registration-delays-on-mortality-statistics/ is. (181053) index.html The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles unemployment Box 1-International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD- statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey 10) codes used to define acute, chronic and other or unspecified kidney (APS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. disease Cause ICD 10 code(s) The number of 16 to 24 year olds who were unemployed on the west coast of Scotland is 10,000, for the latest period available. Acute kidney disease N00-N01, N10, N17 We have defined the west coast of Scotland to include Dumfries Chronic kidney disease N02-N04, N07, N11, N18, N26- and Galloway, Eilean Siar, Highland, Argyll and Bute, Inverclyde, N27 North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire. These estimates are compiled from APS interviews held during the period July 2012 to June Other or unspecified kidney disease N05-N06, N12-N15, N19-N25, N28 2013. As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject to a margin of uncertainty. The above estimate has a Coefficient Members: Correspondence of Variation (CV) in the range of 10 to 20%. The CV indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV the higher the quality. Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Minister for the The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV. Cabinet Office when he intends to reply to the letter to National and local area estimates for many labour market him dated 15 November 2013 from the right hon. statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Rayne count are available on the NOMIS website at Myrick. [181850] http://www.nomisweb.co.uk 7W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 8W

Universal Credit Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what information her Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Minister for the Department holds on how much of (a) TradeMark Cabinet Office when he has met the Secretary of State Southern Africa and (b) TradeMark East Africa funding for Work and Pensions to discuss the development of is in a trust fund. [181265] the universal credit programme. [181234] Justine Greening: As I set out in my ministerial statement Mr Maude: As was the case under previous of 4 December, Official Report, column 58WS, there administrations details of internal discussions are not were serious flaws in the governance and programme normally disclosed. management of the TradeMark Southern Africa (TMSA) programme, which was designed and established between 2007-9. I have now given notice to commence shutting down TMSA with immediate effect. £67 million of DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER funds deposited in 2010 have been only partly committed. The remaining uncommitted funds, approximately £44 Local Enterprise Partnerships: Yorkshire and the million, will now be reclaimed by HMG. Humber No TradeMark East Africa funding is held in a trust fund. Miss McIntosh: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the North and East Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Yorkshire and York Local Enterprise Partnership about International Development how many times she or her devolving powers and responsibilities from Whitehall. Ministers discussed TradeMark Southern Africa [181904] between April 2013 and October 2013. [181266] The Deputy Prime Minister: I have had no personal meetings with the York, North Yorkshire and East Justine Greening: Ministers discussed a wide-range of Riding Local Enterprise Partnership about devolving policy matters with officials. Ministers saw the draft powers and responsibilities from Whitehall. ICAI report in late October 2013.

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what mechanism her NORTHERN IRELAND Department has put in place to assess and demonstrate the effect of (a) TradeMark Southern Africa and (b) Historical Enquiries Team TradeMark East Africa on people in poverty. [181267]

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Justine Greening: TradeMark Southern Africa was for Northern Ireland how many staff have been not properly designed or set up to take adequate account recruited to work for or with the Historical Enquiries of the channels through which poor people can benefit. Team in the last 12 months; and what the community The evaluation plan for TradeMark East Africa will background is of those who (a) applied for and (b) ensure that there will be proper analysis of the programme’s were recruited to such posts in that time. [181178] impact on poverty reduction.

Mrs Villiers: Responsibility for the staffing of the Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Historical Enquiries Team lies with the Chief Constable. International Development when she of her Ministers were first informed of the problems uncovered by ICAI with the TradeMark Southern Africa project. [181268]

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Justine Greening: Ministers saw the draft ICAI report in late October 2013. Africa Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many (a) meetings, International Development how many times she or her (b) telephone calls, (c) letters and (d) other forms of Ministers have visited (a) TradeMark Southern Africa communication (i) she and (ii) ministers have had with and (b) TradeMark East Africa projects to date. TradeMark East Africa in each of the last 12 months. [181264] [181693] Justine Greening: Gareth Thomas, the then Minister of State for International Development, attended a Justine Greening: TradeMark East Africa staff met meeting in South Africa in 2009 where TradeMark with DFID Ministers and officials on various occasions Southern Africa (TMSA) projects featured on the agenda. in 2013. The former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development Stephen O’Brien visited TMSA Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for in June 2011. In November 2013, the Secretary of State International Development how much money she visited a TradeMark East Africa project at Dar es personally approved for the TradeMark East Africa Salaam port in Tanzania. project. [181694] 9W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 10W

Justine Greening: All business cases over £5 million Lynne Featherstone: Ministers have wide-ranging are now approved by Ministers. Under the previous discussions with their counterparts on governance in Government, Ministers did not routinely approve business developing countries. Multilateral REDD+ funds work cases under £40 million. DFID approvals for funding in developing countries with a wide range of stakeholders, are available on the DFID website: and in principle have the potential to support national http://devtracker.dfid.gov.uk parliaments and the development of national legislation in the programmes which they support. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which countries have Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for received support from the TradeMark East Africa International Development what representations the project. [181695] UK representative to the Global Environment Facility has made of the need for that body to focus on capacity Justine Greening: TradeMark East Africa provides building in national parliaments and the development support to Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania of national legislation as part of the preparation and and South Sudan. implementation of REDD+ strategies in developing countries. [181805] Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she has taken to Lynne Featherstone: The UK continues to prioritise review the culture and practices of TradeMark East capacity building for sustainable forest management as Africa in the last 12 months. [181696] a key feature of the Global Environment Facility sixth replenishment for the period 2014-18. The Global Justine Greening: I informed the House of Commons Environment Facility supports integrated approaches on 4 December 2013 of new measures to strengthen to tackle the drivers of deforestation to secure a range DFID’s programme management to ensure that of benefits, but is not specifically designed for Reduced underperforming programmes are effectively reported Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) and remedial steps can be taken when programmes are per se. failing to deliver. Programmes with significant weakness The UK provides support to tackle different aspects that fail to improve significantly will be considered for of sustainable forest management through specialist closure. In addition, I am expanding DFID’s internal institutions, including the Forest Carbon Partnership audit capability and the frequency of reviews. Facility (FCPF), which helps countries implement their Readiness Preparation Proposals. Developing Countries: Forests Fraud Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for made of the role of national parliaments and International Development with reference to paragraph 7.1 legislators in preparing and implementing REDD+ of Treasury Minute, on the twenty-sixth Report from strategies in developing countries. [180870] the Committee on Public Accounts, Session 2012-13, Cm 8613, published in May 2013, when he plans to Lynne Featherstone: In 2010-11, DFID supported the publish details of detected fraud on a country-by-country Global Legislators Organisation (GLOBE) to work with basis. [182040] legislators in forest nations and increase their involvement in preparing and implementing national REDD+ strategies. Mr Duncan: DFID plans to publish details of detected fraud on a country-by-country basis in its Annual Report Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for and Accounts 2013-14. These will be available in June International Development how much her Department 2014. has provided to (a) bilateral and (b) multilateral funds that have subsequently been used to support capacity Palestinians building and strengthened governance in national parliaments and the development of national legislation Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for as part of the preparation and implementation of REDD+ International Development what the effect of strategies in developing countries. [180872] restrictions on access into and out of Gaza is on the international response to the floods in Gaza. [180827] Lynne Featherstone: DFID is not currently providing bilateral or multilateral support to national Parliaments Mr Duncan: The UK Government continues to press for the development of national legislation as part of Israel to ease restrictions on access to Gaza. We are the preparation and implementation of strategies to particularly concerned by the limitations on the import reduce deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). of construction materials given the damage to key infrastructure, roads and houses caused by recent severe Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for weather. The reduction in trade through the illegal International Development what recent discussions she tunnels has also caused severe shortages of fuel, contributing has had with her counterparts in other donor countries to power shortages and worsening the humanitarian on allocating a proportion of all multilateral REDD+ situation. funds to support strengthened governance in national parliaments and the development of national legislation Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for as part of the preparation and implementation of REDD+ International Development at the meeting between strategies in developing countries. [180873] co-ordination of Government Activities in the territories 11W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 12W and international donors and diplomats on 14 December in three individuals being convicted of offences including 2013 to discuss measures to address the current crisis in fraudulent trading and money laundering. Two other the Gaza Strip, what contribution the government of individuals were acquitted. Israel (a) offered and (b) requested from the international The Crown Prosecution Service does not maintain community. [180828] any centrally held data that would enable the separate identification of prosecutions for fraud, or the type of Mr Duncan: UN and humanitarian agencies have fraudulent activity. To obtain this information would reported good co-ordination with the Israeli authorities require a manual exercise of reviewing individual case in response to the situation in Gaza. At the meeting of files to be undertaken at a disproportionate cost. 14 December the Co-ordination of Government Activities Some limited information, identifying the number of in the Territories (COGAT) outlined the actions they offences of selling tickets by unauthorised persons (ticket had taken in response: a loan of four water pumps for touts), in which a prosecution commenced and reached use in the Gaza strip, and an extension of opening times a first hearing in magistrates courts, is available. A at the Kerem Shalom crossing by three hours to allow single defendant may be prosecuted for multiple offences. further fuel to enter and the repair of a number of power lines into Gaza which had been damaged by the Ticketing crime offences are prosecuted by way of storms. Section 166 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (selling or otherwise disposing of a ticket for a Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for designated football match). The following table shows International Development what steps her Department the number of these offences which were charged and is taking to address the deficiencies identified by the reached a first hearing in each of the last five years: UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 { 166(1) and (3)} Affairs in the international response to the serious Number flooding in Gaza last week. [180829] 2008-09 43 Mr Duncan: We have been on close contact with the 2009-10 63 UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs 2010-11 61 over the past week. These contacts suggest that existing 2011-12 89 emergency response mechanisms are working adequately 2012-13 53 to address the needs in Gaza. We will continue to support our UN partners and monitor any changes in It is not possible to disaggregate these figures to show the situation closely. separately the number of ticketing crime offences relating to frauds committed via the internet as opposed to physical ticketing fraud without incurring a disproportionate Syria cost. To obtain this information would require a manual exercise of reviewing individual case files which would Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for incur a disproportionate cost. International Development what recent progress her Department has made in sending further humanitarian aid to Syria. [180791] DEFENCE Justine Greening: To date DFID has committed £500 Chief of Defence Materiel million to the humanitarian response in Syria. Recently, we allocated nearly £60 million of this to partners working in Syria and the region to help hundreds of Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for thousands of Syrians, especially children, cope with the Defence whether the current Chief of Defence Materiel onset of winter. This funding will provide winter tents, will continue is his capacity in addition to his new role warm clothing, heaters, fuel and insulation kits for as Chief Executive of DE&S+. [181271] displaced families living in collective shelters and abandoned or damaged buildings. Mr Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 18 December 2013, Official Report, column 636W, to the hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor View (Alison Seabeck). ATTORNEY-GENERAL Defence Equipment and Support

Tickets: Fraud Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the financial savings that Stephen Barclay: To ask the Attorney-General if his would be achieved over a 10 year period from (a) the Department will publish a breakdown for each of the Defence Equipment and Support plus model and (b) a years available of (a) suspected fraud prosecutions and government-owned, contractor-operated entity. [180231] (b) confirmed fraud prosecutions pertaining to ticketing crime, broken down by (i) internet and (ii) Dr Murrison: The 2009 Gray Report indentified around physical ticketing fraud. [181814] £1.5 billion of annual frictional costs, which the Materiel Strategy was developed to address. As the Secretary of The Solicitor-General: The Serious Fraud Office has State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for investigated and prosecuted one recent case of ticketing Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) set out in crime relating to the 2012 Olympic Games. This resulted July 2012, the GOCO and DE&S + models were both 13W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 14W expected to yield significant savings, but precise estimates Mr Francois: In response to a request from the French are not available due to the early termination of the President, the Royal Air Force has undertaken three commercial competition. return flights by CI7 transport aircraft to help move French forces’ equipment to Bangui in support of their Defence: Procurement intervention in the Central African Republic. Franco-British military co-operation in the framework of the Lancaster Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for House Treaties continues to deliver steady progress Defence pursuant to the answers of 4 December 2013 towards our shared objectives including the ability, by to the hon. Member for Moray, Official Report, 2016, to field a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force, column 674W, and of 25 November 2013 to the hon. supporting each other in operations, co-ordinating our Member for Poole, Official Report, columns 36-7W, on activities in the development and acquisition of a range defence: procurement, how much defence procurement of capabilities, ensuring our support for action in the expenditure was placed with small and medium-sized UN, NATO and the EU and ensuring the viability and enterprises with a billing address in each of the English safety of our national deterrents. regions and in the other constituent parts of the UK in the last three financial years. [180821] Mali Mr Dunne: Details of overall Ministry of Defence expenditure with small and medium-sized enterprises Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for (SME) are available at the following link: Defence what support his Department gave to French http://www.dasa.mod.uk/index.php/publications/finance-and- military operations in Mali; and if he will make a economics/MOD-contracting-with-small-and-medium-sized- statement. [181062] enterprises/financial-year-2012-13 A breakdown of SME expenditure by UK region is Mr Francois: I refer the right hon. Member to the not, however, routinely produced as part of this publication. answer I gave on 18 November 2013, Official Report, This information will take additional time to collate columns 699-700W,to the hon. Member for York Central and I will write to the hon. Member shortly. (Hugh Bayley).

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Military Bases: Scotland Defence by what date will DE&S+ will be match-fit to undertake procurement for his Department. [181261] Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel stationed at (a) RAF Dr Murrison: As the Secretary of State for Defence, Lossiemouth and (b) RAF Leuchars have stated my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Moray or Fife in their first and second joint personnel Weybridge (Mr Hammond), set out in his oral statement administration preferences. [180856] to the House on 10 December 2013, Official Report, columns 146-148, the intent is to ensure that Defence Anna Soubry: Individuals are able to select either Fife Equipment and Support has undergone sufficient or Grampian (which includes Moray), as location transformation in terms of structure, skills and processes preferences. such that it is able to deliver its outputs much more effectively and efficiently than it does today. We have The information requested can be found in the following seen improvements in recent years but we need to table: maintain focus on continuing those improvements; we believe that the plans set out on 10 December are the Fife Grampian best means by which to achieve that. RAF Lossiemouth—1,546 personnel based at unit1 Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 1st choice 68 831 Defence what condition would have to be met for a 2nd choice 275 199 GoCo proposal to be considered for Defence procurement in the future. [181270] RAF Leuchars—1,124 personnel based at unit1 Dr Murrison: No specific conditions have been set for consideration of a future GoCo. We will need to assess 1st choice 275 266 the maturity of both the market and Defence Equipment 2nd choice 81 160 1 and Support as an organisation once we have established Not including individual augmentees deployed overseas the bespoke trading entity and benefited from private Military Bases: Yorkshire and the Humber sector support outlined in the announcement, to transform specific areas of business. Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence France pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2013, Official Report, columns 480-81W, on military bases: Yorkshire Sir Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for and the Humber, what communications by letter or Defence what level of help, support and co-operation email (a) his Department and (b) the office of the the UK armed forces have provided to the French Chief of the Defence Staff have received from personnel intervention in the Central African Republic; and what within 15 Brigade Headquarters about the case for plans he has for Franco-British military co-operation basing the new Adaptive Force Brigade Headquarters in the near future in the framework of the Lancaster in (i) Catterick and (ii) York; and if he will place copies House Treaties. [181341] of those letters and emails in the Library. [181170] 15W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 16W

Dr Murrison: Officials are checking whether any relevant Reserve Service will benefit different employers in communications on this matter have been received and different ways. For some, the improved skills, experience I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible. and training of the individual reservist will be beneficial. For some, where the reservist’s military role is close to Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for their civilian one, there will be more benefit from transferable Defence pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2013, skills. Official Report, columns 480-1W, on military bases: For some companies and sectors, Reserve Service Yorkshire and the Humber, if, before his Department suits and supports their business models. Reserve Service decides where to base the new Adaptive Force Brigade might support corporate social responsibility objectives Headquarters in Yorkshire, he will obtain comparative and be part of their social action plans, alongside any estimates of the (a) premises, (b) IT systems and (c) wider volunteering policies. personnel, including redundancy and staff travel, costs of establishing the Headquarters in (i) Catterick and Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (ii) York; and if he will publish such information about when he plans to provide an update on progress with the comparative costs as part of the business case for recruitment to the Army Reserve. [181945] the Headquarters to be published in February/March 2014. [181171] Anna Soubry: The strength of the Reserve Forces is reported as part of the Quarterly Personnel Report. Dr Murrison: As the Secretary of State for Defence, The last report, for the period to 30 September 2013, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and was released on 14 November 2013; the next report, for Weybridge (Mr Hammond), announced on 5 March the period to 31 December 2013 is expected to be 2013, Official Report, column 845, the Army 2020 basing released in mid-February 2014. plan will allow the Army to generate its military capability The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. in the optimal way. The focus will be on increasing Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge consolidation around seven centres, including Catterick (Mr Hammond), released a written ministerial statement in the north-east of England. As a consequence on 19 December 2013, Official Report, column 124WS, Headquarters 15 (North East) Brigade will merge with and a paper was placed in the Library of the House Headquarters 4 Mechanised Brigade by 1 December setting out the planned growth of the trained strength 2014 to form Headquarters 4 Infantry Brigade and of the Reserve Forces, together with the enlistment Headquarters North East, based in Catterick. targets for the next five years that will support that growth. Reserve Forces Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date he plans to provide an update on the costs Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Future Reserves 2020 measures. [181946] Defence what support his Department provides to employers to assist employees who are army reservists; Anna Soubry: I refer the hon. Member to the answer and how their skills will enhance the employer’s company. given by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right [181698] hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) on 6 November 2013, Official Report, Anna Soubry: SaBRE-Supporting Britain’s Reservists column 203W. Any update regarding the cost of the and Employers-is an organisation supported by the Future Reserves programme will be shown in the Ministry of Defence which is positioned to provide Department’s Annual Report and Accounts. support to both reservists and employers. It maintains a website www.sabre.mod.uk JUSTICE that provides information for employers including detailed advice on the benefits of employing reservists and examples Convictions for companies of HR policies tailored to reservist employees. SaBRE also operates a telephone helpline that is available Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice for both reservists and employers to address specific how many people were convicted of (a) burglary, (b) inquires. Further, each of the 13 Reserve Forces’ and sexual assault, (c) grievous bodily harm, (d) rape, (e) Cadets’ Associations (RFCAs) has a Regional SaBRE manslaughter, (f) attempted murder, (g) forgery, (h) Campaign Director able to provide a personal, face-to-face fraud, (i) theft of a motor vehicle, (j) theft from a service for employers at a local and regional level. person, (k) robbery, (l) sexual activity with a child In the White Paper ‘Reserves in the Future Force under 16, (m) sexual activity with a child under 13, (n) 2020: Valued and Valuable’ (Cm 8655) the Government sexual assault of a female, (o) rape of a male, (p) rape pledged to improve the relationship between Defence of a female, (q) sexual assault on a male, (r) child and employers. Financial support is given to assist abduction, (s) abandoning children aged under two employers to recruit staff or to cover overtime to fill an years, (t) cruelty or neglect of children, (u) wounding absence left by a mobilised employee. An incentive or other acts endangering life, (v) causing death by payment of £500 per employer per month is also available aggravated vehicle-taking, (w) causing death by driving to some small and medium enterprises. Under our fresh while unlicensed or uninsured, (x) causing death of a approach to the Reserves, employers will have greater child or a vulnerable person, (y) causing death by awareness and predictability of when their staff may be careless driving when under the influence of drink or mobilised. drugs, (z) manslaughter due to diminished responsibility 17W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 18W

(aa) causing death by reckless driving, (bb) threat or Jeremy Wright: Sentencing in individual cases is a conspiracy to murder, (cc) perverting to course of justice, matter for the courts, within the maximum penalty (dd) violent disorder, (ee) kidnapping, (ff) blackmail, available for the offence. Since 2010, offenders are more (gg) intent to supply a controlled drug, (hh) possession likely to go to custody and for longer. of a controlled drug, (ii) criminal damage, (jj) arson, (kk) common assault, (ll) dangerous driving and (mm) Data on offenders found guilty and the subset sentenced firearms offences and received a custodial sentence of to custodial sentences for offences referred to in the less than (i) six months and (ii) four years in 2012. question above, in England and Wales in 2012, can be [179318] viewed in the table:

Persons convicted and sentenced to immediate custody for selected offence groups at all courts, by sentence length, England and Wales, 2012 Sentence length Total 6 months to immediate Less than 6 less than 4 Year Offence Total convicted custody months years 4 years Over 4 years

2012 Burglary 22,427 11,422 2,629 7,921 316 556 Sexual assault, of which: 2,324 1,177 125 713 77 262 —Sexual assault on a female 2,108 1,034 121 617 68 228 —Sexual assault on a male 216 143 4 96 9 34 Grievous bodily harm1 4,030 2,177 16 2,102 24 35 Rape, of which: 1,145 1,076 — 90 41 945 —Rape of a male 90 74 — 10 2 62 —Rape of a female 1,055 1,002 — 80 39 883 Manslaughter 166 153 — 23 7 123 Attempted murder 75 71 — 2 — 69 Fraud and forgery, of which: 16,437 3,922 1,322 2,420 57 123 —Forgery 1,850 1,137 250 874 4 9 —Fraud 14,073 2,745 1,057 1,521 53 114 —Other fraud and forgery 514 40 15 25 — — Theft or unauthorised taking of 811 325 159 161 4 1 motor vehicle Robbery 8,337 5,002 76 3,460 363 1,103 Theft from the person of another 5,953 2,127 1,362 749 5 11 Sexual activity with child under 16 824 519 8 354 43 114 Sexual activity with child under 13 230 123 5 72 11 35 Child abduction 93 45 5 38 1 1 Abandoning child aged under two —————— years Cruelty to or neglect of children 615 142 16 108 4 14 Wounding or other act endangering 1,828 1,684 6 371 177 1,130 life Causing death by aggravated vehicle 43—2—1 taking Causing death by driving unlicensed, 134 1 3—— disqualified or uninsured drivers Causing death of a child or 3 3—— 3— vulnerable person Causing death by careless driving 23 21 — 8 1 12 when under the influence of drink or drugs Manslaughter due to diminished 136——15 responsibility Causing death by reckless driving2 221 59 4 54 1 — Threat or Conspiracy to Murder 449 216 39 150 10 17 Perverting the Course of Justice 1,386 675 200 466 4 5 Violent Disorder 534 361 14 345 1 1 Kidnapping3 335 258 1 166 24 67 Blackmail 159 127 — 103 8 16 Having possession of a controlled 6,851 3,344 163 2,592 189 400 drug with intent to supply Possession of a controlled drug 39,836 1,161 1,032 110 5 14 Criminal damage (excluding arson) 4,659 370 274 92 2 2 Arson 1,354 618 56 374 53 135 19W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 20W

Persons convicted and sentenced to immediate custody for selected offence groups at all courts, by sentence length, England and Wales, 2012 Sentence length Total 6 months to immediate Less than 6 less than 4 Year Offence Total convicted custody months years 4 years Over 4 years

Common assault, etc 51,637 7,105 6,838 267 — — Dangerous driving 2,740 1,104 164 940 — — Firearms offences 1,599 463 80 183 12 188 1 Includes offences of wounding or inflicting bodily harm (including racially aggravated) and malicious wounding or grievous bodily harm (including racially and/or religiously aggravated). 2 Includes offences grouped as ‘Causing Death by careless or inconsiderate driving’. 3 Includes offences of kidnapping, hijacking, false imprisonment, detaining and threatening to kill or injure a hostage. Note: The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Domestic Visits assessment, care in custody and teamwork (ACCT) process, which is a prisoner-centred, flexible care planning Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for system for prisoners identified as at risk of suicide or Justice which individuals and organisations (a) he and self-harm. Prisons are also required to ensure that they (b) Ministers in his Department have visited since have procedures in place to learn from deaths in custody February 2013; and when each such visit took place. to prevent future occurrences and improve local delivery [178863] of safer custody. Staff must have regard to equality considerations in Mr Vara: All meetings with external organisations the implementation of safer custody procedures, and and individuals by Ministers are recorded and published ensure fair and appropriate treatment of prisoners across on a quarterly basis on the .gov.uk website, under all protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010, ‘publications’. The transparency data provide a record including race. An analysis of deaths in custody by of meetings with any groups, companies, organisations ethnicity is included in the published Safety in Custody or individuals external to the Government. Statistics Bulletin, available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-in-custody- Legal Aid Scheme: Family Law statistics

Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Poverty Justice what assessment he has made of the effect of the legal aid reform on family law costs; and if he will Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice make a statement. [180447] how many times the word ‘poverty’ has been mentioned in his Department’s parliamentary answers in Session Mr Vara: Impact assessments produced at the time of (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13. [178397] Royal Assent to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) set out potential costs Mr Vara: The Department does not record this to the family justice system as a result of our reforms. information centrally and it would incur disproportionate These can be found at: costs to provide it, because it would require a manual http://www.justice.gov.uk/legislation/bills-and-acts/acts/legal- trawl of each individual PQ response. aid-and-sentencing-act/laspo-background-information Treason Felony Act 1848 We continue to monitor any impacts closely as the reforms fully bed in. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice The Government will be undertaking a post- if he will make it his policy to bring forward legislative implementation review of the legal aid provisions within proposals to repeal section 3 of the Treason Felony Act LASPO in three to five years time, which include a 1848. [R] [180782] review of the impact of the reforms, including on the family justice system. Damian Green: We have no plans to repeal section 3 Police Custody: Ethnic Groups of the Treason Felony Act 1848.

Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he is taking to reduce the incidence HOME DEPARTMENT of death in custody of those from Black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds. [180630] Advisory Council On the Misuse of Drugs

Jeremy Wright: The Government is committed to Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the reducing all deaths in custody. All prisons are required Home Department what criteria were used for appointing to have procedures in place to identify, manage and members of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of support people who are at risk of harm to themselves or Drugs; and whether any veterinary surgeons were others, or from others. These procedures include the considered as candidates for that Council. [180759] 21W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 22W

Norman Baker: The criteria used in the recent recruitment protest would have undermined our asylum and campaign by the Home Office for the Advisory Council immigration system-and provided a dangerous incentive on the Misuse of Drugs members were published. No for others to follow suit. veterinary surgeons were sought or considered. Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Asylum Home Department for what reasons she has decided that Boko Haram was not a threat to the life of Mr Isa Muaza. [178930] Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are (a) Mr Harper: Mr Muazu’s asylum application was currently seeking asylum in the UK and (b) waiting to considered on its individual merits. On the basis of all be returned to their country of origin. [180459] evidence presented, his claim was refused and certified as clearly unfounded as he did not have a genuine need Mr Harper: Information regarding asylum seekers in for protection. This was a decision that was supported the UK (who have claimed post October 2006) and by the courts. He has now been successfully returned to those subject to removal is available on the Home Office Nigeria. website. This forms part of our transparency agenda: Asylum applications are considered on their individual http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/ aboutus/further-key-data/ merits against up-to-date country information, relevant case law and any policy guidance specific to the type of For ease, the relevant information is provided here: claim. Country information itself is based on reliable sources, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office WIP1 as at WIP as at WIP as at Status of end June end June end June and other governmental sources, the UN High applications 2011 2012 2013 Commissioner for Refugees, international and national human rights organisations, and news media. Awaiting initial 4,851 6,192 8,980 asylum decision Borders: Personal Records Asylum appeal 5,553 4,706 4,328 outstanding Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Subject to removal 24,738 23,497 23,438 Home Department which capabilities included in the action original e-Borders business case (a) have been taken Further leave 2,761 2,986 2,724 application out of scope and (b) are under consideration for taking outstanding out of scope; and what the estimated cost was of each Total 37,903 37,381 39,470 of those capabilities as defined at the time of the 1 Work in Progress original tender. [180615]

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Harper: The information could be obtained only Home Department how many asylum interviews have at disproportionate cost. been delayed due to difficulties in obtaining a Home Office interpreter in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013 Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the to date; and if she will make a statement. [181051] Home Department with reference to the capability to reconcile a passenger arriving on a foreign national Mr Harper: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide passport and leaving on a UK passport as included in you with the information you have requested. This is the original e-Borders business case, what body or because the Home Office’s case information database company is responsible for delivering that capability; (CID) does not hold data on the specific reasons for an and by what date that capability is expected to be interview being delayed. This information is only held delivered. [180618] within paper case files or in the notes field of CID, which would mean your question could be answered Mr Harper: The capability referred to in the question, only through a disproportionately expensive manual which was included in the original e-Border business case search. case, is known as ‘person-centric’ travel history, whereby the travel history for the passenger is established regardless of the documents the passenger may use. Asylum: Deportation There is currently no body or company delivering this specific capability. Border Force is considering ’person- Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for the centric’ travel history as part of the review of its overall Home Department if she will reconsider the decision to Digital Delivery Strategy. deport Isa Muaza to Nigeria; and if she will make a statement. [178612] Corruption

Mr Harper: Isa Muazu, a failed asylum seeker, has Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for the now been successfully returned to Nigeria. Home Department what budget her Department has We consider every claim for asylum on its individual allocated to increasing rates of asset recovery in cases merits and he was not found to have a genuine need of of grand corruption. [180701] protection. This was a decision that was supported by the courts. As he had no right to be in the UK, the Norman Baker: The National Crime Agency’s total Home Office began the complex process of removing spending power in 2013/14 is £463 million resource and him. Halting the removal of Mr Muazu because of his £31 million capital. The Agency is responsible for delivering 23W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 24W the Coalition Government’s objectives, as set through Damian Green: In the answer of 16 December 2013, the ’s Strategic Priorities for the NCA Official Report, column 397W, it was stated that 13 and the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy, including police forces were live on the Home Office data hub overseeing the law enforcement response to bribery and (HODH) crime database. As at 19 December, there are corruption. The Home Office and the NCA are members now 14 live forces. These are: Avon and Somerset, of the Arab Spring Asset Recovery Task Force which is Cheshire, Cleveland, Cumbria, Devon and Cornwall, dedicated to restoring the assets stolen by the former Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester Police, Merseyside, regimes in the Arab Spring countries to the people of Northumbria, Staffordshire, Surrey, Thames Valley, West those countries. Mercia and West Yorkshire. It is expected that all forces will be live on HODH by Counter-terrorism the end of 2014.

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Deportation Home Department what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of programmes undertaken Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the by local authorities under funds made available through Home Department how many foreign nationals (a) the Prevent agenda in each of the last five years. were deported and (b) successfully appealed against [178246] deportation under section 32 of the UK Borders Act 2007 in each year since the implementation of that Act. James Brokenshire: Since the revised Prevent Strategy [177201] was published in June 2011, the Home Office has worked closely with local authorities in Prevent priority areas, Mr Harper: The total number of foreign national and therefore has an ongoing understanding of the offenders who were deported under section 32 of the effectiveness of programmes in a given area. We also UK Borders Act 2007 between January 2009 and September have a more robust monitoring and evaluation of Prevent 2013 is 15,105. This is broken down as follows: projects funded under the revised 2011 Prevent strategy than in the previous strategy, notably on value for Total money. The vast majority of projects are assessed to be effective. Ultimately for those projects shown not to be CY 2009 3,150 effective we will withdraw funding. CY 2010 3,555 Performance monitoring data are not published, but CY 2011 3,000 informs the Government’s report on its counter-terrorism CY 2012 3,130 strategy, CONTEST, which is published annually. CY 2013 (to September 2013) 2,270 Total FNO Deportations (January 15,105 2009 to September 2013) Cybercrime: Scotland The total number of foreign national offenders who Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for successfully appealed deportation under section 32 of the Home Department whether her Department has the UK Border Act 2007 between January 2009 and given any support to the Scottish Government in (a) September 2013 is 2,405. This is broken down as follows: tackling cyber crime or (b) combating cyber attacks against the Scottish Government. [180606] Total

James Brokenshire: As part of the UK, Scotland CY 2009 435 benefits from the UK Government’s investment in cyber CY 2010 625 security, which we recognised as a tier 1 threat to CY 2011 545 national security in 2010. The UK Government has CY 2012 630 allocated £860 million over five years to improve the CY 2013 (to September 2013) 170 UK’s cyber security under the National Cyber Security Total FNOs which successfully 2,405 appealed deportation (January Programme, which supports efforts to understand the 2009 to September 2013) threat the UK faces and protect government, industry, and the public. The Home Office receives approximately The allowed appeals figure for CY 2013 are low 10% of this funding each year; this money has been because the appeals data provided is cohort based and used to improve our capabilities to respond to cyber relates to appeals lodged between January 2009 and crime. These capabilities include the new national cyber September 2013. A large proportion of the 2013 cases crime unit within the National Crime Agency which will still be in the appeals process and would not have will improve the collective operational response to cyber been concluded at the time the data was obtained. crime, working in collaboration with police forces across We are unable to provide reliable data for the period the UK, including Police Scotland. prior January 2009, as our systems for recording such information were not in place at that time. Databases Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Department (1) whether prior permission had the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 16 been granted by the Nigerian authorities for the arrival December 2013, Official Report, column 397W, on of Ifa Muaza following his deportation; and for what rape, which police forces are now live on the data hub. reasons the Nigerian authorities did not give permission [181163] for the flight to land; [177939] 25W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 26W

(2) what the estimated cost was of (a) chartered The number of referrals is the number of mandatory aircraft and (b) staff for the aborted deportation of Ifa initial assessments following a positive test. Some referrals Muaza. [177955] may also have been made following a negative test, but this is not recorded. Mr Harper [holding answer 5 December 2013]: We do not provide the costs of particular flights or of staff Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the for reasons of commercial confidentiality. Home Department (1) how many new psychoactive The Nigerian high commission in London and the substances have been identified by her Department’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja agreed to the Forensic Early Warning System in each month since it removal of Mr Muazu however the initial flight was was established; [181942] forced to land in Malta, and then return to the UK, for (2) pursuant to the written statement of 12 December operational reasons not connected to Mr Muazu’s health 2013, Official Report, column 57WS, on drugs policy, or conduct. Mr Muazu has now been successfully returned who the members of the expert advisory panel will be; to Nigeria. and what steps she is taking to ensure that the voluntary and charitable sectors are able to contribute to the Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for the review into new psychoactive substances. [181963] Home Department what upper limit is set to the costs of deporting a single individual. [178932] Norman Baker: The number of new psychoactive substances not previously encountered either in the UK Mr Harper: Each removal is considered on a case by or at EU level and identified by the Home Office case basis to ensure the most suitable and cost effective Forensic Early Warning System (FEWS) since it was method of return is used. established in 2011 is 27. The systems for collecting and Detainees: Compensation analysing samples, and the complexities involved in identification, does not facilitate a monthly inventory of substances identified. Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much compensation was paid Membership of the expert advisory panel for the to victims of unlawful detention by police forces in review into legislative options to tackle new psychoactive England and Wales in 2012-13. [180752] substances is currently being progressed but will comprise of experts drawn from, but not limited to, the following Damian Green: The information requested is not held key areas: centrally. Enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities Local Authorities Drugs: Misuse Science (medical and social) Forensic Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people taken into police Academia detention were tested for the presence of Class A drugs Additional members will be invited to join the review under section 63B of the Police and Criminal Evidence where a need arises. Act 1984, as amended by section 7 of the Drugs Act Consultation with additional experts and interested 2005 in the last two years for which figures are available; parties, including other Government Departments, and how many such people were referred to a drug treatment devolved Administrations, will be conducted by Home programme; and if she will make a statement. [180913] Office officials throughout the review. The voluntary and charitable sectors will be consulted Norman Baker: The Home Office does not hold data as appropriate. on drug tests for all Class A drugs. Only offenders arrested or charged with a ’trigger offence’—largely acquisitive crime related offences—are required to provide Extremism a sample to be tested for specified Class A drugs (heroin and cocaine/crack cocaine). Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Based on management information from an operational Home Department what reports the Domestic source there were approximately 372,000 drug tests in Extremism Unit at the Metropolitan Police have passed 2011/12 and 2012/13 undertaken for the presence of to her Department in the last 24 months; and when her heroin and/or cocaine/crack under section 63B of the Department received each such report. [167010] Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, as amended by section seven of the Drugs Act 2005 . Norman Baker: The National Domestic Extremism Of these, approximately 115,000 were positive and and Disorder Intelligence Unit is a national policing 110,000 led to a referral to a drug treatment programme. intelligence unit hosted by the Metropolitan Police Service These numbers refer to occasions, rather than unique under a lead force arrangement. It works within the individuals. They are based on an operational source existing legal framework that governs the police in and have not undergone rigorous quality assurance terms of gathering and sharing information. It operates although the systems do contain automated verification as a strategic intelligence unit to research, analyse and checks. Positive tests are defined as tests that were collate intelligence. positive for cocaine and/or heroin at screening. A proportion The unit provides both Government (including the of these will have been disputed and overturned on Home Office) and police forces with regular assessments confirmatory testing, but it is not practicable to identify covering a wide range of public order and domestic all such tests. extremism issues. The Home Office also receives periodic 27W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 28W strategic assessments on public order and domestic There is no standalone training on trauma issues but extremism issues and ad hoc advice on specific topics as the issue of trauma is included in a number of training required. courses, including the Foundation Training Programme and Competent Authority training as above. Foreign Workers Illegal Immigrants Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people entering the UK Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the on intra-company transfers had NVQ level 4 Home Department if she will publish and place in the qualifications in 2012-13. [180957] Library her Department’s evaluation of the advertising campaign using the phrase ’go home or face arrest’. Mr Harper: The latest available data on people entering [173120] the UK shows that in 2012 there were an estimated 21,800 passenger arrivals of individuals under intra Mr Harper: The evaluation of this pilot campaign company transfers. Corresponding information on the has been published and placed in the House Library. It number who held NVQ level 4 qualifications is not can be accessed at: available. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/operation- Information about the number of people entering the vaken-evaluation-report UK on intra company transfers during 2012 is published as part of the “Immigration statistics, July to September Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2013”, table ad_03_w available at: Home Department pursuant to the answer of 2 December https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration- 2013, Official Report, column 531W, on immigration statistics-july-to-september-2013/immigration-statistics-july- offences, how many people have been (a) arrested and to-september-2013 (b) prosecuted for each of those immigration offences in the last year for which figures are available. [178249] Human Trafficking Mr Harper [holding answer 9 December 2013]: The information cannot be obtained without incurring Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for disproportionate costs. the Home Department whether the UK Visas and Immigration specialist trafficking team is now fully operational; and how many staff are working on human Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many named individuals are trafficking issues within that team. [177996] currently listed in the Home Office immigration database for illegal migrants. [178316] Mr Harper: The National Referral Mechanism Hub was created in April 2013. From December 2013, it started taking on all new referrals where trafficking is Mr Harper: The Home Office does not have a specific raised as part of an asylum claim, or in the context of database for illegal migrants. another immigration process. The team will expand from nine decision makers to 18. Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people who were in the Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the UK illegally have (a) been subject to enforced Home Department what specialist training is offered to departure from the UK and (b) left the UK voluntarily asylum case owners with respect to (a) identification in each of the last three years. [180835] of cases of trafficking and (b) working with victims of trauma. [181075] Mr Harper: The following table provides the total number of persons removed or departed voluntarily Mr Harper: All asylum decision makers undertake a from the UK in each of the last three years. 25 day initial training course. This includes training on Removals and voluntary departures, 2010 to 20121 interviewing vulnerable persons, gender issues and an 2010 2011 20122 introduction to the issue of victims of human trafficking, including the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), Total enforced removals 14,854 15,063 14,647 Total refused entry at port 18,276 15,700 13,789 indicators of human trafficking, and the First Responder and subsequently departed referral process.

Further, all asylum decision makers are required to Total voluntary departures 27,114 26,419 29,663 complete two mandatory e-learning courses, entitled Assisted voluntary returns 4,541 3,120 3,706 “Human trafficking” and “the National Referral ″ Notified voluntary 5,996 7,587 6,749 Mechanism . Content includes indicators of human departures trafficking and how to identify potential victims and Other confirmed voluntary 16,577 15,712 19,208 refer them into the National Referral Mechanism. departures In addition, all asylum case owners and caseworkers 1 Removals are recorded on the system as at the dates on which the data extracts were taken. who operate as Competent Authority decision makers 2 within the NRM are required to undertake additional Provisional figures. training on NRM processes, indicators, sensitive interview The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual skills, children as victims of trafficking, NRM decision statistics on the number of persons removed or departed making, group discussion and NRM partner presentations. voluntarily from the UK within Immigration Statistics. 29W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 30W

The data on removals and voluntary departures are is used to decide which time-served foreign national readily available in the latest release, Immigration Statistics: prisoners will be transferred from the prison estate to July to September 2013, from the gov.uk website: immigration removal centres. [181104] https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/ series/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release Mr Harper: When a time served foreign national Data for 2013 will be available from 27 February 2014. offender has been risk assessed for their suitability to move from a prison to an IRC, every practical effort is Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the made to ensure that they are moved in chronological Home Department how many illegal entrants have been order of the time served date. detained at ports of entry to the UK on more than one In addition, the Home Office work hard to balance occasion through the use of sniffer dogs in each of the this need with the need to arrange value for money last three years for which figures are available. [180949] moves. This involves grouping moves that are both geographically and operationally advantageous to minimise Mr Harper: Border Force does not record statistical the cost. information for illegal entrants detained on more than one occasion through the use of sniffer dogs. Immigration

Illegal Immigrants: Employment Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been listed Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for the as an immigration or asylum absconder in each of the Home Department how many businesses in (a) last five years. [179759] Cannock Chase constituency and (b) Staffordshire have been fined for employing illegal foreign national Mr Harper: The number of people listed as an workers in each of the last five years. [178959] immigration or asylum absconder in each of the last six years can be found in the following table. Mr Harper: The information requested has been provided. The figures are based on the number of civil Breach year Total penalties served at visited business addresses. 2008 11,567 2009 11,430 Penalties issued in Penalties issued in Staffordshire 2010 9,783 Cannock Chase (excluding Cannock 2011 9,585 constituency Chase) 2012 5,240 2013 3,192 2009 3 35 Grand total 50,797 2010 0 33 Notes: 2011 1 17 1. The data relates to the number of people whom absconded by 2012 1 12 calendar year. 2013 (up to 31 282. Many of these people have subsequently been encountered and are October) no longer absconders. Note: 3. People may have absconded more than once. The figures provided are sourced from a Home Office management 4. An asylum/non-asylum breakdown is not possible within this time information system which is not quality assured under National frame. Statistics protocols and is subject to change due to internal data 5. The figures provided are sourced from a Home Office management quality checking. Figures provided from this source do not information system which is not quality assured under National constitute part of National Statistics and should be treated as Statistics protocols and is subject to change due to internal data provisional. quality checking. Figures provided from this source do not constitute part of National Statistics and should be treated as provisional. Please note the figures are for penalties issued at the initial decision stage which may be reduced, cancelled, Immigration Controls increased or reissued at the objection or appeal stage. Mr Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Immigrants: Children Home Department what assessment she has made of the potential costs and benefits of extending Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for transitional controls on EU accession states; and if she the Home Department (1) how many unaccompanied will make a statement. [177670] minors, excluding those from other EU member states, have entered the UK in the last 12 months; [177999] Mr Harper: In June 2005, the previous Government (2) how many unaccompanied minors departed from signed the accession treaty with and . the UK in the last 12 months. [178000] In doing so, they granted all Romanians and Bulgarians the right to come to Britain. The treaty came into effect Mr Harper: The Home Office does not hold the in 2007, and as a result the seven-year transitional information requested. controls relating to free movement will end this year. From 1 January 2014, Romanians and Bulgarians Immigrants: Detainees will have the right to free movement across Europe on the same terms as other EU nationals. Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the We are focusing on cutting out the abuse of free Home Department whether the length of time an individual movement between EU member states and addressing has been held in prison solely under immigration powers the factors that drive European immigration to Britain. 31W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 32W

Across Government, we are working to ensure that “Tackling illegal immigration in privately rented our controls on accessing benefits and services, including accommodation”, available on Parliament’s website at: the NHS and social housing are among the tightest in http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2013-14/immigration/ Europe to protect the UK from abuse. On 27 November documents.html 2013 the Prime Minister announced a number of measures to put this principle into effect. Immigration: Children Immigration Controls: Aviation Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will place in the Library Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for the records of all the consultations received during the Home Department pursuant to the answer from the impact assessment for the Immigration Bill in relation Secretary of State for Transport of 12 November 2013, to her statutory safeguarding children duties as set out Official Report, column 572W, on aviation, why her in Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Department has no plans to match arrivals data from Act 2009 from (a) the Office of the Children’s Champion general aviation entries into the UK with the national and (b) other bodies. [180472] air traffic system. [179581]

Mr Harper: Border Force work to match arrivals data Mr Harper: The Government held three public from general aviation entries into the UK with the data consultations during the summer that relate to provisions from the national air traffic system is under way. in the Immigration Bill. These consultations focused on tackling illegal immigration in private, rented Immigration: Appeals accommodation, regulating migrant access to health services in the UK, and measures to help prevent illegal Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the working. The Government’s response to each of these Home Department how many people have received an consultations has been published online and includes a immigration decision and reached appeal rights summary of responses received. The Office of the Children’s exhausted stage in each of the last three years. [180787] Champion is part of the Home Office and as such does not respond to public consultations. Mr Harper: The ‘Appeals Rights Exhausted’ (ARE) category applies to appeals lodged by in-country applicants Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the within the United Kingdom. It is relevant because an Home Department how many children were entered individual’s immigration status may change once this onto the UK Border Agency database in each of the stage is reached. The number of cases reaching ARE for last five years; how many alerts requiring investigation the past three years is as follows: were generated from that data, excluding false positives; and what the estimated cost of those investigations was. Calendar years In-country appeals [180617] 2010 32,790 Mr Harper: The former UK Border Agency had a 2011 28,448 number of databases—it is not clear to which the question 2012 22,159 refers, or what kind of alerts are being referred to. Notes: 1. All figures quoted have been derived from management information Internet (CID) and are therefore provisional and subject to change. This information has not been quality assured under National Statistics protocols. Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2. Data refers to those cases that lodge an appeal and have become Home Department whether access to any websites or ARE figure based solely on those events. domains is blocked from computers in her Department; Immigration: Business and if she will publish a list of all such websites and domains to which access is prohibited. [178506]

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the James Brokenshire: The Home Department does block Home Department with reference to her Department’s websites in two broad groups. overarching impact assessment of the Immigration Bill, published on 14 October 2013, if she will publish a 1. Individual sites that are specifically notified to Home Office IT either, by CESG GovCert as malicious or other sites specifically breakdown of the £4.71 million estimated as the net notified by business users as being potentially harmful. annual cost to business. [180599] 2. Sites that are classified by a global service provider into certain categories that are deemed to be inappropriate for Home Mr Harper: The Immigration Bill’s overarching impact Office business use. Home Department systems are able to assessment includes a breakdown of the £4.71 million automatically check sites against these categories, a list of which equivalent annual net cost to business in table one. The with brief descriptions follows. principal cost to business comes from tackling illegal Pornography (sites that contain materials that are intended immigration in privately rented accommodation. Housing to-be sexually arousing or erotic as the main focus) is a key enabler of illegal migration. The policy is Anonymisers (sites used for disguising access to sites that intended to reduce the availability of accommodation might otherwise be blocked) for those intending to stay illegally in the UK, and Gruesome Content (sites considered to have content that can tackle the exploitation of migrants by rogue landlords. be considered tasteless, gross, shocking, or gruesome) Further detailed analysis of the cost to business that Violence (sites considered to have content that includes real or results from the measures in the Bill concerning residential lifelike images or text that portray, describe, or advocate physical tenancies can be found in the separate impact assessment, assaults against humans, animals, or institutions) 33W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 34W

Games/Cartoon Violence (this category is specific to fantasy (2) pursuant to the answer of 5 December 2013, or fictitious representations of violence within the context of Official Report, column 762W, on Interpol, for what games, comics, cartoons, or graphic novels) reasons it is not possible for figures for Red Notices for Extreme (the outer limits of: Gruesome Content, Hate Speech, UK nationals issued by other countries to be provided. Politics/Opinion, Violence, or Game/Cartoon Violence, including [180071] Child Abuse would also be classed as Extreme) Social Networking (this category includes URLs that enable James Brokenshire: As previously stated in our response social networking for a variety of purposes; friendship, dating, of 5 December 2013, Official Report, column 762W, the professional, or topics of interest) Home Office does not collect statistical data centrally Browser Exploits (sites constructed to attempt attacks on on Red Notices. The most comprehensive source of browser software) data on Red Notices is that held by the Interpol General Consumer Protection (sites that try to rob or cheat consumers) Secretariat. Illegal UK (this will include for example sites that contain child sexual abuse content hosted anywhere in the world, and There are 190 Interpol member countries. The data criminally obscene and incitement to racial hatred content hosted relating to the subjects of Red Notices are owned by the in the UK. This includes sites notified to McAfee by the Internet country which has requested the Notice and cannot be Watch Foundation) released without the permission of that country. To ask Malicious Downloads (sites that allow a user to inadvertently each country for details of any of its Red Notices which download code that is harmful or annoying) concern British citizens could be obtained only at Malicious Sites (sites that deploy code designed specifically to disproportionate cost and would not necessarily guarantee hijack your computer’s settings or activity) a response. Phishing (sites designed to steal user account information) Interpol: Europol Potentially Unwanted Programs (which typically alter security or privacy settings on the client computer) Spam URLs (links to web pages that arrive in unsolicited spam Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home e-mail with content ranges from product marketing to potentially Department to what extent Europol shares information offensive or fraudulent sites) with Interpol; and what steps Europol takes to ensure Spyware/Adware/Keyloggers (web pages that violate personal that information it relies on has not been obtained by or corporate privacy and security by covertly gathering and Interpol in breach of human rights. [180062] sending information to another party) It is not considered appropriate to publish the list of James Brokenshire: The 2001 Agreement between individually blocked sites as many cases are harmful Interpol and Europol provides for the exchange of sites that we are informed of by the CESG GovCert operational, strategic and technical information. The regime, Home Office would not wish to endanger any agreement includes in Article 5(2) a ban on the processing CESG operational intelligence and would refer the request of information which has clearly been obtained in obvious to GovCert. Additionally in many cases these are stored violation of human rights. as IP addresses rather than readable URLs. It is not possible to list all of the sites in the blocked categories Ketamine as this is compiled by an external service provider. Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Interpol Home Department what steps she will take in response to the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs’ recommendation that ketamine be reclassified as a Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Class B drug. [181337] Department (1) how much Interpol has charged and received for providing major event support teams in Norman Baker: We welcome the Advisory Council’s (a) the UK and (b) EU member states in each of the advice in light of the growing concerns around the last five years; [180066] harms associated with ketamine misuse. We will respond (2) how much Interpol major event support teams to the recommendations in due course. cost for the London 2012 Summer Olympics. [180174] Legal Aid Scheme James Brokenshire [holding answer 16 December 2013]: The Interpol Major Event Support Team for the London Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2012 Summer Olympics was provided at no cost to the Home Department what estimate she has made of how UK. many small and medium-sized legal practices in (a) Interpol has not deployed any other such teams in the Barnsley Central constituency, (b) South Yorkshire UK in the last five years. We do not hold information and (c) England are likely to close as a result of the on the amount charged or received for any Major Event Government’s proposed changes in legal aid. [180684] Support Teams that Interpol may have deployed to any other member state in the same period. Mr Vara: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home On 5 September 2013 the Government published its Department (1) pursuant to the answer of 5 December response to the ‘Transforming Legal Aid: delivering a 2013, Official Report, column 2, on Interpol, what the more credible and efficient system’ consultation and, length of time between issue and withdrawal or revocation simultaneously, published proposals for further consultation was of each of the eight Interpol Red Notices which on a modified model of procurement for criminal legal were withdrawn or revoked by the UK; [180398] aid. 35W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 36W

Under the proposed modified model, there would be Mr Harper: I wrote to the right hon. Member on 16 an unlimited number of ‘Own Client Work’ contracts December 2013. on offer meaning that organisations of any size would be able to get a contract to deliver criminal legal aid Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for services to any client who requests them, provided they the Home Department when she intends to reply to the can show they meet the necessary quality requirements. letter to the Minister of Immigration dated 4 November To ensure there is sufficient coverage of quality service 2013 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, supply for those individuals who do not have their own Gorton with regard to Mrs S Parveen. [180433] provider, we proposed to maintain a duty provider scheme. In order for that scheme to be sustainable at the Mr Harper: I wrote to the right hon. Member on 16 rates of pay on offer we proposed to offer fewer, larger December 2013. contracts to organisations capable of showing they meet the necessary quality and capacity requirements. Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for To help inform the number of Duty Provider Work the Home Department when she intends to reply to the contracts to offer we need to take account of a number letter to her dated 4 November from the right hon. of factors including the ability of the current providers Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Ms to consolidate and grow their businesses and the financial Sultanat Khan Ahmad Khan. [180434] viability of contract values. To help inform this work we commissioned, jointly with the Law Society, a piece of Mr Harper: I wrote to the right hon. Member on 16 research into the appropriate number and size of contracts December 2013. necessary to ensure a sustainable and viable market. This work has not yet concluded. We are also in the National Crime Agency: Northern Ireland process of considering the responses to the consultation. The Government response to consultation due to be Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for the published in early 2014 will be accompanied by an Home Department what recent discussions she has had impact assessment. with the National Crime Agency on its work in Northern Ireland. [180122] Legislation James Brokenshire: Home Office Ministers have regular Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the meetings with the National Crime Agency to discuss its Home Department how much her Department spent work, including its work in Northern Ireland. on compliance costs for enforcement of legislation relating to (a) academic institutions and (b) marriages Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for the in each of the last five years; how many full-time Home Department what recent assessment she has equivalent staff work on such compliance activity; and made of the operation of the National Crime Agency what estimate she has made of the amount her in Northern Ireland. [180123] Department will spend annually on compliance with new legislation relating to (i) private sector landlords James Brokenshire: The new National Crime Agency and (ii) NHS staff. [180616] (NCA) launched on 7 October 2013. It is operating across the UK, including in Northern Ireland. As the Mr Harper: We do not hold information at the level Northern Ireland Executive did not agree to take forward requested for parts (a) and (b) in terms of either a legislative consent motion for the NCA, the Agency’s spending or staff and to provide this would involve operations in Northern Ireland are more restricted than disproportionate cost. in the rest of the UK. Details of spending in Crime and Enforcement Group (part of the former UK Border Agency) can be found in National Crime Agency: Scotland the UKBA annual accounts and can be viewed on the Home Office website via the following link: Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/ the Home Department what activities the National aboutus/annual-reports-accounts/ Crime Agency currently conducts in Scotland. [180592] The Government has published impact assessments in relation to provisions in the Immigration Bill concerning James Brokenshire: The National Crime Agency (NCA) residential tenancies and the immigration health surcharge. is UK-wide, and it leads, supports and co-ordinates These assessments set out the costs and benefits of the activity to fight and cut serious and organised crime proposed schemes. They are available on the Parliament across the whole of the UK, including in Scotland. The website at: NCA’s annual plan (published October 2013) provides details of the exercise of the agency’s functions in http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2013-14/immigration/ documents.html Scotland. The plan is available on the NCA website at: http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/ Members: Correspondence Offences Against Children Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she intends to reply to the Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the letter to the Minister of Immigration dated 31 October Home Department pursuant to the answer of 9 October 2013 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, 2013, Official Report, column 313W,on offences against Gorton with regard to Mr Peter Solaja. [180432] children, who authorised the destruction of 114 potentially 37W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 38W relevant files; on what date they were destroyed; and if Mr Harper: The Office for National Statistics long-term she will list the title of each file identified by the review international migration data now include estimates of that was passed on to the police in the period 1979 to the numbers of students leaving the UK. The ONS has 1999. [180891] recently improved its methodology to make it easier to identify students in the emigration flows to give a more Norman Baker [holding answer 19 December 2013]: I accurate measure of the contribution of students to refer to the answer given on 9 October 2013, Official overall net migration. These statistics, available for the Report, column 313W, by the Minister for Policing, first time in August 2013, showed an estimated 49,000 Criminal Justice and Victims. This stated that the relevant non-EU students left the UK in 2012 compared with files had been presumed destroyed, missing or not found. 139,000 who arrived during the same year. Further There is no information therefore held on dates of analysis of these statistics will make it possible, in due destruction or authorisation. course, to determine with greater certainty how many students leave the UK and how many stay for longer Through the publication of the Terms of Reference periods. and the Executive Summaries of both the interim and final report the Home Office has made available all the The Home Office has undertaken research using relevant findings from this review. administrative data to improve our understanding of migrants coming to the UK, their countries of origin, their purpose for migrating and how long they stay. The Offences Against Children: Internet research examines cohorts of migrants arriving in the UK and tracks their immigration status over the following Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the five years. The Migrant Journey Third Report (2013)1 Home Department how many dedicated staff at reported that around one in five (18%) of migrants GCHQ will be appointed to tackle the problem of child issued student visas in 2006 have legally remained in the abuse material being shared on peer-to-peer networks; immigration system or settled in the UK after five years. what the budget will be of the new taskforce; how it In terms of settlement, those coming to the UK to will be organised; which Minister she has appointed to study in 2006 contributed 13% of settlement grants in lead on that project; and if she will make a statement. 2009, and 16% of grants in 2010 and 2011. The figures [180845] of course do not capture any students that may have remained unlawfully. James Brokenshire [holding answer 19 December 2013]: 1 Home Office (2013) The Migrant Journey Third Report, available The Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims, at: my right hon. Friend the Member for Ashford (Damian https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Green), chaired the first meeting of the UK/US Taskforce attachment_data/file/143930/horr69-report.pdf to Counter Online Child Exploitation jointly with the : Fingerprints US Assistant Attorney-General on 9 December 2013, and he will be leading on this work. Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the The Taskforce aims to work with the online industry Home Department if she will estimate the likely cost to to stop the internet being used to abuse children by the public purse of adding fingerprint verification to delivering solutions to the most challenging technological second generation passports. [180619] problems. Joanna Shields, the CEO of Tech City UK and the UK’s business ambassador for Digital Industries, Mr Harper: In line with the Government’s policy in will lead the industry engagement for the taskforce 2010 to halt the next generation of biometric passports through the Industry Solutions Group. The taskforce which was due to explore fingerprint technology in will run for one year and will report on its achievements passports, the Home Office has no reliable estimate at to the Prime Minister and the US Attorney-General by this time of what the likely cost of this would be. November 2014. The taskforce will have no direct budget. Secretariat support to the taskforce will be provided Passports: ICT by the Home Office from existing budgets. The issue of peer-to-peer networks is already the Mr Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for the subject of a programme of work. Google and Microsoft Home Department how many times automatic passport will take part in a pilot project with the Internet Watch reading machines have been idle since 31 May 2013. Foundation and the Child Exploitation and Online [177833] Protection Command of the National Crime Agency (NCA) to identify the means to remove pathways to Mr Harper: The ePassport gates opening times are in child sexual abuse. The NCA works closely with many line with operational requirements (for example, they partners including GCHQ by sharing intelligence, may not open when there are no incoming flights). capabilities and expertise. Since 31 May 2013, the ePassport gates have been closed for 0.6% of the time during operating hours for maintenance reasons. Overseas Students Passports: Scotland Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department is Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for taking to make a comprehensive estimate of the the Home Department what her policy is on the Scottish number of non-EU international students who leave Government’s proposal to continue to recognise any the UK at the end of their studies. [180558] currently valid UK passports until their expiry date in 39W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 40W the event of Scottish independence, as proposed in the Number of police workers1, 2 (full-time equivalent) employed in the dogs3 4 Scottish Government document: Your Guide to an function, by police force area, March 2009 to March 2013 March March March March March Independent Scotland. [180614] 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Mr Harper: UK passports are the property of the Humberside 28 28 28 25 23 UK Government. Only the UK Government can decide Kent 45 44 44 46 38 on the validity of those passports. Lancashire 20 21 21 18 18 In the event of Scottish independence, it would be for Leicestershire 26 24 25 26 23 a future Government of an independent Scottish state Lincolnshire 19 20 19 21 20 to decide which passports from other sovereign states it London, City of 17 17 19 19 13 would recognise. This would include the passports of Merseyside 54 55 47 47 46 Metropolitan 63 79 71 167 152 the continuing UK. Police Pay Television Norfolk 19 20 18 17 18 Northamptonshire 12 11 11 12 10 Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Northumbria 63 60 54 53 51 Home Department whether offices of (a) her Department North Wales 11 8 11 11 10 and (b) its executive agencies have access to Sky Sports North Yorkshire 22 22 22 21 19 or an equivalent premium sports television service; and Nottinghamshire 28 35 32 23 16 South Wales 42 48 48 46 40 what the cost to the public purse is in each case. [176433] South Yorkshire 49 50 48 42 47 Staffordshire 24 21 21 22 22 James Brokenshire: The Home Office does not subscribe Suffolk 13 12 13 11 10 to Sky Sports; however, a small number of offices have Surrey 4444423839 access to the parliamentary annunciator service. The Sussex 4143424239 annunciator service gives information about parliamentary Thames Valley 44 43 45 35 35 proceedings, including live feeds from the Commons Warwickshire 16 15 11 9 9 and Lords Chambers and Westminster Hall, on screens West Mercia 36 40 37 36 37 throughout the parliamentary estate. The feed received West Midlands 70 71 72 70 66 by Home Office includes the same channels, including WestYorkshire6158534738 Sky Sports, as are provided in the Palace of Westminster. Wiltshire 20 18 13 12 18 There is no extra cost to the Home Office. Total 43 forces 1,367 1,374 1,334 1,325 1,250 Police: Dogs 1 Police workers includes police officers, police staff and police community support officers. 2 There may appear to be small discrepancies between the totals and the sums Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the of the constituent items as the figures are presented to the nearest whole number but are actually provided unrounded. Home Department how many (a) dogs and (b) dog 3 Dog handlers including those employed for general policing, drugs and handlers were employed by each police force in each explosive detection duties. Includes staff who are predominantly employed year from 2008 to 2013. [181799] within dogs sections other than dog handlers. Includes those officers/staff in supporting roles. 4 Data for March 2012 and March 2013 has been previously published at Damian Green: The Home Office does not hold https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-workforce-england-and- information on dogs centrally. The table provided contains wales. Source: data on the number of police workers employed as dog Home Office handlers and their supporting staff for each police force area between March 2009 and March 2013. Publications Number of police workers1, 2 (full-time equivalent) employed in the dogs3 function, by police force area, March 2009 to March 20134 Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the March March March March March Home Department for what reasons her Department’s 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Balance of Compliance study was not published on 11 Avon and 43 41 39 34 43 December 2013; and when she intends to publish this Somerset study. [180435] Bedfordshire 11 10 9 8 9 Cambridgeshire 19 20 19 18 13 Mr Harper: The Government intends to publish the Cheshire 25 25 26 23 26 next round of reports as part of the Balance of Cleveland 23 21 23 21 18 Competences Review in due course. Cumbria 15 13 16 16 16 Derbyshire2525242223 Sexual Offences Devon and 51 49 49 0 0 Cornwall Dorset 2020202019Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Durham 21 29 29 29 25 the Home Department how many sexual offences Dyfed-Powys 23 21 21 20 22 reported to the police in the last five years occurred (a) Essex 5251525145more than 20 years ago, (b) between one and 20 years Gloucestershire 16 16 16 17 16 ago and (c) in the last year. [180189] Greater 53 48 51 52 53 Manchester Norman Baker: As part of this Government’s ongoing Gwent 17 18 18 18 18 commitment to reduce administrative burdens on the Hampshire 40 40 38 41 34 police, the Home Office is developing a Data Hub, Hertfordshire 28 21 20 19 16 which makes it easier for police forces to supply data 41W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 42W directly to the Home Office from their systems for last two years, covering the period from July 2011 to subsequent collation and analysis. Fourteen police forces June 2013. These data are shown in the table. They are are now live on the Data Hub, with the remainder taken from a live database, and are subject to change anticipated to go live during 2014. when forces revise data. Because they only represent a Data on when sexual offences occurred are available subset of forces, the total numbers of sexual offences for around half of all forces from the data hub for the will not match national totals.

Number of sexual offences recorded by the police, by the date when they occurred Numbers of sexual offences recorded Date offence occurred Year to June 2012 Year to June 2013

In the last year 16,939 17,799 1-20 years ago 4,033 4,664 More than 20 years ago 1,469 2,838 Total 22,441 25,301 Notes: 1. This data is taken from a subset of 23 forces who provided full and reliable data on sexual offences to the data hub. As a result, the total number of sexual offences shown is considerably lower than the published total for all forces. 2. As more forces go live on the data hub, the numbers in the table will increase.

Sovereignty: Scotland The Government is analysing the responses to the consultation on stop and search powers and will publish its conclusions in due course. Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her policy is on the Scottish Witnesses Government’s proposal for joint working between the UK and Scottish security services in the early period Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the after independence, contained in the Scottish Government Home Department what assessment she has made of document, Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an the effectiveness of appeals for witnesses in criminal Independent Scotland. [180588] investigations. [180260]

James Brokenshire: The UK Government believes Damian Green: Information relating to the effectiveness that Scotland is stronger within the UK and the UK of appeals for witnesses in criminal investigations is not stronger with Scotland in it. We are not contingency collected centrally and would be a matter for individual planning for independence. While the UK endeavours police forces. to work with other countries and international organisations Written Questions: Government Responses to improve security and fight organised crime to everyone’s mutual benefit, being an integral part of the UK is : To ask the Secretary of State for the qualitatively different to being outside it. Issues of Home Department when she plans to answer question national security are of the utmost sensitivity, linked to 177453 from the hon. Member for Gillingham and a country’s foreign, security and defence policy posture, Rainham, tabled on 22 November 2013 for answer on and any decisions are closely related to matters of 27 November 2013. [180811] sovereignty and democratic accountability. For this reason, a security union is inseparable from a Mr Harper: I replied to my hon. Friend on 16 December political union. The creation of an independent Scottish 2013, Official Report, column 394W. state would mean an end to the current arrangements for ensuring Scotland’s security, as Scotland, including Police Scotland, would no longer be part of the UK’s WORK AND PENSIONS national security infrastructure and capabilities. AEA Group

Stop and Search: Essex Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions following the takeover of the AEA Technology Pension Scheme by the Pension Protection Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Fund, what steps he is taking to protect members of the Home Department if she will take steps to ensure that scheme and resolve outstanding funding discrepancies, her Department’s review of police stop and search including the loss of inflation protection and the capping powers will enable Essex police to continue to take the of certain pension benefits. [181329] same action to deter anyone from carrying a knife in Clacton. [180757] Steve Webb: At the time of wind up of any insolvent scheme the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) carries out Norman Baker: The Government is clear that stop a detailed examination of the scheme’s assets and liabilities. and search powers are useful tools for the police in the The final data produced by PPF will differ from any fight against crime, particularly knife crime. The recent previously published company deficit figures as those public consultation sought the views of the public on previously published are usually a “snapshot” using an stop and search through various themes, including the accounting basis that assumes an ongoing scheme with effectiveness of the powers as they are currently used. an element of higher investment return. 43W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 44W

The PPF pays a standard level of compensation to (AACT) of 35 working days. This is to handle the members of occupational pension schemes whose employer referral from the date it is received from the Department. has become insolvent, and where there are insufficient The AACT achievement includes the time for processing assets in the pension scheme to cover PPF levels of and completing paperwork relating to assessments. compensation. Other Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits It would be unaffordable for the PPF to offer full The AACT target for industrial injuries disablement compensation to everyone; its aim is to pay a meaningful benefit (IIDB) is 24 working days, for disability living level of compensation without placing an unaffordable allowance (DLA)/attendance allowance (AA) and tribunal financial burden on the continuing pension schemes service (TS) the target is 12 working days, Veterans which are responsible for paying the PPF levy. Agency (VA) the target is 16 working days. The PPF does not pay annual increases on the The following tables give a breakdown of the number compensation it pays for pension service accrued before of targets set and the number of times Atos Healthcare 1997 because prior to that date pension schemes were has failed to meet those targets: not required by law to make inflation related increases to all pensions in payment. ESA Number We have recognised scheme members’ concerns about From To Targets Failed the effects of the cap on their compensation where they have been a member of one scheme for a long time. The 30 November 2008 31 August 2009 226 69 Pensions Bill currently before Parliament contains measures 1 September 2009 31 August 2010 144 12 to increase the compensation cap by 3% for every year 1 September 2010 31 August 2011 148 25 of service over 20 years. 1 September 2011 31 August 2012 96 83 1 September 2012 1 August 2013 96 63 Assets Other benefits Number Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for From To Targets Failed Work and Pensions how much his Department has gained from asset sales since 2010. [181861] 1 September 2009 31 July 2010 297 41 1 August 2010 31 August 2011 416 37 Mike Penning: The Department leases the majority 1 September 2011 30 September 2012 416 73 of its assets including land and buildings, desktop IT 1 October 2012 31 October 2013 333 135 equipment, printers/copiers and telephony networks. The remaining owned assets consist primarily of bespoke The Medical Service contract contains financial remedies developed software and software licences for which where there are service level failures. These are described there is no external market or the terms of licences do as service credits. Contractual performance and service not allow alternative use. For this reason asset sales are credits are monitored and applied by the Department in unusual. accordance with contractual arrangements. Since 2010, the following income from the sale of fixed assets has been recorded in the Department’s Mr Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for accounts: Work and Pensions what timescale has been set for ATOS Healthcare to respond to correspondence from Financial year Income from sale of fixed assets (£) hon. Members on behalf of constituents; what advice 2009-10 1277.265 his Department has given to ATOS Healthcare on 2010-11 96 improving its performance; and if he will make a statement. 2011-12 0 [181217] 2012-13 25,981 1 The value recorded in 2009-10 represents the income from the sale of the Mike Penning: Atos Healthcare is required to provide Department’s official vehicles prior to entering into a lease arrangement for the a full response to each claimant or their representative provision and maintenance of official vehicles. 2 The value recorded in 2012-13 relates to the sale of some items of specialist IT within a 20 working day timescale as laid out in the equipment owned by the Department, i.e. not managed within the standard contract. Where Atos Healthcare is unable to provide a lease arrangements for fixed assets. full response within the required turnaround time they Atos Healthcare shall provide an update on what stage the response has reached, and the date the full response is expected shall Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for be provided to the claimant or their representative. Work and Pensions what the targets for Atos are for (a) Officials meet regularly with Atos Healthcare to discuss waiting times for medical assessments and (b) length of issues associated with performance in line with the time for processing and completing paperwork relating contractual obligations of both parties. to medical assessments; and how many times these targets have (i) been met and (ii) not been met in each of the last five years. [178525] Children: Maintenance

Mike Penning: The information is as follows: Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Employment and support allowance (ESA) target for and Pensions what estimate he has made of the amount Atos Healthcare of child maintenance that will be received by parents Atos Healthcare is expected to clear work capability with care under the child maintenance 2012 scheme in assessments within an actual average clearance target each year up to and including 2017-18. [180940] 45W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 46W

Steve Webb: The ‘Child maintenance reforms: CSA collection service can be calculated from the resulting case closure, introducing CMS fees, supporting family-based revenue raised. The following table breaks down the arrangements’ impact assessment available at: estimated maintenance collected through the 2012 scheme https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ collection service by year. attachment_data/file/259694/cm-case-closure-and-charges- These collection figures do not include maintenance regs-ia-final.pdf paid directly between parents (’Direct Pay’) or maintenance details the revenue raised as a result of the 20% paying paid as a result of family-based arrangements. The parent fee and the 4% receiving parent fee across a estimated numbers of Direct Pay arrangements set up transition period and in a steady state. The total amount through the 2012 scheme each year is included in the of maintenance collected and paid through the 2012 following table:

2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

PWC collection fee revenue (£ million) 0.2 4.2 10.7 18.2 23.1 Estimated collections (£ million) 3.9 104.7 268.3 455.4 578.4 Direct Pay caseload (number) 21,200 87,600 185,600 277,800 322,400

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ and Pensions with reference to his Department’s final attachment_data/file/259694/cm-case-closure-and-charges- impact assessment of the Child Support Fees Regulations regs-ia-final.pdf 2014, and pursuant to the contribution of the Parliamentary details the overall costs and benefits of introducing case Under-Secretary of State for Disabled People of 1 closure, charging and increasing information and support February 2012, Official Report, column 911, on Welfare to help parents make and keep family-based arrangements. Reform Bill, what assessment he has made of the costs Table A4 at page 36 details the costs and benefits in of (a) establishing and (b) processing (i) application specific categories. fees, (ii) non-resident parent collection fees, (iii) parent Cold Weather Payments with care collection fees and (iv) enforcement fees. [180942] John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Steve Webb: Specific separate costs of establishing and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number and processing fees under the 2012 scheme are not of people who are eligible to claim cold weather payments available as this is all included in the automated business in 2013-14; and what estimate he has made of the as usual process when using the 2012 scheme statutory expected number of such eligible people in (a) 2014-15, service. (b) 2015-16, (c) 2016-17 and (d) 2017-18. [180998] It is not expected that collecting fees will increase caseworker effort on cases as this has been built into Steve Webb: The information for 2013-14 can be automated processes. With increased use of interfaces found in the Commons Library document DEP2013-1751 such as with HM Revenue and Customs and Jobcentre table showing estimated number of people qualifying Plus it is expected that the overall process of maintaining for payments at each weather station in the UK, available cases will be more efficient and effective. at the following link: The ‘Child maintenance reforms: CSA case closure, http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2013- introducing CMS fees, supporting family-based 1751/2013-14_CWP_Estimated_Qualifers_for_HoC_Library.xls arrangements impact assessment available at: There are no figures available for the estimated volume https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ of people eligible for cold weather payments from 2014-15 attachment__data/file/259694/cm-case-closure-and-charges- onwards. The expenditure forecast methodology, agreed regs-ia-final.pdf by the Office for Budget Responsibility, assumes the details the overall costs and benefits of introducing case following volumes of payments based on an average of closure, charging and increasing information and support the 10 years 2003-04 to 2012-13 plus an incremental to help parents make and keep family-based arrangements. increase under the universal credit policy: Table A4 at page 36 details the costs and benefits in Estimated cold weather payments specific categories. (million)

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2014-15 5.12 and Pensions what savings his Department expects to 2015-16 5.14 achieve following the introduction of fees to use the 2016-17 5.26 new CMS collection service, (a) during the transition 2017-18 5.40 period of Child Support Agency case closure and (b) Source: once the new statutory scheme is in steady state, as a Department for Work and Pensions: Benefit Expenditure Tables, 20 December 2013: result of the anticipated increase in the proportion of https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/benefit-expenditure-tables child maintenance cases where payments are made via Cycling Direct Pay rather than via the collection service. [181091] Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Steve Webb: The ‘Child maintenance reforms: CSA Work and Pensions what recent progress his Department case closure, introducing CMS fees, supporting family-based has made on implementing the Government’s Cycle to arrangements’ impact assessment is available at: Work scheme. [181921] 47W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 48W

Mike Penning: After careful consideration of the Esther McVey: Statistics on employment and support costs, opportunities and consequences of offering a allowance (ESA) off-flows by payment type and duration formal Cycle to Work scheme, this Department decided of the claim can be found at: not to run a formal Cycle to Work scheme. Instead, it http://tabulation-tool.dwp.gov.uk/100pc/tabtool.html continues to offer alternative discount schemes to buy Guidance for users is available at: bicycles. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-tabulation- Employees who wish to purchase a bicycle can take tool-guidance advantage of two simple, good value schemes. The The rest of the information requested is not readily Salary Advance scheme offers employees an advance of available and to provide it would incur disproportionate their salary for the purchase of a bicycle and associated cost. equipment for the purpose of travelling to work. The Employee Discount scheme offers an attractive discount on the price of a bicycle and associated equipment from Employment and Support Allowance: Greater London suppliers.

Disadvantaged: EU Grants and Loans Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people made claims for employment and support allowance in each London Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for borough in each of the last 12 months; and what the Work and Pensions (1) if he will make it his policy to average waiting time was for work capability assessments seek funding from the European Aid to the Most Deprived to be undertaken in each borough. [180814] Fund to support food banks in the UK; [181336] (2) what criteria the Government has applied in Mike Penning: Information about the numbers of determining its bid to the European Aid to the Most people who have made claims for employment and Deprived Fund. [181316] support allowance in each London borough in the last 12 months is not available in the format requested and Esther McVey: The Government do not support the information about the average waiting time for work creation of the Fund for European Aid to the Most capability assessments in each borough is not readily Deprived. We believe that it is inconsistent with the available. principle of subsidiarity. Food and material aid measures are better and more efficiently delivered by individual member states through their own social programmes Employment Schemes: Disability and their regional and local authorities. Both Houses of Parliament submitted reasoned opinions on the ’s proposal to the Presidents of the European Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Union institutions. Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of The current proposal for the fund would give each the success of the Work Choice wage incentive for member state an allocation. This would not be additional young people. [181041] money, but would be taken from a member state’s Structural Funds allocation. The UK would receive the Esther McVey: The independent evaluation of Work minimum allocation of ¤3.5 million which would be Choice found that many employers think the Work taken from its Structural Funds allocation. We believe Choice wage incentive is, in principle, attractive. For the money would be better invested through the Structural some smaller employers in particular, it has been pivotal Funds for regional development, employment, skills in their decision to recruit a young person from Work and social inclusion initiatives. The UK will not lose Choice. EU funding by receiving the minimum allocation. Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Employment and Support Allowance Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the role of (a) personal budgets and (b) individual placement Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for and support in the delivery of Work Choice. [181042] Work and Pensions what proportion of successful appeals to decisions on eligibility for employment and support Esther McVey: The use of personal budgets for Work allowance are subsequently recalled for interview; and Choice eligible customers has been trialled in seven what the average time is between the appeal and recall trailblazers in England as part of the Right to Control for interview. [180815] pilot, which ended at midnight on 12 December 2013. Evidence from the evaluations and any further information Esther McVey: All successful appellants will be reassessed gathered during the extension of Right to Control either by interview—the vast majority—or on paper Trailblazers will be used to inform future decisions. evidence. Information on the average time between the Work Choice providers have the freedom to tailor appeal and reassessment is not collected. their support to the individual, and this may include using the individual placement and support model. As Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for part of the Disability and Health Employment Strategy, Work and Pensions how many recipients of contributory we are exploring how the new specialist offer can make employment and support allowance have stopped receiving greater use of supported employment and specifically this benefit after one year since 1 April 2012; and how the ‘place and train’ approach, with the individual many of such people have gone on to receive income-related working with their specialist adviser to determine the employment and support allowance. [181133] right job for them and how many hours they can work. 49W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 50W

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for EU Social Policy Work and Pensions how many applicants were waiting for referral to Work Choice in each of the last 12 Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for months for which figures are available. [181044] Work and Pensions which public funds are classified by the EU as (a) social assistance and (b) social security Esther McVey: DWP does not collate this data. for the purposes of interpreting requirements of the EU Treaty; and what the differences are between the Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for criteria applied by the UK Government to measures Work and Pensions when he expects to respond to the classified by the EU as social assistance and those Independent Advisory Panel Report on Residential classified as social security. [181855] Training College Provision. [181046] Esther McVey: EU law does not explicitly define the terms social assistance and social security. Social security Mike Penning: On 17 December we published ‘The benefits fall within the scope of EU Regulation 883/2004 Disability and Health Employment Strategy: the discussion and EU Regulation 1408/71 on co-ordination of social so far’, which refers to Residential Training as part of security systems. The regulations provide that social our current provision but does not imply any change for security benefits relate to specific areas such as the future. We are still exploring all options and will unemployment and sickness. Social assistance benefits announce our response to the Independent Advisory fall outside the scope of those regulations. European Panel Report, including which recommendations will Court of Justice case-law has developed the definition be incorporated into the provision going forward, in of social assistance benefits. Social assistance is provided due course. in order to ensure a minimum means of subsistence as a result of an assessment of personal needs and circumstances. Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for The case law distinguishes social security benefits on Work and Pensions what plans he has to expand Work the basis that they are linked to certain branches of Choice to (a) internships and (b) voluntary work. social security and are granted or refused on the basis of [181047] objective, legally defined criteria.

Esther McVey: There are currently no plans to expand Food Banks Work Choice to internships or voluntary work. Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will publish details of the Employment: Scotland process by which individuals are signposted to food banks by Jobcentre Plus; and what guidance his Department gives on the provision of written reasons when signposting. Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for [181008] Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to increase employment on the west coast of Scotland. [181054] Esther McVey: Since 2011, Jobcentre Plus has signposted claimants in crisis to local food banks. This is only when Esther McVey: Employment in Scotland on the year we have checked there was no other support available. is up 83,000 and private sector employment is up 76,000 When signposting to food banks a Food bank Signposting on the year. Slip is issued to claimants which contains claimant On the west coast of Scotland, parliamentary details and details of a local foodbank. However, the constituencies including Argyll and Bute, Ayr, Carrick decision on providing assistance lies with the food bank and Cumnock, Central Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, and not with Jobcentre Plus. Inverclyde, North Ayrshire and Arran and Ross, Skye Guaranteed Minimum Pensions and Lochaber have all seen a fall in the claimant count over the last year. Across these constituencies as a Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work whole, 3.7% of the population aged 16-64 is claiming and Pensions (1) what estimate his Department has jobseeker’s allowance (JSA), a fall of 0.8 percentage made of the number of people affected by ending the points over the last year. payment of guaranteed minimum pension increases; Jobcentre Plus advisers can offer a variety of support [181793] to individual claimants including help with: job search, (2) what impact assessment his Department has careers advice, boosting literacy, numeracy and language conducted of ending the payment of guaranteed minimum skills, other skills training, work experience, setting up a pension increases; [181794] business, and some locally tailored provision. (3) what estimate he has made of the average loss to The Work programme provides support, work experience persons affected by ending the payment of guaranteed and training for up to two years to help claimants that minimum pension increases; [181795] are long-term unemployed or face significant challenges, (4) what estimate his Department has made of the to find and stay in work. total saving to the public purse as a result of ending the Claimants who do not find sustained work during payment of guaranteed minimum pension increases. their time on the Work programme receive intensive [181860] Jobcentre Plus support to build on their time on the Work programme. From April 2014, under ’Help to Steve Webb: The Department for Work and Pensions Work’, this will be expanded to include Community does not pay increases on guaranteed minimum pensions Work Placements. (GMPs). GMPs are occupational pension scheme benefits 51W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 52W which were accrued between 1978 and 1997. Pension online. We estimate that those who hold GMPs are no schemes are liable for any statutory indexation of GMPs, more likely to have a lower outcome as a result of the and this liability will not change as a result of the single reforms overall than the rest of the population. tier reforms. The Department for Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus pays state pension benefits and their indexation, including additional state pension (SERPS and S2P) and basic state pension. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Jobcentre Plus offices Additional state pension and GMPs are linked in have closed since 2010. [181862] that when a person reaches pensionable age, the total amount of GMP is subtracted from the total amount of Esther McVey: 23 Jobcentre Plus offices have closed additional state pension built up between 1978 and since April 2010. The services they provided have been 1997, and any net amount is paid. This subtraction of relocated to a nearby jobcentre or are delivered through, the total GMP amount is called a ‘contracted-out for example, local authority premises. deduction’, and reflects that reduced national insurance was paid during the period of contracting out in return Jobseeker’s Allowance for meeting legislative requirements. This calculation is performed each year that the pension is payable. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance his Department There is no statutory obligation on schemes to pay issues to decision makers in Jobcentre Plus on the increases on GMPs accrued between 1978 and 1988. eligibility for jobseeker’s allowance of unemployed people However, additional state pension built up during that who are studying regularly for less than 16 hours per period is subject to increases. When the contracted-out week. [181007] deduction is subtracted from the additional state pension, the remaining additional state pension includes an increase Esther McVey: Guidance on the eligibility to jobseeker’s linked to prices. In this way, an amount broadly equivalent allowance for jobseekers who are studying for less than to the GMP, but which is in fact additional state pension, 16 hours per week is available publicly in the Decision is subject to an increase. Schemes are under an obligation Makers’ Guide. Chapters 21 and 30 provide guidance to pay increases on GMPs accrued between 1988 and on jobseeker’s allowance and students and can be found 1997, subject to a cap of 3%. here: With the introduction of single tier, the additional https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ state pension will close, as will the facility to contract attachment_data/file/256990/dmg-vol4-ch21.pdf out. For those reaching state pension age from April and here: 2016, we will value their national insurance record to https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ that point. We will compare what state pension the attachment_data/file/251817/dmg-vol6-ch30.pdf single-tier rules would give them with what they have Paragraphs 21238 to 21252 in Chapter 21 and paragraphs built up as at April 2016 under the current system. The 30146 et seq. in Chapter 30 contain the relevant guidance. higher of these two valuations will become the individual’s ‘foundation amount’. Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work As set out in the White Paper, the design of the and Pensions what steps jobcentres take to ensure that transition will benefit many people with a history of jobseeker’s allowance claimants are aware that they can contracting out. In effect, these individuals may be able apply for hardship grants. [181825] to offset their contracted-out deduction with further qualifying years until they reach the full amount of Esther McVey: Where a benefit doubt is identified single tier. This means that many individuals who have and the case is being referred to a decision maker, previously been contracted-out may receive more state claimants are given information (verbally and in writing) pension than they would have under the current system. about the doubt in question, what happens next, what they can do if a sanction is applied and the availability The Department estimates that over 2 million people of jobseeker’s allowance under the hardship provision. will reach state pension age in the five years after the Once a decision is made and a sanction applied, a introduction of single tier, of whom around 40% to formal notification is issued to the claimant, which 45% will have been contracted out of private and public includes information about the availability of jobseeker’s sector defined benefit schemes between 1978 and 1988. allowance under the hardship provision. From 1988 onwards, the facility to contract out was extended to people in defined contribution schemes. By Where the Department for Work and Pensions is the mid 2030s over 80% of people reaching state pension unable to help claimants they will be signposted to age will have had a deduction for being contracted out other types of support in their areas, including local factored into their transitional calculations and many authorities. will be able to benefit from the transition described above, as well as from the indexation arrangements for Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work single tier compared to the current arrangements for and Pensions what proportion of jobseeker’s allowance additional pension and basic state pension. claimants sanctions were subsequently overturned on appeal in each of the last five years. [181826] The single tier reforms will cost no more than the existing system, and expenditure is projected to be Esther McVey: Statistics on the number of jobseeker’s within 1% of current spending until the late 2030s. The allowance (JSA) sanctions overturned on appeal, up to impacts of the single tier reforms have been captured in 21 October 2012 (the last date of the old regulations), the impact assessment for single tier, which is published can be found at: 53W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 54W

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department- Building on this comprehensive learning, Advisers for-work-pensions/series/dwp-statistics-tabulation-tool and Decision Makers undertook specific learning to From 22 October 2012, new regulations introduced a support their understanding of the strengthened sanction regime of fixed period sanctions, which replaced the regime. This included: existing sanction rules and moved claimants closer to a detailed explanation of the strengthened sanction regime. the sanction regime planned for universal credit in repeated instructions for Advisers to explain the effect of 2013. This data, up to June 2013, can be found at: sanctions on claimants—before a sanctionable failure occurs. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/jobseekers- explanations about how sanctions escalate—including when allowance-sanctions they should not escalate. Guidance for users is available at: detailed instructions for calculating the correct length of sanction. that where a claimant has a Good Reason for a failure a https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ sanction must not be imposed. attachment_data/file/203439/tab-tool-guidance.pdf confirmation that Advisers can, in certain circumstances, treat The numbers from this published information can be failure to attend an adviser interview as straightforward (so no used to calculate the proportions requested. referral to a DM is needed). the circumstances where a DM should not apply a sanction. Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work This learning has subsequently been incorporated and Pensions what steps jobcentres take to ensure that into the learning routeways for Advisers and Decision jobseeker’s allowance claimants are aware that they Makers for people newly in post after October 2012. may appeal sanction decisions. [181827] Where a doubt about benefit entitlement is identified and the case is being referred to a decision maker, claimants are given information (verbally and in writing) Esther McVey: Where a doubt about benefit entitlement about the doubt in question, what happens next and is identified and the case is being referred to a decision what they can do if a sanction is applied and they wish maker, claimants are given information (verbally and in to appeal. They are also given information about the writing) about the doubt in question, what happens availability of jobseeker’s allowance under the hardship next and what they can do if a sanction is applied and provision. they wish to appeal. Supporting guidance for advisers includes the District Once a decision is made and a sanction applied, a Provision Tool (DPT) which is present in all Jobcentre formal notification is issued to the claimant, which Plus districts. This is a set of intranet pages having a includes information about their rights of appeal. standard national format but containing local information, local provision and more general support such as websites Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for and contact telephone numbers for organisations that Work and Pensions what additional training has been may be able to help the claimant. provided to Jobcentre Plus advisers and decision makers Once a decision is made and a sanction applied, a ensuring that his new jobseeker’s allowance sanctions formal notification is issued to the claimant, which regime is implemented fairly and as a last resort; and includes information about the availability of jobseeker’s what steps he is taking to ensure that such advisers and allowance under the hardship provision and the claimants’ decision makers have a basic knowledge of local support rights of appeal. or advice services which they can direct their customers to after sanctions have been issued. [182031] Jobseeker’s Allowance: Swindon

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Esther McVey: In responding to this question, we Work and Pensions what the average length of time in have made the assumption that it relates to the strengthened receipt of jobseeker’s allowance is for claimants in sanctions regime introduced in October 2012 and has Swindon aged (a) 16 to 24, (b) 25 to 49 and (c) over 50 therefore been generated as a result of the recent release years. [181770] of statistical data relating to sanctions. All Decision-Makers (DMs) and Advisers have access Esther McVey: Statistics on the number of jobseeker’s to comprehensive and clear procedures, guidance and allowance claimants in Swindon by age and duration of extensive learning which equips them to apply conditionality claim can be found at: with unbiased discretion to reach fair and consistent https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/default.asp decisions. Guidance for users can be found at: The DMs’ learning equips them to make decisions by https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/home/newuser.asp considering all the evidence and applying the law, including any relevant case law, to the facts of each case. Where Multiple Births the legislation specifies or implies discretion, the learning provides the knowledge, understanding of the law and Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for skills to weigh the evidence and to make a decision. Work and Pensions what plans the Government has to Advisers have access to a comprehensive programme help the higher one-off costs of childcare of families of Adviser skills workshops, designed to build not only who have had multiple births. [181889] knowledge but also focus on the skills advisers need in order to understand the importance of a personalised Steve Webb: DWP provides the sure start maternity and individual approach and the impact this may have grant (SSMG), a lump sum payment of £500 for each on claimants’ ability to move into sustainable employment. newborn child to help towards baby and maternity 55W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 56W costs where there is no other child under 16 in the representative organisations, both nationally and locally, family. It is payable for a child (or children where it is a to provide a wide range of advice and support for multiple birth) that is expected, born, adopted, the pensioners. subject of a parental order (following a surrogate birth), DWP introduced a web-based pension credit toolkit or the subject of a residence order (in certain circumstances). at: The grant is available to recipients, and partners of recipients, of a qualifying benefit or tax credit. These https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit- toolkit are: income support, income-related employment and support allowance, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, Its purpose is to provide customer representative pension credit, child tax credit (at a rate higher than the organisations with all the information needed in order family element), or working tax credit (which includes a to talk to pensioners about pension credit. In partnership disability or a severe disability element). with Age UK, local authorities and other groups, a Where there already is at least one child under 16 in structured campaign was undertaken to create awareness the family, then the position is more complicated. The of the toolkit among those who support our customers. underlying rule is a SSMG may be paid in respect of a In addition, DWP makes information available in multiple birth where there is already a child under the various locations (for example, our website at https:// age of 16 in the family but only in respect of the www.gov.uk/browse/benefits, and leaflets available from additional children of the subsequent multiple birth. our DWP Information Line on 0845 7313233) to ensure Some examples of how this works are as follows: that people are aware of the benefits to which they may Example 1: Claimant has a child aged 10 but is now expecting be entitled and how to claim them. twins. A Sure Start Maternity Grant will be payable for one of the With respect to income-related benefits, when a customer new babies. makes a claim to state pension or reports a change in Example 2: Claimant already has a set of twins aged 6 and is their circumstances, a customer adviser also discusses a expecting another set of twins. A Sure Start Maternity Grant will pension credit application with those who may be entitled. not be payable. There is also a visiting service available to support Example 3: Claimant already has a set of twins aged 8 but is vulnerable customers who are unable to access services now expecting triplets. A Sure Start Maternity Grant will be paid through other channels. Pensioners can, where eligible, for the additional child. claim housing benefit alongside pension credit in a single phone call, without the need for a signed claim Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for form. Calls to the 0800 claims number from a BT Work and Pensions what estimate the Government has landline or from the six largest mobile phone networks made of the number of mothers who give up work are free. after having multiple births. [181890] The Income Related Benefits: Estimates of Take-up Esther McVey: The Office for National Statistics, report provides caseload and expenditure estimates of which is responsible for publishing information on flows take-up for pension credit in Great Britain for the into and out of work using the Labour Force Survey, financial year 2009-10. The figures are available online has confirmed that it does not hold the information and can be found here: necessary to estimate how many mothers give up work http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=irb after a multiple birth. Estimates of take-up are not available at geographies below Great Britain. This is due to the size of the survey Pension Credit sample they are based on and methods used to generate robust national figures. John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department for Work and Pensions has published Work and Pensions (1) what estimate he has made of a number of studies looking into pension credit take-up, the number of eligible pensioners that do not currently including the following: receive pension credit in (a) Glasgow North West constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the “Understanding the Relationship between the Barriers and Triggers to Claiming Pension Credit.” Bunt, K., Adams, L. and UK; [180993] Leo, C. (2006): DWP Research Report No. 336: (2) what recent discussions he has had with pensioner http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130314010347/ representatives on the under-claiming of pension credit; http:/research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2005-2006/rrep336.pdf [180994] “Pension Credit eligible non-recipients: Barriers to claiming” (3) what assessment he has made of the reasons for by Lucy Radford, Lisa Taylor and Claire Wilkie. (2012) DWP which some eligible pensioners do not claim pension Research Report No 819: credit; [180995] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ (4) what steps he is taking to increase the number of attachment_data/file/214374/rrep819.pdf eligible pensioners who receive pension credit in (a) The DWP ran a study which paid a sample of individuals Glasgow North West constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) their estimated pension credit entitlement without them Scotland and (d) the UK. [180996] having to make a claim, in order to test subsequent take-up, and explore their attitudes to this direct payment Steve Webb: The Government are committed to ensuring approach. The study showed that despite highlighting pensioners receive the support they are entitled to. I potential eligibility, many participants continued to believe regularly engage with a wide range of stakeholders and they would not be entitled to pension credit, and as a customer representative groups on a range of issues consequence only 8.6% of the participants made a including access to pensioner benefits. DWP’s National successful claim for pension credit following the study. Partnerships Team works with over 4,400 customer The findings are published here: 57W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 58W

“Evaluation of the Pension Credit Payment Study” by Lucy Mike Penning: Personal independence payment (PIP) Radford, James Holland, Natalie Maplethorpe, Mehul Kotecha assessments are carried out on behalf of the Department and Sue Arthur (2012). DWP Research Reports No. 795 and 796: by Atos Healthcare and Capita. Contracts are delivered https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ in a regional Lot based approach. attachment_data/file/191738/795and796summ.pdf The information is available in the public domain at the following links on the Contracts Finder website. Personal Independence Payment https://online.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/Common/ View%20Notice.aspx?site=1000&lang=en¬iceid=735933&fs=true Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for https://online.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/Common/ Work and Pensions (1) what the average waiting time is View%20Notice.aspx?site=1000&lang=en¬iceid=740844&fs=true for his Department’s response to an initial application https://online.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/Common/ for personal independence payment; what the overall View%20Notice.aspx?site=1000&lang=en¬iceid=740846&fs=true success rate of those applications is; and how many such applications are subsequently taken to appeal; Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State [180816] for Work and Pensions how many applications for (2) how many claims for personal independence payment personal independence payments have been made since (PIP) have been made in each month since the introduction the scheme was introduced. [181156] of PIP in each region; what the average response time is in each region; and what the average time taken for Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to the answer claimants to be called for a personal assessment is. I gave on 11 November 2013, Official Report, column [180817] 516W, to the hon. Member for Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green). Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Stretford and Urmston Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State (Kate Green), 11 November 2013, Official Report, column for Work and Pensions how many staff carry out disability 516W. assessments for personal independence payments (a) Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service have nationally and (b) by region. [181157] recently published statistics which show that up to September 2013 14 appeals concerning personal Mike Penning: We only hold details of the number of independence payment had been directly lodged with assessors for each assessment provider. HMCTS: Capita Healthcare Professional undertake assessments https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ for Lot 2 covering east and west Midlands plus Wales attachment_data/file/265150/tribunal-statistics-tables-jul-sept- and employ 172 assessors as of 13 December. 2013.xls Atos Healthcare undertake assessments for Lot 1 covering the north of England and Scotland and Lot 3 Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State covering London and southern England and employ for Work and Pensions what representations he has 440 assessors as of 8 November 2013. received on delays and backlogs in personal independence payment assessments. [181096] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidelines his Department Mike Penning: Provider’s performance has recently has issued on how long a disability assessment for a highlighted that in some cases the end-to-end assessment personal independence payment should take. [181158] process is taking longer than originally anticipated and I have received a number of representations from MPs Mike Penning: The Department has not issued any and organisations representing disabled people informing guidance on how long an assessment for PIP should me of these issues. take as it is important for us to get the assessment right We are working with the providers to understand why and to give claimants the opportunity to tell the assessor the assessment process is sometimes taking longer than how their health condition or disability effects them on anticipated and to ensure service improvements are put a day-to-day basis. The length of assessments can vary in place to reduce the delays. considerably based on a number of factors including the claimant’s individual circumstances. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many complaints have Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for been made about the personal independence payment Work and Pensions what the maximum length of time assessment since it was introduced. [181097] is within which primary contractors are required to complete their part in personal independence payment Mike Penning: Personal independence payment started assessments; and what assessment he has made of in April 2013. Complaints about the service offered by contractors’ performance since 1 April 2013. [181169] the assessment providers, including the nature or manner of the assessment, are made directly to the providers Mike Penning: We expect that once we are in a steady and not to the Department. state the end-to-end assessment process, from DWP referring the case to the assessment provider to the Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State assessment report being returned to DWP, should be for Work and Pensions what the cost to his Department completed within 30 working days in 97% of cases with is of disability assessments for personal independence on average no case taking longer than 40 working days. payments. [181155] The key requirement is to produce high quality assessments. 59W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 60W

Our provider’s performance has recently highlighted https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pip-claim- that in some cases the end-to-end assessment process is process-overview-the-claimant-journey taking longer than originally anticipated. We have built is taking against original estimates. robust expectations of performance into the contracts We are working with providers to ensure that all the with the assessment providers and have a full set of steps in the process are as smooth as they can be. We service level agreements setting out the Department’s continue to look at our processes to ensure that satisfactory expectations for service delivery, including quality of arrangements are in place to assess a person’s entitlement assessments and the number of days to provide advice to PIP. to the Department. The contracts include a range of remedies which allow the Department to take action on Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for minor as well as more significant poor performance and Work and Pensions what the (a) average and (b) ultimately the Department has the right to terminate longest length of time is for a decision to be made for a the contract if there is sustained underperformance. personal independence payment (i) in the Brighton and Officials meet regularly with assessment providers to Hove Local Authority area and (ii) nationally. [181824] discuss their performance in line with their contractual obligations and to ensure that all the steps in the assessment Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to the answer process are as smooth as they can be. I gave to the hon. Member for Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green) on 11 November 2013, Official Report, Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work column 516W. and Pensions how many personal independence payment claims to date have been delayed since the applications Social Security Benefits were first made; what the average length of delay was; and how many of those delayed applications involved Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work claimants with cancer. [181819] and Pensions how many people requested benefits advances in the most recent year for which figures are Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to the answer available; what proportion of those people received an I gave to the hon. Member for Stretford and Urmston advance; and what amount was received per person on (Kate Green) on 11 November 2013, Official Report, average. [180725] column 516W. Since the introduction of PIP new claims in April, we Esther McVey: The following information was gathered have been closely monitoring all aspects of the process. clerically primarily for internal use and has not been Our latest analysis is telling us that the end-to-end validated to the same extent as official/national statistics. claiming journey is taking longer than expected both Short Term Benefit Advance (STBA) applications 1 April 2013 to 29 November within DWP and with the providers. In particular providers 2013 are telling us that the assessment process, including Number/£ booking appointments, gathering further evidence and providing assessment reports to DWP, is taking longer Total STBA Requests received in Benefit 238,517 than expected. We are working with providers to ensure Centres STBA refused because Primary Benefit 72,339 that all the steps in the process are as smooth as they can be paid can be. STBA refused because Primary Benefit 87,408 Although PIP is a new benefit, and the Department disallowed does not have a target for completion of claims while STBA requests referred to Decision 54,496 processes are bedding in, we do deal urgently with Maker and allowed STBA requests referred to Decision 26,972 special rules claims for terminally ill claimants. We are Maker and disallowed making a number of changes within the Department for claimants and support organisations including establishing a dedicated telephone claims line for terminally Total value of STBA awards paid (£) 3,174,911.83 ill claimants to make a new claim to PIP; creating a There are a number of applications where the offer is more rapid transfer of information between the Department rejected by the customer or where, at the point of and Assessment Providers and reducing the time it payment, the offer is withdrawn and the primary benefit takes to get a DS1500 form in support of the PIP claim is paid instead. Data is not kept on the volume of these into the Department. cases.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions where final responsibility lies for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of how delays with personal independence payment assessments; much his Department spent on publicising benefits in what the causes are of those delays; and if he will make (a) 1997, (b) 2001, (c) 2005, (d) 2010 and (e) 2012. a statement. [181823] [180997]

Mike Penning: Since the introduction of PIP new Mike Penning: The delivery agencies for this Department claims in April, we have been closely monitoring all were created in April 2002, so figures prior to this date aspects of the process. Our latest analysis is telling us are not available. that the end-to-end claimant journey is taking longer For the other years requested, in all cases I can than expected both within DWP and with the providers. provide figures for the publication of information leaflets As PIP is a new benefit we are looking closely at how about pensions and each of our benefits. While the long the claimant journey, which is available at: Department does not actively ‘promote’ benefits generally, 61W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 62W three exceptions were to increase awareness about pension We have also introduced Universal Jobmatch, which credit, winter fuel allowance and council tax benefit. allows our working age claimants to search for jobs Where campaigns ran to promote these, figures for the online. Universal credit, which is being rolled out gradually, years in question are also detailed. is primarily a digital service. Work has been undertaken to develop a digital service £ million for personal independence payment, carer’s allowance 2005 2010 2012 and single-tier state pension, which covers a large part Information leaflets (all 110.3 21.26 20.41 of the future benefit system. A beta version of the benefits/pension) online claim service for carer’s allowance went live to Pension credit 30.91 40.87 n/a the public in October. Winter fuel allowance 31.42 40.22 n/a We will continue to examine further opportunities for Council tax benefit 30.74 n/a n/a digitalisation in due course as part of the Government’s 1 ‘Communicating with customers’ NAO HC 421 strategy to be digital by default. 2 DWP budget records 3 PQ/10/312056 response draft Social Security Benefits: Learning Disability 4 PQ/10/303400 response, 18 January 2010 Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assistance his Department Work and Pensions how many sanctions Jobcentre Plus provides to benefit claimants with reading and writing has issued in the last year due to a claimant undertaking difficulties and who are new to using computers to use part-time study being judged as not available for full-time his Department’s universal jobmatch service. [181902] work. [181006] Esther McVey: For the majority of claimants, using Esther McVey: Information on how many JSA sanctions Universal Jobmatch will be an important part of improving Jobcentre Plus has issued in the last year, due to a employment prospects. However, using the service may claimant undertaking part-time study being judged as be less than straightforward for claimants who have not available for full-time work, is not available. reading and writing difficulties and who are new to However, information on the number of sanction using computers. Where a lack of basic or ICT skills is a referrals for jobseeker’s allowance, by reason “not being barrier to finding work, the claimant will be referred available for work”, from 22 October 2012 to 30 June either for an in-depth skills assessment with a training 2013 can be found in Table 1.5 at: provider or directly to the most appropriate training. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/jobseekers- allowance-sanctions Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many employment and Work and Pensions when he will respond to the urgent support allowance claimants have a musculo-skeletal e-mail sent by the hon. Member for Isle of Wight on condition; and how many such claimants have been in 3 December 2013 relating to the availability of ATOS receipt of out-of-work benefits for a duration of over appointments on the Isle of Wight. [181699] (a) two years and (b) five years; [181293] (2) how many employment and support allowance Mike Penning: I replied to my hon. Friend on claimants have a mental health condition; and how 19 December 2013. many of those claimants have been in receipt of State Retirement Pensions out-of-work benefits for a duration of over (a) two years and (b) five years. [181294] Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mike Penning: Statistics on employment and support and Pensions if his Department will write to individuals allowance (ESA) claimants by medical condition and with a statement of their foundation amount under the duration of their current claim can be found at: new state pension system. [181792] http://tabulation-tool.dwp.gov.uk/100pc/ Steve Webb: Effective communications are crucial to Guidance for users is available at: the success of the state pension reforms. The Department https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-tabulation- is committed to providing timely information to those tool-guidance affected. DWP is working with HMRC to develop a The specific information requested is not readily available detailed communications strategy learning from the and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. experience of implementing other pension reform. We will place a summary in the parliamentary Libraries in Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for due course. Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has made We currently offer an on-demand state pension service. of the prospects for digital by default in the benefit This will also be a feature of the new system, ensuring system. [181956] people have their up-to-date pension position including their foundation amount. As part of the implementation Mike Penning: We have successfully introduced a of the reforms we are looking at how we can modernise digital service for both jobseeker’s allowance and state our services to meet customer needs. Raising awareness pension, which enables claimants to apply online if they of the availability of the service and encouraging individuals prefer. Since August 2013, take up for jobseeker’s allowance to use it will form a key objective of our communications online has been exceeding 80%. strategy. 63W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 64W

Unemployed People: ICT measures the performance of Jobcentre Plus in this area. [181726] Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of jobseekers do Esther McVey: The findings from the Skills for Life not have basic computer literacy skills; what support Survey 2011 (the most recent survey conducted) shows his Department provides to improve the basic computer the following Information and communications technology literacy skills of jobseekers; and how his Department (ICT) levels for respondents claiming JSA.

Percentage Word processing E-mail Spread sheet Multiple choice All Claiming JSA All Claiming JSA All Claiming JSA All Claiming JSA

Entry Level 2 or below 43 61 31 46 39 58 9 16 Entry Level 3 or above 57 39 69 54 61 42 91 84

Where a claimant’s lack of skills is a barrier to them and certificated to a high level. UK-based teams have finding work they will be referred either for an in-depth rigorously inspected and tested IT developed offshore. skills assessment with a training provider or direct to All current IT development is taking place in the UK. the most appropriate training. DWP does not measure the performance of Jobcentre Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Plus in this specific area. Work and Pensions how many internal reviews of the universal credit project there have been since 2011. Universal Credit [181231]

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Esther McVey: As part of the Department’s governance Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the of major programmes senior departmental officials regularly cost to self-employed claimants of universal credit of assess delivery and expenditure. The governance meeting the requirement to provide accounting information arrangements are agreed with the Major Projects Authority. additional to that prepared for tax purposes when applying DWP’s Internal Audit team have reviewed the Universal for that credit. [181003] Credit Programme continuously since 2011 to provide independent, objective assurance on the adequacy and Esther McVey: Record-keeping and accounting is a effectiveness of governance, risk management and control. process which businesses should already be doing in The key issues highlighted from these reviews were order to report income to HMRC. considered within the NAO report, ‘Universal Credit: We have sought to minimise the burden on self-employed early progress’, published in September 2013. claimants when reporting to both DWP and HMRC by aligning the universal credit self-employed earnings Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for reporting requirements as closely as possible with HMRC’s Work and Pensions how many (a) civil servants and new simplified cash basis accounting system, enabling (b) non-civil servants are currently working on claimants to keep similar accounts, for both purposes. development of the universal credit. [181232] Therefore claimants should already have the information they require for universal credit. Esther McVey: Current resourcing data shows that Self-employment represents a very wide range of there are currently 548.1 full-time equivalent civil servants activities, so we cannot estimate any extra cost to self- supporting the Universal Credit Programme. employed claimants of reporting this information monthly For non-civil servants, as we do not contract on the to DWP, but regular monthly scrutiny of their businesses’ basis of numbers but on specific pieces of work, it is financial records will give self-employed claimants a each suppliers decision as to how many resources they better handle on how their business is performing and decide appropriate to complete that work. can only assist in the preparation of accounts for their end of year tax self-assessment. Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for We will continue to work closely with HMRC, Work and Pensions how many people have moved on stakeholders including self-employed people and their from working on the universal credit programme since representative groups, and record-keeping software its start. [181233] providers, to test and develop the best reporting mechanisms and guidance for universal credit and we believe this is Esther McVey: This level of detail is not available due the right way to avoid unnecessary burdens on self-employed to the way we resource our Change Programmes as businesses. resources flex in and out of a central change resource pool depending on delivery plans. However, as an indication Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the current resource turnover rate for DWP Corporate Work and Pensions what work on the universal credit Change is 4.91%. project has been done offshore. [181230] Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Esther McVey: Development of some of the Universal Work and Pensions what involvement the Digital Credit IT system has previously been undertaken offshore. Government Service currently has in the development This was carried out at sites which were security checked of the universal credit IT system. [181236] 65W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 66W

Esther McVey: I refer the hon. Member to the written universal credit claimants to split their payments between ministerial statement made by the Secretary of State for the two members of a couple once all claimants have Work and Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member been transferred to universal credit. [181296] for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), on 5 December 2013, Official Report, column 65WS, Esther McVey: Universal credit prepares claimants which included an update on our work with the for the world of work in which 75% of employees are Government Digital Service and announced the next paid monthly and encourages claimants to take stage of universal credit implementation. responsibility for their financial affairs. The Government understands, however, that the move to single monthly Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for household payments is a significant change from the Work and Pensions what assessment he made in 2011 way many benefits are currently paid so is committed to of the suitability of using Agile IT methods to develop providing support for those who need it. We recognised the universal credit IT system. [181237] that for a minority of claimants alternative payment arrangements, including paying people more frequently Esther McVey: As my colleague, the then Minister for or splitting payments may be required. Employment, my hon. Friend the Member for Fareham Costings for making payments fortnightly and allowing (Mr Hoban), stated in PQ 147495 on 12 March 2013, all universal credit couples to have split payments are Official Report, column 205W,in a programme as complex not available. as universal credit, which includes new IT developments and changes to existing IT assets, both agile and waterfall Welfare State: Reform methods may be appropriate at different times. As examples, initial development used agile techniques while, in its final stages of testing for the pathfinder from Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for April 2013, the programme is using the waterfall Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of approach—a standard DWP testing methodology. the cumulative impact of his Department’s welfare reforms since May 2010 on (a) working households, Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) workless households, (c) single parents, (d) Work and Pensions with reference to pages 134-5 of the disabled people and (e) elderly people. [181705] Office for Budget Responsibility’s document Economic and fiscal outlook for December 2013 (1) if he will set Esther McVey: The Government regularly produces out the process by which his new plans for the delivery analysis of the cumulative impact of all coalition changes, of universal credit will be approved by the (a) Treasury including welfare, on households across the income and (b) Major Projects Authority; [181243] distribution. This information is produced by the Treasury (2) by which date his new plans for the delivery of and is published alongside every Budget and autumn universal credit will get approval from (a) the Treasury statement, in the interests of transparency. The previous Government did not provide this type of analysis. The and (b) the Major Projects Authority. [181244] most recent update was published with the autumn statement on 5 December 2013, and can be found using Esther McVey: HM Treasury and the Major Projects the following link: Authority have an ongoing role in approving and assuring our plans. The plans for delivering the next stage of https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ implementation, announced on 5 December, will be attachment_data/file/263548/impact_on_households_ autumn_statement_2013.pdf subject to review between the new year and spring 2014. This analysis estimates the effect of coalition measures Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for from all fiscal events from he Budget in June 2010 to the Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of autumn statement in 2013. It also includes changes hat the likelihood that universal credit claimants will be were announced before the Budget in June 2010 that able to migrate from the current IT infrastructure to have been implemented by this Government. the new digital solution by December 2017; and if he Current coalition policies are compared with what will make a statement. [181269] might have happened if the previous Government’s policies had continued into the future without any Esther McVey: As we set out in our press notice of further fiscal consolidation even though these policies 5 December, current plans will see new claims to existing were not affordable or sustainable. benefits closed during 2016. This will mean that all new Distributional analysis is provided for the whole benefit claimants across the country will claim universal population on the basis of household income and household credit instead of the legacy benefits like jobseeker’s expenditure. However this is not disaggregated to the allowance or housing benefit. Meanwhile, most of the level of household characteristics such as disability existing benefit claimants will be moved over to universal status or economic status. credit during 2016 and 2017. Decisions on the later stages of universal credit roll out will also be informed Winter Fuel Payments by the completion of the enhanced IT and these decisions will determine the final details for how people transition to the new benefit. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what mechanisms his Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Department uses to identify the number of winter fuel Work and Pensions if he will estimate the additional payment recipients who use off-grid energy; [181806] cost, compared to his current plans of (a) making (2) how many winter fuel payment recipients use universal credit payments fortnightly and (b) allowing off-grid energy. [181808] 67W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 68W

Steve Webb: The information requested is not available. Esther McVey: Work programme performance has There is no existing source of data on off-grid gas users improved since being launched in June 2011. Up until at individual household level. However, in the context the end of September 2012, just under 55,000 had of broader work on fuel poverty, the Department—jointly found lasting work. This has increased to 208,000 people with the Department for Energy and Climate Change—is by September 2013. in discussion with the energy supply industry to ascertain Overall the proportion of Job Outcome payments what data could become available, and at what level of attained at the 12-month stage has increased steadily for detail, with a view to understanding the scope for monthly intakes since the start of the programme. improving the targeting of support for those reliant on For example comparisons of cohorts of referrals that fuel oil and other alternatives to mains gas. have achieved Job Outcomes within 12 months: Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for 8.4% of the first monthly intake—June 2011—achieved a Job Work and Pensions how many recipients of winter fuel Outcome by 12 months. payment there are in each parliamentary constituency This compares with 12.5%, 12.3% and 11.7% for the in the most recent year for which figures are available. July, August and September 2012 monthly intakes [181807] respectively. Steve Webb: The information is available at: Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/winter-fuel- and Pensions (1) what targets he has set in relation to payments-caseload-and-household-figures people who leave prison and move onto the Work Programme; [182024] Work Programme (2) how the Work Programme has performed against its targets for those leaving prison since the Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for programme’s inception. [182025] Work and Pensions how many voluntary sector organisations identified in the first Work programme Esther McVey: Targets have not been set for those stock take are not included in the most recent stock leaving prison and moving onto the Work programme. take. [181004] The Government is committed to helping prison leavers and Jobcentre Plus staff can now process benefit Esther McVey: The latest stocktake (September 2013) claims in prison thus streamlining the benefits process. shows that 364 subcontracts are held by voluntary This makes immediate referral to the Work programme sector organisations. This figure has been broadly consistent possible on release from prison and ultimately gives the from the start of the Work programme although there maximum help to prison leavers and reduces the temptation have been changes in supply chain organisations due to to re-offend. performance management activities. The latest information, as at 31 September 2013, can be found through the following link: EDUCATION https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/organisations- PISA Report that-supply-services-to-the-work-programme-providers The proportions in the private, voluntary and public 15. Mr Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for sectors can be calculated from this data. Education what assessment he has made of the findings of the recent PISA report. [901752] Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his most recent assessment is Elizabeth Truss: England’s performance has stagnated of the level of innovation being achieved by Work while others which have radically reformed their education Programme providers. [181863] systems have seen impressive gains. Reform takes time. Improvement didn’t happen overnight Esther McVey: As the programme matures many in Poland and Germany. Work programme providers are showing signs of innovation, for example Working Links are testing a We are putting in place the right mix of autonomy, personal budget type approach with ESA claimants, accountability and high expectations that will move us giving them the freedom to purchase employment support from average to great. which will meet their needs. We can also see clear 20. Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for variation in provider performance, demonstrating that Education what assessment he has made of the the best and most innovative approaches can make a findings of the recent PISA report. [901759] real difference. In addition, the independently chaired Work programme Elizabeth Truss: England’s performance stagnated in Building Best Practice Group has been set up to help PISA 2012. In contrast, Germany and Poland did reform organisations delivering the Work programme find the and have seen considerable improvement since 2000 and best ways to support the harder to help and to share East Asian jurisdictions have also moved further ahead. knowledge of what works. The group will report back-to We are learning from their successes and putting in me in spring 2014. place the right mix of reforms—increasing school freedom and accountability and putting more of a focus on core Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for academic subjects. Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the reasons for the fall in Work Programme performance 22. : To ask the Secretary of State for reported in the December performance statistics. Education what assessment he has made of the [181943] findings of the recent PISA report. [901762] 69W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 70W

Elizabeth Truss: England’s performance stagnated in Free Schools PISA 2012. In contrast, Germany and Poland did reform and have seen considerable improvement since 2000 and 19. Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State East Asian jurisdictions have also moved further ahead. for Education how many free schools he expects to be We are learning from their successes and putting in open at the end of the present Parliament. [901758] place the right mix of reforms—increasing school freedom and accountability and putting more of a focus on core Michael Gove: There are 174 open free schools and academic subjects. another 116 in the pipeline. I therefore expect there will be almost 300 free schools open by the end of the Teachers’ Pay and Conditions present Parliament.

16. : To ask the Secretary of State for George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what progress his Department has made on Education (1) how many current headteachers or negotiations with teaching unions on teachers’ pay and principals of free schools do not have a professional conditions and industrial action. [901753] teaching qualification; [180743] (2) how many headteachers or principals of free Mr Laws: The Secretary of State for Education has schools did not have a professional teaching qualification invited the NUT and the NASUWT to attend a programme when the free school was established. [180744] of talks about the implementation of education policy, including in those areas covered by their trade disputes. Mr Timpson: The Department holds information on He has invited all other organisations representing teachers whether teachers hold Qualified Teacher Status, but not as it is only fair that all members of the profession are separate data on head teachers only. represented. The talks will begin this month and I hope No head teachers or principals in state-funded schools that NUT and NASUWT will attend. It is disappointing are required to hold Qualified Teacher Status, except that they continue to threaten national strike action. for: Royal College of Teaching Proposals 1. Head teachers in local authority maintained schools, whose role involves teaching; and 2. Head teachers or principals in state-funded special schools, 17. Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for whose role involves teaching. Education what assessment he has made of proposals for the establishment of a Royal College of Teaching. Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education [901756] if he will list the free schools for 16 to 19 year olds that are operating in the 2013-14 academic year; how many Mr Laws: A successful professional body for teaching, (a) 16 and (b) 17 year olds have enrolled in each; and established and owned by the teachers themselves, could for how many students each school has been funded by play an important role in raising the standard and the Education Funding Agency. [181201] status of teaching. Key to the success of any such body would be its independence from government. We have Mr Timpson: There are seven 16-19 free schools been following with interest initiatives that have begun operating currently. Six of the seven free schools opened to take root in the education sector, including those in September 2013 and therefore only have pupils in under the aegis of the Prince’s Teaching Institute, and year 12. All these new free schools have been funded on we look forward to seeing their proposal when it is a single year to take in year 12. The London Academy published in the new year. of Excellence opened in academic year 2012/13. A total of 1,210 planned pupils are funded at the seven 16-19 Domestic Violence free schools for 2013/14. The details at institution level of funding, and the number of pupils funded and 18. Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for enrolled are shown in the following table. All open Education what recent assessment he has made of the academies and free schools will have their budgets effect of domestic violence on children’s education. adjusted upwards and downwards within the terms of [901757] their funding agreements based upon the number of pupils recorded in their census. Where academies are Mr Timpson: We are taking steps to address the funded on the basis of their estimate of pupil numbers impact through far-reaching reforms to child protection in the coming year, an adjustment will be made, in systems and to social work education to improve accordance with their funding agreement, if the estimate safeguarding and child welfare. We also support cross- is different from the numbers on the pupil census. This Government work, led by the Home Office, to tackle adjustment could be positive or negative and where it is domestic violence. negative the funding is recovered from the academy.

Autumn School Census

16-19 Planned Pupils including Planned Year 13 (17-year- Year 14 (18-year- Academy Name Funding (£) Places Year 12 (16-year-olds) olds) olds)

Connell Sixth Form College 557,351 120 41 0 0

Kimberley 16 -19 Stem 936,124 210 162 0 0 College 71W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 72W

Autumn School Census 16-19 Planned Pupils including Planned Year 13 (17-year- Year 14 (18-year- Academy Name Funding (£) Places Year 12 (16-year-olds) olds) olds)

London Academy of 2,514,656 410 2— 2— 2— Excellence1 Sir Isaac Newton Sixth 683,016 154 71 0 0 Form Free School St Mary Magdalene 110,915 15 3 0 0 Academy: the Courtyard Stem Academy 916,596 151 146 0 0 The Maltings Free College 886,892 150 32 85 17 1 London Academy of Excellence records its pupil numbers using the post 16 Individual Learner Record. 2 Data not available.

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for at a cost of about £820 million. The capital allocations Education pursuant to the answer of 28 November the Department has provided to local authorities to 2013, Official Report, column 399W, on free schools, deliver the places were calculated using the Education whether it is his policy to respond to a decision note Funding Agency’s Contractors’ Framework rates. They from the Information Commissioner’s Office on the should be sufficient to procure schools using the latest final day of the statutory timescale set out in the standardised designs. Freedom of Information Act 2000. [181207] Academies Mr Timpson: It is the Secretary of State for Education’s policy to respond to decision notices by the deadlines set by the Information Commissioner. Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list the free schools and university technical Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for colleges his Department is funding; how many children Education pursuant to the answer of 16 December have been enrolled at each such institution; and for how 2013, Official Report, column 463W, on free schools, many children each such institution is being funded. for what reasons he has no plans to publish records of [181202] monitoring visits by education advisers to free schools. [181295] Mr Timpson: There are 174 free schools and 17 university technical colleges open in the academic year Mr Timpson: Monitoring visits by the Department’s 2013/14. A total of 29,073 planned pupils are funded at education advisers are designed to provide professional these institutions for 2013/14. Each institution’s level of challenge and support for newly opened free schools. funding, number of pupils funded and number of pupils The NAO report on establishing free schools, which was enrolled are provided in the following table. published on 12 December, includes information on the All open academies and free schools will have their monitoring reports, which can be found here: budgets adjusted upwards and downwards within the http://www.nao.org.uk/report/establishing-free-schools/ terms of their funding agreements based upon the Free schools are inspected by Ofsted within two years number of pupils recorded in their census. of opening, and it is publication of inspection reports As the NAO said in their recent report, free schools that ensures public accountability for the performance become more popular the longer they are open. of free schools. Free schools and university technical colleges funding allocations academic year 2013/14 Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Enrolment for Education how many (a) primary, (b) secondary autumn 2013 (October school and (c) all-through free schools have facilities to Type Name Funded pupils census)1 provide hot school meals. [182023] Free School Aldborough 240 226 E-ACT Free Mr Timpson: The information requested is not held School centrally. The Government is providing £150 million of Free School All Saints Junior 75 72 capital funding to improve kitchens and dining facilities School in schools, including free schools, ahead of the introduction Free School ARK Atwood 180 173 of universal free school meals for pupils in reception, Primary Academy Free School ARK Conway 90 90 year l and year 2 from September 2014. Primary Academy Free School Batley Grammar 711 701 Targeted Basic Needs Funding School Free School Kings Science 570 531 Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Academy Education what assessment he has made of the Free School Bristol Free School 380 377 adequacy of targeted basic needs funding. [901745] Free School Canary Wharf 160 154 College Free School Discovery New 81 68 Mr Laws: The Targeted Basic Need programme will School create more than 70,000 new school places by September Free School Eden Primary 90 90 2015 in the local authority areas that need them most, School 73W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 74W

Free schools and university technical colleges funding allocations academic year Free schools and university technical colleges funding allocations academic year 2013/14 2013/14 Enrolment Enrolment autumn 2013 autumn 2013 (October school (October school Type Name Funded pupils census)1 Type Name Funded pupils census)1

Free School Etz Chaim Jewish 80 81 Free School Grindon Hall 557 537 Primary School Christian School Free School Krishna-Avanti 180 171 Free School Hartsbrook 180 107 Primary School E-ACT Free Free School Langley Hall 676 666 School Primary Academy Free School Harpenden Free 115 93 Free School Maharishi School 191 189 School Free School Moorlands Free 351 371 Free School Hatfield 120 119 School Community Free School Free School Nishkam Primary 297 294 School Free School King’s Leadership 165 152 Academy Free School Rainbow Primary 225 171 Warrington Free School Sandbach School 1,269 1,277 Free School Kingfisher Hall 120 118 Free School St Luke’s Church 45 44 Primary Academy of England School Free School London Academy 410 1- Free School Stour Valley 465 463 of Excellence Community Free School Nishkam School 305 256 School Trust Free School The Free School 164 160 Free School Oakbank School 176 157 Norwich Free School Reach Academy: 223 216 Free School The Priors School 65 63 Feltham Free School West London Free 360 360 Free School Sandymoor School 119 103 School Free School School 21 300 294 Free School Woodpecker Hall 180 180 Primary Academy Free School Southwark Free 60 42 School Free School Al Madinah 510 410 School Free School Avanti House 400 280 School Free School Alban City Free 116 117 School Free School St Michael’s 153 110 Catholic Free School Atherton 162 141 Secondary School Community School Free School The Beccles Free 200 195 School Free School Barrow 1618 60 68 Free School Perry Beeches 2 341 284 Free School Becket Keys 280 281 Free School Church School Free School The Greenwich 200 198 Free School Bilingual Primary 134 137 Free School School for Brighton and Free School The Hawthorne’s 382 358 Hove Free School Free School CET Primary 125 111 Free School The Rural 101 85 School (Tower Enterprise Hamlets) Academy Free School CET Primary 112 84 Free School The Saxmundham 195 171 School Free School (Westminster) Free School The Tiger School 137 141 Free School Cobham Free 115 115 Free School Wapping High 126 114 School School Free School Corby Technical 135 141 Free School Bedford Free 400 363 School School Free School Cramlington 65 56 Free School ARK Bolingbroke 242 243 Village Primary Academy School Free School IES Breckland 352 313 Free School Dixons Music 90 87 Free School Primary Free School Harris Primary 120 118 Free School Dixons Trinity 224 224 Free School Academy Peckham Free School Emmanuel 56 51 Free School Tauheedul 253 253 Community Free School City of 58 57 School Peterborough Free School Enfield Heights 50 49 Academy Special Academy School Free School Europa School 225 222 Free School Lighthouse School 20 22 UK Free School Rosewood Free 68 37 Free School Steiner Academy 160 160 School Frome Free School Derby Pride 50 1- Free School The Gateway 112 99 Academy Academy - Free Free School EBN East 75 1- School Birmingham Free School Rimon Jewish 48 44 Network Free Primary School School 75W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 76W

Free schools and university technical colleges funding allocations academic year Free schools and university technical colleges funding allocations academic year 2013/14 2013/14 Enrolment Enrolment autumn 2013 autumn 2013 (October school (October school Type Name Funded pupils census)1 Type Name Funded pupils census)1

Free School Everton in the 178 1- Free School Kimberley 16 - 19 210 162 Community Free Stem College School Trust Free School King’s School 100 61 Free School Stone Soup Learns 40 1- Hove Free School City Gateway 520 1- Free School Langdale Free 98 93 (Hybrid Academy) School Free School St Mary’s CE 30 29 Free School Leeds Jewish Free 98 Primary School, School Dilwyn Free School Longsight 60 56 Free School Harmonize 48 1- Community Academy Primary Free School Abacus Primary 30 26 Free School Marchbank Free 18 16 School School Free School Abbey View (CCT 38 1- Free School Marine Academy 29 29 Learning) Primary (Map2) Free School Alma Primary 30 30 Free School Mosaic Jewish 30 23 Primary School Free School Anand Primary 30 20 School Free School Nanaksar Primary 120 107 School Free School Ark John Keats 30 37 Academy Free School New Islington Free 85 96 School Free School Boston Pioneers 60 50 Free School Free School Nishkam School 100 87 Academy West London Free School Oasis Academy 120 120 Free School Bradford Girls’ 772 765 South Bank Grammar School Free School One In A Million 60 60 Free School Cambourne 143 138 Free School Village College Free School Parkfield School 291 275 Free School Cathedral Primary 30 30 School Free School Peaslake Free 33 30 School Free School Chichester Free 210 209 School Free School Perry Beeches III 138 145 Free School Churchill Special 18 12 Free School Churchill Gardens 30 26 Free School Free School Plymouth School 120 104 of Creative Arts Free School City of 62 83 Peterborough Free School Reach School 52 1- Academy Free School River Bank 60 60 Free School Collective Spirit 60 42 Primary School Free School Compass School 53 40 Free School Riverside School 240 239 Free School Connell Sixth 120 41 Free School Robert Owen 48 28 Form College Vocational School Free School ContinU Plus 70 1- Free School Route 39 Academy 60 62 Academy Free School Rutherford House 51 55 Free School East London 120 84 School Science School Free School Sir Isaac Newton 154 71 Free School Gildredge House 176 173 Sixth Form Free School Free School Haberdashers’ 61 60 Aske’s Hatcham Free School Sir Thomas 100 101 Temple Grove Free Fremantle School School Free School Southend YMCA 31 1- Free School Hackney New 100 95 Community School School Free School Hadlow Rural 80 79 Free School Sparkwell All 24 21 Community Saints Primary School School Free School Harris Aspire 45 1- Free School St Andrew the 100 70 Academy Apostle Greek Orthodox School Free School Heron Hall 77 79 Academy Free School St Anthony’s 99 101 School Free School Hewens Primary 38 66 School Free School St Georges 90 1- Academy (Titan Free School Heyford Park Free 78 77 Partnership) School Free School St Martin’s 25 25 Free School Hope Community 30 29 Academy Chester School Free School St Mary 15 14 Free School Judith Kerr 90 83 Magdalene Primary School Academy: the Free School Khalsa Science 25 17 Courtyard Academy Free School St Mary’s 30 30 Free School Khalsa Secondary 100 79 Hampton Church Acdemy of England School 77W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 78W

Free schools and university technical colleges funding allocations academic year Free schools and university technical colleges funding allocations academic year 2013/14 2013/14 Enrolment Enrolment autumn 2013 autumn 2013 (October school (October school Type Name Funded pupils census)1 Type Name Funded pupils census)1

Free School Steiner Academy 130 103 Free School Wye Free School 90 89 Exeter University JCB Academy 478 440 Free School Stem Academy 151 146 Technical College Free School Stockport 87 77 University Black Country 178 151 Technical School Technical UTC Free School The Academy of 95 1- College Central University Aston UTC 368 301 Bedfordshire Technical Free School The Acorn Free 28 1- College School University Hackney UTC 229 109 Free School The Archer 150 148 Technical Academy College Free School The Boulevard 37 35 University Central 160 101 Academy Technical Bedfordshire UTC College Free School The Durham Free 31 30 University Bristol Technology 212 186 School Technical and Engineering Free School The Heights Free 90 1- College Academy School University Buckinghamshire 125 89 Free School The Jubilee 100 1- Technical UTC Academy College Free School The Maltings Free 150 134 University Daventry UTC 110 96 College Technical College Free School The Nas Thames 22 17 Valley School University Liverpool Life 200 182 Technical Sciences UTC Free School The Olive School 240 241 College Blackburn University Sheffield UTC 280 214 Free School The Olive School 180 180 Technical Hackney College Free School The Olive Tree 72 78 University Silverstone UTC 200 161 Primary School Technical Bolton College Free School The Reach Free 45 42 University The Elstree UTC 240 221 School Technical College Free School The St 12 12 Marylebone University University 300 290 Church of Technical Technical College, England Bridge College Royal Borough of School Greenwich University UTC Plymouth 161 150 Free School The Swanage 100 109 Technical School College Free School The Wells Free 72 69 University UTC Reading 120 140 School Technical Free School Thetford 20 1- College Alternative University Visions Learning 100 76 Provision Free Technical Trust UTC School College Free School Thomson House 48 48 University Wigan UTC 85 59 School Technical College Free School Tooting Primary 60 61 1 School There are 19 institutions that have no data in the autumn 2013 schools census return. These are mainly institutions with special or alternative provision. Free School Trinity School 91 91 Source: (Sevenoaks Education Funding Agency 19 December 2013 Christian School) Free School Tyndale 26 34 Community School Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 11 December Free School University 60 60 Cathedral Free 2013, Official Report, columns 260-61W, on academies, School how payment is calculated for academy brokers in Free School West London Free 60 60 relation to visits on which his Department does not School Primary hold data. [181297] Free School West Newcastle 28 28 Academy Free School Westside Free 23 1- Mr Timpson: Brokers are procured through open School competition. The Department’s procurement method Free School William Perkin 180 181 ensures best value for money through quality service Church of England High from brokers. Brokers are paid on a daily rate basis, School including travel and expenses. 79W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 80W

Academies: Sponsorship of, adoption support services. It will enable local authorities to assess properly and consistently in the knowledge Sir Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for that there is enough money available to pay for what the Education (1) on what date the BAU Foundation Trust child needs, including more expensive, proven packages was approved as a suitable sponsor for academies; and of support. In addition, we expect that the Fund will whether that approval is still in force; [181802] help to stimulate and grow the market for adoption support providers by acting as a commissioner of services. (2) on what date the Mentora Academies Trust was It will also help to incentivise investment by local authorities approved as a suitable sponsor for academies; and and from charitable and philanthropic organisations/ whether that approval is still in force. [181803] individuals. These benefits would not be realised through a duty to provide. Mr Timpson: BAU Foundation was approved as an academy sponsor on 22 August 2013. It subsequently Al-Madinah School established Mentora Academies Trust, which would have overseen any academies sponsored by BAU. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Following the recent resignation of a number of Education pursuant to the answer of 18 November trustees, we have informed BAU Foundation that the 2013, Official Report, column 729W, on Al-Madinah Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend school, if he will now publish the qualifications held by the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), is minded each member of the teaching staff at the Al-Madinah to withdraw their status as an approved academy sponsor. free school at the beginning of the school term. [181204]

Adoption Mr Timpson: It would be inappropriate to publish any staffing details at this time. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Education what estimate he has made of the number of Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), children adopted over the age of five whose adoption has decided that the needs of the pupils at Al-Madinah breaks down before adulthood. [181182] school would be best served by bringing in more experienced management, with the skills and capability required to Mr Timpson: Information on the number of children deliver the improvements needed at the school. To that adopted from care whose adoption breaks down is not end, the Secretary of State has asked Barry Day, chief currently available. However, the Department for Education executive of the Greenwood Dale Foundation Trust, to has commissioned research that will enable us to quantify start work with the trust. the incidence of adoption breakdown for children who were legally adopted between 1 April 2000 and 31 Apple March 2011, including by age at the time of placement. The results will be published in spring 2014. : To ask the Secretary of State for In addition, the Department will collect information Education what electronic or paper records were taken on children re-entering care where the child has previously at the meeting between the Parliamentary Under- been adopted or left care through a special guardianship Secretary of State for Children and Families and or residence order for the first time in spring 2014. The representatives from Apple Inc at their meeting in information is expected to be available in autumn 2014. February 2013; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the official record. [181102] Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will bring forward legislative proposals Mr Timpson: Following the meeting I had with to make post-adoption support a requirement on representatives from Apple on 12 February 2013, I adoption agencies across the UK. [181187] wrote to them to record the points of discussion. Mr Timpson: The Government considers that a new Arts: Foundation Courses duty on local authorities is not necessary because the new provisions and investment, which were listed in a Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for previous question from the hon. Member for Birmingham, Education what discussions Ministers in his Department Selly Oak (Steve McCabe), and answered on 17 December had with their Ministerial colleagues at the Department 2013, Official Report, column 587W, will deliver real for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department improvements for adoptive families. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport before making changes to understands that such a duty on local authorities could the level of arts foundation diploma resources. [181306] seem an attractive option. However, we believe a duty could also incentivise perverse behaviour; for example, Matthew Hancock: The announcement on 10 December local authorities might be more likely to under-assess regarding funding for the academic year 2014/15 for support needs if they had to then find the funding to 16 to 19-year-olds did not specifically affect the funding meet these needs. Without introducing extra bureaucracy, of the arts foundation diploma, but rather affects all this would make the experience for adoptive families those in the third year of post-16 education. worse, not better. On 11 September 2013 we announced that we would Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for be investing £19.3 million in the creation of an Adoption Education what estimate he has made of (a) the cost Support Fund which avoids these perverse incentives. of teaching an arts foundation diploma and (b) how By adding significant extra money into the system, the many hours of teaching are needed on an arts Fund will help to improve access to, and the provision foundation diploma course. [181739] 81W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 82W

Matthew Hancock: The Department does not hold Children: Day Care estimates of the cost of teaching particular qualifications, because post-16 education is now funded per student Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education rather than per qualification. what steps his Department is taking to encourage new In 2013/14, post-16 study programmes are funded at childcare providers to enter the commercial market. a base rate of £4,000 per year. Funding for institutions [181025] which currently receive more is protected until 2016/17. Foundation Art and Design Diplomas also receive a Elizabeth Truss: The Government is putting in place 20% uplift if the Diploma is the core aim of the study a number of measures to support growth in child care programme. provision; These include: The examination awarding bodies recommended 645 1. Simplifying the regulatory framework and planning rules so guided learning hours for these courses. nurseries can expand more easily and making it automatic for good nurseries to offer Government-funded early education places; Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for 2. Improving the funding system to increase consistency across Education how many students obtained an arts local authorities and maximise the funding that reaches the foundation diploma in the years (a) 2010-11, (b) frontline; 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13. [181741] 3. Enabling the creation of childminder agencies. Through childminder agencies we aim to make it simpler for people to enter childminding. Childminder agencies will be able to share Matthew Hancock: The requested information has administration and other costs; help childminders with training been provided in the following table: and resources; and ensure parents can find flexible, quality, Number of students1,2 attaining a level 3 foundation diploma in arts3, home-based care; year: 2010/11 to 2012/13, coverage: England 4. Making it easier for schools to extend their nursery provision Number of students attaining a to two-year-olds, and deliver 8am to 6pm child care for both Year 4 foundation diploma in arts nursery age and older children; and encouraging schools to work with private and voluntary child care providers to achieve this; 2010/11 338 5. Developing a new tax-free child care scheme to expand 2011/12 733 support for affordable child care to 2.5 million families to stimulate 2012/13 560 demand; and 1 Covers students aged 16, 17 or 18 at the start of the academic year, 6. Launching the London Childcare Fund; £8 million of additional i.e. 31 August. 2 Includes students at the end of advanced level study who were funding to London local authorities to help them get better value entered for at least one substantial Level 3 qualification. from the £1 billion Government spends and expand provision for 3 Only includes Pearson Level 3 BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art two-, three- and four-year-olds. and Design, Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and The Government will continue to work with providers Design (QCF), ABC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art Design and and provider organisations to understand, and then Media and UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design—Foundation Studies (QCF). reduce, the barriers to new providers entering the market 4 Figures for 2012/13 are provisional, all other figures are final. and to existing nurseries expanding. Source: Key Stage 5 attainment data Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what measures his Department is taking to Charities: Education encourage schools to work with private and voluntary providers to offer after-school and holiday child care. [181027] Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps his Department is taking to Elizabeth Truss: The Government is making it easier educate young people about charity in schools. [182015] for schools and private, voluntary and independent providers to provide out-of-hours and holiday care; and Elizabeth Truss: We have revised the citizenship for them to do it in partnership where they choose to. programmes of study to direct teaching towards the This sort of care can: improve pupil outcomes, gain core knowledge of citizenship at key stages 3 and 4, and recognition from Ofsted, meet parental needs, making a to give schools more scope to decide how to teach school attractive to parents and make the school a citizenship. Teaching should develop pupils’ understanding community resource. of democracy, government and the rights and Examples of the steps the Government is taking to responsibilities of citizens. Among other things, pupils make it easier include: should be taught about the roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society, and the 1. Reducing costs to providers by revising the regulatory ways in which citizens work together to improve their framework so that a more proportionate set of requirements are in place, without compromising the safety of children. This communities, including opportunities to participate in includes allowing child care providers to work in multiple locations school-based activities. with only one registration with Ofsted and aligning staff qualifications In addition, schools may include teaching within requirements with those in place during the school day; personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE), 2. Working through experienced voluntary and community a non-statutory subject in a school’s curriculum. PSHE sector organisations to equips children with the knowledge and skills to make identify and remove barriers to 8am to 6pm care; and safe and informed decisions. Teachers are well-placed to 3. Helping schools to learn from each other about what works, judge which topics to cover, tailored to the needs of by sharing case studies of successful out-of-hours and holiday their pupils and in the context of the school’s overall care in schools, including effective business models that deliver programme. financially sustainable provision. 83W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 84W

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for children and young people to increase their understanding Education to what budget the £8 million funding for of online safety. Also, the UK’s Safer Internet Centre improving access to childcare places for families in hotline, the Professional Online Safety Helpline, provides London will fall; and what estimate he has made of the information to child care professionals on internet safety. number of private sector and voluntary providers who will take part in the match-funding scheme. [181325] Children: Protection Elizabeth Truss: The £8 million of additional funding for London councils, which I announced on 12 December, will be paid to local authorities through the Dedicated John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Schools Grant. Education (1) how many notifications of significant incidents were provided to Ofsted for each month of I have encouraged local authorities to work with the 2012 and 2013 that has been quality assured in full; Greater London Authority to pursue a range of innovative what the date of each such incident was; whether a activities to get better use of the £1 billion budget serious case review was performed of each such incident; currently spent on London child care. This can be used what the age range of the child concerned in each such to expand the provision for two-, three- and four-year incident was; what the local authority was; whether the olds, including through support for school nurseries to child was a child in care; and on what date Ofsted was offer full-time education, and child care from 8am to notified of whether or not a serious case review was to 6pm, and match funding capital, which is expensive for be performed for each such incident; [181014] private, voluntary and independent providers. (2) how many notifications of significant incidents Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for were provided to Ofsted in November 2013; what the Education how many schools currently provide 8am- date of each such incident was; whether a serious case review was performed of each such incident; what the 6pm childcare. [181326] age range of the child concerned in each such incident Elizabeth Truss: This information is not held in the was; what the local authority was; whether the child format requested. was a child in care; and on what date Ofsted was notified of whether or not a serious case review was to The Department for Education’s Childcare and Early be performed for each such incident; [181015] YearsProvider Survey collects information on the number of child care providers in England, including after (3) how many notifications of significant incidents school clubs. In 2011, there were 10,000 after school were provided to Ofsted in October 2013; what the date clubs, of which 71% were offering before school activities of each such incident was; whether a serious case or child care for school aged children in term time. This review was performed of each such incident; what the compares to 9,500 after school clubs in 2010, of which age range of the child concerned in each such incident 67% were offering before-school activities or child care was; what the local authority was; whether the child for school aged children in term time. was a child in care; and on what date Ofsted was notified of whether or not a serious case review was to be performed for each such incident; [181016] Children: Internet (4) how many notifications of significant incidents Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for were provided to Ofsted in September 2013; what the Education what guidance his Department gives to schools date of each such incident was; whether a serious case to ensure children use school computers to access the review was performed of each such incident; what the age range of the child concerned in each such incident internet safely. [180834] was; what the local authority was; whether the child Elizabeth Truss: The Government will shortly be was a child in care; and on what date Ofsted was issuing updated statutory guidance to replace ’Safeguarding notified of whether or not a serious case review was to Children and Safer Recruitment in Education’, which be performed for each such incident; [181017] will remind schools of their responsibility to ensure (5) how many notifications of significant incidents they have a culture of safety and that pupils are safe. were provided to Ofsted in August 2013; what the date This includes using opportunities in the curriculum and of each such incident was; whether a serious case more widely to teach children how to stay safe. review was performed of each such incident; what the As part of the reforms to the national curriculum, the age range of the child concerned in each such incident Department for Education is strengthening the requirements was; what the local authority was; whether the child to teach e-safety via the new computing programmes of was a child in care; and on what date Ofsted was study. Computing is replacing ICT as a core national notified of whether or not a serious case review was to curriculum subject and will be mandatory at all key be performed for each such incident. [181018] stages from September 2014. This will see e-safety, for the first time, being taught to primary school pupils-from Mr Timpson: These questions are matters for Ofsted. age 5 to 11 in key stages 1 and 2-rather than leaving this HM Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, will write to until secondary school. the hon. Member, and a copy of his response will be Teachers are free to teach the curriculum as they see placed in the House Libraries. fit, drawing on resources as appropriate. Relevant resources include ‘Think U Know’ which is produced by the Child Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (now part of Education how many serious case reviews have been the National Crime Agency), which provides training published since the Serious Case Review Panel was and education resources for practitioners to use with established; and if he will list them. [181321] 85W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 86W

Mr Timpson: It is for Local Safeguarding Children Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education does Boards to determine when to publish Serious Case not allocate resources for this type of expenditure. Reviews (SCRs). ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children Members of staff wishing to decorate their areas of 2013’ states that Local Safeguarding Children Boards work must do so at their own expense. should send copies of all SCR reports to the national The Department has held no centrally organised or panel of independent experts at least one week before funded Christmas parties for staff. Individual divisions publication. or teams will have organised their own events, but these The national panel has been sent copies of 27 completed would have been funded by contributions from the staff SCR reports, which were published between 1 July and themselves. 20 December 2013. The reports are listed in the following table: Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for SCRs sent to national panel of independent experts on SCRs July to Education how much ministerial private offices in his December 2013 LSCB Department spent on (a) Christmas cards and (b) Case reference Date published Christmas card postage in each year from 2005 to 2012. [180937] Bath and North David A 5 September East Somerset Elizabeth Truss: Records of expenditure on Christmas Birmingham Case 24 27 August cards, including postage, are held centrally for the year Birmingham Case 25—Keanu 3 October 2007 onwards. I refer the hon. Member to my response Williams of 14 February 2013, Official report, column 795W on Bolton Child 1 27 September Christmas cards. Bradford Hamzah Khan 12 November Coventry Daniel Pelka 17 September Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Croydon Child X 30 September how much ministerial private offices in his Department Derbyshire BDS 12 13 December spent on (a) Christmas trees, (b) Christmas decorations East Sussex Child G 16 December (c) Christmas parties and (d) Christmas drinks in each Hampshire Child R and Child 1 October year from 2005 to 2012. [181093] S Haringey Child T 10 October Elizabeth Truss: Ministerial private offices spent no Isle of Wight Baby E 5 November (key findings money on Christmas trees or decorations in 2012. Records and recommendations) on expenditure prior to this date are not held centrally; Isle of Wight Baby T 5 November however, it is understood that ministerial private offices Kingston Tom and Vic 2 October purchase any Christmas decorations from personal funds. Lancashire Child K 11 November Records are not held centrally for expenditure on Christmas Manchester Child W 30 September events for the years 2005 to 2012. Portsmouth Child D 19 September Rochdale Baby F 27November Directors Rochdale Young People 1, 2, 20 December 3,4, 5 and 6 Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Rochdale Young Person 7 20 December Education pursuant to the answer of 17 December Southampton Child G 29 October (executive 2013, Official Report, column 589W, how many hours summary) each non-executive member of his Department’s board Surrey Child J and Child K 24 September (executive spent in the Department in the last 12 months. [181177] summary) Surrey Child U and Child 17 September Elizabeth Truss: This information is not collected by V the Department. Tameside Child F 31 October Wakefield Emma 10 December Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Wiltshire Child H 4 November Education pursuant to the answer of 17 December Wolverhampton Child A 20 December 2013, Official Report, columns 588-89W, on directors, what roles are played in his Department’s formal Christmas government structures by each non-executive board member. [181212] Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much his Department spent on (a) Christmas Elizabeth Truss: Non-executive board members play cards and (b) Christmas card postage in each year from a key role across Government, offering advice and 2005 to 2012. [180935] challenge on the management of Departments. They support and challenge the executive on a range of areas, Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education does including operational and delivery implications of not allocate resources for this type of expenditure. If departmental policy proposals. members of staff wish to send Christmas cards they The formal governance structure of the Department have to purchase them and pay for the postage themselves. for Education consists of a departmental board and three sub-committees. All of the Department’s non- Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Education executive board members sit on the departmental board, how much his Department spent on Christmas (a) chaired by the Secretary of State for Education, my trees, (b) decorations, (c) parties and (d) drinks in right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael each year from 2005 to 2012. [180936] Gove). Paul Marshall chairs the Audit and Risk Committee 87W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 88W and is the only one of our non-executives who attends. (WSCC) to ensure that pupils can move to other local Theodore Agnew chairs the Performance Committee. schools with as little disruption as possible. WSCC is All non-executives are members of this committee and committed to working with the Department for Education they attend depending on their availability. The Permanent to ensure that there are suitable places ready in good Secretary chairs the Management Committee, to which local schools. there is a standing invitation for all non-executives. WSCC contacted the school and parents of pupils on the day of the announcement; visited the school to offer Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for advice to parents on 16 December; and wrote to update Education pursuant to the answer of 17 December parents and offer further advice on securing a new 2013, Official Report, column 589W, on directors, what school place for their children on 19 December. The support and facilities his Department provides to each Department will continue to liaise with WSCC and non-executive board member. [181213] offer support throughout the process. Elizabeth Truss: The level of support and range of Dyslexia facilities provided to the Department for Education’s non-executive board members varies over time and depends on each of the non-executive’s roles. The Richard Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for Department’s Board Secretariat provides administrative Education what objectives he has set for the Dyslexia- support to all non-executives, and all have access to SpLD Trust to ensure schools and local authorities are meeting rooms, office equipment and office space as provided with the best possible guidance over the next and when required. In addition, the Academies Group two years. [181220] provides additional office support to Theodore Agnew for his role on academies. Mr Timpson: The Dyslexia SpLD Trust is contracted to provide high quality information to parents, schools Discovery New School and local authorities. The Trust provides online information, including a database of effective interventions for dyslexia and literacy difficulties, and a professional development George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for framework that allows teachers to assess their current Education what the (a) projected and (b) actual costs skills and identify further training materials. Specific of establishing the Discovery New School, Crawley, objectives include: increasing the number of users of West Sussex were. [180733] the website by 20% by March 2015; increasing the number of registered users of their Professional Mr Timpson: The first free schools were funded for Development Framework to 4,000 by March 2015; pre-opening by negotiation and their subsequent revenue providing information packs to more than 50 Initial funding has been based on their estimated pupil numbers. Teacher Training providers by March 2015; and Pre-opening and post-opening revenue expenditure disseminating information on identification, screening can be found on our website at: and signposting for dyslexia and literacy difficulties to http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/ more than 12,000 individuals by March 2015. typesofschools/freeschools/b00222175/open/capital- Full details of the contract between the Department expenditure for Education and the British Dyslexia Association The capital budget for Discovery New School can which hosts the Dyslexia SpLD Trust, are available on also be viewed online at: the Government Contracts Finder website at: http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/xlsx/f/ www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk free%20schools%20revenue%20expenditure_002.xlsx

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Early Intervention Grant Education what continuing liabilities his Department has in respect of the property occupied by the Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Discovery New School, Crawley after the school closes; Education what amount of funding from the early and what plans it has for future use of the premises. intervention grant his Department has clawed back for [180826] projects initiated by his Department; and to what uses that funding has been put. [181174] Mr Timpson: Officials at the Department for Education are in discussion with the Discovery New School Academy Mr Timpson: The Department has not clawed back Trust regarding the transfer of the lease and capital any money from the early intervention grant. When the assets funded by the Department. early intervention grant was transferred into the Business Our aim is that the Department’s investment should Rates Retention system (from the 2013-14 financial continue to support education in the area. year), £150 million was retained centrally by the Department in 2013-14 and 2014-15. In 2013-14, this money has Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for been allocated to local authorities via the adoption Education what arrangements he has put in place for reform grant. In 2014-15, £70 million is to be allocated the continuing education of pupils at the Discovery to local authorities via a new special educational needs free school following its closure. [181218] reform grant, and £50 million via the continuation of the adoption reform grant. Both of these grants are Mr Timpson: Officials at the Department for Education unringfenced. We will be giving further details shortly are working closely with the Chair of Governors of on how the remaining £30 million will be used to Discovery New School and West Sussex county council support children’s services. 89W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 90W

Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Early intervention funding, 2011-12 to 2014-15 Education (1) what change there was in the level of 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 early intervention grant funding to each local authority Redbridge 10,051,920 11,038,484 12,350,929 12,877,941 (a) by amount, (b) by percentage and (c) per capita Richmond 6,011,645 6,571,918 6,655,162 6,062,339 between 2010-11 and 2013-14; [182032] upon Thames (2) what estimate his Department has made of the Sutton 8,104,355 8,640,179 8,827,233 8,701,739 likely change in the level of early intervention grant Waltham 14,534,319 15,122,948 16,218,408 17,127,676 funding to each local authority by (a) amount and (b) Forest Birmingham 62,467,771 64,989,038 67,595,608 72,416,808 percentage between 2011-12 and 2014-15. [182033] Coventry 15,048,080 15,683,507 16,558,701 17,388,814 Dudley 12,684,861 13,182,644 13,116,409 13,830,468 Elizabeth Truss: The information requested is set out Sandwell 18,187,158 18,885,958 18,899,897 20,561,422 in the table. Solihull 8,836,833 9,143,845 8,495,007 8,766,371 The early intervention grant (EIG) was an Walsall 14,861,083 15,401,893 15,378,209 16,549,765 unhypothecated grant formed in 2011-12 from several Wolverhampton 13,678,009 13,765,227 14,353,039 15,241,970 ring-fenced intervention grants. In May 2012, it was Knowsley 11,132,437 11,461,381 10,616,041 10,970,307 announced that from 2013-14 the EIG would become Liverpool 27,205,380 28,113,355 27,009,098 28,745,012 part of the Business Rate Retention Scheme. At the St. Helens 10,056,117 10,367,679 9,926,572 9,921,120 same time, it was decided that funding for early learning Sefton 11,412,792 11,808,084 11,086,473 11,882,032 for two-year-olds, which had previously formed part of Wirral 15,178,082 15,719,560 15,005,586 15,799,650 the EIG, would be included in the dedicated schools Bolton 14,921,186 15,494,247 15,477,769 16,362,665 grant. Department for Education also retained responsibility Bury 8,048,113 8,382,457 8,320,782 8,953,626 for distributing the early intervention grant topslice. Manchester 30,229,998 31,291,802 32,911,568 34,240,944 Oldham 14,484,238 15,124,043 14,342,134 15,520,784 As the table shows, overall funding for early intervention Rochdale 13,035,342 13,514,719 13,119,477 13,890,872 through these three funding streams is increasing from Salford 13,176,244 13,667,461 13,777,300 14,511,569 £2.2 billion in 2011-12 to £2.5 billion in 2014-15. The table excludes the per capita changes which the Department Stockport 10,720,408 11,286,464 10,673,561 11,131,089 does not collect. Tameside 11,769,846 12,204,765 12,076,828 12,560,476 Trafford 8,737,063 9,297,475 8,986,822 9,121,293 Early intervention funding, 2011-12 to 2014-15 Wigan 14,005,819 14,559,701 14,377,349 14,727,684 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Barnsley 11,448,545 11,861,119 11,719,908 12,233,270 England 2,235,356,045 2,370,063,177 2,383,918,190 2,451,401,979 Doncaster 15,061,210 15,651,703 15,532,381 16,486,351 Rotherham 12,821,583 12,883,832 12,589,066 13,012,487 City of 1,113,516 1,128,482 917,390 842,025 Sheffield 24,254,797 25,210,975 24,711,763 26,316,877 London Bradford 29,699,535 31,100,331 30,885,755 34,388,240 Camden 13,044,175 13,570,123 13,423,222 12,882,839 Calderdale 10,345,488 10,750,790 10,239,837 10,779,613 Greenwich 16,708,174 17,388,510 18,371,904 18,351,007 Kirklees 20,579,245 21,414,860 20,805,275 22,064,002 Hackney 20,178,778 20,963,689 20,587,898 21,961,051 Leeds 30,900,710 32,746,826 34,091,621 34,737,535 Hammersmith 9,544,395 9,882,363 10,509,437 9,567,469 Wakefield 14,691,836 15,247,068 14,796,142 15,569,583 and Fulham Gateshead 10,196,723 10,524,119 9,938,973 10,133,409 Islington 14,217,355 14,634,558 15,252,554 13,975,537 Newcastle 14,457,213 14,973,867 14,897,479 14,895,135 Kensington 6,788,336 7,397,793 7,315,011 6,793,576 upon Tyne and Chelsea North 8,740,930 9,060,010 8,843,408 8,781,897 Lambeth 19,765,060 20,552,013 20,965,423 20,461,835 Tyneside Lewisham 17,963,927 18,618,030 19,494,042 19,903,032 South 9,583,282 9,871,386 9,327,720 9,029,139 Southwark 19,657,339 20,479,376 21,990,039 20,753,568 Tyneside Tower 20,912,569 21,300,490 22,422,848 21,945,146 Sunderland 16,110,974 16,278,077 15,583,134 15,672,542 Hamlets Isles of Scilly 667,223 661,818 478,047 485,344 Wandsworth 12,967,315 14,190,779 15,747,960 14,959,362 Bath and 5,833,658 6,309,946 5,841,372 5,882,521 Westminster 10,833,359 11,249,741 11,419,855 10,580,675 North East Barking and 13,391,374 13,938,742 15,313,348 15,817,343 Somerset Dagenham Bristol, City of 18,968,389 19,787,003 20,915,336 20,900,913 Barnet 13,251,100 14,516,138 15,849,983 16,674,115 North 6,813,721 7,439,911 7,542,580 7,474,012 Bexley 8,903,874 9,669,523 10,042,087 10,576,238 Somerset Brent 14,268,641 15,124,527 17,259,692 18,496,447 South 8,093,897 8,842,520 8,864,013 8,889,646 Bromley 11,021,136 12,022,033 12,416,789 12,542,992 Gloucestershire Croydon 15,887,259 17,219,500 18,880,002 19,761,632 Hartlepool 7,143,830 7,192,058 6,769,471 6,846,885 Ealing 15,563,572 16,940,776 18,289,345 18,946,499 Middlesbrough 10,364,496 10,694,560 10,621,510 10,787,711 Enfield 14,555,803 15,847,125 18,186,010 19,511,855 Redcar and 8,653,664 8,906,284 8,230,789 8,395,718 Haringey 15,862,806 16,454,946 16,164,202 16,510,731 Cleveland Harrow 7,816,195 8,550,480 9,158,426 9,926,117 Stockton-on- 9,408,199 9,764,059 9,710,340 9,841,129 Tees Havering 8,239,102 8,944,594 9,261,567 9,940,053 Hillingdon 10,926,509 11,943,410 13,045,451 13,635,869 Kingston 15,312,284 15,275,990 15,904,955 16,235,949 upon Hull, Hounslow 11,603,732 12,637,348 13,631,805 13,976,738 City of Kingston 5,122,259 5,611,295 5,799,873 5,800,621 East Riding of 10,256,696 11,205,474 10,921,224 11,048,379 upon Thames Yorkshire Merton 7,674,994 8,392,071 8,934,743 9,192,466 North East 9,503,275 9,804,610 9,182,521 9,870,061 Newham 22,545,594 23,409,004 22,873,618 24,307,405 Lincolnshire 91W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 92W

Early intervention funding, 2011-12 to 2014-15 Early intervention funding, 2011-12 to 2014-15 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

North 7,218,120 7,601,423 7,531,087 7,723,567 Cheshire West 12,276,285 12,980,027 11,981,717 12,389,182 Lincolnshire and Chester North 18,815,607 20,520,608 19,550,242 19,959,804 Cornwall 19,597,496 21,361,959 20,786,321 21,887,826 Yorkshire Cumbria 18,420,351 20,067,275 18,567,577 18,771,918 York 6,421,188 6,737,769 6,522,492 6,439,080 Gloucestershire 19,442,462 21,063,735 20,851,541 21,201,778 Luton 11,161,277 11,920,198 12,381,101 13,256,482 Hertfordshire 34,080,225 36,992,781 39,306,202 39,237,977 Bedford 6,473,404 7,001,795 7,024,483 7,306,793 Isle of Wight 5,317,826 5,618,526 5,243,484 5,557,384 Borough Lincolnshire 24,329,535 26,506,092 26,227,239 28,159,267 Central 8,975,588 9,778,998 9,591,414 9,713,359 Bedfordshire Norfolk 29,614,745 32,325,097 32,730,723 33,305,268 Buckinghamshire 16,183,721 17,708,960 17,110,719 17,618,474 Northamptonshire 26,282,604 28,538,652 29,307,409 30,134,640 Milton Keynes 10,218,559 11,167,739 12,025,117 12,644,812 Northumberland 12,442,735 12,963,029 12,116,036 12,481,623 Derbyshire 27,701,026 29,714,669 29,087,053 29,318,900 Oxfordshire 21,444,930 23,481,648 23,672,625 23,106,899 Derby 11,817,724 12,292,736 12,653,532 13,390,333 Somerset 17,914,726 19,527,890 19,257,150 19,767,114 Dorset 11,360,975 12,395,569 12,194,040 12,459,466 Suffolk 23,892,851 26,111,236 26,369,991 26,576,183 Poole 4,775,650 5,157,176 5,146,080 5,361,231 Surrey 30,434,040 33,512,360 34,634,809 33,499,626 Bournemouth 6,809,995 7,037,222 7,018,295 7,338,651 Warwickshire 17,454,042 19,055,561 18,975,129 19,535,751 Durham 23,869,017 24,818,801 23,978,696 24,650,575 West Sussex 23,009,493 25,190,929 25,290,867 26,024,576 Darlington 5,581,300 5,775,450 5,439,089 5,663,100 East Sussex 18,205,698 19,332,053 18,999,149 19,713,855 Education: Finance Brighton and 10,729,263 11,138,310 10,827,636 10,515,799 Hove Hampshire 38,356,921 42,019,609 42,599,823 42,086,084 Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Portsmouth 9,542,303 9,892,199 10,124,075 10,218,200 Education what specific evidence he considered to Southampton 10,601,041 10,985,071 11,363,007 11,927,101 inform his decision of 10 December 2013 to reduce Leicestershire 18,776,841 20,265,106 19,803,854 20,229,262 funding for 18-year-olds in full-time education. [181193] Leicester 18,606,327 19,375,969 19,021,220 21,085,327 Rutland 1,812,407 1,866,429 1,592,684 1,641,246 Mr Laws: We looked at the evidence we had from the Staffordshire 27,535,957 29,985,681 30,026,800 30,681,815 individual learner record and schools census and we Stoke-on- 14,273,725 14,403,886 14,678,349 15,560,753 considered the impact on 16 to 19 providers. Trent Wiltshire 14,706,372 16,103,503 15,827,351 15,727,406 Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Swindon 8,015,937 8,640,485 8,887,378 8,970,139 what research he has undertaken into the comparative Bracknell 4,323,654 4,700,843 4,685,130 4,435,767 Forest per pupil funding levels given by his Department to the Windsor and 4,901,854 5,327,921 5,167,256 4,943,077 different phases of education; and if he will make a Maidenhead statement. [181194] West Berkshire 5,475,745 5,989,342 5,907,323 5,766,611 Reading 7,053,405 7,453,932 8,313,571 8,193,716 Mr Laws: The Department for Education has not, Slough 7,193,177 7,829,070 8,365,472 8,975,171 since 2010, commissioned any comprehensive comparative Wokingham 4,863,657 5,315,278 5,037,016 4,754,519 research which looks at per pupil funding levels given Cambridgeshire 19,308,821 21,139,801 21,261,019 21,150,357 by the Department to the different phases of education. Peterborough 9,941,908 10,320,146 10,754,677 11,793,419 On 18 December 2013, the Department for Education Halton 8,920,678 9,198,528 8,826,391 8,486,222 published the dedicated schools grant (DSG) allocations Warrington 8,391,606 8,693,399 8,181,959 8,254,379 for 2014-15. The table setting out allocations for each Devon 23,169,511 25,365,529 24,836,731 25,494,251 local authority has been placed in the House Library. Plymouth 11,595,013 12,028,266 12,010,552 12,124,223 Torbay 6,077,108 6,267,264 5,981,501 6,320,654 Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Essex 44,903,562 49,072,559 50,020,975 51,036,372 Education how much funding his Department has Southend-on- 7,787,113 8,063,048 7,980,712 8,250,291 given to the education of 16 to 18 year olds in each of Sea the last five years; and what the expected funding will Thurrock 7,437,663 8,066,336 8,089,428 8,719,351 be to provide for the same age group in the next three Herefordshire 6,543,481 7,111,083 6,835,664 6,979,416 years. [181195] Worcestershire 18,928,805 20,587,805 20,372,476 20,836,480 Kent 50,363,643 55,006,534 56,542,935 58,326,937 Mr Laws: Funding allocations for 16 to 18-year-olds Medway 10,598,457 11,203,759 11,807,432 12,297,702 for the last five years are as follows: Lancashire 47,501,286 49,562,002 48,015,947 50,556,085 Blackburn 11,908,516 12,224,551 11,130,536 11,903,700 Academic year Funding (£ million) with Darwen 2009-10 5,832 Blackpool 8,704,598 8,868,550 8,800,025 8,869,798 2010-11 6,243 Nottinghamshire 29,162,407 31,098,267 30,439,450 31,427,041 2011-12 6,181 Nottingham 17,163,621 17,807,646 18,176,747 19,454,232 2012-13 6,048 9,926,530 10,838,734 10,507,107 10,408,339 2013-14 6,095 Telford and 8,013,083 8,302,730 8,347,864 8,762,957 Wrekin Cheshire East 11,878,104 12,930,554 12,573,601 12,825,259 These figures are for further education courses, but do not include apprenticeships. 93W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 94W

The figures cannot be directly compared across all Mr Timpson: In October 2013, the Department for years. Education published a statistical release which provides 1. The funding figure for 2009/10 does not include 19 to 24 a summary of the planned expenditure by local authorities year-old students with learning difficulties and disabilities (LLDD), on a range of services relating to schools, education, who were included in the funding remit in subsequent years. children and young people’s services for the financial 2. A new funding formula was introduced for 2013/14. The year 2013-14. This shows that, for looked-after children, number of institutions funded directly for 16 to 18 year-olds’ local authorities were planning to increase spending by provision increased, and some funding was moved to the dedicated £64 million to £3,262 million in 2013-14. This will schools grant (DSG). include funding the 75% of looked-after children who The Secretary of State for Education, the right hon. are supported in foster care placements. No specific Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), will determine information on foster care spending is available. funding for future years in due course. I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 10 December 2013, Official Report, column 213W, which Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for set out a range of activities the Government is funding Education for what reasons his Department plans to to support the recruitment and retention of foster carers. reduce by 17.5 per cent the funding for 18 year-olds in In addition to those mentioned in my previous response, education from September 2014; and if he will make a the Department for Education has: statement. [181809] 1. funded research into the make-up of the foster carer work force and the potential to attract a broader range of people into Matthew Hancock: Following the spending round in fostering; June and the autumn statement on 5 December 2013, 2. awarded a two-year contract to FosterTalk to deliver Fosterline, Official Report, columns 1101-1113, the Department a confidential, free of charge advice service for foster carers; for Education has had to find further savings from its 3. provided almost £10.5 million in 2013-14 to 58 local authority unprotected budget. The Department’s policy priorities partnerships for the development and roll-out of evidence-based for the 16-19 participation budget are: to support the interventions, many of which support foster carers; and increased participation age for 16 and 17-year-olds; to 4. awarded £90,000 to a consortia led by Research in Practice maintain the additional funding for disadvantaged students; to develop training materials for social workers on fostering and and, as far as possible, to maintain the national funding adoption. rate per student. We have therefore decided to make the savings required Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for in the academic year 2014/15 by reducing the participation Education what arrangements he is making to extend requirements for full-time 18-year-olds. the provision of foster care up to age 21. [901754] Mr Timpson: The Government intends to propose an Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for amendment to the Children and Families Bill that will Education if he will make an assessment of the effect of make a significant change to the legislation regarding the changes announced to funding for 18-year-olds in care leavers. This amendment will be tabled for the full-time education, including the effect on 18-year- House of Lords Third Reading of the Children and olds who will not have received two years of post-16 Families Bill. education. [181934] The amendment will place a new legal duty on local authorities to support every care leaver who wants to Matthew Hancock: The change to funding for full-time stay with their former foster parents until their 21st 18-year-olds in education in academic year 2014/15 birthday (“staying put” arrangements). This duty will applies to less than a fifth of 16 to 18-year-old students. come into force from April 2014 and we will be giving The change will cause a loss of funding of around 2% local authorities £40 million over the next three years to across the 16 to 18 education sector. We plan to publish put the support arrangements in place. the impact assessment in due course. Free School Meals Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for what reason his Department did not undertake a consultation before announcing a reduction Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for in funding for 18 year olds in full-time education. Education when his Department plans to make an [181935] announcement on the new criteria for free school meals under universal credit. [181030] Matthew Hancock: We wanted to inform colleges and schools of the decision as soon as possible, to support Mr Laws: The gradual introduction of universal credit, planning for the 2014/15 academic year. It has been which is scheduled to be rolled out to the majority of standard practice under various Governments not to claimants during 2016 and 2017, will mean that the consult on funding rates. current entitlement criteria for free school meals will no longer apply.We are currently working with the Department Foster Care for Work and Pensions to simplify free school meals criteria under universal credit, while making sure that free lunches continue to be available to those families on Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the lowest incomes. The move to universal credit will Education how public sector spending reductions affect not reduce the number of children entitled to free his Department’s plans for foster care services. [180833] school meals. 95W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 96W

We will announce our proposals in due course, and Mr Laws: As the Chancellor announced in the autumn will allow time for schools, local councils and children’s statement, we are making £150 million capital funding charities to comment on those proposals. available to support the introduction of the universal infant free school meals entitlement from September Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State 2014. Capital funding for maintained schools has been for Education whether he will continue to assess free allocated to individual local authorities and local authorities school meal eligibility for children aged five, six and will work with maintained schools to ensure appropriate seven after the introduction of universal free school capital support is available. Funding to support academies meals for this age group. [182006] has been added as a distinct element to the academies capital maintenance fund (ACMF), and academies can Mr Laws: The criteria currently used to assess eligibility apply to access this funding through the usual ACMF for free school meals are also used to determine eligibility arrangements. for a range of other deprivation-related benefits and payments, such as the pupil premium. We will continue Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State to use these criteria to assess whether pupils are for Education how many schools will require new or disadvantaged and should attract the pupil premium, upgraded (a) kitchen, (b) dining and (c) kitchen and following the introduction of universal free school meals dining facilities to support the introduction of for children in reception, year 1 and year 2 in September universal free school meals for children aged five, six 2014. and seven. [182011]

Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Laws: We have discussed the capital needs of for Education whether the pupil premium allocation schools with stakeholders, sought advice from local will continue to be calculated on the number of authorities and considered the findings of the School children at a school who have been registered for free Food Trust’s 2012 school lunch take-up survey in school meals at any point in the last six years after the determining our approach to implementing the policy. introduction of universal free school meals for children As a result, we have allocated £150 million of capital aged five, six and seven. [182007] funding to improve kitchen and dining facilities in schools in 2014-15. It will be for local authorities to Mr Laws: Pupil premium funding allocations for decide how to allocate the funding among their schools. 2014-15 will continue to be based on the number of Academies and free schools that have capital needs can pupils recorded in the January 2014 school census as bid to the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund. having been registered for free school meals at any point in the last six years. Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he has identified those schools After this the entitlement will continue as at present, which will require new or upgraded kitchen and dining via the appropriate passporting benefits and for the facilities to support the introduction of universal free existing periods. school meals for children aged five, six and seven. [182012] Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether the criteria for free school meal Mr Laws: The Government is providing £150 million eligibility will change for children aged five, six and of capital funding to improve kitchens and dining facilities seven after the introduction of universal free school in schools ahead of the introduction of universal free meals for this age group. [182008] school meals for pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 from September 2014. It will be for schools and local Mr Laws: Under the Government’s policy of universal authorities to identify their own particular needs, and infant free school meals all pupils in reception, year 1 we believe that this is best achieved at a local level. and year 2 will be eligible for free school meals from September 2014. This means that the current free schools Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State meals criteria will no longer apply to that age group for for Education whether he expects schools which will the purposes of identifying pupils eligible to receive free require new or upgraded kitchen and dining facilities to school meals. The criteria will however continue to support the introduction of universal free school meals apply to pupils of other ages, including pupils aged for children aged five, six and seven to have those new seven once they leave year 2. facilities in place by September 2014. [182013] The criteria currently used to assess eligibility for free school meals are however also used to determine eligibility Mr Laws: The Government expects all state-funded for a range of other deprivation-related benefits and schools to offer a free, nutritious school lunch to all payments, such as the pupil premium. We will continue pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 from September 2014. to use these criteria to assess whether pupils are We are providing £150 million of capital in 2014-15 disadvantaged and should attract the pupil premium, to improve kitchens and dining facilities in schools; this following the introduction of universal free school meals will enable new facilities to be in place by September 2014. for children in reception, year 1 and year 2. Further Education: Finance Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how schools can apply for funding for Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education upgraded kitchen and dining facilities to support the what consultation his Department carried out before introduction of universal free school meals for children taking its decision to resume funding for full-time 18 year aged five, six and seven. [182010] old learners by 17.5 per cent in 2014-15. [180688] 97W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 98W

Mr Laws: The decision to reduce funding for full-time continued to work with the trust on matters it is responsible 18-year-olds by 17.5 % in 2014-15 was made following for. Ministers were informed of the police authorities’ the Department for Education’s funding settlement in decision on 21 October as part of a progress report. the Spending Round in June, and the further reduction to the Department’s budget announced in the autumn Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for statement. We wanted to inform colleges and schools of Education (1) what recent assessment he has made of the decision as soon as possible, as they were planning the progress of the disciplinary investigation being for the 2014-15 academic year. carried out by Kings Science Academy; [181940] (2) how many times and on what dates his Department Kings Science Academy has contacted Kings Science Academy since 25 April 2013 to be updated about the status of any disciplinary action relating to the Education Funding Agency report; Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for [181941] Education (1) pursuant to the answer of 29 November (3) which of the invoices in Annex A of the Education 2013, Official Report, column 476W, on Kings Science Funding Agency’s report on the Kings Science Academy Academy, if he will request and then publish a copy of were reported during the telephone call his Department the report on the reference which his Department made made reporting the Academy to Action Fraud; [181966] to Action Fraud which was submitted by them to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau relating to crime (4) who authorised the statement of 25 October 2013 reference number NFRC130400222669; [181206] by his Department on Kings Science Academy that the (2) pursuant to the answer of 28 November 2013, police had decided to take no further action; [181967] Official Report, column 400W, on Kings Science (5) what the duration was of the telephone call that Academy, whether the decision to report the findings in his Department made to Action Fraud in relation to relation to Kings Science Academy by telephone rather Kings Science Academy on 25 April 2013. [182039] than in writing was authorised by a Minister. [181208] Mr Timpson: Responsibility for a Principal’s performance Mr Timpson: The Department for Education does rests with the governing body of the Academy, not the not intend to make a request for any report by Action Department for Education. The Department is in regular Fraud arising from the reporting of allegations of fraud dialogue with the Academy on a number of issues at Kings Science Academy. arising from the investigation, but it would not be Ministerial authorisation was given to report the appropriate to comment further on this, or on conversations allegations. Officials at the Department for Education between Department officials and Action Fraud, while reported the case to Action Fraud’s national call centre a police investigation is ongoing. on 25 April. An additional telephone call was made to The Department does not hold notes of the telephone West Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, who call to Action Fraud on 25 April, or a record of how confirmed that this was the correct way to report fraud long the telephone call was. Action Fraud notified the and that no further action was required. Department on 1 November by telephone that the information provided had been wrongly classified as an Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for information report rather than a crime report. Education (1) what action was taken by his Department The statement issued on 25 October was authorised as a result of the email to his Department on 5 September by the Education Funding Agency’s senior member of 2013 from Action Fraud regarding Kings Science Academy, staff with lead responsibility for the investigation after case reference NFRC130400222669; [181936] discussion with departmental officials. (2) when (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department were made aware of the email to his Department on 5 September 2013 from Action Fraud, case reference Meetings NFRC130400222669, which indicated that the Department’s reference to Action Fraud regarding Kings Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Science Academy was being dealt with as an information Education (1) what his Department’s policy is on (a) report rather than for criminal investigation. [181937] recording and (b) retaining official records of ministerial meetings with external organisations; [181103] Mr Timpson: Following receipt of the email from (2) whether meetings between (a) him and (b) Ministers Action Fraud of 5 September, the Department for of his Department and external organisations are routinely Education continued working with the academy on its minuted. [181323] implementation of the recommendations of both the investigation report and the evaluation of financial management and governance. The Department is in Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education’s regular dialogue with the academy on a number of policy is that meetings between Ministers and external issues arising from the investigation, but it would not be organisations are recorded appropriately and that Private appropriate to comment further on this—or conversations Offices keep records of any minutes taken. between Department officials and Action Fraud—while A list of these meetings is published by the Cabinet a police investigation is ongoing. Office on a quarterly basis. These lists are available The decision to investigate rests with the police online at: authorities. When the Department was informed that a https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministers- decision not to investigate had been made, the Department quarterly-returns-2013 99W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 100W

Music: Education available, but we expect the vast majority of pupils will do so as part of a broad and balanced curriculum. The Department for Education (DfE) has established a number Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for of free schools that specialise in music, for example, Education pursuant to the answer of 14 October 2013, Dixon’s Music Primary, which expects children to learn Official Report, column 606W, on music education, a number of musical instruments and offers free individual how much funding his Department has allocated for and ensemble tuition by specialist musicians; and Hackney music education in each financial year since 2010; and New School, which has partnered with the award-winning how many pupils studied music as a subject in each Hackney Music Development Trust to prepare financial year since 2010. [181203] performances, offer co-curricular projects and provide teaching expertise. Elizabeth Truss: Funding for the provision of music as a national curriculum subject at both primary and In addition to funding through the DSG, the DfE is secondary level forms part of the overall Dedicated providing substantial funding for music education, as Schools Grant (DSG). This provides general funding to part of its ambition that every child should experience a schools to support education. It is not broken down by high quality music education throughout their time at subject or curriculum area. school. In November 2011, the Department published the National Plan for Music Education. It announced Music is a statutory part of the national curriculum that, from 2012, music education would be provided by in key stages 1 to 3, which means that all pupils in a new national network of music education hubs to maintained schools will study it. In 2012/13, 41,236 Key drive excellence in music education across England, and Stage 4 pupils were entered for a music GCSE and secure improved value for money through a focus on 19,154 pupils were entered for a vocational music frontline delivery. qualification. In addition to funding through the DSG, the total Data on numbers of pupils in academies and free amount of DfE funding allocated for music education schools studying music at key stages 1 to 3 are not from 2010-11 to 2013-14 is shown in the following table.

£ 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

Music Education Hubs n/a n/a 50,000,000 63,000,000 Music Grants (music standards fund) 82,562,467 76,956,671 25,000,000 n/a Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) 31,500,000 29,500,000 28,000,000 28,100,000 National Youth Music Organisations 1 — 1 — 1 — 499,410 In Harmony 1,000,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 Music for Youth 120,000 95,000 110,000 110,000 Sing Up 10,000,000 4,000,000 0 0 Total 125,182,467 111,051,671 103,610,000 92,209,410 1 Included in MDS

National College for Teaching and Leadership accessing a place. Formal data on the number of two- year-olds in funded places will be gathered through the Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Early Years and Schools Censuses, which will take place Education if he will publish the most recent appraisal of in January 2014 and will be published in summer 2014. the performance of the leader of the National College This will include information on the number of two-year- for Teaching and Leadership undertaken in line with olds accessing free early education places, together with the senior civil service performance management system. information on Ofsted ratings. [181820] Pupil Exclusions

Mr Laws: No. Performance appraisals are a private Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for document and as such we cannot publish that of the Education (1) what steps he has taken to reduce the leader of the National College for Teaching and Leadership. number of school exclusions for children with special To do so would be a potential breach of the Data educational needs; [181183] Protection Act. (2) how many special educational needs pupils have been excluded from maintained schools in each year Pre-school Education since 2010. [181184]

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Elizabeth Truss: We are addressing the underlying Education how many two year olds are receiving early causes of exclusion for pupils with special educational years education in settings rated as satisfactory or needs (SEN) through provisions in the Children and requires improvement. [181327] Families Bill and the revised SEN Code of Practice. A key focus of our reforms is the earlier identification of Elizabeth Truss: Local authorities have been under a. SEN and a more targeted response to these needs. statutory duty to secure a place for any eligible two-year-old We have reinforced in statutory guidance on exclusion since 1 September 2013. By October 2013, local authorities that early intervention for disruptive behaviour should estimated that around 92,000 two-year-olds were already include an assessment of whether appropriate provision 101W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 102W is in place to support any SEN that a pupil may have. Mr Timpson: Regional schools commissioners, as The guidance also makes clear that head teachers should civil servants in the Department for Education, will avoid excluding permanently any pupil with a statement work closely with colleagues in the Education Funding of SEN. Agency and with Ofsted to fulfil their roles.

Pupils: Disadvantaged Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether principals of further education and sixth form colleges will be represented on the headteacher boards Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for to be established to support regional school commissioners. Education what his latest assessment is of how the [181199] pupil premium is helping the poorest students. [181969] Mr Timpson: The headteacher boards will comprise Mr Laws: Since the pupil premium was introduced in of local education leaders, including headteachers from 2011, the gap between free school meal pupils and their academies rated as outstanding by Ofsted. This will peers has narrowed by three percentage points, according ensure that skilled academy leaders have a voice in the to results from the 2013 key stage 2 mathematics tests. development of the academy system in their region. We are spending an additional £900 per pupil this The remit of the boards will not extend to further financial year on the poorest children to raise attainment, education or sixth form colleges and, therefore, we do with an additional payment of £53 for primary-aged not anticipate automatic representation for their Principals. pupils. The rate is increasing from April to £1,300 per pupil for primary-aged pupils and £935 for secondary-aged Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pupils. Looked after children and those leaving care on which of his specific statutory responsibilities he through adoption, under a Residence Order or Special expects the regional school commissioners to advise Guardianship Order will attract £1,900 from April. him. [181200] Since September 2013 there has been a heightened Mr Timpson: Regional schools commissioners will focus in Ofsted school inspections and new measures in undertake functions on behalf of the Secretary of State performance tables to make schools more accountable for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for for the performance of their disadvantaged pupils. Surrey Heath (Michael Gove). These are expected to include: monitoring performance and intervening to Regional Schools Commissioners secure improvement in underperforming academies; taking decisions on the creation of new academies; and supporting Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education the national schools commissioner to ensure that there how much funding has been provided to establish regional are sufficient sponsors to meet local need. school commissioners in (a) the current financial year and (b) each of the next three years. [181196] George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans that the new regional schools commissioners will take office. [181256] Mr Timpson: Regional schools commissioners will be established from summer 2014, therefore no new funding Mr Timpson: Regional schools commissioners are has been assigned in the current financial year. As work expected to take up post in time for the 2014/15 academic is ongoing to recruit these individuals and secure their year. offices, the costs in future years are still to be determined. However, any costs will be met within existing departmental administration budgets, which are being cut overall by George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for 50% in real terms by 2015. Education what the estimated cost is of establishing the new regional schools commissioners. [181257]

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Timpson: Regional schools commissioners will be Education whether regional school commissioners will established from summer 2014, and therefore no new advise him on education for 16 to 19 year olds in their funding has been assigned in the current financial year. respective regions. [181197] As work is ongoing to recruit these individuals and secure their offices, the costs in future years are still to Mr Timpson: Regional schools commissioners (RSCs) be determined. However, any costs will be met within will undertake functions on behalf of the Secretary of existing departmental administration budgets, which State for Education. These are expected to include: are being cut by 50% in real terms by 2015. monitoring performance and intervening to secure improvement in underperforming academies; taking George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for decisions on the creation of new academies; and supporting Education what the terms of employment will be of the the national schools commissioner to ensure that there new regional schools commissioners. [181258] are sufficient sponsors to meet local need. The RSC will fulfil this role for all academies, including where academies Mr Timpson: It is planned that the regional schools and free schools offer 16-19 provision. commissioners will be appointed as civil servants on five-year fixed-term contracts. Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what interaction he will expect regional George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for school commissioners to have with (a) the Education Education what the powers will be of the new regional Funding Agency and (b) Ofsted. [181198] school commissioners. [181259] 103W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 104W

Mr Timpson: No new powers are being introduced. In 2005 the last Government decided to stop collecting As fixed term civil servant appointees, the regional information on the conditions of school buildings. This schools commissioners will undertake functions on behalf meant it was impossible to know the condition of all of the Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. school buildings and therefore where investment was Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove). needed. We believe this decision was flawed which is These are expected to include: monitoring performance why the Department for Education has been collecting and intervening to secure improvement in underperforming up to date information on school buildings through the academies; taking decisions on the creation of new Property Data Survey. academies; and supporting the national schools This data will enable us to make sure future funding commissioner to ensure that there are sufficient sponsors is targeted towards those educational establishments to meet local need. where it is most needed. Samsung Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for for Education how much his Department has spent on Education whether a (a) member of his Private Office contractors to (a) carry out property data surveys and and (b) policy official attended the meeting he had in (b) provide asset management software to support the May 2013 with representatives of Samsung; and for delivery of the Property Data Survey programme. what reason no minute or record was taken of that [182026] meeting. [181322] Mr Laws: The Secretary of State instructed the Education Elizabeth Truss: One official from the Secretary of Funding Agency to proceed with the Property Data State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member Survey programme in response to recommendations for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), Private Office attended made in the James Review. This included undertaking the meeting. No policy officials attended. The purpose an additional 11,708 surveys. The Department has spent of the meeting was to find out more about the work of an average of £642 per survey, before VAT, on contractors Samsung and their involvement in education. Only one to (a) carry out property data surveys and (b) provide action arose from the meeting: to invite Samsung to the asset management software to support the delivery of technology round table and this was carried out. the Property Data Survey programme. School Information (England) (Amendment) In 2005 the last Government decided to stop collecting Regulations 2012 information on the conditions of school buildings. This meant it was impossible for the Department to know Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for the condition of all school buildings and therefore Education pursuant to the answer of 3 December 2013, where investment was needed. We believe this decision Official Report, column 651W, on School Information was flawed, which is why the Department for Education (England) Regulations 2012, what the level of compliance has been collecting up-to-date information on school with the School Information (England) Regulations buildings through the Property Data Survey. 2012 is. [181205] This data will enable us to make sure future funding is targeted towards those educational establishments Mr Laws: We do not routinely collect this information where it is most needed. centrally. While Ofsted routinely checks school websites before inspections, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with legal requirements rests with governing Schools: Finance bodies and head teachers. If a parent, or other party, believes that a school is not complying with the requirements, they are entitled to raise this with the Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education governing body. If their complaint is not resolved and what the expected timeframe for the introduction of a they believe that the school has failed to discharge its new National Funding Formula for schools is. [181029] duty or acted unreasonably, they can raise their complaint with the Secretary of State. Mr Laws: The Chancellor announced in June that we would consult on how best to introduce a national fair Schools: Buildings funding formula, with implementation starting in 2015-16.

Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of the cost of Schools: Greater Manchester the additional 8,000 surveys that will be undertaken for the Property Data Survey. [182009] Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws: The Secretary of State for Education, the Education how many of the schools assessed by Ofsted right hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), in Greater Manchester in 2013 were rated as (a) has recently instructed the Education Funding Agency outstanding, (b) good, (c) requiring improvement and to proceed with additional surveys as part of the on-going (d) inadequate. [181811] work of the Property Data Survey Programme. The current estimate for the additional 8,000 surveys is an Mr Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. I have average of £704 per survey, before VAT. This is a asked Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, modest additional cost to ensure that our significant to write to the hon. Member. A copy of his reply has maintenance budgets are well spent. been placed in the House Library. 105W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 106W

Schools: North West Mr Timpson: The requested information for England can be found in table 1 of the Statistical First Release: Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for ‘GCSE and equivalent attainment by pupil characteristics Education how many schools in the North West of in England: 2011 to 2012’1. England have been assessed as being (a) outstanding, GCSE attainment for 2013 by pupil characteristics (b) good, (c) requires improvement and (d) inadequate will be published on 23 January 2014. since the introduction of the revised assessment framework https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gcse-and- in September 2013. [181810] equivalent-attainment-by-pupil-characteristics-in-england

Mr Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. I have Teachers: Training asked Her Majesty’s chief inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, Richard Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for to write to the hon. Member. A copy of his reply will be Education what steps his Department is taking to placed in the House Library. ensure that initial teacher training students receive the Schools: Personnel Management appropriate support for teaching students with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties. [181219] Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of the total cost to the Mr Laws: The Department for Education requires public purse of human resource services in academies; that all trainee teachers meet the teachers’ standards and what the HR costs of the school system were in (a) before they can be awarded qualified teacher status 2009-10 and (b) 2012-13. [181185] (QTS). These standards include a requirement that teachers must adapt teaching to respond to the strengths Mr Timpson: The Department does not hold records and needs of all pupils. Teachers should have a clear of estimated expenditure by academies at this level of understanding of the needs of all pupils, including detail. The Department does require academies to submit those with special educational needs, and be able to an estimate of their income and expenditure for both adapt teaching to engage and support them. the academic and financial year. The estimated cost of Ofsted inspects initial teacher training (ITT), including human resource services is included within the broader how well teachers are prepared to meet these standards. category of support costs. The Department is unable to Inspections also examine how trainees are prepared to extract those costs specific to human resource services. teach early reading. The Department does not hold records of HR In addition, the Department for Education provides expenditure in the school system. The Department does funding to the Dyslexia SpLD Trust and to Nasen to require all schools maintained by local authorities in provide information and training materials to improve England to complete a Consistent Financial Reporting the quality of support available to pupils with dyslexia (CFR) return at the end of each financial year. The or literacy difficulties. The Dyslexia SpLD Trust is CFR return includes expenditure on a range of staff working with schools and ITT providers to offer a costs but the Department is unable to individually professional development framework. identify HR expenditure. Young People: Unemployment Shannon Matthews Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for how many 16 to 18-year-olds were not in education, Education (1) when he made public the decision not to employment or training in (a) England, (b) London publish the serious case review on the case of Shannon and (c) Hendon constituency in each of the last five Matthews; [181172] years. [181729] (2) on what basis he made the decision not to publish Matthew Hancock: The Department does not hold the serious case review on the case of Shannon constituency-level NEET data. Local authorities, however, Matthews; [181173] collect information on 16 to 18-year-olds who are not in (3) pursuant to the answer of 29 November 2013, education, employment or training in each local authority Official Report, columns 449-50W,on Shannon Matthews area in England. This information is published annually and the answer of 12 December 2013, Official Report, on the Department’s website at: column 381W, on Shannon Matthews, if he will give the http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/ (a) case reference number and (b) name of the presiding youngpeople/participation/neet/a0064101/16--to-18-year-olds- judge who issued the Consent Order at the High Court not-in-education,-employment-or-training on 19 June 2013. [181324] although the quality of the data is dependent on the local data collection arrangements. Mr Timpson: I refer my hon. Friend to the responses of 18 November 2013, Official Report, column 745W, 29 November 2013, Official Report, column 449W and COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 12 December 2013, Official Report, column 381W. Army: Germany Special Educational Needs Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the Education what proportion of special educational answer of 16 December 2013, Official Report, column 440W, needs students attained more than five A* to C grade on Army: Germany, what account he took of paragraph GCSEs or equivalent, including English and 7.24 of the Leader of House’s Guide to Parliamentary mathematics, in each of the last five years. [181898] Work in the preparation of that answer. [181012] 107W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 108W

Brandon Lewis: It is long-standing government practice, Mr Amin was involved in the discussions with civil under this and previous Administrations, not to provide servants, solely in his capacity as an official representative information about interdepartmental discussions, so as of Curzon Education/the Curzon Institute (for the not to undermine collective responsibility, or inhibit the avoidance of doubt, not in any other personal or political free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views, capacity). or otherwise prejudice the effective conduct of public More information about the project can be found on affairs. my Department’s website at: The hon. Member was previously conversant with www.gov.uk/government/news/commonwealth-contribution- such practices when he was in Government, as evident to-first-world-war-to-be-commemorated by his replies to parliamentary questions such as 23 June 2009, Official Report, columns 743-44W. Fire Services: South West

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the Communities and Local Government if he will make a answer of 16 December 2013, Official Report, column statement regarding the proposed merger of Dorset 440W, on Army: Germany, whether he has taken any and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue services. [180948] specific action in relation to the re-basing of armed forces personnel. [181013] Brandon Lewis: The Government may support authorities where locally-led and locally-supported mergers are Brandon Lewis: The Department for Communities shown to deliver improved cost effectiveness and efficiencies. and Local Government has taken no specific action in The Secretary of State for Communities and Local relation to the re-basing of armed forces personnel. I Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for am aware colleagues at the Ministry of Defence are Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), will consider fully engaged with local authorities and service providers. applications to combine two local fire and rescue authorities where proposals have been consulted on and have local Curzon Institute support. Equally, nothing prevents such authorities moving Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for ahead with back office integration and sharing of Communities and Local Government pursuant to the administrative services straight away, to help decide answer of 10 December 2013, Official Report, column sensible savings. 157W, on the Curzon Institute, whether the contract agreed with the Curzon Institute (a) was advertised Fires: Deaths beforehand and (b) open to other organisations invited to bid for it. [180225] Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how his Department Stephen Williams [holding answer 16 December 2013]: defines a fire death; and how his Department records The Curzon Institute approached my Department with such deaths. [181335] a bid for grant funding to support a project it was taking forward to highlight the contribution made by Brandon Lewis: Fire deaths are defined as being all Commonwealth nations to the First World War. We felt fatalities which result from injuries that occurred as a that this project had a good strategic fit with the result of a fire. These include any casualty who subsequently Department’s desire to take the Commonwealth aspect dies from such injuries. of the Centenary forward, and awarded them a grant of The Department receives electronic records of all £120,000. This was not let as a competitive contract incidents attended by fire and rescue authorities, and because the Department was not buying a service. Grant these include details of casualties. Numbers of fire funding was provided to support the organisation in incidents, fatalities and non-fatal casualties are published delivering its own project. in the Department’s Fire Statistics Monitor publication More information about the project can be found on at: my Department’s website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-statistics- www.gov.uk/government/news/commonwealth-contribution- monitor to-first-world-war-to-be-commemorated Fires: Electrical Safety Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for answer of 10 December 2013, Official Report, column Communities and Local Government how many 157W, on the Curzon Institute, whether Afzal Amin household fires were caused by electric heaters in each was involved in negotiating this contract. [180227] of the last 10 years; and how many such fires resulted in (a) injuries and (b) fatalities. [180336] Stephen Williams [holding answer 16 December 2013]: As I have outlined to the hon. Member in my answers to Brandon Lewis: The number of household fires whose her previous questions, my Department has a grant source of ignition was an electric heater and related funding agreement with Curzon Education to support a casualties are shown in the table. Over three quarters of commemoration programme highlighting the crucial these fires and 85% of the resulting casualties were the contribution of Commonwealth countries during the result of misuse of the appliance, for example items First World War. either covering or too close to the appliance. 109W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 110W

The Department’s Fire Kills campaign promotes a In May 2010, the coalition Government cut Ministers’ range of fire safety messages, primarily around the salaries by 5% and then froze ministerial salaries for the importance of working smoke alarms, to help drive rest of the Parliament. This represents a significant cut down the number of fires and associated casualties. Fire in real terms, and shows how Ministers have led from Kills works in close partnership with the Electrical the front in tackling senior pay and delivering sensible Safety Council to raise awareness of electrical fire safety savings. messages, including the safe use of electric heaters. Together, we coordinate Electrical Fire Safety Week Travellers each year to create a hook for both local and national news stories and events to promote these messages. Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Accidental dwelling fire incidents and casualties where the source of ignition is Communities and Local Government pursuant to the electric heater, England, 2003-04 to 2012-13 answer of 12 December 2013, Official Report, columns Number of Non-fatal incidents Fatalities casualties 364-5W, on Travellers, if the Government will work with the research project at Salford University on 2003-04 401 8 117 continuing to update statistical data in relation to the 2004-05 511 13 123 number of Roma in England, Scotland and Wales, in 2005-06 560 18 170 order to inform its ongoing strategy in relation to 2006-07 494 10 121 Roma. [180754] 2007-08 515 7 116 2008-09 478 10 122 Stephen Williams: The Government engages with a 2009-10 372 9 110 wide range of experts on polices relating to Roma. In 2010-11 474 7 170 particular, Government officials attend meetings of the 2011-12 347 9 119 National Roma Network, the membership of which 2012-13 456 15 142 includes local authorities, non-governmental organisations and academics, including the authors of the Salford Housing: Demolition University report on Roma in the UK.

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Urban Areas Communities and Local Government how many dwellings were demolished by each of the Housing Market Renewal Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Pathfinders in each year that scheme was in operation. Communities and Local Government what steps he has [180788] taken to support small high street businesses. [180962]

Kris Hopkins [holding answer 19 December 2013]: Brandon Lewis: The Government recognises that small The Audit Commission published a review of the Housing businesses are a vital part of high streets and is committed Market Renewal programme (Audit Commission, Housing to supporting them, as highlighted in our support for market renewal, March 2011, p.9) that projected there Small Business Saturday on 7 December. On 5 and would be 30,987 demolitions from 2002 to 2010-11. Full 6 December we announced a range of powerful new figures by type can be found in the Audit Commission measures to provide the tools for local communities to report, while figures on individual areas are available at: transform their high streets and town centres, including http://archive.audit-commission.gov.uk/auditcommission/ the biggest business rates support package for over housing/marketrenewalpathfinders/strategicreviews/pages/ 20 years. strategicreviewofprogress2010.aspx.html We are introducing a business rates discount of £1,000 This Government has cancelled the Pathfinder for smaller retail premises for two years from April, and programme and are instead bringing these homes back 50% business rates relief for up to 18 months for new into use for the communities who need them. We have occupants of shops that have been vacant for a year. We provided £235 million in direct funding to housing are capping next year’s business rates RPI increase at providers and community groups to create homes from 2%. As well as doubling small business rate relief for a empty property which meet the needs of their community. further year to March 2015, we will relax the rate relief Our delivery partners have committed to creating up to criteria to remove the disincentive for the smallest businesses 15,000 homes from empty property by 2015. to take on second properties. Other measures to support More broadly, the New Homes Bonus has rewarded high streets include tackling aggressive and unhelpful over 93,000 long-term empty properties being brought parking policies, a review of business improvement back into use. districts, consultations on new permitted development rights, further planning simplification, a call for evidence Ministers on red tape and support for the digital high streets. More information can be found in the press release at: Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for www.gov.uk/government/news/eric-pickles-launches-package- Communities and Local Government how much was of-support-for-local-shops spent on ministerial salaries in the last year for which Smaller retailers will also benefit from the Government’s figures are available. [180093] introduction this year of a £2,000 employment allowance for all businesses to reduce their national insurance Brandon Lewis: According to the most recent annual contributions bill each year, and a falling corporation accounts, the Department spent £227,000 on ministerial tax rate. Government will make it cheaper for businesses salaries in 2012-13 (excluding social security costs). to employ young people by abolishing employer national This compares with £272,000 in 2009-10. insurance contributions for under 21-year-olds on earnings 111W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 112W up to £813 per week. Small retailers can also take Gregory Barker: Fuel cells are energy conversion advantage of the range of support offered by Government devices which offer zero emissions at the point of use. to help small and medium-sized businesses to start and Hydrogen is an energy vector (like electricity), which thrive. depending on how it is produced, has the potential to be low or zero carbon. Fuel cells and hydrogen have potential applications for stationary power generation, transport, and battery replacement in some niche markets such as ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE materials handling. The technology is on the verge of Electricity Generation commercialisation. Three Government Departments (DECC, BIS and Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy DFT through the Office of Low Emission Vehicles) and Climate Change what measures are in place to have been participating in UK2Mobility, an industry-led ensure that capacity market agreements are properly project to develop a business plan for the roll out of structured to support the independent financing of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in the UK. This would new power projects. [181958] facilitate the deployment of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) which leading automotive manufacturers are Michael Fallon: The proposals for a Capacity Market committed to introducing on a commercial basis in are the subject of a public consultation which has just selected markets from 2015. Government will be considering closed and included questions on the status of the the support mechanisms which may be needed to facilitate proposed capacity agreements and investibility of the the deployment of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, design. fuel cell electric vehicles, and the production of low-carbon In finalising the design, we will be seeking to find the hydrogen. In addition the Government has launched a right balance between ensuring the Capacity Market is call for evidence on measures to support uptake of ultra investible for the new power projects we need, and low emission vehicles (ULEVs), including FCEVs, in ensuring consumers are not taking on too much risk on 2015-20 using the £500 million we committed in this behalf of investors. year’s spending round. Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy For power generation, I would refer the hon. Member and Climate Change if the Government will review the to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for proposed penalty regime for the capacity market to North Warwickshire (Dan Byles) on 25 October 2013, ensure that independent generators are not excluded Official Report, columns 291-2W. financially from participating in it in favour of the big six energy suppliers. [181959] Energy: Meters Michael Fallon: The proposals for a Capacity Market are the subject of a public consultation which has just closed and included questions on the proposed penalty Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for regime and its impact on the investibility of the design Energy and Climate Change (1) how many electricity for both big incumbent and independent capacity providers. smart meters were installed in domestic properties in (a) (b) [181899] A proposed cap on penalties and the concept of a Scotland in 2012 and 2013; four hour warning should help ensure the risks of (2) how many gas smart meters were installed in participation remain manageable for investors, but we domestic properties in Scotland in (a) 2012 and (b) will be reviewing consultation responses on these issues 2013; [181900] and seeking to ensure that capacity auctions are competitive (3) how many non-domestic properties in Scotland for all sizes of provider. have (a) smart meters and (b) advanced meters. Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy [181901] and Climate Change if the Government will extend the length of the proposed capacity market agreements to Michael Fallon: The Government publishes quarterly facilitate new competition in the wholesale generation statistics on the number of smart, smart-type and traditional market. [181960] meters installed and operated in domestic properties and smart, advanced and traditional meters installed Michael Fallon: The proposals for a Capacity Market and operated in smaller non-domestic sites by the larger are the subject of a public consultation which has just energy suppliers (i.e. British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, closed and included questions on appropriate length of Npower, Scottish Power and SSE) in Great Britain. The capacity agreements for new power plants. latest quarterly release was published on 12 December We will be reviewing consultation responses and seeking 2013: to ensure that capacity auctions facilitate competitive https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/smart-meters- new entry to the market. statistics Energy These estimates are released as Experimental National Statistics which means they are official statistics undergoing Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for an evaluation process prior to being assessed as National Energy and Climate Change if the Government will Statistics. They are published in order to involve users introduce support mechanisms to help fuel cells and and stakeholders in their development, and as a means hydrogen energy reach their potential in the UK. to build in quality assurance during development. Currently, [180945] data is published only at Great Britain level. 113W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 114W

Energy: Prices Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the total amount is Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for which his Department provides to (a) bilateral and (b) Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his statement multilateral funds to support capacity building in national of 2 December 2013, Official Report, column 631, on parliaments and the development of national legislation energy bills, what assessment his Department has made as part of the preparation and implementation of REDD+ of the distributional effects of paying for social and strategies in developing countries. [182019] environmental obligations on (a) energy bills and (b) taxes. [180205] Gregory Barker: DECC along with DFID and DEFRA provide support to protect forests in developing countries Michael Fallon: The Government’s latest assessment through the UK’s International Climate Fund, with a of the impact of climate change and energy policies on portion of this dedicated to capacity building. UK consumer energy bills was in March 20131. This presents support includes: an assessment of the distributional impacts of climate (a) UK bilateral programmes change and energy policies across different household £15 million low-carbon agricultural project with Colombia—will types, including by expenditure decile, household help cattle farmers plant trees on cattle-grazing land to reduce composition, heating fuel type, tenure and rurality. greenhouse gas emissions, protect forests, increase biodiversity We have not carried out a similar analysis of the and improve livelihoods. distributional impacts of funding social and environmental £79 million Forests Governance Markets and Climate initiative— obligations through general taxation. works in Liberia, Ghana, Indonesia and other countries to help stop illegal logging. 1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/estimated- impacts-of-energy-and-climate-change-policies-on-energy- £20 million Forestry Knowledge and Tools (KnowFor) initiative— prices-and-bills supports good practice forest management by working with leading international think-tanks to influence policy and decision makers. Forests: Developing Countries £20 million Nepal Multi-Stakeholder Forestry Programme— reduces rural poverty and maintains healthy ecosystems by helping local communities manage their forests. Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has £25 million to help Indonesia improve accountability for land-use decisions, manage corruption in the system for issuing plantation made of the role of forest governance and national and mining permits, and support spatial planning in Papua for legislation in implementing REDD+ strategies in developing sustainable economic development in Indonesia’s last undisturbed countries. [182017] forest. (b) Multilateral funds Gregory Barker: The Government recognises the important role of national parliaments and legislators £15 million to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (£3.5 million to the FCPF Readiness Fund and £11.5 million to the in stopping deforestation. FCPF Carbon Fund)—administered by the World Bank to help For 12 years the UK has supported programmes to 37 countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation. reduce illegal logging, and reform forest governance £100 million to the Climate Investment Funds’ Forest Investment and markets. Currently the DFID-led Forest Governance Programme (CIF’s FIP)—administered by the World Bank to Markets and Climate Programme provides £79 million help eight countries scale up investments in action against of the UK’s International Climate Fund between 2011 deforestation. and 2016 to benefit poor people by putting in place the £50 million to the Congo Basin Forest Fund—administered by governance and market reforms that reduce illegal logging the African Development Bank to help the 10 countries of the and deforestation. Congo Basin improve forest their management. £75 million to the BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Forest Landscapes—a public-private partnership administered by Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has the World Bank will support countries or jurisdictions in advancing made of the role national parliaments and legislators their implementation of REDD+. play in implementing REDD+ strategies in developing Support for REDD+ phase II (implementation) and countries. [182018] phase III (results-based payments) can also support the development of legislation by incentivising countries to Gregory Barker: Good governance is a prerequisite move through the REDD+ readiness process when the for better management of forests in developing countries, necessary reforms are made. including for the mechanism known as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for There is a role for national parliaments and legislators Energy and Climate Change how his Department supports in implementing REDD+ strategies in developing countries. the development of national REDD+ legislation in For example they can help define the national strategies developing countries. [182020] and plans, provide the basis to set up national forests monitoring systems, systems for measuring and reporting Gregory Barker: The Government recognises the of emissions, and to ensure that the social and importance of the development of national REDD+ environmental safeguards are addressed and respected. legislation in developing countries. The DFID-led Forest Governance, Markets and Climate We are active in negotiations under the UNFCCC (FGMC) Programme is supporting reforms to improve and multilateral forest funds such as the Forest Carbon forest governance in a number of countries, including Partnership Facility Readiness Fund—more countries Liberia, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo are demonstrably progressing on REDD+ readiness and Indonesia. through the FCPF Readiness Fund and we see progress 115W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 116W on the implementation of REDD+ activities including Michael Fallon: The potential volumes of naturally the development of national REDD+ strategies, and occurring radioactive materials (NORM) will depend systems for national forest monitoring, measuring and on the scale of production, which cannot be estimated reporting emissions, and reporting on social and until there is exploratory drilling and testing. In the US environmental safeguards. disposal of NORM is regulated state by state and in The DFID-led £79 million Forest Governance, Markets some includes reinjection of waste waters underground, and Climate (FGMC) Programme under the International a practice that is not permitted in the UK. In the UK, Climate Fund supports reforms to improve forest we have established regulatory processes for disposal of governance in a number of countries, including Liberia, NORM and, as with mining or mineral processing, the Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia. relevant environmental regulator is responsible for assessing the risk, if any, from NORM at any particular site and Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for licensing or permitting activities appropriately. Water Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has UK, who represent the water industry and the UK had with his counterparts in other donor countries on Onshore Operators Group, have recently signed a allocating a proportion of all multilateral REDD+ memorandum of understanding to work together to funds to support capacity building in national parliaments help minimise the impact of onshore oil and gas and the development of national legislation as part of development in the UK on the country’s water resources, the preparation and implementation of REDD+ strategies this includes the expected volumes, composition of waste in developing countries. [182022] water and preferred disposal routes. UK Water Industry Research are modelling the demand for waste water Gregory Barker: Multilateral REDD+ funds work in services to advise the water industry. developing countries with a wide range of stakeholders, Water Power and in principle have the potential to support national parliaments and the development of national legislation in the programmes which they support. For example, Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for our most recent discussions on this issue were at a Energy and Climate Change what discussions his UK-hosted forest event in Warsaw on 20 November. Department has had with water companies on the The Secretary of State joined Norway and the United possibility of generating electricity from the flow of States to announce a total of $280 million for the new water within water mains by installing Archimedean BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest screws within suitable water main pipes. [181298] Landscapes. This will include technical assistance which may be used to support such capacity building. Gregory Barker: DECC has had no such discussions. Fracking Wind Power: Dorset

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment his Department and Climate Change what assessment he has made of has made of (a) recent research published in the US the impact of policy changes relating to offshore wind into radon gas contamination of shale gas gathered farms on Navitus Bay. [180991] from fracking and (b) the implications of that research Michael Fallon: No such assessment has been made. for prospective hydraulic fracturing in the UK. [181778]

Michael Fallon: A recent report by Public Health England, titled ‘Review of the Potential Public Health TRANSPORT Impacts of Exposure to Chemical and Radioactive Pollutants as a Result of Shale Gas Extraction’, looked Airports Commission into the potential of radon contamination from shale gas operations in the UK. This concluded that: Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for “it is unlikely that shale gas extraction or related activities Transport what the total cost to the public purse of the would lead to any significant increase in public exposure from Airports Commission will be over the life of the outdoor radon levels or indoor levels in nearby homes”. Commission. [181954] The environmental regulator (Natural Resources Wales in Wales) will consider any application on current best Mr Goodwill: The independent Airports Commission practice and information as is relevant to the specific was set up by the Government to examine how best the site in the application. UK can maintain its international connectivity. On setting up the Commission in 2012, the Department set Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy a budget of £20.35 million to allow for building, staff and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the and IT costs, expert consultancy, publishing, travel and volumes of naturally occurring radioactive materials hosting public consultation events over the four financial (NORM) which may be extracted from the earth in years 2012-13 to 2015-16. future fracking operations in the UK; what proposals he plans to make for the conditioning, treatment, Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for packaging and long-term management of such Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of the radioactive wastes; what information his Department further study of the Isle of Grain option outlined in the holds on how the US has handled such NORM waste; interim report of the Airports Commission; and what and what assessment he has made of how the UK can contractors have been engaged to complete this work. learn from the US experience. [181780] [181965] 117W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 118W

Mr Goodwill: The Airports Commission is independent Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport is and was set up by the Government to examine how best committed to ensuring that disabled people have the the UK can maintain its international connectivity. same access to transport services and opportunities to Having agreed an overarching procurement approach travel as other members of society. with the Department for Transport, the commission’s The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations work programme and spending decisions within its 2000 (PSVAR)require facilities such as low floor boarding agreed budget are matters for it. Potential increases in devices and state that any regulated public service vehicle expenditure which cannot be met within the commission’s shall be fitted with not less than one wheelchair space. existing budget will be considered by DFT alongside All buses used on local or scheduled services with 22 other priorities across the Department. passengers or more are required to be fully PSVAR compliant by 2015, 2016 and 2017, depending on the Alstom bus type. According to the Department’s latest statistics (published in September 2013), 92% of buses in England now have John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for low floor designs, with 78% of the total fleet having a Transport what discussions (a) he and (b) officials in PSVAR accessibility certificate. his Department have held with Alstom in respect of its decision to restructure its transport sector. [181919] We are also looking at a number of ways of improving the accessibility of public transport, as reflected in our Accessibility Action Plan, published in December last Stephen Hammond: There have been no discussions year. with Alstom. As a private sector company it is up to Alstom how they operate their business. Calderdale Railway Line

Belfast City Airport Mrs Riordan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what investment plans he has for new rolling Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State stock for the Calderdale line; and when he expects new for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the stock to come into service. [181300] effect on Belfast City Airport of the removal of the city airports category in proposed EU regulation (2011/ Stephen Hammond: The Department is aware of 0398(COD)) on Noise-related operating restrictions; stakeholder aspirations for increases to the capacity on [181788] the Calderdale line. The next opportunity to consider (2) what assessment he has made of the effect of capacity on this route will be as part of the re-letting of proposed EU regulation (2011/0398(COD)) on Noise- the Northern franchise in 2016, in advance of which a related operating restrictions that would have on the full stakeholder consultation will be undertaken. regulatory status of Belfast City Airport; [181789] Crossrail Line (3) what assessment he has made of the effect on smaller airports of proposed EU regulation (2011/ Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for 0398(COD)) on Noise-related operating restrictions. Transport what estimate he has made of public funding [181790] required for the Crossrail rolling stock contract; and how much of that funding will be provided by (a) his Mr Goodwill: The purpose of the proposed EU Department and (b) Transport for London. [180967] Regulation (2011/0398 (COD)) is to ensure a harmonised approach to the introduction of noise-related operating Stephen Hammond: In March 2013 the Department restrictions at airports, where member states wish to for Transport (DFT) and Transport for London (TfL), introduce them. Decisions to introduce such restrictions in agreement with Her Majesty’s Treasury, changed the remain a matter of national competence. financing of the Crossrail Rolling Stock and Depot The Government recognises that smaller airports can contract to a fully publicly funded procurement from a cause noise problems for their local communities. Although PFI style deal. airports with less than 50,000 annual movements are The contract is estimated to cost in the region of £1 not within scope of the proposed regulation, this does billion. The DFT, as a joint sponsor of the project, has not prevent noise-related operating restrictions from agreed to contribute £100 million to this contract. The being introduced at such airports where appropriate. remaining costs are the responsibility of TfL. The Government’s policy is to encourage any such noise controls to be agreed locally. Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for The Government does not therefore consider that the Transport whether the evaluation of bids for the proposed new regulation will have any detrimental effect Crossrail rolling stock contract will take into account on Belfast City airport or other smaller airports. the social and economic effect on (a) associated supply chains, (b) rail apprenticeships, (c) rail manufacturing skills and (d) other matters in Derby and its wider Bus Services: Disability region. [180968]

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Hammond: The Crossrail Rolling Stock and Transport what steps his Department is taking to Depot invitation to negotiate includes requirements for improve disabled access on the UK bus network. responsible procurement. This means that bidders are [180789] required to set out how they will engage with the wider 119W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 120W supply chain and provide opportunities for training, Number of cases Number of cases apprenticeships, and small and medium size businesses Length of time case currently under that were under within their procurement strategy.Bidders are also required has been under consideration as of consideration as of to establish an appropriate local presence to manage the consideration 2 January 2014 2 January 2013 delivery of the contract. Up to 3 months 6,202 10,271 The tender documents were reissued in April 2013, 3-6 months 2,340 3,500 and are available in the Libraries of the House. Over 6 months 1,246 1,560

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for The DVLA continually strives to reduce the time Transport what representations he has received in taken to conclude all its cases. The DVLA has undertaken respect of the Crossrail rolling stock contract from the reviews of its processes and procedures, and as part of (a) Mayor of London and (b) Japanese government. its Digital Agenda is looking, wherever possible, to [181189] automate these. The DVLA is also looking to strengthen its resources, particularly in the handling of the more Stephen Hammond: The Secretary of State for Transport, complex cases. my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), regularly meets with the Mayor of Great Western Railway Line London to discuss a wide range of transport matters including Crossrail. Their most recent meeting was on 12 December 2013. The Secretary of State has had no : To ask the Secretary of State for recent meetings with the Japanese Government. Transport what recent estimate he has made of the expected completion date of the Great Western Cycling MainLine electrification works. [181105] Stephen Hammond: I expect that Great Western Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for electrification will be completed in phases between 2016 Transport pursuant to the answer of 27 November and 2018. Department officials work closely with Network 2013, Official Report, columns 303-4W, on cycling, how Rail who are delivering this project. the £35 million invested to deliver safer junctions for cyclists has been allocated by (a) region and (b) city. [181125] High Speed 2 Railway Line

Mr Goodwill: Of the £35 million funding allocated to Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for cycling, £15 million was granted to Transport for London Transport what assessment he has made of the latest (TfL) for investment in cycle safety.This included improved estimate of the costs of the Hoo Green to Barmfurlong provision for cyclists at Bow, St George’s Circus, Waterloo section of the proposed High Speed 2. [181136] Roundabout, and at other locations identified in TfL’s Cycle Safety Junction Review. £20 million has been Mr Goodwill: I refer the hon. Member to my previous allocated to schemes focused on areas outside London. answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington The list of schemes outside London is available at: South (David Mowat) dated 5 December 2013, Official https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Report, column 771W. attachment_data/file/181205/cycle-safety-fund-list.xls The estimated construction cost for the Winterbottom The scheme information is broken down by region and to Bamfurlong section of the route is £360 million. cities. An update of the list of schemes which includes This part of the route consists of three sections: two further schemes will be available on the web shortly. HSM12 (£110 million), HSM21 (£185 million) and HSM22 (£65 million). Driving: Licensing Detailed estimates of the cost of land and risk will be determined at a later stage of development. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many cases of suspended driving London Underground licences involving the DVLA’s medical officer have been outstanding for (a) three, (b) three to six and (c) over six months; how many cases there were in each Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport such category 12 months ago; and what steps he is (1) what discussions he has had with the Mayor of taking to reduce the number of such cases. [181832] London and Transport for London on what protections will be put in place to ensure that passengers do not pay Stephen Hammond: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing more for tickets as a result of not receiving correct Agency (DVLA) handle approximately 625,000 cases travel advice following ticket office closures; [180711] each year where investigations are required due to a (2) what discussions he has had with the Mayor of medical condition being declared. In the interests of London and Transport for London about the range of road safety the more complex cases are considered by tickets available to passengers following London the DVLA’s Medical Advisers. Underground ticket office closures; [180713] The following information is based on the number of (3) what discussions he has had with the Mayor of cases under consideration where individuals do not London and Transport for London about the effect on have entitlement to drive because their driving licence (a) women, (b) disabled people and (c) older people has been refused or revoked previously. of London Underground ticket office closures; [180714] 121W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 122W

(4) what discussions he has had with Transport for benefit of any such efficiencies would be secured for London about the effect of London Underground funders. Until then, Network Rail will continue to raise ticket office closures on the provision of tickets for and finance with support of the Financial Indemnity travel advice about mainline railways; [180715] Mechanism. (5) what discussions he has had with the Mayor of London and Transport for London on availability of Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for advice to passengers following London Underground Transport what assessment he has made of the effect of ticket office closures; [180718] the reclassification of Network Rail on maintenance and upgrade work following the reclassification of its (6) what assurances he has received from the Mayor debt. [181320] of London and Transport for London about staffing at London Underground stations following the proposed Stephen Hammond: As set out in the Secretary of ticket office closures; [180721] State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member (7) what discussions he has had with the Mayor of for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin’s) written statement London and Transport for London about the length of of 17 December 2013, the Office for National Statistics’ time stations may be unstaffed as a result of reductions decision on the classification of Network Rail does not in station staff; [180722] affect Network Rail’s £38 billion settlement for the (8) what discussions he has had with the Mayor of operation, maintenance and enhancement of the railway London and Transport for London on the effect on the in the five years from 2014. security of passengers and staff of London Underground ticket office closures. [180723] Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who will sign off the pay and bonuses of Stephen Hammond: Transport for London (TfL) set Network Rail executives following Network Rail’s out their vision for the future of the Tube on the 21 reclassification by the Office for National Statistics. November. TfL advised Ministers about their proposals [181953] ahead of the announcement. However, responsibility for London Underground, including decisions regarding Stephen Hammond: As the Secretary of State set out the use of ticket offices, is a matter for TfL and the in his written statement of 17 December 2013, Official Mayor. Report, column 93WS, the Department for Transport The Mayor and TfL have made a commitment that (DfT) has agreed a Memorandum of Understanding all stations will remain staffed while services are running with Network Rail (NR) to work through issues of and have the right number of more visible staff to accounting, budgeting and assurance; existing debt and provide travel advice and meet the needs of customers new borrowing; and corporate governance with the in ticket halls, at ticket machines and on platforms. company. London Underground has carried out an equality The conclusions of that work will be set out in a impact assessment to identify the impacts of its proposals framework agreement between NR and DfT to be published which shows that the changes will be positive or neutral before the reclassification takes effect on 1 September for all equality target groups. London Underground is 2014. listening carefully to any concerns or issues raised during its current consultation with trades unions and engagement Northern Rail with all stakeholders. This will inform the changes at tube stations that take place in 2015. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what revenue support has been received by Network Rail Northern Rail since 2010. [181989] Stephen Hammond: Revenue support figures are Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for published by the Office of Rail Regulation and can be Transport (1) following the reclassification of Network seen at Rail, whether he will take additional powers to direct Network Rail’s borrowing; [181318] http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/html/html/ 6d363642-c3a9-4a29-9477-542810798fa7 (2) what estimate he has made of changes to Network Rail’s cost of borrowing following its John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for reclassification by the Office for National Statistics. Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the (a) [181319] risk and (b) benefits of devolving Northern Rail services; [181992] Stephen Hammond: It is in the interest of both (2) what assessment he has made of potential Government and Network Rail that the company continues Government funding requirements in the event that to undertake it’s financing in the most efficient way responsibility for Northern Rail services is devolved; possible. The company’s financing decisions will continue [181993] to be driven by value for money for taxpayers, with appropriate consideration given to the fiduciary duties (3) what the allocation of funding responsibilities of Network Rail’s directors and the long-term policy will be between central Government and local objectives for the railway. The Government, the ORR authorities in the event that responsibility for Northern and Network Rail will explore whether alternative Rail services is devolved; [181994] approaches or refinements to the current model could (4) when the Government plans to make a decision deliver a more efficient approach, and if so from what on the devolution of Northern Rail services; and if he point of time these might be introduced and how the will make a statement. [182005] 123W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 124W

Stephen Hammond: The Secretary of State for Transport, Pedestrian Crossings my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin) met a delegation from the Rail North consortium of local authorities in the North of England Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for on 21 November 2013 to take forward their proposals Transport if he will review departmental guidance on for the devolution of the Northern and TransPennine (a) pedestrian crossings and (b) the time allowed for a Express rail franchises. He confirmed the Government’s pedestrian to cross. [180705] support for the principle of devolution. Devolution could support greater local accountability, improved Mr Goodwill: The Department’s guidance on designing rail efficiency, passenger benefits and economic growth. pedestrian crossings, including setting timings, is given The Secretary of State agreed with Rail North leaders in Local Transport Note 1/95: The Assessment of Pedestrian an initial partnership structure to take forward devolved Crossings, Local Transport Note 2/95: The Design of decision-making in the north of England to help manage Pedestrian Crossings, and Traffic Advisory Leaflet 5/05: the risks associated with a project of this scale. Pedestrian Facilities at Signal-controlled Junctions. The partnership will cover the re-franchised Northern The Department is currently undertaking a review of and TransPennine services. The Department will run traffic signing legislation, including the Zebra, Pelican the competitions for the replacement franchises from and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General February 2016, working closely with Rail North. The Directions. Once this is concluded, the Department will intention is to bring the management of those replacement consider the need to update guidance to reflect these franchises into a formal partnership structure. The changes. partnership will build on the good work Rail North has Traffic authorities are responsible for ensuring that done over the past year to build consensus on a long their pedestrian crossings provide everyone with enough term rail strategy and a structure for decision-making in time to cross the road safely. The timings used at each the north. It will be designed to facilitate local funding crossing will vary, as they depend to an extent on from Rail North partners in addition to core funding individual site circumstances. In designing crossings, from the Department. traffic authorities will also need to assess the impact of Rail North and Department officials are developing the timings on all traffic. The Department provides further details of the partnership for presentation to the advice on calculating timings for crossings in guidance, Secretary of State and the Rail North local authorities but this is not mandatory. in January. The Department recommends that where a crossing may be used by a large number of older people or those with mobility issues, for example outside residential John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for care homes, this should be taken into account when Transport whether the new short-term franchise for setting timings. Northern Rail services is a contract extension or a new contract. [181995] Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will commission a review of Stephen Hammond: The new franchise for services guidance on the location of pedestrian crossings to currently operated by Northern Rail will be a new ensure that casualties are minimised. [181179] franchise contract made by Direct Award. Mr Goodwill: The Department’s guidance on designing pedestrian crossings, including setting timings, is given John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for in Local Transport Note 1/95; The Assessment of Pedestrian Transport what consultation his Department has Crossings, Local Transport Note 2/95: The Design of undertaken with passengers regarding the award of a Pedestrian Crossings, and Traffic Advisory Leaflet 5/05: short-term franchise for Northern Rail services. Pedestrian Facilities at Signal-controlled Junctions. [181996] The Department is currently undertaking a review of traffic signing legislation, including the Zebra, Pelican Stephen Hammond: No formal consultation has been and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General undertaken with passengers regarding the planned Direct Directions. Once this is concluded, the Department will Award to Northern. As part of the discussions about consider the need to update guidance to reflect these the new contract we are engaging closely with Rail changes. North and other stakeholders. Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to review (a) the current John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for guidance on pedestrian crossings and (b) the amount Transport what the cost to his Department in respect of of time pedestrians have to cross the road at those (a) consultancy fees and (b) other matters has been in crossings. [181929] respect of the short-term franchise for Northern Rail services. [181997] Mr Goodwill: The Department’s guidance on designing pedestrian crossings, including setting timings, is given Stephen Hammond: The cost to date of external in Local Transport Note 1/95: The Assessment of Pedestrian advisers on the Northern Direct Award totals £393,000. Crossings, Local Transport Note 2/95: The Design of The cost of all franchising activities will be published Pedestrian Crossings, and Traffic Advisory Leaflet 5/05: annually in the Department for Transport accounts. Pedestrian Facilities at Signal-controlled Junctions. 125W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 126W

The Department recommends that where a crossing to cancel is made after 2200 the day before; if the may be used by a large number of older people or those cancellation of timetabled services is agreed before 2200 with mobility issues, for example outside residential the day before, then the timetable for the day as changed, care homes, this should be taken into account when and therefore schedule 8 payments do not apply. setting timings. Compensation in the later case is dealt with elsewhere The Department is currently undertaking a review of in the Track Access Agreement, under the schedule 4 traffic signing legislation, including the Zebra, Pelican compensation regime. Details of the compensation regimes and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General in the Track Access Agreements are published by the Directions. Once this is concluded, the Department will Office of Rail Regulation. consider the need to update guidance to reflect these In general, the payments made by Network Rail to changes. train operators under their Track Access Agreements, Pedestrian Crossings: Schools and those made by the operator to passengers for delays, serve different purposes and therefore are not comparable. Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make an assessment of the effect of Compensation paid to train operators for delays for recent changes in the number of school crossing patrol which Network Rail is responsible (including those officers on the safety of children’s journeys to and arising from external events such as cable theft) is a from school. [181154] matter for Network Rail. The compensation regime is a contractual and commercially confidential element within Mr Goodwill: The provision of school crossing patrol the Track Access Agreement between Network Rail and services, is a matter for local authorities. The Government each operator, and is overseen by the Office for Rail has no plans to review the impact of any changes made. Regulation. The Government’s latest statistics show that there Compensation is set on a formula basis designed, on were 6,106 child casualties in accidents occurring between average, to compensate the train operator for the future 7.30 am and 8.59 am or between 3.00 pm and 4.59 pm loss of revenue arising from disruption, including any on a school day in 2012, of which 827 were killed and longer-term loss of revenue from a sustained period of seriously injured (KSI). This represents a fall of 12% in poor performance. It is not related to and does not KSI compared to the 2005-09 average. include provision for any additional costs incurred by train operators, such as compensation costs to passengers. Railways: Compensation Compensation paid by train operators to passengers for delays is based on an entirely different system, in John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for line with the terms of the operator’s Passenger’s Charter, Transport (1) whether train operating companies and may vary for example with the type of ticket qualify for Schedule 8 payments from Network Rail purchased. A number of existing franchises operate, as when timetabled rail passenger services are cancelled in will all future ones, the Delay/Repay compensation advance of bad weather; [181973] system, under which compensation for delay is paid (2) which train operating companies have received regardless of whether the delay was attributed to Network Schedule 8 payments from Network Rail for unplanned Rail or a train operator. disruptions to timetabled rail passenger services that occurred on (a) 27 October 2013, (b) 28 October 2013 The Minister responsible for rail meets regularly with and (c) 29 October 2013; and what the amount (i) senior representatives of Network Rail and other industry applied for and (ii) paid by Network Rail was in each parties to discuss current rail performance. Passenger Focus is the official, independent consumer organisation case; [181981] representing the interests of rail users nationally. As (3) if he will take steps to ensure that Schedule 8 such, Ministers would not normally expect to discuss payments from Network Rail to train operating matters concerning performance payments with them. companies for unplanned disruptions to timetabled rail passenger services that occurred on (a) 27 October 2013, (b) 28 October 2013 and (c) 29 October 2013 Railways: Fares will be passed on to passengers; [181982] (4) what discussions with Passenger Focus he has had regarding Schedule 8 payments from Network Rail Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for to train operating companies for unplanned Transport what costs will fall on the public purse in the disruptions to timetabled rail passenger services that form of (a) additional and (b) total payments to each occurred on (a) 27 October 2013, (b) 28 October 2013 train operating company as a consequence of the and (c) 29 October 2013; [181983] decision to hold rail fares at RPI+0 in (i) 2014 and (ii) (5) what discussions with Network Rail he has had 2015. [181175] regarding Schedule 8 payments from Network Rail to train operating companies for unplanned disruptions Stephen Hammond: The Autumn Statement set out to timetabled rail passenger services that occurred on how the Government will provide relief on the prices (a) 27 October 2013, (b) 28 October 2013 and (c) 29 hardworking people pay for train travel across Britain October 2013. [181984] through a commitment to reduce the average regulated fare rises to RPI plus 0% for 2014. This measure will Stephen Hammond: Schedule 8 payments from Network require Government to adjust levels of franchise Rail to the train operators are applicable for cancellations compensation, and the amount to be paid will be of timetabled services due to bad weather if the decision determined through our negotiations with train operators. 127W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 128W

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Hammond: This information is published by Transport what costs will fall on the public purse in the the Office of Rail Regulation at: form of (a) additional and (b) total payments to each http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/report/html/ train operating company as a consequence of the fares 6d363642-c3a9-4a29-9477-542810798fa7 and ticketing review. [181176] Railways: Waste Disposal Stephen Hammond: The Fares and Ticketing Review announced a number of positive measures for rail passengers. Three specific measures will require payments John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for to train operating companies. The reduction in fares Transport what estimate he has made of the average basket flex to 2% will require Government to adjust quantity of effluent that is discharged directly onto levels of franchise compensation, and the amount to be railway tracks each week. [181975] paid will be determined through negotiations with train operators. Stephen Hammond: When asked in early 2013, Network We will also be providing £18 million of funding to Rail was unable to estimate the current level of waste train operating companies who successfully bid to undertake discharged on to the tracks. the announced trials of flexible ticketing and single leg pricing. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate he has made of the number of trains which still discharge effluent directly onto Railways: Franchises railway tracks; [181976] Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what estimate he has made of the number of Transport what the implications are for TUPE arrangements trains which do not have effluent retention tanks. of the statement on page 81 of the franchising prospectus [181977] that there will be an umbrella agreement which will cover the process including the purchase of the ECML Stephen Hammond: Over three quarters of all trains from DOR via a share purchase agreement. [181821] either have retention tanks fitted or are not equipped with toilets. Stephen Hammond: ECML will be purchased by the This proportion will increase significantly as new winning bidder of the franchise competition and will rolling stock is introduced over the next few years. continue to provide the passenger services as a party to the franchise agreement. As such there is no relevant John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for transfer under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection Transport on which routes trains still discharge effluent of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE). onto railway tracks. [181978]

Railways: Freight Stephen Hammond: Certain services on the Great Eastern, Great Western, Midland and East Coast main John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for lines are served by trains which discharge effluent to the Transport what proportion of former British Rail track. This is also the case for certain local and regional freight sidings currently owned by freight operating services in East Anglia, Wales, Scotland, the east and companies would be of greater benefit to rail freight west midlands, the north and south-west England. industry (a) in West Yorkshire and (b) on the East However, significant progress has been made since Coast Main Line if they were acquired by Network 2001 in rolling out vehicles with retention tanks, with a Rail. [181974] halving in the number of trains which discharge waste to the tracks. This will continue over the next few years Stephen Hammond: This is an operational matter for as more new rolling stock with retention tanks is introduced, Network Rail, who can be contacted at the following and as tanks are fitted to older units. address: Network Rail John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Kings Place Transport (1) whether his Department has made 90 York Way representations to the (a) rolling stock operating companies and (b) train operating companies to end the discharging London of effluent onto railway tracks; [181979] N1 9AG (2) whether his Department has made representations to the (a) rolling stock operating companies and (b) Railways: Subsidies train operating companies to modify rolling stock which currently do not have effluent retention tanks. [181980] John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what the total premium payments made Stephen Hammond: The rail industry is aware of by Northern Rail since 2010 are; [181987] Ministers’ desire to see effluent discharge to tracks (2) what Government subsidy has been received by phased out. Northern Rail since 2010; [181988] The Department is currently considering proposals (3) what subsidy has been paid by the Government to from a number of operators to extend their franchises, Virgin West Coast since their franchise was extended in which include programmes to fit retention tanks to December 2012. [181991] older fleets. 129W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 130W

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Hammond: The Secretary of State’s March Transport what steps have been taken by (a) rolling 2012 Command Paper sets out the Government’s approach stock operating companies and (b) train operating to the sector in light of the McNulty study. companies to modify rolling stock which does not have The Government’s policy is for a market led approach retention tanks for effluent. [181998] to rolling stock. Current and future franchise competitions give greater flexibility to franchisees over the rolling Stephen Hammond: There is currently no formal or stock decisions they make when bidding for franchises legal requirement to stop train operating companies which will drive greater value in the sector. from discharging toilet waste on to the track or to force rolling stock leasing companies to retrofit controlled John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for emission toilets to those trains that currently discharge Transport what estimate he has made of market share waste to the track. of the rolling stock leasing companies. [181930] Despite this, the industry is taking steps to reduce the number of trains that discharge effluent to the track. A Stephen Hammond: For franchised rail passenger fleets, fleet of older diesel trains in East Anglia is currently ownership by vehicle is as follows: being fitted with retention tanks, while the Department ROSCO is currently considering proposals from a number of Percentage operators to extend their franchises, which include Electric Diesel programmes to fit tanks elsewhere. Multiple Multiple Unit Unit Coaches Loco Total

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Angel 32 37 33 46 34 Transport whether the Government requires all new Trains rolling stock on UK railways to have effluent retention Eversholt3713271329 tanks. [181999] Porterbrook 30 37 37 39 33 Voyager —13——3 Stephen Hammond: Since 1996, the rail industry has Leasing adhered to a code of practice which requires effluent Macquarie1——— 1 retention tanks to be fitted to all new rolling stock with Beacon <1 — — — <1 toilets. Rail Virgin Trains John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department issues guidelines on the frequency which train effluent tanks must be Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for emptied. [182000] Transport what obligations there are in the franchise and contract extension of Virgin to maintain its rolling Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport stock; and whether those obligations specify the does not issue guidelines on the frequency which train number and location of maintenance depots. [181841] effluent tanks must be emptied. This is an operational matter for the railways. Stephen Hammond: The franchise agreement requires West Coast Trains Ltd, trading as Virgin Trains, to operate and maintain the specified train fleet. The Rolling Stock franchise agreement does not specify the number and location of maintenance depots. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what leasing costs have been paid to John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for rolling stock leasing companies on each franchise in Transport what obligations there are in the franchise each of the last ten years; [181923] and contract extension for Virgin Trains to maintain its rolling stock; and whether those obligations specify the (2) what the total leasing costs are that have been number and location of maintenance depots. [181918] paid to rolling stock leasing companies in the last 10 years. [181932] Stephen Hammond: The franchise agreement requires West Coast Trains Limited, trading as Virgin Trains, to Stephen Hammond: The leasing costs for rolling stock operate and maintain the specified train fleet. The are the result of negotiations between two private sector franchise agreement does not specify the number and commercial entities. Putting such information in the location of maintenance depots. public sphere would give advantage to each party’s competitors. West Coast Railway Line

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he has taken to introduce the Transport (1) whether Alstom Traincare is responsible regulation of fair rates of return for the rolling stock for all train maintenance on the west coast main line; operating companies recommended by the McNulty [181838] Rail Value for Money study; [181925] (2) what arrangements will be made to ensure the (2) what steps he has taken to hold rolling stock in continuation of maintenance of the west coast main the public interest as recommended by the McNulty line in the event of the sale of Alstom West Coast Rail Value for Money study. [181926] Traincare. [181843] 131W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 132W

Stephen Hammond: Franchisees operating trains on Stephen Hammond: If a company is sold, the the west coast main line are responsible for the provision Government expects all relevant employment law will of rolling stock required to operate their services. be obeyed and complied with.

Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether (a) he and (b) his officials have Transport whether maintenance staff employed by Alstom been advised whether Alstom will be selling Alstom West Coast Train Care will move to another contract West Coast Traincare; and what discussions he or they under the provisions of the Transfer of Undertakings have held with Alstom in respect of the future of (Protection of Employment) Regulation 2006, in the Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181840] event of the sale of Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181911] Stephen Hammond: There have been no discussions with Alstom in respect of the future of West Coast Stephen Hammond: If a company is sold, the Traincare. Government expects all relevant employment law will be obeyed and complied with. Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the likely John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for effect on train reliability and quality if Alstom West Transport whether Alstom has informed his Coast Traincare is sold. [181842] Department that it plans to sell Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181912] Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport has made no such assessment. Franchisees operating Stephen Hammond: The Department is not aware of trains on the west coast main line are responsible for the any plans to sell West Coast Traincare. provision of rolling stock required to operate their services. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions (a) he and (b) officials in Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for his Department have held with Alstom in respect of the Transport whether maintenance staff employed by future of Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181913] Alstom West Coast Traincare will be transferred to Virgin Trains in the event of the sale of Alstom West Stephen Hammond: There have been no discussions Coast Traincare. [181844] with Alstom in respect of the future of West Coast Traincare. Stephen Hammond: If a company is sold, the Government expects all relevant employment law will John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for be obeyed and complied with. Transport (1) whether Alstom West Coast Traincare is responsible for all train maintenance on the West Coast Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Main Line; [181914] Transport whether maintenance staff employed by Alstom (2) what arrangements his Department plans to West Coast Traincare will be transferred to another make to ensure the continuation of train maintenance contract in the event of the sale of Alstom West Coast on the West Coast Main Line in the event of the sale of Traincare. [181845] Alstom West Coast Traincare. [181916]

Stephen Hammond: This is a matter for Alstom. Stephen Hammond: Franchisees operating trains on the West Coast Main Line are responsible for the provision Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for of rolling stock required to operate their services. Transport how many passengers used the West Coast Main Line during peak periods between (a) Euston John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for and Birmingham and (b) Euston and Manchester in (i) Transport what assessment he has made of the 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012. [181888] potential effect on train reliability and quality in the event that Alstom West Coast Traincare is sold. Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport [181917] (DFT) does not hold this information. Statistics published by DFT: Stephen Hammond: No such assessment has been https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rail-passenger- made. Franchisees operating trains on the West Coast numbers-and-crowding-on-weekdays-in-major-cities-in- Main Line are responsible for the reliability and availability england-and-wales-2012 of rolling stock required to operate their services. show rail passenger numbers on trains throughout the day in several major cities, as well as the levels of peak crowding, but these are not available by route. HEALTH John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether maintenance staff employed by Alstom Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse West Coast Train Care will return to Virgin Trains under the provisions of the Transfer of Undertakings Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for (Protection of Employment) Regulation 2006, in the Health what estimate his Department has made of the event of the sale of Alstom West Coast Traincare. proportion of GDP represented by the cost of [181910] alcohol-related conditions and accidents. [181947] 133W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 134W

Jane Ellison: Alcohol misuse is estimated to cost At the time of the question asked by the hon. Member society £21 billion1 annually through alcohol-related for West Lancashire (Rosie Cooper) of 26 November illness, crime and lost productivity. This represented 2% 2013, Official Report, columns 143-4W, the latest data of workplace-based gross value added in England in available were to the 20 November 2013, or 13 data 20102. points from 4 November. Ambulance delays for this 1 The figure of £21 billion is made up of costs to the national period were 9,904. For the first 13 days in 2012-13, the health service in England, costs of alcohol-related crime in England figure was 15,880. This represents a 38% reduction. and lost productivity across the United Kingdom. The inclusion Penalty fines were assessed as being the main factor of lost productivity in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland leading to the reduction in delays, as it is the major means that the estimate for costs as a proportion of gross value added (GVA) in England will be overstated, albeit only slightly. change introduced in the system. We understand that 2 an area with few handover delays according to ambulance Official estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) are not figures (the south-west) also has the most comprehensive produced for England. GVA is used in the estimation of GDP. GVA is equal to GDP less the value of taxes on products and plus system of fining acute providers in place. the value of subsidies on products. GVA measures the value Various discussions have taken place on broader aspects added by units engaged in production and is the difference of ambulance trusts and delayed handovers, none between the value of goods and services produced (output) and specifically on the issue of the effect on staff morale. the cost of raw materials and other inputs which are used up in production (intermediate consumption). Patient handover is a key part of delivering a positive experience of emergency care. Systems are in place to ensure efficient handover. However we recognise handover Ambulance Services sometimes takes longer than the recommended 15 minutes, particularly during peaks of demand—one of the main Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for causes for delays. Other causes include a more complex Health (1) which bodies receive the funds accruing patient case mix or multiple ambulance attendances. from penalties imposed on NHS trusts because of ambulance handover delays; and what restrictions Arthritis there are on the use of those funds; [181034] Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (2) pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for what further steps his Department plans to take to West Lancashire of 26 November 2013, Official Report, implement the recommendations made in, Services for column 143-4, on ambulance handover times, if he will People with rheumatoid arthritis, Tenth Report of publish the workings behind the figure of 38 per cent; Session 2009-10 of the Committee of Public Accounts, how he assessed that a reduction in delays was as a HC 46. [180646] result of penalty fines; whether any other possible causal factors in that reduction were considered in preparing Norman Lamb: The Department published its response that Answer; and if he will make a statement; [181040] to the recommendations made in Services for People (3) if he will list the number and amount of penalty with rheumatoid arthritis, Tenth Report of Session fines paid by each trust for ambulance handover delays 2009-10 of the Committee of Public Accounts in a since April 2013; [181078] Treasury Minute published on 15 July 2010, which can (4) whether he has had discussions with (a) ambulance be found at: and (b) nursing staff representatives on the effect on www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm78/7885/ staff morale of the penalty fines for ambulance handover 7885.pdf delays introduced since April 2013; what his assessment Of the nine recommendations, the Department agreed is of the causes of ambulance handover delays; and if with one, partially agreed with five and disagreed with he will make a statement. [181080] three. Where appropriate, and with regard to the devolved responsibilities of local commissioners, the Department Jane Ellison: Any funds accruing from penalties imposed set out actions it would take, or that were already under on national health service trusts because of ambulance way, in response to the recommendations including: handover delays go back to the clinical commissioning supporting a group of charities to produce materials aimed at group as commissioner, with the local Urgent Care raising awareness of inflammatory arthritis conditions, including Working Group having a role in saying how the money rheumatoid arthritis; is reinvested in the system—although this is for local providing patients and clinicians with a new patient information determination. resource, specifically designed to provide better access to information covering the whole of the patient journey; Records of the number of sanctions paid by each supporting the work of a group of charities to produce materials trust are not held centrally. Ambulance handovers data for general practitioner (GP) practices and pharmacies aimed at are only collected centrally during winter (November to raising awareness of inflammatory arthritis symptoms among March)—via winter daily sitreps. Data are collected on members of the public and health care professionals; and the first part of the turnaround process: seeking reassurance from the Royal College of General Practitioners 1. Ambulance arrival to clinical handover; that rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis was given sufficient prominence in GP training to ensure that all GPs have appropriate 2. Clinical handover to going out on next call. competence to recognise, manage and refer appropriately in The figures on ambulance handover delays are published the primary care context. on the NHS England website over the winter period. Since 1 April 2013, NHS England has responsibility There is a time series file for each year, which is available for securing high quality outcomes for people with at: long-term conditions, such as arthritis, and through the www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/winter- mandate we have asked NHS England to make measurable daily-sitreps/ progress towards making the national health service 135W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 136W among the best in Europe at supporting people with These research centres, units and facilities have not ongoing health problems to live healthily and independently, carried out any research specifically on potential links with much better control over the care they receive. between breast cancer and exposure to carcinogenic, hazardous and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Breast Cancer Prior to the establishment of the NIHR in April 2006, the main part of the Department’s total health Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Health research expenditure was devolved to and managed by what plans he has to improve public health policies to national health service organisations. From April 2006 tackle the chemical causes of breast cancer. [180686] to March 2009, transitional research funding was allocated to these organisations at reducing levels. The organisations have accounted for their use of the allocations they have Jane Ellison: The Department currently has no plans received from the Department in an annual research for new public health policies to tackle potential chemical and development report. The reports identify total causes of breast cancer, but would be happy to look at aggregated expenditure on national priority areas, including any evidence with our colleagues in Public Health England. cancer. They do not provide details of research into breast cancer or other particular cancer sites. Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what NHS funding was allocated to (a) all breast Total spend in future years by the NIHR on research cancer research, (b) prevention of breast cancer and on breast cancer prevention depends on the volume and (c) research into the links between breast cancer and quality of scientific activity. The usual practice of the exposure to carcinogenic, hazardous and endocrine- NIHR is not to ring fence funds for expenditure on disrupting chemicals in each of the last 10 years; what particular topics: research proposals in all areas compete plans he has for future funding of research on for the funding available. The NIHR welcomes funding prevention of breast cancer; and if he will make a applications for research into any aspect of human statement. [180690] health, including breast cancer prevention. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis Dr Poulter: Expenditure on these topics by national of the scientific quality of the proposals made. NHS (national health service) research and development programmes (to March 2006) and by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) programmes (from April 2006) are shown in the following table. These figures Breasts: Plastic Surgery include research training awards. Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health £ million what assistance the Government is giving to people who Potential links have had faulty breast implants while compensation for between breast [180973] cancer and exposure those people is agreed. to carcinogenic, hazardous and Norman Lamb: The fraud perpetrated by the Breast cancer Breast cancer endocrine- (all) prevention disrupting chemicals manufacturers of the PiP implants affected many patients who had chosen cosmetic surgery in the private sector. 2003-04 0.6 0.1 0.0 Where patients experience difficulty in getting support 2004-05 0.6 0.1 0.0 or redress from the private clinics responsible for their 2005-06 0.7 0.1 0.0 care, and where a patient is entitled to NHS services, the 2006-07 0.6 0.1 0.0 national health service will support the removal of PiP 2007-08 0.9 0.2 0.0 implants by: 2008-09 1.2 0.3 0.0 an examination by imaging to see if there is any evidence that 2009-10 1.8 0.8 0.0 the implant has ruptured; and 2010-11 2.5 1.3 0.0 removal of PIP implants if, informed by an assessment of 2011-12 2.5 1.0 0.0 clinical need, risk or the impact of unresolved concerns, a 2012-13 4.8 1.3 0.0 woman with her doctor decides that it is right to do so. Expenditure on breast cancer research in these years The NHS will replace the implants if the original through national clinical research networks (to March operation was done by the NHS, or if the patient would 2006) and through the NIHR Clinical Research Network have met the NHS criteria for breast augmentation as (from April 2006) cannot be disaggregated from total set out in the 2006 guidance from the Modernisation expenditure on these networks. Agency, e.g. after surgery for breast cancer. Estimates of spend on breast cancer research (including research on breast cancer prevention) by NIHR biomedical Cholera research centres, biomedical research units and clinical research facilities are shown in the following table. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for £ million Health how many cases of cholera were treated by the NHS in each region in each of the last five years. 2009-10 4.2 [181948] 2010-11 4.0 2011-12 4.0 Jane Ellison: Cholera is a notifiable disease under the 2012-13 4.1 Health Protection Regulations 2010. 137W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 138W

Public Health England (PHE) Gastrointestinal Reference Cockermouth Community Hospital Unit provides reference services for cholera in England and Wales. Surveillance data from laboratory reporting Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for England only are presented in the following table. for Health if he will assess the compliance of the Laboratory-confirmed cases of Vibrio cholerae serogroup 01/0139 reported by process by which a commercial lease was entered into the PHE Gastrointestinal Reference Unit: England (by PHE region) from 2008-12 for a pharmacy at Cockermouth Community Hospital PHE region 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 with guidance on market tendering exercises for such provision. [181180] London 11182 Midlands and 34323Dr Poulter: The compliance of the process by which a East of commercial lease was entered into for a pharmacy at England Cockermouth Community Hospital is a local matter North of 52591 England and it is for NHS England to assess. South of 68355 England Deloitte Grandtotal1515122411 Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for PHE regions are assigned based on the original Health if he will place in the Library a copy of diagnosing laboratory as residential postcode for all correspondence from Peter Coates, Commercial Director cases are not available. As the numbers are quite small, in his Department, to Mike Turley of Deloitte MCS data broken down by smaller regions are not published Limited, dated 19 January 2010. [181216] due to the risk of deductive disclosure. Dr Poulter: The Department has not retained a copy Clinical Commissioning Groups of the correspondence between Peter Coates, Commercial Director and Mike Turley of Deloitte MCS Limited, dated 19 January 2010. Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to the review by NHS England on the Dementia future funding formula for the distribution of resources to clinical commissioning groups across England, if he Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for will delay any final decision on this matter until all Health what the average time taken from scan to relevant representations have been received relating to dementia diagnosis is; and whether his Department the possible effect of narrowing the gap in both life intends to repeat the scan every two to three years. expectancy and historic consequences of industrial and [180972] environmental health impacts. [180643] Norman Lamb: On 29 November, the Royal College Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for of Psychiatrists published a report of its audit of memory Health what assessment he has made of the consequences services in England. The report showed the average wait of his Department’s proposal to revise the formula for from assessment, which may include a brain scan, to funding allocations to clinical commission groups (CCGs) diagnosis is 8.36 weeks. Decisions on further scans are for the (a) funding of the Greater Huddersfield CCG made locally by clinicians. A copy of the report has and (b) health of the people it serves. [180859] been placed in the Library.

Dr Poulter: Responsibility for resource allocation is a Diseases matter for NHS England as set out in ‘The Mandate’. The Government has made clear in the mandate that Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for one of the governing principles should be equal access Health (1) how many cases of bronchitis were treated for equal need, and that changes in allocations should by the NHS in each region in each of the last five years; not result in the destabilising of local health economies. [181868] Initial findings from NHS England’s fundamental (2) how cases of Crohn’s disease were treated by the review of allocation policy, which drew on the expert NHS in each region in each of the last five years; advice of the independent Advisory Committee on [181869] Resource Allocation and involved a range of external (3) how many cases of Bell’s palsy were treated by partners, were considered by the NHS England board the NHS in each region in each of the last five years. at their meeting on 17 December 2013. A new formula [181874] to set clinical commissioning group (CCG) allocation targets was agreed. Norman Lamb: The following table provides a count The new formula uses a new indicator to recognise of finished admission episodes (FAEs) where there was how health inequality should be reflected; uses a powerful a primary diagnosis of bronchitis, categorised by Strategic new method to derive estimates of need; reflects more Health Authority (SHA) of treatment for the years up-to-date population growth using general practitioner 2008-09 to 2012-13. lists; and, reflects the new responsibilities of CCGs. It should be noted that information provided in the I refer the right hon. and hon. Members to the following tables does not indicate the number of patients written ministerial statement issued by the Secretary of as a patient may have had more than one episode of State for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for care within the time period. South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), on 17 December 2013, The tables indicate the SHA area within which the Official Report, columns 88-89W. organisation providing treatment was located. 139W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 140W

Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector SHA Description 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Q30 North East SHA 340 287 284 336 341 Q31 North West SHA 617 690 791 869 961 Q32 Yorkshire and the Humber SHA 566 526 530 660 887 Q33 East Midlands SHA 311 208 294 228 379 Q34 West Midlands SHA 501 466 453 486 674 Q35 East of England SHA 520 517 567 610 774 Q36 London SHA 429 410 453 451 543 Q37 South East Coast SHA 325 281 349 331 395 Q38 South Central SHA 299 318 285 360 338 Q39 South West SHA 547 445 491 458 598 Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The Health and Social Care Information Centre

The following table provides a count of FAEs where there was a primary diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, categorised by SHA of treatment for the years 2008-09 to 2012-13:

Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector SHA Description 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Q30 North East SHA 3,649 3,530 3,396 3,922 3,989 Q31 North West SHA 7,568 8,623 9,226 9,759 11,674 Q32 Yorkshire and the Humber SHA 4,015 4,502 5,046 5,039 5,751 Q33 East Midlands SHA 2,683 3,126 3,356 3,731 3,822 Q34 West Midlands SHA 4,191 4,810 5,551 6,526 6,886 Q35 East of England SHA 4,263 4,704 4,960 5,233 5,601 Q36 London SHA 7,431 8,248 9,136 10,122 10,415 Q37 South East Coast SHA 2,220 2,787 3,085 3,571 4,003 Q38 South Central SHA 3,286 3,500 3,853 3,722 3,961 Q39 South West SHA 5,021 5,930 6,007 6,984 7,540 Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The Health and Social Care Information Centre

The following table provides a count of FAEs where there was a primary diagnosis of Bell’s palsy, categorised by SHA of treatment, from 2008-09 to 2012-13:

Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector SHA Description 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Q30 North East SHA 313 457 421 365 356 Q31 North West SHA 694 774 709 710 721 Q32 Yorkshire and the Humber SHA 409 551 551 591 532 Q33 East Midlands SHA 282 327 360 349 288 Q34 West Midlands SHA 443 553 556 551 500 Q35 East of England SHA 405 453 481 441 425 Q36 London SHA 598 621 694 620 544 Q37 South East Coast SHA 327 406 416 392 370 Q38 South Central SHA 247 257 233 273 277 Q39 South West SHA 371 449 433 441 490 Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The Health and Social Care Information Centre

Fractures NHS England has advised that the FLS model recommended by the International Osteoporosis Foundation and the National Osteoporosis society has Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health been assessed as being best practice and is being promoted. what support people with osteoporosis receive following a first fracture; and if he will establish a NHS England is aware that the provision of good fracture liaison service linked to hospitals. [181308] FLS is not uniform across the United Kingdom and is working with clinical commissioning groups to support Norman Lamb: Responsibility for determining the them to develop appropriate local services. overall national approach to improving clinical outcomes from healthcare services, including fracture liaison services (FLS), lies with NHS England. 141W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 142W

It will be for the appropriate National Clinical Director 2011 was observed; this varied by region with a decline at NHS England, working with the National Osteoporosis in the number of reports in the East Midlands, Eastern, Society, to consider how to further promote best practice and South East regions. and treatment. The overall trend has been a decline in the number of reports since 2008. The increased number of reports General Practitioners during 2010 was due to unrelated outbreaks of hepatitis A in the London and the South West regions. Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the consequences for Hospitals: Worcestershire his Department of the decision that accident and emergency training is no longer required during GP qualification; and what his policy is on such training for GPs. [181215] Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how the NHS’s new five year funding plan will Dr Poulter: Experience of working in accident and affect hospitals in Worcestershire. [181970] emergency (A&E) departments has never been a requirement for qualification as a general practitioner Dr Poulter: On 17 December 2013, the NHS England (GP). Many doctors in Foundation and GP training do board agreed on a new formula to set clinical commissioning work in A&E departments as part of their training group (CCG) allocations for the next two years (2014-15 programmes. Qualification as a GP requires doctors to and 2015-16). Information on future CCG allocations achieve the competencies defined in the Royal College is available in the ‘NHS England Total CCG Programme of General Practitioners’ curriculum, including managing Budget Allocations 2014/15 & 2015/16’ document, which the acutely ill patient as well as out of hours competencies. has been placed in the Library. The Department’s mandate to Health Education On 17 December 2013, NHS England also published England (HEE) requires that: draft planning guidance for commissioners, which includes ″HEE should ensure that GP training, produces GPs with the the requirement that commissioners develop five year required competencies to practise in the new National Health strategic plans for 2014-15 to 2018-19. This guidance Service″. will help commissioners develop plans for services that This work will need to be aligned with the independent more closely address the needs of local populations and ‘Shape of Training’ report submitted to the four United deliver better integration of health and social care Kingdom Health Departments in October. services. A copy of the draft planning guidance, ‘Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2014/15 to 2018/19’, has Hepatitis been placed in the Library. The development of five year strategic plans is a Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for matter for the local NHS. My hon. Friend may therefore Health how many cases of hepatitis A were treated by wish to approach the chief operating officers of the the NHS in each region in each of the last five years. three Worcestershire CCGs—NHS Redditch and [181950] Bromsgrove, NHS South Worcestershire and NHS Wyre Forest—for relevant information. Jane Ellison: Public Health England receives laboratory reports of hepatitis A infection through routine surveillance. Kidneys: Diseases Information is not available on the number of cases which underwent treatment. Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for The following table shows the laboratory reports of Health (1) what health education programmes his hepatitis A for England by region from 2008 to 2012: Department has initiated in the last 12 months to raise the level of public awareness of chronic kidney disease; Region 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total and what further such programmes he plans to start in East 171176445the next 12 months; [180746] Midlands (2) if he will take steps to promote greater public Eastern 25 38 37 23 20 143 awareness of acute and chronic kidney disease. [180703] London 58 57 71 67 75 328 NorthEast5 813101349 Jane Ellison: Public Health England (PHE) supports North West 49 65 55 24 27 220 local authorities to deliver the NHS Health Check South East 70 49 29 47 39 234 programme. Modelling has shown the potential for the South West 30 24 48 11 18 131 programme to detect over 20,000 cases of diabetes and West 67 60 63 41 43 274 Midlands kidney disease earlier and to prevent over 4,000 people Yorkshire 29 35 41 23 40 168 a year from developing diabetes.. The NHS Health and Check Information leaflet which accompanies the invite Humberside includes information on the risk factors for kidney Total 350 347 364 252 279 1,592 disease. During 2008 to 2012 there were 1,592 confirmed PHE is also working with NHS England to establish laboratory reports of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection a National Cardiovascular Intelligence Network to map in England. The greatest number of reports were from the burden of disease within the cardiovascular disease the London (n=328), West Midlands (n=274), and the group, including renal disease and is supporting the South East (n=234) regions. An 11% increase in the Health Check programme to support earlier detection number of reports received during 2012 compared to of chronic kidney disease. 143W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 144W

PHE is not currently running a marketing campaign cases of kidney disease and diabetes (a risk factor for to promote awareness of acute and chronic kidney kidney disease) could be detected via the programme disease, including health education programmes. The each year. Change4Life campaign does however include a salt The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s consumption message. High salt diets can lead to high 2008 guidance on the early identification and management blood pressure which is one of the most common of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults in primary causes of kidney disease. and secondary care makes recommendations on the tests clinicians should use to diagnose CKD. Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department does not collect information centrally Health (1) what steps his Department is taking to on how many people were diagnosed with CKD in reduce levels of late diagnosis of chronic renal failure; Greater Manchester hospitals in each of the last five [180747] years or on how many people were diagnosed with (2) how many people were diagnosed with chronic CKD in Bolton South East constituency, Bolton, Greater kidney disease in Greater Manchester hospitals in each Manchester and the United Kingdom in each of the of the last five years; [180748] last 10 years. (3) how many people were diagnosed with chronic However, a 2012 report by NHS Kidney Care estimated kidney disease in (a) Bolton South East constituency, that around 1.8 million people are diagnosed with CKD (b) Bolton, (c) Greater Manchester and (d) the UK in England, while an estimated further million are thought in each of the last 10 years. [180749] to have the condition but have not yet been diagnosed with it. Jane Ellison: NHS England has responsibility for Mental Health Services: Kent determining the overall national approach to improve clinical outcomes from healthcare services for people Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for with kidney disease. Health what the per capita spend on mental health The Government’s Mandate to NHS England sets an services was by primary care trusts in (a) Medway and objective for the national health service to make significant (b) Kent in each of the last five years; and how those progress in supporting the earlier diagnosis of illness, figures compare to the national average in that period. particularly through appropriate use of primary care. [180824] This includes working with Public Health England to support local government in the roll out of the NHS Norman Lamb: Information is not available in the Health Check programme, which facilitates earlier detection format requested. The following tables provide information of kidney disease. It is anticipated that up to 20,000 on reported investment in mental health services.

Reported investment for working age adults—England

£000

Total reported investment

2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08

Total 6,628,570.71 6,550,146.26 6,001,114.96 5,849,105.67 5,512,262.49

Reported investment for working age adults—Kent and Medway

£000

Total reported investment

Primary care trust 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08

Eastern and Coastal 59,325.56 55,916.34 53,851.29 49,327.22 47,359.31 Kent

West Kent 58,110.25 54,530.88 51,473.21 48,249.88 50,017.23

Medway 27,155.29 26,816.41 24,376.92 22,278.67 18,253.74

Reported investment per head of weighted working age population—South East Coast Strategic Health Authority (SHA) £ 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08

Total 203.3 196.7 190.51 178 171 145W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 146W

Reported investment per head of weighted working age population—England £ England average 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08

Total 198.3 195.9 193.4 181.0 169.47 Notes: 1. These surveys were commissioned annually by the Department of Health from Mental Health Strategies and published on the Department’s website at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/investment-in-mental-health-in-2011-to-2012-working-age-adults-and-older-adults 2. These survey figures were based on details submitted by each organisation on their reported investment in services and consequently may not match actual outturn figures reported in annual their accounts. 3. The surveys were non-mandatory and includes some estimated data. 4. Data covers services provided for working age adults (aged 18-64). Sources: National Survey of Investment in Adult Mental Health Services, Mental Health Strategies 2011-12 National Survey of Investment in Adult Mental Health Services; Mental Health Strategies 2010-11 National Survey of Investment in Adult Mental Health Services, Mental Health Strategies 2009-10 National Survey of Investment in Adult Mental Health Services, Mental Health Strategies 2008-09 National Survey of Investment in Adult Mental Health Services, Mental Health Strategies 2007-08.

Mental Health Services: Young People Dr Poulter: The information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement closed Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for on 31 March 2013. NHS Improving Quality was Health pursuant to the answer of 5 November 2013, subsequently established to bring together the wealth of Official Report, column 166-7W on mental health knowledge, expertise and experience of a number of services: young people, how many bed days were NHS improvement organisations. NHS Improving Quality recorded for children and young people under the age is hosted by NHS England. of 18 who were in a part of an adult psychiatric ward specifically set aside to meet the needs of Child and NHS Trust Development Authority Adolescent Mental Health Services patients, between 2007-08 and 2010-11. [181092] Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 17 December 2013, Official Report, column 600W,on NHS Trust Development Norman Lamb: Health and Social Care Information Authority, how much each contract was for; and how Centre does not hold data on children and young people many bidders there were for each contract. [181798] on Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) wards. Therefore, it does not hold data on Jane Ellison: Upon its establishment the priority for any ward or part of a ward designated as CAMHS. the NHS Trust Development Authority was to provide Only data on children and young people on adult wards continuity of existing arrangements for those projects is available. already under way by securing appropriate resourcing The following table provides the number of bed days from established and experienced consultants with specific for under 18s who have been admitted to in-patient care capability and knowledge of those projects. in national health service funded adult and elderly In recognition of this and to ensure adherence to secondary mental health services between 2007-08 and pre-determined timescales a number of untendered 2010-11. arrangements were entered into on a time-limited or Number of bed days for under 18s spent in in-patient wards of adult psychiatric specific project delivery basis. facilities1, 2007-08 and 2010-11-England The contractors that were engaged, the value of each Number of bed days contract and whether or not it was subject to competitive 2007-08 62,221 tender are shown in the following table. 2008-09 43,772 Contractor Cost or contact value (£) Competitive tender? 2009-10 65,557 2010-11 62,970 Ernst and Young LLP 60,000.00 No 1 This only includes children under 18 who have been recorded as having bed Deloitte 61,200.00 No days on adult mental health wards in the Mental Health Minimum Data Set. Gareth Cruddace Ltd 159,149.34 No Health and Social Care Information Centre holds data on all ages of patients on adult mental health wards but does not yet hold data about Children and Gareth Cruddace Ltd 171,000.00 Business Case Adolescent Mental Health Services. Buckley Gray 27,000.00 No Source: Consultancy Mental Health Minimum Data Set annual files 2007-08 and 2010-11. Health IMAS 58,968.00 Business Case and Social Care Information Centre, Community and Mental Health Team. RJC Financial 50,000.00 No Solutions Ltd Carnall Farrar LLP 14,400.00 No Odgers Interim 30,000.00 No NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement Foxwell Associates Ltd 28,000.00 Yes Hays Specialist 37,205.00 Yes Recruitment Ltd Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Karen Campion 11,333.33 Yes Health what the (a) name was of each consultant used Allen Lane Ltd 9,000.00 Yes and (b) value was of each contract for consultancy for Change-FX OD Ltd 21,333.33 No the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement in Heather Lawrence 40,000.00 No Consulting each year since 2005. [181857] 147W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 148W

NHS: Land Contractor Cost or contact value (£) Competitive tender?

The Dearden 25,000.00 No Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Partnership LLP Health (1) how much land, by hectare, is owned by the IJC Health Ltd 21,600.00 No NHS but not currently in use in London region; Total 825,189.00 [180644] (2) how much land, by hectare, is owned by the NHS but not currently in use in East Midlands region; NHS: Crime Prevention [180645] (3) how much land, by hectare, is owned by the NHS Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for but not currently in use in West Midlands region; Health (1) pursuant to the answer of 17 December [180647] 2013, Official Report, column 600W, on NHS: crime (4) how much land, by hectare, is owned by the NHS prevention, how much NHS Protect spent, by area of but not currently in use in Eastern region; [180648] expenditure, in each year since 2005; [181800] (5) how much land, by hectare, is owned by the NHS (2) how many investigations NHS Protect has but not currently in use in South East region; [180649] undertaken in each year since 2005; how many such investigations led to (a) criminal prosecutions and (b) (6) how much land, by hectare, is owned by the NHS the initiation of internal disciplinary procedures; and but not currently in use in North East region; [180650] what the cost of each such investigation was. [181801] (7) how much land, by hectare, is owned by the NHS but not currently in use in North West region; [180651] Dr Poulter: The information is not available centrally (8) how much land, by hectare, is owned by the NHS and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. but not currently in use in South West region. [180653] Information on the work of NHS Protect is available at the unit’s website at: Dr Poulter: The information requested is not collected centrally. www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Protect.aspx National health service organisations are responsible Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for locally for making decisions regarding the use of their Health who the senior responsible officer is for NHS facilities, including the use of land. Protect. [181858] NHS: Management Consultants

Dr Poulter: There is no Department of Health post of Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for senior responsible officer for NHS Protect. The Health pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2013, Departmental sponsor for NHS Protect is the NHS Official Report, column 523W, on NHS management Security Management branch head. consultants, if he will name each of the contractors to whom consultancy contracts were awarded in each year from 2010 to date; and how much each individual NHS: Finance contract was worth. [181340]

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Poulter: This information is not held centrally Health if he will take steps to ensure that savings made and, in relation to the detail of each contract (i.e. with in the NHS do not disproportionately affect some areas whom and the value of each individual contract), could more than others. [181972] be obtained only at disproportionate cost. NHS: Standards Dr Poulter: The Health and Social Care Act 2012 established a new landscape with key financial decisions, and monitoring to take place variously in the Department Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for of Health, NHS England, Monitor and the NHS Trust Health what actions his Department is taking to Development Authority. improve and standardise the information in NHS service provider quality accounts; and if he will make a The bulk of the Department’s revenue resource funding statement. [181764] is allocated to NHS England which is responsible for allocating the budgets for commissioning NHS services, Jane Ellison: Providers are required to publish a including the local allocation to clinical commissioning quality account each year. A quality account is a report groups (CCGs)-provider organisations are then paid for about the quality of services provided by a national the provision of healthcare services from the commissioners. health service health care provider. The reports are Through the Mandate to the NHS the Government published annually and are available to the public. provides direction for the NHS which includes the NHS England are currently reviewing quality accounts Government’s expectation that the principle of ensuring to ensure that they give patients appropriate information equal access for equal need is at the heart of NHS on the services they use, and evaluating how quality England’s approach to allocating budgets. accounts can begin to provide a more comprehensive However, decisions on the precise disposition of savings and balanced assessment of quality. We are advised that in local health economies are best made by NHS England the review will be complete such that guidance can be and the CCGs, the organisations that directly commission issued in March 2014, and trusts advised of expected and so have best knowledge of these services. changes in time for the 2014-15 financial year. 149W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 150W

NHS: Waste Disposal Dr Poulter: The Mandate from the Government to NHS England includes an objective for NHS England Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for to work with partner organisations to reduce the incidence Health (1) how much food waste by tonne was disposed and impact of postnatal depression through earlier of by the NHS in East Midlands region in each year diagnosis, and better intervention and support. since 2010; [180633] It is not the Department’s role to establish (2) how much food waste by tonne was disposed of communication structures between NHS England and by the NHS in the West Midlands region in each year clinical commissioning groups. As steward of the health since 2010; [180634] and care system, the Department sets national priorities, (3) how much food waste by tonne was disposed of secures and allocates resources, supports our national by the NHS in the Eastern region in each year since bodies and holds them to account through transparent assurance processes. In order to achieve the objectives 2010; [180635] set out in the Mandate between the Government and (4) how much food waste by tonne was disposed of NHS England, NHS England will need to ensure it has by the NHS in South East Region in each year since effective communications with clinical commissioning 2010; [180652] groups. (5) how many tonnes of food waste were disposed of NHS England will, through its Maternity and Children by the NHS in the (a) Yorkshire and Humber, (b) Strategic Clinical Networks support the continued South West, (c) North West and (d) South East development of maternity and perinatal mental health regions in each year since 2010. [180673] networks to drive improvements to access, quality of care and inter-service communication that enhances the Dr Poulter: The information is not available in the experience of women and families generally, and more format requested. specifically for the large numbers of women who are at risk of poor mental health during pregnancy and following Nurses: Resignations childbirth. Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Information on the average waiting time a woman Health what estimate he has made of the number of who has been referred to a specialist perinatal mental UK nurses who have left the NHS before normal health practitioner is not held centrally. While perinatal mental health services are based in either Child and retirement age in each of the last five years. [180628] Adolescent Mental Health Service and Adult Mental Health services neither minimum data set measure the Dr Poulter: No estimate has been made of the number waiting times from referral to treatment. of United Kingdom nurses who have left the national health service before normal retirement age in the last Improving diagnosis and services for women with five years. pregnancy-related mental health problems is one of the Department’s objectives for maternity care. Health Peters & Peters Education England currently commissions approximately 2,500 training places each year and, working with NHS Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for England, is committed to ensuring that sufficient midwives Health on what occasions Peters & Peters have (a) are trained and available, with an ambition to provide been instructed by or (b) acted on behalf of his every woman with personalised one to one care through Department in each year since 2005. [181338] pregnancy, childbirth and during the postnatal period. This work will make recommendations on how women Dr Poulter: Since 2005, Peters and Peters have acted who have mental health support requirements receive for the Department in four cases involving civil legal appropriate support from specialised trained midwives. proceedings. This law firm was instructed in cases in Health Education England has also agreed to work 2008, 2009 and 2010 and continued to act for the with partners to ensure that pre and post registration Department in one case on which they were instructed training in perinatal mental health is available to enable prior to 2005. specialist staff for every birthing unit by 2017. The Institute of Health Visiting has delivered perinatal Pregnancy: Mental Health Services mental health training and introduced three interactive e-learning modules. This new resource will help health Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health visitors in the detection and management of perinatal (1) what structures his Department has put in place to depression and other maternal mental health conditions. ensure appropriate communication between clinical The modules focus on perinatal depression and other commissioning groups and NHS England regarding the maternal mental health disorders, how to recognise provision of perinatal mental health services by primary perinatal anxiety and depression, interventions for perinatal and secondary care providers; [180728] anxiety, depression and related disorders. (2) what the average time is that women who have been To achieve this, we are committed to having an extra referred to a specialist perinatal mental health practitioner 4,200 health visitors in post by 2015. have to wait to see that practitioner (a) across the UK The Department has commissioned the National and (b) by NHS trust or foundation trust; [180729] Perinatal Epidemiology Unit at Oxford university to (3) what steps his Department has taken to improve develop and test a perinatal mental health indicator which the prevention and detection of perinatal mental health would reflect the mental health care a woman receives problems; and what assessment he has made of progress at certain critical perinatal time points: the antenatal in achieving this. [180753] booking, the early postnatal period and approximately 151W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 152W one year postnatally. The project will run from April be noted that London data does not include BUPA— 2013 until December 2015 and the ambition is to have a Cromwell as there is no activity for SRS submitted to maternal mental health indicator in the 2016 re-fresh of the Secondary User Service of Hospital Episode Statistics the Public Health Outcomes Framework. by this provider. FCEs should not be viewed as a count of patients, as Psychology a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for the same year. It should also be noted that the majority Health how many appointments with occupational of radiotherapy procedures are carried out in an out-patient psychologists officials in his Department had in each of setting where the collection of this operative procedure the last 10 years. [181949] data is not currently mandatory.

Dr Poulter: The Department does not hold records of Provider 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 numbers of officials’ appointments with occupational Barts and the 0*0 psychologists. A referral to an occupational psychologist London NHS Trust is one of a wide range of interventions that are available Barts Health NHS 00* to employees through the Department’s Occupational Trust Health Service. Sheffield Teaching 91511 Hospitals NHS Radiotherapy Foundation Trust Notes: 1. Data includes Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health commissioned activity in the independent sector. (1) how many patients from (a) Somerset, (b) Devon, 2. Due to reasons of confidentiality, figures between one and five have been suppressed and replaced with an asterisk (*). (c) Cornwall and (d) Dorset were referred to (i) Sheffield 3. In 2012-13 the Barts and the London NHS Trust became the Barts Health and (ii) London for stereotactic radiosurgery in each of NHS Trust. the last three years; [180760] (2) for what reasons NHS England has not maintained Surgery the number of patients being offered gamma knife treatment before concluding its review into the provision Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for of stereotactic radiosurgery in England. [180822] Health (1) how many emergency surgery procedures were carried out according to the 2012-13 hospital Jane Ellison: NHS England is undertaking a specific episodes statistics data for (a) general surgery, (b) demand and capacity review project for stereotactic trauma and orthopaedic surgery, (c) cardiothoracic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) surgery, (d) urological surgery, (e) ear, nose and throat for intracranial conditions. This includes all type of surgery, (f) neurosurgery, (g) plastic surgery, (h) paediatric SRS and SRT delivery platforms, including Gamma surgery, (i) oral and maxillo facial surgery, (j) oral Knife. surgery, (k) surgical dentistry and (l) vascular surgery; The project aims to review these services to ensure [181701] equitable and nationally consistent access to high quality (2) how many accident and emergency attendances SRS and SRT services. The project is reviewing the required (a) surgical assessment and (b) surgical national patient demand for the routinely funded SRS treatment in 2012-13; [181702] and SRT indications that NHS England commissions in (3) how many (a) emergency surgical procedures line with its clinical policies. The review will then consider and (b) elective surgical procedures were carried out in the appropriate technology and capacity requirements 2012-13. [181703] needed to provide these services. This includes the Gamma Knife treatment delivery platform. Jane Ellison: Information concerning the number of All patients meeting the national clinical policies for accident and emergency attendances requiring surgical intracranial SRS or SRT treatment will continue to assessment and surgical treatment is not collected. have access to these treatments. However, until the Information concerning the number of emergency surgery review concludes, and any recommendations implemented, procedures for treatment types (a) to (l) and the number access will continue to be provided via NHS England’s of emergency surgical procedures and elective surgical contracted SRS and SRT providers. procedures for the period 2012-13 cannot be provided Information concerning the number of patients from in the format requested. Somerset; Devon, Cornwall and Dorset referred to Information concerning the number of finished Sheffield and London for SRS in each of the last three consultant episodes (FCEs) in 2012-13 where a main years cannot be provided in the format requested. Data procedure or intervention took place following an provided by county for the years identified would require emergency admission, by the following treatment specialities considerable suppression to protect patient confidentiality of general surgery, trauma and orthopaedic surgery, owing to the small numbers involved. Suppression would cardiothoracic surgery, urological surgery, ear, nose and remove all data of interest. throat surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, paediatric In the following table, we have provided the number surgery, oral and maxillo facial surgery, oral surgery, of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) with a main or surgical dentistry and vascular surgery, is shown in secondary operative procedure of SRS on tissue of the Table 1. These data include all procedures and interventions, brain for patients living in Cornwall, Somerset, Devon as the Health and Social Care Information Centre are and Dorset as a total for each of the three years by unable to identify surgical procedures without specific hospital providers in Sheffield and London. It should coding advice. 153W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 154W

Separately, a count of FCEs in 2012-13 where the Dr Poulter: The information requested could be obtained method of admission was elective or emergency and only at disproportionate cost. where a main procedure or intervention took place is shown in Table 2. It should be noted that it is not possible to identify CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT whether the procedure was an emergency procedure, only that a procedure or intervention took place following BBC Trust an emergency admission. In addition to this, FCEs should not be considered a count of patients, as an : To ask the Secretary of State for individual may have been admitted on more than one Culture, Media and Sport if she will discuss the issue of occasion. political impartiality at the BBC with the BBC Trust. Table 1: Count of finished consultant episodes1 where a main operative procedure [181153] or intervention took place by treatment specialty2 where the method of admission was emergency for 2012-13. Mr Vaizey: There are no plans to discuss the issue of Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in political impartiality with the BBC Trust. As set out in the independent sector the BBC’s Charter and Agreement, the BBC is bound Finished by strict rules on political impartiality in its content and Treatment specialty consultant Group description episodes coverage, and it is for the BBC Trust to hold the Executive to account for its performance in this area. (a) General Surgery General Surgery 301,982 One of the ways in which the Trust assesses impartiality (b) Trauma and Trauma and Orthopaedics 240,351 is by commissioning reviews of certain subject areas, orthopaedic surgery which are available here: (c) Cardiothoracic Cardiothoracic Surgery 3,099 surgery http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/our_work/editorial_standards/ (d) Urological surgery Urology 66,656 impartiality.html (e) Ear, nose and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) 37,338 throat surgery BBC: Scotland (f) Neurosurgery Neurosurgery 22,846 (g) Plastic surgery Plastic Surgery 37,837 Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, (h) Paediatric surgery Paediatric Surgery 9,553 Media and Sport if she will discuss with the BBC Trust (i) Maxillo facial Maxillo Facial Surgery 9,003 the financial effect of BBC network commissions on surgery (a) BBC Scotland and (b) the wider economy in (j) Oral surgery Oral Surgery 10,877 Scotland in the last five years. [180983] (k) Surgical dentistry Orthodontics, Restorative and 106 Paediatric Dentistry Mr Vaizey: There are no plans to discuss the financial (l) Vascular surgery Vascular Surgery 17,253 effect of BBC network commissions on BBC Scotland 1 Finished Consultant Episode (FCE) and the wider economy in Scotland with the BBC Trust. A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are However, in July this year the BBC published “The counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the BBC in Scotland”which includes information on network number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of production and commissioning in Scotland; this report care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. 2 Consultant Treatment Specialty can be accessed here: The specialty under which the consultant responsible for care of the patient is http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/insidethebbc/ working, which may be different to the specialty under which the consultant is howwework/policiesandguidelines/pdf/bbc_policy_ registered. Care is needed when analysing HES data by specialty, or by groups of specialties (such as ″acute″). Trusts have different ways of managing the_bbc_in_scotland.pdf specialties and attributing codes so it is better to analyse by specific diagnoses, Furthermore, the BBC Executive published a report operations or other recorded information. Source: in January on the economic value of the BBC, which Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre can be accessed at: Table 2: Count of finished consultant episodes1 with a main procedure or http://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/insidethebbc/howwework/ intervention by activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS reports/bbc_economic_impact_2013.html commissioned activity in the independent sector Admission Method Finished Consultant Episodes Broadband Elective 7,270,039 Emergency 2,425,673 Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Other 899,102 Culture, Media and Sport how the £10 million fund 1 Finished Consultant Episode (FCE) announced in the Autumn Statement will test A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted patient innovative solutions for delivering superfast broadband care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted services; and if she will make a statement. [181334] against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. Mr Vaizey: The £10 million funding will be used to Source: market test areas that suppliers and local bodies identified Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre during BDUK’s stakeholder engagement exercise as USA those that could assist in providing solutions in commercially challenging locations. These include a range of options being brought forward by various potential providers. Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2013, Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Official Report, column 530W, on USA, what study Culture, Media and Sport what the average broadband trips to America officials from (a) his Department and speed is in (a) the UK, (b) the City of Bristol and (c) (b) NHS London undertook in 2008. [181339] Bristol North West constituency. [181704] 155W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 156W

Mr Vaizey: Ofcom’s Infrastructure Report 2013 reported and against their published criteria for their individual that average fixed broadband speeds (as measured at funding programmes. Overseas grants are defined as the customer modem) in the City of Bristol were 24.5 those made to projects located in and benefiting Mbit/s compared with 17.7 Mbit/s across the UK. Data organisations or individuals working or living in the are not collected on a constituency basis. Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and all countries outside the United Kingdom. The full list of overseas Culture: Finance grant can be obtained from the lottery grants database at: Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.lottery.culture.gov.uk/AdvancedSearch.aspx Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the regional distribution of capital for culture Olympic Games: Russia projects across England. [180952] Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Vaizey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I Culture, Media and Sport which ministers will be gave him on 18 December 2013, Official Report, column attending the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games in an 669W. official capacity. [181214]

Members: Correspondence Mrs Grant: We cannot confirm ministerial attendance at this stage. We will finalise plans in the new year on Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for how we support Team GB and ParalympicsGB at the Culture, Media and Sport when she intends to reply to Sochi Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. the letter to her dated 15 November 2013 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Sports: Young People Mr E. Warne. [181851] Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Grant: I replied to the right hon. Member on Culture, Media and Sport what specific targets her 23 December. Department has set for increasing sports participation rates amongst young people; and what recent Mobile Phones: Regulation assessment she has made of progress in achieving those targets. [181766] Mr Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether she plans to bring Mrs Grant: Sport England is investing almost £500 forward proposals to change the regulation of the million in 46 sport’s national governing bodies and mobile telephone sector. [181728] around 60% of this will be spent on initiatives targeting young people. Specific targets for young people have Mr Vaizey: ‘Connectivity, Consumers and Content’, been agreed with each NGB. Sport England is also published in July 2013, contains a number of policy running programmes specifically targeting young people, proposals that would entail regulatory changes affecting such as Sportivate, which has given almost 300,000 the communications sector, including the mobile network young people the opportunity to take up a new sport operators. The Government has also made it clear that over the last two years. 1,500 satellite clubs are being set it wants to see an end to mobile roaming charges within up across England to reduce the number of young the EU by 2016, which would require regulatory change. people who stop playing sport after leaving school. Museums and Galleries ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what criteria her Department Flood Control has set for a museum to become a national museum funded by direct grant-in-aid from her Department. Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for [181754] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Environment Agency staff were employed to help maintain Mr Vaizey: The national museums and galleries directly waterways to reduce flooding risk in each of the last funded by DCMS are governed by primary legislation. three years. [180928] National Lottery Dan Rogerson: The number of staff employed directly by the Environment Agency to help maintain waterways Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, to reduce flood risk in each of the last three years was: Media and Sport whether the national lottery has disbursed funds to community groups based outside the UK in Number of staff any of the last 10 years, other than for the purpose of meeting international development priorities. [180984] 1,931 1,678 Mrs Grant: In the last 10 years, national lottery 2013-14 (to Q2) 1,688 distributors have awarded 739 grants that are classified as “overseas grants” in the lottery grants database (from In addition, the Environment Agency employs staff a total of over 262,000 in the same period and representing in business support service roles such as finance, legal, 1% of the total value of grants). Lottery distributors procurement, and human resources that support specialist make their funding decisions independently of Government flood and coastal risk management staff. 157W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 158W

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for licensing standards, and may lead to revocation of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many licences, the GLA can only advise the employer to repay Environment Agency staff were employed in flood the money to the affected workers as the GLA does not alleviation works in each of the last three years. [180929] have the power to recover any arrears of pay on behalf of workers. Where it does identify breaches of minimum Dan Rogerson: The number of staff employed directly wage legislation the GLA notifies the national minimum by the Environment Agency in flood alleviation works wage inspectorate (NMWI) which may investigate the in each of the last three years was: matter further. Therefore, it does not record numbers of workers Number of staff whose exploitation it may have identified who subsequently 2011-12 3,099 seek compensation under civil law. A recent criminal investigation resulted in the court ordering the offender 2012-13 3,169 to pay compensation amounting to £57,801. The order 2013-14 (to Q2) 2,997 was made in August 2013 and allowed the offender In addition, the Environment Agency employs staff three years to make payment. in business support service roles such as finance, legal, The GLA continues to pursue criminals who seek to procurement, and human resources that support specialist exploit workers and a number of recent high profile flood and coastal risk management staff. joint operations with the police and others illustrates the success of these efforts. Where investigations lead to Floods: Insurance a successful prosecution the authority will seek redress for the victims of criminal gangmasters through the Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for imposition of compensation orders and to deprive those Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many gangmasters of the financial benefits of their criminal formal responses his Department received to its flood activity using the Proceeds of Crime Act. insurance consultation. [181829] Land: Contamination Dan Rogerson: There were 149 responses received to the flood insurance consultation, which was launched Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for on 27 June 2013 and closed on 8 August 2013. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the proposed Food Banks withdrawal of the Contaminated Land Capital Grants scheme on local authorities’ ability to meet their statutory Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for duty to identify contaminated land and to ensure its Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions remediation; and if he will publish (a) that assessment his Department has had with retailers about the supply and (b) the results of his consultation with local authorities of food for food banks. [181191] on that proposal. [182027]

Dan Rogerson: DEFRA hosted a roundtable discussion George Eustice: Funding to support local authorities with major retailers and food redistribution charities in in fulfilling their statutory obligations under part 2A of 2012. As a result, retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, the 1990 Environmental Protection Act remains in the charities and other industry bodies joined forces to form of the Revenue Support Grant. An assessment of support ways to increase the amount of surplus food the impact on local authorities by the withdrawal of the that can be made available to those in need. The Contaminated Land Capital Grants Scheme has therefore redistribution industry working group led by the Waste not been undertaken. The need for an impact assessment and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has been will be reviewed 12 months after the full grant scheme working towards adopting guiding principles which will funding is withdrawn in April 2014. help industry prioritise redistribution of surplus food DEFRA has also commissioned a new State of for human consumption. WRAP plans to publish its Contaminated Land survey which will collect information guidance and case studies in the new year. on regulatory activity under part 2A, the apportioning Gangmasters Licensing Authority of liability, and funding mechanisms used for contaminated land identification and remediation. The report will be produced by the Environment Agency in 2014. Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what proportion Natural England of the £397,000 lost wages to workers identified in Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority operations 2012-13 Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for has been recovered to date; and if he will make a Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the criteria statement; [181068] used in the shortlisting and selection of candidates for (2) how many workers subjected to exploitation identified the chairmanship of Natural England were; and if he in Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority operations 2012-13 will make a statement. [180804] have received compensation; and if he will make a statement. [181077] Dan Rogerson: The essential criteria used in the shortlisting and selection of candidates for the Chairman George Eustice: In 2012-13 the GLA’s investigations of Natural England were: identified £397,000 in lost wages, through unpaid holiday 1. An understanding of how the rural environment can contribute pay and failure to pay the minimum wage. Although to a range of Government priorities, particularly the successful such non-payment and underpayment breaches the GLA’s growth of the rural economy; 159W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 160W

2. Significant commercial acumen and working with organisations Sajid Javid [holding answer 19 December 2013]: undergoing substantial change, including a proven track record at Individual commercial loans are a matter for agreement a senior level in the private or public sector in a comparable between the parties concerned. organisation; The Government has announced its intention to order 3. A strong vision and capacity to lead and represent Natural England, giving a clear sense of overall strategic direction and an investigation into events at the Co-operative Bank purpose; and the circumstances surrounding them, under powers 4. Building a strong team culture and creating consensus in the Financial Services Act 2012. The investigation around practical solutions both within the Board and in the way will be led by an independent person. It will not begin the wider organisation does business; and its detailed scope will not be confirmed until it is 5. Experience of delivering a top quality service to customers clear that it will not prejudice any actions the relevant and of building strong networks and collaborating with key authorities may take. partners; and 6. An understanding of the complementary roles of chairman and chief executive and of working effectively in this relationship Child Care Tax Credit to the benefit of the strategic goals of the organisation. The recruitment process for the Chairman of Natural Lucy Powell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer England has been carried out in accordance with the (1) how many households receiving childcare tax ’Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public credits have at least one worker earning under (a) Bodies’ published by the Commissioner for Public Bodies. £10,000, (b) £10,500, (c) £11,000 and (d) £12,000 per year; [177784] Sovereignty: Scotland (2) what estimate his Department has made of the number of households with at least one earner with an Mr : To ask the Secretary of State for income of less than £10,000 who receive childcare tax Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he credit. [177782] has made of the cost of the fishery protection fleet in each year to 2016-17; and what share of that cost will Nicky Morgan: Tax credit awards are based on total be incurred in Scotland. [180867] household income. HMRC provisional tax credits statistics do not provide counts of families who are in receipt of George Eustice: The Royal Navy is responsible for the the child care element of WTC within specific individual cost of the fisheries protection fleet. The Marine income brackets. Management Organisation makes a contribution to these costs and has entered into a formal agreement with the Royal Navy to provide inspection and surveillance Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Act 2010 of fishing activity at sea. The current agreement commenced on 1 April 2013 and runs until 31 March 2016. The baseline financial payment for these services is £2 million Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if per annum. he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the Fisheries enforcement is a devolved matter. The costs Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Act 2010 in associated with fisheries protection in Scotland are met reducing the exposure to liabilities from private sector by the Scottish Government. financiers and funds of countries experiencing the aftermath of sovereign debt crises; [180675] (2) if he will take further steps to promote responsible lending and borrowing internationally by TREASURY private sector financiers and funds operating under contracts drawn up under domestic law in the UK. [180676] Capital Allowances: Farms Sajid Javid: The impact assessment for the Debt Stephen Barclay: To ask the Chancellor of the Relief (Developing Countries) Act 2010 indicates direct Exchequer if he will bring forward legislative proposals benefits to Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPCs) of in the Finance Bill to provide that any farm-based between zero and £26 million a year. The Government’s reservoir forming part of a wider irrigation system is decision to make the Act permanent on 25 May 2011 treated as part of the farm for capital allowance was taken following consultation with relevant stakeholders; purposes. [181127] evidence from that exercise suggested that the Act had some benefit on HIPCs and no evidence was found of Mr Gauke: The Government keeps all tax policy unintended or adverse effects. under review. Any changes to tax policy are announced The UK continues to be at the forefront of international by the Chancellor at the Budget or at autumn statement. efforts to promote responsible lending and borrowing practices, including our ongoing support for the IMF/World Celtic Football Club Bank Debt Sustainability Framework and OECD lending principles covering official export credits. The UK also Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the supports the World Bank’s debt reduction facility, which Exchequer if he will investigate reports that the enables countries to buy back their commercial debt at Co-operative Bank provided exceptionally low interest a deep discount with donor backing, and the African rate loans and overdraft facilities to Celtic Football Legal Support Facility, which provides legal advice to Club. [180784] countries facing litigation. 161W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 162W

Excise Duties: Fuels Administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such meetings and discussions. Miss McIntosh: To ask the Chancellor of the Details of ministerial and meetings Exchequer if he will introduce the rural fuel duty with external organisations on departmental business discount for those independent fuel stations having a are published on a quarterly basis and are available at: rateable value below £50,000. [180476] http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/minister_hospitality.htm The Airports Commission also publish regular lists Danny Alexander: The current rural fuel rebate scheme of meetings with stakeholders, including Government. applies to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Northern This is available at: Isles, the Islands of the Clyde and the Isles of Scilly. It https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/airports- recognises the fact that pump prices on the islands are commission-meetings-with-stakeholders particularly high when compared with the UK average, due to the cost of transporting and distributing fuel in Minimum Wage the isolated communities. Any extension of the scheme would look to provide support to motorists in other remote areas of the UK that experience high pump Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer prices for similar reasons. pursuant to the answer of 11 November 2013, Official Report, column 465W, on minimum wage, how many All petrol filling stations in England with a rateable people were paid below the minimum wage in the most value below £50,000 will be eligible for a £1,000 discount recent period for which figures are available in each on their business rates bills up to state aid limits from 1 region. [176417] April 2014 for two years. Financial Services Mr Gauke: The Government takes the enforcement of NMW very seriously and HMRC review every complaint Richard Harrington: To ask the Chancellor of the that is referred to them, investigating the complaint Exchequer what progress has been made on plans to and, in addition, carrying out targeted enforcement compensate non-sophisticated customers mis-sold where we identify a high risk of non-payment of NMW. interest rate hedging products by RBS and Natwest; HMRC does not capture complaints or the outcomes and whether financial institutions will be penalised by of its investigations by reference to Government regions the Financial Conduct Authority if this process is not or country. Its management information relates to the completed by the May 2014 deadline. [181161] work of teams who are multi-located. Because HMRC resources to risk, work relating to a specific geographical Sajid Javid: The Financial Conduct Authority publishes area is not always done by the NMW team based in that monthly progress reports on the redress scheme for the area. mis-selling of interest rate hedging products. These reports show the progress made by each of the largest National Insurance Contributions banks, including RBS. On 6 December, the Financial Conduct Authority Nicholas Soames: To ask the Chancellor of the published each individual bank’s projections for when Exchequer what the cost to the Exchequer was for each they expect to finish the redress scheme. The projections year of the regional employers NICs holiday scheme. show that the banks expect to finish reviewing all cases [181056] by June 2014, with some banks likely to complete the scheme before this date. Mr Gauke: The latest available data show that around £60 million of NICs relief has been received by employers Government Securities in total. This figure can be broadly broken down by year as Nicholas Soames: To ask the Chancellor of the follows: Exchequer if he will list all current guarantees. [181961] £ million Nicky Morgan: This information is not held centrally. Managing public money requires Departments to report 2010-11 8 all outstanding single contingent liabilities, or schemes 2011-12 29 of liabilities, in their accounts unless they are confidential. 2012-13 23 Many arm’s length bodies follow the same standard. This does not include 2013-14 tax year. The claims Meetings are reported at the end of year the tax year, but can relate to a previous period. Mark Reckless: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what meetings he had with (a) Sir Howard Non-domestic Rates Davies, (b) the Secretary of State for Transport and (c) the Mayor of London between 9 and 17 December Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the 2013; whether a minute was kept of any such meetings; Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 5 December and if he will publish any minutes. [181818] 2013, Official Report, column 436W, on non-domestic rates, what estimate he has made of how many of the Nicky Morgan: Treasury Ministers regularly meet 300,000 retail premises in England that he estimates with Ministers in other Departments as part of normal will benefit from the business rates discount of up to Government business. As was the case with previous £1,000 will benefit (a) in full and (b) in part. [180969] 163W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 164W

Mr Gauke: No breakdown has been made by the the latest autumn statement fiscal forecast, savings of Treasury of how many of the 300,000 retail premises in around £12 billion per year by 2017-18 would be needed England that will benefit from the £1,000 business rates from elements of AME—such as welfare spending—to discount will benefit (a) in full and (b) in part. ensure that real departmental budgets are not cut more steeply than over this Parliament. Railways: Fares Sovereignty: Scotland Mary Creagh: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government will fund the Mr Gordon Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Mayor of London’s decision to limit 2014 season ticket Exchequer what the annual cost to the public purse is of (a) diplomatic missions around the world and (b) price rises to RPI+0. [181951] the UK’s membership of the UN and international Nicky Morgan: The Mayor of London decided to cap bodies; if he will estimate the pro-rata allocation of Transport for London fare increases to an average of those costs for Scotland in 2016-17; what the Scottish RPI+0 for the 2014 calendar year. Decisions by the Government estimates those costs will be in 2016-17; Mayor of London regarding London transport fares, and if he will estimate the potential cost to Scotland of and the funding of those decisions, are a matter for the setting up and staffing new diplomatic missions. Mayor of London. [180866] Mr Lidington: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Mary Creagh: To ask the Chancellor of the the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Exchequer what discussions he had with Transport for London and the office of the Mayor of London before The annual budget for the UK’s diplomatic network the announcement in the Autumn Statement that the was £1.6 billion for the financial year 2012-13. average increase in regulated rail fares will be capped at The UK’s contributions to the UN regular budget, RPI in 2014. [181952] peacekeeping budgets, and tribunal costs were £94,265,716, £321,912,044 and £10,165,031 respectively for the financial Nicky Morgan: The Treasury Ministers regularly meet year 2012-13. with the Mayor of London as part of normal Government Records of contributions to UN specialised agencies business. As was the case with previous Administrations, and the numerous other international bodies of which it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of the UK is a member are not held centrally and this all such meetings and discussions. information could be collated only at disproportionate cost. Secondment In advance of the next spending round, it is not possible to estimate what the FCO’s budget allocation Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be for 2016-17, nor is it possible to assess accurately how many of his Department’s civil servants have been in advance what the UK’s share of the UN budget and seconded to (a) the private sector and (b) trades peacekeeping costs will be in 2016-17. unions in each year since 2010. [177725] The Government intends to publish, in due course, material relating to potential contributions to international Nicky Morgan: The information is as follows: bodies by an independent Scotland as part of the Scotland In 2010 analysts programme, which is examining how Scotland (a) two Treasury civil servants were seconded to the private contributes to, and benefits from, being part of the UK. sector The Scottish Government’s White Paper published in (b) no Treasury civil servants were seconded to the trade unions November 2013 suggests that an independent Scotland In 2011 would have an overseas network of 70 to 90 international (a) four Treasury civil servants were seconded to the private offices, with initial running costs estimated at £90 million sector to £120 million. The White Paper contains no estimate (b) no Treasury civil servants were seconded to the trade unions for the costs an independent Scotland would incur to In 2012 set up and staff new diplomatic missions. (a) two Treasury civil servants were seconded to the private The White Paper does not contain information on sector the implications of the loss of international presence (b) no Treasury civil servants were seconded to the trade unions for citizens and businesses based in Scotland. The UK diplomatic and consular network employs over 14,000 Social Security Benefits people in 267 embassies, high commissions and consulates in 154 countries and 12 Overseas Territories, with an Mr Newmark: To ask the Chancellor of the extensive UK Trade and Investment network of 169 Exchequer what estimate he has made of the level of offices in over 100 countries. The network represents welfare savings needed in 2016-17 and 2017-18 to citizens and businesses in all parts of the UK, including ensure that the rate of reduction in departmental Scotland. The Scottish Government’s proposal would expenditure limits is maintained at the same level as represent a very substantial scaling back in overseas presence. over this Parliament. [181779] Taxation Nicky Morgan: Following the spending round and in line with previous policy, total managed expenditure in Nicholas Soames: To ask the Chancellor of the 2016-17 and 2017-18 will continue to fall in real terms Exchequer if he will list all current statutory levies. at the same rate as over this Parliament. On the basis of [181058] 165W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 166W

Nicky Morgan: This information is not held centrally. HMRC continues to review the resource it requires to support the delivery of universal credit in line with the Taxation: Gaming Machines universal credit roll-out plans. VAT Sarah Champion: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the tax yield has been from (a) fixed odds betting terminals and (b) category (i) B1, Helen Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (ii) B2, (iii) B3, (iv) B3A and (v) B4 gaming machines in what assessment he has made of the effect on small businesses of the imposition of VAT surcharges for each year since 2010-11; [181240] periods during which those businesses were given time (2) what the tax yield has been from (a) fixed odds to pay; and if he will make a statement. [180775] betting terminals and (b) category (i) B1, (ii) B2, (iii) B3, (iv) B3A and (v) B4 gaming machines since they Mr Gauke: Since November 2008 businesses have became liable to machine games duty in February 2013. been able to contact a dedicated Business Payment [181242] Support Line within HM Revenue and Customs to arrange the payment of tax by instalments and avoid Mr Gauke: For the period in which gaming machines surcharges and penalties altogether. Surcharges and were subject to Amusement Machine Licence Duty, the penalties are not charged if the taxpayer contacts HMRC requested information could be obtained only at a before the payment is due, HMRC agree a time to pay disproportionate cost. arrangement, and the taxpayer keeps to the agreement. Since the introduction of Machine Games Duty (MGD) Information is not readily available on VAT surcharges the requested information is not available as the MGD issued to taxpayers who have contacted HMRC and return does not contain the necessary information to agreed time to pay after the tax became due or who have break down tax receipts in this way. failed to keep to a time to pay agreement.

Sarah Champion: To ask the Chancellor of the Welfare Tax Credits: Children Exchequer what estimate he has made of the expected tax yield from (a) fixed odds betting terminals and (b) Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer category (i) B1, (ii) B2, (iii) B3, (iv) B3A and (v) B4 how many children needed tax credits to escape low gaming machines in each year from 2013-14 to income in (a) April 2010 and (b) the latest period for 2017-18. [181241] which figures are available. [176061]

Mr Gauke: Revenue forecasts for betting and gaming Nicky Morgan: I refer to the National Statistics duties were published in Table 2.1 of the OBR’s December Publications ″Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics″ 2013 Economic and Fiscal Outlook Fiscal Supplementary for 2010 and 2013. Tables, at the following link: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/prov-main-stats/cwtc-apr10.xls http://budgetresponsibility.org.uk/wordpress/docs/December- http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/prov-main-stats/cwtc-apr13.xls 2013-EFO-Fiscal-Supplementary-Tables1.xls Disaggregated estimates for individual duties within Written Questions: Government Responses the overall revenue forecast for betting and gaming duties are not available. Lucy Powell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to reply to question 177784, tabled by Universal Credit the hon. Member for Manchester Central on 26 November 2013 for answer on 28 November 2013. [181330] Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much HM Revenue and Customs has Nicky Morgan: I have done so today. spent in preparation for the implementation of universal credit to date. [179045]

Nicky Morgan: HMRC costs as a direct consequence BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS of supporting the delivery of universal credit are £15.9 million for 2012-13. Apprentices HMRC continues to review the cost of supporting the delivery of universal credit in line with the development Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for of the DWP universal credit roll-out plans. Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to increase the number of people advanced a learner Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the loan in order to undertake an apprenticeship. [180469] Exchequer how many employees of HM Revenue and Customs are working on the implementation of Matthew Hancock: 24+ Advanced Learning Loans universal credit. [179068] are working well for classroom based further education. However, it is clear from application data that there is a Nicky Morgan: The number of HM Revenue and lower level of FE engagement from employers and Customs (HMRC) full-time equivalent employees working learners in loans for apprenticeships. We are currently on the implementation of universal credit in November reviewing the position on apprenticeships in light of 2013 is 138.5. this data, and will provide details shortly. 167W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 168W

Business: Government Assistance to the registry and how often it should be updated. In line with other information held by Companies House, Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for it is our intention that beneficial ownership information Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he has taken in the registry will be made available digitally, in machine- to reduce the proliferation of business support schemes readable format. We will also ensure that we put in at a local level; and if he will make a statement. place robust statutory measures to tackle companies [181057] and individuals that break the rules. We are carefully considering the responses received to the discussion Matthew Hancock: The GREAT Business website paper and will respond fully in early 2014. highlights support for businesses aspiring to succeed Consumers: Protection and encourages an entrepreneurial spirit; it contains links to support, advice and guidance that will help Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for businesses to grow. At a local level, we are simplifying Business, Innovation and Skills what new steps he is business support by supporting the development of taking to improve consumer protection. [181816] Growth Hubs—a single place businesses can go to, to get help. This will improve the co-ordination of support Jenny Willott: The Government has undertaken major provided by public and private sector partners, creating reform to improve consumer protection. Its reforms to a more streamlined and coherent offer for businesses, the consumer landscape are designed to support growth, based around local needs. Where Government provides improve consumer protection and give greater clarity funding for Growth Hubs, it will be conditional on about where consumers can turn for help and advice. them removing duplication and closing underperforming The Government is also better equipping trading standards local schemes. to enhance consumer law enforcement. In June the Government published the draft Consumer Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Rights Bill. The Bill will streamline key consumer rights Business, Innovation and Skills how much his covering business to consumer contracts for goods, Department spent on each Solutions for Business services, digital content and the law relating to unfair product in financial years 2010-11 to 2012-13. [181059] terms in consumer contracts into one place. These Michael Fallon: The Solutions for Business brand no reforms are designed to enhance consumer rights and longer exists but all Government funded business support reduce costs for business by making it clearer what schemes are accessible via the Business Finance and should happen and when problems arise. The Bill is also Support Finder tool on gov.uk. proposing to give public enforcers such as Trading Standards greater flexibility to get the best outcome for Within Small Business: Great Ambition, published in consumers when they have been the victims of a breach December 2013, we have also given a commitment to of consumer legislation, including redress when they undertake a rapid review of all existing national have suffered loss. Government business support products and services. This will identify those that are poorly targeted or Employment Agencies: Corby underperforming and where we can bring schemes together to deliver a better, more efficient service. This will start Andy Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for in early 2014, with the first schemes to be simplified and Business, Innovation and Skills what enforcement action rationalised announced in the Budget, and with a rolling has been taken following the visit by HM Revenue and programme of improvements continuing to March 2015. Customs and officers from his Department to employment The figures for each of the products under the previous agencies in the Corby area between 28 and 30 May Solutions for Business portfolio will be placed in the 2013; how many fines have been issued; whether any Libraries of the House. legal proceedings are completed or pending; how much money has been recovered and returned; how many Companies: Ownership follow up visits have taken place; and if he will publish a report of the joint task force of his Department and Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for HM Revenue and Customs. [179571] Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how often the beneficial ownership register will be updated; and how the information Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply on behalf of on that register will be verified; [181142] the Treasury. (2) what level of detail and what identifiable The Government takes the enforcement of NMW information will be required for the beneficial very seriously. In addition to reviewing every complaint ownership register; [181146] that is referred to them by the Pay and Work Rights (3) what the penalties will be for companies that do Helpline, HMRC carry out targeted enforcement where not comply with the beneficial ownership register; it identifies a high risk of non-payment of NMW. [181147] HMRC national minimum wage officers, working (4) in what format the information on the beneficial alongside Employment Agency Standards colleagues, ownership register will be available. [181148] visited 34 employment agencies trading within Corby and its surrounding area between 28 and 30 May 2013. Jenny Willott: The Department for Business, Innovation Initial investigations by HMRC identified 12 agencies and Skills published the “Transparency and Trust” where there was potential underpayment of the national discussion paper in July 2013. In it, we sought views on minimum wage. HMRC is bound by a duty of a range of questions relating to implementation of the confidentiality to taxpayers and I cannot therefore make central registry of company beneficial ownership any comment on any ongoing, planned or anticipated information, including the information to be provided legal proceedings. 169W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 170W

To date, two of the 12 investigations have been concluded Michael Fallon: The package of support we are putting resulting in arrears of wages totalling £3,154 owed to in place is intended to provide support to energy intensive 291 workers. The employers received automatic penalty industries as we make the transition to a greener economy. charges totalling £1,532 as opposed to fines. Investigations We announced at Budget 2013 that compensation for at a further five agencies are ongoing, with early indications the carbon price floor will continue in 2015-16. Government suggesting potential arrears of wages totalling £120,000 will make further decisions at future spending reviews, payable to over 3,500 workers that would give rise to the examining the need for on-going support and taking employers being charged penalties totalling £15,000. into account affordability and value for money, and the HMRC contacts every employer whom they find has impacts of EMR which will be implemented by 2017. paid workers below the national minimum wage to confirm that they have paid the identified arrears to the workers. Financial Institutions In addition, where it has found arrears for five or fewer workers it will contact all the workers to confirm payment by the employer. In cases involving arrears for more Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for than five workers it will contact a minimum sample of Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to five workers to confirm payment by the employer. establish an independent inquiry to look at practices of other financial institutions in response to the Tomlinson Energy: Industry report on the lending practices of banks. [180864]

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Matthew Hancock: The Financial Conduct Authority Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking (FCA) announced on 29 October 2013 that an independent to secure state aid approval from the European skilled person will be appointed under section 166 of Commission so that compensation can be provided to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to review domestic energy-intensive industries threatened by the allegations about RBS’s treatment of customers in financial introduction of the carbon floor price. [181009] distress. This followed the FCA’s consideration of reports published by Sir Andrew Large into lending practices at the Royal Bank of Scotland and, separately, by Lawrence Michael Fallon: We have had extensive engagement Tomlinson. It announced at the same time that it was with the European Commission on the state aid case writing to the other banks seeking confirmation that and are awaiting a response from the Commission on they are satisfied they do not engage in any of the poor our recent submission. Dependent on their response, we practices that have been alleged in the reports, and expect to submit our formal notification early in 2014. setting out an expectation that any poor practices identified will be addressed. The FCA intends to discuss the Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, findings and the basis for them with each of the banks. Innovation and Skills what the timeline is for securing state aid approval from the European Commission for compensation for energy-intensive industries affected Post Offices by the carbon floor price; and whether compensation will be back dated to April 2013 when the carbon floor Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for price entered into force. [181010] Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 11 December 2013, Official Report, column 245W, Michael Fallon: The UK Government pre-notified on the post office, whether any Crown post offices not the European Commission of its intention to compensate proposed for closure or sale have a cost generator ratio energy intensive industries for the indirect costs of the greater than £1.61. [180858] carbon price floor in September 2012. We received comments earlier this year and are awaiting a response Jenny Willott: In the financial year ending 31 March from the Commission on our recent submission. Dependent 2013, the 373 ’Crown’ branches that are directly operated on their response we expect to submit our formal by Post Office Ltd collectively made a loss of £37 million. notification early in the new year. While it is not possible These are the largest town and city branches, and no to absolutely determine the outcome, from discussions business, including the Post Office, can continue with a at senior and commissioner level it is hopeful that we situation where some of its high street branches cost will receive approval by the end of the financial year. substantially more to run than they bring in. Given the impact the Commission’s delay is having on business, we are pursuing the issue of backdating with This is not a sustainable position, and in return for the Commission. We want the Decision, when it comes, public funding to maintain a wider Post Office network to enable EIIs to claim back-payment of the compensation of at least 11,500 branches that continues to meet the to April 2013 when the CPF scheme came into force, strict Government-set access criteria and deliver a vitally but the final decision on this rests with the European important social role, Post Office Ltd has committed to Commission. eliminate these Crown losses by March 2015. As my hon. Friend the Member for East Dunbartonshire Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, () explained on 11 December 2013, Post Innovation and Skills if he will make it his policy to Office Ltd has identified 70 Crown branches where it provide energy-intensive industries with greater long-term sees no prospect of eliminating the branch losses-including certainty by confirming that compensation for costs Rhyl. In these locations, Post Office Ltd is seeking a associated with the carbon floor price will be provided suitable franchise partner within the community to for the duration of the policy and will increase provide continued access to services, and there will be commensurately as costs increase. [181011] no loss of Post Office services within the community. 171W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 172W

In deciding which branches to seek franchise partners under the Enterprise Act 2002 to ensure the company for, there are a number of factors that will have informed and its Directors comply with the law in the future. The Post Office Ltd’s decision. This decision process is both undertaking contains a penal notice so that any future operational and a commercially sensitive matter for the breach could result committal proceedings to prison. company, and the Government plays no role. Trading Standards are monitoring complaints in order to take action should there be a breach of the undertaking. Mr Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Trading Standards enforce a wide range of consumer Innovation and Skills what his Department is doing to protection legislation, such as measures to tackle unfair ensure that small business customers and third sector trading; breaches of which can attract a fine and/or organisations do not suffer as a result of Post Office imprisonment. Following a review in 2011 of the consumer bank branch closures; and if he will make a statement. landscape, changes were made to the enforcement regime [181285] to give Trading Standards greater responsibility for tackling cross-boundary threats and cases of national Jenny Willott: There will be no Post Office closure significance, coordinated through the National Trading programme under this Government, which is committing Standards Board (NTSB). This position was clarified £1.975 billion over the period 2011-18 to maintain a further through the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Post Office network of at least 11,500 branches, and to Act 2013. provide for its modernisation. In March 2012, the Government consulted on further Nearly all small and medium-sized enterprises use proposals to introduce a generic set of investigatory their Post Office at least once a year, and a third visit on powers for consumer law enforcers in the draft Consumer a weekly basis. The Post Office offers secure, over-the- Rights Bill. We are also using this Bill to clarify the law counter access to business banking services on behalf of to enable Trading Standards to tackle rogue traders a number of banks. Further details are available via the who operate across local authority boundaries and help Post Office website: support the NTSB’s coordination role. http://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-business-banking The Trading Standards Institute, as the professional Skills Funding Agency body for Trading Standards Officers, has a comprehensive approach to professional training and on-going professional development which local authorities can use as a Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for benchmark. We know that businesses value well trained Business, Innovation and Skills how many voluntary and competent Trading Standards Officers who are able sector organisations were registered providers with the to provide them high quality regulatory advice and to Skills Funding Agency in each of the last five years. be able tackle rogue traders. However, Government [181005] agrees with the Local Government Association which said that Matthew Hancock: The chief executive of the Skills Funding Agency is responsible for all matters concerning “councils are best placed to determine the competency of their the operations of the Skills Funding Agency. I have officers.” therefore asked Barbara Spicer, the interim chief executive, Also regulators such as Trading Standards will be to reply to the right hon. Member direct and a copy of required to have regard to the Government’s recently her letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House. published statutory Regulators’ Code, which is subject to parliamentary approval. This code requires regulators Trading Standards to ensure their officers have the necessary knowledge and skills to support those they regulate to enable : To ask the Secretary of State for enforcers to choose proportionate and effective approaches. Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what recent The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and representations he has received in respect of Trading Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham Standards and Carhire UK; [181254] (Vince Cable), does not deal with complaints about (2) what measures are in place to ensure customer trading standards. Local authorities are responsible for redress in circumstances where Trading Standards has the delivery and performance of local trading standards failed; [181255] services. Complainants about the activities of a Trading (3) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness Standards Service are, therefore, directed to the chief of the powers that Trading Standards has to protect executive of the local authority in line with their own consumers; [181289] published complaints procedures. If the complainant (4) what mechanisms are in place to resolve remains dissatisfied they can then refer the matter to the consumer conflicts in circumstances when Trading local government ombudsman. Standards is not effective; [181290] (5) what he is doing to improve the competence of Trading Standards; [181292] FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (6) how many complaints he has received on the performance of Trading Standards. [181274] Afghanistan Jenny Willott: This Department is not aware of any representations in respect of Trading Standards and Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Carhire UK. This Department is, however, aware that Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is East Sussex Trading Standards have secured an undertaking taking to ensure that the Preventing Sexual Violence from car-hire-UK.com (the trading name of the company) Initiative is implemented in Afghanistan. [180751] 173W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 174W

Hugh Robertson: We were pleased that Afghanistan is took the lead responsibility for the security of all Afghan one of the 138 countries that have so far endorsed the citizens. The UK will contribute £70 million per year Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in from 2015 to help sustain the ANSF.The UK Government Conflict launched by the Secretary of State for Foreign is in continuous discussion with the Afghan Government and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the and International Security Afghanistan Forces counterparts, Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), at the UN including the US, at all levels on the security situation in in September. We will encourage them to attend the Afghanistan to support close co-operation on this vital June 2014 summit and work with them in advance to issue. identify how they can implement the commitments the Declaration contains. Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Through the FCO Human Rights and Democracy and Commonwealth Affairs what progress his Department Programme Fund, we are supporting a one-year project has made in ensuring that women in Afghanistan are to address the psychological needs of victims of sexual protected as they participate in their everyday professional harassment and violence, support state institutions to working life. [181001] improve their response to victims, and raise awareness of the threats women face in Afghanistan. The UK has committed to providing £7 million to support women’s Hugh Robertson: Afghan women are increasingly playing political participation. A new £3 million programme an important role in public life in Afghanistan. There has also been agreed to address the root causes of are now nine female members of the High Peace Council, violence against women and girls. The programme will more than a quarter of seats in Parliament are held by work to strengthen the justice sectors for women victims women, there are reserved seats for women in Provincial of violence, as well as outreach work and support to Councils, and there is an ever-growing network of women’s male religious leaders, educators and Afghan women NGOs and advocacy groups across Afghanistan. In working to raise awareness of women’s issues. November, during a visit to Afghanistan, the Senior Minister of State, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Warsi underlined the importance of upholding this and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has progress with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Ershad had with the Afghan Government on recent incidents Ahmadi. of violence against female politicians in Afghanistan; The UK is working to educate women in Afghanistan [180999] and has contributed £45 million to the Global Girls (2) what discussions he has had with the Afghan Education Challenge Fund. This is helping to educate Government on recent incidents of violence against marginalised girls in Afghanistan. There are now 2 female professionals in Afghanistan as they participate million who can now grow up and join the work force. It in everyday working life. [181000] is vital to educate Afghan society about women’s rights, as a greater awareness will help reduce violence against Hugh Robertson: At the Tokyo Development conference women at home and in the workplace. UK funded last year, the Afghan Government made a pledge to organisations like the Afghan Independent Human Rights ensure that the human rights of all Afghan people, Commission (AIHRC) are working to institutionalise including women, are protected and promoted, as enshrined an understanding of human rights in educational centres in article 22 of their constitution. We, along with our so that children grow up valuing human rights, helping international partners, regularly discuss progress against to combat deeply-embedded traditional conservative commitments made at the Tokyo conference, including values. The Department for International Development on the full implementation of the elimination of violence funds organisations and projects focused on women, to against women law, with the Afghan Government and raise awareness of women’s rights and provide legal will continue to do so with the new Government following support. Women progressively feel more able to speak elections next year. out when threatened with or subject to violence and are We regularly raise the protection and promotion of supporting the mechanisms in place to deal with their women’s rights and the security of women in all aspects complaints. of society, including those in public life, with the Afghan In our work with Afghan ministries and institutions, Government and wider Afghan authorities. During her we continue to mainstream gender issues. We are increasing visit to Afghanistan early last month, the Senior Minister the awareness and accountability of Afghan police on of State, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Warsi the protection of women’s rights so they are better discussed these, and many other issues, with female protected during everyday life. We are ensuring that politicians and civil society representatives. She also women are included in the security forces by providing underlined the importance of upholding historic gains training for female officer recruits at Afghanistan’s National on human rights with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Officer Academy. We remain committed to improving Mr Ershad Ahmadi. We work closely with the Afghan female political participation and representation in public Independent Human Rights Commission, the UN, Afghan life. My hon. colleague the Minister for International civil society and international partners to support women’s Development recently announced a £7.5 million programme issues and human rights defenders. We discussed support to political institutions and process that will build the to human rights defenders at the EU Human Rights capacity of women and provincial councillors once and Gender Working Group meetings in November elected into office. This is in addition to support for the and December, and will continue to do so this year. 2014 and 2015 elections in which we will provide assistance Ultimately, it is for the Afghan state to provide security to the Independent Election Commission’s gender unit for all its citizens. In June, the Afghan National Security and improving voter education among women and other Forces (ANSF), supported by the international community, marginalized groups. 175W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 176W

The position of women in Afghan society has improved Afghanistan; and what consideration he has given to a over the past 10 years, but this progress is fragile. We country-specific plan for Afghanistan in line with the must not lose the momentum in the months and years EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders in beyond the security and political transition of 2014 and Afghanistan. [181188] we will continue to push for progress for women in Afghanistan. Hugh Robertson: International support to human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign is most effective when coordinated through multilateral and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has institutions such as the EU and in particular the UN. had with his counterparts in member states on women’s These bodies have the expertise and resources to fulfil rights in Afghanistan; and what such discussions he this important role in country. The UK’s approach is to has had on recent incidents of violence against women work with and through these institutions to support on the grounds of their professions as politicians, national efforts. We therefore believe that a UK action teachers and doctors. [181002] plan in isolation, would risk duplicating established mechanisms and strategies, and would add little additional Hugh Robertson: At the Tokyo Development conference value to our existing work to support human rights last year, the Afghan Government made a pledge to defenders in Afghanistan. ensure that the human rights of all Afghan people, We are providing £500,000 this year to support the including women, are protected and promoted, as enshrined work of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights in article 22 of their constitution. We, along with our Commission to help it act to protect human rights international partners, discuss progress against defenders, including women human rights defenders. commitments made at the Tokyo conference, including We also work closely with the UN, Afghan civil society on the full implementation of the elimination of violence and international partners to support human rights against women law, with the Afghan Government and defenders. In line with the EU Guidelines on Human will continue to do so with the new Government following Rights Defenders, we monitor threats and build up an elections next year. understanding of the risks, with a particular focus on We regularly raise the protection and promotion of the challenges faced by women and those working on women’s rights and the security of women in all aspects women’s issues. We discussed support to human rights of society, including those in public life, with the Afghan defenders at the EU Human Rights and Gender Working Government and wider Afghan authorities. During her Group in November and December, and will continue visit to Afghanistan early last month, the Senior Minister to do so next year. of State, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Warsi Azerbaijan discussed women’s issues with female politicians, and underlined the importance of upholding historic gains Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for on human rights with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he raised Ershad Ahmadi. We work closely with the Afghan the issue of human rights in Azerbaijan during his trip Independent Human Rights Commission, the UN, Afghan to Baku; and if he will make a statement following his civil society and international partners to support women’s trip to that country. [180951] issues and human rights defenders. We discussed support to human rights defenders at the EU Human Rights Mr Lidington: The human rights situation in Azerbaijan and Gender Working Group meetings in November continues to be an area of concern for the UK, particularly and December, and will continue to do so this year. around elections and democratic governance, freedom Ultimately, it is for the Afghan state to provide security of expression and wider civil and political rights. During for all its citizens. In June, the Afghan National Security his visit to Baku on 17 December, the Secretary of State Forces (ANSF), supported by the international community, for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. took the lead responsibility for the security of all Afghan Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), citizens. The UK will contribute £70 million per year raised the issue of human rights and political reform in from 2015 to help sustain the ANSF. The British meetings with President Aliyev and Foreign Minister Government is in continuous discussion with the Afghan Mammadyarov. The also raised with Government and International Security Afghanistan Foreign Minister Mammadyarov the individual cases of Forces counterparts, including the US, at all levels on Ilgar Mammadov, the Chairman of the REAL political the security situation in Afghanistan to support close movement; the NiDA youth activists; and Anar Mammadli, co-operation on this vital issue. the Head of the Election Monitoring and Democratic Studies Centre, who was detained on 16 December. As Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for part of his visit, the Foreign Secretary met with civil Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions society and human rights activists. He also raised human he has had with his Afghan counterpart about the rights during the press conference he gave. impeachment of ministers by the Afghan Parliament. Ministers and officials will continue to take an active [181140] interest in the human rights situation in Azerbaijan and Hugh Robertson: The use of the power to impeach take opportunities to raise our concerns. Ministers, as set out in the Afghan constitution, is a Bahrain matter for the Afghan Parliament to decide. It is not an issue that the UK has raised with the Afghan Government. Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise with his Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Bahraini counterparts access for Mr Abdulwahab Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is Hussain to appropriate medical treatment while he is in taking to protect female human rights defenders in prison. [181865] 177W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 178W

Hugh Robertson: We are aware of the case of Mr in his capacity as the chairman of the Education Abdulwahab Hussain and are concerned about the Commission at the Turkish Industry and Business allegations that he has been denied medical treatment. Association. The Council has worked with TUSIAD to We understand that a request by the National Institute promote research collaborations and the sharing of of Human Rights to see Mr Abdulwahab Hussain was academic expertise between UK and Turkish higher authorised by the Bahraini Attorney-General, but Mr education institutions. Hussain refused the visit. We expect the Government of Bahrain to meet all of its human rights obligations and Diplomatic Service ensure all defendants have access to the medical care they require. We regularly raise human rights concerns Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for with the Government of Bahrain and will continue to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the pursue a policy of frank and direct engagement. headcount of the Diplomatic Service was on the latest date for which figures are available. [181275] Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received Hugh Robertson: The headcount of diplomatic service of the treatment of Hasan Mashaima and Abduljalil staff working for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Al-Singace and of their access to their families. [181872] (FCO) on 30 November 2013 was 3,292. In addition to this figure, the FCO also employs staff who are part of Hugh Robertson: We are aware of the cases of Hasan the home civil service, staff on inward interchange from Mashaima and Abdujalil Al-Singace. We understand other civil service Departments and contractors. that both have had their visits suspended, in accordance with Bahraini law, as they are refusing to wear the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy prison uniform. We have previously raised the issue of access to medical treatment in the case of Hasan Mushaima Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for and understand that both prisoners were taken to. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions hospital three weeks ago for check-ups. We expect civil he has had with (a) the European Commission and liberties to be protected and for the Government of (b) his European counterparts about updating the Bahrain to adhere to its international human rights European Security Strategy; and if he will make a obligations. The Secretary of State for Foreign and statement. [181023] Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), discussed human Mr Lidington: I have had no discussions with the rights reform with the Bahraini Crown Prince in December. European Commission about updating the European Security Strategy. I had discussed the issue with a Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for number of EU partners, as part of wider discussions on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings officials European defence, ahead of the 19-20 December European in his Department have held with the government and Council. We did not reach agreement on updating the civil society organisations in Bahrain concerning human European Security Strategy. Instead, Council Conclusions rights; and if he will make a statement. [182037] invited: “the High Representative, in close cooperation with the Hugh Robertson: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Commission, to assess the impact of changes in the global officials in Bahrain and in the UK frequently meet environment, and to report to the Council in the course of members of the Bahraini Government, opposition parties 2015 on the challenges and opportunities arising for the Union, and civil society organisations to discuss the situation in following consultations with the Member States.” Bahrain including human rights. Our engagement is constructive and focussed on supporting human rights Exports: Bahrain and political reform, including the National Consensus Dialogue. Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his British Council Department’s policy is on the sale of crowd control equipment to Bahrain; and if he will make a statement. Sir Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for [182038] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in respect of which projects the British Council has collaborated Hugh Robertson: Following the unrest in 2011, the with (a) BAU Bahcesehir University and (b) the BAU Government reviewed export licences to Bahrain. We Trust in (i) and (ii) other countries. [181804] revoked 30 licences for which we assessed there was a clear risk that the export might be used for internal Mr Swire: The British Council works with BAU repression. Bahcesehir University, primarily through its offices in We continue to monitor the situation in Bahrain very Ankara and Istanbul. Bahcesehir University has hosted closely and assess all export licence applications, including British Council events and programmes, including open for any equipment which could be used for crowd days for UK universities promoting the UK as a destination control, on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated for international students and some of the Council’s EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. We English language teaching and examinations work. also assess applications in light of the prevailing The British Council’s work with the BAU Trust has circumstances, the capability of the equipment, the been more limited. The Council’s team in Turkey has an proposed end use and the record of the end user. A established relationship with Enver Yucel, the Chairman licence will not be issued if there is a clear risk that the of the Bahcesehir Education Trust, but this is primarily proposed export might be used for internal repression. 179W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 180W

Gibraltar: The Prime Minister also raised this matter with the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, on 20 December. Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many reports India there have been of illegal incursions of Spanish vessels in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters in 2013. [181835] Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign he has made to the Indian government about legislation and Commonwealth Affairs how many incursions by in that country which may discriminate against or Guardia Civil vessels there have been into Gibraltar’s criminalise individuals on the grounds of their sexuality territorial waters in each of the last 12 months for or the expression of that sexuality. [180642] which data is available; and if he will make a statement. [182035] Mr Swire: We are following developments on the Indian Supreme Court decision closely and I discussed Mr Lidington: There have been a total of 509 unlawful this issue with the new Indian high commissioner at our incursions into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters by first meeting on 6 January. It is important that India’s Spanish State vessels, including Guardia Civil vessels, in democratic institutions work through this issue. The the period from December 2012 to November 2013. UK’s global policy is that human rights are universal The monthly breakdown is as follows: and should apply equally to all people, as enshrined in Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Number and that to render consenting same-sex relations illegal is incompatible with international human rights laws, December 2012 22 including the International Covenant on Civil and Political January 2013 29 Rights. February 2013 35 March 2013 23 Israel April 2013 36 May 2013 50 Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for June 2013 50 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations July 2013 46 he has made to the government of Israel on the Prawer August 2013 68 Plan for the demolition of Bedouin homes without September 2013 35 formal land title. [180938] October 2013 61 November 2013 54 Hugh Robertson: I refer the right hon. Member to my answer of 3 December 2013, Official Report, column The Royal Navy upholds British sovereignty, by 594W. challenging all unlawful incursions by vessels of the Libya Spanish State, through radio warnings and the close monitoring of all such vessels, until they leave British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. We also make formal Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for diplomatic protests to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make Affairs about all such incursions. Although unlawful, representations to the Libyan Government to hold a incursions are a violation of British sovereignty: they full inquiry into the events that led to BOAC flight 045 are not a threat to it. They do not change international to Khartoum on 22 July 1971 being forced to land at law or the fact of UK and Gibraltar jurisdiction. They Benina airport, Libya; and if he will make a statement. do not weaken or undermine the legal basis for British [181700] Sovereignty over Gibraltar Territorial Waters. Hugh Robertson: The UK does not intend to make representations to the Libyan Government to hold a Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign full inquiry. However, we have made formal appeals to and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he both the present and previous Libyan governments for has had with the European Commission about border any information they have on this case. We will continue delays at the Spanish border with Gibraltar; and if he to encourage the Libyan authorities to engage on this will make a statement. [182034] and other legacy issues arising from the actions of the Gaddafi regime. Mr Lidington: We are in frequent contact with the European Commission about delays at the Spanish Occupied Territories border with Gibraltar, including on the need for the Spanish authorities to implement the recommendations Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State from the European Commission. The UK, in partnership for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make with the Government of Gibraltar, is continuing to representations to the Israeli government on the finding gather data on the daily border delays in order to of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian demonstrate their illegitimate, disproportionate and Affairs that the weekly average of structures demolished unlawful nature, as well as the impact they are having and persons displaced in the occupied Palestinian territory on local people, including Spanish nationals. We will has remained unaffected by the recent resumption of continue to provide that evidence to the Commission. peace talks. [181099] 181W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 182W

Hugh Robertson: Officials from our embassy in Tel of raw materials on the Gaza economy; and what Aviv have made representations to the Israeli Government representations the Government has made to the about the continued demolitions of Palestinian property government of Israel regarding that country’s blockade despite the resumption of talks and have urged a halt of of Gaza. [181892] demolitions. In the 16 December 2013 Foreign Affairs Council Hugh Robertson: We consistently call for relaxation conclusions, EU Foreign Ministers expressed “grave of the Israeli movement and access restrictions that concern” regarding demolitions and warned against have been estimated as costing the Palestinian economy “actions that undermine the negotiations”. The EU up to 85% of its Gross Domestic Product every year. As missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah issued a local part of this, we are urging Israel to ease its restrictions statement on 19 December expressing serious concern on Gaza on the import of commercial construction that since the beginning of the year, more than 600 materials. Palestinian-owned structures had been demolished in Officials from our embassy in Tel Aviv made Area C of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, displacing representations on this issue with the Israeli Defence around 1,000 Palestinians. Minister on 19 December and with the Israeli Office for the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State (COGAT) on 15 December. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to urge the Israeli government to Mr Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign halt demolitions in occupied Palestinian territories for and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the the duration of peace talks. [181100] Government has made of the availability of electricity to Palestinians following the recent flooding in Gaza. Hugh Robertson: Officials from our embassy in Tel [181893] Aviv have made representations to the Israeli Government about the continued demolitions of Palestinian property Hugh Robertson: Heavy rain and snow in Gaza has despite the resumption of talks and have urged a halt of led to widespread flooding and power cuts. Electricity demolitions. feeder lines from Egypt and Israel were damaged on In the 16 December 2013 Foreign Affairs Council 12 December and, although they have been mostly conclusions, EU Foreign Ministers expressed “grave repaired, subsequent bad weather has continued to concern” regarding demolitions and warned against damage the domestic network and electricity supply. “actions that undermine the negotiations”. The EU On 16 December, following a Qatari donation to the missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah issued a local Palestinian Authority to fund the purchase of fuel for statement on 19 December expressing serious concern Gaza, the Gaza power plant restarted partial operations that since the beginning of the year, more than 600 for the first time since 1 November. We continue to Palestinian-owned structures had been demolished in encourage the Palestinian Authority, Israel and other Area C of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, displacing interested parties to find both an immediate and long-term around 1,000 Palestinians. solution to Gaza’s energy crisis.

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Russia for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss with his counterparts in the EU what steps the Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for EU might take to urge the Israeli government to halt Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his demolitions in occupied Palestinian territories for the Department has advised any lesbian, gay, bisexual and duration of peace talks. [181101] transgender people that they should not visit Russia on the grounds of their sexual orientation or because they Hugh Robertson: Officials from our embassy in Tel are transgender in the last 12 months. [181955] Aviv have made representations to the Israeli Government about the continued demolitions of Palestinian property Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s despite the resumption of talks and have urged a halt of comprehensive travel advice for Russia does not advise demolitions. against travel to Russia for lesbian, gay, bisexual and In the 16 December 2013 Foreign Affairs Council transgender people. It does contain information on conclusions, EU Foreign Ministers expressed “grave Russian perceptions of homosexuality, noting that although concern” regarding demolitions and warned against homosexuality is legal, there is still a degree of intolerance “actions that undermine the negotiations”. The EU among some sections of the population. It also notes missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah issued a local that a law preventing the promotion of ″non traditional″ statement on 19 December expressing serious concern sexual relations among minors was passed in June. As that since the beginning of the year, more than 600 the Prime Minister has said, this law has the potential Palestinian-owned structures had been demolished in to prevent LGBT people from fully enjoying the right to Area C of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, displacing freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. around 1,000 Palestinians. Russia and Ukraine Palestinians Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the he has had with his counterparts from Russia and Government has made of the effect of Israeli blockades Ukraine in relation to their bail-out plans. [181971] 183W Written Answers6 JANUARY 2014 Written Answers 184W

Mr Lidington: The UK is still assessing the details of (2) what estimate his Department has made of the agreement between Russia and Ukraine which was the quantity of British-supplied non-lethal military announced on 17 December. While I have had no direct support intended for the Free Syrian Army (FSA) that contact with my counterparts in the respective nations is no longer in the possession of the FSA. [181122] on this issue, we will continue to monitor developments closely. Mr Hague: We are not aware of the Syrian Government The UK, along with its international partners, has forces having captured any UK supplied non-lethal regularly called upon Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereign military support. Nor are we aware that any UK supplied right to determine its own future and relationship with equipment was seized by the Islamic Front. We keep the EU. Most recently, the Secretary of State for Foreign such matters under continuous review. and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), along with Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State EU partners at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, made for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what clear to Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov that the economic assessment he has made of the potential for seizure of and political pressure Russia had placed on Ukraine non-lethal military equipment by groups not affiliated was unacceptable. to the Free Syrian Army; and what steps he is taking to We continue to believe that the Association Agreement, prevent such seizures. [181123] which the EU remains ready to sign, is the best way to build the modern, democratic and prosperous Ukraine Mr Hague: The UK continues to monitor the risk of that its people want. the diversion of equipment intended for the Supreme Military Council of the Free Syrian Army. Following Ukraine also has the option of funding from the the takeover of the Supreme Military Council (SMC)- International Monetary Fund (IMF). I hope the Ukrainian Headquarters at Bab Al-Hawa deliveries of non-lethal authorities can reach agreement with the IMF on a new equipment to the SMC in Syria have been temporarily Stand-By Arrangement. We do not support any loosening put on hold as a precautionary measure. Recipients of of the conditionally this would involve, but, we hope UK assistance are carefully selected to ensure that the fund can show some flexibility in its dealings with assistance is not given to any persons involved in extremist Ukraine, such as a staged increase of gas tariffs rather activities or human rights violations. Equipment undergoes than an immediate one-off hike. scrutiny to ensure that we meet all our national and Saudi Arabia international obligations, including export controls under the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Secretary of State Criteria and EU restrictions on the provision of goods for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what to Syria (as agreed by member states on 27 May 2013). reports he has received on the imprisonment by the Saudi Arabian authorities of two Ahmadi Muslims on Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State grounds of faith since May 2012; and if he will make a for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what items of statement; [181150] non-lethal military support will now not be sent to the (2) what discussions he has had with his counterparts Free Syrian Army following the capture of the Bab in Saudi Arabia regarding the imprisonment of Ahmadi al-Hawa border crossing. [181124] Muslims held in custody in that country since May 2012 on grounds of faith. [181151] Mr Hague: A package of up to £1 million of non-lethal support for the Supreme Military Council announced Hugh Robertson: We are aware of the case of two on 19 November 2013 is currently on hold. This equipment Ahmadi Muslims who have been detained in Saudi was to include commercially available communications, Arabia since 2012, on grounds of apostasy. We are in medical and logistics equipment. contact with their family members and members of the Ahmadi community both in London and in Riyadh. We Western Sahara continue to monitor their case. We raise our concerns about freedom of religion or Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for belief with the Government of Saudi Arabia. Most Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will (a) recently the UK’s statement and recommendations made discuss with the Moroccan ambassador to the UK and during Saudi Arabia’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) (b) instruct the British ambassador in Rabat to make in October 2013 highlighted our concerns about freedom reports on the large number of injuries reportedly of religion and particularly through the application of caused by police and security forces when breaking up the law against apostasy. They are available on the demonstrations against the EU-Morocco fishing website of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for agreement in El Aaiún, Western Sahara. [181756] Human Rights: www.ohchr.org Hugh Robertson: We are aware of reports of recent Syria protests in Western Sahara, linked to the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement. The Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) and our estimate his Department has made of the quantity of ambassador in Morocco raised human rights issues in British-supplied non-lethal military support that has Western Sahara with the Moroccan Foreign Minister been captured by (a) Syrian government forces and during his visit to the UK in November 2013. Our (b) groups not affiliated to the Free Syrian Army; ambassador in Morocco will continue to raise the important [181121] issue of human rights with the Moroccan Government. 1MC Ministerial Corrections6 JANUARY 2014 Ministerial Corrections 2MC

of the Secretary of State, has the power to replace that Ministerial Corrections governing body with an interim executive board. Elizabeth Truss: I will come to that point later in my Monday 6 January 2014 comments, but in essence, the governing body of a local authority maintained school can be replaced with an interim executive board.

EDUCATION LEADER OF THE HOUSE Business of the House School Governing Bodies The following is the answer given by the Leader of the The following are extracts from the speech given by the House of Commons, the right hon. Member for South Under-Secretary of State for Education, the hon. Member Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley) to the right hon. Member for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss), during the for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) during Business Westminster Hall debate on school governing bodies on of the House on 19 December 2013. 5 December 2013. Mrs (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): Alex Cunningham: On the question of accountability, I have spoken to the Leader of the House on several does the Minister share the view of the hon. Member occasions about my concerns over the environmental for Stroud (Neil Carmichael) that parents should be statement on HS2 that has been issued by the Department able to sack their governing bodies? Assuming that she for Transport. The fact that it is tens of thousands of does agree, should that apply to academies and free pages long is putting great strain on our environmental schools as well? organisations, because the Department has given them only eight weeks over the Christmas period in which to Elizabeth Truss: I am not sure that that is exactly how respond to it. Furthermore, the memory sticks containing my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Neil Carmichael) those tens of thousands of pages had to be recalled put his point. It is down to Ofsted to identify weak because of omissions and errors, and new ones had to governing-body performance. Ultimately, it is the decision be issued. Will the Leader of the House allow a debate of either the Secretary of State or the local authority to on the possibility of extending the consultation period replace that governing body with an interim executive immediately? board, should it not be doing what it is meant to be Mr Lansley: I know how assiduously my right hon. doing. Friend is pursuing the interests of her constituents in [Official Report, 5 December 2013, Vol. 571, c. 350-1WH.] relation to this matter. I am not in a position to extend the period as she requests, not least because the 56-day Mr Graham Stuart: Will the Minister spell out how consultation period for the environmental statement the powers of the Secretary of State and local authority that precedes the production of a report by the person to act if governance is failing differ between maintained appointed by the House was determined not by the schools and academies? Department for Transport but by the House, by means of orders made in June relating to changes in the Elizabeth Truss: I will come to that point later in my Standing Orders covering hybrid Bills. comments, but in essence, the governing body in both [Official Report, 19 December 2013, Vol. 572, c. 898.] cases can be replaced with an interim executive board. Letter of correction from Mr Lansley: [Official Report, 5 December 2013, Vol. 571, c. 352WH.] An error has been identified in the answer given to Letter of correction from Elizabeth Truss: the right hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham Errors have been identified in the responses provided (Mrs Gillan). during the Westminster Hall debate on school governing The correct response should have been: bodies. Mr Lansley: I know how assiduously my right hon. The correct responses should have been: Friend is pursuing the interests of her constituents in relation to this matter. I am not in a position to extend Elizabeth Truss: I am not sure that that is exactly how the period as she requests. The minimum 56-day consultation my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Neil Carmichael) period for the environmental statement that precedes the put his point. It is down to Ofsted to identify weak production of a report by the person appointed by the governing-body performance. Ultimately, should a governing House was determined by the House, by means of orders body not be doing what it is meant to be doing, the made in June relating to changes in the Standing Orders Secretary of State, or the local authority, with the consent covering hybrid Bills.

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 6 January 2014

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 1 EDUCATION—continued Academies and Free Schools...... 7 Kings Science Academy (Bradford)...... 16 Apprenticeships ...... 5 PISA Report ...... 14 Child Care Costs...... 12 Primary Schools (Academy Status) ...... 1 Education Attainment (Disadvantaged Pupils) ...... 15 Publicly Funded Schools (Oversight) ...... 11 Free Schools...... 3 Tablet Devices (Use in Schools) ...... 17 Further Education (Funding) ...... 10 Topical Questions ...... 17 GCSE and A-Level ...... 8 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Monday 6 January 2014

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 1WS TREASURY ...... 1WS Christmas Recess (Department’s Work)...... 1WS Child Trust Funds...... 1WS HEALTH...... 5WS Migrant Access to the NHS ...... 5WS PRIME MINISTER ...... 6WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 8WS European Council ...... 6WS Parliamentary Written Answer (Correction) ...... 8WS PETITION

Monday 6 January 2014

Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH...... 1P Control of Conversion Therapy ...... 1P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 6 January 2014

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 11W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 106W Tickets: Fraud...... 11W Army: Germany...... 106W Curzon Institute...... 107W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 166W Fire Services: South West...... 108W Apprentices...... 166W Fires: Deaths...... 108W Business: Government Assistance ...... 167W Fires: Electrical Safety ...... 108W Companies: Ownership ...... 167W Housing: Demolition ...... 109W Consumers: Protection...... 168W Ministers...... 109W Employment Agencies: Corby...... 168W Travellers...... 110W Energy: Industry ...... 169W Urban Areas ...... 110W Financial Institutions...... 170W Post Offices ...... 170W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 154W Skills Funding Agency ...... 171W BBC: Scotland ...... 154W Trading Standards...... 171W BBC Trust...... 154W Broadband ...... 154W CABINET OFFICE...... 1W Culture: Finance ...... 155W 10 and 11 Downing Street ...... 1W Members: Correspondence ...... 155W Brain Cancer...... 1W Mobile Phones: Regulation...... 155W Cancer: Children...... 2W Museums and Galleries...... 155W Employment: Medway ...... 3W National Lottery...... 155W Immigration...... 3W Olympic Games: Russia ...... 156W Iraq Committee of Inquiry ...... 4W Sports: Young People...... 156W Kidneys: Diseases ...... 4W Members: Correspondence ...... 5W DEFENCE...... 12W Mesothelioma ...... 6W Chief of Defence Materiel ...... 12W Unemployment: Young People...... 6W Defence Equipment and Support...... 12W Universal Credit...... 7W Defence: Procurement...... 13W Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE—continued ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— France...... 13W continued Mali ...... 14W Floods: Insurance ...... 157W Military Bases: Scotland ...... 14W Food Banks...... 157W Military Bases: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 14W Gangmasters Licensing Authority...... 157W Reserve Forces ...... 15W Land: Contamination ...... 158W Natural England ...... 158W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 7W Sovereignty: Scotland...... 159W Local Enterprise Partnerships: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 7W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 172W Afghanistan ...... 172W EDUCATION...... 68W Azerbaijan ...... 176W Academies...... 72W Bahrain ...... 176W Academies: Sponsorship ...... 79W British Council...... 177W Adoption ...... 79W Diplomatic Service...... 178W Al-Madinah School ...... 80W EU Common Foreign and Security Policy ...... 178W Apple ...... 80W Exports: Bahrain...... 178W Arts: Foundation Courses...... 80W Gibraltar: Spain ...... 179W Charities: Education ...... 81W India ...... 180W Children: Day Care ...... 82W Israel...... 180W Children: Internet ...... 83W Libya...... 180W Children: Protection...... 84W Occupied Territories...... 180W Christmas...... 85W Palestinians ...... 181W Directors...... 86W Russia ...... 182W Discovery New School ...... 87W Russia and Ukraine...... 182W Domestic Violence ...... 69W Saudi Arabia...... 183W Dyslexia ...... 88W Syria...... 183W Early Intervention Grant ...... 88W Western Sahara ...... 184W Education: Finance...... 92W Foster Care ...... 93W HEALTH...... 132W Free School Meals...... 94W Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse...... 132W Free Schools...... 70W Ambulance Services ...... 133W Further Education: Finance...... 96W Arthritis ...... 134W Kings Science Academy ...... 97W Breast Cancer...... 135W Meetings ...... 98W Breasts: Plastic Surgery...... 136W Music: Education...... 99W Cholera ...... 136W National College for Teaching and Leadership ...... 99W Clinical Commissioning Groups ...... 137W PISA Report ...... 68W Cockermouth Community Hospital...... 138W Pre-school Education...... 99W Deloitte...... 138W Pupil Exclusions...... 100W Dementia ...... 138W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 101W Diseases ...... 138W Regional Schools Commissioners ...... 101W Fractures...... 139W Royal College of Teaching Proposals ...... 69W General Practitioners ...... 141W Samsung ...... 103W Hepatitis ...... 141W School Information (England) (Amendment) Hospitals: Worcestershire...... 142W Regulations 2012...... 103W Kidneys: Diseases ...... 142W Schools: Buildings...... 103W Mental Health Services: Kent ...... 144W Schools: Finance...... 104W Mental Health Services: Young People...... 145W Schools: Greater Manchester ...... 104W NHS: Crime Prevention ...... 147W Schools: North West ...... 105W NHS: Finance ...... 147W Schools: Personnel Management...... 105W NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement .... 145W Shannon Matthews ...... 105W NHS: Land ...... 148W Special Educational Needs...... 105W NHS: Management Consultants ...... 148W Targeted Basic Needs Funding...... 71W NHS: Standards...... 148W Teachers’ Pay and Conditions ...... 69W NHS Trust Development Authority ...... 146W Teachers: Training...... 106W NHS: Waste Disposal ...... 149W Young People: Unemployment...... 106W Nurses: Resignations...... 149W Peters & Peters ...... 149W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 111W Pregnancy: Mental Health Services...... 149W Electricity Generation...... 111W Psychology...... 151W Energy...... 111W Radiotherapy ...... 151W Energy: Meters...... 112W Surgery...... 152W Energy: Prices ...... 113W USA...... 153W Forests: Developing Countries ...... 113W Fracking...... 115W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 20W Water Power...... 116W Advisory Council On the Misuse of Drugs ...... 20W Wind Power: Dorset...... 116W Asylum ...... 21W Asylum: Deportation ...... 21W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Borders: Personal Records ...... 22W AFFAIRS...... 156W Corruption...... 22W Flood Control...... 156W Counter-terrorism ...... 23W Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT—continued TRANSPORT—continued Cybercrime: Scotland...... 23W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 120W Databases...... 23W London Underground...... 120W Deportation ...... 24W Network Rail ...... 121W Detainees: Compensation ...... 25W Northern Rail ...... 122W Drugs: Misuse...... 25W Pedestrian Crossings ...... 124W Extremism...... 26W Pedestrian Crossings: Schools ...... 125W Foreign Workers...... 27W Railways: Compensation...... 125W Human Trafficking ...... 27W Railways: Fares ...... 126W Illegal Immigrants...... 28W Railways: Franchises ...... 127W Illegal Immigrants: Employment...... 29W Railways: Freight ...... 127W Immigrants: Children...... 29W Railways: Subsidies ...... 127W Immigrants: Detainees ...... 29W Railways: Waste Disposal...... 128W Immigration...... 30W Rolling Stock ...... 129W Immigration: Appeals ...... 31W Virgin Trains ...... 130W Immigration: Business...... 31W West Coast Railway Line ...... 130W Immigration: Children ...... 32W Immigration Controls ...... 30W TREASURY ...... 159W Immigration Controls: Aviation...... 31W Capital Allowances: Farms ...... 159W Internet ...... 32W Celtic Football Club...... 159W Interpol...... 33W Child Care Tax Credit...... 160W Interpol: Europol ...... 34W Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Act 2010...... 160W Ketamine ...... 34W Excise Duties: Fuels ...... 161W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 34W Financial Services ...... 161W Legislation ...... 35W Government Securities ...... 161W Members: Correspondence ...... 35W Meetings ...... 161W National Crime Agency: Northern Ireland ...... 36W Minimum Wage ...... 162W National Crime Agency: Scotland...... 36W National Insurance Contributions ...... 162W Offences Against Children ...... 36W Non-domestic Rates...... 162W Offences Against Children: Internet...... 37W Railways: Fares ...... 163W Overseas Students ...... 37W Secondment ...... 163W Passports: Fingerprints ...... 38W Social Security Benefits...... 163W Passports: ICT ...... 38W Sovereignty: Scotland...... 164W Passports: Scotland...... 38W Taxation...... 164W Pay Television ...... 39W Taxation: Gaming Machines...... 165W Police: Dogs ...... 39W Universal Credit...... 165W Publications ...... 40W VAT ...... 166W Sexual Offences...... 40W Welfare Tax Credits: Children...... 166W Sovereignty: Scotland...... 41W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 166W Stop and Search: Essex ...... 41W Witnesses ...... 42W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 42W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 42W AEA Group ...... 42W Assets...... 43W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 7W Atos Healthcare ...... 43W Africa...... 7W Children: Maintenance ...... 44W Developing Countries: Forests ...... 9W Cold Weather Payments ...... 46W Fraud ...... 10W Cycling...... 46W Palestinians ...... 10W Disadvantaged: EU Grants and Loans ...... 47W Syria...... 11W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 47W Employment and Support Allowance: Greater JUSTICE...... 16W London...... 48W Convictions...... 16W Employment Schemes: Disability...... 48W Domestic Visits ...... 19W Employment: Scotland...... 49W Legal Aid Scheme: Family Law...... 19W EU Social Policy ...... 50W Police Custody: Ethnic Groups ...... 19W Food Banks...... 50W Poverty...... 20W Guaranteed Minimum Pensions...... 50W Treason Felony Act 1848...... 20W Jobcentre Plus ...... 52W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 52W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 7W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Swindon...... 54W Historical Enquiries Team ...... 7W Multiple Births...... 54W Pension Credit...... 55W TRANSPORT ...... 116W Personal Independence Payment...... 57W Airports Commission...... 116W Social Security Benefits...... 60W Alstom ...... 117W Social Security Benefits: Learning Disability ...... 62W Belfast City Airport ...... 117W Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations..... 62W Bus Services: Disability ...... 117W State Retirement Pensions...... 62W Calderdale Railway Line ...... 118W Unemployed People: ICT...... 63W Crossrail Line...... 118W Universal Credit...... 63W Cycling...... 119W Welfare State: Reform ...... 66W Driving: Licensing...... 119W Winter Fuel Payments...... 66W Great Western Railway Line...... 120W Work Programme...... 67W MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

Monday 6 January 2014

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 1MC LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 2MC School Governing Bodies ...... 1MC Business of the House...... 2MC Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Monday 13 January 2014

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

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CONTENTS

Monday 6 January 2014

List of Government and Principal Officers and Officials of the House

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

Flooding [Col. 23] Statement—(Mr Paterson)

Water Bill [Col. 48] As amended, considered; read the Third time and passed

Access to Justice (British Citizens Abroad) [Col. 141] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 1WS]

Petition [Col. 1P] Observations

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

Ministerial Corrections [Col. 1MC]