Thursday Volume 532 15 September 2011 No. 201

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 15 September 2011

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preferred bidder. Will he now admit that that was a House of Commons terrible mistake, which has put at risk Bombardier, Britain’s last train manufacturer, and thousands of British Thursday 15 September 2011 jobs down the supply chain?

The House met at half-past Ten o’clock Mr Hammond: The only other option available to the Secretary of State—I have to repeat myself again—would PRAYERS have been to cancel the Thameslink procurement completely and abandon the project. That power exists, but there is no power to alter the terms under which the competition [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] is conducted once it has begun. That was made very clear by the representative from the European Commission and by the academic lawyers who gave evidence to the Oral Answers to Questions Select Committee.

Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): Will the Secretary TRANSPORT of State confirm that he will look to include socio-economic conditions in future procurement contracts and to give The Secretary of State was asked— them sufficient weighting that the full economic impact of the contract can be taken into account? Rolling Stock Contracts Mr Hammond: The Prime Minister has agreed that 1. Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): What the growth review should include a review of public assessment his Department has made of the ability of procurement in the UK, and that work is now under British-based train manufacturers to win contracts for way. We will look at what happens in other EU countries rolling stock. [71828] that are similarly constrained by EU procurement rules, and we will look at best procurement practice in large 2. Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East commercial companies to maintain long-term best value. Cleveland) (Lab): What assessment his Department We will certainly look at the opportunities provided by, has made of the ability of British-based train and the appropriateness of, including socio-economic manufacturers to win contracts for rolling stock. criteria, where appropriate. [71829] The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): I am sure that Hammond): Since privatisation, Bombardier, as the only the Secretary of State will want to join me in congratulating current UK-based train manufacturer, has supplied the Invensys, based in my Chippenham constituency, on majority of new trains across the UK main line rail and winning a multi-million pound signalling contract on London underground networks, with a combined total the Thameslink project. A world leader in train-signalling of over 4,500 new carriages ordered since 1996. Going technology, Invensys has in the past experienced some forward, there are a number of contracts that the difficulty in winning domestic contracts. What steps is Department would expect Bombardier to bid for, including the right hon. Gentleman taking to ensure that recognition the Crossrail project for the supply of around 600 carriages, of UK engineering talent is more commonly the rule and it is already a pre-qualified bidder. The tender for rather than the exception? this contract is due to be issued in 2012. There are also potential future orders for the London Underground Mr Hammond: The general rule is that we would deep tube lines. expect to evaluate bids for contracts on their merits. Companies such as Invensys and, indeed, Bombardier Steve Rotheram: I listened to what the Secretary of have won many contracts on their merits, but we will State had to say and, quite frankly, I could have predicted look at whether we should, in appropriate cases, include his response. Why is he not prepared to do anything to wider socio-economic issues and factors, which some reconsider his disastrous decision to award the Thameslink other EU member states routinely do in their public contract to a company that intends to build these trains procurement processes. in Germany? Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): Mr Hammond: I sometimes get the feeling that I am Yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister made a speech talking to a brick wall on this subject. I have said it about the importance of investment in infrastructure. before and I will say it again: the criteria by which the Will the Secretary of State provide some examples of bids were to be evaluated were laid down by the Government how that might lead to more opportunities for UK-based in 2008. The criteria have to be followed, although they train manufacturing in the short term? might not be the criteria the hon. Gentleman would like. We have made a commitment to look at the way we Mr Hammond: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her specify the criteria in future public procurements, but question. We are sensitive to the pressures that the UK on this project it is Labour’s mess and we are landed train manufacturing supply chain—not just Bombardier with it. but the component suppliers—are under, and the Tom Blenkinsop: I am sorry, but the right hon. Gentleman Department is urgently looking at some other projects told the Transport Select Committee that there was an that might be advanced. In particular, the industry option to review or restart the Thameslink procurement proposed a project to modify the cross-country Voyager process at any time during the year before naming the train fleet so that it could run under electric power, 1161 Oral Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 1162 which would provide—if Bombardier were to win the has resumed to reach a total of 1.4 billion journeys contract—a substantial piece of work for the crucial undertaken. Long-distance rail travel has nearly doubled design department in Derby. That is at the heart of since privatisation. securing the future of that business. Simon Hart: Will the Secretary of State put some Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): Yesterday, pressure on Network Rail about the state of their the Deputy Prime Minister told the right hon. Gentleman stations? Whitland station, in my constituency, is now to speed up delivery of Crossrail. Will he update the in such a deplorable state that it works against people House on the new completion date for the project, wanting to travel on rail and against attracting tourists which will, I presume, now be earlier than December to our area. 2019, the date to which he pushed it back after the election? Mr Hammond: Management of stations is the responsibility of train operators. Under the revised Mr Hammond: The Deputy Prime Minister did not franchise programme that the Minister of State has tell me to speed up the Crossrail project. The thrust of announced, we intend to transfer leasehold ownership his speech was the need to ensure that committed capital of stations to the franchise train operator, so that it can funds are spent on their intended profile. The requirements have a more direct, hands-on involvement. However, I to keep demand in the economy mean that we must get will look into the specific example about which my hon. those vital capital programmes spent on programme, Friend asks. and the Crossrail project is spending on programme Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): The Secretary and will deliver the completion of the project from of State’s extraordinary statement that rail travel is 2016, with full running from 2019. something for rich people could be made only by one of Maria Eagle: So the Deputy Prime Minister was the southern millionaires in the Cabinet. If he came to wrong—there is no plan to bring forward projects and Rotherham, he would see plenty of people who are not no plan for growth. May I ask the Transport Secretary rich, but they are now being threatened with the ticket about the procurement of trains for Crossrail? After his office at Rotherham station, which is being rebuilt, disastrous decision to award the Thameslink train contract being taken away. May I put it to him that many of my to a company that will build the trains in Germany, constituents do not do computers and need help and putting at risk Britain’s train manufacturing industry, aid? That ticket office at Rotherham station must stay. he has said that he is reviewing the Crossrail contract. Mr Hammond: I understand the right hon. Gentleman’s As he has just confirmed that Crossrail is still being point, and I agree that there will be a need for assisted delivered on his slower timetable, rather than reviewing channels— it for six months, why does he not scrap the process and start again, and this time ensure that Bombardier has a Mr MacShane: What are assisted channels? fair chance to secure the work. Finally— Mr Hammond: I will tell the right hon. Gentleman Mr Speaker: Order. I think we have the gist, and we what assisted channels are. Even as the purchase of are grateful. tickets, over time, is bound to become more computer based, as new technologies are deployed and more Mr Hammond: The hon. Lady is all over the place. tickets are bought online, through mobile technology There is nothing to scrap in relation to the Crossrail and so on, there will still be a need for an assisted rolling stock procurement programme, because we have channel, and we will ensure that there is one. not started that procurement yet. We announced that we will postpone the issue of the invitation to tender Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): Price is clearly until the new year, in order that consideration be given a major factor in determining how many people use the to the findings of the growth review and how public railways. The previous Government went for above-inflation procurement in this country can best support the strategic increases each year, and we have argued for increases interests of the supply chain. The broader Crossrail below inflation. The Government have gone for 3% project, involving a major infrastructure investment—the above RPI. Does the Secretary of State accept that 8% tunnels across London—is, as the hon. Lady and anyone increases in rail, and 7% increases in London transport, who travels around London knows, already under way is simply too much for people to deal with. as is manifest in the large number of big holes in the Mr Hammond: The hon. Gentleman says “we”. I am ground. not sure who the “we” is. We have decided that we will Rail Travel have to increase rail fares by 3% in real terms for the next three years in order to protect the major programme 3. Simon Hart (Carmarthen West and South of investment in the rolling stock, electrification and Pembrokeshire) (Con): What assessment he has made new infrastructure that the country needs. It is a tough of recent trends in levels of rail travel. [71830] decision, but it is the right decision.

The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip Mr Speaker: Order. May I ask the Secretary of State Hammond): Annual statistics for the year ending March to face the House, as he is addressing us? 2011 published by the Office of Rail Regulation show Heavy Goods Vehicles that passenger travel rose during the year to reach an overall, all-time high of 33.6 billion passenger miles. 4. Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) The number of rail journeys has been rising steadily (Lab/Co-op): What assessment he has made of the each year since privatisation with only one slight drop potential road safety implications of increasing the in the total during 2009. Since then the upward trend maximum length of heavy goods vehicles. [71831] 1163 Oral Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 1164

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): (Mike Penning): In March I published a feasibility study Surely the best way of improving road safety is to put and impact assessment on longer semi-trailers, undertaken all transport on to rail, but will my hon. Friend tell me by consultants including the Transport Research how safety can be improved on roads such as the A64? Laboratory. The research, which is available in the What specific plans does he have in that regard? Library, includes consideration of the potential road safety implications. Mike Penning: I shall have to write to my hon. Friend about the A64. As for moving more transport on to rail, Mark Lazarowicz: Many streets in my constituency the industry rightly says that trains often take goods to are already unsuitable for long heavy goods vehicles, the rail hubs, and trucks—which will now be the longer and the thought of even longer vehicles trying to get semi-trailers—take them from there to the distribution down narrow city streets will horrify many people. As centres and supermarkets. When the longer vehicles are the Minister knows, blanket lorry bans are not possible introduced, there will be fewer traffic problems, fewer in many urban areas, for all sorts of reasons. May I urge lorries and more rail transport, which is what we want. him to think again, and to reject the proposal to allow even longer lorries on to totally unsuitable streets in Rail Investment urban and rural areas? 5. Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): What Mike Penning: I understand the hon. Gentleman’s assessment he has made of the importance of the voice concern, but he should note that because the turning of the passenger to decisions about rail investment; and wheels of longer semi-trailers are at the back, their if he will make a statement. [71832] turning circles are much tighter than those of existing lorries. I know that because I used to drive heavy goods The Minister of State, Department for Transport vehicles myself. However, I will look into the points (Mrs Theresa Villiers): The Government recognise the made by the hon. Gentleman, and we will announce our importance of passenger opinion to their decisions proposals when the House reconvenes next month. about rail investment. The National Passenger Survey Then at least the industry will know exactly where we produces a network-wide assessment of passenger views are going. on rail travel, which is used to inform the refranchising process alongside franchise-specific consultations. Other Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): work by Passenger Focus, the independent advocate for Has the Minister considered the environmental impact rail users, also provides valuable input to decision making. of very long vehicles, particularly in relation to small rural roads, and the safety implications for pedestrians Fiona Mactaggart: When I meet Slough’s rail commuters and cyclists of elongated public service vehicles in the next Tuesday, they will tell me that they are fed up about form of articulated buses? the 70% increase in their fares next year, and fed up that three of the 10 most overcrowded trains in the country Mike Penning: We have indeed considered the serve Slough. We are to have no new carriages, the environmental impact of longer semi-trailers, and have Minister is dithering about whether we will be able to concluded that there will be less pollution in the community. use Oyster cards—which will help to relieve the position— There will be fewer lorries, because the longer lorries and Crossrail, although welcome, will slow down Slough’s will be able to carry more cargo than be carried now. We service. What has the Minister to say to the commuters considered carefully whether longer semi-trailers posed whom I am meeting on Tuesday? a risk to cyclists in particular, and the risk is not there. Mrs Villiers: I recommend that the hon. Lady say Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): I that this Government are fully committed to a major know that the Minister is in some pain this morning investment programme for our railways, much of which owing to a tooth abscess, and I do not want to add to will benefit her constituents, including electrification, his discomfort, but people—motorists, cyclists and the intercity express programme, the provision of new pedestrians—are frightened by heavy goods vehicles, rolling stock in the future, and improving the overall and longer vehicles will cause even greater anxiety. reliability of the line for her constituents, with the Given the 40% cut in road safety funding and the results bottleneck at Reading station being dealt with. We are of the Department’s own consultation, which suggest taking the concerns of the hon. Lady’s constituents very that the number of casualties may be marginally higher seriously. We recognise the anxiety about rail fares, but if longer vehicles are introduced, will the Minister ensure we are determined to get the costs of the railways down that the road safety element features highly in his so that we can give better value for money to passengers consideration? Surely it must be at the top of his agenda. and taxpayers. Mike Penning: It is very kind of my shadow opponent Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): to worry about my abscess, but I promise him that the Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the NHS dentist will look after it for me. latest assessment of the High Speed 2 consultation that We will carefully consider the road safety implications closed in July? Will she also reassure my constituents, of longer semi-trailers, but we must sweat our assets all of whom are rail passengers, that every single one of better on the roads. We are not going to introduce their views will be taken into account? heavier weights, and we are not going to introduce the mega-trucks whose introduction has been proposed to Mrs Villiers: The Government take the process for us. We will look carefully at the length of trailers to designing the future of high-speed rail very seriously. ensure that more products can be taken around the All representations made to the consultation will be country with the same weight, the same fuel and fewer carefully considered and an announcement will be made emissions. later this year. 1165 Oral Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 1166

Rail Franchises Concessionary Coach Travel

6. Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) 7. Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): What impact (Con): What recent discussions he has had on reform of assessment his Department undertook in relation to rail franchising. [71833] the decision to end concessionary coach travel for elderly and disabled people. [71835] The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Mrs Theresa Villiers): The Secretary of State has held discussions 10. Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) that cover franchise reform in a number of meetings (Con): What consultation he has had with coach with rail passenger groups, local authorities, train operators. operators on the effects of the withdrawal of the coach Network Rail and others. concessionary travel scheme. [71838]

Mr Evennett: I thank the Minister for her reply. Does The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport she agree that as well as encouraging investment the (Norman Baker): The decision to end Government funding Government’s franchising policy must be focused on for the half-price coach concession was announced as efficiency, which in the long run will ensure that inflation- part of the 2010 spending review. The Government have busting fare increases become a thing of the past? corresponded with affected operators on the proposed change and my officials have held discussions with Mrs Villiers: I completely agree with my hon. Friend. National Express—one of the operators affected by the Our rail franchising reform has the dual purpose of phasing out of the concession. An impact assessment promoting private sector investment and delivering better relating to the ending of the coach concession has been services to passengers and of reducing the cost of submitted to the Reducing Regulation Committee. The running the railways. As I said in answer to the previous final assessment will be published on the Department’s question, that is part of the wider strategy of working website and a copy will be placed in the Library of the with the rail industry to get costs down and provide House. better value for money for passengers. Huw Irranca-Davies: I thank the Minister for that Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Talking answer, but I suspect that he will have received, as I about leaving messes that other people have to clear up, have, countless letters from constituents who see much the privatisation of the railways has been a mess ever more expensive coach travel coming down the line as a since it was introduced. May we address the issue of the result of the scrapping of the scheme by October 2012. franchise for the east coast line, as the commute to and Am I right in my understanding that no public inquiry from London that it provides for my constituents is a with disabled or older people’s groups has been carried disgrace? When they want to travel cross-Pennine, they out? If so, what justification can he have for scrapping have to use trains that should be in the York railway the scheme without first consulting the most affected museum. users?

Mrs Villiers: I cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman’s Norman Baker: Of course we assessed the proposal as assessment of the impact of privatisation. More people part of the spending review, and I mentioned the Reducing currently travel by rail than at any time since the 1920s, Regulation Committee assessment a moment ago. May and reliability levels are high. I acknowledge that reliability I suggest that the position is not quite as apocalyptic as on the east coast line should be better, however, and the hon. Gentleman makes out? A year ago, after the both East Coast and Network Rail are focused on that, 2010 spending review announcement, National Express as is my colleague, the Under-Secretary of State for said: Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Lewes (Norman “We are already planning for the removal of the coach concessionary fares scheme in October 2011 and will announce Baker). We do think that reliability needs to improve on new products aimed at the over 60s and disabled travellers in due the east coast line, but we also believe that, overall, course. We believe the financial impact of the scheme’s removal is privatisation of the railways has brought some tremendous manageable and will be mitigated by our own plans”. benefits, including increasing passenger numbers. Caroline Nokes: I thank the Minister for his comments. Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): Will Many elderly and disabled people in my constituency the Minister ensure that any changes to rail franchise have become reliant on coach travel because of its ease specifications will not necessarily involve the loss of of use and cost-effectiveness. If this decision results in ticket offices at local stations? the withdrawal of some routes, what choice does he think those vulnerable groups in my constituency will Mrs Villiers: The Government will carefully consider be left with, given that train travel is acknowledged to the McNulty review recommendations, including in the be very expensive? context of the specifications we put in place for rail franchises. Many of the decisions about ticket offices Norman Baker: First, we have retained the bus are addressed in what is known as the ticketing settlement concession in its entirety when many thought that was agreement, and we will also consider that. We need to vulnerable in the current financial circumstances—that get the balance right by modernising the system so that has not been chopped in any way. Secondly, the senior it reflects the fact that the many new ways of buying citizen railcard continues to exist, and it enables those tickets—such as the increasing use of smarter ticketing people to receive a significant discount on rail travel. and internet purchasing—will in future change what we Thirdly, as I have said, National Express, which is by far require from ticket offices, while also ensuring that and away the largest coach provider, is intending to put people have the right channels through which to buy its own scheme in place, and I am sure it will do that. I tickets. say that, first, because it makes commercial sense for 1167 Oral Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 1168

National Express to do so and, secondly, because the driver training and put more emphasis on cyclists’ profits on its coach division increased by 14% in the last needs? How can the Minister ensure that dangerous or six months. intimidating driving is made as unacceptable as drink driving? Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): This proposal beggars belief—only on planet Norman can Norman Baker: Dangerous and intimidating driving this be a good idea. Does the Minister not understand is already subject to police enforcement, but we are that removing the concessionary coach fares—an taking steps to ensure that drivers are aware of cyclists entitlement for almost 12 million pensioners and an on the road. A Trixi mirror pilot has been approved for additional number of disabled people—will, as Age UK London, and it is now in place and showing good puts it, have a “devastating effect” on many people, who results. The Under-Secretary with responsibility for road will struggle to afford their coach journeys in future? safety is very aware of this issue and is looking at Does he not see that by cutting too far and too fast his driving training for HGV drivers in particular. approach is having an unfair impact on pensioners and disabled people, and increasing the chances of them being socially isolated? Mr Speaker: We are better informed about Trixi mirrors and we are grateful to the Minister for that. Norman Baker: That was rather over the top, if I may say so. The fact is that National Express operated its Rail Network (Sustainability) own coach concession arrangements before 2003, and it indicated last year that it believes the situation is manageable 9. Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con): What steps and that it intends to introduce a further concession. As he is taking to ensure the economic sustainability of I said a moment ago, the profits of the UK coach the rail network. [71837] division of National Express have increased by 14%. Indeed, the profits of the National Express Group—a very successful company—have risen by 26% in the first 12. Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): half of this year. If the hon. Gentleman is suggesting What steps he is taking to ensure the economic that the public purse should subsidise the profits of sustainability of the rail network. [71840] National Express, that would be an odd position for the Labour party to take. The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Mrs Theresa Villiers): Despite the deficit, the Government Cycling are investing £18 billion in the railway, supporting projects such as Crossrail, Thameslink, electrification and extra 8. Chris Skidmore (Kingswood) (Con): What recent carriages on crowded routes. We are also determined to steps he has taken to encourage cycling. [71836] get the cost of running the railways down, and we are The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport putting together a reform package to deliver this which (Norman Baker): The Government are strongly in favour will draw on the report produced by Sir Roy McNulty. of cycling, as we said in our coalition agreement. On 5 July, I announced the allocation of £155.5 million to Nicky Morgan: I thank the Minister for her reply. 37 authorities to deliver packages of measures that The Government have already announced improvements support economic growth and cut carbon emissions, as to the midland main line, which it is hoped will result in part of the £560 million local sustainable transport line speed improvements, but there is still a very strong fund—many of these include cycling. I will announce business case for full electrification. What hope can she the remaining allocations in summer 2012. In addition, give me and many other MPs along the midland main I have established a cycling forum, which met for the line route that the Government will consider full first time this week. We want to get more people cycling, electrification, particularly in the light of the HS2 route more safely, more often. having being published so recently?

Chris Skidmore: The Minister will undoubtedly be Mrs Villiers: I can say that, yes, we will be consider aware of the huge success that cycling city status has whether the midland main line can be electrified as part brought south Gloucestershire. Could he now seriously of the work in HS2 control period 5, but we will also consider the North Fringe to Hengrove major scheme have to consider competing projects such as the northern bid that his Department has received recently? The hub or the electrification of the trans-Pennine route. scheme will further enhance cycling provision and will boost economic growth. Rehman Chishti: On train fares, may I ask the Minister Norman Baker: I agree that the initiatives in south for special consideration for commuters in Gillingham Gloucestershire have been successful, and I congratulate and Rainham and the south-east, which have had excessive my hon. Friend on his inventiveness and ingenuity in RPI plus 3% increases since 2006? The Minister will including that question under this heading. He will know that commuters in the south-east have had excessive understand that the project he mentions is subject to and unfair increases for that period. assessment under the development pool arrangements. A decision will be made later this year, but his support Mrs Villiers: I well understand my hon. Friend’s for the scheme is noted. concerns, and he has lobbied hard on this issue. The fares are contributing to investments that have been Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): CTC made on the Southeastern franchise in the past and reports that the biggest deterrent to cycling is fear of fares now and in the future will contribute to the major busy roads. What are the Government doing to improve investment programme that the Government are delivering, 1169 Oral Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 1170 but in the longer term it is vital that we get the cost of Mr Hammond: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely the railways down to respond to passenger concerns right and I have said time and again that a major about value for money. infrastructure project such as HS2 is not an alternative to routine investment in the rest of the rail network and Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): Elderly and that to get the maximum out of HS2 we will also need disabled constituents of mine would like to access the to improve the connectivity from the nodes on the HS2 rail network but are prevented from doing so by the railway to the surrounding areas. poor station facilities. Merseytravel has had a budget cut of two thirds, which has caused delays to the installation Rolling Stock (Procurement) of a lift at Formby station, to give one example. That lift is vital if elderly and disabled people are to be able to travel on the rail network at all. Will the Minister 13. Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): What consider reversing that cut? recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of its procurement policy for rail rolling Mrs Villiers: I will certainly look into the specific case stock. [71841] that the hon. Gentleman has mentioned and write to him about it. I emphasise that access for all funding is The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip continuing under this Government and is part of a Hammond): As stated at the Select Committee on major programme of upgrades that we have committed Transport on 7 September, for all future Government-led to undertake, despite grappling with a deficit that is as procurements—not just those for rolling stock—the serious as anything in our peacetime history. Prime Minister has asked the growth review to examine the degree to which the Government can set Rail Projects out the requirements and the evaluation criteria with a sharper focus on the UK’s strategic interest, 11. David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): What including a review of public procurement practice plans he has to review the business case for (a) High and outcomes in other EU member states and a review Speed 2 and (b) Crossrail. [71839] of current private sector best practice. The results of those reviews will inform future Government-led The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip procurements. Hammond): Economic cases for large projects are periodically refreshed—for example, to reflect the latest economic forecasts. A robust economic case for HS2 Jonathan Ashworth: I am sorry that the Secretary of was prepared for the recent consultation, with a benefit-cost State feels that he is talking to a brick wall when ratio of 1:2.6. An update will be published later this Members raise legitimate concerns about the impact on year. The latest update of the Crossrail economic case jobs of the Bombardier decision. I am concerned about was published in July 2011, with a BCR of 1:1.97. I the impact on Leicester, where many firms are part of should make it clear that the economic case is only one the supply chain. What reassurance can he give those of the criteria used in decision making for transport firms now that the majority of our trains will be built infrastructure projects. abroad?

David Mowat: I thank the Secretary of State for that Mr Hammond: The hon. Gentleman is quite wrong to reply. As he made clear, the business case for HS2 is say that the majority of our trains will be built abroad. stronger than the business case for Crossrail. The HS2 One contract has been awarded to Siemens, and those business case gets even better if the link north of trains will be built in Germany. Other contracts are in Birmingham is taken into account. Given that fact, will the pipeline, and Bombardier remains a very strong the Minister consider bringing forward the construction bidder. It has demonstrated over the last 15 years its of HS2 in order to stimulate the economy in the same ability to win a majority of UK train orders. From 2014 way as has been mooted for Crossrail? we will have a second UK-based train builder, Hitachi, in the plant that it is establishing in Newton Aycliffe, Mr Hammond: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for with the creation of 600 new jobs. his support for the HS2 project. Let me give him an example to reinforce his point. At the time the decision was made to build the extension to the Jubilee line, the Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): I very much welcome BCR was less than 1, but I do not think that many the review of how the Department implements the people would argue today that we could possibly do procurement rules. Does my right hon. Friend agree without the Jubilee line extension. The construction that there is no time like the present for a thorough profile and overall project profile for HS2 are based on review of how this country has, in the past, gold-plated the requirement to obtain parliamentary and other EU directives and regulations? statutory consents and the cash-flow limitations of the Treasury’s ability to fund a project on such a scale. Mr Hammond: I should emphasise to my hon. Friend Unfortunately, it will not be possible to accelerate it. that the review is not concerned simply with train procurement but is a review of public sector procurement Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): I know across the board. It will look at what is happening the Secretary of State will be aware that there is widespread elsewhere and whether there are things that we can do political and business support in my city, Sheffield, for differently so that procurements initiated by this HS2. Will he also consider how improving the connecting Government do not have the flaws that hon. Members links to the wider city region could make the business are identifying in the Thameslink procurement initiated case for HS2 even stronger? by the last Government. 1171 Oral Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 1172

Topical Questions invest in the latest laser scanners to allow the police to record traffic accident scenes more quickly and allow T1. [71848] Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) the clear-up of the motorway to progress more quickly. (Con): If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. T3. [71850] Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): The Government are asking more disabled people to find work The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip through the work capability assessment programme. Hammond): Since I last answered Transport questions, Does the Minister understand that transport, and in the consultation on high-speed rail has closed. The particular cancelled station upgrades, slow replacement Department has announced £155 million of investment of rolling stock and rising prices are a significant barrier from the first-round allocation of the local sustainable for many disabled people in Wigan and across the country? transport fund, concluded deals to put new carriages on What action is he taking to address this? key commuter rail routes, set out the next stages in the Department’s rail franchising programme and launched The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport a consultation on proposals for new lane rental schemes (Norman Baker): We are taking a good deal of action to to cut the number of rush-hour roadworks. help disabled passengers whom we want to have full Mark Reckless: Many of my constituents who are access to the transport system. Plans are going ahead to not rich but were used as guinea pigs for RPI plus 3% by ensure that rail vehicles and buses are fully accessible, the last Government have no choice but to commute by we are also continuing with the access for all programme coach, getting up at 5 or 6 am to get into London. Will to upgrade railway stations, and I regularly meet disabled Ministers welcome the statement by Southeastern yesterday groups to ensure that our programmes and policies are that it will henceforth use the flex possibility to consider fully in line with their wishes. elasticities so that areas where people are not well off and where there is significant competition may see T6. [71853] Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Can the lower fare increases in future? House be given an update on yesterday’s interdepartmental meeting on the theft of metals and the review of the Mr Hammond: Absolutely. We are all in favour of Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964? competition. Train operators should note what is happening in the marketplace, and where coach operators are Norman Baker: I am grateful for that question because taking their business they should use the flexibility that metal theft is an extremely serious issue for passengers they have to respond. on the rail network and for motorists who are now affected on motorways, and the coastguard service. T2. [71849] Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): This is a matter that we take very seriously, because of Yesterday’s unemployment figures were disastrous for its impact on business apart from anything else. There Wirral and the wider Merseyside economy. Given that was a very good meeting of Ministers from a number of RPI is now over 5%, will the Secretary of State explain Departments yesterday. We have a plan to ensure that how his RPI plus 3% train fare hikes will help work pay we are using our existing powers as fully as possible, for ordinary people? and to look at what other steps may be necessary to deal with this high level crime. The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Mrs Theresa Villiers): Merseyrail is on a different fares T5. [71852] Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Businesses framework from the rest of the country—I think that it have been encouraged by the announcement of a Humber is on RPI. We all fully recognise the concern about rail enterprise zone and the Government’s commitment to fares. The decision on RPI plus 3% has been taken to finding a sustainable solution to Humber bridge tolls. enable us to deliver a massive programme of rail upgrades, Will the Secretary of State give a green light to potential which is essential if we are to deal with passenger investors by announcing when the upgrade to the A160 concerns and promote vital economic growth. will take place? T4. [71851] Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): Last night I drove down to my constituency and, unusually, the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport motorway was very clear. However, it is often the case (Mike Penning): I genuinely apologise to the hon. that there are accidents on both the M3 and the M4 Gentleman. Because he was asking about the Humber and it seems to take an unfeasibly long time to get the bridge, I assumed that he was asking about tolls. I will motorway reopened afterwards. Will the Department write to him specifically on the A160 as soon as I return do something about that? to the Department.

Mr Philip Hammond: My hon. Friend raises a very T7. [71854] Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) topical point. She may know that in August we had one (Con): Following the Government’s consultation on the of the longest ever post-accident closures on the M25 future of the Dartford crossing, will the Minister very close to my own constituency, as it happens, when consider extending the local person’s discount scheme the motorway was closed for more than 24 hours following to include my constituents and the wider Medway area? an accident. The Under-Secretary of State for Transport, the hon. Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mike Penning), Mr Philip Hammond: I am happy to consider any has been in discussion with the Association of Chief representation that my hon. Friend wants to make, but Police Officers, the police lead on traffic services. A our primary objective is to ensure that funds are available working group is now operating between the Highways for an additional crossing in the future, and our approach Agency and ACPO, which will be reporting before the to Dartford is to ensure that that can be affordably end of the year. We have also allocated £3 million to delivered. 1173 Oral Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 1174

T9. [71856] Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): In Mike Penning: It would be a pleasure to meet the awarding the Thameslink contract, did the Secretary of family, and I praise the work they are doing. This tragic State take into account Siemens’ industrial relations loss was the result of a medical condition that is very record? Siemens’ global business strategy has been difficult to diagnose, and we need to do a lot of work described as aggressively anti-union, and staff prior to diagnosis so that people are not driving with currently working for First Capital Connect on the this terrible illness. existing Thameslink bid have not been reassured by the Government that their terms and conditions will be Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) protected by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection (SNP): Will the Department for Transport carry out a of Employment) Regulations 2006 should they transfer full risk assessment before removing emergency towing to Siemens. Will he reassure those workers and the vessels from the waters around the Hebrides and Orkney House that TUPE will apply in such circumstances? and Shetland? Mike Penning: I met the hon. Gentleman recently to Mr Hammond: My understanding is that TUPE will discuss this. We have made an assessment. The contract apply in such circumstances. For the record, Siemens ends at the end of this month. I have worked closely employs 16,000 people in this country, many—indeed, I with all local communities and the Scottish Government think most—are represented by the Unite union, and to try to find out whether there is more funding. We do my understanding from the inquiries that I have made is not have the funding for it. The present contract, which that relationships between the union that represents was brought in by the previous Government, is a disaster them and the company are extremely good. for the taxpayer and the local community. I am still willing to look at other proposals, but they will have to T8. [71855] Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): be brought forward quickly. The extension of high-speed rail to Manchester will bring huge benefits to my constituents, both in terms of Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con): Would jobs and growth. Will the Minister reassure the House my right hon. Friend like to join me on one of the most that this line will not stop at Birmingham but will come beautiful and picturesque railway lines in the country, to Leeds and Manchester, and additionally will he between Liskeard and Looe, to see for herself how our confirm that if we are to have a proper integrated rural railways support coastal communities and the transport plan, we should look at a rail link between tourist industry? Rossendale and Manchester to complement it? Mrs Villiers: Yes, I would be delighted to. Mr Hammond: Ah, the sting in the tail! My hon. Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): Friend makes a very good point and I understand the Integrated transport authorities have effectively re-regulated concern that some Members representing seats in the buses in the larger metropolitan county areas, which north-west, Yorkshire and places further north have has squeezed private bus companies and made the bus about the fact that we have to progress this project in wars in rural areas particularly fierce. That is great for two separate stages through two separate hybrid Bills. I those who live on lucrative bus routes, but services to have made it clear on every occasion I possibly can that smaller rural villages have become so bad as to be the Government are committed to the whole Y network non-existent in some places. What is the Minister doing project. The benefit-to-cost ratio is based on the whole to help people out in those smaller rural areas? Y network, and I will do whatever I can to build into the first hybrid Bill reassurance to people and businesses in Norman Baker: Local decisions are a matter for local Manchester, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the north authorities, which are elected and are in the best position east that we will indeed complete the full Y project. to make those decisions. The hon. Lady will be aware that the Competition Commission is examining the bus Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ market and will report later this year. We will obviously Co-op): The Minister referred earlier to the access for give serious consideration to its recommendations. all programme. Newton station in my constituency is in dire need of an upgrade to improve access. Will he speak to Transport Scotland to ensure that the station WOMEN AND EQUALITIES gets those improvements quickly? The Minister for Women and Equalities was asked— Norman Baker: I am not familiar with that specific case, but I will happily look into it. I will discuss the Female Genital Mutilation matter with officials and write to the hon. Gentleman. 1. Jane Ellison (Battersea) (Con): What assessment she has made of the likelihood that new guidelines on T10. [71857] Joseph Johnson (Orpington) (Con): prosecution of cases of female genital mutilation will Daniel Upcraft and his fiancée Nicola were hit by a increase the prospects of securing a conviction. [71818] heavy lorry while queuing in traffic on the M25 last April. Daniel was left with very serious brain injuries The Minister for Equalities (Lynne Featherstone): and Nicola tragically lost her life. The driver of the Before answering that question, I would like to offer the lorry was found to have had undiagnosed sleep apnoea apologies of my right hon. Friend the Minister for and the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case Women and Equalities to you, Mr Speaker, and to the against him. Will the Minister please agree to meet House for being unable to attend questions today; she is Daniel’s mother, Carole, my constituent, who is in the United States on ministerial business relating to running a campaign to raise awareness of the impact of counter-terrorism. The Under-Secretary of State for sleep apnoea on drivers’ ability to maintain vigilance? Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for 1175 Oral Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 1176

Basingstoke (Maria Miller), who has responsibility for not come forward and ensure that we get assistance to disabled people, and I will endeavour to field questions them, support them and signpost them and work with from the House. more people who work in the community—including The Government are committed to eradicating female those who work with the FGM forum, which is a very genital mutilation. The Crown Prosecution Service’s important centre. legal guidance, which was launched last week, is an important step in preventing this horrendous practice. Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): My Bill in 2003, We hope that it will raise awareness of the issue and which became the Female Genital Mutilation Act of help prosecutors bring perpetrators to justice. the same year, came into force in 2004, but I have continually asked this question in the House: 74,000 young girls have undergone this procedure in the United Jane Ellison: I thank the Minister for that reply. The Kingdom, every year the numbers are increasing instead section of the new guidelines on reluctant victims focuses of decreasing and other countries are able to bring very much on the difficulties of obtaining evidence and prosecutions, so what is the point in having a measure gaining victim co-operation, but for years great expertise on the statute book unless it improves the lives of has been brought to bear in prosecuting child sexual people and does not just lie there? abuse. Could not this expertise be brought to bear in the area of FGM? Lynne Featherstone: I understand the right hon. Lady’s frustration. We are all frustrated, and in government we Lynne Featherstone: I thank my hon. Friend for that are frustrated, but we are working with the police and helpful suggestion. It is a really important point, because all relevant partners to try to ensure that prosecutions I am sure that much could be learned from the real go forward. We have distributed more than 40,000 progress that has been made in investigating and prosecuting leaflets and posters, which have been circulated in schools child sexual abuse cases. Where appropriate, prosecutors and to health services. The guidelines are to enable should make links with experts in other areas in order prosecutors to bring cases, but clearly there are issues to build a stronger case. because, as she knows, when such acts take place in the family and are part of a—[Interruption.] I understand, Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): I thank the Minister but what I have seen from working with the FGM for her response. One midwife, Alison Hughes, is organising forum and across government is that those with a a conference on 21 September in Birmingham, because knowledge of the community are best placed to help us the situation is getting serious. She now treats up to five to get families to bring cases forward, and we are cases a week of women giving birth who have been working with the police and the prosecution service to mutilated, and it causes huge problems. If the Minister do so. cannot give me an answer now, will she write to tell me whether any cases that are going to be prosecuted are in Flexible Working the pipeline? 2. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What plans she has to improve arrangements for flexible Lynne Featherstone: This is an important issue, and I working. [71820] am aware of the hon. Lady’s interest and involvement in it. On the conference and cases in progress, the police 4. Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): What investigated 58 cases in 2009-10, but none so far has steps she is taking to improve arrangements for flexible come to prosecution. I do not know, as I stand here, working. [71822] whether there is anything in the pipeline, but the legal guidance is one of the main hopes behind making 7. Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): What prosecutors more aware of how to take cases forward, steps she is taking to improve arrangements for flexible and I am very happy to deal with her directly. working. [71825]

Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): The The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work Minister will be aware that the charity Forward published and Pensions (Maria Miller): We want people to be able a report in 2007 which identified that 20,000 girls under to balance their work and caring responsibilities, and 15 years old were at risk. One of its recommendations the Government are committed to removing the barriers was that the issue be treated not just as a health issue, to that. Over the summer, we put forward our proposals but as violence against women and girls. Will she set out to extend to all employees the right to request flexible what progress is being made to place the focus not only working, and we will respond to that consultation in on health, but on the violence aspect? due course. Mr Hollobone: Is my hon. Friend aware that, according Lynne Featherstone: We certainly do put the emphasis to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, on the issue being not just about domestic violence, but about one quarter of older workers would continue to about a violation of human rights. It is the most serious work beyond retirement if they were able to work of offences against young women—all women—and it flexible hours? is part of our action plan, which includes 88 actions. The legal guidance is also part of the issue, but we are Maria Miller: My hon. Friend makes a very important taking a range of measures. point. The ability to work flexibly can work for many For example, I was at the Manor Gardens centre— different groups of people, and that is why we believe [Interruption.] If Mr Speaker will forgive me, I must that bringing forward measures that could give people say also that there are guidelines for front-line services, more opportunities to do so is so important. I hope that so that people on the front line can spot girls who do I can count on his support. 1177 Oral Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 1178

Alun Cairns: There is some evidence that flexible Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) working can have a positive impact on productivity. (Lab): Flexible working is vital for the economy and for What incentives can the Government offer to employers families. The only thing the Government have done so to encourage more of them to offer that facility? far on flexible working is to stop regulations coming in that would have extended the right to request flexible Maria Miller: I think my hon. Friend mentions one working to parents of 17-year-olds. At the same time, incentive himself and makes a very good point: the policies on jobs and on child care are making it harder flexibility itself can be an incentive for companies and harder, with every day that goes by, for women and to take it up. But we have set up legislative parents to work. With women’s unemployment at a opportunities to improve the situation and, importantly, record high and rising, and with child care support non-legislative opportunities, because the very culture being cut as costs rise, her Government’s own memo on of companies—in particular, the culture of “presenteeism”, women says: which unfortunately too often pervades small and large “we have made bold statements or promises but haven’t delivered companies—can make it very difficult for employees to enough”. take up flexible working. The truth is that they have not delivered at all; they are making it worse. What is the Minister going to do, and Stephen Mosley: Many Members of the House will when does she think that women’s unemployment will have personal experience of trying to juggle a career start to fall—this month, next month, next year? and looking after small children. What action is my hon. Friend taking to help parents of young children to Maria Miller: Unlike the right hon. Lady’s Government return to the work force after looking after their children? when they were in power, we do not blow hot and cold Maria Miller: I was in that position, a few years ago on flexible working; we are committed to it. This now. It is a difficult transition to make. That is why we Government absolutely take seriously the issues that are are making it a great priority to introduce a new system faced by women, and we have already taken a great deal of flexible parental leave so that new parents can choose of action to ensure that women are supported not only how to share child care between them. That, along with in the work place but throughout their family life. We our reforms of the benefits system under universal have increased spending on health and child tax credit, credit, will help many more women in particular to stay and the right to request flexible working is part of that close to the labour market. package. We have taken 880,000 of the lowest paid workers out of income tax altogether, the majority of Dame Anne Begg (Aberdeen South) (Lab): As we whom are women. The right hon. Lady needs to look at have heard, flexible working can be a very good thing, the score card of achievements that we have put in place but sometimes the phrase is misinterpreted by employers, and compare them against her own. and that leads to bad practices such as zero-hour contracts Violence against Women and Girls and unrealistic flexibility that they look for from employees instead of giving them set hours. Will the Minister guard against always using the phrase “flexible working”? 3. Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) (Con): What We may think it is a positive thing, but some employers steps she is taking to tackle violence against women interpret it differently. and girls. [71821]

Maria Miller: The hon. Lady makes an important The Minister for Equalities (Lynne Featherstone): On point. They are the sorts of issues that will come out in 8 March this year, we published our action plan on our consultation. tackling violence against women and girls. We have already delivered on that in several areas, including a Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): The Minister commitment to provide more than £38 million of Home will be aware that one of the biggest barriers to women Office and Ministry of Justice funding over four years returning to work is lack of child care. Women who for local specialist services to support victims of domestic want to work flexibly need to know that that child care and sexual violence. will be not only available but affordable. Has she seen the report by the Daycare Trust and Save the Children, Greg Hands: Under the last Labour Government, which says that the cost of child care is driving people rape crisis centres were closing at a rate of two per out of work and making it impossible for them to annum. Will the Minister confirm that this Government afford that child care? What will the Government do will never do anything to put such important services about this? Will she ask the Chancellor to look again at and their funding at risk? the child care elements of the working tax credit? Lynne Featherstone: I thank my hon. Friend for pointing Maria Miller: The hon. Gentleman raises an important that out. It is true that under the previous Government, point. It can be a real problem for families to identify the number of rape support centres in England and the right child care. That is why, under our universal Wales fell dramatically. This Government have committed credit reforms, we will continue to invest at least the £10 million to local rape support centres over the next same amount as is currently in place to support child three years. The Ministry of Justice is working with the care, and we are focusing on exactly how we will deliver sexual violence sector to open 15 new centres where that. I was pleased to see that colleagues in the Department there are gaps in provision. The first four of those will for Education have extended early years free entitlement open this year in Hereford, Trafford, Devon and Dorset. for three and four-year-olds to 15 hours. These are the Further work is being done to identify other parts of sorts of measures that will make a real difference to the the country where there is an acute need for such people the hon. Gentleman mentions. services. 1179 Oral Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 1180

Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): One resource identified important step forward for lesbian, gay and bisexual in the action plan to end violence against women and rights, and for religious freedom. We are considering girls is participatory local budgeting. The plan states the responses to the public consultation and working to that Stockport is to have this from March 2011. However, bring the regulations into force by the end of this year. Stockport has been doing local participatory budgeting for three years. Will the Minister clarify whether there Andrea Leadsom: Of course it is reasonable for religious will be additional funding, as is implied in the action premises that wish to hold civil partnerships to be able plan? to do so. However, does the Minister agree that it is entirely inappropriate for the Government to get involved Lynne Featherstone: My understanding is that there in any decision about civil partnerships being held in a will be, but I will check that and write to the hon. Lady particular religious venue? to confirm it. Lynne Featherstone: I reassure my hon. Friend that I Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): The No. 10 memo totally agree with her sentiment. The Government have describing why women do not like this Government made the decision to enable premises that want to host suggests that targeted Home Office work on women, civil partnership registrations to do so. This is about crime and confidence is required. At the time when the religious freedom. I am absolutely clear that it is not for officials were drawing up that memo with a focus group the Government to force any religious organisation to that looks to me as though it was made up of secretaries host civil partnership registrations if they do not wish and researchers in No. 10, I was listening to women in to do so. my constituency, who were worried about perverts harassing them on buses and on the street. What targeted Home Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): I hope that all churches Office work is being done to help such women? will want to celebrate same-sex commitments. However, I am worried that the Government are introducing Lynne Featherstone: We are working with all the another anomaly. When gay people get married in a police agencies and the Association of Chief Police civil partnership they will be able to have religious Officers to focus on those issues, including stalking and symbols and ceremonies, but if straight couples do not harassment. Tackling stalking, for example, is a key want to get married in a church, but would none the less priority for the Home Secretary. We have committed like to have religious music or symbols, they are not long-term funding to the national stalking helpline over allowed to have them. I think that we should go for the spending review period and we have set up a national straightforward equality with gay marriage and straight stalking strategy group to ensure that actions on stalking marriage being exactly the same. are taken under the violence against women and girls action plan. That is an example of one area of work that is targeted. Lynne Featherstone: I have had many conversations on this issue. I know that the hon. Gentleman wants Civil Partnership Ceremonies these things and we have discussed them. Right now, we are moving forward on allowing civil partnerships to be 5. Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): registered in religious premises. From listening to people, What her policy is on permitting civil partnership it is clear that there is a desire to move forward on equal ceremonies in religious premises. [71823] marriages and partnerships. We are working with people to move that agenda forward. The Minister for Equalities (Lynne Featherstone): Earlier this year, I announced our intention to implement section Several hon. Members rose— 202 of the Equality Act 2010 to remove the ban in England and Wales on civil partnerships being registered Mr Speaker: Order. I apologise to colleagues but, as on religious premises. It is a voluntary measure for faith so often, demand has exceeded supply and we must groups that want to allow that to happen. It is an move on. 1181 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Palestine and the United Nations 1182

Palestine and the United Nations There is no alternative to negotiations to address the fundamental issues at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and a solution cannot be imposed from outside. 11.34 am The parties need to redouble their efforts to break the Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab) (Urgent impasse and resume negotiations on a two-state solution Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign before the window to such a solution closes. Bold and Commonwealth Affairs—[Interruption.] leadership is needed from all sides. Neither Israel nor the Palestinians can afford to let the opportunity for Mr Speaker: Order. May I appeal to colleagues who peace slip further from their grasp. The two-state solution are almost unaccountably not staying for the urgent is the only way of realising the Palestinian aspirations question to leave quietly so we can hear Sir Gerald? for a state of their own and the long-term security that the Israelis deserve. Sir Gerald Kaufman: Always a treat, Mr Speaker. The Prime Minister made our position on United I should like to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Nations’ recognition of a Palestinian state very clear and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement during the visit of President Obama in May. He agreed stating the intentions of Her Majesty’s Government with the President that a Palestinian state was a legitimate with regard to the application next week of the Palestinian goal, but that the best way of achieving that was through Government at the United Nations. a comprehensive agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. So, our focus remains on continuing to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign push hard for a return to negotiations on the basis and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt): First, agreed by the Prime Minister and President Obama. Mr Speaker, may I apologise to you and the House for The United Kingdom Government want to see borders the absence of the Foreign Secretary this morning. I based on 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, security think it is well known that he and my right hon. Friend for Israel, and the right for Palestinians to govern the Prime Minister are on a visit to Libya and I am sure themselves in a sovereign and contiguous state. We see that the whole House will wish them both well as they Jerusalem as a shared city which will be the capital of make that journey and return safely. both countries and we also, of course, accept that there needs to be an agreed and just solution for Palestinian With permission, I will make a statement in answer to refugees. the right hon. Gentleman’s question about the Government’s intentions with regard to the application next week of However, Palestinian action at the UN this month the Palestinian Government at the United Nations. The now looks increasingly likely. As I have said, we do not Palestinian leadership has yet to submit any application yet know the form that such action might take. We are to the United Nations. If and when an application is working closely with partners to build consensus on a received, we will make a decision about how to respond. way forward that recognises the progress the Palestinians Without knowing the content of any such application, have made on their state-building efforts, that meets it would be premature to speculate on what the Israel’s legitimate security concerns and that avoids Government’s response might be. confrontation in the UN. This year marks the 20th year of the middle east Whatever action is taken in New York, it is important peace process—20 years since the Madrid conference that this increases the prospects for a return to negotiations. was launched. For the Palestinians and Israelis, not It is important to remember that action in the UN is not much has changed in nearly two decades since the Oslo an end in itself. September is not the “closing date” for accords were signed. The Israelis continue to face threats resolution of this conflict. What happens next is vital, from violent extremists and the Palestinians still have which is why our goal remains to ensure that steps taken no state. The UK has long been clear that peace in the now pave the way for significant, conclusive talks. It is middle east, enabling a resolution of the long-running vital that any action in the UN does nothing to endanger dispute between Israel and the Palestinians, has enormous the prospect of talks. It is emphatically in our national importance for global and regional security. The goal of interest to see an independent, democratic Palestinian the international community should be to ensure that state living in peace with Israel, not at some ever-receding this is the last year of process and the beginning of a point in the future, but within a limited, practical time lasting agreement between the parties. Events in the frame—not a part-deal on temporary borders that gives wider middle east region call for a redoubling of no promise for the future, but an agreement on all final international efforts to support peace, stability and status issues that will signal an end to all claims. I would democracy. Nowhere is that need more pressing than in like to assure hon. Members that the British Government the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. will not cease in their efforts to support the parties in finding a long-term, sustainable solution to this conflict The world can no longer claim that change in the that will make this vision a reality. middle east will come slowly and incrementally, or allow the middle east peace process to limp along Several hon. Members rose— indefinitely, as it has done. If the peace process becomes a casualty of regional change, it will feed instability and Mr Speaker: Order. I am grateful to the Minister, violence, not democracy and human development. While although his reply was on the long side. We need exchanges the Arab spring goes much broader than the Israeli- to be pithy, because I want to accommodate colleagues Palestinian conflict, this dispute deeply affects the politics who wish to question the Minister. of the broader region. The fluid dynamics resulting from the Arab spring make the prize of stability that Sir Gerald Kaufman: Does the hon. Gentleman agree would result from any agreement between Israel and the that it would be totally inconsistent to support freedom Palestinians even more significant. for the people of Libya, Egypt, Tunisia and Syria, but 1183 Palestine and the United Nations15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Palestine and the United Nations 1184 not actively to support, through this country’s UN whatever happens at the UN next week—and he genuinely votes, comparable independence for the people of Palestine, should not prejudge anyone’s position in this on any who have been waiting 64 years for UN decisions to be side—it is good for the future and not damaging to the fulfilled and implemented? Will he understand that a negotiation process. Palestinian success will transform the situation in the middle east, but that if the Palestinians go to the UN Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): Security Council and, if needs be, the General Assembly I refer the House to my relevant entry in the Register of and fail, the Israelis will regard it as a triumph and it Members’ Financial Interests. will be the end of the 20-year peace process? Will the I commend my right hon. Friend the Member for Government stand up and put their hand up for the Manchester, Gorton (Sir Gerald Kaufman) for tabling Palestinian people at the UN? an urgent question on this important issue. Surely it would have been better for the Government to have Alistair Burt: The Government have always been come to the House this week with an oral statement clear about their recognition of a Palestinian state at the covering this issue and the developments elsewhere in conclusion of a process of negotiation between the the region, including Syria. parties in which mutual security has been guaranteed. We see no reason to move from that position, because Labour has long supported the establishment of two anything else would threaten the compromise and security states living side by side in peace and recognised by all position that we all want to achieve. The right hon. their neighbours. There is widespread frustration and Gentleman talks about the importance of success in disappointment at the failure to make any progress in New York and what it would mean. We agree entirely. It recent years. We seek an immediate return to meaningful would be a disaster if in New York one side proclaimed negotiation between the parties, based on the 1967 triumph and the other reacted to a disaster. We are borders with land swaps, resulting in a Palestinian state working hard with all partners to try to ensure that, living in peace and security with Israel. whatever comes out of the UN, it is in the spirit of both The Palestinians’ path to independent statehood will sides feeling that something has been gained and that require recognition at the United Nations, and Labour we have a situation moving towards those negotiations supports that goal. We will judge any move made at the that need to succeed. We are all well aware of how United Nations next week—such as the potential upgrading success or disaster could be viewed and what the to observer status of the Palestinian delegation—on the consequences could be. It is very important that at this basis of the contribution that it can make to securing stage we work as hard as possible for a resolution that meaningful negotiations between the Israelis and the will mean that both sides will be able to recognise that Palestinians and achieving a comprehensive agreement. they have gained something and that we all have an Contrary to what the Minister has said today, however, opportunity and real hope for the near future. we believe that the options before the international community are now clear. This morning, President Abbas, Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): Does who has seized the attention of the world on this issue, my hon. Friend understand the profound sense of has said that the Palestinians will pursue statehood in disappointment that there is in the House—and will be the absence of genuine alternatives. outside—at the nature of his remarks? Britain’s influence Will the Minister set out the Government’s position and reputation will inevitably be substantially diminished for the House today—the last opportunity before the unless we show a positive approach to this issue. The House rises for the recess—and tell us how the United Minister did not really answer the contradiction posed Kingdom will vote on the following three very real by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton scenarios? First, how would we vote in the UN Security (Sir Gerald Kaufman). How is it that the Prime Minister Council on full recognition? Secondly, what would be and the Foreign Secretary can be in the middle east, our position in a vote in the UN General Assembly doing everything in their power to support the principle advocating full recognition? Thirdly, how would we of self-determination, while the British Government, so vote in the General Assembly on enhanced observer close to the question being asked in New York, are status for the Palestinians? unable even to take a position on the Palestinian application? Does he understand that the most telling criticism of British policy in the middle east has always been that of Alistair Burt: I thank the hon. Gentleman for what double standards? Is this not just an illustration of that? was, at the beginning of his remarks, a clear statement of a position that is virtually identical to that of the Alistair Burt: If my right hon. and learned Friend Government. That is to say, he and his party will make a would like to tell me the final terms of the resolution judgment on any option that is put forward next week that will be presented to the UN, we might be in a on the basis of the contribution that it can make to an position to answer the question. However, as I indicated, ultimate settlement. We will do exactly the same. I am our position on recognition of Palestine as a state is sure that he will respect my position when I tell him that assured as a result of the processes that have been gone I cannot answer his hypothetical questions, because through and the negotiations that are vital between every nuance in every comment adds to the general pot both sides. As I mentioned in my statement, what that is now being discussed. There are times when these happens next week is not an event, but part of that issues have to be put privately, before a public position process. Palestinian statehood will not be secured by a can be taken. resolution, whatever anyone thinks or whatever is passed Over the past few weeks, we have heard many statements at the UN. It will be secured by the mutual recognition from representatives on all sides, indicating that a vote of both sides, which comes through the negotiation might be taken in the United Nations Security Council process that both sides have been committed to. Our or that it might not, that it might be taken in the position remains that we are determined to ensure that General Assembly or that it might not, or that this 1185 Palestine and the United Nations15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Palestine and the United Nations 1186

[Alistair Burt] Mr Speaker: I call the Minister—find a question there. might depend on a Quartet statement. All those issues are still live and current, and although I quite understand Alistair Burt: I am grateful for the wisdom and advice the House’s desire to know the negotiating position, it of colleagues on all sides and at all different stages in would be genuinely unfair of hon. Members to press me their parliamentary careers. I welcome it from those on that at this stage. My answer would have to be the who, like me, have been around for a while and from same. I understand entirely where the hon. Gentleman those who are new here. My hon. Friend gets to the is coming from, and we take comfort from understanding, heart of it when he says that there are dangers and risks from his first remarks, that he and his party recognise that come from people taking established positions at a the position that we are in. We want to ensure that very early stage, when the truth, as we all know, is that nothing that is put forward and agreed next week will negotiations proceed on a parallel track, sometimes in damage the prospect of peace between the parties, private and sometimes leading to a different outcome. which we believe will come from a negotiated settlement We all need to keep our counsel calm and wise over the and, we hope, as soon as possible. weekend, and I am absolutely certain that those most closely involved in negotiations would entirely fulfil my Several hon. Members rose— hon. Friend’s requirements. Mr Speaker: Order. So far, this matter has absorbed Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): That last 13 minutes, and the vast majority of Back Benchers are intervention from the Conservative Back Benches could still waiting to speak. What is required from Back have been more appropriate in the Israeli Parliament. Is Bench and Front Bench alike is brevity. the Minister aware that if there is a vote at the United Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): I welcome my Nations, what we do will be seen as how far Britain is hon. Friend’s firm commitment to a two-state solution, genuinely committed to the Palestinian cause and to the but I put it to him that what has changed over the past creation of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state 20 years has been the building of a wall through part of alongside Israel? Time and again British Governments the west bank and a programme of settlement building have said, like today, that they are in favour of a that is very close to closing the door to a two-state Palestinian state, but so far there has been little action solution. May I urge him to take very seriously the to bring that about. Palestinian bid for statehood while, understandably, Alistair Burt: It is because we are well aware of the calling for some conditions? implications of the United Kingdom vote on any resolution Alistair Burt: The obstacles and difficulties that my that we are being so careful and working so hard to hon. Friend refers to are precisely the reason that this ensure that a resolution is not couched in terms such opportunity should be taken before the door to a two-state that it either leaves one side completely dissatisfied and solution closes. adds to the frustration or indefinitely extends the chance of reaching a settlement to deal with the frustrations Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): that the hon. Gentleman very properly articulates. Does the Minister agree that although a negotiated settlement for two states—Israel and Palestine—can Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Does my hon. bring peace and security to the two peoples, a resolution Friend acknowledge that when Netanyahu visited the that cannot deal with the critical detail of borders, United States in May 2011 he said that he wanted to Jerusalem and refugees may simply raise false expectations, negotiate with the Palestinians and that Israel would leading to frustration and violence, thereby impeding not be the last country to welcome a Palestinian state? the essential and urgent path of negotiations? However, does he not also agree that it is difficult to negotiate with the Palestinian Authority when its main Alistair Burt: The hon. Lady accurately characterises partner is Hamas, which refuses to recognise Israel or the difficulties and nuances in this situation. It may not renounce terrorism and continues to fire missiles on be all about a resolution; it may be about a resolution Israeli towns? with a Quartet statement dealing with parameters. All that is up for discussion. She is acutely aware of the Alistair Burt: Our position on Hamas is well known subsidiary issues that would go alongside any resolution and we have no contact with it. However, as we know, and which are being much discussed at present. there are difficulties on all sides, and each side has reasons why it has not wanted to proceed to negotiations Nick Boles (Grantham and Stamford) (Con): I commend or why it might rebuff others. Equally, each side knows the calm and balanced approach set out by my hon. that if it really wants a settlement, it is in its power to try Friend—so unlike the wild and irresponsible statements to overcome those difficulties, seek confidence and by others on both sides of this House, whose long years assurances from each other and move on. What is have clearly not brought them wisdom. What matters— different now—this may come through next week—is [HON.MEMBERS: “Withdraw.”] No, I will not withdraw the urgency of the situation, as conveyed by the whole it; I believe it and I am happy to restate it for anyone international community. We need to make progress who cares to hear it again. What matters in this situation and that requires all sides to be prepared to take the is actual changes on the ground, in the feelings, thoughts steps to help that happen, difficult though they may be. and fears of Israeli people and Palestinian people. What does not matter is posturing in the House of Commons Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): For many or the United Nations General Assembly by politicians decades the Palestinian people have sought justice, peace trying to associate themselves with a cause and taking and recognition. The vote in the UN is the culmination up a brave position, but not thinking about the people of a very good campaign that has been supported by a whose interests should be at the heart of it. wide range of Palestinian opinion. Does the Minister 1187 Palestine and the United Nations15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Palestine and the United Nations 1188 recognise that not to support it—to vote against it—will that not give the game away? Is this not actually about put the whole cause back a long way and reduce the giving the Israeli Government a veto over when a Palestinian chances of any kind of long-term peace and settlement state is recognised? in the whole region? He must be more positive than he has been so far today. Alistair Burt: No. What I am actually about is what I said. Alistair Burt: I am positive about our wanting a situation next week that leads to proper negotiations to Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): I welcome my see the settlement of the dispute, because of the frustrations hon. Friend’s statement and the words that he used. that the hon. Gentleman articulates. I cannot be more Personally, I strongly believe that there need to be positive about that than I have been, but there is no negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians resolution yet and I would take issue with the sense that and that at the end of that process the state of Palestine this is the culmination of a campaign. My sense is that should be recognised. May I therefore urge him to join the United Nations procedure next week is an important the United States in the Security Council in vetoing the event, but there will be a day after and facts on the premature creation of a Palestinian state and also in the ground will not be different the day after. What the UN General Assembly in voting against such a proposal, has to lead to is something that makes the situation on but to make it clear that at the end of negotiations, the ground capable of the solution and compromise when matters are satisfactorily resolved, we would through negotiations that we need. That will be to the universally recognise the Palestinian state? benefit of both the Palestinians and the Israelis alike. Alistair Burt: My hon. Friend tempts me again to John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): Does take a position on a hypothetical situation. Let me say my hon. Friend accept that we need to ensure that again that I cannot go into that until we see a resolution. among the various roads to peace there are at least I stick to the position that I have taken, which is the some without roadblocks on them? belief that the United Kingdom must ensure that whatever is tabled next week and whatever gets through the Alistair Burt: The hon. Gentleman raises, in his own United Nations leads to a proper approach to negotiations way, a practical issue that affects the occupied territories. in which both sides can feel confident of some movement. It is much discussed in this House and, as we are aware, something that a settlement between the two parties will Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): ultimately sweep away, so that we have a viable west Can I ask the Minister a simple question? I have heard bank and Gaza continuing the economic progress that all the problems that he has outlined and the finessing we have seen in recent years, as supported by the United of those on our Benches, but does he agree with those Kingdom. However, those issues have to be dealt with who say that if there is recognition, it would be a barrier by the parties themselves in the negotiations that we all to progress? Would it not be better for two nations to wish to see. recognise each other and continue to negotiate a settlement than for one to reject, acting as a colonial nation, and Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): for the other to be an imprisoned nation? Polling consistently shows that over 60% of both Israeli and Palestinian communities support a two-state solution. Alistair Burt: I take the hon. Gentleman’s point. The Will the Minister commit to ensuring that everything is barriers to progress are many, and they are very much done to support the peoples of both countries in their about trust and confidence as well as the legacy of aims and aspirations? negotiations in the past. A situation where one side proclaims victory and the other feels defeat will not Alistair Burt: I entirely concur with the hon. Lady. help anyone, no matter what the subject matter might be. Let us therefore try to work towards a situation next Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Am I right week where a resolution will not bring that about, in recalling that in 1948 the United Nations voted for a which is what many parties are seeking to achieve. hasty two-state solution before agreement had been reached between the parties and that the result was an Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): I welcome immediate outbreak of hostilities between them? the Minister’s cautious approach on this issue. As said by other hon. Members, there is no way that a unilateral Alistair Burt: There are many interpretations of what declaration of statehood can make up for negotiations. happened at the UN in 1948, but my hon. Friend is There is a risk of the issue becoming a battering ram for right to suggest that a resolution at the United Nations those who seek the delegitimisation of Israel, so will he by itself does not secure the peace between peoples give us an assurance that the British Government will unless it is soundly based on proper recognition, respect take no part in anything that seeks to do that? and confidence between the two. That is what we earnestly wish to see from the negotiations, which we hope will Alistair Burt: I can assure my hon. Friend that neither restart shortly and which we are pressing for as part of this Government nor the previous one had any truck our approach to this weekend. with the delegitimisation of Israel, and they both took many steps to reject those who tried to project such an Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): The sense image—and that will continue. Ultimately, the relationships of urgency that the Minister talks about seems to be between the rest of the world and Israel and, indeed, the almost entirely absent from the Government’s position. rest of the world and the Palestinians will be much On the contrary, in his response to the right hon. and affected by the way in which they can work together to learned Member for North East Fife (Sir Menzies get the agreement that we all seek. We will do everything Campbell) he talked about mutual recognition. Does in our power to encourage that. 1189 Palestine and the United Nations15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Palestine and the United Nations 1190

Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, Strathaven and Alistair Burt: This Government have long campaigned Lesmahagow) (Lab): Following the recent terror attacks for the unconditional release of Gilad Shalit. I take my on southern Israel and the storming of the Israeli hon. Friend’s point: we are all aware that gestures and embassy in Egypt, does the Minister agree that what things could be done that would be highly damaging to Israel needs now is partners and peace on the ground the process as a result of what might happen next week, rather than being isolated at the UN? yet extraordinary gestures could be made that would mark a real difference and a step forward. One such Alistair Burt: The hon. Gentleman makes a sharp gesture would certainly be the release of Gilad Shalit, point. The situation in the middle east has changed, not but that is not, of course, within the control of the only over months but over weeks. It increases the sense Palestinian Authority. of urgency with which this Government are approaching these next few days and our determination to say to Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): The Minister both parties that, in the midst of such instability and talks about not handing anyone victory or defeat, but concern, what an extraordinary event it would be to go does he recognise that, if the vote were taken and the away from the United Nations with something that the Palestinians were defeated at the United Nations, this international community was confident would lead to would simply hand an absolute victory to those in Tel progress and in respect of which both sides could accept Aviv who would recognise that there was no pressure to that they had gained something and would therefore make any progress whatever? want to respond to the international situation of concern and the need for urgency. That is what we would like to Alistair Burt: The hon. Gentleman speaks with great seek. experience on these matters, but I have to say that those in the respective foreign affairs departments looking at Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): As the issue would recognise that there is significant pressure someone who supports the creation of a Palestinian from the United Kingdom on all. Again, I cannot be state, does the Minister agree with me that if there is to tempted to commit to a particular position on a vote be enhanced or full representation for Palestine at the that is not yet clear. UN, those representatives need to be able to speak with authority for the majority of decent Palestinians as opposed to an extremist minority? Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): In June, I visited the west bank and east Jerusalem and saw the consequences Alistair Burt: I am sure that the ultimate representation of the state of Israel’s policies of apartheid and ethnic of Palestinians at the UN, which is clearly a matter for cleansing against the Palestinian people. Bearing in the Palestinian Authority, will be decided by what President mind that Israel does not honour United Nations Abbas said when he announced the relationship with resolutions, is it not time that Britain, Europe and the Hamas, stating that it had to live up to the principles of rest of the world treated Israel in the way we treated a democratic future state of Palestine, with recognition apartheid South Africa? of previous agreements, recognition of the state of Israel, and an end to violence. Alistair Burt: The consequences of the failure to resolve this long-running matter have many different Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ shades on all sides. That is why it is essential to see it Co-op): The Minister continually refuses to give an resolved and why we feel a sense of urgency to do so. indication of the approach that the Government will take next week because the negotiations are ongoing. Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): First, can The negotiations, however, are not ones from which the the Minister confirm that Britain is not going to participate British Government are an absent partner; they are in the UN so-called Durban III conference? Secondly, actively involved in those negotiations, so it is fair to ask will there be a common EU position on the question of what attitude the British Government are taking towards recognition of Palestinian independence? them. Will the Minister at least say how the Government would vote on the three particular scenarios put to him Alistair Burt: Two good questions. First, yes, I can by my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, West confirm that there will be no UK participation at Durban Derby (Stephen Twigg)? III. Secondly, the more effectively EU partners can Alistair Burt: I give a straight answer to a straight work together, the better, and we are much in contact question. No, I will not respond to those scenarios, for with each other at this time. the reasons I gave. I was asked about our approach, but I hope I have made our approach, as well as our Mr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): Does the Minister determination, very clear. The detail is not there because agree that the real judgment should be for an agreement the detail of a resolution is not before us. Of course it between Israel and the Palestinians, particularly on has been widely discussed, and although we are not an mutual recognition, security guarantees, an end to violence active party to the negotiations between Israel and the and incitement, settlements, borders, Jerusalem, refugees Palestinians, we have a huge interest. I hope I have and other day-to-day trade issues, and that any intended conveyed the approach and the intention of the United UN declaration, including on observer status, simply Kingdom. evades all those issues? Mr Lee Scott (Ilford North) (Con): Does my hon. Alistair Burt: As my hon. Friend has made clear and Friend agree that, as a gesture to make sure that whatever as I mentioned in the course of my remarks, many is put forward to the United Nations next week has subsidiary issues—hugely important ones—are being some credibility, returning Gilad Shalit to his family considered at the same time as any potential resolution. this week would be a step forward? Of course, he makes the point that much of this is 1191 Palestine and the United Nations 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 1192 wrapped up together, so taking one position out of all Business of the House those and believing it to be definitive is highly unlikely. That is why we continue to press for both sides to be in negotiations on all the issues that my hon. Friend 12.7 pm mentioned. Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab): Will the Leader of the House give us the forthcoming business? Several hon. Members rose— The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir George Mr Speaker: Order. I am grateful to the Minister. I Young): The business for the week commencing 10 October have done my best to accommodate the level of interest will be: of colleagues and I apologise to those whom I have not been able to accommodate. If the hon. Member for MONDAY 10 OCTOBER—Remaining stages of the Ealing Central and Acton (Angie Bray)would stop wringing Protection of Freedoms Bill (day 1). her hands and listen to the explanation, she might leave TUESDAY 11 OCTOBER—Remaining stages of the better informed. There is a business statement to come Protection of Freedoms Bill (day 2). and two very heavily subscribed debates are to take WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER—Opposition day [unallotted place under the auspices of the Backbench Business day]. There will be a debate on an Opposition motion. Committee. Ordinarily, I try to get everybody in; I Subject to be announced. cannot today. I hope that it is understood. THURSDAY 13 OCTOBER—Motions relating to the use of hand-held electronic devices in the Chamber and Committees (HC 889), improving the effectiveness of parliamentary scrutiny (HC 800) and ministerial statements (HC 602), followed by general debate on High Speed 2. The subjects for these debates were nominated by the Backbench Business Committee. The provisional business for the week commencing 17 October will include: MONDAY 17 OCTOBER—Motion relating to MPs’pensions, followed by motion relating to disclosure and publication of documents relating to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. The subject for this debate was nominated by the Backbench Business Committee. TUESDAY 18 OCTOBER—Remaining stages of the Pensions Bill [Lords]. WEDNESDAY 19 OCTOBER—Opposition day. There will be a debate on an Opposition motion. Subject to be announced. THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER—Consideration of Lords amendments. FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER—Private Members’ Bills. I should also like to inform the House that the business in Westminster Hall for 13 and 20 October will be: THURSDAY 13 OCTOBER—A debate on responses to the riots. THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER—A debate on scrutiny of arms export controls (2011): UK strategic export controls annual report 2009, quarterly reports for 2010, licensing policy and review of export control legislation (HC 686). Finally, on 12 July, the House was able to convey its gratitude to Sir Malcolm Jack on his retirement from the office of Clerk of the House. As today is the last sitting day before the Clerk retires, may I take this further opportunity on behalf of the House to reiterate our gratitude and to send him our warmest wishes for the future?

Hilary Benn: I am grateful to the Leader of the House for that reply. On behalf of the Opposition, may I join him in expressing again our thanks to Sir Malcolm for everything that he has done in the service of the House and of our democracy, and in wishing him all the best for the future? 1193 Business of the House15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 1194

[Hilary Benn] Finally, having mentioned Mr Steve Hilton last week, this week we have been helpfully provided with a restricted May we have a statement from the Prime Minister on memo from his comrade at No. 10, Mr Andrew Cooper. why, at Prime Minister’s questions, he keeps saying Headed, “The problem”, it reveals that women voters things that simply do not accord with the facts. Yesterday, just do not like this Government. In a damning section, he told the House: it says that “Bank lending is actually going up.”——[Official Report, “we are clear that there are a range of policies we have pursued as 14 September 2011; Vol. 532, c. 1034.] a Government which are seen as having hit women, or their Wrong. The Bank of England’s most recent data show interests, disproportionately, including: Public sector pay and that overall lending to businesses is falling. Yesterday he pensions…Tuition fees, Abolition of Child Trust Funds, Changes also claimed that private sector employment has increased to child tax credit and the childcare element, Changes to child benefit.” by 500,000. Wrong. The Office for National Statistics confirms that private sector employment increased by Mr Cooper is clearly a man who can get his judgment only 264,000 in the year to June 2011. In answering a and his facts right. We wish him well in trying to question about growth in the European Union by trying persuade his boss to do the same. to talk about America instead—curiously, as America Sir George Young: Yet again the right hon. Gentleman has not been part of Europe for nearly 250 years—he has made no substantive criticism of the business the claimed that the UK is growing faster than the United Government have laid before the House for the next two States. That was wrong too. The US economy has weeks. He will have noted that we have allocated two grown by 2.6% over the past year to the end of the days for the Report stage of a Bill, which was virtually second quarter, while the UK has grown by only 0.7%. unheard of in the Government of whom he was a The Prime Minister takes the most important decisions, member. and he has a responsibility to do so on the basis of On statistics, may I say to the right hon. Gentleman accurate facts, yet it is now clear that he is repeatedly that he should look carefully at the dates to which the getting things wrong. It might be incompetence—he statistics that he read out apply. He might well find that might actually believe all this stuff—but either way, it is the Prime Minister’s statistics were perfectly accurate, no wonder that the public are losing confidence in the and that the ones that he used were also accurate. The Government’s economic policy. period over which one takes statistics is crucial, and May we have a debate on the recommendations of ‘twas ever thus. the Boundary Commission for England? The Leader of On the Boundary Commission, it is indefensible that the House will be aware of the deep disquiet, not to say a constituency such as Arfon currently has some 40,000 anger, about the proposals, which, in places, will divide voters, whereas East Ham has more than 90,000. That is communities and destroy relationships that have been the position that the boundaries Bill, which is now on built up over many years between constituents and their the statute book, was set to address. We are also reducing Members of Parliament, and all in pursuit of an over-rigid the numbers of Members of Parliament. This House is mathematical formula. For example, there is a proposed the largest directly elected Chamber in the whole of constituency for Gloucester minus the cathedral that Europe, and we believe that Members can perfectly makes it a city, and one for a new seat called the Mersey adequately represent 77,000 people, and many already Banks, covering three different local authorities, where do. I am sorry if the right hon. Gentleman has been one would have to leave the constituency three times inconvenienced by the proposals. I understand that and go over a bridge to get from one end of it to the there might be an interesting discussion between him other. It is no wonder that words such as “muddle”, and the shadow Chancellor, and my sympathies are “utterly random” and “barking” have been heard this entirely with him. He knows better than anybody that week. Even the mild-mannered Business Secretary has the place to make such representations about boundaries complained. is not in the House, but to the Boundary Commission. This is only the beginning because, as the House will be aware, the same inflexible formula will be applied Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab):What about your every five years from now on, so we can expect further boundaries? regular disruption, with MPs and their constituents not knowing who will be representing whom next. Given Sir George Young: This is my fifth boundary review. I the disruption that the changes will bring, I suspect that have been expanded, reduced and abolished. These quite a few Members who voted for the Bill that led to reforms have no surprises. the proposals will now be saying to themselves, “What The right hon. Gentleman raised a serious issue have we done?” about the fees that are payable on the registration of a May we have a statement on reports that the Government death. The issue may arise from the coroners legislation, propose to ask bereaved relatives, including those on and I will ask the Lord Chancellor to write to him with low incomes, for payment when they go to register the a response. death of a loved one? The charge, estimates of which The right hon. Gentleman ended with a reference to vary from £100 to £180, is apparently intended to pay Mr Hilton. Last week, the right hon. Gentleman for a new system to check on causes of death, but the bombarded me with seven requests for debates, and I cost, which is no longer to be hidden in funeral directors’ assumed that the Opposition would choose at least one charges, will be collected when families turn up, often in of them for the Opposition day on Tuesday, but not one a distressed state, at the register office, or they will be of the subjects that he felt were so important last sent an invoice later. Given that the Conservative party Thursday appeared on the agenda. I think we have made such a fuss at the last election about a so-called rumbled him. For him, these sessions are just as much death tax, will a Minister explain at the Dispatch Box opportunities to display his great sense of humour as to why they now plan to impose one? make serious bids for debates. 1195 Business of the House15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 1196

Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): May we have a debate that the fire was caused by another child playing with on social mobility and aspiration? I am sure that many matches, which then ignited a highly flammable mattress. people were touched by the report in The Sunday Times Could time be found for a debate on fire safety, which of an 11-year-old girl, Aliyah Tribak, who was desperately would include advice on preventing access to flammable trying to raise funds to go to the independent school materials and on the use of flame-retardant furnishings that she wanted to get into but could not afford, as she to help reduce the risk of such tragic events happening is from a deprived background in Tower Hamlets. If the again in the future? Government are serious about social mobility and allowing people to meet their aspirations, surely it is time that we Sir George Young: The whole House will have been reintroduced the assisted places scheme, so that the best sorry to hear of the loss of life of the toddler in my hon. schools in the country are available to the poorest and Friend’s constituency. I believe that there are restrictions not just the preserve of the rich and privileged. on the materials that can be used in many items of furniture. However, I will raise the instance that the Sir George Young: I understand the forceful case that hon. Gentleman has given with the Under-Secretary of my hon. Friend makes for the restoration of assisted State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the hon. Member places. Our view is that the best way to make progress is for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), who is responsible to pursue our policy on free schools, which inevitably for consumer affairs, and see whether there are any have a much broader catchment area than those of the further steps that we can take to avoid a repetition of independent sector, and to drive up standards for all the tragedy. children in all schools, which is the thrust of my right hon. Friend the Education Secretary’s policy. I hope Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): The that that will achieve the objectives of social mobility Government have proposed the most fundamental changes and aspiration that my hon. Friend has just enunciated. to our planning system for 64 years. Widespread concern Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): May has been expressed about the fact that the national I add my thanks to Sir Malcolm Jack and wish him planning policy framework fails to strike the right balance every success for the future? between growth on one hand, and the protection of our natural environment and ensuring a real say for local In his business statement, the Leader of the House people on the other. Do the Government intend to put mentioned a couple of Back-Bench debates, one on the final draft of the framework to Parliament, following Hillsborough and the other on the riots, both of which full consultation, so that both Houses can vote on it? arguably started as a result of an e-petition that reached 100,000 signatures. At Tuesday’s meeting of the Backbench Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman will know Business Committee, we discussed the best way to proceed that there is a period of consultation on the draft with e-petitions, and decided that in the short term we national planning policy framework. The Minister of were only able to hear proposals involving e-petitions State, Department for Communities and Local directly from Members as part of a bid, which we would Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for consider on their merits as we would for normal bids. Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark), who has responsibility The Committee will continue to discuss the matter to for planning, has on many occasions sought to reassure find a long-term solution for dealing more satisfactorily both the House and the country as a whole that our with e-petitions and to ensure that, rather than becoming policies—unlike some designed by our opponents—will gimmicks, they are meaningful. Until we find such a create sustainable growth, but not at the expense of the long-term solution, will the Leader of the House commit environment and the green belt. The framework does to giving the Backbench Business Committee additional not override local plans, and it protects the green belt, time to accommodate the new e-pressures that the areas of outstanding natural beauty, sites of special Government have put on us? scientific interest and the rest. I personally would welcome Sir George Young: I am grateful to the hon. Lady and a debate at the end of the process, so that the House her Committee for finding time to debate the two e-petitions could have an opportunity to let its views be heard on that had crossed the 100,000 threshold. We note her this important issue. public service announcement that e-petitions will be debated only if they are picked up by a Member and Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): May then formally presented to her for debate. we have a debate on the relative merits of unilateral and The hon. Lady asked about time for her Committee. multilateral approaches to the taxation of banks? This As I have said on earlier occasions, we will honour the Government introduced a unilateral tax on bank balance commitment to a minimum of 35 days in a Session, and sheets. We could discuss whether that is a better approach because the current Session is longer, more than 35 days than waiting for a global tax, which I think would still will be provided. Now that the bulk—although not not have come about. all—of the legislative programme has been completed in the House of Commons, I hope that in the months Sir George Young: My hon. Friend is absolutely and weeks ahead it may be possible to find more headroom right: we would still be waiting for the global tax if it for Backbench Business Committee debates. As is clear had been necessary to secure universal agreement before from the business that I have just announced, there will it went ahead. She is also right to remind the House of be more time for the Committee than there has been in the unilateral bank levy that we introduced, which will recent weeks. raise almost £10 million during the current Parliament. The one-off bonus tax proposed by the Labour party Mr Edward Timpson (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con): has real disadvantages, not least the fact that the person Very tragically, a toddler was killed last year in a house who designed it says that a permanent tax would not fire in my constituency. The inquest has now reported work. 1197 Business of the House15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 1198

Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab): In my constituency, authority to have an up-to-date local development plan, which adjoins Newcastle, four young people have died informed by local opinion, so that any development in recent months after taking cocktails of substances that takes place has a local consensus behind it. including legally dispensed methadone which has been sold on to them. May we have a statement from the Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab): Secretary of State for Health about what he will do to The Leader of the House will be aware that the public try to prevent such tragic events from occurring again? service workers are to be balloted on industrial action aimed at protecting their pensions—industrial action Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman will have an that the workers do not want and the country does not opportunity to put those questions to the Secretary of need. Even at this late stage, can the Leader of the State for Health on Tuesday 18 October. In the meantime, House use his good offices to ask the Government to I will write to the Secretary of State asking whether any demonstrate, not with warm words but with action, that further steps are possible—in addition to those that we they are taking the negotiations seriously? have already taken—to stop the unnecessary loss of young life among those who are taking these concoctions. Sir George Young: With the greatest respect to the hon. Gentleman, I wonder if I could put the same Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Could time be found question to him. Can he use his good offices to persuade for an urgent debate on a new European Union directive the relevant unions to call off the action? It is unnecessary, which, according to the charity Diabetes UK, will result it would damage economic growth and recovery, and in up to 1 million people with diabetes having their many of us consider it to be wholly premature. driving licences taken away? It would appear that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is applying the David Tredinnick (Bosworth) (Con): Will my right directive far more swiftly than it is being applied in hon. Friend ensure that the House can vote before other countries. The ban is due to be introduced next Christmas on our sitting hours? The Procedure Committee month, so may we have that urgent debate? is considering both sitting hours and the calendar of the House, but would it not be best for us to have a report Sir George Young: I understand my hon. Friend’s on sitting hours? I think that there is a strong wish to concern. I do not know whether he was present for return to the earlier start on Tuesdays that operated Transport questions earlier today and had an opportunity between 2003 and 2005. to raise the issue with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, but I am aware of the draft directive, and will Sir George Young: My hon. Friend will know that the raise it with my right hon. Friend and ask him to drop Select Committee on Procedure is conducting an inquiry the hon. Gentleman a line. into the parliamentary calendar, and I understand that some eight hon. Members gave evidence to it yesterday. Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): I think it is generally I am not sure that the Committee is planning to report agreed that the Select Committee system is increasingly within the time scale that my hon. Friend has suggested, showing its worth, but the Leader of the House will be but certainly any change in the sitting hours will be aware of two emerging difficulties: the refusal of witnesses subject to a vote in the House, which I suspect will take to attend, and the level of veracity of the evidence place some time next year. given. Will he arrange a debate to explore possible remedies, or undertake to consider the issues and report Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Before the back to the House? election the Prime Minister promised to take tough action against people who are involved in knife crime, Sir George Young: I understand the right hon. but we know from the latest figures that people who are Gentleman’s concern, but I think the issue would be involved in such crimes are now less likely to go to jail. best explored in the first instance through an informal May we have an urgent debate on the matter? meeting between me and the Liaison Committee, as I imagine that it affects a number of Select Committees. I Sir George Young: We have had an opportunity to should be more than willing to engage in such a discussion debate the Government’s proposals on legislation. We to establish whether any further steps are necessary. have taken a much tougher approach to those who carry knives and then engage in aggressive behaviour, Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): My constituency who are now more likely to end up in prison than was contains the villages of Irchester and Wollaston, which the case before. are separated by some beautiful countryside. I have been contacted by residents who fear that the Government’s Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): On hearing threats planning proposals will lead to the land being concreted of industrial action emerge from the TUC conference, over. Further to the question asked by the hon. Member my constituents are understandably concerned about for Birmingham, Erdington (Jack Dromey), may we the impact on their children’s education and the emergency have a debate that would expose the myth that the services, for example. Can the Leader of the House find Government’s planning legislation will concrete over time for a debate on industrial relations, so that Members the whole of the countryside? can express their views on whether we need to strengthen the laws governing strike ballots? Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the role that he is playing in demolishing such myths. Sir George Young: It is very disappointing that there I said earlier that I would welcome a debate on the draft have been proposals for ballots on industrial action national policy framework, but if there is a local plan, while negotiations are still going on between the local people can protect that piece of land from Government and the unions. Any such action would development. I think the message conveyed by my hon. be premature. We have no plans at this stage to Friend’s question is that it is important for each local change the legislation on industrial action, but we will 1199 Business of the House15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 1200 monitor the application of the law in that important Sir George Young: My hon. Friend will have heard area, particularly if strike action takes place, and we the Chancellor’s statement earlier this week. The will bear all views in mind if it does prove necessary to Government are now examining the report in detail and reassess the legal framework. we want to keep the House updated on its implementation. We welcome the report and have given our support to Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): I its central recommendations. An initial response will be am very pleased that the Prime Minister and the Secretary given by the end of the year. We were all pleased, if of State for Business, Innovation and Skills have now somewhat surprised, to hear the shadow Chancellor said that bringing Siemens to Hull is a key priority for apologise on Tuesday for being partly responsible for the Government, but may we have a debate so that we the failed system of regulation under the previous can learn whether Department of Energy and Climate Government. Change Ministers have a long-term commitment to the offshore wind energy sector? Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ Co-op): May we then have a debate on bank charges, following the news this morning that both RBS and Sir George Young: I understand that such commitments Clydesdale bank are, for the first time in their history, to have already been given in broad terms by my right hon. charge credit unions for banking services, so that we can Friend the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate make our view clear that banks should not pass on their Change. There will be an opportunity on 20 October to charges to vulnerable organisations and customers in press him further on these issues; in the meantime, I will the current circumstances? share the hon. Lady’s concern with him. Sir George Young: I understand the hon. Gentleman’s Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): Will the Leader concern. One of the Vickers report’s recommendations of the House grant an urgent debate on the future of is that it should be much easier to switch accounts from my local hospital, Chase Farm, not least because before one bank to another. I therefore hope that if a bank the general election my constituents were joined by the raises its charges, it will be easier for people to transfer Prime Minister on their “Save our A and E” campaign their custom to a bank that offers a more competitive and given assurances, and unsurprisingly they and I feel service. utterly let down? Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): Will the Sir George Young: I understand my hon. Friend’s Leader of the House grant a debate on the independence disappointment. We said before the election that there of British newspapers? Yesterday while perusing his would be a moratorium on such closures, and there was copy of the Morning Star, he may have read, beneath a moratorium. That case was re-examined in light of the headline “Could YouBe Any More Wet”, the TUC’s the four criteria set out by my right hon. Friend the reaction to the Leader of the Opposition described as Secretary of State for Health. He asked the borough “heckling, derisive laughter” and “deflation”. Given council to see whether an alternative configuration could that dramatic about-turn, may we have a debate on that, be developed, but that was not the case, and an independent too? review showed there were real safety issues in the current Sir George Young: I am afraid that I did not read configuration. Against that background, difficult decisions yesterday’s Morning Star, but I am grateful to my hon. were taken, but I understand that those decisions have Friend for providing me with an abbreviated edition. the support of local doctors. The ownership of newspapers was the peg on which he hung his question, and that is a matter for the Leveson Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East inquiry. Cleveland) (Lab): After lots of time, effort and money, the Department for Work and Pensions central complaints Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): May champions have come up with, and circulated to all I associate myself with the tributes to Malcolm Jack? DWP outlets, the groundbreaking formula that a complaint Not only has he been a brilliant, innovative, modernising “is an expression of dissatisfaction about the service” Clerk, but he shares with me the privilege of having graduated from the London School of Economics. received. Please will the Leader of the House inquire of On our return after the recess, may we have an urgent his DWP colleagues what this exercise has cost? Would debate on what is going on in Iceland? It still owes this not the money have been better spent on staff and on country billions of pounds, which it refuses to pay to the pensions of the people working in benefits offices, local authorities and individuals, and it is becoming who are delivering the service to those who have been quite a rogue state in that it is colluding with Japan in made unemployed by this Tory Government, with killing minkes and other whales and is now making unemployment now at levels not seen since the ’80s? arrangements with the Chinese Government to exploit the natural resources that are the inheritance of us all. Sir George Young: I am sorry to hear the hon. Gentleman’s account of that incident. I will ask my Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman, using some right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and fairly stark language about Iceland, has raised a number Pensions to write to the hon. Gentleman about it. of issues, some of which fall to the Treasury, while others, I suspect, fall to the Department of Energy and Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): Will the Leader Climate Change. I will raise them with my colleagues. I of the House grant us a debate on banking and specifically am unsure whether there is any direct action that we can the Vickers report, so that we can discuss why the take on any debts of the Iceland Government, but he Labour party continues to oppose real reform and will know that there are some consequentials from the instead supports the failed system? failure of the Kaupthing bank. 1201 Business of the House15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 1202

Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): Agriculture and food however, raise the issue with the relevant Minister and processing industries play a vital role in Staffordshire see whether we can expedite a decision, as I know the and exports from these sectors are increasing year on process has gone on for quite some time. year. May we have a debate on the contribution they can and will make to growth and employment, provided Several hon. Members rose— that that is not impeded by unnecessary regulation, of which we see more looming across the channel? Mr Speaker: Order. We are short of time. May I appeal to colleagues to ask single, short—one sentence— Sir George Young: I have every sympathy with my business questions of the Leader of the House? This hon. Friend’s request. He might like to present himself would be a dramatic breakthrough and of benefit to the to the salon of the Backbench Business Committee to House as a whole. I know that a fine example will be set suggest such a debate. We will support British farming by the hon. Member for New Forest East. as much as we can and encourage sustainable food production, so that we can have a secure, environmentally Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): I was sustainable and healthy supply of food with improved afraid that you were going to pick me, Mr Speaker. May standards of animal welfare. we have a debate on the importance of in-patient beds in acute mental health facilities, given that those at Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Sadly, the number of Woodhaven hospital in my constituency face the possibility assaults on NHS staff appears to be on the increase. of closure, unless people write in urgently to the consultation May we have a debate about how we might ensure the that is under way? safety and security of health workers? Sir George Young: I understand my hon. Friend’s Sir George Young: I deplore any assaults on those concern. As he says, a consultation process is under way who work for the NHS. In the first instance, it would be to which I urge him to respond, although I am sure that for the local NHS trust to take up any such problems he has already done so. I know that others will have and improve security. If the hon. Gentleman can pass heard our exchange and that if they share his concern, on to me specific examples from his constituency, I will they also will write to the NHS trust. raise them with my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary and see whether there is any role for the Government to Mr Speaker: I am pleased to say that they will also play in reducing the number of attacks. have heard the single sentence from the hon. Member Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): My right for New Forest East, and I feel sure that they will have hon. Friend will be pleased to see that the Backbench appreciated it. Business Committee has scheduled two e-petitions debates, one on the Hillsborough disaster and another on the Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Lab): Last response to the riots. Does my right hon. Friend agree week, on a visit to my local Remploy factory in Wishaw, that this is a golden opportunity to show due courtesy I met some disabled people who are genuinely terrified and respect to the hundreds of thousands of petitioners that they are about to lose their jobs and see their by setting a precedent and having a Cabinet Minister factory close. Will the Leader of the House give time for present to respond to both debates? a debate on that very serious subject? Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend Sir George Young: Of course I understand the concern for raising that subject. As I have said before, there have of anybody who is confronted with the possible loss of been occasions when a Cabinet Minister has responded their job. I will raise the matter with my right hon. to a debate in Westminster Hall. I will certainly pass on Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation to the relevant Minister my hon. Friend’s specific request and Skills and ask him to write to the hon. Gentleman. for the debate on Hillsborough, so that he is aware of the feeling in the House that it would be appropriate for Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): him to respond. In the light of the Prime Minister’s renewed commitment to strengthening families and the fact that the Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): On 9 June, Northamptonshire Parent Infant Project has now opened the Leader of the House agreed to use his considerable in my constituency, may we have a debate on the crucial influence to seek a decision about the Pingat Jasa importance of the foundation years and early intervention Malaysia medal, as we were then awaiting the decision in families who are struggling to bond with their new of the medals review. I was told that it was hoped that babies? there would be a decision by the summer, but the summer has come and gone and my questions are being Sir George Young: I entirely agree with my hon. bounced between the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign Friend. I hope that she will apply for an Adjournment Office and the Cabinet Office, leading me to wonder if debate, where we might be able to debate the matter at the “Circumlocution Office” is again operating. May we more length than the Speaker is likely to allow me now. have a statement immediately after the House returns in October on what is happening in that medals review Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): May we and when we can expect the brave veterans concerned have a serious debate on the boundary changes? We to be able to wear their medal with pride? have no intermediate levels of government in our country, we are reducing the number of elected people and we Sir George Young: I understand the hon. Lady’s are increasing the power of unelected officials from impatience to get a decision, but the summer has not, I Brussels, from Whitehall and from town halls. We are hope, entirely gone—some of us have lingering hopes taking away the voice of the citizens of Britain. This is a there might be a few days of sunshine left. I will, serious diminution of parliamentary democracy. 1203 Business of the House15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 1204

Sir George Young: What the right hon. Gentleman Mr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): In 2004, the proposes would be totally irregular. It is for the Boundary Wood report said that many British companies were at Commission to decide our boundaries. The matter will a disadvantage because of European Union procurement be debated at the end of the process, when the order laws. Bearing that in mind, and given the disastrous comes before the House. procurement by the previous Labour Government of the Thameslink rolling stock contract, may we have a Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): debate to address that, so that we can really have British May we have an urgent debate on controlling the deficit? jobs for British people? The Government have clearly set out their spending plans, but such a debate might allow us to clarify how Sir George Young: I hear what my hon. Friend has they compare with the plans of the Labour party, which said. That matter was raised in Transport questions. We in government did so much to create the deficit we are reviewing the procurement rules to see whether inherited. British companies can compete on a level playing field with others when such contracts come up again. Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that question. It is worth reminding the House that Mr Speaker: Just in case I was unclear earlier, I ought the reductions in public expenditure this year are only to say that at no stage has there been anything wrong, £2 billion more than what was planned by the outgoing irregular or in any way objectionable about the length Labour Government. of the Leader of the House’s replies. I was referring purely to the questions. Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): May I ask the Leader of the House to use his good Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): May we have a offices to encourage the relevant Minister in the Department debate on the “Review into the Needs of Families responsible for social inclusion to have a debate on the Bereaved by Homicide”report issued by the Commissioner human rights of the deaf community in the UK, instead for Victims and Witnesses, so that this House can of leaving it to the Minister responsible for culture and consider how its recommendations should be dealt with? communications when deaf people are denied access to video relay and use of British sign language? Sir George Young: We are grateful to Louise Casey for producing the report and we all applaud the work of Sir George Young: I understand the concern, I will victim support schemes in our constituencies. I would raise it with the appropriate Minister and ask that the welcome such a debate. I remind the House that, following hon. Gentleman be sent a written reply. the report’s publication, we have made £500,000 available to take forward some of the immediate recommendations. Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): May we have an early debate on the Government’s planning proposals, to give Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): May I us all the opportunity to dispel the inaccurate myths ask for a debate on the criteria used by the Boundary being promoted by the Campaign to Protect Rural Commission in its review and the inherent instability England and some other organisations, and to make it built into the system for the future? A city such as clear to the country that the Government’s planning Sheffield has wards of 14,000 people, so only a small proposals will substantially enhance the ability of and amount of house building in a new constituency such as opportunity for local councillors and local people to mine is likely to mean that in five years’ time, there will affect what happens in their own areas? be a knock-on effect in Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley, because the ward size in Sheffield is such that Sir George Young: My hon. Friend served with me as it will not be possible to carry out further reorganisation a Planning Minister— there. This compete reorganisation is bad for democratic accountability. Tony Baldry: Four years. Sir George Young: I repeat what I said earlier: it Sir George Young: Indeed, for four years. He therefore would be quite wrong of this House to get involved in has some insight into the planning process. I indicated the detailed boundaries that will be set out under the earlier that I would welcome a broader debate on planning review process. The place for the hon. Gentleman to policy so that the myths can be laid to rest. make his representations is not here; it is to the Boundary Commission. Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Will the Leader of the House set aside time every week for “PMT”? As I Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): understand it, his defence of the Prime Minister is that May we have a debate on attempts by the EU High when the Prime Minister says something, for us to Representative for foreign affairs and security policy to understand the statistic we just need to know the timeline force through the creation of a permanent military he is applying to it. If the Prime Minister had a “Prime headquarters for the European Union, using the artifice Minister’s Timeline” session every week, we would be of permanent structured co-operation under the Lisbon able to understand that when he says, “Growth in the treaty and contrary to the wishes of this Government? UK is bigger than in the United States of America”, he means that that was so under a Labour Government. Sir George Young: If it is contrary to the wishes of this Government, I very much hope it will not happen. Sir George Young: The short answer is no. There will be an opportunity at the next Defence questions 1205 Business of the House15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 1206

[Sir George Young] necessary by providing time in which legislation can be brought to the House, so that we can resolve this matter to raise the matter, but in the meantime I will share my on which we have been waiting for action for almost hon. Friend’s concern with the Secretary of State for two years? Defence. Sir George Young: I do not know whether the hon. Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, Strathaven and Gentleman had an opportunity to raise that issue just Lesmahagow) (Lab): I have evidence that Scottish now in Transport questions, but I will raise it with the Enterprise, Scotland’s economic development agency, is Secretary of State and see whether we can cut through behaving in a manner and using practices that may the red tape. damage sustainable economic growth in my constituency— Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): May I join that evidence has been brought to me by constituents. my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes (Martin In addition, it would appear to suggest that connected, Vickers) in asking for a debate on the proposed trade highly questionable planning practices are also taking union strikes, so that the public have an opportunity to place within the Scottish Government, which could also see where this House, including the shadow Chancellor, damage economic development in my constituency. I stands—on the side of the British public, or on the side brought those matters to the attention of Sir Peter of the trade union barons who are intent on disrupting Housden, the permanent secretary to the Scottish our public services and damaging our economy? Government, and reminded him of his responsibilities under the civil service code. I have also called for an Sir George Young: I would welcome such a debate, independent inquiry into these matters, but all I have but I cannot provide the time. My hon. Friend will had in response is obfuscation, diversionary tactics and know that the basis for the discussions between the a point-blank refusal by a senior civil servant to look Government and the trade unions is the report Lord into my evidence and complaints— Hutton produced earlier this year, which proposes a fairer balance between, on the one hand, the beneficiaries Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. of public sector pensions and, on the other hand, When the Speaker said one question, he did not mean taxpayers. Further discussions are due to take place one that lasted five minutes. next Tuesday. I hope the trade unions will respond, and in the meantime I think that it would be quite wrong to Mr McCann rose— go ahead with industrial action. Madam Deputy Speaker: That was the question. Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): Given that Harrow council has issued a tender document for the procurement Sir George Young: It sounded from the question as of bailiff services that requires the successful tenderer though this is a matter that has been devolved to the to pay back to the council 10% of the fee they obtain Scottish Government. None the less, I will raise the from the person from whom they collect the debt, may issue that the hon. Gentleman has just touched on with we have an urgent debate on the use of bailiffs, the my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland services provided and the fees allowed, so that this to see whether there is a role for the Westminster House can express its view on such unfair practices? Government to play. Sir George Young: The Government have given a commitment to provide better protection against aggressive Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): A number bailiffs, so I can offer some encouragement on that part of my constituents and 20,000 others across the United of my hon. Friend’s question. On the first part, I will Kingdom have lost significant sums in the Arch Cru ask Department for Communities and Local Government investment fund as a result of improper regulation. Will Ministers whether there is any irregularity in Harrow the Leader of the House agree to a debate on this council seeking a kick-back from any contract that it subject, so that they can hear the issues being aired and, lets. I hope, demand compensation? Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con): The Leader of the Sir George Young: I commend the campaign being House will no doubt have been shocked as I was to hear run by my hon. Friend. Many MPs have received letters that two senior members of the Ulster Unionist party from constituents who have been affected by that failure. have been summoned to Orange Order disciplinary As he may know, the Financial Services Authority is proceedings after they attended the funeral of the murdered investigating the case, but I will raise his concerns with Catholic police officer, Ronan Kerr. May we have a Treasury Ministers. Although I cannot promise a debate, short debate in which all Members of this House can I hope that I can promise him a letter. demonstrate our support for Tom Elliott and Danny Kennedy and recognise the responsible way in which Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ they have offered leadership to that community? Co-op): For the third time in a year, the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, the hon. Member for Hemel Hon. Members: Hear, hear! Hempstead (Mike Penning), has withdrawn proposed Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend regulations on ship-to-ship oil transfer in British for raising this matter. I cannot provide time for a waters. Given that the reason for the latest delay appears debate but I will draw to the attention of my right hon. to be a wish to comply with Government policy on Friend the Secretary of State both my hon. Friend’s simplifying regulation, will the Leader of the House remarks and the support that he had from other hon. intervene to cut the red tape and help the Minister, if Members in the House. 1207 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 1208 Point of Order Backbench Business 12.52 pm [31ST ALLOTTED DAY] Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. On 30 June, I wrote to the Prime Minister about serious Food Security and Famine Prevention concerns I had about an answer he gave in Prime (Africa) Minister’s questions about the protection of children from paedophiles under the Protection of Freedoms Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Before I Bill. Three months on, I have not yet received a response call Amber Rudd to move the motion, I inform the and I wondered whether you could do anything to House that after the opening speeches from each side encourage the Prime Minister to respond to me, as the there will be a six-minute time limit on Back-Bench Bill will be before the House when we return in October. contributions in this debate, as a large number of Members wish to participate. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): I am sure that the hon. Lady appreciates that that is not a matter 12.54 pm for the Chair and is therefore not a point of order. Those on the Treasury Benches will have heard her Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): I beg to comments and I am sure that the Prime Minister, like move, all Ministers, will want to give prompt replies to That this House welcomes the contribution of the British correspondence from Members of this House. If she public, via the Disasters Emergency Committee, and the British wishes to take it further, she could go to the Table Office Government to the famine relief effort in the Horn of Africa; to find out how else she can ensure that she receives a recognises that emergency food relief must always be the last prompt reply. resort and that improving the productivity and resilience of domestic agricultural systems in Africa must be a priority for the UK and the international donor community; and calls upon the ROYAL ASSENT Government to increase its focus on improving awareness around nutrition and agriculture in the developing world to support farmers and secure greater international food resilience and to Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): I Before champion the welfare of those in the developing world in the we move to the main business, I have to notify the discussions on food price volatility at the upcoming G20 Summit House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, in Cannes. that the Queen has signified her Royal Assent to the The motion was tabled by me and the hon. Member following Acts: for Lewisham East (Heidi Alexander) and is supported Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 by 30 other Members—it is truly a cross-party motion Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011. supported by Members from throughout the United Kingdom. I believe that that reflects the seriousness of the subject matter and the settled desire of the House to have the opportunity to debate it. One might think that things had improved in the horn of Africa if one only followed the media, but unfortunately they have not. The food crisis has, I am afraid, got much worse. Last week, the UN announced that a sixth region of Somalia has entered the famine. There are now 750,000 people at risk and an estimated $2.5 billion is required to prevent that starvation escalating, but there is currently a $950 million shortfall without even estimating the needs beyond December 2011. Despite such uncertainties, the UK has led the international response. Despite the many economic difficulties we all have at home, the UK Government have led and I believe that they should be commended for that. They have done what they set out to do and have not tried to balance the books on the backs of the poorest, and they have contributed £188 million. The UK public’s generosity through individual gifts reflects their support for the Government in this generosity. By the end of last week, they had given £57 million, which is greater than the amounts given by the Governments of France, Germany, Italy, Russia and Switzerland put together. The UK Government have a responsibility, however, both to the general public, who have given so much, and to the citizens of the horn of Africa, who have so little, to ensure that that money really delivers. Famines are political. We all know that the immediate response to a famine must be food, aid and shelter, but we should also look hard at what else can be done 1209 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1210 (Africa) (Africa) [Amber Rudd] with the famine as it is at the moment, but above all we must try to make sure that it does not happen again by earlier on. It is not the lack of food but the fact that supporting people so that their own civil society can some people cannot get access to the food that causes emerge. the famine. The main cause of food security in Africa is war and conflict. Famine is about so much more than food: it is about a famine of education, democracy, 1.1 pm health, transport and so many other items. The food Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): I am pleased famine becomes a symptom of that vast failure. The last to open the debate along with the hon. Member for famine in Europe was the Irish potato famine, which Hastings and Rye (Amber Rudd). I thank the Backbench was a failure of politics as much as a failure of the Business Committee for granting us time to have this agriculture that season. very important debate. I believe that we in this House should encourage and The famine in Somalia and the widespread emergency support the efforts towards conflict prevention through that exists across the region is the result of many the Foreign Office, the Department for International failures. The failure of rainfall is often cited on the Development and any Government Department, and news, but just as important, if not more so, are the we can work with the organisations that are already failures of Governments, both regionally and internationally, settled in such societies to try to do that. I am aware the failure to address the underlying causes of famine that external interventions in fragile states are fraught and food insecurity, and the failure to act in time and in with risk. We know that they can make things worse, a manner that prevents people from not having enough but we must nevertheless be bold and try always to food. In Somalia, of course, there is also the fundamental support good governance so that we can try to promote failure of the state and the absence of peace and stability the emergence of civil society. for the best part of two decades. As the Nobel prize winner Professor Amartya Sen The UK has undoubtedly taken a leadership role in famously noted, there are no famines in democracies responding to the current crisis. The public’s generosity that have a free press. We can and should help support should be applauded, as should the Government’s organisations that help with building a free society—that contribution to the relief effort and the incredible work is the true version of early prevention of a famine. We of our British charities. However, if we want to consign also must not lose sight of the help we can give towards famine and chronic hunger in Africa to history, we have building agricultural resilience to famine. Agriculture is to ask ourselves some tough questions. Do national and the lifeblood of the national economies of the horn of international Governments respond quickly enough to Africa. In 2009, 50% of the gross domestic product of emerging crises, and are we doing enough now to prevent Ethiopia came from agriculture, and the equivalent further deaths in the horn of Africa? As the hon. Lady figure was 22% in Kenya and 60% in Somalia. The asked, have we done enough to boost small-scale agriculture majority of the labour force in those countries work in production and support rural livelihoods in our rural areas and 80% are smallholders working less than international development work in Africa? Have we 2 hectares. When we consider that the Palace of Westminster been too complacent about food price volatility, commodity covers 3 hectares, we can begin to get a feeling of what a speculation, biofuel land-grabs and food export bans? I small area they have to work in and how precarious hope that there will be answers to some of those questions their living is. We should try to focus our support on the during the debate. organisations working with those small farmers and I was 10 when I first saw TV images of dying children micro-scale producers who can produce a much greater in Ethiopia. A quarter of a century has passed since yield than the large monoculture farms. Seven out of then, and it saddens and angers me that yet again we see 10 of the world’s hungry are members of those small those scenes on our televisions. The crisis did not start rural households. when we first saw the reports in the news; the first The UK public, generous as they have been, expect warning signs came as early as last August. I have results from UK aid. I welcome once more the huge questions about the role of African Governments in international effort, of which the UK has been so facing up to and addressing emerging crises and about supportive, to provide immediate famine relief, which is their capacity to respond. One NGO worker recently saving lives day by day, but we must also focus on told me that in some parts of Africa they cannot long-term agricultural resilience, helping communities mention the F-word and the C-word—famine and to improve their yield. If we do that—if we can help cholera—because the Governments simply do not like them build up their own incomes—we also help them to hear them. Denying that the problem exists is not the towards building up their own civil societies. A community way to stop it happening. who have a surplus can invest in their own education I also ask myself why, despite early-warning mechanisms’ and in their own health service, so we have the twin being in place, the international humanitarian system benefit of helping with the production of agriculture waited until people were dying before it responded on and helping communities create their own incomes, the scale that was needed. Surely there needs to be more thereby building, from the bottom up, the civil society flexibility in the way that centrally held emergency that can then provide the stability of a democracy that funds can be released. I know that the report of Lord is less likely to go into famine. Ashdown’s humanitarian emergency response review We all know that this is complex. When we talk underlines the importance of anticipation, but anticipation about famine, people start listing, as I have, its must be followed by action if it is to have any significance. many different elements. We must not let the I note the reference in the report published by DFID complexity of the subject put us off. We must continue today to slow-onset crises and how we might better putting our efforts into prevention. We must try to work respond to those. 1211 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1212 (Africa) (Africa) That leads me to the situation now. We know that Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): I compliment 750,000 people are at risk of dying in the next few my hon. Friend on her speech. She mentioned land months alone. That is the equivalent of a city the size of purchases by western farming interests and other wealthy Leeds. Thousands of people, predominantly women countries—some in the far east, in Asia. Does she not and children, are turning up at already swollen refugee think that there has to be some change in the mechanism camps every week. We must find a way to address so that it is impossible for wealthy countries to buy and ongoing needs—health and sanitation as well as food take very valuable land which they then keep for themselves needs. As I understand it, many of the humanitarian and for private food exports to themselves, leaving the grants that have funded the relief operation last for only people surrounding them in Africa in the very vulnerable six months, and some start to expire as early as October. and dangerous situation in which they are now? We need a plan. I could speak for longer about the current situation, Heidi Alexander: My hon. Friend makes an incredibly but I know that the Secretary of State is here to provide important point. I am not an expert on these issues, but an update and I want to turn to the issue of how we I think that the international system needs to change. It prevent such catastrophes from happening again. Last seems completely wrong that huge amounts of land in week, the United Nations Secretary-General called for parts of Africa are growing crops that go into our cars the crisis in the horn of Africa to be turned into an rather than food that goes into the mouths of the opportunity. Among other things he called for investment people who live in those areas. in sustainable livelihoods; he is entirely right. One of Before I move on to some of the wider international the best ways to do that would be for the international issues, I take the opportunity to ask the Secretary of community to stop paying lip service to the idea of State if he might update us on some of the things that supporting rural livelihoods in Africa—to the smallholder are already under way in the UK in terms of our farmers and pastoralists—and get on and do it. We also contribution to food security. In L’Aquila in 2008, we need to have hard, grown-up conversations with African made a number of commitments. When will the Secretary Governments about their expenditure priorities. of State publish the data on disbursements for 2010-ll? I Some 70% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa know that the Department claims to be on track, but are dependent on farming. When I visited Kenya last there are those who would like to see the evidence of year I met many families who told me that their livelihood that money being spent. Will he also tell us if and when was their land but often their land did not produce a decision will be taken about investing the funds of the enough for them to live on. They are sub-subsistence global agriculture and food security programme? farmers. The sad thing is that it does not have to be that way. There are many brilliant projects run by charities I want Africa to have the chance to realise its potential— such as Farm Africa, in which small interventions—better seeds, appropriate fertilisers, crossbreeding of livestock Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): As and basic knowledge about planting and irrigation— the hon. Lady mentioned L’Aquila, does she agree that produce hugely increased yields and improve the resilience the UK claims to be on track for the disbursements, but of local populations. The challenge is to scale up those other countries, such as Russia, France and the United initiatives, to extend their reach and to get all African States, are way behind what they promised? Governments investing properly in agricultural extension services and appropriate research and development. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. May I gently remind the hon. Member for Lewisham Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): My hon. East (Heidi Alexander) that the Backbench Business Friend is making a compelling case about what can be Committee recommended eight minutes for her speech done at a micro-agriculture level to support those farmers. and that of the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye Does she agree that the success of that absolutely (Amber Rudd). We are now overshooting, so perhaps depends on UK Government leadership in gaining access she will bear that in mind. I know that she has taken to markets for those farmers? interventions, but many hon. Members are waiting to Heidi Alexander: I certainly do, and I shall come to speak so perhaps she could draw to a conclusion. some of the wider international issues later in my speech. If we are serious about addressing these problems, Heidi Alexander: My apologies, Madam Deputy Speaker. the UK needs to look at how we prioritise our overseas I was trying to accommodate interventions. The hon. aid expenditure, setting a standard for other donors in Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams) respect of investment in agriculture. Between 2007 and makes a good point. 2009, DFID gave on average $32 million per year to Let me conclude by moving on to the international agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa—1.8% of our total issues. Oxfam has recently produced an incredible report, bilateral aid in the region. When we increase our aid “Growing a Better Future”, setting out the serious budget in 2013, what will we spend the additional challenges that exist within the world’s economic system money on? How much will go into supporting smallholder that prevent the poorest people in the poorest countries farmers and pastoralist communities? I have seen research from accessing the food they need. We have already that suggests that of the 14 operational or summary talked about the purchase of land for biofuels and there plans publicly available from DFID for African countries, is also the issue of excessive commodity speculation six make no reference at all to agriculture or farmers, increasing volatility in food prices, and those issues three make passing reference, two refer to food security need to be addressed. I know that it is not completely in in relation to humanitarian spend and only three—Rwanda, the gift of the Secretary of State or the UK, but let us Zimbabwe and Mozambique—have any significant focus think about how we champion those issues in discussions on agriculture and farming. such as those at the G20 in Cannes. 1213 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1214 (Africa) (Africa) [Heidi Alexander] she, too, has emphasised the importance of placing help for girls and women at the centre of what we are I have covered a number of issues this afternoon, but doing—they are in the forefront of the crisis—and for I conclude by saying that our world is becoming ever the work that she has done in ensuring that this issue more interconnected, and the fears of some of my stays at the top of our international agenda. constituents about immigration will be addressed in the The people in those camps are in many ways the long term only if the developing world becomes a place lucky ones. Inside Somalia we are probably reaching where the local population want to remain. I can understand about 1.2 million of the 3 million people who are in why a family living on the outskirts of Nairobi, having serious jeopardy at this time. Those who have followed fled the countryside because they cannot feed their these things will have seen that the global acute malnutrition children, may want a better life. The inequalities that and the serious acute malnutrition rates in Somalia are exist between the developed and developing world must horrific. We have not seen such rates since the 1992 be addressed. We have a responsibility to do so and, famine. As my hon. Friend the Member for Hastings more importantly, it is countries such as ours that have and Rye made clear, it is not often starvation that kills the power to act. The scale of the crisis in the horn of people who are caught up in famines, for the reasons Africa is a wake-up call. I hope that we rise to the that she eloquently set out; it is disease. When the rains challenge. come, the immune systems of large numbers of people, already shredded by hunger, will not be able to withstand 1.12 pm the waterborne diseases that will cut like a knife through The Secretary of State for International Development that very vulnerable population. Cholera is already (Mr Andrew Mitchell): I congratulate the hon. Member endemic in Somalia and Mogadishu, and measles and for Lewisham East (Heidi Alexander) and my hon. malaria will also affect huge numbers of very vulnerable Friend the Member for Hastings and Rye (Amber Rudd) people when the rains come. on two extremely good speeches on the vital subject that Malcolm Bruce (Gordon) (LD): Will my right hon. the House is debating. Friend use his considerable leadership in his capacity as The motion has three specific points. I want to say a Secretary of State, within the international community, few words about all three, but I start by acknowledging to get to the root of this issue? We want to deliver that the motion mentions the generosity of the British humanitarian relief now, but if we had spent half the public through the Disasters Emergency Committee money that we will now have to spend in advance, we appeal. Throughout the country, people have supported would have avoided the problem and people would not that, and nearly £60 million has been raised. That, have been in stress and dying. Spending money in together with the efforts of the British Government and advance rather than waiting for the crisis is surely the other Governments around the world, seeks to address way we will have to deal with this in future. the crisis in the horn of Africa and to stop a disaster becoming a catastrophe. Mr Mitchell: My right hon. Friend makes a good The House will be aware of what is happening in the point, which I am coming to directly. horn of Africa. The rains have failed. Enormous numbers Britain has engaged vigorously over recent months in of people are moving first from the centre of Somalia addressing all these issues, and I pay tribute to the down to Mogadishu and then from Somalia out across outstanding team that Britain has in Nairobi, across the borders into Kenya and Ethiopia. The Dollo-Ado Departments of the British Government, working with camps in Ethiopia now contain 120,000 Somalis, 80,000 our partners and providing real leadership and advice of whom have arrived there in the last few weeks. In across the international system. Mogadishu, which I visited just three weeks ago, camps have sprung up all over that city. The World Food Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): Before Programme is today feeding some 327,000 refugees my right hon. Friend leaves the emergency situation, there, in particular in therapeutic feeding. which he has described in great detail, I congratulate him on his early and substantial response, but I am In Dadaab, which I visited earlier in the summer—I concerned about the details of a written answer that he know that the right hon. and learned Member for gave me in which he suggests that the regional financial Camberwell and Peckham (Ms Harman) has been there shortfalls in the horn amount to $918 million. In spite recently, too—huge numbers of people have come across of our own considerable contribution, that is a very the border into Kenya. I saw a sight that one rarely sees worrying figure. I know that my right hon. Friend is in Africa—large numbers of mothers and their children working hard to encourage the international community waiting in the early morning in complete silence. I was to contribute more, but is there anything else that can able to talk to some of them; they told awful stories be done? about being attacked and beaten as they came with their children out of Somalia. Many had lost children on that Mr Mitchell: I will come to that point directly. Let me march, and their feet were cut to pieces by that long set out what we in Britain are doing to help. First, in march. I pay tribute to the Kenyan Government who Somalia, Britain will be vaccinating more than are housing 430,000 people in Dadaab, the largest refugee 1.3 million children against measles and 670,000 camp in the world, which was built originally for 90,000. children against polio, and providing mosquito nets for I also visited Wajir, where I was able to see the 160,000 families. During the last week, we think that we brilliant work that has been done by British non- have managed to reach an additional 40,000 families governmental organisations—in particular Save the inside Somalia, and 10,000 tonnes of food to treat and Children, but many others—in trying to cope with prevent moderate malnutrition have now arrived in the the crisis. I acknowledge and pay tribute to my shadow, country. In Kenya, we are providing clean water for the right hon. and learned Lady, for the way in which more than 300,000 people in Dadaab, and in northern 1215 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1216 (Africa) (Africa) Kenya more generally, we are helping 100,000 who have I was talking about the importance of food security received 600 tonnes of UK-funded food aid during the and of people being able to feed themselves. At the end last month. of last week, I visited an extremely important project, We have been working in Ethiopia for many years—this run by Britain and the World Food Programme, that relates directly to the point made by my right hon. seeks to build food security in Karamoja in northern Friend the Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce)—and Uganda. It encapsulates the old proverb, “Give a man a it is for that reason that since 1992 the prevalence of fish and he will eat for a day; teach him to fish and he malnutrition has fallen by about 50%. That shows the will be able to feed himself.” We are engaged in a project difference between working in a country where development that hitherto has spent £28 per person on securing food can take place and Somalia, where it is very difficult. In aid. Over the next three years we will spend £33 per Ethiopia we are feeding more than 2.4 million people. person. As I saw for myself, that food security is developing We recently provided 50 tonnes of seeds and 60 tonnes well. In 2009 more than 1 million people in Karamoja of fertilizer, and we are helping to vaccinate were receiving food aid and the region was suffering 300,000 livestock, which is important in enabling people from deep food insecurity, but by the end of this year we to continue with their livelihoods when the famine is believe the figure will be below 140,000. over. We are working extremely hard to persuade others In looking at that programme we saw all the things to support that effort, with some success. Around that need to happen, as my right hon. Friend the £400 million has been pledged for Somalia since 1 July, Member for Gordon knows so well. We saw effective and I will be working on that, along with other Ministers, irrigation, the harvesting of water through reservoirs, at next week’s meetings of the United Nations and the families growing food for themselves and market traders World Bank. Progress is being made, but insufficient turning up on the sites where that food is being grown progress. and buying the surplus. We saw feeder roads developing I come now to the central point made by my right and warehouses springing up, which is very important. hon. Friend the Member for Gordon, who chairs the That is the way ahead to ensure that deep food insecurity International Development Committee, and which is is tackled. That is what we have been doing in Ethiopia, dealt with in the final part of the motion: the importance and the approach has helped to ensure that Ethiopia, of trying to ensure that these crises are addressed upstream Kenya and Uganda are not now experiencing famine. and that food insecurity is replaced by food security. Jeremy Corbyn: I compliment the Secretary of State on visiting Somalia and Mogadishu and on the work he Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): The has been doing there in particular. The situation in Secretary of State referred earlier to women as the Somalia is clearly very difficult and dangerous. Did his prime victims of the famine and rightly paid tribute to visit give him any hope that there will be greater political my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for stability and physical security for refugees that will Camberwell and Peckham (Ms Harman). As he is coming enable them to return home once the famine is over and to this passage in his speech, will he ensure that DFID resume their farming businesses and practices? continues the work that we did on recognising that women make up the majority of food producers in Africa and the need to involve women where they often Mr Mitchell: The hon. Gentleman puts his finger on have few rights and decision-making powers in their the key issue: the deep insecurity and ungoverned space communities? Will he ensure that his Department puts in Somalia. I underline our strong admiration and women at the heart of all its policies in Africa and support for the brave people who go in to try to deliver continues to do so? life-saving aid and support there. An announcement was made last week by the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia on political developments and their intention Mr Mitchell: I can vigorously reassure the right hon. to hold elections of some sort in a year’s time. He will Lady that that is the case. One cannot begin to understand also know of the work done in the Kampala accords development unless one realises the importance of putting earlier this year, not least by President Museveni. I do children and women right at the centre of everything not hide from the hon. Gentleman the very great difficulties one does. in achieving what he underlined needs to be achieved. All this emphasises the importance of the work on Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): The population of resilience. My hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham Ethiopia has grown fourfold in the past 50 years. The East mentioned the humanitarian and emergency response populations of Somalia and Kenya have grown threefold review that we commissioned, which was carried out so and fivefold respectively. Between one quarter and one well by Lord Ashdown. The Government have adopted third of the married women in that region would like to all the points that he made in that report, lock, stock avoid or delay pregnancy. I understand that there are an and barrel, and in some cases we will go further. estimated 76 million unwanted births a year. Will access to modern contraception be part of the Government’s Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con): Does my plan? right hon. Friend agree that it is very often the world’s poorest people who are most dependent on the free Mr Mitchell: It absolutely is. I wrote to the hon. Lady services provided by ecosystems and that therefore, about that in June. She is entirely right: it is outrageous economic development of any sort that undermines that less than 25% of women in sub-Saharan Africa those ecosystems or is un-green will not only not help have access to contraception. A prime part of the those people, but actively harm them? Will he continue Government’s development policy is to try to ensure to put an increasing focus, as I know he is, on tackling that up to 10 million couples who currently do not have the environmental causes of some of the base poverty access to contraception get it. we see in the world today? 1217 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1218 (Africa) (Africa) Mr Mitchell: My hon. Friend is entirely right. Had he opportunity to acknowledge the huge contribution that been with me in Karamoja last week, I think it would the diaspora are making either by giving aid through have warmed the cockles of his heart to see the work DEC or by sending aid directly home through mosques, being done by the World Food Programme and Britain community associations and all the others? They are specifically to address those concerns. showing a real sense of solidarity. I must draw my remarks to a close. I wish to end by making four points. There are 400,000 people, mainly Ms Harman: I absolutely agree, and that was going to children, in danger of dying as a result of the famine in be my very next point. Not only should everybody who Somalia. Britain has set out clearly what needs to be gives to the DEC feel proud of what their money done. People across all parts of our country, as well as contributes to, but so should every one of the many the Government, have given their money and support. members of the African diaspora, from Uganda, Kenya, We cannot put a price on a life, but we can put a price Ethiopia and Somalia, who not only work hard in this on saving one. It is time for other countries to recognise country and support their families here, but send remittances that fact and reach deeper into their pockets. back to their country of origin. We should be proud of what they do, too; it makes an enormous difference. 1.27 pm Ms Harriet Harman (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab): Malcolm Bruce: The right hon. and learned Lady is I would like to thank the hon. Member for Hastings making an important point. Does she agree that the and Rye (Amber Rudd) and my hon. Friend the Member huge contribution that individuals have made to the for Lewisham East (Heidi Alexander) for tabling the disaster relief fund, plus the actions of her own motion. We strongly support the terms of the motion. Government, give the lie to those who say that the The House obviously wanted the opportunity to debate British people do not want their aid budget maintained the terrible suffering in the horn of Africa, which is why or their commitment to the UN target achieved? so many Members have attended the debate to speak. I very much endorse what has been said by the Ms Harman: Absolutely. Everyone should be proud Secretary of State. As he told the House, he has been to of the work that our Government, through DFID, are the horn of Africa and to Mogadishu, and I pay tribute doing, and that is why I support so strongly their to him for that—it was a brave thing to do. I imagine promise to maintain our commitment to increase aid to that he was advised absolutely not to go there. He is the 0.7% of gross national income by 2013. I know that first Minister to go there since 1992. I really give him they will do everything they can to step up their efforts credit for that. I also pay tribute to the tremendous to get other countries to do the same. We are doing our work of the Department for International Development bit; so must other countries. and our high commissions in the region. They are doing important work for people who face such terrible suffering. The drought has hit a wide area of the horn of Africa, but its impact on people is dramatically different When Islamic Relief took me out to see its inspiring in different areas. For example, in Ethiopia—and I work in the area, I saw for myself the effect of the worst underline the points that the Secretary of State made—for drought for 60 years. It is an area where the land is not a number of years our aid and the work of our aid bare. There is abundant vegetation, but the trees and agencies with the Government of Ethiopia has put in shrubs are all parched because of the drought. The area place measures to protect against the impact of drought. should be teeming with cattle, goats, camels, donkeys They have prepared systems of what they call cash and giraffes, but instead the shrubs and trees are white transfers—systems to give money to people whose crops and grey and everywhere the skeletons of cattle and have failed and cannot feed themselves; they have stockpiled goats can be seen. I saw a huge, majestic giraffe lying food ready for such people; and they have built roads so dead at the side of the road. The women we met in that remote areas can be reached even when there is Wajir in the north-east of Kenya told us how one by one drought. Although those people are suffering hardship, their animals had fallen victim to starvation because of they are not starving. They are able to stay on their land the drought. Their herds had dwindled almost to nothing— and in their villages, and they are not forced to abandon herds that had provided them with their livelihood, them and flee, but work will have to go on, and, as the milk, meat and income. They do not have any money Secretary of State said, the danger is not over when the left, and they and their children do not have enough to rains come, because they can bring with them cholera eat, but although the women and children are so thin, and malaria. they are not starving, because they are getting food, such as that I saw being given out by Islamic Relief with Ethiopia shows that aid works, but it is a tragically the support of DFID. Let us make no mistake: our aid different story for Somalia, which shows that, because and the work of our aid agencies is saving lives. I pay of conflict, when people do not have access to aid and tribute not only to Islamic Relief, but as the Secretary of there is no preparation for drought, people are left State did, to Save the Children, Oxfam, World Vision totally at the mercy of drought. The best that they can and the multinational organisations such as UNICEF hope for is to flee their lands and become refugees; the and UNHCR, to which we contribute. They are alleviating worst is to see their children die of starvation. With suffering and saving lives, and every person in this preparation and with humanitarian aid, people can country who contributed to the Disasters Emergency cope with drought, but they cannot cope with drought Committee appeal should be really proud of what the and conflict, and that has caused hundreds of thousands money they have given is doing. of people to flee Somalia for the Dadaab camp in north-east Kenya. The numbers are absolutely Jeremy Corbyn: My right hon. and learned Friend overwhelming. A camp that was built for no more than represents in her constituency, like I do in mine, a 90,000 people now has more than 430,000 and is growing considerable Somali community. Will she take this by 30,000 a month. Every single day, there are more and 1219 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1220 (Africa) (Africa) more people: between 1,000 and 1,300 arrive every day, We have no embassy in Somalia, but aid agencies and each day those who come are more dehydrated, such as Islamic Relief are working on the ground there, more undernourished, more exhausted and more and the Government should draw on their expertise in traumatised. order not to get them involved in politics, but to use Some people, in order to avoid the effect of the their connections with the civil society, which must be searing heat on their children as they walk from the built up. Somali border, travel at night through a no-man’s land, In the immediate term, our Government must continue but that makes them even more vulnerable to attack. to give aid to Somalia. They have rightly prioritised aid Aid agencies are organising buses from the Somali for conflict-affected states, and Somalia is certainly border, but although they are putting on more and conflict-affected. They have rightly emphasised, as we more buses, they cannot keep pace with the flood of did, value for money, auditing and monitoring, but in refugees. The accommodation in the camp cannot keep reality, on aid spent in Somalia, that level of scrutiny pace, either. When people arrive, they have to stay will not be possible. We must still give the aid, however, under makeshift cover outside the site. They wait in otherwise the Somali people will suffer terribly as they makeshift shelters until they are registered, and then flee and then just become aid-dependent miles from they join the other—soon to be half a million—people their home, in a camp where there is no future for them. in this camp in the middle of nowhere. We must continue, and the Opposition will support the It is hard to describe how bleak the camp is. When we Government in continuing, to give aid to Somalia. came into land on the small landing strip, we flew over The Government must also redouble their efforts to terrain that looks like the surface of the moon. It is so work internationally to tackle climate change and to barren, there is just nothing, and then suddenly we protect people who are affected by it. Our aid is making saw hundreds of thousands of tents in the middle of a huge difference, but we will prevent suffering in future nowhere. It is just desperate. For all the work of the if, as Oxfam has so clearly demonstrated, we bring camp staff and of the aid agencies, it is not a safe place, about a major change in the way food is produced and either. Of the group of women whom I met in the camp, distributed. The world produces more food than it which is 80% women and children, all said that they needs, yet here in the 21st century 1 billion people go wanted to go back to their homes in Somalia—that, if hungry. What is needed is support for greater long-term only there was peace, they would go back to their land investment in agriculture, an end to exploitation by there. They said that they had fled not the drought, but international land speculators and action to stop speculation the conflict. on food commodities which causes prices to soar and means that hungry people cannot afford them. The camp director said that he wanted me to take back to this country just one message: “Whatever you Our Government will be at the G20 summit in November. do, please do what you can to sort out the situation in I hope that the Secretary of State will ensure that the Somalia.” Of course there have to be high-level meetings issues that have been raised by hon. Members in all at the UN and the EU to ensure that the wider international parts of the House will be high on the agenda, with all community plays its part, but the deep and long-standing the G20 countries not only keeping their promises on conflict in Somalia will not be solved just by summits aid—Britain has, but others have not—but tackling the in Brussels and New York. We need to support the work inequality and exploitation that sees global wealth of organisations such as the Organisation of Islamic accumulate while the poor starve. Cooperation, the Governments of Muslim states, who Several hon. Members rose— can help, and the African Union. We need to draw not only on the diaspora in Canada, America and continental Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. Europe, but on the Somali diaspora in this country—on May I remind Back Benchers that there is now a six-minute their advice, support and wisdom. time limit?

Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): In Bristol, there 1.40 pm is a very large Somali community, many of whom are Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): I spent time with my constituents, and their work to send remittances and Oxfam in Ethiopia during the famine of 1984. It is to support development in Somalia and, indeed, in difficult to describe the horror of famine—its scale, Somaliland is fantastic, but it is done individually. Does one’s helplessness, the Martian-headed skeletons of my right hon. and learned Friend think that we could marasmus, the swollen bellies of kwashiorkor, and the do more to encourage them to come together so that big glassy eyes of children one knows, notwithstanding all projects might be funded along with commercial operations, efforts, will be dead by tomorrow. Then and now, these particularly in Somaliland, where ports could be opened famines of biblical proportions kill fellow human beings up and infrastructure built? Can we do more on that slowly, painfully, and desperately. It is the death of their front? humanity and a collective test of ours. I want to make three points in the short time available Ms Harman: Yes, I absolutely agree. We need to do a to me. First, we need to do more to enhance and great deal more to recognise remittances. People sometimes improve food and crop production in the horn of Africa think that such activity is undertaken only by Government and elsewhere in Africa. It is not sustainable to seek to Departments or by people giving to organisations such keep alive millions of people in the horn of Africa in the as Oxfam, but many individuals give their own money. hope of yearly grain surpluses from Nebraska, Australia The cost of sending money is also quite high, and we or elsewhere. The UN estimates that $2.4 billion is could do more, such as by creating diaspora bonds to required to meet immediate humanitarian needs until enable people to invest. There are many ways in which this December. As my hon. Friend the Member for we can support remittances, and we should do so. Tewkesbury (Mr Robertson) observed, there is a funding 1221 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1222 (Africa) (Africa) [Tony Baldry] that speakers on both sides of the House have said so far. It is very heartening, faced with such an appalling gap of $1 billion, and no funding for ongoing needs and situation, that there is this extent of agreement between recovery. This is simply not sustainable. We need to us. I join what has been said in commending the response enhance agricultural production in Africa and the horn of the British public, the Department for International of Africa. Development, the non-governmental organisations and Secondly, we have to face up to the reality of population the diaspora communities. That is good to see, but we growth as a development issue. If a country’s economy are all aware that there is so much more to do. is growing each year by 3% and its population is growing First, I stress the importance of global action to each year by 7%, then each year its sustainability is counter the role of financial speculation in driving up going steadily backwards. For example, the population food prices and increasing their volatility, as shown in of Ethiopia is now twice what it was at the time of the research by the World Bank and UN bodies. It would be 1984 famine. Here is the wake-up call: in Ethiopia, even helpful if the Government could confirm UK support in a good harvest year, aid agencies are still feeding the for effective EU regulation in this respect, as well as same number of people as the number who received action at the G20. food aid in 1984. It is difficult to cultivate large parts of Secondly, I draw the House’s attention to a good Ethiopia because of endemic malaria. Elsewhere, land point that has been made to me in a helpful briefing is exhausted by over-use. Up in the Simien mountains, I from CABI—the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences have seen farmers with oxen and ploughs seeking to International—which is based in Oxfordshire: that losing cultivate ever more marginal rocky outcrops, desperate less food is as important a contributor to food security for any extra land. The situation is unsustainable. Along as growing more. Currently, farmers lose an average of with Lynda Chalker, I represented the UK Government 40% of their crops to pests and diseases, and most of at the UN population conference in Cairo in 1994. That that is unnecessary.Using existing knowledge and providing conference, held over 15 years ago, was the last attempt timely, practical and specific advice through local clinics by the international community to address the issue of to farmers on the management of plant pests and population growth, and it needs addressing again. diseases can have a significant impact on food security Thirdly, the deliverers of the apocalypse ride together: right now, with no need for additional water, land or hunger, illness, death and conflict. As the right hon. and other resources. Obviously, people need extra water in learned Member for Camberwell and Peckham places where there is not any, but the point is well made. (Ms Harman) made clear in her very welcome contribution, To this end, I commend the Plantwise initiative, which Somalia is a failed state—a basket case. It is a liability is supported by DFID and by the Swiss aid agencies. to itself and to its neighbours, viz the recent murder and kidnapping in Kenya: a personal tragedy and a broader Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): Does my tragedy for the Kenyans’ tourism industry and economy. right hon. Friend agree that, tragically, these countries Al-Shabaab has brought chaos to Mogadishu and terror will suffer worse conditions, certainly with less water, if to the rest of the region. The African Union deserves climate change continues unabated, and that in the our support in seeking to bring stability to Somalia, but interests of preventing famine in Africa, the international that process needs focus, concentration and consistency. community needs to redouble its efforts to tackle climate For far too long, so-called Somali warlords have been change? ripping off the west in phoney peace talks in the luxury of Nairobi resort hotels, running their businesses from Mr Smith: I wholeheartedly agree with my right hon. the comfort of Kenya while pretending to try to find Friend—that is imperative. When we see these awful peaceful solutions for Somalia. experiences of people, we are reminded of the real Nor should we forget that the one part of Somalia human consequences of climate change and the necessity that is stable, peaceful and potentially productive is of action. what was once the British Somaliland Protectorate and Thirdly, I want to refer to the situation in Sudan. The is now Somaliland. For 20 years, Somaliland has had role of conflict and political strife in creating and repeated democratic elections, a functioning presidency, exacerbating chronic food insecurity is well known, and a functioning Parliament and defined borders, and it it is important to push for greater humanitarian access has been wishing for and wanting de jure recognition by into regions of Sudan, including Darfur, Nuba Mountains the international community. At the first consultative and Blue Nile. However, we have seen in the past how meeting on ending the transition, which was held recently the Government of Sudan have used negotiations over in Mogadishu, I observed that it had delegates from all access to further their own narrow political interests—for sorts of places, including the EU and the UN, but, as example, tactically negotiating for restrictions on its far as I am aware, no invitation had been sent to opponents during the wet season, when their own army Somaliland for observer status or to take part in those is at a disadvantage and guerrilla groups have the advantage, discussions. Of course we need stability in Somalia, but and then nullifying agreements for humanitarian access the international community also needs to resolve the during the dry season, when traditional forces have the legal status of Somaliland. Unless we resolve the conflict advantage. I urge the UK Government to take that into in Somalia, we will never have peace in the horn of account when engaging in the vital discussions that are Africa, and until we have peace in the horn of Africa, necessary on improving humanitarian access. we will continue to have famine. I should also like to highlight the importance of engaging with diaspora organisations that are organising 1.45 pm relief—for example, the Nuba Mountains Welfare Mr Andrew Smith (Oxford East) (Lab): It is a pleasure Association. We can all see how, in politically sensitive to follow the hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry), situations, these organisations may get more access to my colleague from Oxfordshire. I agree with everything displaced people through informal networks than 1223 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1224 (Africa) (Africa) established NGOs, which may be understandably cautious Today’s debate is critical and my contribution will about getting involved or directly blocked by restrictions focus narrowly on an issue that has been alluded to by imposed, in this case, by the Government of Sudan, or my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Park (Zac in other areas by local warlords. Improving DFID’s Goldsmith). We must ensure not only that we have relationship with diaspora groups and pursuing innovative sustainable high-yield agricultural practices, but that partnerships can bring real benefits for civilians in they tread lightly on ecosystems and the environment in conflict areas who cannot be reached through traditional parts of the world that are very vulnerable. Way back in means. 2003, the Governments of the African Union committed In the specific case of Abyei, where displacement in the Maputo declaration to the need to provide not following the invasion and occupation of the region by just high-yield agriculture, but sustainable high-yield the Sudanese armed forces disrupted the traditional agriculture. planting season, it is imperative that the UK Government The environment will, of course, be vital in any prioritise the pursuit of a solution on its political status discussion of sustainable food production. Over the and do not just focus on implementation of the temporary past 30 years, we have become increasingly aware of our interim agreement. own environmental impact. I would argue that we have not focused enough attention on the equally important Mr Andrew Mitchell: On the humanitarian efforts, we issue of food production, which can have a serious have given substantial funds and indeed pre-positioned environmental footprint. The Environmental Audit resources to the common humanitarian fund. On Abyei Committee, of which I am a member along with several and the border, which the right hon. Gentleman is right hon. Members who are present, is currently looking at to prioritise, we continue to give strong support to the sustainable food production, focusing largely on this process led by President Mbeki to get all parties together. country. We were lucky enough to visit a farm in my constituency that has high standards of sustainable Mr Smith: I welcome what the Secretary of State food production. However, it is not good enough just to says. I am sure that he will take into account the know the answers here; we must spread the message repeated and as yet negated promises for a referendum around the globe. for the permanent residents of Abyei. Continued political If we want to prevent global poverty and famine insecurity, even after the displaced people have returned, from becoming an even bigger problem for the developed may lead to a near-permanent reliance on food aid in a and developing world, we must invest in the communities region that is actually fertile and where communities that need the most help. There is a clear humanitarian could otherwise return to self-reliance in the medium interest in ensuring that development aid is used to term. create sustainable agricultural practices that move people My final point relates specifically to South Sudan, towards food security and nutritional self-sufficiency. but has broader application elsewhere. It relates to One way in which that can happen is through the points that others have already made. It is vital that technique of conservation agriculture, which the United resources are focused on programmes that support Nations defines as being based on the three principles individual farmers and that, in particular, support is of minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and targeted towards women, given the traditional breakdown crop rotation. Leading members of the Tropical Agriculture in responsibilities, whereby women are often the agents Association, such as Professor Amir Kassam, propose in cultivation among the Dinka and other significant that this type of farming is the only viable option to tribes in the region. That will help to ensure that aid ensure the long-term sustainability of food production improves cultivation, rather than simply increasing cattle in the horn of Africa. Conservation agriculture recognises herd sizes or inflating bride wealth prices. Support for the need for soil to contain nutrients and biological the formation of co-operatives, offering advice on issues matter to support plant growth. That is achieved by such as the management of plant pests and diseases, covering the field in mulch obtained from waste crops, and helping with marketing and so on would be especially which protects the moisture in the soil, thus ensuring its useful. viability over the long term. To conclude, although the volume and reach of aid is That practice has proved successful and there is a clearly crucial in the short term—I echo what has been significant increase in peer farming. I assure right hon. said about the importance of keeping up our efforts and and hon. Members that peer farming is not something of other countries starting to match them—it is critical that happens in the other place; it is where farmers that there are well-directed measures on conflict resolution, spread the message to their neighbours and colleagues security, farming methods, pest control, infrastructure and learn from one another to increase their yield and and price stability, because it is those things that will sustainability. This could be the key farming technique enable the parts of Africa that are suffering to become in tackling hunger across the whole of the developing more self-sufficient in the long run. It is vital that world, as there are currently 450 million smallholders international effort is directed towards that end. worldwide trying to meet the needs of 2 billion people. The UK does not feel the impact of climate change as severely as the horn of Africa. British farmers can 1.52 pm plough their fields, partly because they are much bigger, Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) but also because rain is not in short supply, as we have (Con): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for learned this summer. Where drought is a real danger, it Hastings and Rye (Amber Rudd) and the hon. Member is crucial to maintain soil so that it can yield a crop in for Lewisham East (Heidi Alexander) on securing this good seasons and in bad. important debate. Further, I congratulate all the British The net results of these methods can be very impressive, people and residents in my constituency who have with less impact on the environment, increased food contributed so significantly to the DEC appeal. yields for the domestic population and improved livelihoods 1225 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1226 (Africa) (Africa) [Caroline Nokes] ignored those warning signals. It is always easy to be wise after the event, but there is no reason why a for the farmers. That is the basis of the Maputo declaration, potentially manageable crisis in east Africa was allowed which calls for 10% of the development aid budget to be to become a catastrophe on such a monumental scale. allocated to improving agricultural techniques. In countries Although the short-term focus has to be on humanitarian such as Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, where 80% of relief—keeping people alive through health interventions smallholders farm less than 2 hectares, food production and the provision of food, sanitation and water—we is labour intensive and inefficient, and as a result the also need to look at the underlying causes of the crisis yields are low. These countries suffer extremely from and ensure that the UK’s longer-term development poor food security and we have to focus on priming the work invests heavily in preventive initiatives that reduce pump of sustainable food production to ensure that it is vulnerability to famine in east Africa and other parts of not the exception, but the rule. As a result, dependence the world. on aid will lessen, building dignity, self-sufficiency and Other hon. Members have mentioned the very complex economic growth. political situation in east Africa, which has led to long- There are very good examples in Africa of conservation standing problems of conflict, political instability and agriculture making impressive strides in improving the weak governance. I will use the short time available to output of products, creating genuine movement towards me this afternoon to focus on two other aspects of the self-sufficiency and increasing nutrition for the population, crisis, the first of which is the impact of climate change. in a way that has a low impact on the environment. For A key factor in the crisis is the changing weather example, in northern Tanzania, against the backdrop of patterns in the region, which has always been prone to poor quality soil and soil erosion, the adoption of these drought. In recent years, the frequency of drought has techniques has led to a dramatic increase in yields from been increasing and there have been long and repeated just over 2 tonnes per hectare in 2004 to 14 tonnes per periods of unpredictable weather. Over the past few hectare in 2009. Currently, 7,000 acres in this area are years, those changes have been wearing down people’s farmed according to the principles of conservation resilience and changing the way they live, as they find agriculture, and that is set to triple by 2015. that traditional farming methods no longer work. As There is reason for optimism that through the responsible has been mentioned, life for the pastoralists has become application of these principles, the parts of the world extraordinarily difficult. Without enough water, their that most need to move towards self-sufficiency will be livestock die and they lose not only their economic able to do so. I would argue that the horn of Africa livelihood but their only assets. I know that some aid needs to have its own 21st-century agrarian revolution. agencies, including the Scottish Catholic International Therefore, I hope that right hon. and hon. Members Aid Fund, have been buying up livestock before they will agree that Government spending on aid, although die from pastoralists in northern Kenya and other parts it seems to be a huge controversy for some of my of east Africa, so that they can give people money to constituents who write to me suggesting that we should keep themselves alive through the crisis. In the longer reduce it, is something that we must do. If it is deployed term, however, at the global level, we need to invest in in the right way, promoting sustainability and self- the climate fund set up at Cancun and persuade other sufficiency, it can be the building block of poverty donors to honour their commitments and put money reduction and famine relief. into the mechanisms that have been established to pre-empt and prevent such crises. 1.58 pm The second aspect I want to discuss has already been Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): I raised by others in the context of food security and congratulate the hon. Members for Hastings and Rye economic development. Despite the importance that we (Amber Rudd) and for Lewisham East (Heidi Alexander) all attach to agriculture, it has been very unfashionable on securing the debate, and add my tribute to those who in development terms for a number of years and now have given so generously to the appeal. Over the past represents a very small part of development aid budgets. few months, dramatic events at home and in other parts An awful lot more emphasis is needed on supporting of the world have diverted attention away from the huge smallholders and investing in technical support for them. and ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in east Africa. Since the L’Aquila summit in 2009, there have been We have an important opportunity today to highlight commitments to boost agriculture spending, which has what is going on in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. put those issues back on the agenda, but we are still The fact that people have been so generous to the looking for clarity on what that is achieving. I make a DEC appeal and to the appeals of other agencies shows plea to the Government not to consign those commitments that there is public concern about this issue. It is sad to the collective recycling bin, but to hold donor countries that the response of citizens stands in such sharp contrast accountable for the commitments they have made. to the response from parts of the international community. Let me briefly draw particular attention to the role of Oxfam estimates that there is a shortfall of $1 billion in women in agriculture. Although they form the majority the funding needed to meet the immediate humanitarian of smallholder agricultural workers in Africa, they rarely needs in this year alone. I am glad that the UK Government own their land and they have very poor market access; have done their bit and I wish the Secretary of State in addition, they rarely have access to the kind of credit every success in his efforts to persuade people in other facilities that farmers in all parts of the world need to donor countries that they need to do likewise. sustain themselves. Given the imbalance of power, we Perhaps the most galling aspect of the crisis is the must not reinforce those inequalities. I think we all fact that the famine was preventable. As other speakers recognise the importance of putting women and girls at have said this afternoon, early warning systems were in the heart of efforts in health and education, but when place that worked and were effective, but we collectively we talk about business and climate change, we become a 1227 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1228 (Africa) (Africa) lot more gender blind and start talking in more general responded to. We need to increase investment in methods terms. We have to understand that if we reinforce existing of growing crops, both traditional and GM, which can inequalities, we will entrench poverty even deeper in achieve yields in drier conditions and are more resistant those communities. to disease. The role of the agronomist has been sadly My time is running out, so I shall conclude. We are reduced, with fewer being trained or employed by responding to an immediate crisis, as we have to, but let Governments, NGOs or commercial organisations. us learn the lessons and try to look ahead, on a multilateral Britain used to export its agricultural expertise; it could and international level, at how we can reduce the still do so. vulnerability of people economically to these shocks I was particularly shocked by one statistic in the and put them in a better position to withstand the crises foresight report: they face as a result of climate disasters and erratic “half of the world’s undernourished people, three-quarters of weather. Africa’s malnourished children, and the majority of people living in absolute poverty can be found on small farms”. 2.4 pm It is a huge contradiction that the very poorest and the Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): I, worst nourished people live on the farms that produce too, commend the hon. Members who secured the food. We can give those people the tools and knowledge debate, which gives us an opportunity to express our they need to feed themselves. There is an excellent appreciation to the British public, as well as to DFID example of that in my constituency. Hay-on-Wye, well and the non-governmental organisations who have played known for its literary festival, has twinned with Timbuktu such a vital part in tackling the crisis. Our efforts have in Mali, well known for its library of Islamic literature been seen throughout the world as effective, generous and books. They have been working to help Mali’s and brave, but continuous intervention in terms of food people through fair trade for their crafts and measures supplies is also needed. That will prove particularly to improve health and education. On a smaller scale, a difficult in areas that suffer from political and military project called Jump4Timbuktu, based in Hay-on-Wye instability and for those people who have been displaced and exported to Mali, has responded to the challenges and are in refugee camps. of climate change and has had great success with drip I want to touch on two issues that will be key to irrigation, which is incredibly simple, requiring only reducing food insecurity around the world: science and water, a bucket and gravity, and which shows how to use land tenure. I believe we all need to embrace science in scarce resources to maximise food production in sub- agriculture. I was speaking to Derek Stewart at the Saharan areas suffering from both drought and James Hutton Institute which, with many similar desertification. organisations, does fantastic work in the science of Some say that food security can be achieved by improving the yield and nutritional value of crops. For improving the productivity of all smallholdings and example, golden rice has a significantly higher level of small farms. Although I have no doubt that improvements vitamin A and is a clever, effective and relatively cheap can be made, smallholdings are probably as much a way of getting more nutrients to those who desperately cause of the problem as a solution, and in any case there need them. We need to give such institutions financial is constant movement of people from the countryside backing so that they can develop more such crops. to urban areas. That has gone on ever since cities came The “Foresight: The Future of Food and Farming” into existence, but this year was the first in which there report that was produced for the Government by Sir were more people living in urban areas than in rural John Beddington and chaired by the Secretary of State, settlements. Small farms entail physical hard work for I believe, states that investment in new science and little reward; larger farms allow economies of scale and technology is critical to: producing more food, increasing better results. The challenge is to enable people to make the efficiency of food production and sustainability, the move from these smallholdings from a position of “securing ecosystem services…keeping pace with evolving threats strength, with the skills and resources necessary to such as the emergence of new and more virulent pests and make a success of urban living, rather than as economic diseases…addressing new challenges, such as the development of migrants. There is nothing noble or virtuous about new varieties of crops that are resistant to increased drought, flooding and salinity” living in poverty and being undernourished in smallholdings. and 2.10 pm “meeting the particular needs of the world’s poorest communities.” Britain used to be at the heart of agricultural research Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): I congratulate and our scientists are still highly regarded, as I found the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye (Amber Rudd) when I visited Embrapa, the Brazilian Agricultural and my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham East Research Organisation, during the inquiry of the Select (Heidi Alexander) on securing this debate on such an Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs important topic. into food production to 2050. Sadly, as is often the case, There is no doubt that even in difficult financial success has meant that Government investment has times, when the disposable incomes of people in this reduced; in addition, anti-science attacks on genetic country are squeezed, the British public are instinctively modification technology have meant that many commercial generous in their support for those in other parts of the plant breeding businesses have moved out of Britain. world who are less fortunate. The work of the Disasters In the past, food productivity has increased faster Emergency Committee in highlighting the famine and than the world population through investment in science, relief efforts in the horn of Africa has been vital in but Sir John Beddington foresees a perfect storm of a saving the lives of many hundreds of thousands of the rapidly increasing world population and threats to world poorest people in that region. Many of my constituents food production through climate change. The need for who have contacted me strongly support the work of more scientific research is well made and should be the aid agencies and the resources that the UK Government 1229 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1230 (Africa) (Africa) [Ian Murray] now being bought and sold by bankers who have little or no involvement in the actual food being traded but are putting into the horn of Africa, and people in the who bet on food prices to make money. The World region are very grateful for those resources. There is Bank lead economist, Wolfgang Fengler, highlighted concern, however, that those in the most severe need that the price of corn reached a staggering 70% and the areas most beset by conflict are the least likely above the world average in east Africa as a result of to get access to the aid that they so desperately require. a small number of farmers having control over the As we have heard, according to the UN, as many as market and so keeping prices artificially high. It is 13 million people across the horn of Africa region need extraordinary that it was cheaper to buy corn in the US food aid; as many as 750,000 people could die in Somalia and Germany than it was in places such as Somalia. alone over the next four months; and, worst of all, half Since January alone, the price of corn has increased by of all deaths have been and will be of children. UN up to 200%. representatives on the ground have described the situation While some are reaping huge profits from betting on in parts of the region as worse than anything previously food, poor families and people across the world are recorded. The question has to be asked, therefore: why paying the price of hunger and malnutrition, but the do we get to such a stage of famine? Famine injects problem could be easily solved by the UK Government urgency, but it is often too late. That is not a new backing proposals to regulate betting on food prices in phenomenon. Since 1980, 42 droughts have occurred in financial markets. The Obama Administration in the the horn of Africa, almost half in the last decade alone, US and, as we have heard already, the European affecting more than 100 million people. Commission are calling for regulation to curb betting The situation is progressively worsening, nowhere on food prices in financial markets. The UK has to play more so than in Somalia. Not only do people need its part in backing the European proposals and not greater access to food, but there is acute need for safe block important progress towards regulation. water, sanitation and disease control. Famine in Somalia is coupled with massive displacement of people both Alison McGovern: Would my hon. Friend, like me, within the country and to neighbouring countries. The like to hear at the end of this debate a firm commitment large influx of refugees has overwhelmed local host to that? communities, led to conflict over ever more scarce resources, Ian Murray: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for exacerbated the problems massively and had a negative asking that question. It is important that food commodity effect on already fragile ecosystems. speculation across the world is dealt with because it is There is an urgent need to support countries that are exacerbating many problems. If Ministers gave a susceptible to drought and to help to mitigate the commitment at least to consider regulation, as the US impact on fragile environments. The summit on the and European Commission are doing, it would be horn of Africa held last week in Nairobi stated that incredibly helpful to efforts to deal both with the “we reaffirm that freedom from hunger is one of the fundamental immediate problems of famine and drought in the horn rights of citizens of any nation. Every effort should therefore be of Africa, and with the long-term issues, as many of the made—by governments, citizens and the international community organisations and the horn of Africa summit have alike—to bring the current emergency to an end”. suggested we need to do in order to prevent such crises More importantly, it went on: from arising again. “Every effort should also be made to ensure that in future, drought will not cause undue human suffering, including in The World Development Movement has led the charge; particular famine”. now the UK Government have to support two simple High food prices and price volatility are major proposals that would be hugely helpful—again, it would contributors to the difficulties, and I want to highlight be useful to hear whether the Government support the impact that food commodity speculation is having them. First, all futures contracts should be cleared on high food prices. That was also mentioned by my through regulated exchanges. Most contracts are currently right hon. Friend the Member for Oxford East (Mr Smith). made in private, which means that it is impossible to Banks and hedge funds are betting on food prices in the know how much and what is being traded; monitoring financial markets, causing drastic price swings in staple is impossible. Secondly, strict limits should be set on the foods such as wheat, maize and soy. Massive food price amount that bankers can bet on food prices. hikes are catastrophic for the world’s poor because they Combining risky financial gambling with a basic are more likely to spend more than 40% of their income human need is a recipe for global hunger. Excessive on food, as opposed to about 10% to 15% in countries speculation on food prices needs to be curbed and the such as the UK. Food becomes unaffordable, which UK Government should back the European proposals leads to increased hunger and malnutrition as less dairy, for regulation. Drought and famine are avoidable. Just meat, fruit and vegetables are consumed, so that people two years ago, the G8 acknowledged that increased can buy staple food; to an increased burden on women, investment in agriculture was vital and committed particularly as they are often forced to earn more money $22 billion over three years to assist affected areas. We by taking up exploitative employment; to households have to act now and the G20 summit in Cannes must using up savings, getting into debt or selling assets, reaffirm that commitment. including critical assets such as livestock and equipment, to pay for food; and to families being unable to afford 2.17 pm health care and education, as more of their income is Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con): I congratulate needed to buy basic food. the hon. Member for Lewisham East (Heidi Alexander) Historically, futures contracts were set up in US and my hon. Friend the Member for Hastings and Rye financial markets to help farmers to deal with price (Amber Rudd), as well as the previous speaker, the hon. uncertainty in growing crops, but those contracts are Member for Edinburgh South (Ian Murray). 1231 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1232 (Africa) (Africa) Many people have already elaborated much better An alarming quantity of food in the developing than I could on the issues facing Africa specifically. I do world is ruined before it can get to market. Storage is not apologise, therefore, for using this debate to examine not available and productivity has not increased significantly wider global issues of food security and how the global in decades. Crops are ruined by disease, and by food security system impacts on the UK domestic market. mismanagement due to a lack of agricultural education. The situation in east Africa is a tragic human disaster, Distribution is often ineffective in getting products to but it is also an illustration of a global system that is at market, especially in the developing world. A lot of breaking point. The impact is being felt locally, domestically work needs to be done to get food from the farm to the in the UK and globally.Unlike so many other international fridge, but we are losing a lot on the way, often unnecessarily. development issues, food insecurity and food inflation Every time an African farmer does not get his food to are not exclusively about overseas or foreign parts or market, or has a crop failure, a price rise in our domestic the developing world; they are about us here and those market becomes more likely. Every time we fail to who sent us here. In food, more than in any other sector, support agricultural development and food education we are as one—with the soy growers in Brazil as much in Africa, we make our constituents more vulnerable to as with the families in Somalia facing the challenges of food inflation. crop failure. There is no more globally traded product Globally, we need to address some important initiatives. group than food, so the crisis in east Africa is our crisis. The G20 initiative must be taken seriously, and I hope Anyone who does not believe that we need to address that the report from the Food and Agriculture Organisation the long-term underlying problems of food production, and the International Food Policy Research Institute famine resilience and demand and supply in the developing will be taken seriously. The World Trade Organisation world in support of our domestic constituents is not must be a priority for the Foreign Office, and food trade living in the real world. I shall outline some of the must be the most important issue. domestic realities that we face and illustrate how crop failure, food shortages and famine anywhere in the 2.23 pm world impact on our supermarket shoppers. Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): I pay tribute This country imports 50% of its food, which might be to the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye (Amber too much. Food inflation domestically has been running Rudd) and my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham at about 6%. The price of staples such as grain and East (Heidi Alexander) for securing the debate, and to sugar in particular have been rising significantly, and the hon. Member for South Thanet (Laura Sandys) for the situation has not been helped by the rush for biofuels. her excellent speech. My reasons for speaking in the There is no drop in food prices on the horizon; they are debate are twofold. First, I want to raise awareness of still going up. this issue and thank those who have given, and to We are facing the global reality of food consumption appeal for continued backing for that support. Secondly, per head of population in developing countries rising I want to discuss some of the causes of the problem and even faster than population growth. Global population some of the strategic issues involved. growth and increased consumption are putting increased Other hon. Members have mentioned the British pressure on marginal land, and global populations are support for famine relief. There are some in the House moving from the countryside to the towns, depleting the and elsewhere who argue that charity begins at home. food production labour force. Inflation is rampant. In Looking into the eyes of a starving child gives the lie to Zambia, Botswana, Swaziland and Malawi, producers that argument, however. In this debate, we have are selling locally for a better price than they get for acknowledged our moral responsibility to uphold the their exports. That is causing price rises across the dignity of the people affected by the famine. Let the world. message from the debate be that Britain will continue to Protectionism is probably the most dangerous offer support to those who need it, wherever in the development for domestic consumers here in the UK world they live. I thank from the bottom of my heart all and for the global food market, and it is becoming those in my constituency and around the country who much more prevalent. Tanzania recently imposed an have given through the Disasters Emergency Committee, export ban, and other countries could follow suit. Climatic and we call on Governments around the world to do shocks, such as the one that caused the crop failure in likewise and to stand up for the needs of the most Somalia, are increasingly becoming the norm. All this is vulnerable people in the world. The famine might no creating a new paradigm for our domestic consumers. longer be on our TV screens, but that does not mean Food is becoming much more expensive, and the trade that it is not happening and that people no longer need in food is declining due to greater domestic demand in our support. We have a moral duty to show our support the producer countries. The availability of commodities for the people who are affected. at low prices is becoming rare, and the markets on Other Members have given a good account of some which we have depended for years to deliver cheap food of the causes of the problem, especially those relating to to our supermarket shelves are being seriously challenged. agriculture. There are interesting questions about the Before anyone accuses me of being too UK-centric, role of agriculture in development, and about whether let me point out the anomalies surrounding food production the Department for International Development might globally. Many experts state clearly that enough food is do more work in that area. produced to feed the global population. There is not a I want to talk specifically about food speculation, food scarcity; the fundamental flaws in the food supply although many other factors are involved. It has already chain need to be addressed. The Department for been pointed out that famine is neither an accident nor International Development could play an important a a natural disaster; it is the result of human failure. The part in that. hon. Member for Hastings and Rye mentioned the 1233 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1234 (Africa) (Africa) [Alison McGovern] undermining our global economy to having food speculation undermining it, we will have made the same mistake comments of the Nobel laureate, Amartya Sen, about twice. I hope that at some point the Minister will the causes of famine and their link to democracy. That comment on that regulation. point was well made, and needs to be listened to. People in the poorest countries do not have a voice, and that is Heidi Alexander: The Minister will be unable to respond part of the problem. to the points that my hon. Friend has made today, I want to ask the Minister some specific questions owing to the time constraints in this debate. However, I about food speculation, although I understand that he have met Michael Masters and I know his concerns might not be able to respond to them as he will not be about commodity index funds. Will she join me in summing up the debate. If he wishes to intervene on me, urging the Minister to write to those Members who or if he can answer them in any other way, that would have expressed concerns in this debate about the action be welcome. The evidence on food speculation is that he might take, the conversations that he might have inconclusive, but that does not mean that there is no with his colleagues and the position that will be adopted evidence; quite the opposite. Part of the reason for its in the upcoming discussions in Cannes? being inconclusive is the way in which the speculation is Alison McGovern: My hon. Friend makes an incredibly happening. I shall come to that in a moment. helpful suggestion. The Minister might consider writing Let us be clear: famine involves political as well as to those Members who have raised the matter in this economic failure. The food market is not serving the debate or, indeed, to the Chair of the International people of the world, as the hon. Member for South Development Committee to explain what exactly DFID Thanet said. Mike Masters, a fund manager at Masters is doing to work alongside the Treasury. Capital Management, has done a great deal of research into this issue. He testified to the US Senate in 2008 that The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for food speculation was certainly driving up food prices. International Development (Mr Stephen O’Brien) rose— He said: Alison McGovern: I hope that the Minister is about to “Most of the business is now speculation—I would say 70-80%.” tell me how the Treasury will assist DFID in tackling He went on: food speculation bubbles. “Let’s say news comes about bad crops and rain somewhere. Normally the price would rise about $1 a bushel. But when you Mr O’Brien: I am not going to give an immediate have a 70-80% speculative market it goes up $2-$3 to account for response because that is not how this debate has been the extra costs. It adds to the volatility. It will end badly as all Wall designed. However, I can say that before the previous Street fads do. It’s going to blow up.” intervention I had already made a note that says, “Write a letter to the hon. Member”. Roger Williams: The hon. Lady is making an important point. High food prices and increased volatility seem to Alison McGovern: I thank the Minister for that. My coincide with reduced world stocks of food, because fear is that we have an absence of leadership on some of that makes the trade more excitable. Would it not be a these issues. I hope that his clarification will help us to good idea for Governments to hold strategic stocks of move away from that. food, so that they could intervene directly in these At the end of the day, Britain has shown over the last markets? decade what can be achieved to tackle global poverty if people right at the top of our politics are prepared to Alison McGovern: We need an effective market that stand up and perform their moral duty to help poor encourages trade between poor countries and richer people wherever they happen to live. I hope that all of countries, because increased flows will help people in us in this debate are behind that approach, and that the both. The threat implied by the hon. Gentleman’s question Minister will assist us in taking forward our aim of is protectionism, but in the end, if countries close their tackling not just today’s urgent problem, but the long-term borders and try to stockpile, that will help none of us. strategic difficulties with food speculation. However, that is a detailed question. As a member of the International Development 2.32 pm Committee, I have spoken to DFID about food speculation. I am told informally that the Treasury is leading on the Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con): I congratulate issue and that it is not certain that there is any evidence. my hon. Friend the Member for Hastings and Rye However, as the issue is clearly a development matter, I (Amber Rudd), the hon. Member for Lewisham East would be grateful if the Minister said at some point (Heidi Alexander) and all right hon. and hon. Members what role the Treasury has been asked to play in spotting who have spoken—particularly the hon. Member for and dealing with food speculation bubbles, specifically Wirral South (Alison McGovern), who has just spoken—on in relation to the G20. What action will be taken about such a united debate. over-the-counter trading? We need transparency and As many Members have mentioned, smallholder clarity on this matter—the reason the evidence is so farmers are one of the keys to food security, and inconclusive is that a lot of trading does not take place therefore to poverty reduction and creating sustainable in regulated commodity exchanges—and the G20 is the livelihoods. That in turn will lead to less aid being way to get it. Will the UK support limits on speculation, required, which must be the goal that we are looking either at the G20 or in other forums? Will we question for. However, corruption in many countries in Africa the need for high-volume or high-frequency trading? must be tackled, including the secret sales of mines, Will the UK support the regulation of commodity with the money going to tax havens and no directors’ trading alongside the regulation of financial products? names being available, which means that it cannot be If we go from having sub-prime market speculation tracked. Not enough emphasis has been put on agriculture 1235 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1236 (Africa) (Africa) in developing countries, but I believe that the world has credit and advice. With climate change affecting so woken up to the importance of the agricultural potential much of the African continent, they must also have there. access to drought-resistant varieties and crops with A couple of months ago, I along with several colleagues higher nutrition; they need to be shown how drip irrigation went with the International Development Committee goes specifically to the roots of plants so that they do to Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and not spray water on to soil that does not need it. Burundi, three very different countries. Whereas Rwanda The UK is committed to spending £1.1 billion over is investing in terracing, soil nutrition and irrigation, the three years since the L’Aquila summit, but we are the DRC is in chaos, spending money on things that will not delivering, so I call on the Minister with responsibility not reduce the poverty of those who live there. Burundi for Africa to step up the finance in all areas to provide has land that is extremely impoverished. The crops that better opportunities for these countries. The Department we saw were extremely poor, and the farmers there need for International Development has the opportunity help to use fertilisers to aid crop intensity. The soil is so massively to increase its funding to food security and poor because of erosion and the lack of crop rotation. agricultural development when it increases its aid budget Each family in the village that we stayed in—or that by £1.3 billion in 2013. most of us stayed in—grows its own food, but a more When there is a crisis like the one that we see in east intensive project could help them to move from poverty Africa, flying humanitarian aid in in the form of food is to a higher standard of living by selling any excess, so costly that it makes perfect sense to invest in helping which unfortunately they currently do not have; indeed, people to become self-sufficient before the next drought they do not even have enough to feed themselves. and famine, but African countries need to do their bit In Uganda, where I have been involved in an agricultural as well. They are committed to spend at least 10% of project, farmers are beginning to reap the rewards of their budgets on agriculture, but that is happening only working harder and working together. They now need a in seven countries— machine to grind the maize into flour so that the excess can go to the markets. In Kenya, an organisation called Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. Free the Children works with schools and women to encourage them to have a kitchen garden for use in 2.38 pm school kitchens and at home. Children are much more Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co- likely to attend school when their parents know that op): I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this they will receive a meal—any meal, never mind a nutritious debate, which shows the value of having Back-Bench meal. At home, the parents can also provide a much debates in which there is perhaps more to agree on than more varied diet if helped to begin growing a diversity divides us. We have heard some moving speeches and of fruit and vegetables. A well-fed child can learn better contributions from people who have seen first hand and is less likely to succumb to diseases; and if they what is happening in the crisis-hit areas. That is important. become ill, they have more reserves to recover than I do not think that anyone who has seen the images on some of the children we see all too frequently on our television screens could fail to be moved by them. television. Ghana has done well over the past two As other hon. Members have pointed out, at this time decades in stimulating its agriculture. We should encourage of stringency and belt-tightening, it is important to different countries in the continent of Africa to learn convince the public that it is right to continue to protect— from each other about what works. and, indeed, to look at how to increase—aid budgets. I In India, the Select Committee saw a farmer who had recognise that the Government have listened to Parliament moved away from the traditional subsistence crops to on this issue. I recognise, too, the generosity of the grow chillies. His income had improved tenfold and he public, many of whom are, like many of my constituents, was an extremely happy man because he could afford to on low incomes themselves, yet they continue to give send his children to school. generously to the various appeals. Initiatives like the “Give a Day’s Pay” campaign, which was supported by Much of what needs to be done is simple and The Independent, provide a welcome addition to the straightforward—for example, building rural roads, funding organisations appealing for aid. There was also the Disasters agricultural research, ensuring that rural people have Emergency Committee appeal, to which the public access to clean water. Other things, such as finding contributed about £57 million in just eight weeks. effective ways to stimulate rural financial systems or to conserve soil and water, require trial and error to find Members have spoken about the famine problems in effective solutions in local circumstances. It follows that Somalia. The UN estimates that a quarter of its population, those efforts need to be sustained, allowing enough time 1.8 million people, have been displaced. Such figures for promising developments to become embedded before easily trip off the tongue, but as hon. Members have switching attention and funding to some other issue. pointed out, we are talking about real people, real lives and real human tragedies. No one could fail to be Women make up the majority of smallholder farmers, moved by the images of mothers who have lost their on top of all the other jobs they do, and we know that children on the long march to find food or who must when women earn the money, they spend 90% of it on watch their children die in front of them from lack of the family—in comparison with men who spend 40% or food. less, as they do not see the family as being so important. As in all countries, women are more concerned with the Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): As someone who welfare of the family, so they spend on health, education has worked in such countries—and my wife has worked and nutrition. in the horn of Africa as an International Committee of In order to increase their production and therefore the Red Cross delegate—may I point out that the problem their incomes, smallholder farmers need access to affordable is that the region has historically not been able to inputs, like seeds and fertilisers, and to technology, sustain those who live there? Perhaps now we should 1237 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1238 (Africa) (Africa) [Bob Stewart] traditionally grown cassava, he was now being encouraged—with the best will in the world—to grow think about moving people to a better place that can mandarin oranges, which he did not like very much, sustain them, rather than building up camps that attract and that he did not find it helpful. That example reinforces people who are then trapped, and whom we must feed the point that we must always work with people in those for years. Does the hon. Lady agree? communities and listen to what they say.

Cathy Jamieson: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his 2.45 pm intervention. Although we are short of time, I do want to move on to the issue of sustainability. Some of the Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): I organisations that briefed us were worried about people congratulate my good and hon. Friend the Member for being displaced from their natural areas and ways of Hastings and Rye (Amber Rudd) and the hon. Member life, and about the process whereby people come to sit for Lewisham East (Heidi Alexander) on securing a outside the camps and are screened before they come in, debate on a subject that should be receiving far greater with all the associated difficulties. I accept that the attention from the world’s leaders and press than it has problem is complex. The political situation in countries to date. such as Somalia can easily discourage those involved in My own recent experience of Africa has been through dealing with the issues, but we ought to continue to deal annual trips to Uganda with a group of Northamptonshire with them none the less. sixth-formers. I set up a project in 2006 with the aim of I pay tribute to those in the aid agencies who have linking schools in the two countries and helping young risked—and, indeed, have lost—their lives trying to people to gain a greater understanding of one another’s ensure that aid is delivered in sometimes very difficult lives and culture. Each year since then we have held a situations. I also recognise the work of a Scottish charity, youth conference in Uganda, where the topics discussed Mary’s Meals, which has launched an emergency relief have ranged from the role of women to fair trade, the response in Somalia as part of its latest effort to support environment versus development, and the role of starving people affected by the food crisis across east supranational institutions. The conferences provide a Africa. It is providing 100 tonnes of food aid to Somalia’s fantastic opportunity for students to learn from each capital, Mogadishu, to which tens of thousands of other’s very different experiences, but the one message people have fled in search of food. It is estimated that that we have always heard loud and clear from those the charity’s efforts will provide about 900,000 meals in young Africans is that they want to make their own way famine-hit Somalia. The organisation has already been as equals, and that aid for the poorest should offer a feeding more than 24,000 children with a daily life-saving hand up rather than a handout. meal in northern Kenya. As we approach the weekend, The situation in the horn of Africa is devastating. when many of us may be thinking about going out for a More than 13 million people are affected in Ethopia, meal or having our favourite takeaway, it is worth Somalia and Kenya, and the number is increasing. Tens noting that the cost of one life-saving Mary’s meal is 4p, of thousands of people are already dead, and the United so perhaps we could skip one of our meals out or Nations estimates that three quarters of a million risk takeaways this weekend and make a donation to that dying in the coming months. However, to my great worthy cause instead. sadness, I have received one or two letters from constituents We must learn from the various crises about how best asking why we are bothering to try to help. They point to avoid such situations happening again. Many of the to the fact that we have problems in our own country, organisations who spoke to me said that warnings of and suggest that because of AIDS, civil wars, disease the crisis were there, and that although they are well and natural disasters these people will die anyway, so it geared up to coping with crises when they occur, they is all a waste of money. That is a pretty shocking are not as good at preventing them. The warning bells attitude, but one that requires a serious and logical were ringing loud and clear, but the current systems response. The problems of African famines are a stain made it hard to intervene and to get everyone to move on the conscience of the developed world. together. I am sure that Ministers will comment on that issue, which I know they take very seriously. I recently met a successful Asian Ugandan business man in the United Kingdom who argues that Africa Several Members have referred to food crises being subsidises the west, not the other way around. He caused not simply by a failure of food production or analyses the price of a tonne of fresh pineapple or a lack of food, but by some people not being able to tonne of coffee beans, which is the only income for the access it. I am sure that the Minister will comment on African producer. He then calculates the margin added that too. by the processing of the produce—usually in the west—and We have also heard several good contributions about the margin added by the western retailer, and concludes resilience. With the best will in the world, there are still that the vast bulk of the value from primary goods is occasions when we do not spend aid money on the right earned in the west. One can see his point. things. I have been told of instances in which irrigation I am proud that the Government stuck to the schemes, introduced with the best of intentions, led to Conservative manifesto pledge to donate 0.7% of gross the displacement of some pastoral communities, who national income to aid. The United Kingdom is at the were forced to move into other areas because they could forefront of the relief effort in the horn of Africa, and is no longer keep their livestock alive as they had in the the largest humanitarian donor to the region apart from past. the United States. It is also good news that more donors When I was in Rwanda I saw some examples of how are stepping up to the plate, and that the African Union aid had helped local farmers to produce more indigenous and Saudi Arabia are now providing aid. However, we crops. However, one of them told me that, having must accept that the international community has been 1239 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1240 (Africa) (Africa) slow to react. There were warnings of impending drought allowing them to access the fertiliser and maize seed as early as August 2010, but little was done until the required to improve agricultural productivity and food rains failed in May 2011. security. A voucher system was used, which targeted We need to learn the lesson once and for all that millions of maize farmers and hundreds of thousands prevention is better than cure. We must not only provide of tobacco farmers. Farmers used the coupons to purchase support early with the aim of avoiding repeat disasters, fertilisers and seed. but achieve maximum value for British taxpayers’ money Combined with sometimes favourable rain seasons, so that our constituents do not conclude that it is all the programme resulted in dramatically increased maize wasted. We may not be able to predict droughts accurately, harvests. That has allowed the Malawi Government to but we can do much more to prevent famine. Let me transform the country from a land of perennial famine briefly outline three possible ways of doing that. to a net exporter of maize. Malawi now exports First, building community resilience is key. Improving 400,000 tonnes of grain to Zimbabwe and 80,000 tonnes access to markets for smallholders and giving targeted to Swaziland and Lesotho. Not only has harvest yield support to women who often provide the main support increased, but the programme has improved the food for the family can make a big difference. It is vital to loss situation. In talking about the importance of food focus on reducing trade barriers and tariffs for exports. production, other Members have touched on reducing Secondly, we should work harder to address the real food loss, and post-harvest food loss in Malawi has issues of poor government. It is a well-known fact that fallen to 7.6% in 2009-10, which is a dramatic improvement democracies have far fewer famines than non-democracies, on the previous figure. As the United States Agency for even when differences in wealth are taken into account. International Development confirms in its most recent Ethiopia, with a GDP of £18 billion, could afford to assessment of food security in Malawi, the outlook is feed her people. Freedom of the press and a powerful good. opposition would have a dramatic impact in promoting There are, however, considerable diplomatic and prevention measures. Likewise, introducing property governance issues in respect of Malawi, as the Minister rights that allow farmers to own, rather than just lease, will know, and there are still pockets of the country their land would give them greater ability to manage where the situation is not so positive, mainly in the their own livelihoods. south. Concerns have also been raised in some quarters Finally, when this immediate crisis wanes, I think we about various elements of the programme, particularly should look closely at Save the Children’s policy of the multinational seed suppliers and some issues touched distributing food vouchers rather than food. I am no on earlier by the hon. Member for Romsey and expert, but it seems to me to be essential to enable the Southampton North (Caroline Nokes). However, the means of exchange. Families who are able to use vouchers Malawi successes are worth highlighting as examples of to buy food and clean water to meet their own needs are where, beyond addressing initial, pressing famine needs, empowered by that, and that creates better incentives long-term planning can make a positive difference, as for farmers to produce in order to meet demand. British there may be lessons for other parts of Africa. aid is best spent helping Africans to help themselves. I Like my hon. Friend the Member for Kilmarnock fully believe in the old saying, “It’s better to give a and Loudoun (Cathy Jamieson), I want to use this fishing rod than a fish.” debate as an opportunity to pay tribute to the Scotland- based charity, Mary’s Meals. It started its work in 2.50 pm Malawi back in 2002, providing school meals to impoverished children. Incredibly, it now provides meals Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ to 450,000 Malawian schoolchildren a day. Food security Co-op): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for is central to the raison d’être of Mary’s Meals. The Lewisham East (Heidi Alexander) and the hon. Member organisation was set up after a conversation between its for Hastings and Rye (Amber Rudd) on both securing founder and the eldest son of a Malawian woman dying the debate and their speeches. Several other Members of AIDS. When he was asked what he wanted from life, have also made powerful contributions. They focused his response was that he wanted to have enough to eat on the horn of Africa, and rightly so given current and to go to school one day. Those are not particularly circumstances. lofty aspirations, but for very many people in Malawi Given the breadth of the motion however, I want to they were but a dream. It is on that basis that Mary’s touch briefly on food security in Malawi. I should first Meals adopts a very simple approach in Malawi, which declare an interest: I am the co-chair of the all-party is that education is the best route out of poverty and group on Zambia and Malawi. Some positive signs are food insecurity. A hungry child is a restless child, and a coming out of Malawi, which it is useful to bear in mind restless child is less likely to learn. Education is key to when considering wider issues across Africa. In 2004, climbing out of poverty and to ensuring food security national food production in Malawi was 0.9 million for the people of Malawi and other countries. metric tonnes in deficit. In 2011, it is estimated that As I stated, Malawi is far from perfect. There are there will be a food surplus of 1.2 million metric tonnes. many problems there and many issues still need to be That is a remarkable turnaround, and is in no small part addressed: too many of its citizens still live in inhumane thanks to the farm input subsidy programme introduced poverty; too many children go without food; and too in 2005 by the Malawi Government and supported by many people still die of HIV/AIDS. However, at a time international aid. of great famine in other parts of the continent, the Agriculture is the backbone of the Malawi economy, progress made in Malawi is a timely reminder of what contributing more than one third of entire GDP and specific and targeted Government action can do to employing 80% of the country’s work force. The programme increase food security for some of the most impoverished targeted support at the most vulnerable households, in the world. 1241 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1242 (Africa) (Africa) 2.55 pm review was to deliver the maximum possible benefit to those affected by disasters while at the same time delivering Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): I am value for money for the UK taxpayer. I also welcome pleased to be able to participate in this afternoon’s the Government’s response for two particular reasons: debate. I know that quite a few Members still wish to first, they recognised the important role of independent speak, as we were a bit later starting this debate than we charities and the value of their role in disasters emergency might have been, so in the hope that everyone who has relief; and, secondly, they made a commitment to set up waited so patiently will have an opportunity to make a a rapid response facility to pre-approve high performing few remarks, I will cut down my comments and therefore UK charities and to enable them to do more of what not get to the aspects of my speech relating to food they do so well. security and our united belief that prevention is better than cure. At the time, the Government announced that there would be a consultation on the rapid response facility. I I wish to associate myself with the comments made hope that while the consultation is going on the Government by all those who have paid tribute to the voluntary will learn from the excellent work of ShelterBox. A key organisations that are doing such fantastic work. I also message the charity has given to me is that, despite the wish to reflect on some of the things that the Government fact that we are all going to work and redouble our could learn from the current humanitarian crisis and on efforts to prevent problems, disasters in the world are how we might improve our response in future. I wish to increasing as a result of climate change and other pay tribute to ShelterBox, a great Cornish charity set up issues. It is important that we should be able to build up by a group of Rotarians, that provides humanitarian reserves so that when disaster strikes we can quickly get aid. It does so mostly in the form of shelter, but it also aid to where it is needed. Of course, tents take time to enables people to cook food and ensures a good supply be manufactured, and it is important that the Government of clean water through its boxes. It was set up in should enable organisations such as ShelterBox to 2000 and has responded to more than 140 disasters in manufacture its very specialist tents, which can provide more than 70 countries. This voluntary organisation so much important shelter and comfort. relies totally on individual donations and does not receive any funding from the Disasters Emergency I hope that the consultation can be speeded up and Committee appeals. the recommendations implemented so that more UK charities, such as ShelterBox, can provide desperately The ShelterBox team that is currently in east Africa needed help and do what they do best. Although charity went out there in July. ShelterBox response teams are begins at home, it does not end there. I urge the Government made up of highly trained volunteers, and they have to do all they can to enable this great little Cornish been working with people from the UK, Australia, charity to carry on making its substantial contribution. Canada, the USA, France, New Zealand and Germany. So far, they have been able to assist more than 8,600 families, 3.1 pm contributing more than £2.2 million-worth of aid. They have been doing that in the refugee camps in Ethiopia, Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): I, too, congratulate as well as in Somalia. They often undertake such work the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye (Amber Rudd) in extremely difficult circumstances, at great risk to and my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham East themselves, and it is important that we pay great and (Heidi Alexander) on securing this debate. I went out to fulsome tribute to all those volunteers. Kenya with my hon. Friend about a year ago and I shall touch on some of the things we saw during that visit, In Kenya alone, ShelterBox boxes have assisted which had a profound impact on both of us, not just 7,000 families and in the Dadaab refugee camp negatively as we saw the problems faced by people out approximately 1,000 people a day are being helped, there, but positively as we saw what incredible things with 100 to 150 tents put up daily. The teams are could be done for a very small outlay. working with a great number of organisations from all over the world and with local people, who are assisting Let me start by talking about Somalia. As I said in with putting up the tents. The people in the teams my intervention, there is a Somali community of significant wanted me to say to the Government that they have size in Bristol—some say that it is about 20,000 strong. really noticed the improvements that have been made—the Many arrived as refugees but others arrived from the much better co-ordination among the non-governmental former British colony of Somaliland. It is obviously no organisations and the various supranational organisations coincidence that Somalia has coped a lot worse with the on the ground—which are making their life much easier. drought situation than neighbouring countries, such as However, they are able to address only a fraction of the Ethiopia. Ethiopia has in place a food safety net to deal need. with such situations and when I went out there with the all-party group for Somaliland, we stayed in Addis Other hon. Members have set out how much more Ababa and had lots of conversations with individuals needs to be done. On 15 August, Adrian Edwards, the from the Department for International Development United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and from the embassy. We then went out to Hargeisa to spokesman, said: see the situation in Somaliland. “As well as needing food and water, these new arrivals urgently need proper shelter, medical help and other basic services”. I was struck by the efforts that have been made on the aid front in Ethiopia, including the food safety net and The UNHCR estimated that another 45,000 tents were public service agreements, which, despite political instability, needed, which brings me on to the recommendations problems and issues caused by the climate, were there that I would like the Government to consider. as, indeed, a safety net. There is a complete lack of that I welcomed the humanitarian emergency response in Somalia. There is also an effective early warning review carried out by Lord Ashdown and published in system in Ethiopia, which is not possible in a country as March. I remind my hon. Friends that the aim of the unstable as Somalia. 1243 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1244 (Africa) (Africa) Constituents have time and again expressed their of DFID’s focus on agriculture and whether there needs concern that Somalia has never had the political to be a shifting of emphasis to some of the points that attention it deserves, and questions are always asked she is making? about why Sudan is seen as a political imperative as opposed to any other country that is riven by tribal Kerry McCarthy: That is true. In Bangladesh I went conflicts or that has problems. I suspect that it is partly to a village where free-range chickens were running because Somalia is seen as such an intransigent and around. We went down the road and saw a structure difficult-to-solve problem. One thing that could be done, made of twigs which was basically a battery cage for however, is to give recognition to Somaliland. I was one hens. The person I was with said, “This is progress. We of the founder members of the all-party group for are doing things the way that you do them.” In the Somaliland and it has been politically stable since the western world we are trying to move away from battery civil war of 1991, it has fair and free elections and there cages and towards free-range farming. I worry—if I can is huge potential to build the infrastructure and work end on a political note that has not yet been struck in with the diaspora to set up commercial organisations this debate—that in this country the farming agenda and use the ports at places such as Berbera for exports, has moved very much more towards speaking up for the making the country a lot more profitable and cementing farmers, for the vested interests and for the producers of its stability. food, and it is not about welfare methods or the consumers. There is an increasing emphasis on intensification, as On food security, according to the World Bank, we saw with the farming Minister’s support for the investment in agriculture in the developing world is intensive dairy farm at Nocton. We need to set the between two and four times more effective in reducing standard in this country and abroad, and say that there poverty than investment in any other sector. As my hon. is a sustainable way of feeding the world which does not Friend said quite compellingly, agriculture has not been involve locking animals up in battery cages and putting at the forefront of aid efforts; often the sector does not cows in the equivalent of multi-storey car parks. appear in country plans. It is important, and I hope that today’s debate helps to put down a marker that it Sarah Newton: I am very sad that the hon. Lady has should be given more priority. chosen to introduce a degree of party politics to this When I was in Kenya last year with the all-party debate. I cannot let her comments stand. This country, group I saw the work of the UK organisation Send a quite rightly, should be very proud that it has some of Cow, which has been working for over 20 years in the highest, if not the highest, standards of animal Africa, and subsequently went to visit its offices near welfare, some of the best farmers and some of the best Bath. The organisation tells me that it takes an average farming practices in the whole world. Of course we can of three to five years for an extremely poor community always do more, and we should aim to do so, but that is to become self-sufficient through one of its programmes. the position. It would argue, and I agree, that that is a much better investment than having to provide food aid every time Kerry McCarthy: That is the position because over the rains fail. Self-sufficiency is key. The organisation the past 20 years or so there has been significant progress achieves that by creating a network of peer farmers, so on animal welfare. That is not a matter for today’s that the people who benefit from its initial work then debate, but I have real concerns that the tide is turning train others in the community. Each family that the in the wrong direction and that is a problem. organisation works with passes on livestock, seed and I want to end with a quote from Oxfam’s Grow skills to an average of 10 others in their community. campaign, which states: We saw in Kenya what a difference is made by small “The vast imbalance in public investment in agriculture must be righted, redirecting the billions now being ploughed into changes to farming methods—such as planting fertiliser unsustainable industrial farming in rich countries towards meeting pellets a certain distance from seeds so that they do not the needs of small-scale food producers in developing countries. burn the seedlings as they come up—and investment in For that is where the major gains in productivity, sustainable barns to improve grain storage. We saw the work of intensification, poverty reduction, and resilience can be achieved.” FIPS-Africa—Farm Input Promotions Africa—and That is the way forward, and I hope that we can play a FARM-Africa in developing disease-resistant strands major role in helping the developing countries—particularly of crops and we learned more than we ever needed to those stricken by the famine that we are debating today—to know about the insemination of goats. Those are small adapt and secure their future livelihoods in that way. changes, and sometimes they are surprising because we think that they are things that people should have 3.10 pm learned through farming the land over years. Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): I draw attention to When I went to India I spoke to a farmer who had my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. just moved back to organic farming. He had come I also thank the hon. Member for Lewisham East under huge pressure from companies selling pesticides (Heidi Alexander) and my hon. Friend the Member for to adopt what we in the western world would call Hastings and Rye (Amber Rudd) for calling for the modern farming methods, but when he switched back debate. I pay tribute to the outstanding work of the to organic methods his crops were far better and he was all-party group, which has provided so much information able to sell his food at market and make more money as to so many of us. In addition, I thank all those in the a result. Some of these things have to be relearned, and country and, in particular, in my constituency, who we have to be careful that we do not try to impose our have contributed to the Disasters Emergency Committee way of doing things. appeal, and the UK Government for their most generous response. In particular, I pay tribute to the Government Alison McGovern: Does my hon. Friend agree that of Kenya, who have hosted the refugees in a tremendously that highlights the point made earlier about the question welcoming way, which should not be forgotten. 1245 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1246 (Africa) (Africa) [Jeremy Lefroy] Thirdly, the technology that is available to large-scale agriculture must be available to smaller farms. I have So many right hon. and hon. Members have spoken seen excellent examples of very small-scale farms with eloquently and with great learning about this matter drip irrigation, which can improve yields dramatically, that I want to touch on only a few points in the hope of but much more could be done. Measures could be allowing others to speak. The motion states that food introduced to check and maintain soil fertility, ensuring aid the availability and affordability of fertilizers, training “must always be the last resort and that improving the productivity and extension. and resilience of domestic agricultural systems in Africa must by I would like to make one further point, on the impact a priority for the UK and the international donor community”. of neglected tropical diseases such as worms and I absolutely agree. Agriculture, as many hon. Members schistosomiasis. The Minister knows all about this. In have said, has been given insufficient attention over fact, he rightly introduced the topic to the all-party many years. It was seen either as something of the past group on malaria, which published a report on neglected or as a cash cow that could be taken for granted. tropical diseases this week. It is absolutely vital that Instead, much Government and aid money was ploughed these diseases are tackled, which can be done at very into factories, which in many cases are now out of low cost. They have a significant impact on productivity, production, sitting there idly. But the farmers are still as people suffering from them have a downgraded ability there, and what more they could have done with that to work, particularly in the fields. If we can tackle these investment themselves. It has not been ignored by NGOs, neglected tropical diseases, we will also be tackling such as Oxfam, Tearfund, Christian Aid, the Catholic problems of productivity and agriculture. Fund for Overseas Development, Islamic Relief and Finally, as has already been mentioned, borders must many others, which have ploughed a perhaps lonely be opened up to trade. We have seen recently that furrow over the last couple of decades, but I am glad to countries in an area affected by drought are tempted to say that the tide is turning. ban the export of cereals to needy neighbours because of fears for their own food security in the medium term. There has often been stirring rhetoric about the Although their caution is understandable, it should importance of agriculture, but in reality it has been surely be possible to take a regional approach. I urge heavily taxed, budgets for support have been low, and bodies such as the East African Community to deal investment in infrastructure has been lacking—roads, with food security on a regional basis and co-operate as storage capacity, power, irrigation, and many other fully as possible. I am grateful for the opportunity to things, including, as my hon. Friend the Member for speak today and welcome the contributions from all Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams) mentioned, Members who have spoken on this important subject. research. I recall calculating in the 1990s that the marginal tax 3.16 pm rate for a smallholder coffee farmer in Tanzania was far Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): It is a higher than the highest income tax rate then prevailing pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Stafford (Jeremy in that country due to the crop levies that were being Lefroy), whose comments on the role of agriculture in imposed locally and nationally at a time of low prices. I development I agree with strongly. I too congratulate am glad to say that the Tanzanian Government listened the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye (Amber Rudd), and took action. my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham East (Heidi What can be done? First, agriculture must be at the Alexander) and the whole Backbench Business Committee heart of any developing country’s plan for economic on calling this important debate. growth. I draw particular attention to the many comments I believe that few people across the country could fail that have been made about the centrality of women who to be moved by the scale of the disaster that has do most of the work in this area and their importance inflicted itself on the horn of Africa. More than 13 million to development. Agriculture provides food security, exports, people have been affected in Ethiopia, Somalia and employment, and, most importantly, cash direct to ordinary Kenya, and 800,000 people have become refugees. Christian people. This priority has to be reflected both in the Aid and Oxfam have said that the crisis has three main national budgets and in the taxation systems of those causes: the worst drought in the region for 60 years; countries. high food and fuel prices; and conflict, particularly in Somalia. Somalia’s per capita gross domestic product is It follows that agriculture must also be at the heart of only $333—among the lowest in the world—and 43% of international development. I join colleagues who have its population survive on less than $1 a day. called on the Government to put more money into It is clear that long-term solutions to prevent a repeat supporting agriculture in the coming years. The Government of such a famine will require good governance, sound are moving in the right direction, but they are not going growth policies and active preparedness through the far enough at the moment. I am delighted that the CDC building of food reserves in the affected countries. will be looking to invest more in agriculture, and I urge However, a major factor contributing to the crisis has it to live up to those words. I also welcome DFID’s been underinvestment in the smallholder agriculture increased interest and support through programmes sector across the whole east Africa region. I welcome such as the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund, where it the contribution made by the G20 Agriculture Ministers is investing directly in smallholder agricultural products. in their June summit in Paris, where they called for an Productivity has to be taken seriously. It is not just a increase in food production, made food security a central matter of improving yields, although that is essential. It issue in the G20’s reforms over the next year and is also a question of proper logistics, warehousing, cold pointed out the need for a 70% increase in agricultural storage, transport, packaging and marketing. As many production by 2050 to deal with a global population have said, too much has been wasted. that is likely to rise to 9 billion people. 1247 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Food Security and Famine Prevention 1248 (Africa) (Africa) In developing countries there is a need to double food 3.22 pm production to prevent future crises. Three out of every Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Forgive me, Madam four people in developing countries live in rural areas, Deputy Speaker, for not being present for the whole and 2.1 billion people still live on less than $2 a day. We debate. I wanted to be but could not. I was not going to know that investment in the agricultural sector does speak—I was going to listen—but I have decided to say more for growth and poverty reduction than investment something. in any other sector. I strongly welcome the launch of Oxfam’s Grow campaign, which is aimed at highlighting Africa is one of the richest continents in the world, the importance of food security and calls for the regulation and if the conditions were right it could feed itself of commodity markets and policies that promote the properly. I speak as someone whose wife started an production of food rather than biofuels. Currently, International Committee of the Red Cross camp in subsidies for first-generation biofuels amount to $20 billion south Sudan for 100,000 people. She was often shelled a year. by the Government there, and because of that she slept most of her six months at the camp in a slit trench. There is a clear and pressing question for the international That brings me to the point that I want to make, and community on food price regulation. The 2010 agriculture forgive me if it has been made already, but in so many and commodity prices report of the UN’s Food and countries it is the authorities that are the big obstacle. Agriculture Organisation found that in June 2008 the In so many countries in Africa, it is the leaders who prices of basic foods on international markets had tend to think that, because they are the president, the reached their highest levels for 30 years, threatening the prime minister or whoever, they own that country and food security of the poor worldwide. In 2007 and 2008, everything that goes on in it; and, of course, so much as a result of high food prices, an additional 115 million that goes in goes out somewhere else—to offshore bank people were pushed into chronic hunger. As US Secretary accounts, on Mercedes cars or whatever—and does not of State Hillary Clinton told the UN Food and Agriculture get through. I do not know how we are going to correct Organisation this May in Rome, rising global food that problem, but I do know that that is largely the prices since last June have pushed a further 44 million problem. The Department for International Development people into extreme hunger. is under this Government, and was under the previous The World Economic Forum’s report on global risk Government, fully aware of it, and it is doing its very describes the link between water, food and energy as best to make sure that the money that we give, either as one of the future drivers of social and economic instability a Government or through our wonderful charities, some across the world. The International Food Policy Research of which we have mentioned today, gets all the way Institute predicts a 30% increase in demand for water, through. and the International Energy Agency forecasts that the Personally, I think that the forum of the world, the world economy will require at least 40% more energy by United Nations, should get a grip and somehow come 2030. Half a billion people throughout the world face up with a plan to make sure that people in Africa are chronic shortfalls in water now, and that number that is fed properly, either by moving them to a place where likely to rise to more than 4 billion by 2050 as a result of they can be sustained or by getting some sort of climate change, with food production being particularly arrangement with authorities whereby they do not interfere exposed. and we do not have to pay a levy—like I had to, not in Africa but in Bosnia, where we stopped the practice—to The UNFAO outlined in its June report on crop get food through to the people who need it. That is prospects that food insecurity has reached alarming disgraceful. I very much hope that the United Nations, levels in east Africa, and throughout the continent some which is the highest authority in the world, can somehow 23 countries are in need of external assistance to feed get its act together to make sure that the people of their populations. The OECD secretary-general, Angel Africa get fed properly and are not prevented from Gurría, spoke in early June at the International Economic receiving proper aid by the authorities, either locally or Forum of the Americas of the imperative to increase nationally. public and private agricultural investment and of an end to export bans. I hope the House will forgive me for speaking. There is an ongoing debate among non-governmental 3.25 pm organisations and economists about the contribution of Amber Rudd: With the leave of the House, Madam commodity price speculation and trading in commodity Deputy Speaker, I will wind up the debate. It is a derivatives to the volatility of global food prices. Last pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for week, Members were lobbied by Michael Masters and Beckenham (Bob Stewart). It is always interesting to David Frenk of Better Markets, who also spoke to hear from him about his passionate support for the Governments in Paris and in London, about the need people of Africa and about what his wife has been for concerted G20 action on commodity derivatives. doing to support them. They established the clear link between speculation I thank the Secretary of State and the Under-Secretary from index funds and the monthly spike in commodity for attending and thank their opposite numbers for derivative stocks. kindly coming here as well. The common theme of the Such speculation does not add liquidity to those debate has been that we need to do all we can to help the markets or help farmers, and we need the Treasury to people of the horn of Africa. All Members have taken join Governments throughout the G20 to put in place a the time to congratulate the UK public on their contribution global version of the Dodd-Frank Act, making sure and express wholehearted support for the Government’s that all transactions are regulated by the stock market efforts, only stopping to try to redirect those efforts and and that, in such transactions, position limits are placed introduce their own examples or themes regarding things on the trading of financial institutions. they think can really make a difference. 1249 Food Security and Famine Prevention 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 1250 (Africa) [Amber Rudd] Human Rights on the Indian Subcontinent I should like to repeat a couple of the points that have Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Before I been made and ask the Under-Secretary to respond to call Mr Steve Baker to move the motion, I remind Back them in due course. Sadly, he will not speak on this Benchers that a large number of people wish to take occasion, but I am sure that he will come back to us part in this debate and that therefore Mr Speaker has individually. First, I will comment on food price volatility put a five-minute limit on Back-Bench contributions. and commodity trading. The hon. Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) said she was not sure whether 3.30 pm that is a matter of concern although it has been suggested Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): I beg to move, that it is. It would be helpful to those of us who are That this House has considered the issue of Human Rights on concerned about food security to achieve a settled view, the Indian Subcontinent. if that is possible, on whether it is something that we I am extremely grateful to the Backbench Business should be concentrating on. If it is, we absolutely need Committee for making this debate possible. My predecessor, to address it, but if not, we do not want it to distract us Paul Goodman, took this issue extremely seriously and from all our other efforts. Time and money are limited I am sure that had this mechanism been available he and we need to know where to focus them. It has also would have called such a debate. I am also extremely been interesting to hear so many Members speak strongly grateful to the Members who turned out to support me about the importance of focusing aid towards women, at the Committee: my hon. Friends the Members for who support their homes and families, and I emphasise Colne Valley (Jason McCartney), for Burton (Andrew that point to the Under-Secretary. Griffiths) and for Birmingham, Yardley (John Hemming), my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford North (Mr Scott) The complexity of the causes of the famine has not who spoke about Sri Lanka, the right hon. Member for put the House off; instead, each Member has dealt with Rotherham (Mr MacShane) and the hon. Member for them with in their own way, drawing on their own Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin). experience to do so. The House should be proud of the fact that Members have put in such effort, resulting in a The origin of this debate was my request for a debate very good debate. The most important message to emerge on human rights in Kashmir and the request of my hon. is the urgency of improving agricultural resilience in Friend the Member for Ilford North for a debate on Sri these countries. If we can help people to grow their own Lanka. Unfortunately, some commentators mistakenly food and feed themselves, we will help them to mitigate thought that we sought to conflate the two issues. That the difficulties that cause the famine we are now witnessing. is not the case. It suited the Backbench Business Committee to bring the issues together under the heading of “Human I thank the Backbench Business Committee for allowing Rights on the Indian Subcontinent”. us to have this debate and congratulate everybody on I have a simple purpose: to give a voice to the their speeches. I have very much enjoyed hearing so thousands of British Kashmiri constituents who demand many Members speak so strongly and passionately and are entitled to representation in this place, their about other people and countries that they care about. Parliament. I am aware that many Members wish to It is good for the House that we have done that. I speak about Sri Lanka, so for the sake of time I will rely commend the motion to the House. on my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford North to cover that issue. I will say only that I support my Tamil Question put and agreed to. constituents’ demand for an independent international Resolved, investigation.

That this House welcomes the contribution of the British Mr Lee Scott (Ilford North) (Con): As my hon. public, via the Disasters Emergency Committee, and the British Friend rightly said, I will speak more about the issues Government to the famine relief effort in the Horn of Africa; relating to the Tamil community later. Does he agree recognises that emergency food relief must always be the last that what is needed is justice for the Tamil people? resort and that improving the productivity and resilience of domestic agricultural systems in Africa must be a priority for the Steve Baker: I do agree with my hon. Friend. When I UK and the international donor community; and calls upon the come on to my later remarks, I think he will share my Government to increase its focus on improving awareness around view that this issue is part of the legacy of the British nutrition and agriculture in the developing world to support empire and its withdrawal from the world. farmers and secure greater international food resilience and to champion the welfare of those in the developing world in the Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): Does the discussions on food price volatility at the upcoming G20 Summit hon. Gentleman agree that the importance of this debate in Cannes. is that it will give a voice not only to parliamentarians, but to the people of the countries that are affected, such as those in the disputed region of Kashmir? Steve Baker: Not for the first time, I agree with the hon. Gentleman. That is absolutely our reason for being here: to give a voice to those people. Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): I genuinely congratulate all the Members who have got this matter on to the agenda of our Parliament this afternoon. There are many people in Stoke-on-Trent from Kashmir who feel strongly that the issue of civil rights and justice 1251 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1252 Subcontinent Subcontinent needs to be on the diplomatic agenda of the Foreign Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): Will my hon. and Commonwealth Office and that it must negotiate Friend give way on that point? on this issue. We need to deal with the human rights abuses and it is important that this debate is followed Steve Baker: No, I am sorry; I must make progress. through. I wish to discuss Kashmiris’ rights to life, liberty and Steve Baker: I am grateful to the hon. Lady. I am democratic self-determination, and to connect those pleased that there seems to be a cross-party consensus issues. My Kashmiri constituents have brought to me on the nature of this conversation, and I hope that will allegations that I scarcely believed of killing, mass continue throughout the afternoon. murder, rape, brutality and arbitrary detention. Having visited Mumbai and found India a mature country with Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con): Does a sophisticated democracy and institutions modelled my hon. Friend agree that seeking a judgment on behalf after our own, I found those allegations hard to believe, of one side is a bit pejorative and that what we really yet the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s human need is to create healing between two groups of people rights report of May 2011 confirmed that reports of that have both been harmed by a very damaging terrorist human rights abuses on both sides of the line of control war? in Kashmir continued in 2010. Indian Prime Minister Singh has said that human rights violations by security Steve Baker: My hon. Friend will find as I make forces in Kashmir will not be tolerated and he has progress with my remarks that I agree with the thrust of instructed security forces to respect human rights. We what he has said. I certainly do not wish to be divisive. must hope that his words are honoured by those in The status of Kashmir and the history of events Kashmir. leading to its division have long been contested and Human Rights Watch this year called for a repeal of have led to at least three wars between India and Pakistan. India’s Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. It says that India claims that the former princely state of Jammu soldiers found responsible for serious human rights and Kashmir legally acceded to it in 1947. Pakistan violations remain unaccountable because of immunity claims that Kashmiris were denied their choice of which provided under that law. There might be propaganda on state to join and holds that the status of Kashmir can be both sides—indeed, I am sure there is—but no one decided only by a plebiscite in line with UN resolutions. should allow themselves to believe that allegations of Kashmir has been divided since 1948 by a ceasefire line, human rights abuses in Kashmir are unfounded. known as the line of control. It is not my intention to rehearse the whole history of events as time does not Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): On a point permit it. of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. I have just received a The region remains one of the most militarised in the communication from an Indian paper called Daijiworld. world, with thousands of troops on both sides of the The headline reads, “India reacts strongly to British line of control. Further to the remarks of my hon. parliamentary debate on Kashmir”. We have not even Friend the Member for Northampton South (Mr Binley), had the debate and already a parliamentary democracy I do not think that is in the interests of either country. is telling us that we should not be having it. That is not Various peace negotiations have taken place, leading to quite a point of order, but this really is an insult from a number of practical, confidence-building measures, the Indian journalists who say we should not even be but I am afraid that the Mumbai attacks interrupted debating this in our own House of Commons. them. For me, the history of Kashmir emphasises an absolutely Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Thank you, vital point—the importance of peace and comprehensive Mr MacShane. Perhaps you have just introduced a new non-aggression, because when violence begins, despair practice in which people stand up and say, “Nearly is not far behind. There are those who say that we point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker.” You are quite should not be discussing these matters today, but for me right: it was nearly a point of order but it certainly was the ghosts of empire have left us with an inescapable not one for the Chair. However, it has been put on the paradox. On the one hand, India is entitled to make its record. way in the world; it is the largest democracy in the world and there should be no echoes of paternalistic colonialism. On the other hand British Kashmiris, for whom the Steve Baker: I am most grateful for the right hon. Kashmir issue is of deep, abiding and passionate concern— Gentleman’s contribution. for the world is a small place—demand and are entitled As I was saying, we must not deceive ourselves. to a voice in this place on this issue. Moving on to issues of freedom of movement, of association, of speech and so on, I want to mention a John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): On that report by Amnesty International entitled, “India: A point, the British Kashmiris in my constituency are ‘lawless law’: Detentions under the Jammu and Kashmir asking for justice for Kashmir—for investigation and Public Safety Act,”which contains a number of allegations action to stop human rights abuses. Does my hon. regarding the use of preventive, administrative detentions. Friend agree that that is a key thing to do? The contents include: “Violations of the principle of legality…Delayed and secret Steve Baker: Absolutely, and I shall come to that reasons for detention…No access to judicial authority…Restrictions point. on access to legal counsel…Indefinite detention of foreign I do not intend any lazy demagoguery, as that would nationals…Immunity of officials…Incommunicado detention be too easy—no cheap condemnation of India and, I …Torture…Detention without any legal basis”. am afraid, no false hopes for Kashmiris. That Amnesty International report deserves an answer. 1253 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1254 Subcontinent Subcontinent Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): The 3.42 pm hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the suffering of the Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab): people in Kashmir and the problems that they face I am grateful to be called to contribute to this important daily. Does he share my concern that the international debate and I congratulate the hon. Members for Wycombe community has not put this issue high enough up the (Steve Baker) and for Ilford North (Mr Scott) on securing agenda by seeking to reach a resolution that brings it. I am pleased that it has proved so popular with peace to such a beautiful part of the world? parliamentary colleagues, although the unfortunate flip-side is that we have a strict time limit on our contributions. Steve Baker: The hon. Lady is right, and I am most Like the hon. Member for Wycombe, I wish to focus grateful to her. Of course, I share that view, which is my comments on the situation in Kashmir. This topic is why we are here today. important to me because my constituency, and Birmingham as a whole, has a large British-Kashmiri population, Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Will the hon. some of whose members are here for the debate and Gentleman be characteristically even-handed and mention many of whom have written to me asking me to voice the Amnesty report, “As if Hell fell on Me: the Human their concerns in the House. The subject is also important Rights Crisis in North-west Pakistan,” given that this to me personally, because I am of Kashmiri origin: my debate is about human rights issues on the subcontinent family originated from the Mirpur district of Pakistani- as a whole? administered Kashmir, both my parents were born there and I still have family and friends there. Consequently, Steve Baker: I am most grateful— the plight of Kashmiris and the necessity of finding a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute have loomed Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. Before large in my life. the hon. Gentleman responds to that intervention, I For too long the beautiful region of Kashmir, often remind him of the guidelines about the length of his described as paradise on earth, has been caught in one contribution. of the world’s most dangerous conflicts, but it is a conflict that is little reported and often does not get the Steve Baker: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I have media and global political attention that it needs and taken my last intervention. The hon. Member for Brent deserves. I am grateful, therefore, that this debate has North (Barry Gardiner) makes a good point, although I given us an opportunity to focus on the issue. I know, have not read that report. I am seeking to be even-handed, too, that many British Kashmiris are grateful to the but even so, I have to enter this into the record for the all-party group on Kashmir and Sultan Mehmood sake of discussion. The “lawless law” report states that Chaudhry, a former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, by using the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act for their efforts to raise the profile of this dispute and to “to incarcerate suspects without adequate evidence, India has not secure political debate and action. only gravely violated their human rights but also failed in its duty The failure to resolve the Kashmir dispute, and to charge and try such individuals and to punish them if found particularly the failure to give effect to UN resolutions guilty in a fair trial.” from the 1940s urging a plebiscite in Kashmir so that I wish to express considerable humility on this point, the Kashmiri people can determine their own future, because the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act is has resulted in an uprising in Indian-administered Kashmir, very much in line with the principle at least of our own the suppression of which, according to Amnesty control orders and terrorism prevention and investigation International’s “lawless law” report, has led to grave measures. The House should therefore not be too quick human rights violations. The report highlights disturbing to condemn the principle of what India is doing. It is and unacceptable cases of abuse, with the application of very much in line with what we have done. In my the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978, in Second Reading speech on TPIMs, I condemned particular, undermining efforts to achieve a peaceful administrative detention outright and then withheld my resolution. Amnesty International found that many cases vote from it, so I hope that I will escape the accusation in which the Public Safety Act had been applied involved of hypocrisy. length periods of illegal detention of political activists We need to consider how these measures arise. Why seeking Kashmiri independence, in violation of Indian do democracies turn to such measures? I suggest that national law as well as international law. Many cases when democracy is denied, people turn away from it featured allegations of torture and other forms of ill and end up seeking violence. I am proposing, for the treatment being used to coerce people into making people of Kashmir, a comprehensive policy of non- confessions. aggression, peace and democratic self-determination One of the most offensive features of the Public under the terms of the UN resolutions. I accept that the Safety Act is that it provides for immunity from prosecution situation in Kashmir can only, and must, be resolved by for officials operating under it, thereby granting impunity Kashmiris, India and Pakistan, but we must acknowledge for human rights violations under the law. The application in this place the absolute moral, legal and political of the Act, together with the discovery of mass graves equality of the Kashmiri people and take whatever in Kashmir, the Mumbai attacks in 2008 and Kashmir’s steps are appropriate to secure demilitarisation, democratic bloody summer of 2010, have undermined the prospects self-determination and a prosperous and secure future for a resolution of the dispute. for Kashmir. I hope that the Government are listening Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): My hon. Friend is and will take whatever steps they can. making a passionate speech, and I am proud to be sitting here listening to her. Does she agree that India Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I remind Members should accept the findings of the commission on the that there is a five-minute limit on speeches. mass graves in Kashmir? 1255 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1256 Subcontinent Subcontinent Shabana Mahmood: I am grateful to my hon. Friend Mr Scott: I knew that he would be pleased to hear for her intervention, and I endorse her contribution. I that. know that she, too, is a passionate advocate of human As we have heard from the right hon. Member for rights on the Indian subcontinent. Rotherham (Mr MacShane), it seems that we are not A resolution is needed, desperately and urgently. The allowed to debate in our House of Commons issues that world, and especially the people of Kashmir, affect our constituents. Well I can assure the authorities cannot afford for India and Pakistan to be engaged in in India and Sri Lanka that we are perfectly at liberty to perpetual dispute over the region. The human cost is discuss items that affect our constituents, their lives and too great. The partition of the two countries in their families. 1947 resulted in hundreds of thousands dead. In the I want to focus today on Sri Lanka. We have seen three wars that have been fought between the two states reports from the United Nations that 40,000 innocent more than 15,000 people have died, and the estimates women and children were massacred at the end of the of the number of dead following the uprisings in conflict. When I raised the matter with the Sri Lankan Kashmir range from 40,000 to 100,000. Both countries authorities, I was told that I was wrong and that the spend too much of their budgets on defence; that Channel 4 programme “Sri Lanka’s Killing Field”, for money should be channelled into eradicating poverty which I pay tribute to Channel 4, was also wrong. I have and promoting health, education and human rights. said that there should be an independent international India and Pakistan have both acquired nuclear inquiry—if I am wrong, such an inquiry would surely weapons, and the fear that the hostility between the show that the Sri Lankan authorities were innocent and two countries, which springs from a mix of religion, I would apologise—but that has been turned down. history and territory, might change quickly into There must be justice for all in Sri Lanka—I totally armed conflict is very real and never too far away. agree with my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton Meanwhile the people of Kashmir continue to suffer, so South about that—but that must include justice for the a resolution of the dispute deserves and demands our Tamil people, who must receive answers to some important attention, and talks must be pursued with vigour on all questions. sides. Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I thank my hon. John Hemming: Does the hon. Lady agree that this Friend for his powerful speech and for co-authoring debate shows that we are not forgetting Kashmir? The today’s motion. Does he recognise that as well as the treatment of the people of Kashmir is key, and we will thousands and thousands of Tamils who were killed by not ignore that. the Sri Lankan regime, 17,000 Tamils are still caged behind barbed wire and another nearly 200,000 in transit Shabana Mahmood: I endorse the hon. Gentleman’s camps have been refused permission to return to their comments. As I have said, I am grateful that we are homes? having this debate today. Mr Scott: I agree with my hon. Friend that it surely I said that all sides needed to pursue a solution with cannot take two years—it is now some two years since vigour, because too often the rest of the world sees only the conflict ended—to decide whether somebody is a India and Pakistan as the main contestants in the terrorist or whether they should stand trial; nor should dispute. It is my contention, however, that the Kashmiri it take two years for those trials to take place. That people themselves are the central party and should be certainly should have happened by now. I would add treated as such, as it is their future that is at the heart of that there are still children in some of the camps who the dispute. are four or five years old, and I have yet to meet an I also think that the British Government have a vital 18-month-old terrorist. role to play, not only because of our history but because our country is home to large diaspora communities Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): I am grateful from India, Pakistan and Kashmir. We therefore have a to my hon. Friend for giving way and for the passion unique insight into the intricacies of the dispute, and an that he brings to this issue. Does he agree that our important role to play in achieving its resolution. We constituents have a right to know who was responsible should be a critical friend to both India and Pakistan, for the deaths of their family members in Sri Lanka and and a strong advocate of the rights of Kashmiris. They that the record of the Sri Lankan Government to date are a strong, resilient, proud, generous and passionate suggests that they will not get that answer from the Sri people, and their land is a place of great natural beauty Lankan authorities? and potential. Their plight demands our attention, and they deserve our efforts to bring the injustice that they Mr Scott: My hon. Friend is perfectly correct: there have suffered to an end. should be answers to those questions. Mr Binley: As ever, my hon. Friend is most generous 3.48 pm in giving way. I have visited the Puttalam camp on the west coast of Sri Lanka, which holds 160,000 Tamils Mr Lee Scott (Ilford North) (Con): I pay tribute to who were driven out from the north mainly through my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker) fear of the actions of the Tamil Tigers, and I know that and the others who have secured this joint debate. I also because I talked to those people without any regard to assure my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton the Sri Lankan authorities and that is what they told South (Mr Binley) that I intend to ask for justice for all me. Does my hon. Friend accept that? in Sri Lanka. Mr Scott: I obviously accept what my hon. Friend Mr Binley: I am delighted. says; equally, however, we saw on our TV screens only 1257 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1258 Subcontinent Subcontinent [Mr Scott] everything in my power—whoever I upset, whether they be colleagues or not—to continue to try to get that recently that people in Libya said one thing when they justice for the Tamil people. We have said that we will were interviewed at first and something quite separate a look at the situation in November to see whether the Sri few weeks later. Lanka Government have failed to take action. It is now mid-September, so it is not long till November. I hope Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): My hon. Friend that, for everyone’s benefit, the Sri Lanka Government is very generous in giving way. I have listened to the will allow an independent international investigation recent exchanges, but does he not agree that the most into what happened. I believe that that is what we must important thing that should come out of today’s debate go for. I know that the Minister stands up for the rights is the need not to lose sight of justice for all? of all in this area, so I hope that will happen.

Mr Scott: I totally agree and reiterate that there must 3.56 pm be justice for all. I would never say that there should not be. Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab): It is a privilege to follow such a passionate and well-informed speech by In the short time left to me—that is, in this debate, the hon. Member for Ilford North (Mr Scott). In common not beyond that—I would like to raise a number of with other Members, I start by congratulating the hon. issues. I have said in the past that, when the conflict Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker) on securing this ended, a number of babies and children below the age debate. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for North of 12 were not accounted for. I have asked the Sri East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel) for making the Lankan high commission to share with me what happened arrangements to enable it to take place. to those babies and young children. To this day I have not received an answer. I will continue to follow that up, As my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, but I would also ask the Minister to look into the Ladywood (Shabana Mahmood) said, there are significant matter, just as I have asked our high commissioner in numbers of people of Kashmiri origin across the UK. Colombo. The vast majority of my constituents from the Indian subcontinent are of Kashmiri origin, so this debate has We are also getting sad reports of what are called provoked great interest not just in Ladywood, but in “grease devils”. These are men who attack people after Dudley, too. I want to pay tribute to this community’s applying grease to their bodies so as not to be captured contribution to life in Dudley—to its economic, social, by the authorities. They then run into military camps or cultural and political life—since the ’60s when people police stations, having attacked their victims—normally from Kashmir first came to the town. I want to place on women—in their homes. I am not casting any aspersions the record my thanks and gratitude for their support against anyone as to who they might be, but I would like and friendship and for their wise advice—not just on to see the practice stopped and the perpetrators caught. the issue we are discussing today, but on so many other I would also like to ask what has happened to the issues, as well. They believe that the people of both elderly and disabled people who were left behind at the Pakistan and India deserve peace and prosperity and end of the conflict, on 18 May 2009, because they are that this ongoing dispute is hindering the progress that still unaccounted for. can be achieved towards both. I have here a list of various things I could run Prosperity and peace in the long term requires a through, but I shall not do that because of the time. resolution between these two nuclear forces, because the What I want to say, to everyone in the House, is that we stability of the region as a whole depends on a just have a duty. We have a duty to represent not only our solution. Given the amount of bloodshed that has constituents, but those who have no voice, wherever arisen from this issue—bin Laden used the Kashmir they are in the world. We have a duty to stand up for issue as one of the reasons for al-Qaeda’s attacks on the innocent people, whether they be Tamil or Sinhalese, west—surely the only route to long-lasting peace is and to get justice. through the democratic route. I believe we have to be absolutely clear that the future of Kashmir must be Barry Gardiner: Does the hon. Gentleman agree that decided by the people of Kashmir, because the only way Amnesty International’s country report on Sri Lanka in which we will see justice for the Kashmiri people is this year will be of equal concern to both the Tamil and through the right to self-determination, agreed by India Sinhalese communities? The report says that in the in the UN and supported by the UK Government. That immediate aftermath of the elections, the Rajapaksa is the basic democratic principle—a principle that the family, west has supported in other countries, and one that we “which controlled five key ministries and more than 90 state should support in relation to Kashmir. institutions,” I would like to see our Government urge India and introduced a constitutional amendment in September Pakistan to progress the talks that have recently started that again, albeit in a low-level way. Our historic role in the “removed the two-term limit on the presidency”. region places on Britain a responsibility to do all it can to help bring about a speedy resolution to the dispute. Mr Scott: Yes, that is a great concern. Again, individual We should stand ready to assist in the process—by action is needed on all these items. encouraging economic development, by improving Today, however, we are here to speak about human education and health care systems, and particularly by rights on the Indian subcontinent. We have to speak supporting peaceful elements in civil society. about human rights in Sri Lanka; we have to get justice I believe that the UK must also take a number of for the Tamil people. If we do not get it, we will all have other steps. We condemn terrorist attacks wherever they let those people down. I, for one, will continue to do occur—and quite right, too—but the Indian military 1259 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1260 Subcontinent Subcontinent has committed human rights atrocities against Kashmiris programmes in schools that are vulnerable to militant since the last India-Pakistan war in 1999, so we should influence, and the promotion of civil society exchanges be very clear about condemning those attacks and across the line of control, are highly worth while, and I calling for an immediate stop to human rights violations. hope that the funding of such programmes will continue. Human rights abuses have also been carried out by Everyone knows that progress will be slow and that some terrorist groups against Indian targets. We need to resolutions to disputes such as that affecting Kashmir see the enforcement and implementation of United will not be found overnight, but every long journey Nations Security Council resolutions and UN monitoring starts with just one step. There is now some sort of of the situation. Crucially, people in Kashmir have as dialogue between India and Pakistan about Kashmir. much of a right to a free press as we take for granted in There has been talk of the possibility of a new era of the UK. diplomacy; the new Pakistan Foreign Minister’s recent Finally, the Government could exploit much more visit to India showed signs of progress, with additional effectively the expertise and experience in communities agreements about trade over the border. Sustained and such as mine here in the UK, so I invite the Minister to composite dialogue, however, is not yet forthcoming. come to Dudley to hear directly from my constituents [Interruption.] On such an important issue, we could their views on achieving a peaceful solution based on do with less backchat from some Members on the self-determination for the Kashmiri people. Labour Benches, because everyone in the Chamber deserves to be listened to. 3.59 pm The Government’s long-standing position is that it is Jonathan Lord (Woking) (Con): My constituency has not the UK’s role to be initiating talks or identifying a large Kashmiri community, many of whom worship mediators for such talks, and I understand the reasons together at the Shah Jahan mosque, which is the UK’s for that. With the Minister, I spoke back in 1997 to a oldest purpose-built mosque. Not all members of the group of Oldham Kashmiris about this very issue, but I Muslim community in Woking have roots and family in fear that we are not much further on. However, I Kashmir, but a significant portion do, some of whom welcome the Government’s recognition of the people of are in the Gallery today. The community is well established Kashmir’s desire for self-determination. The Government and contributes greatly to many areas of life in Woking, must know that the prospect of achieving long-term including local politics. I am pleased that last year we stability in the region, and an end to the kind of had our first Muslim mayor, and first Kashmiri mayor, violence and human rights abuse that occurred last Mohammed Iqbal, who was a wonderful civic ambassador year, will take a major step forward only when India for our town. I welcome the chance to speak in the and Pakistan return to composite and regular dialogue. House about the human rights situation in the subcontinent In the quiet, measured yet determined way that our and especially in Kashmir, and I congratulate my hon. Foreign Office is capable of, I hope that it will do Friend the Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker) on his everything appropriate that it can to encourage India part in securing the debate. and Pakistan themselves to initiate proper dialogue and The Foreign Office reports that human rights abuses talks. This country must always stand up for the proud continue each year on both sides of the line of control. Kashmiri people who have been the real victims for so Last year, violent clashes in Indian-controlled Kashmir long—for too long—in this terrible historic dispute. saw about 100 civilians killed, and Amnesty’s recent report concluded that the state of Jammu and Kashmir 4.4 pm is holding hundreds of people each year without charge or trial. Any such human rights abuses should be Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab): condemned, no matter what the political or historical The civil war in Sri Lanka was one of the region’s most background. But when the problem is political and dreadful conflicts of recent times. In its last five months historical, the violence and abuse is likely finally to alone, 100,000 people were killed, 40,000 of them civilians. come to an end in the region only when a diplomatic War crimes took place. The United Nations found solution is found. serious violations of international humanitarian law, The region has suffered greatly in the past few years, and the European Commission described not just from the ongoing instability, but from the “Unlawful killings perpetrated by soldiers, police and…groups devastating earthquake in 2005 and the floods in 2010. I with ties to the Government”. hope that the next couple of years will see more positive Earlier this year, Channel 4 screened a devastating developments and a return to diplomatic talks that will documentary using video film from victims and perpetrators pave the way to security and the right to self-determination. that proved, according to the UN rapporteur, “definitive It should be recognised that the UK not only has war crimes”. It showed hospitals and so-called safe strong historic links to the region but plays a major aid zones being targeted for bombing, people executed in role. UK taxpayers’ money has repaired 450,000 properties cold blood and at point-blank range, and soldiers joking and built 16 new schools and 40 new bridges in Azad about women who had been sexually assaulted and shot Kashmir as part of the earthquake reconstruction and dead as they piled their naked bodies on the backs of rehabilitation programme. Additional money was raised lorries. I commend Channel 4, and reporters such as through the generosity of British citizens, as I witnessed Jonathan Miller, for continuing to investigate the harrowing at countless local fundraising events and street stalls story. hosted and led by our Muslim community in Woking. Even after the war, more than 300,000 Tamils were Further, more than £1 million has been spent by UK held in camps, and although most have been released, taxpayers in the past five years via the conflict pool that the International Crisis Group says that they were sent goes towards support for human rights, conflict prevention to places that were and peace-building efforts. Projects such as educational “devoid of the most basic amenities.” 1261 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1262 Subcontinent Subcontinent [Siobhain McDonagh] back to the cosy days of 2009, when the UN disgracefully ignored calls for a war crimes investigation, or when the Many still live under canvas, and 3,000 are still in Secretary-General spoke of Sri Lanka’s “tremendous “rehabilitation” camps, held without charge and without efforts”. Sri Lanka still wants to host the Commonwealth any access to legal help. Sri Lanka’s military continue to summit in 2013. We should be clearly saying “No, not control civilian life in Tamil areas, including aid, and until there is a fully independent, UN-led international routinely steal Tamil property for use by military personnel inquiry.” I hope that if one thing comes out of today’s and their families. debate, it will be that commitment. The President of Sri Lanka, a probable war crimes suspect, has taken on enormous powers over the judiciary 4.10 pm and policing, limiting the courts’ ability to prevent Andrew Griffiths (Burton) (Con): May I join other abuses of civil rights. The Elders, an international group, Members in paying tribute to my hon. Friends the has condemned Sri Lanka for Members for Wycombe (Steve Baker) and for Ilford “persecution, intimidation, assassination and disappearance of North (Mr Scott), who helped to secure the debate? I government critics, political opponents, journalists and human also pay tribute to the previous Member for Wycombe, rights defenders.” who did a lot of work on Kashmir. He came to my Independent overseas reporters are not permitted. As constituency to speak to my Kashmiri community on a the International Crisis Group says, number of occasions, and he continues to help and offer “Reconciliation after long periods of conflict never happens assistance. I also pay tribute to the Backbench Business quickly. But in Sri Lanka there is a serious risk it may not happen Committee. In holding this debate, it has sent a clear at all.” message to both the Kashmiri and the Tamil and Sri Sri Lanka’s Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Lankan communities that this Parliament is listening, Commission consists of people who supported the Sri and that Members are prepared to debate the issues that Lankan Government’s actions during the civil war. The are of greatest concern to our constituents. Government say of the LLRC’s job that Steve Baker: Does my hon. Friend agree that one of “what happened in the past must be relegated to history”, the great things about the Backbench Business Committee although, as the UN stresses, is that it chooses issues for debate thoroughly independently “not to hold accountable those who committed serious crimes...is of Government policy, as has been shown today? a clear violation of Sri Lanka’s international obligations and is not a permissible transitional justice option.” Andrew Griffiths: I could not agree more. I was Gordon Weiss, the former UN spokesperson in Sri initially sceptical about the Backbench Business Committee Lanka, has said: and what it could achieve, but I only have to look up at the full Public Gallery and consider the number of “This is Sri Lanka’s Srebrenica moment. In fact, it’s a Srebrenica moment for the rest of the world.” e-mails and letters I have received over the past few days, to be reminded that the subjects it chooses for I agree. The world must say to other Governments that discussion are highly relevant to our constituents. there is nothing to be gained from taking the Sri Lankan option of brutal repression and war crimes. I also want to thank the Minister. In our dealings on the Kashmir issue, he has always been helpful, and his The last UK Government, thanks—to be fair—to the door has always been open. He has also laid at our leadership of my right hon. Friend the Member for disposal the help of his officials, who have done a great Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), brought an job in providing us with information and assistance. I end to GSP plus, the generalised system of preferences am grateful for that. that led to a preferential trading agreement between I speak on this subject as vice-chairman of the all-party Europe and Sri Lanka, voted against the International groups on both Pakistan and Kashmir, and, most Monetary Fund’s $2.5 billion deal with Sri Lanka, and importantly, as an MP who represents more than prevented it from hosting a Commonwealth summit. 4,500 Kashmiri constituents. When I first became the Britain must not lose that lead. Elsewhere, Switzerland parliamentary candidate for Burton, I went along to the and Germany have just forced Sri Lanka to recall a local community centres and mosques to talk to the senior diplomat after accusations that he made troops Kashmiris in my constituency. Although we addressed fire on civilians and took part in torture and summary all the issues that matter to them, such as education and executions. However, another man implicated in similar policing, time and again they would return to the burning crimes, Major-General Prasanna Silva, has just been issue of Kashmir and ask for our help. It was with that appointed a military attaché to the UK. I call on the experience in mind that I pledged to be the first MP for Minister to reassure the House that he will not permit Burton ever to visit Kashmir. Major-General Silva to serve here. I want Britain to prove its place at the head of the international community, Anas Sarwar (Glasgow Central) (Lab): I congratulate and I hope that the Minister can enable it to do so by the hon. Gentleman on his powerful speech. Does he removing this man’s diplomatic privileges. share the Kashmiris’ frustration about this dispute being Britain must take a brave and principled lead—just as one of the longest in our history? It involves two we did in Kosovo and, with France, in Libya—and do countries that have nuclear weapons and it has caused all that it can to ensure that a full independent international three wars to take place, yet the international community investigation of war crimes takes place. Those of us does not appear to be taking it seriously enough. who believe in justice want the people responsible to be held to account, just as all of us would agree about Andrew Griffiths: The hon. Gentleman articulates the Colonel Gaddafi, Radovan Karadzic and Charles Taylor. views of so many of my constituents. They ask, “Why We cannot allow the international community to slip isn’t it on television or in the newspapers? Why is what 1263 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1264 Subcontinent Subcontinent is happening in Kashmir not being reported here in India. We have a unique relationship with both those Britain, and why is the international community not countries, which may allow us to get them around the doing something about it?” table and move things forward. The situation in Kashmir matters for a number of Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): The hon. Gentleman reasons. First, because it is about self-determination sets out his points very well. Does he agree that today’s and the right of the Kashmiris to choose. Secondly, debate demonstrates that we are listening to the concerns because the two countries involved have nuclear weapons, of our constituents, and that we are keen to move the so this potential flashpoint could have devastating issue forward so that proper progress can be made on it consequences. Most importantly, it matters because the internationally? lives of too many Kashmiris are being devastated, on both sides of the line. I have spoken to too many Andrew Griffiths: I agree, and I know that the hon. families where grandparents have never seen their Gentleman does a great deal in this House on these grandchildren or where children have not been able to issues. I congratulate him on that. return to see the grave of their mother or father. It is for those types of people that we have a responsibility to Barry Gardiner: The hon. Gentleman asked why the use our best efforts to help to move towards a solution. world was not doing something about Kashmir. Does I know that the Minister has a heartfelt interest in this he agree that that may have something to do with the matter, and I know that, for the sake of all my Kashmiri Simla agreement, under which Pakistan and India agreed constituents, he will do his best. that they would settle the issue bilaterally without outside interference, and in a completely peaceful way? 4.17 pm Andrew Griffiths: I am afraid that I would agree more Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): First, may I apologise if we had seen more proactive responses from both to the House for the fact that I will not be able to be Pakistan and India. Having been to the Pakistan- here for the wind-ups, as I was already committed to administered side of Kashmir and spoken to many chairing a meeting at 6 o’clock? I am grateful to the people, I found it frustrating to see that many politicians hon. Members who sponsored the proposal of this there are inhibiting the efforts to find a solution. debate to the Backbench Business Committee, because we are debating this issue on the fourth international Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab): Will day of democracy, as nominated by the UN and celebrated the hon. Gentleman give way? by Parliaments throughout the world. Andrew Griffiths: I will make some progress, if I may, This is the right day for us to be debating this subject as time is short and I have given way on a number of of human rights in the Indian subcontinent, because occasions. human rights are a precursor to democracy; without I am reminded very much of what happens in respect basic human rights and the full protection of human of the Falkland Islands: every time there is a general rights, there is no prospect of genuine democracy. When election in Argentina, the issue of the Malvinas is representatives of regimes that are denying human rights brought up as a way of sabre rattling and winning votes, complain, as they do sometimes, that, as a British and a similar thing happens in both Pakistan and India. parliamentarian, I should not be interfering in their That is why it is incumbent on the UK to use any internal matters, I am confident that I can reply that influence it has to move the situation forward. there are international standards of democracy and human rights. It is the duty of every democrat, particularly I have been to the Falkland Islands as part of the every democratically elected parliamentarian, to uphold armed forces parliamentary scheme, and I visited Gibraltar those standards throughout the world, without fear or last year on holiday. I have spoken to Gibraltarians and favour. That was put rather more poetically by constituents Falkland Islanders, so I know that the thing they have of mine, some of whom are in the Gallery, who signed a in common is their right to self-determination. They petition stating: have the right to choose how they are governed and who governs them. That is at the heart of the Kashmir issue: “Human beings are like parts of a body, created from the same it is about the fact that the people of Kashmir should essence. When one part is hurt and in pain, the others cannot remain in peace and be quiet”. have a right to self-determination and to choose their own path forward. I have seen the Pakistan-administered I will therefore focus on human rights in Kashmir, side of Kashmir for myself, and it is clear that that area although my Sri Lankan constituents, who come from has been devastated, not just because of the earthquake both Sinhala and Tamil communities, are well aware of and the flood, but because of the way in which this my passionate commitment to human rights in that trouble has held that region back. It is time that the country.That was expressed when the former representative United Kingdom—a Commonwealth country—used its of the UK Government to Sri Lanka, Des Browne, best efforts to move this situation forward. came to address a meeting in Slough just 18 months ago. Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): Does my hon. At the outset, I ought to say that I am a friend of Friend agree that it is not our colonial past that is both India and Pakistan, even at times when there important in resolving this issue, but our recent experience are tensions between those two countries. I am also a in trouble spots such as Northern Ireland? friend of Kashmir, however, and of its people, who have not enjoyed full democratic and human rights since Andrew Griffiths: I do. I also think that this is about Britain left behind this bit of unfinished colonial business our relationship with the area. We have a strong Pakistani when we ceded control of India and Pakistan nearly diaspora in the UK and we have strong trading ties with 65 years ago. 1265 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1266 Subcontinent Subcontinent [Fiona Mactaggart] 4.23 pm

I was at Labour’s conference in 1995 when it resolved Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): I start by that Britain was under an obligation to seek a solution paying tribute to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member of the Kashmir issue. I am proud that Labour Foreign for Wycombe (Steve Baker), a fellow former Royal Air Secretaries from Robin Cook to my right hon. Friend Force officer. I joined him and many other Members the Member for South Shields (David Miliband) have from both sides of the House in helping to secure the been willing, as they have worked to develop our relationship debate from the Backbench Business Committee, to with that great democracy and growing economic power, which we are very grateful. India, to raise the uncomfortable issue of Kashmir. I I shall focus on Kashmir. I have spoken in Westminster am disappointed that the current Government do not Hall debates on Kashmir and at meetings of the all-party feel the same duty, at least when they are in the territory group for Kashmir, but this is the first time I have had of India. Whatever one’s view of the future of the the opportunity to speak on human rights in Kashmir disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir, there can be in this Chamber, and I am very grateful for it. My no doubt— constituency in west Yorkshire has thousands of Kashmiris living in Thornton Lodge, Crosland Moor and Lockwood. Andrew Griffiths rose— They raise the situation in their homeland with me weekly, so I am proud to be speaking on their behalf. Fiona Mactaggart: I will certainly give way to the I fully understand that international issues are never hon. Gentleman. straightforward, so to try to understand the dynamic of the region I undertook a private visit to Azad Jammu Andrew Griffiths: The hon. Lady makes a party political and Kashmir last November. I flew into Islamabad in point about this Government and our commitment to Pakistan, and after delivering blankets, clothing and Kashmir. Can she tell us just one thing her Government tents donated by the good folk of Huddersfield and did to move the issue of Kashmir forward? Colne Valley to some of the flood-hit villages in the Fiona Mactaggart: As I have been saying, for some area of Nowshera in Pakistan, we crossed the border 65 years, this has been an issue—[Interruption.] If my into AJK. I was based in the vibrant city of Mirpur—a right hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr fantastic place, as the hon. Member for Birmingham, MacShane) wants to intervene to question my historical Ladywood (Shabana Mahmood) rightly said—on the knowledge, he is welcome. beautiful Mangla Dam lake. I was honoured to be invited for tea at the homes of families with loved ones For a long time, this subject has limped forward. who live in my constituency, but their love of tea is not British Foreign Secretaries have been prepared to raise the only close cultural link that the Kashmiris have with the issue in Pakistan and India, even when it has been the UK. When I was invited to meet the Prime Minister very unpopular. That is one thing that needs to happen— of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Attique Khan, in what we need is not silence about the issue, but a Dadyal, I was welcomed by their military band, complete preparedness to stand up for human rights in public with bagpipes and kilts. even when it is unpopular. I saw a beautiful and peaceful Pakistan-administered At the moment, it is not possible in Kashmir for region of Kashmir, but time and again I have been told journalists to report basic protests such as those that of human rights abuses in Indian-controlled Kashmir, followed the death of a boy who was hit by a police some of which we have heard about in this Chamber in tear gas canister just this June. Only when the press is the past hour, so I fully appreciate that this is a region free to publish reports of protests and when voters feel where terrorism and security concerns are rife. Of course safe as they walk to the ballot box will there be any our own previous Government have been accused of chance of resolving this bitter dispute. To that end, I being implicated in activities such as rendition in the echo the call from the hon. Member for Wycombe wider region. The position is not always black and (Steve Baker) for the repeal of the Jammu and white. Kashmir Public Safety Act and of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. If we succeed in making An hour ago in Central Lobby, I bumped into a Kashmir a society where human rights are protected, Kashmir-based journalist I met over there. As a former what then? That goes to the heart of the hon. Gentleman’s journalist, while I was in Kashmir I addressed a group question. of 50 Kashmiri journalists at the Press Club in Mirpur, I think Mr Hameed, the gravedigger at the martyrs’ and I stressed to them the importance of factual reporting. graveyard in Indian-administered Kashmir’s capital, Wild accusations and the emotionally charged inflating Srinagar, made the point very powerfully: “The solution of casualty figures do not help the cause of those to the problem will only be arrived at when India, campaigning for peace in the region. For example, Pakistan and Kashmiri people meet at the same table. yesterday I received an e-mail telling me of hundreds of Our kids pelt stones. The security services fire a bullet. unidentified graves, with the accusation that they contain What kind of democracy do we live in?” We need to the bodies of victims of unlawful killings and torture. I ensure that the people of Kashmir live in a democracy have no idea whether that is true; we must be wary of and can determine their future. Until we protect their propaganda and deal in facts. human rights, the possibility of a democratic resolution to the troubles that have divided that beautiful country Fiona Mactaggart: Is the hon. Gentleman aware that for so long is lacking. I think the whole House agrees many Kashmiri journalists simply cannot report facts, that democracy is the best way to resolve these issues because they cannot get press accreditation that will and the whole House knows that without human rights, enable them to go into areas where the police are in democracy cannot exist. control? 1267 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1268 Subcontinent Subcontinent Jason McCartney: The hon. Lady makes an excellent 4.30 pm point. I made that point myself, but journalists must Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): Kashmir is not over-compensate for their inability to go to those the forgotten tragedy of the contemporary world. No areas by wildly inflating reports; they must stick to the other people has suffered such pain, such loss, such facts. As a journalist I was sometimes frustrated by despair, and, worst of all, such a sense that their demands similar situations, which can be very difficult. for justice are being ignored by the rest of the world. Here in the House of Commons we need to face up to Lyn Brown: Mass graves should be investigated. Does our failures. the hon. Gentleman agree that if India agreed to a commission, we could see the truth of the claims that The first failure was the disastrous handling of the are being made and end the torturous anxieties of many end of British imperialism in India. The second was the people in Kashmir, who are worried that their relatives refusal of both India and Pakistan to abide by UN may be languishing in such places and that they have no resolution 47, which stated: rest? “the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through Jason McCartney: The hon. Lady must have had a the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted sneaky peek at my speech because I will come to that in under the auspices of the United Nations.” about 20 seconds. That resolution was adopted in 1948; 63 years later, it has still not been implemented. The third failure is the I welcome Amnesty International’s report on Kashmir, refusal of successive British Prime Ministers and Foreign “A Lawless Law”, and want to highlight some of its Secretaries of all parties to accept that Britain has an conclusions, which I fully support. I call for a repeal of historical duty to work to allow the Kashmiri people to the Public Safety Act, which results in the long-term be free of the oppression under which they live. detention of people in cases where there is insufficient evidence for trial. I call on Indian-administered Kashmir Kashmir is not a faraway country of which we know to allow peaceful protests and exercise proper crowd nothing. The British Kashmiri community is now nearly control, and to carry out an independent, impartial and 1 million strong and is part of the warp and weft of comprehensive investigation into all allegations of abuses, today’s Britain, just as in the past Huguenots, Jews, including the unmarked graves and allegations of torture. Poles and Irish people came with their culture, faith, I call on the UK Government to keep Kashmir on their languages and ways of life and became part of our agenda and raise these issues with the Governments of island nation. I think of many dear friends in Rotherham, Pakistan and India whenever they meet. such as Councillor Jahangir Akhtar, Councillor Shaukat Ali, Councillor Mahroof Hussain, Mrs Parveen Quereshi, Andrew Griffiths: My hon. Friend makes a powerful and Lord Nazir Ahmed in the other place, as well as and well informed speech. Does he agree that we must friends in Tinsley and Sheffield, who have educated me seek as a matter of urgency to improve the lives of on the problem of Kashmir. Kashmiris by improving cross-border trade between According to Amnesty International and Human Rights Pakistan and India and into Kashmir and by allowing Watch—irreproachable international organisations—as travel, particularly to enable family and loved ones to many as 100,000 Kashmiri Muslims have died since the visit? end of the 1980s. That is a far higher death toll of Muslims than all of those killed in middle east conflicts Jason McCartney: My hon. Friend makes a good in recent decades. Whereas the middle east conflict gets point. There already have been some cross-border relations limitless geopolitical Government and media attention, on opening up the border for trade. I was impressed by the much great death toll in Kashmir is ignored. The Prime Minister Khan’s attitude towards commerce, jobs United Nations Commission on Human Rights reports and green technologies—he talked about wind turbines, that 1.5 million refugees have been forced over the years which massively impressed me. to seek asylum across the border in Pakistan or Azad Kashmir. Mr Virendra Sharma: Does the hon. Gentleman support In December last year, I wrote to the Foreign Secretary and appreciate initiatives taken by the Pakistan and after receiving a report from the International Committee Indian Governments, with meetings at ministerial level, of the Red Cross. Its officials interviewed under private to find a peaceful formula to resolve the issue of Kashmir conditions 1,296 people held by India. Among them and related issues? 498 had suffered torture from electricity; 381 had been Jason McCartney: The hon. Gentleman makes a suspended from the ceiling; 294 had muscles crushed in good point. His office is on my corridor, so we will their legs by prison personnel sitting on a bar placed probably bump into each other and talk about this across their thighs; 181 had their legs stretched by being many more times. Yes, we want a peaceful solution and “split 180 degrees”; and 302 “sexual” cases were reported the best way to end war-war is to jaw-jaw and talk about involving rape or sexual assault. The ICRC stated: these things, and I hope that the UK Government can “The abuse always takes place in the presence of officers” be part of that. from India. Some eagle-eyed Members might have noticed the Fiona Mactaggart: As a former journalist, would my little green badge that I am wearing—[Interruption.] I right hon. Friend like to speculate on why those horrible thank the right hon. Member for Rotherham tortures have failed to reach our media? (Mr MacShane). It was given to me by the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and it says, Mr MacShane: There is a serious problem in that this “Kashmir Seeks Attention”. Today, Kashmir has our is the first debate dedicated to this subject in my 17 years attention, and all hon. Members in the Chamber should in the House. I very much respect the Under-Secretary be very proud of that. of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the 1269 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1270 Subcontinent Subcontinent [Mr MacShane] rights of the people of Kashmir has so far lasted 63 years. Britain should do more to help find a solution hon. Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair and tell truth to power in both India and Pakistan. Burt), but Ministers have not raised this issue at a sufficiently high level. I hope that the Minister can 4.37 pm assure the House that the Foreign Secretary will raise that recent Red Cross report with India at the James Wharton (Stockton South) (Con): We have Commonwealth Heads of Government conference next already heard much discussion today of the value of month. human rights. Human rights are indivisible, self-evidently of great value and internationally applicable, as the A few years ago the world was shocked at the death hon. Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) explained of 8,000 European Muslims in Srebrenica and the sight rather more eloquently that I will attempt. Human of 250,000 Kosovan Muslims fleeing from Serb troops. rights must also be understood in context—the context Why has there been silence on 1.5 million Kashmiris of where a country has been and where it is trying to go. being forced out of their homes or up to 100,000 Muslims That does not devalue the human right itself or the killed by Indian forces? right to the individuals there. When we comment on Just before he was elected, President Obama made other nations, their actions or the actions of those the correct connection, noting that there would be no within them, we must have a full understanding of the solution in Afghanistan without change in Pakistan, historical context and of what has happened there to but he added that Pakistan needed help from India to lead to the situation today. It is against that background resolve the Kashmir question. Afghanistan, Pakistan, that I would like to talk about Sri Lanka. India—the API triangle that lies at the heart of any Sri Lanka has only recently emerged from three decades future for this vital world region. Sadly, once in office of horrendous civil war, a civil war that claimed countless President Obama dropped India, out of his desire to see thousands of lives, both in the north among the Tamil movement and, as a result, got no movement at all, community and in the south among the Sinhalese majority, despite the best efforts of the late Richard Holbrooke. with Government Ministers, ordinary people and Ministers India is part of the problem, as is Pakistan. India must and representatives of foreign Government being killed be part of the solution, as must Pakistan. Until the throughout that time of great conflict. The Liberation global community faces down India’s refusal to accept Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the breakaway group in the responsibility for its actions in Kashmir, there will be no north and east of the country, waged a war using peace in the region. It is time to break the silence that terrorist tactics including assassinations, suicide attacks, grips British Ministers. vehicle bombs, attacks on trains and buses, and even attacks from the air, in order to try to force the Sri Lilian Greenwood: I am sure my right hon. Friend Lankan Government to accede to demands for a breakaway agrees that members of the British Kashmiri community, state within what they perceived to be the boundaries of many of whom are watching from the Gallery and their own nation. Years of negotiations on ceasefires elsewhere, will be delighted that we are having this and attempts to bring an end to the hostilities failed or debate, but it will not be worthwhile if it does not result made no real progress, with neither side sufficiently in action by our Government to try to secure peace in trusting the other. that part of the world. Robert Halfon: My hon. Friend talks about history Mr MacShane: My hon. Friend is right. We do not and human rights, and that is important. Before British want a curtain of silence to fall at 6 o’clock, when the colonisation of Sri Lanka the Tamils had their own Minister sits down at the end of his winding-up speech. kingdom in the north. Does he not agree that one of the This debate must be the beginning, not the end, of problems that we face today arises from the effects of Britain finally accepting our responsibilities on behalf colonisation? of our fellow British citizens for the great wrongs that James Wharton: I agree that we, as the inheritors of have been done in Kashmir. the legacy of the British empire, have a duty to acknowledge Britain might feel that it has no locus standi on our role in many of the problems that were created Kashmir—as a former Minister I remember those throughout the world by the way in which the empire discussions in the Foreign Office, and on this issue I ceased to be and by the legacies that we left behind. have only respect for the current Foreign Office team—in That is one reason why it is perfectly valid and right for which case, let the Government ask the European Union this House to debate these issues today and for us as a to set up a fact-finding mission to report on human nation to do what we can to set others on the right path rights abuses in Kashmir. Perhaps we could we ask by applying pressure and giving assistance where we respected world leaders, such as the former US President, can, so that where there are troubles and problems in Jimmy Carter, or the former Finnish President, Martti the world we can make a small but, I hope, significant Ahtisaari, both Nobel peace prize winners, to mediate contribution to resolving them. In Sri Lanka, that legacy between Pakistan and India on Kashmir, while fully is part of its history, but its more recent history is that respecting the rights of the people of Kashmir, because terrible civil war, which after years of negotiations had this question must not be settled above their heads not been brought to an end and was continuing to hold between New Delhi and Islamabad. Senator Mitchell’s back and drag down a country that has so much potential intervention in Northern Ireland was extremely important and could do so much for its own people and on the in helping to bring peace there. Peace in Kashmir would international stage. be a Nobel peace prize worth striving for. In 2006, the Sri Lankan Government launched a Direct British rule in the Indian subcontinent lasted campaign to bring the civil war to an end. It was an a mere 89 years, from 1858 to 1947. The denial of the effective but ruthless military campaign of the sort 1271 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1272 Subcontinent Subcontinent necessary to put down an organisation such as the they have been given the opportunity, facilitated by the LTTE using military means. We have heard much discussion work of the Sri Lankan Government, to go home. The of some of the atrocities that are alleged to have been reconciliation and accountability that is such an important committed during that campaign, but in the context in part of Sri Lanka moving forward has begun. The which it happened we must all understand that the LLRC, although it has come in for some criticism LTTE was one of the worst oppressors of the Tamil today, has not yet given its final recommendations, and people during and before the conflict. That context we should reserve judgment until it reports. Only recently, must be understood and appreciated: the LTTE fought the Sri Lankan Government have approved a national using civilian clothes, used civilians as human shields action plan for the development of human rights that and had thousands of child soldiers in the field. will, I hope, be implemented over the coming years, so that we are able to judge them on its success. Mr Scott: Does my hon. Friend agree that, whatever A lot of progress still needs to be made. We must not might have happened during what was a terrible conflict, be an uncritical friend of Sri Lanka’s, but we must be a which nobody can deny, it still does not change the fact friend of Sri Lanka and of the Sri Lankan people. I that civilians were massacred after the event? hope that the House will support that. James Wharton: My hon. Friend is of course right, and that is why I started my speech by talking about the 4.45 pm value of human rights and their importance objectively, Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Today a delegation but that does not mean that the context in which we from Conservative Friends of India heads off to the comment on other countries is not important, and that subcontinent. The hon. Member for Wycombe (Steve is what I want to discuss in my closing remarks. Baker) has ensured that when they land in Delhi they That campaign having ended, we must acknowledge will walk into a major media storm. The UK Parliament where Sri Lanka is and where it is going; where it is should be very wary of intervening in the dispute over today and where it is going tomorrow. It is all too easy Kashmir. to be consistently critical of others who fall short of the Members have talked about the UN resolution and standards that we may choose to set for them ourselves, the plebiscite, but the resolution had a condition— but we should not do so without acknowledging where progress is being made. The end of the campaign has brought great benefits to Sri Lanka. We have seen the Stephen Pound (Ealing North) (Lab): When my right eradication of terrorism on the island, and elections are hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) taking place in the north and east, as those areas join rose on a point of order as a result of a tweet that he what is becoming a mature democracy throughout the had received, I attempted to intervene on him, but so rest of Sri Lanka. powerful was his flow that I could not. Will my hon. Friend the Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) Siobhain McDonagh: Does the hon. Gentleman think confirm that when a newspaper makes a statement that democratically elected Governments should be held through social media, it does not speak for the Government to a higher standard than any other group or institution of the Republic of India, and these are two very separate in society? Does he think that it is legitimate for a matters? democratically elected Government to drop cluster bombs on hospitals? Barry Gardiner: My hon. Friend is right, and I am sure that my right hon. Friend knew precisely that when James Wharton: No, I do not. The hon. Lady will be he made his “nearly a point of order”, as Mr Deputy unsurprised to hear that I do not believe that it is Speaker called it. legitimate for a Government, whether democratically The UN resolution attached a condition to the holding elected or not, to drop cluster bombs on hospitals. As I of the plebiscite—the withdrawal of the Pakistani forces conclude my comments, however, I shall turn to the that had invaded that part of Kashmir in 1949 when the issue of reconciliation—what is being done, what must maharajah of the state of Jammu and Kashmir had be done, what should be done and what we all would vacillated over whether to become part of India or part like to be done—in Sri Lanka. of Pakistan. The invasion precipitated the maharajah First, I shall comment on some of the positive results to jump towards India, with the consequences that we of the conclusion to a three-decade-long civil war that have seen since. claimed so many lives. The right to dissent and to Of course, it is absolutely right that this House should freedom of expression in the north and east is now always take a keen interest in the protection of human stronger than it had been for the preceding 30 years. rights around the world, but hon. Members and members De-mining operations are starting to make real progress of the public watching this debate must think there is a in clearing up the hundreds of thousands of landmines certain irony in the fact that although the hon. Member and unexploded ordnance that litter the Sri Lankan for Wycombe sought to raise his concern about human countryside. The British Government are making a rights issues in India, it is not India but five of India’s contribution to that work through DFID, the Mines closest border neighbours, including Pakistan, that the Advisory Group and the HALO Trust, clearing up 2011 “Failed States Index” lists among the 50 most about 100,000 landmines and unexploded ordnance failed states in the world. throughout the country. The rehabilitation and re-homing of former LTTE Steve Baker: I tried to approach this with considerable combatants and of displaced people is well under way. caution. I am not sorry if the Indian media pick up on Some 300,000 were displaced by the conflict, but only this issue, as I would like our constituents’ concerns to about 6,000 are now left in the welfare camps, because be given the widest publicity. I paid tribute to India as 1273 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1274 Subcontinent Subcontinent [Steve Baker] tolerance and human rights in that part of the world. Terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e- the world’s largest democracy and a country with Mohammed have continued to bombard India with institutions based on our own which seek to reinforce state-sponsored terrorism supported by Inter-Services the rule of law, and noted that Indian Government Intelligence. institutions have recognised many of these human rights It is against that background that we must consider abuses. I put it to the hon. Gentleman that, on the today’s Amnesty International report. The report whole, the House has sought to be balanced. documents detentions under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act and makes some specific allegations. Barry Gardiner: I accept the spirit in which the hon. It is right that this House should consider them, albeit Gentleman says that he has contributed to the debate, in the context of public safety that I have outlined. The and I would not wish to challenge that. However, if one report relates to more than 600 individuals detained looks at the immediate neighbours surrounding India, under the Public Safety Act between 2003 and May 2010 one will often find that there is far greater cause for when the research was conducted. That is fewer than concern in those jurisdictions than in India. 90 people each year for seven years. Amnesty states: Fiona Mactaggart rose— “The research shows that instead of using the institutions, procedures and human rights safeguards of ordinary criminal Shabana Mahmood: Will my hon. Friend give way? justice, the authorities are using the PSA to secure the long-term detention of political activists, suspected members or supporters of armed groups and a range of other individuals against whom Barry Gardiner: No, I will not. there is insufficient evidence for a trial or conviction”. Some of the worst human rights abuses of recent That sounds remarkably similar, as the hon. Member memory have occurred in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and for Wycombe admitted, to this country’s Prevention of Myanmar, in a part of the world where, frankly, India Terrorism Act 2005. On 14 July last year, he voted to stands out as a beacon of democracy on the subcontinent. keep detention at 28 days and I think I voted to bring it The relations between India and the UK, at both a down to 14 days. trade and a strategic level, are excellent. They reached new levels of cordiality after Tony Blair’s visit in 2005, At this year’s Reith lectures, Eliza Manningham-Buller, when the two Prime Ministers signed the New Delhi the former head of MI5, talking about security, said declaration, and they have been further strengthened by that the current Prime Minister’s visit last year. Economically “not all intelligence can be turned into evidence. It can fall well and culturally, as well as strategically, it would be a short. As I have said before, of evidential standards, hearsay at third hand, things said, things overheard, things seen and open to retrograde step should a debate such as this sour those varying interpretation, rarely clear-cut even with the benefit of excellent relations. hindsight…and which any judge would unhesitatingly kick out I first visited Kashmir in 2000, when I took a delegation even if the prosecution thought them useable. That requires us to of MPs on a fact-finding visit. We visited at a particularly accept that not everyone who presents a threat can be prosecuted.” important time: two years previously, both India and It is in that light that we need to consider these allegations. Pakistan had declared themselves nuclear weapon states. Pakistan had announced that it would adopt a doctrine 4.53 pm of first use in certain circumstances. India had stated to the international community that it would never use Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con): May I nuclear weapons first. It was a time of great tension. first declare that I have an interest? I am the secretary of the all-party parliamentary group on Sri Lanka and I In 1999, Atal Bihari Vajpayee travelled to Pakistan to visited that country with the hon. Member for Edmonton meet Nawaz Sharif. It had been hoped that that might (Mr Love) at the behest of the Sri Lankan Government reduce the tension between the two states and all seemed to review the reparations resulting from the tsunami. well. Three months later, however, Pakistan-based militants invaded across the border at Kargil on the line of Sri Lanka is a country that is coming to terms with control into India. A bloody border conflict started in the consequences of considerable strife and conflict. It what became known as the phoney war. That invasion takes time to overcome the horrors of conflict. We directly violated the Simla agreement of 1972, in which should therefore tread carefully and be cautious of both nations agreed to resolve the issue of Kashmir by making judgments without very clear facts and evidence. exclusively peaceful means. We should be especially careful not to give fuel to the most blatant of propaganda, not least because we President Clinton summoned Nawaz Sharif to the experienced that in a part of our nation and should White House and persuaded him to withdraw Pakistani understand a little more. forces from Kargil. The confrontation de-escalated until Nawaz Sharif was overthrown by General Musharraf, Mr Scott: Does my hon. Friend believe that the who had been the key architect of the Kargil incursion. Channel 4 programme and the UN report were both In 2000, Musharraf proclaimed himself the new President propaganda? of Pakistan, without the benefit of a general election. In the following months, India was subjected to some of Mr Binley: I think that the Channel 4 programme is the most vile and well-orchestrated state-sponsored terrorist open to question and that those questions have not attacks ever seen, including the hijacking of an Air been answered. However, the United Nations report India flight, the attack on the temple at Gandhinagar is credible and we should be cognisant of that fact. and, of course, the attack on the Indian Parliament. The British Government have also recognised that, Despite the constant threat to India’s citizens from and it is right to call for an independent, thorough hostile parties at home and abroad claiming thousands and credible investigation into the allegations of of lives every year, India has continued to stand for violations of human rights laws. I totally support such 1275 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1276 Subcontinent Subcontinent an investigation, but it should be into the violations on Cross was for far too long denied access to prisons in both sides of the conflict. I fear that point has been Sri Lanka, which held many of those whom the Sri Lankan missed a little today. Government had chosen to detain. The roots of the conflict run very deep. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam fought a separatist campaign for Mr Binley: I share the hon. Gentleman’s concerns the best part of 30 years and we have heard some of the and I have made those concerns known to the Sri Lankan horrors of that campaign from my hon. Friend the Government. Member for Ilford North (Mr Scott). The Channel 4 Sri Lanka needs a chance to heal, but that will not documentary painted a truly horrendous picture, but happen in an atmosphere of hiatus and emotive external we are not sure that it told the whole story. Images were interventions. We must all be careful because, as has brutal, horrific and degrading and if they were true that been said, we share responsibility for the situation. That was totally unacceptable and intolerable, but nothing in is clear, and we have to do all we can to help the the broadcast showed direct evidence of the Sri Lankan Sri Lankan Government, who are trying to make Government’s culpability and we must be sure of that considerable advances. They are trying to address the before we start talking about it. alleged crimes and human rights abuses and they are trying to provide a credible process for overcoming the Mr Scott rose— issues facing internally displaced people. They are trying to achieve a sustainable political settlement, including Mr Binley: Before my hon. Friend leaps to his feet, let on devolution, and those casting aspersions need to be me say that I think he has seen too many television careful about the statements that they make of what documentaries to believe everything that he sees on our they say are facts but often are not. television programmes. As stated, one consequence of the conflict has been Mr Scott: My hon. Friend is being most generous in the significant numbers of internally displaced persons. giving way again. If he agrees that there should be an I said that I had visited Puttalam, where I saw 160,000 independent inquiry, as he has said, does he agree that people in the most terrible conditions, and that I talked the Sri Lankan Government should agree to such an to many of them. They said that they were displaced by inquiry? Obviously, it would show them to be innocent shelling and demolition. Equally, though, some had if they are. been displaced by, and were scared of, the Tamil Tigers. That needs to be understood as well, if we are to be Mr Binley: I agree with my hon. Friend and I press balanced in our judgment. the Sri Lankan Government to do so. Mr Scott rose— Contrary to what the broadcast stated, every effort was made by the Sri Lankan Government to extract Mr Binley: I cannot afford the time. civilians from the combat zone during the conflict. The process of reconstruction is taking longer than Local journalists were given access to the front line and we would like, but Sri Lanka is a small country and we members of the Sri Lankan armed forces sacrificed need to recognise that its resources are limited too. I their lives to save about 300,000 civilians trapped by believe that we should give Sri Lanka every opportunity Tamil Tigers. Those are not my words but those of and support to help them create a united country. I Gordon Weiss, the former UN spokesman in Sri Lanka, hope that that succeeds, as we must all do, but equally I who has written: hope that the independent inquiry will take place, because “It remains a credit to many of the front line SLA (Sri Lanka it will put to rest some of the propaganda that is Army) soldiers that, despite odd cruel exceptions, they so often actually hindering progress in that nation. seem to have made the effort to draw civilians out from the morass of fighting ahead of them in an attempt to save lives”— 5.1 pm that from a hostile witness against Sri Lanka. John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I Robert Halfon: On many issues, my hon. Friend and I want to mention two issues that have been raised with are at one, but on this one I think we take a very me by constituents. The first concerns India and the different view. He has quoted one United Nations second Sri Lanka. Like my hon. Friend the Member for individual, so may I quote the former President of Brent North (Barry Gardiner), I classify myself as a Finland who is an international mediator? He has said: friend of India. I can do nothing else—I am married to “Countries operating outside international norms watch each a Goan and have only just come back from visiting my other carefully. They will be taking courage from Sri Lanka’s in-laws in Goa. I celebrate India’s success in recent apparent success at avoiding international reproach. This is a years. I celebrate its politics. I witnessed the Anna worry for all those who want to see more democracy, greater Hazare campaign of Gandhian peaceful direct action respect for human rights and less violence in the world.” to address corrupt politicians. I only wish that we had Mr Binley: Of course, I accept that statement from had such a thing here a few years ago—it might have my hon. Friend with no problem whatever. helped when the Members’ expenses scandal was exposed. I also celebrate the nature of the way in which India is Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): I developing its economy. I wish that there was greater am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, who is being redistribution of wealth, but at least there is a dynamism customarily generous in giving way, but I join some of in the economy itself. his hon. Friends and many Opposition Members who In celebrating India’s progress, I feel that I have the share concerns about the way in which Sri Lanka has right—as a friend of India—to draw attention to a conducted itself, particularly since the end of the conflict. continuing blemish on the Indian constitution. I am It is a matter of record as, surely, he will be generous to talking about the continued acceptance of the death recognise, that the International Committee of the Red penalty. There are currently 324 prisoners on death row 1277 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1278 Subcontinent Subcontinent [John McDonnell] fairness of the trial, as well as about the eight-year delay in implementing a decision, which I believe constitutes in India, and although there has not been an execution cruel, degrading and inhuman punishment. As a friend for seven years, the political climate has changed, and of India—as many of us here are—I therefore appeal to there is a real fear of an imminent implementation of the Indian Government to think again, to allow the the death penalty. I want to use the Floor of the House mercy petition to go ahead and to allow this person’s to make an appeal on behalf of my constituents for the death sentence to be commuted, but also to consider the life of one person in particular, Devinder Pal Singh issue of the death penalty itself, which I see as a continuing Bhullar, whose case I have raised over the years with a blemish on the Indian constitution and political system. number of colleagues. Unfortunately, he is at imminent risk of execution in New Delhi. Barry Gardiner: I was most concerned to hear my Fiona Mactaggart: Would my hon. Friend comment hon. Friend say that the only evidence against Devinder on the fact that when I was looking through my annual Pal Singh Bhullar was the confession that he had made report, I discovered that the issue on which I had the in police custody. The Amnesty report, “A lawless law”, biggest postbag from my constituents was Devinder Pal describing another case, records that Singh Bhullar’s threatened execution by the Indian “the trial court dismissed two of the three outstanding charges Government? against Sheikh noting that the only evidence against him was a confession made by him while in police custody which was John McDonnell: There is real consternation among inadmissible in court (in India, confessions made to the police are the community in this country and across the world. inadmissible as evidence because of fears that they may be coerced).” This case has been taken up by Amnesty International as one of its urgent appeals across the world. As I said, I Would my hon. Friend care to comment on that? want to use this platform to appeal to the Indian Government and the Indian President to address the John McDonnell: Yes, that is common practice, and it case of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar and to consider the is usually taken into account when considering the abolition of the death penalty itself. mercy petition. That did not happen in this instance, Devinder’s mercy petition was rejected in May and however. There have been four recent cases in which his case is now moving towards the execution process. mercy petitions have been rejected by the President. He was sentenced to death in August 2001 after being That is a change in practice that we have witnessed over found guilty of involvement in a bomb attack in 1993 the past seven or eight years, as my hon. Friend the that tragically killed nine people. He was found guilty Member for Ealing, Southall (Mr Sharma) suggested. solely on the basis of an unsubstantiated confession There is a change of political climate on this issue in that he made to the police and which he later retracted. India at the moment, and I think that it is to the He thought that it had been made under duress from detriment of India. On that basis, pressure needs to be the police. He was subsequently arrested under the mounted in India and internationally, to address not Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act at only this individual case but the whole question of the New Delhi airport in January 1995. That Act has now abolition of the death penalty. been repealed and was criticised internationally and The issue of Sri Lanka and the treatment of the inside India for being incompatible with international Tamils has also been raised with me. I want to associate standards for fair trials and fair arrests. myself with the words of my hon. Friend the Member In March 2002, the death sentence against Devinder for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh) in was upheld by the Supreme Court, but the opinion was this regard. A key issue is that, although the commission divided, with two judges in favour and the senior judge took place and various recommendations were made by coming down in favour of acquittal. In December 2002, the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, a a review was made of the judges’ decision, again resulting number of them have not been implemented. For example, in a split decision. Usually, in such circumstances, a the simple recommendation that a list of names of recommendation is made that the President accept the those in detention should be published still has not been mercy petition, but unfortunately the petition was rejected implemented. As a result, a number of my constituents in May this year, as I have said. Now, Devinder Pal are still anxious to find out what has happened to their Singh Bhullar faces the death penalty. families and where they are in detention. Mr Virendra Sharma: I thank my hon. Friend for When people are released from detention, despite giving way. I must declare an interest, in that I was born reassurances that they will be assisted with resettlement, in India. I am therefore familiar with its constitutional that is not happening in every case. Some are living in system and traditions. My hon. Friend talked about the very distressing circumstances, but they are getting no changes in the country, but does he also acknowledge assistance. Furthermore, there is a continuing problem that India’s main party and the Government have of land having been taken over, particularly by the undertaken to reconsider Mr Bhullar’s case as a result military, and reallocated to the majority community. In of pressure from the international community? Does he that way, members of the Tamil community are being agree that the Indian authorities responded to that displaced yet again as a result of the Government’s pressure? actions. I would welcome our own Minister putting pressure on the Sri Lankan Government to address John McDonnell: That is exactly right. As a result of those issues and to get back into negotiations with the the campaign in India and the support that we and Tamil National Alliance, which has withdrawn from the Amnesty International are giving it, there could be a current negotiations because of the Government’s breakthrough in this case that could lead to the abolition intransigence. In that way, we might be able achieve an of the death penalty. There are clear concerns about the atmosphere of peace and reconciliation again. 1279 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1280 Subcontinent Subcontinent 5.9 pm over theirs. All they want is to be given the right to determine their future by themselves. Everyone Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Let me start appreciates the huge challenges facing the Foreign by congratulating my hon. Friends the Members for Office, particularly in the middle east and Afghanistan. Wycombe (Steve Baker) and for Ilford North (Mr Scott) However, I know that my hon. Friend the Minister will on securing this debate. I also want to thank the Backbench use every opportunity to advance the cause of peace Business Committee for allocating some of the precious in the troubled region of Jammu and Kashmir. We are time at its disposal for this afternoon’s debate. fortunate to have a Minister who understands the I want to restrict my remarks to the situation in issue, has tremendous knowledge of it and has a Jammu and Kashmir. Having previously represented general personal interest in the plight of the Kashmiri Bury North, my hon. Friend the Minister will be aware people. I know that he will do all he can to ensure that that thousands of my constituents have a personal one of the longest-running conflicts in the world is concern about the human rights abuses taking place in resolved. Jammu and Kashmir. Many have personal knowledge of the problems in that part of the world, while many 5.14 pm have families still living there who regularly witness the human rights abuses that are taking place. However, it is Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): I am pleased to not possible in the brief time available to do more than have the opportunity to speak and I congratulate the highlight the main points of what we all know is a hon. Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker) on securing long-running issue. the debate. May I say that I agreed with everything The seeds of the current conflict were sown more he said in his excellent speech? Given the shortage of than half a century ago in 1947, when the partition of time, I shall focus my remarks on the conflict in India took place. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. My primary concern is to press the Kashmir, which had a Hindu ruler but a predominately Government, above all, to use their good offices to the Muslim population, was divided between Pakistan and maximum to help bring about a just settlement in India. The people of the state of Kashmir were denied Kashmir—one that is acceptable to the people of Kashmir. any say in whether they would join Pakistan or India. I say this directly to the Minister—a man representing They wanted what those in so many areas of the world my local county for whom I genuinely have the greatest still want today: to determine their future themselves, in affection and respect. I think that he will listen to a vote of all Kashmiri people. The United Nations today’s debate and do his very best to move things passed resolutions to that effect in 1948, but to this day forward. the situation continues. Kashmir remains divided by the Thanks to the many thousands of my constituents line of control, with thousands of troops ranged against from Kashmir, many of whom are close personal friends— each other on both sides of that line. some are here today, listening to our debate with great From time to time over the past 64 years the conflict interest—I have long been familiar with the terrible has flared up and hit the world’s headlines. There have sufferings of the people of Kashmir. Time and again, been several attempts to negotiate a peaceful settlement, the appalling things happening in Kashmir have been but for the majority of the time the conflict has simmered brought to my attention. One hon. Member spoke of away beyond the public’s gaze and attention. Sadly for possibly exaggerated figures, while others have mentioned the people of Kashmir, the killings and torture continue. figures that, even if only half true, would be appalling. The latest figures supplied by the Jammu Kashmir My suspicion is that the figures are accurate and that Self-Determination Movement show that there have the reality might even be rather worse than has been been more than 93,000 killings since January 1989, said. resulting in some 22,000 women left widowed and 107,000 Some 15 years ago, I had the opportunity to visit children orphaned. I commend the work of the Jammu Azad Kashmir—Pakistan Kashmir. By way of Mirpur Kashmir Self-Determination Movement, under its chairman and Kotli, I visited a refugee camp. I saw how some Raja Najabat Hussain, for ensuring that the problems people had suffered in Indian Kashmir: they had escaped, of that troubled territory are not allowed to be completely but having been displaced from their homes, they were forgotten. still living in refugee camps. While I was a member of As we have heard this afternoon, many of the current the all-party group on Kashmir, I visited the Foreign human rights abuses are taking place under the provisions Office with other colleagues to press the previous of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act of 1978. Government to do all they could, first, to stop the Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific director, human rights abuses and, secondly, to try to bring has said of that Act: about movement towards a peaceful and just settlement. “The Jammu and Kashmir authorities are using PSA detentions I say peaceful and just because a peaceful settlement is as a revolving door to keep people they can’t or won’t convict not enough; it has to be just as well. It is possible to through proper legal channels locked up and out of the way. have a peace that is a peace only because of force Hundreds of people are being held each year on spurious grounds, majeure, which would not be right. The peace must be with many exposed to higher risk of torture and other forms of acceptable to the people of Kashmir. ill-treatment.” It has been said many times by many colleagues that The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has also expressed Britain has a special responsibility in this part of the concerns about human rights abuses on both sides of world. It was once part of the British empire; we ruled the line of control in its human rights report, issued in and governed that part of the world for centuries. When May this year. we left, partition took place and a lot of blood was The people of Jammu and Kashmir are long shed. Mistakes were made, and this might be one of the suffering and patient. It seems that there is always most serious of those mistakes, which lingers on as a another problem in the world that takes precedence legacy of empire in a strange way. 1281 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1282 Subcontinent Subcontinent Steve Baker: As so often, I am surprised at the degree The relatively normal relations Sri Lanka enjoys with to which I agree with the hon. Gentleman. Does he the west, with little condemnation of its thin democratic agree, however, that one of the problems of the legacy credentials or genocide of Tamil civilians, have always of empire is that, although it gives us a special responsibility, mystified me. It is worth looking at the evidence. If we it is also in many ways a curse because that very legacy judge a democracy by its rule of law, property rights is often what makes our word so very unwelcome in and religious tolerance, the Sri Lankan Government various countries, including in India? fails on all three. First, the Sri Lankan military is above the rule of law. As Members have said, 17,000 Tamils Kelvin Hopkins: Indeed. I am short of time, but I are still caged in barbaric camps. We still hear reports of hope to come on to the point that Robin Cook said Tamil civilians being summarily executed or disappearing, when he was Foreign Secretary that he wanted to embark and that follows the genocide of 40,000 Tamils in the on a process of ethical foreign policy. past decade. Secondly, property rights do not exist. Large areas of Tamil land and housing are still occupied Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) by the Sri Lankan military. (Lab): Does my hon. Friend agree that, although we must we do everything to condemn human rights violations Mr Scott: My hon. Friend may have seen the document on either side of the line of control, we must also look from the Sri Lankan Government saying to their army to whatever means we can to ensure that we support that it is perfectly acceptable to take Tamil property. self-determination and a lasting resolution for the people Does he agree that that is a disgrace? of Kashmir? Robert Halfon: My hon. Friend is exactly right. The Kelvin Hopkins: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend evidence that he has seen shows, as I am pointing out, and thank her for her intervention. Wherever suffering that Sri Lanka is not a proper democracy. occurs, we must always support human rights; we have a record in doing so. More than one of my hon. Friends Thirdly, there is no tolerance of minorities. An estimated has mentioned that India is a great democracy. Indeed it 180,000 Tamils are still displaced, either in transit camps is, but great democracies can also commit sins and have or sheltering, and the names of prisoners have still not blood on their hands. In Britain, we consider ourselves been published, so families cannot find out if their to be a great democracy, but recent revelations about relatives are alive. the Hola camp and what we did in Kenya, as well as There is a saying that one judges a man by the friends about what we did to certain prisoners in Iraq suggest he keeps. In the same way, one can judge a Government that even a democracy like ours can have blood on its by the allies they keep. In the past decade, Sri Lanka’s hands. We must not excuse terrible things just because a key allies have been Iran, North Korea and Colonel country is a democracy. Gaddafi. Colonel Gaddafi gave Sri Lanka £500 million in financial assistance for so-called development projects. Shabana Mahmood: Does my hon. Friend agree that In return, Sri Lanka strongly opposed the no-fly zone in no democracy—whether it be the world’s largest or Libya and offered him sanctuary. Even after Gaddafi not—should be afraid of a debate, either in the House, was threatening Benghazi, Sri Lanka organised mass like today’s debate, or anywhere else, if that debate rallies in his support, protesting against NATO intervention. helps to shed some light on what is going on in another We all know the story of North Korea, yet Sri Lanka part of the world? was happy to sign a major weapons contract with it in 2009. We also know the story about Iran, yet Sri Lanka Kelvin Hopkins: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. signed business and oil contracts with that country in defiance of international sanctions. Despite that, Sri Lanka I was about to make an important point about Robin continues to be a member of the Commonwealth and Cook’s reference to an ethical foreign policy. It did not the United Nations. make him popular with America, but Robin Cook stood by his position and resigned over the Iraq war. That contrasts with what I believe Palmerston once Mr Virendra Sharma: In the light of all the reports, said, and here I paraphrase—that in politics, there are television coverage and films shown on Channel 4, and no such things as rights and wrongs, only interests. We the international condemnation, does the hon. Gentleman must raise ethics above interests sometimes in politics, agree that this is the right time to demand that the Sri as I am sure all Members do. In time, I hope that we will Lanka Government be expelled from the Commonwealth ensure that Pakistan and India come to a moral and until they accept the international court? ethical solution, allowing Kashmir and the Kashmiri people to determine their own future. Robert Halfon: The hon. Gentleman is exactly right. As I will say in my concluding remarks, we should also 5.20 pm boycott the Commonwealth leaders summit in Sri Lanka Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): This is a hugely important in 2013. debate. As we hope that the Arab spring heralds a new As has been highlighted, the genocide of 40,000 dawn, we must be clear that freedom is a right for Tamils has brought the civil war death toll to 70,000. people in other continents too. I want to focus on the We must make a distinction between murder and regime that calls itself the Democratic Socialist Republic genocide—genocide is scientific, organised killing. Having of Sri Lanka, because I believe it is neither democratic taught the Sinhalese to hate the Tamil minority, the nor—I am sure that Labour Members would agree— Sri Lankan Government used the Tamil Tigers, who are socialist. opposed by moderate Tamils, and whose systematic 1283 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1284 Subcontinent Subcontinent killing of civilians we all condemn, as the excuse for a the case of India. The sadness is that the Indian constitution litany of horrific events and actions. Let us take a specifically outlaws caste discrimination, and, moreover, couple of examples. was written by the great Dr Ambedkar, who was himself In 2008, according to Human Rights Watch, the a Dalit person. He tried to prevent the discrimination, Sri Lankans used rockets to obliterate entire refugee and indeed every law in India prevents it from taking camps full of women and children. In 2009, the Sri Lankan place, but it does still take place. Dalits represent one Government’s tactics evolved again. They declared a 35 third of the world’s poor. Caste discrimination affects sq km “safe zone” for Tamil civilians, and dropped jobs, education, medical care and international aid, and leaflets appealing to civilians to move into the safe zone also results in the violent subjugation of communities. as soon as possible. Immediately after several thousand Dalits have little access to public health or sanitation people had gathered there, near a United Nations food facilities. distribution plant, the Sri Lankan military shelled the According to official Indian statistics, 13 Dalits are area heavily, killing thousands of people in a few hours. murdered every week, five Dalit homes or possessions The United Kingdom has financial leverage. We have are burnt every week, three Dalit women are raped millions of pounds’ worth of business and tourism with every day, and a crime is committed against a Dalit Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka needs the west. But we have seen person every 18 minutes. Dalits, who were formerly what happened in “The Killing Fields”, and we must known as “untouchables”, are forced to do the most press for a UN resolution and tough economic sanctions disgusting, dirty, dangerous, menial jobs, such as carrying to pressurise the Sri Lankan Government to change human waste around in wicker baskets on their heads, their ways. As I said a moment ago, we must boycott the picking up human faeces from the streets and railway leaders’ summit in Sri Lanka in 2013. I welcome the lines, and cleaning out sewers—all the dirty jobs that no Canadian Prime Minister’s call for a boycott, because one else wants to do. When we walk around the glittering symbolism is incredibly important in politics. town centres of modern India, beneath them the most There are very few Tamils in my constituency, so vile discrimination is taking place against the very poorest many people may ask why I am here today, but I believe people, and the chances of those people’s children escaping that because of my background, it is my duty to try to from the system are very low indeed. They are discriminated support nations that have suffered from genocide. That against because of their background and their place is why I have been involved in Rwanda and have been within the identifiable Hindu caste system. there, why I have been very involved in the Kurdistan It is right to raise this issue in Parliament, and we region of Iraq, and why I am supporting the Tamils. must encourage the British Government to ensure that their aid system recognises this discrimination and the Mr Scott: Will my hon. Friend give way? need to address it. At present there are protected jobs in the public sector for Dalit peoples, but that does Robert Halfon: I will not, because there is very little not extend to the private sector, and this arrangement time. I hope that my hon. Friend will forgive me. has only served to fossilise the levels of unemployment We must be clear about the fact that Sri Lanka is a in the Dalit communities. The Department for International rogue nation. It has carried out genocide against the Development has recognised this discrimination and, Tamil people, and we must do all that we can to stop the so far as I am aware, ensures that no aid projects persecution of the Tamils once and for all. perpetuate it. I want to draw the House’s attention to six key issues. 5.26 pm The first two are that a significant proportion of Dalit Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): I commend women face verbal abuse, physical assault, sexual harassment the Backbench Business Committee for choosing this and assault, domestic violence and rape, and that bonded topic for debate. I am delighted that we have discussed labour is normal, even among Dalit children. The remaining mainly Kashmir and Sri Lanka. I do not want to issues are that there is forced prostitution, manual scavenging, detract from what anyone said about those subjects, and limited political participation and non-implementation I agree with the thrust of the arguments that have been of relevant legislation. presented. I want to raise a rather different issue. Our job is to speak up for the UN declaration of There are 260 million people worldwide who suffer human rights and to draw attention to this disgraceful from massive human rights abuses. Such abuses have discrimination against so many people. continued for centuries, indeed millennia, often unacknowledged and unchallenged. It was only with 5.31 pm great difficulty that the issue of caste discrimination, or Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): Millions of discrimination based on caste and descent, was raised at British citizens have a family origin from the Indian the Durban millennium summit, but it massively affects subcontinent, so it is right for this mother of Parliaments the people of south Asia, particularly India. to debate not only human rights there, but security on I am the chair of the trustees of the Dalit Solidarity the Indian subcontinent as well. First, I should add my Network, and also an officer of the all-party parliamentary thanks to my hon. Friends the Members for Wycombe group for Dalits. The hierarchical division of a society, (Steve Baker) and for Ilford North (Mr Scott) for ascribing inherent privileges to birth, runs contrary to securing the debate, and to the Backbench Business the United Nations’ universal declaration of human Committee for allowing it to take place in the Chamber. rights, article 1 of which states: It is, however, unfortunate that we are bracketing the “All human beings are… free and equal in dignity and rights.” bloody civil war that took place in Sri Lanka with the The caste discrimination system divides people on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Now that the civil basis of their background, parents and work, and results war has ended, there must be reconciliation, peace and in the greatest degree of poverty and discrimination in an inquiry into what happened in Sri Lanka. 1285 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1286 Subcontinent Subcontinent [Bob Blackman] highlighted in Amnesty International’s “A ‘lawless law’: Detentions under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety I want to focus on Jammu and Kashmir. Having Act” report, and by the Red Cross and others—arise grown up with Indians over many years, I have debated time and again. and talked about this issue for some 25 to 30 years. We I greatly respect the Minister on these issues. I have must recognise that India is the greatest democracy in been to see him in his office to discuss this matter, and I the world, with 1 billion people having the opportunity know that he listens carefully. He has to take a very to vote. It is often forgotten that there are more Muslims balanced view on these questions, but I know that he in India than in the whole of Pakistan and Bangladesh would agree that it is important that the British Government combined; it is a truly secular state, which offers equal try their best to raise the issue more vociferously and opportunity to people of all religions. It has also been more passionately with Pakistan, but especially with the subject of many terrorist atrocities, most of which, India. What I find most distressing are the reports of it is claimed, emanate from the state of Pakistan. Naturally this persistent abuse of the Public Safety Act on the therefore, the Indian Government are concerned about Indian side of the Kashmir border, and the Armed whether Pakistan can be trusted. Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, which is still in force The seeds of this mistrust lie in the history of Jammu in the region, and causes so many difficulties and human and Kashmir. We cannot forget the origin of the conflict rights abuses. It is important that we see not only a in Jammu and Kashmir. As other Members have said, it dialling down of the tensions at the line of control, but was this House that made the decision to allow India a demilitarisation in the Kashmir region. Although the and Pakistan to secede and set up their own states. Indian Government have made some efforts, through Jammu and Kashmir had the opportunity of joining the high-level committee and in other attempts to amend either India or Pakistan. While it deliberated, Pakistan some of these awful pieces of draconian legislation, the invaded. There is an illegally occupied area of Kashmir, process has been very slow and not strong enough. I therefore: the area that is Pakistani-controlled. The area therefore urge the Minister to raise these issues more that is administered by India represents what was wanted vociferously and to consider the role of the European by the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the time of Commission and whether we can get these issues raised secession. All the atrocities that have taken place on on an international stage. This issue is very important both sides of the dividing line should be investigated, and I hope that he will listen to the very many voices and both sides should be held to account. that have been raised. Let us compare the two states in their current forms, however. In Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, 5.37 pm all political parties can debate and stand for elections. Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South East) (Lab): I have In fact, there was an 85% turnout for this year’s local only two minutes left, so I am going to speak very fast. I elections in Jammu and Kashmir. All Members of this wish to refer to an article written by Dr Angana Chatterji, House would like to see such a turnout for a general the associate professor of social and cultural anthropology election, let alone a local election. By contrast, in Pakistani- at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Along administered Kashmir political parties are allowed to with her cameraman and a number of other people, she form and agitate only provided they accept Pakistan’s went to Jammu and occupied Kashmir. Her article right to rule Kashmir—that is not even-handed in any states: extreme. We must seek to even out the position and “Dirt, rubble, thick grass, hillside and flatland, crowded with make sure that people understand that the current graves. Signifiers of military and paramilitary terror, masked position is not even. We have heard far too often this from the world. Constructed by institutions of state to conceal afternoon about the position in Indian-administered massacre. Placed next to homes, fields, schools, an army practice Jammu and Kashmir, and not enough about Pakistani- range. Unknown, unmarked. Over 940 graves in a segment of Baramulla district alone. Some containing more than one cadaver. occupied Kashmir. We need to make sure that we have Dug by locals, coerced by the police, on village land. Bodies an even balance and that the people who are here get dragged through the night, some tortured, burnt, desecrated. the opportunity to air their grievances. Circulating mythology claims these graves uniformly house ‘foreign militants’. Exhumation and identification have not occurred in 5.35 pm most cases. When undertaken”— Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): I am Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. Sadly, delighted that this House is having the opportunity to we have to start the wind-ups now, and I apologise to debate the full array of issues in the short time available, the hon. Lady. and I know that we have to hear at least one other speech by a Back Bencher before the wind-ups. It is 5.39 pm important that I have the opportunity to speak on behalf of my constituents who are here to press their Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): strongly held belief that there is a need for greater I join other hon. Members in welcoming this important exposure of the human rights issues, particularly in debate, and congratulate the hon. Members for Wycombe Indian-administered Kashmir, and for greater attention (Steve Baker) and for Ilford North (Mr Scott) on sponsoring to be paid to them. I accept that there are all sorts of it and Members on both sides who have participated in issues between Pakistan and India, and I am not going it. In particular, I commend the Backbench Business to try to take too many sides on these things. However, I Committee for providing this opportunity. have to say to the hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob In recent meetings with Amnesty International and Blackman) that it is predominantly in the Indian- Human Rights Watch, I have discussed the role of administered side of Kashmir that the more severe promoting human rights in British foreign policy. There human rights issues—about detentions, curfews and is a very clear message about the need for consistency disappearances, and about many of the other aspects on human rights and that is central to the debate. The 1287 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1288 Subcontinent Subcontinent other theme of the debate is the importance of engaging history—testimony that reveals the human rights atrocities diaspora communities in our foreign policy. It is very that were committed in Sri Lanka and testimony that encouraging to see a crowded Gallery on a Thursday leads to justice. afternoon, reflecting the concerns in the Kashmiri and Although the tactics of the LTTE, an organisation Sri Lankan communities in this country as we debate that has rightly been labelled as terrorist by the European these important issues. Union and the United States, were abhorrent, the legitimate We approach the subject in a year where we have seen grievances of the Tamil people will not be resolved momentous events in north Africa and the middle east. without a lasting and just political settlement. Can the Those events have had at their hearts demands for Minister share with the House any recent discussions freedom, democracy and human rights. We as a country the Government have had with the Sri Lankan Government have a responsibility to play a positive role both bilaterally on their plans for reaching a political settlement and and multilaterally in promoting human rights, using, devolving power? Has the Minister made any for example, soft power through institutions such as the representations about the number of people still being BBC World Service and the British Council. The British held in so-called rehabilitation centres? Is he satisfied Council operates programmes in the Indian subcontinent, that there is sufficient media freedom in Sri Lanka? including in Sri Lanka. It is an important tool in our My hon. Friend the Member for Hayes and Harlington soft power armoury and tonight I want in particular to (John McDonnell) raised the very important issue of commend the courage of the personnel of the British the death penalty and the case of Devinder Pal Singh Council, who are doing great work to promote human Bhullar, which he has championed for many years. I rights across the Indian subcontinent. echo what he said both about Mr Bhullar’s case and more broadly on the question of the death penalty. As a Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Does my hon. fellow friend of India, I press it to abolish the death Friend agree that although good things are happening penalty. Of course, as we are having a debate on south in those countries, the press here is very silent about Asia, we should similarly press Pakistan to abolish its both Kashmir and Sri Lanka and much more needs to death penalty; there are 8,000 people on death row in be done not just by politicians but by the media to bring Pakistan today. the issue up the world agenda? My hon. Friend the Member for Dudley North (Ian Austin) made the point that we have had a very big Stephen Twigg: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. contribution to our country from the Kashmiri community A number of hon. Members referred to the Channel 4 that lives here. We saw that reflected in the powerful and film, “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields”, which was broadcast passionate speech of my hon. Friend the Member for in June, bringing images of atrocities committed against Birmingham, Ladywood (Shabana Mahmood). Hon. civilians in Sri Lanka in the concluding months of the Members in all parts of the House have reflected the decades-long war. The footage was truly appalling and concerns of their constituents. the 25-year conflict has left Sri Lanka scarred. The In government we sought to urge both India and military conclusion of active hostilities between the Pakistan to bring about a lasting resolution to the issue Government and the LTTE was reached in 2009, but of Kashmir that takes into account the wishes of the only after mass atrocities and alleged war crimes by people of Kashmir. I welcome some of the developments both sides. This leaves Sri Lanka with dual tests of that have been referred to: the visit of the Pakistani accountability and reconciliation. Civilians, be they Tamil, Foreign Minister to India, improvements in cross-border Sinhalese or Muslim, have paid the heaviest price. For trade, and talks between India and Pakistan. Will the them, justice must be realised. Minister update the House on recent discussions with Beyond the sphere of domestic Sri Lankan politics, counterparts on the formation of a lasting political the international community has a responsibility to settlement that takes into account the wishes of the secure justice. My right hon. Friend the Member for people of Kashmir? South Shields (David Miliband), the former Foreign A number of human rights organisations, including Secretary, visited Sri Lanka during the closing period of Amnesty International, have voiced very serious concerns the war in 2009 to bear witness to the chaos and about the human rights situation in both parts of Kashmir. suffering that had been inflicted on civilians. Assessments For example, the limits to media freedom in Indian- made at that time of wrongdoing by people on both administered Kashmir have been described by a number sides of the conflict have since been verified and of hon. Members. Have the Government raised that Government forces are alleged to have been responsible matter with the Indian Government? for deaths by shelling the so-called safe zones, as described by a number of hon. Members. The LTTE belligerents My hon. Friends the Members for West Ham (Lyn had forced internally displaced persons to act as human Brown) and for Bolton South East (Yasmin Qureshi) shields, and those seeking to escape were simply killed. highlighted Amnesty’s recent and very disturbing report about unmarked graves and the need for an investigation Justice must be sought because that is the right thing by the Indian authorities. The hon. Member for Harrow to do, but it is also right that we should pursue justice as East (Bob Blackman) raised the issue of irregularities a means of deterrent. Writing recently in The Times, and a lack of openness in elections in Pakistani-administered Lord Ashdown made a poignant observation: Kashmir, and that, too, is an important question which “The point about law is that it exists not just to deliver justice I encourage the Minister to raise with Pakistan in our after the event but also to govern behaviour beforehand”. bilateral relationship. We must continue to work both Restrictions on journalists in Sri Lanka meant that this bilaterally and multilaterally with India and Pakistan, was a war without witness. Testimony brought about and urge all sides to seek a lasting resolution to the issue through the mechanism of accountability will shed light of Kashmir, which takes into account the wishes of the on the dark events that have scarred Sri Lanka’s recent Kashmiri people. 1289 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1290 Subcontinent Subcontinent [Stephen Twigg] Few parts of the world are as important to the promotion of our values and our interests as south If I may finish where I started, the Arab spring has Asia. The region’s giant, India, is the world’s largest reminded us that the thirst for freedom, democracy and democracy— vibrant, pluralistic, secular and multi- human rights is not western but universal. It also reminds ethnic—but it has faced significant problems with domestic us that in many parts of the world there are real insurgency, communal violence and caste discrimination. concerns about double standards in the policies of the Some of the toughest human rights challenges in the major powers. It is vital that we take a consistent region are exacerbated by the dispute between India approach to human rights, and the desire for that and Pakistan. The latter country, which has only recently consistency has been reflected in this debate. come under civilian rule, is facing arguably the greatest existential threat from terrorism of any nation in the world. To the north and south, Nepal and Sri Lanka 5.48 pm continue to grapple with the legacies of decades of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign destructive insurgency. Bangladesh is affected more than and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt): I thank all almost anywhere else by the pressures of population, colleagues for their participation in the debate. I am poverty and climate change. The smallest country in the grateful to the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby region, the Maldives, is the world’s newest democracy. (Stephen Twigg) for his thanks to the British Council, Despite that challenging context the UK does not shy which does such excellent work for us abroad, and for away from engaging frankly with our partners in the his reminding us of the increasing importance of the region, holding Governments to account when human diaspora in British politics and the contribution that rights standards slip. The UK is all too familiar with the they can make, not only to debate here but, in many challenges of balancing personal freedoms and the rule instances, to reconciliation and support in the communities of law, with the first duty of Government to protect from which they originally came. their citizens. Our approach is idealism tempered with I am grateful to my hon. Friends the Members for realism. We are absolutely clear about what is right and Wycombe (Steve Baker) and for Ilford North (Mr Scott) wrong and what foundations are required for truly free for securing the debate and to the Backbench societies, but we also recognise the limitations on our Business Committee. My hon. Friend the Member for ability to enforce change anywhere in the world. Societies Wycombe spoke in measured tones on a difficult progress at their own pace and the UK will continue to subject, plainly putting to the House the views and work with them, utilising our strengths but without anxieties of his constituents. I shall of course deal with arrogance, on what can be a long and difficult road to Kashmir during the next few minutes. My hon. Friend freedom, security and prosperity for all. the Member for Ilford North spoke with passion in Let me make a few remarks about the two main issues support of his Tamil constituents and reminded the that have come up today—Kashmir and Sri Lanka. I House, as did one or two others, why we have such an fully understand the sense of frustration felt by many obligation to speak here, without fear or favour, on the people in the UK about the situation in Kashmir. As my matters that concern us. hon. Friend the Member for Bury North (Mr Nuttall) My hon. Friend the Member for Colne Valley (Jason reminds me, the context of that is the years I spent both McCartney), in describing his colourful arrival in Pakistan growing up and living in Bury North and representing and Kashmir, reminded us of how we are seen in many many Kashmiri citizens and friends there. parts of the world—an honour to this House that we I have answered a number of questions tabled in the respect by the way in which we conduct ourselves here House asking for the UK to take a more active role in by dealing with difficult subjects in moderation, sometimes resolving the dispute. The hon. Member for Birmingham, in tricky areas. Ladywood (Shabana Mahmood) accurately described The hon. Member for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins) the cost over the years of the long-running problem to reminded us that, before we get too moralistic and the communities in that area. The position of successive righteous in what we say here about other countries, we British Governments has consistently been that any should acknowledge our own human rights failings, resolution must be for India and Pakistan to agree, both past and present. The fact that the House listened taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. with respect to voices that challenged some of the more As India and Pakistan are currently making efforts to popular sentiments represented by many who are watching build confidence in all aspects of their relationship, I the debate shows that the House can listen to both sides believe it is important that they be given space to of a complex debate. That should reassure any Government determine the scope and pace of that dialogue. No looking at the work of the House of Commons that matter how well intentioned, any attempts by the UK or they should not fear our debates, if transparency, other third parties to mediate or prescribe solutions accountability and justice are as close to their hearts as would hinder progress. they are to the hearts of parliamentarians here today. We continue to monitor developments In Kashmir The Government have been clear since they took closely, especially as reports of human rights abuses on office that the protection of human rights is crucial to both sides of the line of control continue. We are all both the values and the interests of the UK. When the aware of the violent protests that occurred in Indian- Foreign Secretary set out his vision for the future of our administered Kashmir during the summer of 2010. foreign policy in a series of speeches last year, he said More than 100 civilians were killed and a number of that those values were part of our national DNA and security forces personnel were injured. During the unrest that they would be woven into our foreign policy decision there were allegations of excessive use of force by making. We cannot achieve long-term security and security forces against protesters and allegations that prosperity for the UK unless we uphold them. protesters themselves had used violence. We are also 1291 Human Rights on the Indian 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Human Rights on the Indian 1292 Subcontinent Subcontinent aware of the large number of detentions that have since reconciliation are more likely to achieve long-term peace. been the subject of an Amnesty International report. By corollary, those that do not take such action will not However, we welcome the renewed engagement by the achieve peace. We want to see Sri Lanka take those leaders of India and Pakistan to grope towards, perhaps actions. While we share international concerns about for the first time in a long time on a personal basis, the credibility of the LLRC, it is a Sri Lankan-led answers to this issue. We also note that the Indian Prime process and we want the Sri Lankan Government to use Minister Manmohan Singh said that human rights abuses it to address allegations effectively and allow their by security forces in Kashmir would not be tolerated, communities to live and work together. and we welcomed his appointment of three interlocutors The international community can also provide support to engage with a wide range of interested parties to help to Sri Lanka. The comprehensive report of the UN to resolve the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir. panel of experts is most welcome, and we welcome the We understand that those interlocutors will publish UN Human Rights Council’s consideration of those their recommendations soon. recommendations. We understand that this, and the Our officials in our high commissions regularly discuss disturbing Channel 4 footage, on which I made some and regularly raise difficult issues in Kashmir with both fairly straightforward comments at the time, will be the Indian and Pakistani Governments and with contacts considered by the LLRC before it produces its report in in those areas. Our resources from the conflict pool also November. It is a step in the right direction that we wish support work promoting human rights, conflict prevention to encourage. and peace-building efforts, as my hon. Friend the Member The passion and commitment of Members who have for Woking (Jonathan Lord) reminded us. spoken in today’s debate and the balance achieved I thank hon. Friends for raising various issues relating through different Members speaking their truth on to Sri Lanka. I assure the House that I have a regular difficult areas should, I hope, persuade any constituent and very frank relationship with Foreign Minister G. L. that we care about these issues, that they matter to the Peiris. We discuss all the significant issues that have UK Government and that foreign Governments have been raised today. The allegations of war crimes and nothing to fear from our honest inquiry springing from other human rights violations committed by both sides the values that we know they profess to share. in the military conflict are of great concern to us. The UK has consistently made its position clear: Sri Lanka 5.58 pm needs to address accountability through an independent, thorough and credible process that meets international Steve Baker: It is an incredible honour and privilege standards and allows the people of Sri Lanka to move to open and close the debate today. It has been a debate towards reconciliation and lasting peace and security. on the most exquisitely sensitive of subjects, and I think Sri Lanka has faced enormous challenges during the that Members on both sides of the House have at least many years of war and its aftermath. Its Government sought to be even-handed. I know that some Members have made important progress in some areas. We hope perhaps felt that the balance swung one way or another, that all those displaced by the conflict who have returned but I think today we can all be proud of Parliament. As to their home areas will be resettled in permanent happens so often, I found myself agreeing with the hon. accommodation in the near future. De-mining and Members for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins) and for reconstruction of key infrastructure in the north is Luton South (Gavin Shuker). I find myself recognising progressing. However, just as it is fair to note progress, that although we in this House often disagree on means, so it is fair to note that it has not been complete we so often agree on ends. The right hon. Member for everywhere and that serious challenges remain, as I saw Rotherham (Mr MacShane) made a passionate call for when I visited Jaffna earlier this year. action—a call that I confess I did not have the courage to make. I congratulate him on making it. Steve Baker: Will my hon. Friend give way? My hon. Friend the Member for Colne Valley (Jason McCartney) reflected powerfully on his visit to Kashmir, Alistair Burt: No. My hon. Friend will have an and my hon. Friend the Member for Burton (Andrew opportunity to speak in a moment. Griffiths), in talking about his long involvement, We believe that further action is required to make demonstrated his passionate commitment to the issue. peace sustainable. In particular, minority political grievances The hon. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) need to be resolved, the mechanisms for protecting and and my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob promoting human rights need strengthening, and Sri Blackman) mounted a passionate and even-handed defence Lanka’s communities must collectively deal with the of India. The hon. Member for Brent North was absolutely legacy of such a long conflict. Sri Lanka has begun to right to talk about the structure of the resolution. In the address some of these issues. We hope that the Government end, in this House and elsewhere we need to move away will set out their view of a political solution to the from fault and look at how prosperity, peace and progress causes of the conflict and rapidly demonstrate their can be delivered for people, wherever they may be. I am commitment to resolving minority concerns sustainably. proud of Parliament today because we have represented The LLRC report, which will be published in November, all our constituents in the best possible way. must set out clear steps towards accountability in respect of allegations of war crimes. Mr MacShane: On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Is it Under international law it is the primary responsibility in order to ask you, sir, to pay a tribute on our behalf to of the state concerned to investigate and, where necessary, Sir Malcolm Jack, as he rises for the last time in the prosecute credible allegations of violations of international chair as chief Clerk of this our House of Commons? humanitarian and human rights law. Experience has That funny triangle of you, Sir Malcolm and his colleagues shown that countries that take concrete action to address is one that the public do not know much about, but I conflict issues through a process of truth, justice and certainly pay tribute to the fact that Sir Malcolm has 1293 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 1294

[Mr MacShane] Royal British Legion (Princes Risborough) Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House been a constant source of advice, friendly help and do now adjourn.—(Mr Vara.) courteous consideration. I am sure that his successor will be every bit as good. Sir Malcolm is an expert on Portugal and has written 6.2 pm a very fine book on it, which I can recommend to Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): It is a huge pleasure everybody who wants to understand mediaeval and to have the opportunity to address the future of the renaissance Portuguese history—undoubtedly very helpful Royal British Legion hall in Princes Risborough, which as he tries to steer his way through our Standing Orders I believe is a subject only slightly less fiercely contested and “Erskine May”. I invite you, Mr Speaker, as one of than those that we have dealt with this afternoon. the last acts of this two-week session, to say just a word I know that you, Mr Speaker, have taken an extremely of thanks to him on behalf of all of us. close interest in the issue, including through extensive correspondence, as the hall falls within your constituency. Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman The Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend the for his point of order. I endorse every word that he has Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), being a resident just uttered, and I am delighted indeed to volunteer on of Princes Risborough, has taken a very close interest behalf of the House the tribute sought by him. also, so my sense this evening, given that it turns out my Malcolm Jack has served this House with dedication, regional Whip is quite interested too, is that the public passion and intellectual flair for 44 years. His is a quite have had a four-for-one offer on the subject. outstanding track record of selfless public service in the The Royal British Legion was founded in 1921 to interest of Parliament and of the country. It has been a provide help and welfare support to those who had superb record. Malcolm is a brilliant man, not given to fought in the first world war. It currently boasts issuing press releases to advertise the fact. He rejoices in 380,000 members and about 2,700 branches throughout helping the House, he has exceptional interpersonal the UK. On 9 October 2008, the new legion club was skills and he commands the loyalty, respect and affection launched. It was the culmination of a £5 million project of literally thousands of people who work in the House by the Royal British Legion to replace older legion and who observe the House from outside. As he retires, clubs with a new generation of professionally run social he will do so with the affection and goodwill of everyone clubs. who works here, and we hope that he has a long, healthy, happy and, I suspect, very industrious and Twelve months later, with nine clubs, including Princes enterprising retirement. Risborough, trading under the new legion club name, the project was declared a failure. Contributing factors 6pm included the smoking ban, changes in consumers’ drinking habits and the economic downturn, and the nine revamped Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9(7)). venues were put up for sale. I understand that Princes Risborough is the only remaining branch that has not Business without Debate been closed and/or sold. Princes Risborough Royal British Legion hall was DELEGATED LEGISLATION erected in the 1950s. Crucially, it was built and paid for Motion made, by members of the local community for the benefit of the branch and its activities. The premises are on two That the motions in the name of Sir George Young relating to the Electoral Commission and the Local Government Boundary floors, with the ground floor providing a bar and dining Commission for England shall be treated as if they related to facilities and the first floor a large hall with stage. This instruments subject to the provisions of Standing Order No. 118 facility has served the purposes of the branch and the (Delegated Legislation Committees) in respect of which notice wider community for over 50 years. Throughout that has been given that the instruments be approved.—(Sir George time, the club made a trading profit year on year. Young.) Just over two years ago, the branch was approached by New Legion Clubs, which requested that the branch Hon. Members: Object. transfer the lease of the premises to it. In return, NLC promised a refurbishment of the premises, a membership recruitment drive, professional management, and future security for the branch and the club facility. The branch subsequently agreed to this request, the refurbishment was undertaken, and the premises reopened. As part of the memorandum of understanding between the parties to this arrangement, it was clearly stated that “in the unlikely event that NLC should fail as a business, the lease would be surrendered to RBL HQ and the Branch” would “be given the option to re-open as an Original Legion Club”. Some 12 months after the reopening, the branch received a letter from Royal British Legion HQ stating that New Legion Clubs was a failing business and that it was to be put into administration, with all nine NLC premises, including Princes Risborough, to be sold for 1295 Royal British Legion (Princes 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Royal British Legion (Princes 1296 Risborough) Risborough) the maximum return. The branch requested that the appreciated, this is not a consideration that Trustees are entitled memorandum of understanding be honoured and that to take into account when evaluating offers for the sale of the it should be given the option to reopen as an original premises. Trustees are required to secure best value in the disposal legion club or as a facility offering wider community taking all relevant factors into account and therefore ignoring all irrelevant factors. I appreciate how difficult this fact might be for use. The request was denied and the premises were put local people to understand and accept, but there is no escape from on the open market. However, it was agreed that the it.” branch could continue to operate from the premises You, Mr Speaker, local councillors and Risborough and hire out the facilities, provided that there were no residents feel that if the hall is sold to the Chilterns alcohol sales. Christian Fellowship, it will cease to be a resource for With the full support of the branch, Princes Risborough the community, at least in an equivalent way. I do not town council submitted a bid of £400,000 to purchase know this particular fellowship, but as a Christian I the property for use as a community facility, while would be disappointed if a church turned out to be a pledging to allow the branch a permanent presence on net loss to the community. Although such considerations site. RBL HQ rejected this bid. Its preferred purchaser are material to the decisions that might be taken by was, I understand, a developer that intended to convert property owners, I would like the Government to respond the site to residential usage. However, when the developer to the objective questions of law that this matter raises realised that it was not likely to obtain “change of use” in the context of localism and the big society. planning permission, its offer was withdrawn and the It seems to me that local attitudes to the development property was put back on the market. The branch made of a church are somewhat tangential from the law and a direct bid of £350,000 to purchase the property. That this House in a free and open society. However, the bid, which was supported by a professional business Royal British Legion signed a memorandum of plan, the town council and the wider community, was understanding that it subsequently decided not to honour. rejected in favour of selling the property to a developer. The principle of that action should be a matter of That, too, fell through. The third time the property was concern to this House. The hall was built and paid for offered for sale, there were only two bidders: W. E. by local people and the memorandum of understanding Black Ltd, which bid £475,000; and the locally based was material to the decision by local people to permit Chilterns Christian Fellowship, which bid, we understand, New Legion Clubs to take over the facility. Such matters a materially higher amount. of trust are fundamental to a good society and to a I want now to concentrate on the memorandum of civilisation based on voluntary action and co-operation. understanding. In his letter of 3 August to Councillor Alan Turner, Andrew Axcell, the commercial head of It is very much to be regretted that the Royal British RBL, acknowledged that when the branch agreed to the Legion appears to have fallen short of the standards of transfer of the lease to enable use by New Legion Clubs, honour that are customarily associated with its members. the briefing notes that were in use contained the statement I wish to know whether that apparent dishonour has that if NLC failed, been forced on the RBL, perhaps by the law or by bad legal advice. If the RBL could have honoured its “The lease for the building would be surrendered back to the memorandum of understanding within the law, of course Legion. The Branch would then have the option to form a Club Committee, if it felt that a club could be successfully run by its it should have done so. The RBL has refused a public own members. The Club Committee would be able to lease the meeting in Risborough with the New Legion Clubs building from the Legion and open another club in the traditional review board to discuss this matter further. I would manner.” therefore be grateful for the Government’s advice, in However, Mr Axcell then went on to explain that the particular on the matters of law at hand, on the implications trustees of RBL had decided that they had legal grounds for the Government’s big society programme and on the to ignore the MOU on the basis of Localism Bill and the community right to bid. “the duties which are placed on them by the trust document or by charity law”. 6.12 pm In your letter of 22 August, Mr Speaker, to Chris The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Simpkins, the director general of RBL, you said: Communities and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): I “you have simply not addressed the point that I made in the am pleased to be responding to this debate. I congratulate fourth paragraph of my letter of 3 August—namely, that the my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker) Princes Risborough Branch asked that the commitment in the Memorandum of Understanding...be honoured. That commitment not only on securing this debate, but on speaking on has been dishonoured, and it should not have been. If the Royal behalf of you, Mr Speaker, and making it very clear British Legion nationally did not intend to honour the MOU, it what the issues are. When I was first told that I would be should not have signed it. As your organisation did sign it, my responding to this debate, I had a moment of self-doubt, constituents and I are entitled to expect that you honour it.” but the Secretary of State assured me that I am exactly This point has not been addressed in any of the the right person to respond. I hope that any deficiencies correspondence that you, Mr Speaker, have received will be forgiven on this occasion. from Mr Simpkins’s office. The building ran into difficulties There is clear and passionate concern in the community only following its relationship with New Legion Clubs. of Princes Risborough over this issue. I have read the In his letter to you, Mr Speaker, of 17 August, Chris correspondence and heard what my hon. Friend has Simpkins said that said. There is a strong belief that a better outcome was possible within the constraints of charity law. I hope “charity Trustees have a statutory duty to act, at all times, in the best interests of the Charity’s beneficiaries. In so doing, Royal that I can address that particular point. My hon. Friend, British Legion Trustees are bound by the terms of our Royal I think, invited me to give a Government view on a legal Charter. Whilst the importance of the contribution which the interpretation. I am sure he will understand that it is not premises at Princes Risborough makes to community life is possible for me to do that. Perhaps in the course of my 1297 Royal British Legion (Princes 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Royal British Legion (Princes 1298 Risborough) Risborough) [Andrew Stunell] but when it comes to selling, leasing or transferring their charity’s land, the law sets out clear requirements remarks I can give him some pointers that he can take to ensure that those important transactions are properly forward. Princes Risborough is evidently a very fortunate managed in the charity’s interests and that the trustees town, given that so many Members of this House are so obtain the best price that is reasonable in the circumstances. strongly engaged in securing it a better future. I and the Government are sympathetic to the concerns that have In most cases, the law enables trustees to proceed been raised. I applaud the efforts of the local community without approaching the Charity Commission for specific and the town council to save the hall on behalf of the approval before they carry out the transaction. Trustees local branch. must think carefully before disposing of valuable assets of the charity. They might be useful in the future and My hon. Friend has set out the rollercoaster of events therefore the trustees must be satisfied that any disposal that have taken place and brought us to this situation. would be in the best long-term interests of the charity. All too often, when hon. Members bring issues before They should consider whether it would be better to the House by way of Adjournment debate, it is a case of retain the land for longer and perhaps continue to take spilt milk. On this occasion, as well, I have to say that it any income from it so as to earn more from it later; to is not possible for the Government to come along and consider continuing to use it for the benefit of the put the milk back into the bottle. Of course, the underlying charity in spite of the money that could be realised; or, problem is that, as a charity, the Royal British Legion is as I just said, to decide to transfer it to another, parallel required by charity law to act in the best interests of the charity. charity and obtain the best price it can when disposing of land, and it would be inappropriate for the Government In most cases, charities can undertake a disposal of to intervene and cut across that process. I note, however, land without the need for prior authority from the that it would have been lawful for the Royal British Charity Commission. In cases where the trustees have Legion to transfer the property to the local branch decided that it is in the charity’s best interests to dispose provided that the local branch was set up as a charity of the land, the trustees must ensure that they have and had the same objectives, broadly speaking, as the obtained and considered a written report from a qualified legion. surveyor, advertised the disposal following advice from That brings us to one of the crucial points that has the surveyor and satisfied themselves that the proposed been in dispute between the legion and those who terms are the best that can be reasonably obtained in support the efforts of Princes Risborough’s residents. the circumstances of the disposal. Those requirements Where land or property is held in trust for charitable were referred to in the correspondence from the purposes, special rules apply under charity law once representative of the Royal British Legion that my hon. charity trustees decide to sell. In general, the charity Friend read into the record a few minutes ago. must obtain professional advice and seek the best price This is not the first case in recent years where a it can get. That approach is designed to maximise the charity has decided to sell a property against the wishes funds that can then be reapplied to the charity’s purposes of the local community. In many cases—this is one—the in other ways. Charity trustees cannot sell land or local community might want to take over the assets at property at less than best price unless to another charity below best price for continuing charitable purposes. with compatible charitable purposes or where the land The important point is that that is not possible unless is to be leased to a beneficiary of the charity. they are similar charitable purposes to those of the A charity’s trustees are ultimately responsible for selling charity. Disposal at below best price is permitted running the charity. Their freedom and independence only where the property will continue to be used for to act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries charitable purposes that fall within the disposing charity’s within the law and the terms of the charity’s governing purposes. In some cases, even where the local community document is a fundamental principle of charity law. It is wants to use the property for the same charitable the trustees’ decision whether to dispose of land at purposes—this might well be such an example—the below best price to another charity with compatible trustees may decide that selling at below best price charitable purposes or whether to sell it on the open would still not be in the charity’s best interests and may market for the best possible price and use the funds proceed to sell the property on the open market. Ultimately, generated to further the charity’s purposes in other that is a decision for the trustees of the charity, having ways. I suggest that the crucial point is the option that sought suitable professional advice. the Royal British Legion had to take the former course rather than the latter. As I said, the Charities Act requires the Minister for the Cabinet Office to appoint a person to review that A review of the Charities Act 2006 is due to begin Act within five years of its enactment. The review is shortly. That Act requires the Government to carry out expected to be broad in scope and will consider the a review of its working every five years and to report to charity law provisions regulating land transactions. The Parliament, and the review will consider the rules around review is expected to take between six and nine months the disposal of charity land. It is expected to take and must report to Parliament on its conclusion. It is between six and nine months and it will report to unlikely that the review will recommend changes that Parliament. In all probability, there will be an announcement would undermine the fundamental principles of obtaining about that next month. best price for disposals to recycle funds to the specific It is worth asking what the rules are and which issues charitable purposes, except where, as I have said, the my hon. Friend might want to consider raising during charity has compatible purposes. It is also unlikely that that review. Existing charity law dictates that trustees there would be a change reducing the freedom and must always act in the best interests of their charity. independence of charity trustees to make decisions, How they demonstrate that is usually left to their discretion, with professional advice where appropriate, that are in 1299 Royal British Legion (Princes 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Royal British Legion (Princes 1300 Risborough) Risborough) the charity’s best interests, within the law and the terms It is certainly the Government’s intention that it will of the charity’s governing document. be much easier for local communities to save important I know that my hon. Friend and you, Mr Speaker, are community assets, enabling them to tackle real social articulate, persistent and ingenious, and I would be need and build up resources and employment in their disappointed if hon. Friends and Members were not neighbourhood in more innovative, enterprising and able to draw from this incident the strength and cost-effective ways. There is no doubt that, under the determination to make a submission to that review of provisions in the Bill, the community and the town charity law—perhaps one that uses this case as an council in Princes Risborough would be able to nominate object lesson and draws attention to how important it is the British Legion hall as an asset of community value, that a charity, when reconfiguring its assets, has regard and when the British Legion decides to put the hall up to the opportunities for other charities in the locality for sale, the town council and the community would with a common purpose to continue to provide a charitable have additional time to raise additional funds and develop service using those assets. a robust business case. Perhaps also a representation could draw attention to I realise that this issue has created a great deal of the provisions of the Localism Bill—by then it might be difficulty and tension in the community in Princes an Act—which my hon. Friend drew attention to and Risborough, but I want to pick up on one of my hon. asked me to comment on. When the Localism Bill Friend’s points about what might happen, should the becomes an Act, it will introduce a community right to premises be transferred to the Chilterns Christian buy. I want to make it clear that it will not be an Fellowship. Both he and I hope that the fellowship absolute right to buy, but there will be a window of would play a full and active part in supporting the opportunity for community organisations—the town community of Princes Risborough and making the council, for example—to make a bid for community facilities available. I understand that it has indicated assets. The Government are well aware that the most that it would be willing to support the activities of the common problem that communities face when trying to local branch, possibly including hosting some of its save a building or amenity is a lack of time and not activities. Speaking in personal capacity, I would welcome being given enough notice to do anything about the that, and I want to encourage constructive dialogue issue. between all parties to ensure a satisfactory outcome. Over the past decade, communities have been losing As I said earlier, there is no way that I, on behalf of local amenities and buildings of great importance to the Government, can put the milk back into the bottle, them, such as village shops, the local pub or community but I hope that I have done something to assure the centres. The Localism Bill is introducing measures that House that there will be a better route in future, and will provide people and community organisations with that there are still positive outcomes to be had in a fair chance to bid to take over assets and facilities that Princes Risborough. are important to them. Any submission made in pursuance Question put and agreed to. of the review of the Charities Act might want to draw particular attention to the community right to buy, and to consider whether it might be appropriate to draw 6.28 pm lessons from this experience. House adjourned.

331WH 15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Scientific Advice (Emergencies) 332WH

We then chose the other two risks that could lead to Westminster Hall an emergency in the UK. People are obviously more familiar with cyber-attacks than with the space weather event. Fortunately, we have not encountered either on Thursday 15 September 2011 an emergency scale. However, the name of the game is to be prepared; we wanted to see whether the Government were prepared and what they were doing to be ready for [SIR ALAN MEALE in the Chair] potential events. I would like to make a couple of personal observations. I welcome the degree of co-operation that we had from Scientific Advice (Emergencies) Government officials, particularly those from the Cabinet [Relevant documents: Third Report of the Science and Office, the lead Department. I have been involved with Technology Committee, Session 2010-12, HC 498, issues to do with information assurance and the cyber Government responses HC 1042 and HC 1139, and oral security world for a number of years, so I found it very evidence of 15 June 2011, HC 1059-i] refreshing that there was an acceptance that such matters had to be dealt with on a much more collegiate basis Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting than was historically the case. be now adjourned.—(Mr Vara.) These things do not just belong to Cheltenham and the dark arts down there; there are serious issues and we 2.30 pm must engage every citizen in looking after their personal Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): It data and their security. A cyber-attack could clearly be is a pleasure to serve for the first time under your targeted at something such as a bank or a utility, which chairmanship, Sir Alan, and to be opening the first could have a serious impact on the nation state. We are debate that the Select Committee on Science and not talking about a traditional warfare target, but such Technology has held in Westminster Hall during this an attack could nevertheless be very effective. Parliament. The occasion is tinged with regret, shared It is clear to me that the Government take planning by all Committee members, because it is the last time we for emergencies seriously and recognise the need to will have with us our excellent Clerk, Glenn McKee, draw in scientific advice. However, it is never safe to say who has served the Committee brilliantly. We wish him that there is no scope for improvement. Our inquiry well in his new career. I think it is a punishment that he identified some weaknesses that we regarded as serious. has been sent to the Select Committee on Communities I will start at the beginning of the emergency planning and Local Government, but that is another matter. process: the national risk assessment. That is a comprehensive and, in some parts, classified assessment This is a particularly important report. It was published of the most significant emergencies that the UK could in March 2011 and it looks at the Government’s use of face over the next five years. Its counterpart is the science in emergency preparation and response at a national risk register, which is the unclassified bit that national level. We built on two of our predecessor gets into the public domain. Committee’s reports—one written in 2006 entitled There are broadly three stages to the risk assessment: “Scientific Advice, Risk and Evidence Based Policy the identification of hazards, the assessment of risk, Making”, and one entitled “Putting Science and and risk comparison. If I were a fly on the wall in some Engineering at the Heart of Government Policy,” which Departments, I imagine that I could hear some very was published in 2009. This is a complex area and we interesting discussions about what is scientifically plausible tried to consider four different case studies: looking and what ought to go into the realms of science fiction. backwards over two events that have occurred, looking As Chair of the Select Committee, I get all sorts of forwards at one event that is certainly going to occur, letters from people who postulate things that do not and looking at an event that has a potentially high quite add up to the laws of physics as I understand impact but low probability. I will cover those events them, so I guess that the Government face the same during my contribution. problems. In the first case, we looked at the 2009-10 H1N1 flu For every risk that makes it on to the national risk pandemic, otherwise known as swine flu. In the second assessment—whether we are talking about attacks on case, we looked at volcanic ash and the disruptions that the infrastructure or pandemic disease—the Government occurred to our air space last April. Looking forward, produce a reasonable worst-case scenario, which is a we considered the potential for cyber-attacks, which are prediction of the worst that might realistically happen, a very real threat. The event that has potentially high rather than a prediction of what will happen. impact but low probability is the occurrence of solar Unsurprisingly, that is a difficult concept to convey to flares, which are caused by adverse space weather and the public and the media. have the potential to disrupt electrical systems. Again, I The House must take seriously its responsibility to will cover some of that later. communicate issues of risk to the public and should Hon. Members might wonder why we chose those work with communities to help to improve public four case studies. Obviously, the first two—swine flu understanding of what risks really are. Certainly, some and volcanic ash—were the most recent emergencies of the red tops are not exactly famed for being proportionate that the UK had experienced and were very high-profile and level headed in these circumstances—indeed, some events, both here and abroad. In addition, both events of the broadsheets are not immune to criticism about relied heavily on science and engineering to provide being sensationalist when it comes to reporting risk. My answers to very important questions—for example, who first plea, to the broader community, the science community should be vaccinated against swine flu or how much and journalists, is for there to be an improved and volcanic ash an aircraft can fly through safely. responsible way of communicating what risks actually are. 333WH Scientific Advice (Emergencies)15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Scientific Advice (Emergencies) 334WH

[Andrew Miller] As I said, the NRA is classified and not available to the public, so we ourselves cannot see how well science I will give an example of where the worst-case scenario is being used. That was one factor influencing our can fall down. During the flu pandemic in 2009, the recommendation that an independent scientific advisory Department of Health held a press briefing. The media committee on risk assessment should be set up to review immediately reported the worst-case scenario—that there the NRA. That would make Parliament and the public could be up to 65,000 deaths in the UK. At that time more confident that the process is as evidence-based as there had been 30 deaths, and at the end of the pandemic possible. At our follow-up evidence session in June, we the total number was just over 450. That was a terrible heard from the Government that there will indeed be tragedy for anyone involved, but the irresponsible such a committee. I will be interested to hear from the communication of information by some journalists had Minister what progress has been made in forming that the potential to cause panic. The result was a sense that committee. things had been exaggerated by the Government. Risk assessment is the foundation underpinning a No Minister, and no one else in a responsible position, good emergency response. What happens when that could have withheld the 65,000 figure. The then Minister, foundation is missing was unfortunately demonstrated my right hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy by the 2010 volcanic ash emergency; that took the Burnham), was provided with the data; he could not Government by surprise, because it had not been considered have withheld that information from the public, but we a likely emergency and therefore little or no preparation must ask ourselves whether there was a better way of had been done. It was not part of the NRA, and in fact communicating it. Focusing on the most likely scenarios the risk of disruption to aviation from natural hazards might give us a better way of doing that. Yes, a Minister was removed from the NRA in 2009. must say, “These are the extremes”, but we need to I have not been able to find anyone who admits to persuade reporters of the most likely scenario rather taking responsibility for that, but just a year later there than the extreme possibilities. was quite a serious emergency. That will tie back into It was not just the communication of the reasonable some of the things I will be saying later about the need worst-case scenario that was the problem. The reasonable for greater transparency. Having spoken to a lot of worst case was a 2% fatality rate, which meant that 2% earth scientists with expertise in the Icelandic area, I am of those infected would die. That was based on evidence certain that they would have been knocking at the from the 1918 Spanish pandemic. However, avian flu—bird Minister’s door as soon as they saw that such events flu—has an alarmingly higher fatality rate. We heard were taken off the register. Within the earth science that it was simply not possible for the NHS to plan for community, it has been an accepted fact that there was such a scenario, so 2% was used. Our Science and the potential risk of massive explosions in that area. Technology Committee was greatly concerned that the Once such information was in the public domain, I reasonable worst case was based not on the best available would have expected the Civil Aviation Authority to tie evidence, but on the need to determine how much to it together and come up with some conclusions and spend on planning. advice for the Cabinet Office. However, something went I am pleased that the Government agreed that more wrong. I do not suppose that I have to ask a question; I could be done and that a review is under way to consider bet the Minister will not be leaving the issue off the the reasonable worst-case concept. I hope that the Minister NRA again. I suspect it will be there in the next published will tell us when we can expect the conclusions of the register later this year. review and how the Government plan to try to develop As a consequence of the lack of planning, airspace the concept so that it becomes an accepted way of over the whole of the UK and many parts of Europe working aimed at reducing panic and concern when remained closed for a whole week while engineers figured such events occur, as they inevitably will. out what was acceptable and what ash concentrations On the national risk assessment, we were disappointed were safe for planes to fly through. At the time, the only to discover that the Government chief scientific adviser, available guidance was to avoid the ash: “If it is visible, Professor Sir John Beddington, had not been directly do not fly through it”—hardly scientific and hardly a involved with the NRA, and had not had much involvement comforting policy for people sitting nervously in planes. with the horizon scanning activities building up to it. It was a very expensive mess that cost airlines millions We found that surprising; it appeared that the guy of pounds and stranded Britons all over the place all appointed to co-ordinate the best available science policy over the world. for the Government was not being brought in at the When we were again disrupted by another early stage of such an important field of activity. Of unpronounceable Icelandic volcano in May, more specific course, the co-ordination involves every scientific discipline; guidance and protocols were in place to deal with it. it is not just pure science. It involves statistics, engineering, That was a testament to the work of the CAA, which behavioural science and a whole range of other issues. led to work within Europe to update the requirements Science should be central to identifying, assessing and for operating in and around volcanic ash. comparing risks. Before I turn to how the Government respond to Risk assessment must be informed by many sources emergencies, I want to touch briefly on the issue of of scientific advice, but clearly the Government’s own space weather. Changes in the sun’s atmosphere affect chief scientist should be part of the process at a high the space environment near to Earth. Events could level. We came down quite strongly on this matter and involve injections of plasma—particles of radiation proposed ways of increasing his involvement with the from the sun. Solar activity changes according to a Cabinet Office and, specifically, the NRA. We have had cycle of approximately 11 years. Many scientists believe partial success in getting our recommendations accepted that we will have a solar maximum next year, coinciding by the Government. with the Olympics. There is long probability, but there 335WH Scientific Advice (Emergencies)15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Scientific Advice (Emergencies) 336WH would be high impact if something went pear-shaped. If importance of communication and openness in an a small event occurs, taking out a few transformers and, emergency, that SAGE committees have not worked in just as the starter’s gun for the 100 metres is being fired, an open manner. no transmissions occur from any broadcaster in the UK, we would be somewhat embarrassed. That is clearly We found other problems. The independence of SAGE a long probability event, but one of enormous political from Government was ambiguous. Scientific advisory and economic significance. We cannot simply ignore committees really should be independent of Government these events. to ensure that their advice is impartial. We also heard concerns from some scientists who were members of One problem is that when one looks back at the SAGE committees. They felt unable to talk to the history of similar events, comparisons are a little difficult media, thus depriving the media access to the real because we have become so much more reliant on experts. There are problems in communicating some of electrical gadgets and devices. I do not suppose there is these issues, and some experts are very good at anyone in the Chamber who does not have a mobile communicating risk to the public. All in all, the Committee phone with them, and nobody in the Chamber is not was pretty unclear about the rules governing SAGE. entirely reliant on electronic technologies. In 1989, an Our recommendations can be summed up in two points: event caused Quebec to lose its power grid for approximately be more transparent; and publish guidance on how nine hours. That was a serious event, and one that could SAGE should operate and stick to it. That way we will easily happen again. know what to expect. We were told that guidance would The earliest well-documented event took place in be produced this summer; the Minister might like to 1859, recorded as the Carrington event, when telegraph update us on progress. Putting those concerns aside, systems were taken out. It disrupted systems all around overall SAGEs have been a useful mechanism for getting the world, and that was before we became so reliant on scientific advice to Government quickly. Adjustments electricity-based technologies. We do not really know need to be made, but we were not calling for a major what the effects of another Carrington event would be rethink. Sometimes a subtly different approach is needed on, for example, the national grid, satellites, the global for different events. positioning system, computer chips or avionics. It is Nine days after our report was published, a massive reasonably well known that some satellite technologies earthquake and tsunami hit the north coast of Japan, are built to higher standards now. I suspect that most of causing massive loss of life and severe damage to the military technologies that I have looked at have the infrastructure. Japan will be dealing with the consequences capacity to be taken out of harm’s way, or are sufficiently of that tragedy for some considerable time. An immediate well shielded, but an awful lot of infrastructure is not. concern was the integrity of the Fukushima nuclear The Committee’s interest in space weather coincided power station and the risks it posed to human health. with work that the Government were doing. Sir John We watched with interest as the UK Government and a Beddington had started work almost at the same time. new SAGE committee swung into action to assess whether Our inquiry kept being told that this was work in there was a need to evacuate British nationals. This progress and that we should expect space weather to time—this relates to the point I made about lessons appear on the 2011 national risk assessment register. learned—the SAGE committee had a higher public I would be grateful if the Minister could tell us whether profile. Sir John Beddington was very prominent in that has happened. briefing both the media and Britons in Japan via teleconferences. A few months down the line, it is clear No matter how good an assessment is, we cannot to me that the UK’s reaction has been proportionate prevent some emergencies from occurring. In any emergency and evidence based. SAGE played a crucial part in that. that requires scientific input, a scientific advisory group I would like to think that our work influenced the in emergencies is set up—its acronym is, appropriately, positive way in which the Government and SAGE worked SAGE—to advise Government and Cobra, central during that emergency. Government’s crisis management committee. SAGE should be the funnel for scientific advice from all sources—I My final point is on cyber-attacks. We were slightly stress all sources. The membership of each SAGE limited by the classified nature of some information, committee will vary according to the emergency, but but we took some fascinating evidence in this case most members will be scientists. The Committee felt study. It was the only risk examined that could be the that improvements could be made in the pre-identification result of malicious human activity. The Stuxnet worm, of possible SAGE members, at least for every risk that which targeted Iran’s uranium-enrichment programme, is on the current risk register. We felt that that could was a real-life example of how organised and structured save valuable time in bringing the right people together cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure could succeed, should an event occur. Indeed, that recommendation and cyber-technology, unlike some conventional weapons, was accepted by the Government. can be copied. SAGE is a relatively new mechanism. With every Cyber-security has received a huge amount of attention emergency for which a SAGE committee was set up, recently, with the publication of the Government’s 2009 lessons have been learned and improvements made. “Cyber security strategy of the United Kingdom”. The Things are moving in the right direction. It was subsequent formation of the Office of Cyber Security disappointing to find, at the start of our inquiry, that and Information Assurance was welcome, because so information on the SAGE committees for swine flu and many public and private bodies are tasked with ensuring volcanic ash was more or less hidden from public view. our security in cyber-space. However, tasking a body That does not help us learn lessons. We have to be with providing direction and co-ordination is pointless totally transparent, returning to the points I made if it has no powers and insufficient funding. We earlier. It is also quite odd, when you consider the recommended that the Government clarify the funding 337WH Scientific Advice (Emergencies)15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Scientific Advice (Emergencies) 338WH

[Andrew Miller] which affected our airspace briefly in Scotland and northern England. Severe weather is occurring more and powers of the new office. Again, we have not yet frequently, and last winter we had extraordinarily low received a response and would welcome comments from temperatures that I do not recall having before. Also, as the Minister. I said earlier, we are approaching the solar maximum. I do not want to scaremonger and create panic. What I Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): I apologise want to do is to highlight the fact that the issue is live. for my fleeting visit to the debate. I am on a Public Bill With the right processes in place, and good use of Committee this afternoon but, as a member of the scientific advice and evidence, emergencies can be planned Science and Technology Committee, I thought it important for and effectively managed and information can be to support the debate. communicated to the public. We all in the House would When talking about cyber-security, so much of the agree that it is our responsibility, collectively, to handle UK’s national infrastructure is dependent on the private situations such as the ones I have described in a manner sector, so one of the key tasks of the OSCIA is to work that crosses the political divide. I hope that the Minister with those private sector defenders and providers of our will agree that we can all learn lessons from each other national infrastructure, to ensure that they are well and we need better ways of working with outside agencies, protected. One of the issues in Committee was what whether that is people responsible for communicating powers the OSCIA had to oblige those private sector information to the public or experts who can provide providers to look after their cyber-security. Perhaps that information. I hope that the House will take note of our is an area on which the Minister might enlighten the report and that the Government will act positively on Chamber later. the outstanding issues I have listed.

Andrew Miller: I thank the hon. Gentleman who, in 3.7 pm Chester, is my neighbour. He is always posing me challenging questions, but he makes a fascinating point. Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): It is a pleasure The threat to national security from cyber-attack is to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Alan. I do not clearly as serious in the private sector as it is in the intend to speak in as much detail as our Chair, the hon. public sector, and probably more so. That is a great Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Andrew Miller), challenge. We cannot have a world in which everyone because I cannot hope to match his expertise. I want to who worked in a bank would be security cleared to the discuss risk, and how we identify it, assess it, manage it level that the Minister’s staff are—that is not realistic and, in particular—this is the subject which I will start and it could not be done for every utility. That is why a with—communicate it to our constituents. extensive sharing of expertise across boundaries is necessary We should acknowledge some real difficulties in in the sector, to ensure that lessons from the public communicating. There is a difference between the scientific sector are learned in the private sector, and vice versa, community, which has a key role in identifying and including sharing information with academics. assessing risk, and the public and how they understand The hon. Member for City of Chester must recall one such matters. There are differences of nuance—often, academic witness, a man who was held in extremely the situation is complicated, with all sorts of different high regard by the current Government because he was variables coming together, and we will never succeed in party to writing a paper for them, when they were in communicating that level of complexity to the general opposition. He said that he did not want to be security public, so there has to be a fairly simple message which cleared. So there are some interesting dichotomies. The can be clearly understood. If we take our example of a Minister needs to contemplate that problem and, I reasonable worst-case scenario, the potential flu pandemic, hope, answer the challenging question posed by the scientists tend to look at the impact on populations as a hon. Gentleman. In that complex world, without becoming whole, but the general public are interested in the risk to obsessed by security clearance for everyone on the them as individuals and to their immediate family members, planet, how do we improve information sharing and friends and neighbours. expertise in and out of and across the boundaries One of the things that was clear from the evidence between the private and public sectors? presented to us was the significant degree of uncertainty Soon after the second volcanic ash event, when we and the way in which the figures on the reasonable were reflecting on the report and talking about some of worst-case scenario evolve rapidly over a period. Although the information, communication and technology issues, that was absolutely correct from a scientific perspective, one of the officials said in a meeting I was at that, when the way in which it was communicated to the general the second volcano erupted, they reached for the Select public simply fed a sense of uncertainty and might have Committee’s report to see how to handle things. I know undermined people’s trust in the figures. One week that that was intended to butter me up a little—I people were told one figure was the likely outcome, but welcome it—but, all in all, the Committee has done a a few weeks later that figure had changed dramatically, sound piece of work which I hope is taken on board by and there is a risk that such things can undermine the Government. confidence in the whole process. I hope that Members will agree that our inquiry on Furthermore, scientists trying to establish a causal “Scientific advice and evidence in emergencies” continues link between two things will say that x led to y only to be pertinent to how disasters and emergencies, here where there is clear proof that that was the case. However, or abroad, are handled by the Government. Last winter many of us tend to rely on intuition and to suspect we had a resurgence of swine flu cases, and we are causal links, even when the same standard of proof has currently approaching the peak flu season this year not been reached. There are, therefore, real difficulties again. This May there was another volcanic eruption, around communication. 339WH Scientific Advice (Emergencies)15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Scientific Advice (Emergencies) 340WH

Page 28 of the report says that the Government’s Minister if that has been completed and what it had to definition of a reasonable worst-case scenario say. It would also be interesting to know whether the “is designed to exclude theoretically possible scenarios which concept of a reasonable worst-case scenario was used have so little probability of occurring that planning for them when British citizens in Japan were given information would be likely to lead to disproportionate use of resources…They about the risks posed by the Fukushima incident a few are not predictions of what will happen but of the worst that months ago. might realistically happen, and therefore we would expect most pandemics to be less severe and less widespread than the reasonable I want briefly to touch on two other issues raised in worst case. By planning for the reasonable worst case planners are the report in relation to risk. One is the extent to which assured that they have a high probability of meeting the demands the Government use scientific advice not only when an posed by the hazard should it occur.” emergency happens, but when they formulate the national It was clear from the evidence presented to us that risk assessment. That raises the issue of the chief scientific there are a number of problems with the Government’s adviser’s involvement in the process, and the Government’s approach. First, Professor Ferguson, the director of the response on that front was encouraging. They agreed Medical Research Council, told us that that the chief scientific adviser should become more “the term ‘a reasonable worst case’ is, by definition, not an formally involved, and it would be useful, as the hon. objectively definable term; it is a subjective term. One could take Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston has suggested, the other extreme, and I remember David King and Sir John to clarify the exact nature of that involvement. Beddington challenging what we were doing by saying, ‘Well, if The other issue is the idea of a scientific advisory you look at bird flu, that has a 60% case fatality rate’”. committee on risk assessment. I want to end with I have already talked about the figures changing, and another quote from the report, which illustrates the we heard clear evidence about that in our inquiry. We issue more strongly than any of the evidence that we were told that as more and more data arrived, the initial received. Speaking of volcanic ash incidents, Dr Sue figure of 65,000 came down and down. Loughlin, the head of volcanology at the British Geological There was a real issue with time lags, which the Survey, told us: Government must look at. Professor Ferguson told us “It wasn’t particularly a surprise to the volcanology community there was that something like this would happen, but somehow that message “a three to four week lag between the group I was involved in hadn’t got through to Government.” coming up with new reasonable worst cases, and then coming into The Geological Society stated that the public domain in terms of getting through the DH”— “some Earth scientists report that they have been warning Government the Department of Health— and others of the potential for major disruption due to Icelandic “and Cabinet Office approval process.” eruptions for a number of years, but feel that little notice has been taken of these warnings.” As a result, what the public were told was a reasonable worst case was already three to four weeks behind the It is important that the Government pay more attention evidence that was building up. to scientific advice in drawing together the national risk assessment, rather than just waiting until a particular There is a serious issue about the potential damage to incident occurs. They should also look at the basis on the chief medical officer’s reputation. The Phillips inquiry which they communicate risk to the general public. I in after the BSE crisis highlighted a number of clear no way underestimate the difficulties involved in that, lessons, one of which was that the public’s trust in the and I have tried to touch on them in my speech—those chief medical officer is precious and should not be put issues are sensitive, and they are not easy to at risk. The chief medical officer told us: communicate—but the Committee’s work illustrates that “Even a back of the envelope calculation that I did suggested there are some real problems with the Government’s to me that we would get no more than a thousand deaths, but that approach. I hope that Ministers will give us more detail was not the scientifically agreed figure. So I could hardly dissent from the bigger figure.” about how they wish to take those issues forward. As the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston has said, the chief medical officer gave a press briefing 3.17 pm on 16 July. The press reported that 65,000 people could Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) die. At that point, 30 had died, and the eventual death (Con): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, toll from the pandemic was 460. It must be a real cause Sir Alan. for concern that the chief medical officer was using a figure in which he clearly had no confidence, because he Just after midnight, on Sunday 21 March 2010, the did not believe it was anywhere near what was likely to BBC website reported: happen. The review of the UK response to the pandemic, “An Icelandic volcano, dormant for 200 years, has erupted, which was chaired by Dame Deirdre Hine, said: ripping a 1km-long fissure in a field of ice…sending lava a “There was some unease about how reasonable the ‘reasonable hundred metres high. worst-case’ scenarios were…. There was general agreement that Icelandic airspace has been closed, flights diverted and roads the term was unhelpful”, closed… 500 people were moved from the area”. because it implied that the scenario was likely to occur. Three weeks later, the same BBC website reported: I therefore strongly support the Committee’s “All flights in and out of the UK and several other European recommendation that the Government should look at countries have been suspended as ash from a volcanic eruption in the concept of most-likely scenarios. On that point, the Iceland moves south…4,000 flights are being cancelled with Government response was helpful. The Government airspace closed in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark”, said they would look at the conclusions of the Blackett as well as in the UK. It noted that the EUROCONTROL review. As the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and group had said that the problem could easily persist for Neston has said, it would be interesting to hear from the at least the following two days. 341WH Scientific Advice (Emergencies)15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Scientific Advice (Emergencies) 342WH

[Stephen Metcalfe] or the shelves at Tesco stocked, in an emergency, and that provides a great example of how something that Over the next weeks, the problems persisted, and seems not to affect people’s day-to-day lives can affect there was great debate about whether it was safe to fly. them seriously. Could ash bring down planes? What sort of ash was it? I do not want to frighten anyone. My introduction People were stranded all over Europe and the rest of the may have been a little alarmist and I do not want world. They had no way of getting home. Millions of anyone to have nightmares, but the volcanic eruption in pounds were spent on alternative hotel accommodation Iceland caused chaos. It cost the economy many millions and on travel. There was absolute travel chaos around of pounds and inconvenienced many people, but there the world. was more than inconvenience. A lot of business was not On 23 April 2009, the first cases of the H1N1 virus—the done, and many people missed important events. As we swine flu virus—were confirmed in Mexico and the US. heard, part of the problem was that on that occasion Four days later, the first cases appeared in the UK, in a the Government were playing catch-up—certainly for couple in Scotland. The Government announced that the first part of the crisis—as the eruption had not been the stockpile of antivirals would be increased from identified as a potential risk. It was on an earlier version 33.5 million to 50 million doses. on the national risk assessment, but, for whatever reason, On 1 May, the first case of human-to-human it had been taken out. transmission in the UK was confirmed. On 15 May, I accept that the H1N1 swine flu outbreak never agreements were made to secure another 90 million became a pandemic, but it might have done. It is not doses of pre-pandemic vaccine. On 16 July, as we have inconceivable that in the foreseeable future we shall heard, the chief medical officer announced that 65,000 have a pandemic, in which large numbers of people fall people could die from the swine flu virus, in the worst- sick very quickly, jeopardising our ability to keep our case scenario. On 10 September, the four UK Health vital private and public services operating. The question Departments released critical care strategies to cope is how we will cope with that, and what we can put in with the expected increase in demand during the second place to mitigate the effects. wave of the pandemic, and on 21 October vaccination programmes began with front-line health care workers In addition to considering two historic events, the and their patients in at-risk categories. Plans were laid Committee looked at two potential risks of the future— to keep the supply chain operating and the shops were space weather and cyber-attack, both of which sound stocked. Key workers were identified; there was the like fantastic straplines for “Doctor Who”or “Torchwood”, potential for chaos. but have the potential to pose a real threat. Perhaps they are not quite as dramatic as I have stated, but we On Wednesday 14 November 2012, at 6.15 pm, satellite did, in 1859, experience a bout of severe space weather, channels start to flicker and go offline. Intermittent known as the Carrington event. Its impact was recorded power cuts affect large chunks of the south-east of as serious at the time. As the Committee Chairman England. Planes are told to adopt holding positions as said, we are now totally dependent on electricity—on radar and global positioning systems start to malfunction. electrical devices of all sorts: satellites, GPS, mobile Mobile phones and computers develop faults and cease phones and computers. Because events such as the to work. The internet goes down and trains stop running. Carrington event do not happen often, it is difficult A state of national emergency is called and an fully to anticipate the effects. announcement is made that the UK is experiencing a coronal mass ejection—space weather—although no We have all experienced attack by computer viruses one is sure who is listening. and know how devastating they can be when they affect On a quiet Tuesday afternoon in 2015, cash points just our personal computer. At best it is inconvenient, cease to work. The problem is believed to be local, but but at worst the whole machine can be fried. If we reports are surfacing that the complete ATM system imagine that happening on an industrial scale, or a could be affected. Technicians are working on it. There widespread attack on PCs to harvest personal data, we are suggestions in the media that it could be a complex can see that there could be a real problem. cyber-attack on infrastructure. More systems fail and Those are just some of the challenges that the the banking system seizes up. Shops cannot take payments. Government need to prepare for, and to prepare strategies Suppliers go unpaid. Wages and benefits do not get to mitigate, while keeping within the bounds of reality. paid. Benefits are not paid. There is chaos as the whole That is a key issue: the key is identifying the risk in the economy seizes up. first place. Who do the Government listen to and talk Those scenarios sound like the seriously dodgy synopsis to? What are the risks and financial implications? of some bad B-movies, and I have been over-dramatic To find the answers we must first identify the risk. and used a dollop of artistic licence, but they highlight The Committee was reassured by the fact that there is a some of the risks that we and the Government face. As national risk assessment. That project is charged with we have heard, it is the way we identify and plan for identifying threats and undertakes the important role of those risks that will determine how well we cope with horizon-scanning. However, I was surprised, as I think them. we all were, to hear from the chief scientific adviser that I am often asked by people what the relevance of the he does not have a formal role in approving what goes Select Committee on Science and Technology is to the on to the national risk assessment. That highlights the people of South Basildon and East Thurrock. I always need for the Government to make better use of scientific refer them to our investigation into how the Government advice and evidence—and not only during emergencies, use scientific advice and evidence in emergencies. I but prior to them—and to use the skills available to explain how seriously the Committee and the Government them now, to develop the NRA further and ensure that take the need to know how we might keep the lights on, robust contingency plans for all events are in place. 343WH Scientific Advice (Emergencies)15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Scientific Advice (Emergencies) 344WH

The Committee considered that the Government reach In conclusion, it is vital that we do not overstate the for scientific advice after emergencies, but do not integrate risks. We must not frighten people, or provide headlines it well enough beforehand. I should like to hear from for the red-tops, but we must not underestimate them. the Government that their chief scientific adviser will We must assure the public that the Government have a now have a more formal role in the national risk assessment, sound and robust process in place that assesses any and sign off on the NRA only if he is satisfied with the threat using proper scientific evidence and advice and scientific input. that the Government have put in place contingency Another issue, which the Committee Chairman outlined plans to deal with risks based on the advice of experts. and my Committee colleague, my hon. Friend the Member If that is done calmly, although we will always live in an for Croydon Central (Gavin Barwell), discussed, is how unpredictable and changing world, we can be sure that we should communicate risk to the public, and what whatever is thrown at us the Government will be able to risks the Government should prepare for. Those are not help us collectively see our way through any challenge, necessarily the same thing. We heard a lot about the and that we will emerge, if not unscathed, better than reasonable worst-case scenario. I understand that that we might otherwise have done. is an attempt to identify and prepare for a serious event, without going into flights of fancy, even if that scenario is very unlikely. 3.32 pm The Committee believes that the Government should Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): I congratulate my hon. also prepare for the most likely scenario—one that can Friend the Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston easily be communicated to the public, and entailing a (Andrew Miller) on the excellent work that he and his risk that they can understand and take simple precautions Committee have done on this thorough report. They against. An example might be better information about must have spent hours and hours listening to appropriate always using the latest virus protection software on evidence in drawing up their conclusions. I have learned home computers, or password protecting wireless networks. a lot from studying the report, and I very much enjoyed However, that does not negate the need to prepare at today’s contributions from my hon. Friend and from Government level for more serious, if unlikely, events: the hon. Members for South Basildon and East Thurrock to work with power companies to explore ways to (Stephen Metcalfe) and for Croydon Central (Gavin minimise the impact of space weather; to ensure that Barwell), as well as the short contribution from the hon. the banking system understands potential threats; or to Member for City of Chester (Stephen Mosley). work with business to ensure that the supply chain would continue to function in a flu epidemic. We all hope for the best, but while doing so we must prepare for the worst. Even understanding what we It would be useful to hear from the Minister, in the mean by the worst, and what the difference is between light of what I and other hon. Members have said, how the worst-case scenario and the most likely scenario is he sees the role of the reasonable worst-case scenario, skilled work in itself, as we have heard this afternoon. and how the Blackett review that is now under way is The Committee studied national risk assessment in progressing. When may we hear some of its results? detail, and one of the report’s main findings is that It struck me that in several cases the Government although there is good use of scientific back-up during were, if not complacent about potential risks, coming the response and recovery stages of emergencies, that is at them perhaps a little late. The establishment by not always the case with preparation. the Government of the Office of Cyber Security and What has been done to put sound scientific advice at Information Assurance, which we have heard about, the heart of Government policy making? In 1997, Lord and on which there have been questions, is very welcome— May, who was then the Government’s chief scientific but it is a new office, established to assess a risk that has adviser, published the first edition of “Guidelines on existed for many years. I am therefore interested to hear Scientific Analysis in Policy Making” to show how how it is progressing and what its findings are, as well as Departments should obtain and use scientific analysis. what other new offices may need to be created following They were updated in 2005 and 2010, and we now have a vigorous horizon-scanning exercise. Horizon scanning more than 60 scientific advisory committees, which seeks out as yet unknown and unidentified threats, so consist of independent experts who advise Departments, that we can at least start to think about their impact, Ministers and the chief scientific adviser. and how to deal with them. It would be useful to hear confirmation from the Government that they want to In 2002, the “Cross-Cutting Review of Science and identify those threats, and that they want fully to explore Research” recommended that all Departments that rely all the risks, regardless of whether they are too expensive on science should have science and innovation strategies, to deal with or too complex to plan for. Risk should be and departmental chief scientific advisers. By the time dismissed from the national risk assessment on the basis Labour left government, there were such advisers in of scientific advice and evidence. every Department except the Treasury. Their presence Not all risks are confined to individual nations. Some enhances scientific input throughout departmental action. present a global threat, and it is important to work For example, a group of chief scientific advisers reviewed across borders with other countries. We must continue the draft Gallagher review on biofuels, and they made to participate in and play an active role in collaborative the final report more scientifically robust than it might programmes, such as the European Space Agency’s otherwise have been. space situational awareness programme, so that we are In 2003, the Labour Government introduced science better prepared for a space weather emergency. Again, reviews for each Department to improve the use of will the Minister confirm our commitment, not only to science within Departments. In 2004, the science and that programme, but to the wider concept, and tell us innovation investment framework, which was designed whether other collaborations are taking place? to last for 10 years to 2014, was published. 345WH Scientific Advice (Emergencies)15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Scientific Advice (Emergencies) 346WH

[Nia Griffith] that good quality scientific advice is put at the heart of all Government policy, including scientific advice in the In 2006, the joint public-private energy research partnership technical sense and social and behavioural science advice? was launched to provide leadership for UK investments How do the Government intend to improve parliamentary in energy research and innovation, which also contributed and wider scientific scrutiny of the decisions that they to Government initiatives, including the renewable energy make in emergencies? When do the Government expect strategy. In July 2007, the Government Office for Science to fill the posts for chief scientific adviser that are was created within what those of us who are old enough currently vacant in the Department for Business, Innovation to remember or were here then was the Department for and Skills, the Department for Transport and, in light Innovation, Universities and Skills. of the 2012 Olympics, the Department for Culture, It is obviously important to keep science at the heart Media and Sport? Will those posts be filled by people of Government policy. Before we left office, we created who are appropriately qualified, and are the Government and published the principles of scientific advice to satisfied that each Department has the necessary expertise? Government to ensure a proper working relationship As a Welsh MP, I would be grateful for the Minister’s between the Government and scientific advisers and reassurance that appropriate channels are in place to advisory bodies. In 2005, we revised and updated the ensure the smoothest possible joint working with devolved Government’s arrangements for emergency response. Administrations in any emergency, and that any changes One conclusion of the report before us focuses on to the system will be properly communicated to those scientific advisory groups in emergencies. The Committee responsible in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. recommended that the SAGE guidelines should address As highlighted in the Pitt report on flooding, local independence, transparency, confidentiality and the conduct authorities are key to an effective response to an emergency. of those involved. In this day and age, it is vital to draw Will the Minister ensure that local authorities have the on all expertise worldwide, and we should not shy away necessary expertise and access to training, and that from seeking expert advice. An emergency is not a time appropriate mechanisms are in place to allow them to to hide away, or to avoid bringing in the very best help work with other authorities to maximise efficiency in an that might assist us in resolving matters more effectively emergency? because of a stubborn wish not to admit that we might One of the report’s main conclusions is of concern: appreciate help, or that there could be people out there “We have been left with the impression that while science is with greater expertise than our own. With the necessary used effectively to aid the response to emergencies, the Government’s safeguards for matters of national security, what can attitude to scientific advice is that it is something to reach for once the Minister tell us about Government plans to make an emergency happens, not a key factor for consideration from the operation of SAGEs more transparent? the start of the planning process. We conclude that scientific advice and an evidence-based approach must be better integrated I am responding to the debate, but the Minister is into risk assessment and policy processes early on.” from the Cabinet Office. He will be aware that my shadow Cabinet Office colleagues are in Committee It is vital for the Government to take on board that discussing the Public Bodies Bill, which is close to the advice from its critical friend, the Science and Technology Minister’s heart. The report links to the spirit of that Committee, and I urge the Minister to ensure that Bill, and the Government’s response says that the Joint scientific advice shapes the thinking and actions taken Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation in preparation for emergencies, and is not a bolt-on, afterthought or optional extra. This matter is of national “will be reconstituted as an independent committee of experts to concern to us all, and we want to work cross-party and the Department of Health. The reconstituted committee will have a similar remit to that of the current committee” be as supportive as we can where the Government are making the right decisions. If, however, we feel that and will “retain its independence and” continue adequate measures are not being taken, we will point “to consist of independent experts.” that out so that things can be done better for the sake of Why is a committee being disbanded and put back us all. together with a similar remit? What sort of musical chairs is that? Will the Minister explain why a simple 3.42 pm change cannot be made to the current committee? The The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster dogma of the Public Bodies Bill—tearing up everything General (Mr Francis Maude): I am grateful to all Members and reinventing the wheel when gaps become apparent—is who have taken part in this important debate for its mad. tone and the many helpful insights that they have provided. I also want to ask about the Health Protection Agency. I commend the detailed work of the Science and Technology One minute we seem to be about to abolish the Health Committee. It was undertaken in an appropriate spirit Protection Agency a month before the Olympics, and of interrogation and challenge, and contains measured the next minute that seems to be not such a good idea. and thoughtful conclusions which, for the most part, Will the Minister reassure us on the agency’s functions? the Government have accepted. Will the Minister explain exactly what the Government It is important to start by saying that it is unlikely will do to ensure that Department chief scientific advisers that any Government will ever get this issue completely play more of a leading role in the preparations for right. The nature of emergencies means that they are emergencies? I emphasise “preparations”, because that unpredictable; their likelihood may rise or fall, and we is what the Committee was so concerned about. What is do our best to estimate that, but their effects are the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills unpredictable and we can only prepare as best we can doing to improve the Government Office of Science and and try to manage the risks in a sensible and proportionate the chief scientific adviser’s influence across the way. My family motto is, “Hope for the best while Government? What are the Government doing to ensure confidently expecting the worst.” That is not entirely a 347WH Scientific Advice (Emergencies)15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Scientific Advice (Emergencies) 348WH basis on which one can prepare for emergencies because, must get this issue right because, when emergencies while we hope for the best, we must plan for the worst happen—as they will—it is important to have some outcome. kind of shared understanding across the political spectrum, There is always an incredibly difficult balance to and between the Government, Parliament and the media, strike between underestimating a situation and appearing about the way the concepts in question have been used complacent about its malign effects on communities and the need for responsibility when dealing with facts and the economy if we do not prepare sufficiently— and estimations. although we should always err on the side of caution—and My hon. Friend the Member for Croydon Central investing many resources in preparing for outcomes (Gavin Barwell), who could not stay for the end of the that are wholly unfeasible but could mean that damage debate because he had to be elsewhere, talked about the is imposed on the economy or disruption on people’s figures changing in the course of the swine flu epidemic. lives. The nature of emergencies makes it unlikely that The truth is that in an emerging epidemic, there are very that balance will be achieved exactly, but it is important few cases on which scientists can make assessments; that we strive to get it right. there is very little epidemiology to go on. Arguably, it is better to be honest about the possible worst case and Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): I plan for the worst; and then if events turn out much apologise to hon. Members that I was not present at the differently, at least that is better than their turning out beginning of the debate, but I was engaged in activities much worse than predicted. I was asked whether we had elsewhere in the House. The Minister makes a good used the reasonable worst case approach for the Fukushima point. At times, medical scientists may offer advice that event. The answer is yes, that did happen. would be hard to deliver in terms of social science. There could be a conflict between pieces of advice that On the difficult issues about trying to get right the are properly given by two proponents of the same communication of risk, I am grateful for the Select profession. Committee’s insights. The Blackett panel will produce its conclusions in due course, and we will share them Mr Maude: My hon. Friend is right, and in the end and continue to have discussions and debates. we have to make a judgment and try to prepare in a I was asked what progress had been made in response proportionate way based on the best evidence available, to the concerns that the Select Committee raised, which while acknowledging that that evidence will not always I understand, about the role of the Government chief be conclusive. The process set in place through SAGE scientific adviser in national risk assessment. Work is will try to distil the best view, which is important. under way to set up an independent scientific advice A number of Members have raised points about the group for the NRA, which will be in place in time for communication of risk, which is an important issue and the 2012 NRA. The draft 2011 NRA has been sent to difficult to get right. When communicating risk to the the Government chief scientific adviser, and he will public, it is important not to scaremonger, make people respond to me and my officials in due course. Obviously, agitated or cause them to behave in a way that is not it is important that that assessment has the benefit of reasonable. Nor should we devote resources to something his detailed scrutiny. We are taking the conclusions and in a way that cannot be justified. At the same time, we recommendations in the Committee’s report seriously must never be complacent. and acting on them. I have thought about the concerns raised in the report The Chair of the Committee, the hon. Member for and by hon. Members during the debate about the Ellesmere Port and Neston (Andrew Miller), asked concept of the reasonable worst case. It is difficult to get when SAGE guidance would be published. We are the form of words right. If the word “reasonable” is aiming for later this year. We are building in steps that inserted, it sounds as if it is a situation that we think will are being taken in the light of the inquiry and the happen. In fact, “reasonable worst case” is not what we reflections in this debate. believe likely to happen; it is the worst case possible if I was asked about transparency. We agree that SAGE we remove situations that are absurdly improbable. should operate on the principle of openness and Pitching that statement correctly is quite difficult. transparency. The membership, minutes and key scientific A number of hon. Members mentioned the Blackett advice papers for all three recent SAGE activations, review that will be published in the next few weeks, which were in relation to the Japanese nuclear event in which we will obviously consider. The Blackett panel and around Fukushima, the volcanic ash eruption and looked at the concept of reasonable worst case, which it the swine flu epidemic, have all now been published believes—as do the Government—is essential to consider online. Everything is being taken forward, I hope, in the when planning and building capability.It believes, however, right spirit. that we must think about the use of that concept in My hon. Friend the Member for South Basildon and communicating risk because it may be that the concept East Thurrock (Stephen Metcalfe) asked about international of the most likely case is more useful. collaboration. We work closely with international Governments will always be anxious about having a organisations—the European Union, the UN and so figure in their possession that they have not shared. on—and with global leaders in this field. For example, That was the case with swine flu, and I understand the the Singapore Government are a serious leader in this concern of the Health Secretary at that time. The area, and we work with them. We also work with other Government did not want to suppress a figure that countries with which we share risks. For example, we might have been arrived at properly, even though it work closely with the Netherlands on the risks associated proved to be way off beam. These difficult issues need with North sea flooding. There is also ad hoc joint work to be tackled in a serious and measured way and it and research on community resilience and behavioural would be useful to have further discussion and debate issues. We work on that with the United States, Canada once the Blackett panel has completed its review. We and the Australians. International collaboration is therefore 349WH Scientific Advice (Emergencies)15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Scientific Advice (Emergencies) 350WH

[Mr Maude] that could be impacted to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the vulnerability. Work on that issue very important. There is a huge amount of expertise, continues. and it is in the interests of all the countries that we The only other time when there was a major event benefit from one another’s knowledge, expertise and was in 1859—the Carrington event, which has been assessments. mentioned. That was a very different world. There have I was asked about volcanic eruption as a risk. I assure been other events, but they tend to be localised. The hon. Members that the possibility of volcanic eruption likelihood of such an event is therefore not high, but it is certainly not being omitted from the 2011 NRA. is real and we need to address it in the best way we can. There are two risks in the risk assessment, one of which My hon. Friend the Member for South Basildon and is a severe, gas-rich volcanic eruption that could reach East Thurrock asked whether we were participating in toxic levels at both ground level and flight altitude. the European Space Agency’s space situational awareness Obviously, that is less likely to occur but would have programme, which runs until 2012. We have subscribed very significant impacts. We acknowledge that the to it. It defines the steps that need to be taken on space volcanologists are saying that the likelihood of further surveillance and space weather. The UK Space Agency volcanic eruptions is higher. We are obviously taking will engage with the potential space weather user community that into account. There is a higher likelihood of a and data service providers to assess the relative priority much less severe volcanic ash-rich eruption. A great of funding space weather activities within the ESA deal of knowledge was gained from the experience of space situational awareness programme. That will obviously the eruption last year, and a lot of action has been taken need to be reconciled with competing demands for on the back of that. other programme opportunities and existing financial commitments, but no clear conclusion has yet been Andrew Miller: Before the Minister moves on, I am reached. However, we are very aware of the risk, and a curious to know how information held in other great deal of work is going on in relation to it. Departments is brought in. Obviously, there is a significant I turn to the question of cyber security, which is role in some Departments through the Civil Aviation obviously a serious matter. It was identified in the Authority and so on, but the Ministry of Defence also strategic defence and security review as a high risk, and has enormous expertise. Yearsago, I was in the Caribbean a significant budget has been attached to the national with the Royal Navy when the volcano on Montserrat cyber security programme; as Minister responsible for blew. The helicopter pilot at that time said to me, “Mr the Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance, Miller, you can’t get any closer to take photographs I have oversight of that programme. Our approach is to because these things fall out of the sky if they get the ensure that we invest in building capability, as capability slightest bit of dust in their engines.” There is a huge is relatively scarce. We have an affordable centre of amount of information that is very old, but that we excellence and expertise at GCHQ. have failed to centralise. What is the right hon. Gentleman This is a question not only for the Government but doing to shake up other parts of the machinery to get for the whole economy. We discern a marked range in all that information together? the degree of preparedness of private sector companies on cyber security. Some are highly developed, but it is Mr Maude: That is a very good question. Are not only companies focused on internet activities that Government always perfect at ensuring that all the are vulnerable; it goes much more widely than that. information and knowledge is harvested and garnered Some companies that ought to be concerned about from all parts of Whitehall and well beyond, including cyber security do not take it as seriously as they should. all the agencies and organisations? No, not by any Over the coming months, we will be encouraging them means. A big part of the role of my officials in the civil to address it seriously. It should be on the agenda of contingencies secretariat is to try to ensure that we every risk and audit committee, to ensure that it is bring that body of knowledge together as best we can. properly understood and dealt with. One would hope that in an event like the volcanic ash eruption, the Ministry of Defence would be intimately In a few weeks’ time, I shall be publishing the involved—I am sure that it was—in assessments and Government’s cyber-security strategy and I hope that it decision making. However, it is a perfectly good question. will receive attention and be debated by the House. It will not always be perfectly answered, but we are These are most important matters, and we must do our conscious of the need to maximise the bringing together best to get them right. of all the knowledge on this front. Andrew Miller: I am fairly confident, following Sir My hon. Friend the Member for South Basildon and Edmund Burton’s report on the missing Royal Navy East Thurrock and others talked about space weather. laptop, that part of the Government’s response will be That is potentially a big hazard with really serious about awareness and the training of personnel. Will the impacts. We need to deal with it in a thorough way. The Minister confirm that that will happen throughout the truth is that more work is needed to understand what civil service machinery? It is no good saying that it the wide range of impacts would be from a serious belongs only to permanent secretaries or techies in the event. The Department of Energy and Climate Change back room, because it affects us all. There has to be a is engaged with National Grid, the energy emergencies serious campaign in the public sector to ensure that executive committee and the British Geological Survey people understand how serious these challenges are. to consider the implications of a severe space weather event for the electricity system as a whole, including the Mr Maude: The hon. Gentleman is right, and I do potential impacts on generator transformers and further not dissent for a second. Most of it is about being consideration of the transmission network. We in the reasonably alert and aware, and taking common sense Cabinet Office will continue to work with other sectors steps, but higher levels of vulnerability to cyber attack 351WH Scientific Advice (Emergencies)15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Scientific Advice (Emergencies) 352WH and cyber crime require a highly sophisticated response people might reflect on the fact that, just occasionally, coupled with great awareness and agility. Information we work in a collegiate manner towards a common assurance and not allowing data to go amiss is mostly goal. In this case, the common goal is improving safety to do with basic standards of care and alertness. and security for our citizens. It engages the best scientific I am grateful to have had the opportunity to respond brains, both here and further afield, and all political to the Committee’s thoughtful and serious report. It has parties are committed to it as a serious priority. I hope been good to ventilate these matters. I assure the House that we can continue to work in this positive manner, and the Committee that we continue to take these and address some of the big questions and “what matters seriously. We will continue to engage and interact happens if” challenges thrown up by the national risk with the Committee as we take these matters forward. assessment. Sir Alan Meale (in the Chair): We have had a full and A few detailed questions remain. Once the Minister frank debate. I am informed that it can continue for has seen the transcript of our proceedings, I hope that another five minutes if the Committee Chairman wishes he will do us the honour of providing a more detailed to raise any other matters. reply—something that is a little challenging in this environment. I hope that his reply will form the basis of Andrew Miller: I am grateful to all who contributed a continued dialogue between the Committee and the to the debate, including my hon. Friend the Member for Cabinet Office on this important work. Llanelli (Nia Griffith), the Opposition spokesperson, Question put and agreed to. and the Minister. To a great extent, this area transcends party politics. Frankly, given some of the surveys published today 4.7 pm on the public’s perception of Members of Parliament, Sitting adjourned.

51WS Written Ministerial Statements15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 52WS

The Government recognise that changes to these Written Ministerial arrangements could affect financial markets and they are committed to full consultation on any changes, Statements which would have an appropriate lead-in period. Any changes made following the consultation would not Thursday 15 September 2011 come into effect before 1 April 2013.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS European Regulation of Financial Services National Minimum Wage The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Mark The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Hoban): The UK Government strongly support Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): I am pleased international efforts to reform derivatives markets, including to announce that the Government have written to the increased clearing of derivatives through central Low Pay Commission setting out what we would like counterparties. G20 leaders, Finance Ministers and central the Commission to consider on the national minimum bank governors have agreed that reforms to derivatives wage. The document contains evidence on economic markets should be implemented in an “internationally and non-economic issues, including the minimum wage consistent and non-discriminatory” way. rates, the youth labour market, apprenticeships, work On 5 July 2011, the European Central Bank (ECB) experience, and compliance and enforcement. published a Eurosystem Oversight Framework1. This In addition, we have today published guidance on includes a policy that central counterparties that clear Business Link and Direct.gov to clarify when individuals euro-denominated credit derivatives above certain thresholds performing work experience, including interns, are entitled (¤5 billion average daily net credit exposure or 5% of to the minimum wage. certain product categories) must A copy of the evidence will be placed in the Libraries “be legally incorporated in the euro area with full managerial and of both Houses and will be available from the BIS operational control and responsibility over all core functions, website at: www.bis.gov.uk. exercised from within the euro area.” The UK considers that this policy is contrary to TREASURY fundamental single market principles and fundamental principles of EU law. It is also discriminatory on the Anti-avoidance grounds of nationality and runs counter to the EU general principle of equality. The policy, if implemented, would affect a number of The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David central counterparties that have located their businesses Gauke): I am today announcing that legislation will be in the UK to provide services in a range of currencies, introduced in the next Finance Bill to clarify the corporation EU and non-EU; and would lead to a fragmentation of tax treatment of manufactured overseas dividends (MODs) financial markets by currency zone with profoundly received by companies. The amendment will ensure that negative consequences for the single market, international MODs cannot be used to obtain repayment or set-off capital flows and significant costs for the European and of income tax that the UK Exchequer does not receive. global economies. The clarification follows disclosure of a new avoidance scheme in which the recipient of a MOD claims to have Accordingly, the UK Government have chosen to received it under deduction of UK income tax, which it challenge the ECB’s Eurosystem Oversight Framework then seeks to set off against its corporation tax liability, policy, which it considers to have legal effect and therefore or to have repaid, although no actual UK income tax can be challenged under the treaty. has been paid. 1 The Policy Framework was not published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It was made publicly available through This measure protects significant amounts of revenue. publication on the ECB’s website on 5 July 2011. Any yield from this measure will be reflected in the OBR’s next forecast. The Government are determined to reduce tax avoidance in order to protect the Exchequer, which provides funding for public services, and maintain fairness for the taxpayer. DEFENCE Accordingly, draft legislation will be published by HMRC later today, putting it beyond doubt that no set-off or repayment of income tax can be made in such cases. Commander Joint Forces Command The legislation will have immediate effect from today. Because of repeated avoidance in this area, the Government also intend to issue a consultation document The Secretary of State for Defence (Dr Liam Fox): after Budget 2012 on proposals to make wider changes The creation of a Joint Forces Command (JFC) was to the tax rules on MODs. This review will form part of recommended by Lord Levene in his defence reform the rolling review of high risk areas of the tax code, report as part of the radical reform of the Department announced in the Budget 2011 document “Tackling Tax that I announced on 27 June 2011 [Official Report, Avoidance”. Its aim will be to reduce the need for this columns 634-636]. I welcomed that recommendation area of the tax code to be revisited in response to new and directed that it should be put into effect as soon as schemes and to simplify the relevant legislation. possible. 53WS Written Ministerial Statements15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 54WS

The new organisation will bring together and deliver Compensation (CAC). This review will examine the joint enabling capabilities to ensure their appropriate Committee’s functions, as well as its corporate governance prioritisation and deliver synergies between them. procedures. The review is due to be completed later this I am announcing today the appointment of Air Marshal year and I shall inform the House of its outcome. Sir Stuart Peach, currently the chief of joint operations and a previous chief of defence intelligence, as the first UK-Norway Initiative Workshop commander JFC. His exceptionally strong joint credentials make him the ideal selection for the post, which he will take up in December 2011 on promotion to Air Chief The Minister for the Armed Forces (Nick Harvey): Marshal. The UK has long been committed to the long-term goal Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach’s appointment is an of a world without nuclear weapons. As part of the important milestone in preparing JFC for initial operating coalition agreement the Government agreed that we capability in April 2012. It will achieve its full operating would maintain Britain’s nuclear deterrent and press for capability a year later. continued progress on multilateral disarmament. The Prime Minister announced a number of disarmament Nuclear Liabilities Management Strategy measures as a part of the strategic defence and security review (SDSR) on 19 October 2010. On 29 June 2011 [Official Report, columns 50-51WS] the Secretary of The Secretary of State for Defence (Dr Liam Fox): State for Defence announced the early commencement The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has today published of the programme for implementing the SDSR warhead the first issue of the MOD nuclear liabilities management reductions: at least one of the Vanguard class ballistic strategy. A copy of the strategy has been placed in the missile submarines (SSBN) now carries a maximum of Library of the House. 40 nuclear warheads. The MOD’s nuclear liabilities have arisen from building As part of our efforts to make progress on multilateral and operating nuclear submarines, and from the disarmament, we undertook to build trust and confidence manufacture and management of nuclear weapons. They between nuclear and non-nuclear weapon states, and include nuclear materials that are no longer required for committed to take tangible steps towards a safer and defence purposes; the irradiated fuel that has fulfilled more stable world where countries with nuclear weapons its purpose; the sites, facilities, and submarines that feel able to relinquish them. Over a decade ago the support the defence nuclear programme; and, the resultant Ministry of Defence, together with the atomic weapons radioactive wastes. establishment, established a disarmament and arms control Although the MOD’s liabilities are substantial they verification research programme. This work is ongoing are significantly smaller than the civil nuclear liabilities: and since 2007 we have also been working with Norway the MOD’s radioactive wastes account for less than to develop some of the techniques that may be required 1.5% by volume of the UK total. We have, therefore, to ensure compliance with any future nuclear disarmament worked with the Department of Energy and Climate process. This is the first time a nuclear weapon state and Change, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and a non-nuclear weapon state have worked together in the Scottish Government to develop a strategy that will this way. Our work with Norway has demonstrated that deliver the best value for money solutions for the UK. nuclear and non-nuclear weapon states alike are able to Managing our nuclear liabilities is a long-term challenge, make an active contribution to disarmament through and the strategy will evolve over time, as specific solutions verification research, while still complying with their are developed for dealing with particular liabilities. As a non-proliferation obligations. Furthermore, the co-operation consequence, it is our intention to publish a revised of non-nuclear weapon states in nuclear disarmament strategy every five years, to reflect the progress being verification research is necessary in order to achieve made and to ensure it remains up to date. The strategy effective and mutually trusted verification solutions. being published today sets out the high-level approaches As announced at the P5 conference (30 June-1 July 2011), for managing our nuclear liabilities: it provides a common the UK will host a confidential expert-level meeting of management, decommissioning and disposal framework the P5 in early 2012 to discuss lessons learned from the to ensure a coherent approach across the defence nuclear UK’s work with Norway on the verification of nuclear programme. warhead dismantlement. I wish to inform the House The safe and secure management of the MOD’s that we now intend to share these important lessons current and future nuclear liabilities is of paramount with additional non-nuclear weapon states. To this end, importance, and underpins all aspects of the strategy. the Ministry of Defence, in partnership with Norway, Its publication reflects the MOD’s commitment to being will host a workshop in London in early December a responsible nuclear operator and to delivering safe 2011. This will enable us to share our progress with and effective solutions for dealing with those liabilities. technical experts from non-nuclear weapon states that have expressed an interest in the research conducted so far. Central Advisory Committee on Pensions and Compensation This verification research advances progress towards our long-term goal of a world without nuclear weapons, and further demonstrates the Government’s commitment The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence to fulfilling the UK’s disarmament obligations under (Mr Andrew Robathan): In accordance with the Cabinet the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. The Government Office’s recent guidance on public bodies, which took remain committed to maintaining the minimum credible effect from 1 April 2011, I have launched a review of deterrent necessary to achieve our deterrence objectives the Central Advisory Committee on Pensions and of guaranteeing national security. 55WS Written Ministerial Statements15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 56WS

Management of Unsolicited Mail at Christmas for Education, will commence operating on Monday 3 October. The STA will be responsible for the development The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence and delivery of all statutory assessments from early (Mr Andrew Robathan): I wish to inform the House years to the end of key stage 3. about the annual unsolicited mail campaign the Ministry This work was previously carried out by the of Defence (MOD) will be running in the lead-up to Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency, Christmas, which is 100 days from tomorrow. which—subject to the will of Parliament—will cease its This Government are dedicated to the care and welfare final remaining functions in March 2012. of the men and women of our armed forces, particularly those deployed on operations. This is reflected in the comprehensive Deployed Welfare Package which is FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE constantly reviewed to ensure we give appropriate support to our deployed service personnel. A key part of that package is ensuring the safe and timely delivery of free World Conference Against Racism (10th Anniversary) personal mail from family and friends. In the past this mechanism has also been used by the general public to show their support by sending unsolicited goodwill The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth parcels through the mail system. Affairs (Mr William Hague): The Government will not attend the high-level meeting to commemorate Previously, this has resulted in huge volumes of the 10th anniversary of the 2001 World Conference unsolicited goodwill parcels which have overwhelmed against Racism on 22 September at the United Nations the in-theatre postal and logistic capacity, resulting in a in New York. considerable delay to personal mail from family and friends. British Forces’ Post Office (BFPO) estimates it The Government remain fully committed to the will handle approximately 22,500 parcels per week over international fight against racism. The recent examination Christmas this year (the eight-week period between of the UK by the UN Committee for Elimination of mid-October and mid-December) as opposed to 10,000 Racial Discrimination demonstrated that we remain over a “normal” eight-week period. In 2009, unsolicited committed to tackling racism at home and abroad. The mail added 64 tonnes to BFPO’s logistical effort. In committee welcomed the notable efforts the UK has addition to the impact on personal mail, which can be taken to tackle racial discrimination and inequality and severely delayed as a result, delivering unsolicited packages the important progress we have made. over the “final mile” to forward operating bases and However the Government do not want to be associated patrol bases puts increased pressure on essential in-theatre with the commemoration of an event which was tainted resources. Additional helicopter journeys and road convoys by anti-Semitism and intolerance. We join a number of are required, both of which take essential transport other countries in not participating in the September assets away from their primary task and place our meeting, including the United States, Canada, Israel, personnel at increased personal danger. Australia and Germany. It is for these reasons that the MOD will, for the fourth consecutive year, be repeating its unsolicited General Affairs Council (12 September 2011) mail campaign. The campaign was so successful last year it reduced the volume of unsolicited mail by 90%. Key to the success of the campaign is to encourage the The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): The British public to show their support through one of the General Affairs Council was held on 12 September in recognised MOD service charities rather then sending Brussels. I represented the UK. unsolicited goodwill parcels. The agenda items covered were as follows: All service personnel on operations over Christmas GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL (GAC) will receive a seasonal gift box from the MOD-endorsed charity, “uk4u Thanks!”. The charity continues to work The GAC was chaired by the Polish EU presidency closely with the MOD, using free space in the existing (Mr Mikolaj Dowgielewicz, State Secretary for European supply chain to deliver the boxes well before Christmas, Affairs of Poland). A draft record of the meeting can be without impacting on the normal mail system. Other found at: charities which help to support deployed troops with http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/ welfare items include SSAFA, Afghan Heroes, Support docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/124579.pdf our Soldiers and Thank the Forces. Multiannual Financial Framework I recognise that it might seem counter-intuitive to ask Before the General Affairs Council I met with a the British public not to send parcels to troops at group of member states that, like the UK, believe in a Christmas, but due to the impact of unsolicited mail I budget-disciplined approach to the multiannual financial ask for your full support in directing the public towards framework, hosted by Sweden. Together we agreed a MOD-recognised charities. joint statement calling for budgetary restraint; this was reflected in a press statement released following the EDUCATION Council meeting, this can be found at the following internet address: Standards and Testing Agency http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/ ?view=PressS&id=654555082. The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): Ministers were informed of the progress of discussions I am today announcing that the Standards and Testing at the Friends of Presidency Group. This is a Committee Agency (STA), a new Executive agency of the Department of officials from the member states, with attendance 57WS Written Ministerial Statements15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 58WS from the Commission, to prepare and discuss aspects of UK the next multiannual financial framework. The Commission CoE Total Contribution Proportion proposals, which can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/ Year Budget (¤) (¤) Paid by UK budget/reform/, were published in June 2011 and are unacceptable to the UK. Discussion was guided by the 2005 186,012,700 22,908,766 12.32% document linked below, which set the framework for the 2006 190,148,800 23,257,480 12.23% discussion. 2007 197,214,100 23,963,091 12.15% http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/11/st13/ 2008 200,999,600 24,159,951 12.02% st13127.en11.pdf 2009 205,002,000 24,433,778 11.92% During the formal, public, session of the General 2010 211,027,100 24,874,186 11.79% Affairs Council and the informal lunch following the The office of the UK delegation to the CoE is responsible Council meeting I took the opportunity, along with for, among other things, representing the UK at regular partners, to reiterate the UK demand for a smaller EU meetings of the Committee of Ministers. Its running budget in the next financial framework. I also argued costs by financial year are shown in the table. Figures for greater transparency. This means bringing the budget before 2004 are not available. items that the Commission has sought to move “off budget” back on to the balance sheet (an estimated Cost of UK Delegation to the Council for Europe ¤18 billion worth of measures). On flexibility (moving Financial Year (£) Sterling monies between budget envelopes after they had been 2004-05 985,668 agreed) I argued that this would only make sense in the 2005-06 773,530 context of a smaller, more tightly focused, overall budget. 2006-07 863,551 October European Council 2007-08 578,337 The presidency presented the draft annotated agenda 2008-09 843,271 of the October European Council on behalf of the 2009-10 727,190 President of the EU. The conclusions would cover 2010-11 565,229 economic policy and preparation of the EU’s position for the G20 summit and for the Durban conference on National delegations to the Parliamentary Assembly climate change. The main focus would be on economic of the Council of Europe (PACE) are politically policy and in particular external aspects of the Union’s independent and do not represent national Governments. economic policy and internal initiatives on growth and PACE activities and running costs are funded from the the single market. Council of Europe’s Ordinary Budget, and Parliament All Ministers welcomed the draft annotated agenda pays for the expenses of the UK delegation to PACE. and recognised that it may need to evolve in the lead up The following table shows the UK’s contribution to the to the European Council in the middle of October. I PACE allocation from the Ordinary Budget. welcomed the emphasis on economic policy but stressed UK Contribution to PACE’s Allocation from the Ordinary Budget the need for substantive discussion on promoting growth Euros and jobs. I also pressed for the European Council to discuss the events in north Africa and the middle east 2003 1,663,966 and to discuss the evolving European neighbourhood 2004 1,729,629 policy.Heads of State must discuss the pressing international 2005 1,787,644 issues of the day. 2006 1,825,013 I will deposit copies of this note in the Libraries of 2007 1,825,891 both Houses, and I will continue to update Parliament 2008 1,785,771 on the General Affairs Councils as and when future 2009 1,760,947 meetings are held. 2010 1,753,434

Ministerial Correction HEALTH The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): Further to parliamentary question 68626 [7 September 2011, Care and Support (Stakeholder Engagement) Official Report, vol.532, c. 449W], regarding the costs of the Council of Europe, part of my written answer to the hon. Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris) The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): was not published. The correct answer is as follows: Today, the Government launched “Caring for our future: Mr Lidington: The following table shows the totals of shared ambitions for care and support” an engagement the Council of Europe (CoE) Ordinary Budget between with people who use care and support services, carers, 2003 and 2010, the contribution made by the UK, and local councils, care providers, and the voluntary sector the proportion of the total paid by the UK. about the priorities for improving care and support. The engagement will last until early December, and we UK are requesting written comments by 2 December to help CoE Total Contribution Proportion inform discussions. Year Budget (¤) (¤) Paid by UK In recent months, two independent commissions have 2003 175,490,000 21,922,210 12.49% reported to Government on two different aspects of 2004 180,500,000 22,376,585 12.40% care and support. In May, the Law Commission published recommendations for modernising and simplifying the 59WS Written Ministerial Statements15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 60WS social care legal framework (available at www.justice.gov. aspects of the care and support system. So we also want uk/lawcommission/docs/lc326_adult_social_care.pdf), and to consider the implications of the Commission’s in July the Commission on Funding of Care and Support recommendations as part of these discussions. published recommendations for reforming the way that We have asked a key leader from the care and support people pay for care and support (available at: https:// community to help the Government to lead the discussions www.wp.dh.gov.uk/carecommission/files/2011/07/ for each of these six areas. We want to work collaboratively, Fairer-Care-Funding-Report.pdf). These recommendations drawing upon the networks of expertise and experience will form the basis for our discussions. that have developed over many years. So, together, we We have also received a report from the “Palliative will be attending events, holding meetings, listening to Care Funding Review”, which sets out how we could the views of user organisations, carers’ representatives, create a fair and transparent funding system which care providers, and local councils on what the priorities ensures integrated, responsive, high-quality health and for improving care and support should be. care services for those at the end of life. This report has The leaders for each of the discussion strands are: been placed in the Library. Quality: Imelda Redmond (Chief Executive, Carers UK); All these reports contain important and valuable proposals to help us decide our approach to changing Personalisation: Jeremy Hughes (Chief Executive, Alzheimer’s Society); the care and support system. However, the Government have a broad agenda for reform of care and support. Shaping local care services: Peter Hay (President, Association These reports were never intended to look at all our of Directors of Adult Social Services); priorities. For the White Paper on social care reform Prevention: Alex Fox (Chief Executive, NAAPS); and the progress report on funding reform, which we Integration (in partnership with the NHS Future Forum): will publish next spring, we have an opportunity to get Geoff Alltimes (Chief Executive, Hammersmith and Fulham reform right so we want to have a wider discussion Council) and Dr Robert Varnam (Practising GP, Manchester); about every aspect of the system to inform Government and decisions. The role of financial services: Nick Kirwan (Assistant Director We have already said, in our “Vision for Adult Social of Health and Protection, Association of British Insurers). Care”, that we want to see a care and support system As part of “Caring for our future”, we also want to where care is personalised, people have choice in how hear people’s views on the recommendations made by their needs and ambitions are met, and carers are the Commission on Funding of Care and Support and supported. We want high-quality care to be delivered by how we should assess these proposals, including in a diverse range of providers and a skilled work force relation to other potential priorities for improvement. that can provide care and support with compassion and The Commission’s recommendations present a range of imagination. People must be confident that they are options, including on the level of a cap and the contribution protected against poor standards and abuse. that people make to living costs in residential care, Making changes to the care and support system is which could help us to manage the system and its costs. not simple. The challenges of an ageing society are We want to hear people’s views on these different options, being faced by most developed countries. There are no and the trade-offs involved. Later in the autumn, as easy answers, and we can not make all the changes at part of the engagement process, we will ask the six once. We know that, as a country, we will need to spend discussion leaders to bring together the views they have more on care and support as our society ages. In this gathered on support for the Commission’s proposals, challenging economic environment, we need to weigh and the wider priorities for change. up what the priorities for reform are and produce a As we said in our response to the Commission on realistic road map for change. Funding of Care and Support, we face difficult economic So, over the next three months, we will be engaging times. Given this, the Government will have to weigh up with a range of people and organisations involved with different funding priorities and calls on their constrained care and support about their priorities for reform. resources carefully before deciding how to act. “Caring for our future” will consist of six themes: A copy of the public discussion document has been Quality: what are the priorities for improving quality and placed in the Library. Copies are available to hon. developing the future work force? members from the Vote Office and to noble Lords from the Printed Paper Office. This contains more details on Personalisation: what are the priorities for promoting increased personalisation and choice? how people can feed their views into the discussion. Shaping local care services: what are the priorities for creating The Government have said that they will engage with a more diverse and responsive care market? the official Opposition, as part of this process. Prevention: what are the priorities for supporting greater “Caring for our future” will run until early December. prevention and early intervention? At the end of the engagement, the discussion leaders Integration (in partnership with the NHS Future Forum): will bring together views about the priorities for change how can we take advantage of the health and social care and will discuss these with the Government. We have modernisation programme to ensure services are better integrated committed to publishing a White Paper in spring 2012, around people’s needs? alongside a progress report on funding reform, and to The role of financial services: what role could the financial legislating at the earliest opportunity. The White Paper services sector play in supporting care users, carers and their and progress report will include a response to the Law families? Commission and Commission on Funding of Care and Making changes to the funding system for care and Support and will set out our approach to reform, to support, as discussed in the Commission on Funding start the process of transforming our care and support of Care and Support’s report, would impact on all system. 61WS Written Ministerial Statements15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 62WS

Report on Complaints and Litigation HOME DEPARTMENT (Government Response) Report on Phone Hacking (Government Response)

The Secretary of State for the Home Department The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr Simon (Mrs Theresa May): Today I am publishing the Burns): We have today laid before Parliament “Government Government’s response to the 13th report of the Home Response to the House of Commons Health Committee Affairs Committee into the “Unauthorised tapping into Sixth Report of the Session 2010-12: Complaints and or hacking of mobile communications”. Litigation” (Cm 8120). The Committee’s report highlights a number of issues The starting point for this Committee’s inquiry has arising from the activities of journalists at News International been that sometimes patient experience of the NHS and their associates, as well as the failings of the police falls below the high standards expected, and when this investigations into those activities. happens patients should have access to a responsive and The Committee is to be commended for producing effective complaints and if necessary litigation systems. such a thorough report and for producing it so quickly after the final evidence sessions, so that it could inform The majority of people using health and social care the parliamentary debate in July and also sit usefully services in England are satisfied with the care and alongside other work that the Government have treatment received. However, there are times where commissioned in this area, including: things go wrong. In these circumstances, it is important the inquiry being led by Lord Justice Leveson, commissioned that people are able to make a complaint and to have it by the Prime Minister; investigated and dealt with effectively. Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary’s report considering instances of undue influence, inappropriate contractual Complaints are important and need to be taken arrangements and other abuses of power in police relationships seriously. When something has gone wrong it needs to with the media and other parties, which I have commissioned; be put right quickly, and organisations need to work and closely with people to find the most appropriate resolution the Independent Police Complaints Commission’s report to a complaint. Organisations also need to make sure into their experience of investigating police corruption and they learn from every aspect of a complaint so that the any lessons that can be learned for the police service, which I same thing does not happen again. The more successful have also commissioned. organisations take the views of their customers, including Many of the issues highlighted by the report are for views expressed in complaints, seriously. the police service and the Government believe that the report is a valuable contribution to the debate around A small proportion of complaints made about care changes needed to police culture. relate to negligent harm. In these circumstances, it is Alongside the Government’s response to the Home correct that complainants are able to obtain proportionate Affairs Committee’s report, we are also publishing the compensation in a timely manner for the harm they first report by the Independent Police Complaints have suffered. Commission on their experience of police corruption. The Government’s civil justice reforms will develop Both documents will be available on the Home Office a system that is proportionate, encourages personal website and copies will be available from the Vote responsibility in resolving disputes, and with streamlined Office. procedures to provide timely access to justice. This will improve outcomes for patients seeking compensation, JUSTICE and allow limited NHS resources to be diverted away from legal expenses and back to patient care. Revised Framework Document (Information The Government welcome the Committee’s acceptance Commissioner’s Office and the Ministry of Justice) that the current complaints arrangements provide the potential for delivering better outcomes for complainants The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice and improvements in service delivery. However, the (Mr Crispin Blunt): My right hon. Friend the Minister Government accept that there is more to do, and we will of State, Ministry of Justice, Lord McNally, has made work with the NHS better to ensure lessons learned the following written ministerial statement: from the local investigations of complaints feed into Today I am publishing the revised framework document that service improvements. Good practice does exist in the governs the day-to-day relationship between the Information NHS, and it needs to be shared more widely. Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Ministry of Justice. Agreed by both the Information Commissioner and the Ministry of The NHS reforms the Government have proposed, Justice, the revised document enhances significantly the independence offer an opportunity to drive improvement, and to of the ICO. improve patients’ experiences of the NHS, and they will The Government firmly support an independent and influential put patients, carers and local communities at the heart ICO and this revised framework complements the legislative of the NHS. In addition the Government’s transparency clauses the Government introduced in the Protection of Freedoms agenda, along with the wider information sharing agenda Bill. instigated by the health service ombudsman, the Under the new framework, mechanisms are put in place to Department of Health and regulatory bodies should enable the ICO to retain certain types of income, subject to the outcome of the Protection of Freedoms Bill, and the reporting help to ensure that in future, information in respect of requirements on the ICO are significantly reduced. In addition to complaints will be more widely available to the public to this, a number of changes have been introduced to allow the ICO inform choice and to highlight areas of healthcare greater freedom to make certain financial and administrative provision that need improvement. decisions. 63WS Written Ministerial Statements15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 64WS

However, while furthering the ICO’s financial and administrative A key feature of the UK public sector comparator independence, the framework document ensures this is balanced process is that it is not entirely based on a quantitative with appropriate reporting arrangements to enable the Ministry calculation of the respective delivery outcomes. The of Justice to maintain and ensure the proper expenditure of calculation is supported by a qualitative assessment of public money allocated to the ICO. the respective delivery routes in terms of their viability, Copies of the consultation revised framework document will desirability and achievability. be placed in the Libraries of both Houses and on the Department’s website at: www.justice.gov.uk. The UK set out several examples of the use of PPP in the transport sector, which included contracts for street lighting, highway maintenance and London Underground. Mutual Recognition of Protection Measures in Civil We reported that the experience of PPP in this sector Matters has been mixed. While PPP programmes have helped secure significant infrastructure investment and, in a number of cases, achieved an improved record on the The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice delivery of projects to time and budget, this has only (Mr Kenneth Clarke): The Government have decided to been achieved by repeated interventions. opt in to the regulation on mutual recognition of protection Work has recently been undertaken to achieve a measures in civil matters. The regulation meets the stronger focus on flexibility. Project reviews are being criteria set out in the coalition agreement with regard to undertaken to improve the delivery of cost reductions EU justice and home affairs measures. and value for money. New PPP projects are subject to In accordance with the coalition agreement, the tougher approval and assurance processes. The UK no Government have said they will approach forthcoming longer uses the PPP format to source projects for which legislation in the area of criminal justice on a case-by-case there is an insufficient capital requirement or continuing basis, with a view to maximising our country’s security, lifecycle maintenance/service obligation, or for lower protecting Britain’s civil liberties and preserving the value projects. integrity of our criminal justice system The UK emphasised that while PPP remains a useful The draft regulation will benefit vulnerable people in procurement option, it is not suitable for every project Britain who may now feel more confident to travel and should only be selected when it can demonstrate within the EU due to greater protection. The draft that it provides a better value for money outcome than regulation provides a quick and efficient mechanism. It conventional procurement processes. aims to avoid those needing protection having to go The UK noted that a fundamental feature of PPP through time-consuming court procedures and giving structures is that they provide for availability payments evidence on the same matters in another member state over the life of a long-term service contract. However, in order to get the protection they need. EU regulations only provide for availability payments The draft regulation covers “civil matters” and follows that are linked to development and construction pre- on from the draft directive on the European protection payments. If operational availability payments are not order which covers “criminal matters” which the UK permitted, this could distort the decision-making process has also opted into. The two separate instruments are on the type of PPP structure that is adopted and intended to complement each other so that as many unnecessarily constrain the options available to member protection orders as possible are covered despite the states. differences in member states’ systems.

Maritime Incident Response Group TRANSPORT The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Informal EU Transport Council (Mike Penning): As part of the comprehensive spending review that the Government set out last October, we announced the intention to consult interested parties The Minister of State, Department for Transport about a review of the maritime incident response group (Mrs Theresa Villiers): The Polish presidency of the EU (MIRG) funded by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency held an informal meeting of EU Transport Ministers in (MCA). Gdansk and Sopot on 5 and 6 September. The UK was Since it was established in 2006, the MIRG has represented by officials. The theme was: “Mobilizing responded to just six fire incidents and has not had a private financing for transport infrastructure”. The debate significant impact on the outcome of any of those. was based on a number of questions put by the presidency, Since February the MCA has consulted those fire and which were principally about the use of public-private rescue services providing the current MIRG capability. partnerships. Feedback from the shipping industry suggests that The key points conveyed by the UK are as follows: the most valued service provided by the MIRG is their For the UK, the primary factor determining PPP use initial fire assessment advice. The MCA had therefore is whether it offers the best value for money compared initially hoped that the fire and rescue services providing to alternative delivery options. The features that impact the current MIRG capability would be able to provide on the value for money decision include: public sector such a service, but agreement on this has not been access to private sector capital and expertise and the possible. The Government therefore intend to establish transfer of financial risk from the public to the private alternative arrangements for such a fire assessment and sector. advice service using commercial salvors. 65WS Written Ministerial Statements15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 66WS

Under the new arrangements professional personnel scheme himself under section 12 of the 1991 Act or will be deployed to an incident to make an assessment subsequently approving the sale of a port to which such of the status of a fire and to provide advice on the best a scheme relates. course of action and—as in many cases today—reassure Essential criteria port authorities that a ship can be safely accepted into a Community participation port so that shore based fire fighters can attend to the fire. This approach recognises that international legislation The Secretary of State will not approve an application already requires that all ships’ crews are trained and for the sale of a trust port under the 1991 Act unless the equipped to fight fires on ships. sale is considered likely to deliver an enduring and significant level of community participation in the port. The new service will not require funding from the Such participation could take a variety of forms, but public purse as costs will be recoverable. A 90-day must include the ability to influence the port’s long-term notice period will begin today and the existing MIRG development and may include the right to receive a arrangement will end on 14 December 2011. share in the profits of the port, or the future increase in its value. It does not necessarily require a community role in the operation of the port. Sale of Trust Ports Future investment in, and development of, the port The Secretary of State will not approve an application unless the sale is considered likely to deliver an ownership The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip model with the capability and access to capital to meet Hammond): On 3 August 2011 I announced the criteria future investment needs and to exploit development that the Government will consider particularly relevant potential of the port. to the appropriateness of the sale of a major trust port in England or Wales under the Ports Act 1991. This Fair price followed the consultation that I announced on 16 May The Secretary of State will not approve an application 2011, Official Report, column 4WS, and which closed unless the sale is considered likely to represent good on 27 June. I regret that it was not possible to announce value for money, having regard not only to Exchequer this first by written ministerial statement to the House, proceeds and market conditions, but also to other benefits but I did not wish to delay consideration of the application including those to the community and the wider economy. by Dover Harbour Board for a transfer scheme. Fair competition I am aware that Dover Harbour Board has now The Secretary of State will not approve an application considered the criteria, intends to proceed with its that is likely to deliver an ownership model which application for a transfer scheme under the Ports Act 1991, results in unsatisfactory levels of competition in the and proposes to submit a new set of documents containing relevant sector. a further elaboration of its scheme for decision by the Highly Desirable criteria Minister of State under the new criteria. If interested Transport networks parties would find it useful and seek my Department’s assistance, we would be happy to consider ways in It is highly desirable for an application to be likely to which properly to facilitate discussions on all the options deliver an ownership model which will cause the port to before the Dover Harbour Board submits its elaborated be operated so as to contribute to reliable, resilient and proposal. I should make clear that the decision Minister efficient transport networks. would take no part in such discussions and would Sale process continue to perform her statutory functions in an objective, It is highly desirable that the sale should be conducted impartial manner whatever the outcome of any such in such a way as to give all bona fide prospective discussions. purchasers a fair and equitable opportunity to participate. The following paragraphs set out the revised policy Desirable criteria which the Secretary of State expects to follow when Employee involvement considering an application under the Ports Act 1991 for It is desirable for an application to be likely to deliver the sale of a major trust port in England or Wales. This port employee participation in the ownership of the covers the consideration of any proposal for a transfer port, such as the right to receive equity shares or a share scheme submitted under section 9 or 10 of the 1991 in its future success.1 Act, together with the exercise of the Secretary of 1This is without prejudice to the Ports Act 1991 section 5(3) State’s functions in respect of the subsequent sale of the requirement to have particular regard to the desirability of encouraging port to which the scheme relates. The Secretary of State the disposal of the whole or a substantial part of the equity share also intends to have particular regard to the policy capital of the successor company to managers or other persons considerations set out below before making a transfer employed by the port company etc. 21P Petitions15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Petitions 22P

Under the Act as it currently stands, a “responsible Petition authority”(such as the police), or residents and businesses “in the vicinity”of the premises, can make a representation Thursday 15 September 2011 about the application. The LA will ordinarily hold a hearing to consider the representation, which can result in conditions being imposed on the licence that are OBSERVATIONS “necessary for the promotion of the licensing objectives”. A number of conditions relating to glassware are quite common. They include bans on the use of bottles by customers; requirements for the use of safer alternatives HOME DEPARTMENT to traditional glassware; and bans on customers leaving Glass Bottles (Pubs and Clubs) with glassware. These conditions can be absolute, or may apply at certain times or contain other exceptions The Petition of residents of the United Kingdom, (such as for wine bottles sold as part of a table meal). Declares the Petitioners concern that glass bottles Therefore, if the police consider that the premises may, can cause serious harm to victims when used as a due to its location and style, present a risk of violent weapon. crime, they can make a representation to seek the imposition The Petitioners therefore request that the House of of conditions that are specific to the premises. Carrying Commons urges the Government to bring forward a out licensable activities otherwise than in accordance law to stop the serving of glass bottles and glasses in with an authorisation is a serious criminal offence, so pubs and clubs after 9 pm. these conditions have real impact. And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Sheryll After the licence has been granted, responsible authorities Murray, Official Report, 20 July 2011; Vol. 531, c. 11P.] and interested parties can apply to the licensing authority at any time for a review of the licence. Therefore, a ban [P000952] on bottles or glassware is likely to be imposed after an Observations from the Secretary of State for the Home incident of crime and disorder, whilst more serious or Department: repeat incidents may result in the premises being shut The Government condemn the horrific bottle attack down either temporarily or permanently. suffered by Mr Jack Nutting and praises the campaign The Government are currently bringing forward measures he has launched to prevent this happening to others. in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill (the The Government recognise the benefits that glassware PRSR Bill) that will shift the balance of the Act in bans and safer alternatives to traditional glassware can favour of communities and the police. In particular, the have in limiting the harm caused by alcohol-related limitation that only those members of the public or violence. However, we do not consider that a ban on businesses who are “in the vicinity of the premises” can glass bottles and other glassware should apply to all make a representation or apply for a review will be pubs and clubs nationwide after 9 pm. Many licensed scrapped. This will mean that any person or business, premises operate without any violent incidents. regardless of where they live or operate, will be able to The Government therefore believe that they should take these steps. The PRSR Bill also contains measures avoid dictating from the centre and instead empower to make the LA itself a responsible authority, so that it the police, communities, and licensing authorities to does not have to wait for others to act before it takes take steps to prevent alcohol-related crime and disorder, steps to promote the licensing objectives. including banning glassware, when it is appropriate in Furthermore, we are lowering the test that applies to the particular circumstances. The Licensing Act 2003 LAs’ decisions from “necessary for the promotion of (the Act) devolves responsibility for the administration the licensing objectives”to “appropriate for the promotion of licensing to local authorities acting as “licensing of the licensing objectives”. This is an important change authorities” (LAs). Any premises wishing to sell alcohol that will enable LAs to impose conditions more easily must submit an application to the local LA, which must and without being constrained by the idea that they discharge its functions under the Act with a view to need to be sure that the condition is “necessary”. promoting the licensing objectives. These are: the prevention These measures will put communities and the police of crime and disorder; public safety; the protection of in a much better position to take steps to prevent children from harm; and the prevention of public nuisance. violent crime and reduce the harm it causes.

1249W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1250W

Gregory Barker: Energy and climate change policies Written Answers to are funded by a mixture of levies and general taxation. Levy-funded policies (such as the renewables obligation Questions (RO), feed-in tariffs (FITs) and warm home discount (WHD)) place the obligation of financing the policies onto energy companies which is then passed onto the Thursday 15 September 2011 consumer. Estimates of how these levies impact the public finances were published in Budget 2011, see Tables C.3 and C.4 of: PRIME MINISTER http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/2011budget_complete.pdf Ministers: Conduct To help ensure that these policies achieve their objectives cost effectively and affordably the Government have John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister (1) what introduced a framework to control levy funded spending questions the Cabinet Secretary asked of the Prime by DECC. This framework forms part of the Government’s Minister in investigating the hon. Member for Bassetlaw’s public spending framework which Treasury has complaint of a potential breach of the Ministerial responsibility for. Code; when these discussions took place; and what was the medium of communication used; [68995] Spending through the renewable heat incentive (RHI) (2) how long the Cabinet Secretary spent on his is funded from general taxation. The agreed limits for investigations into the hon. Member for Bassetlaw’s the RHI over the spending review period are set out in complaint of a potential breach of the Ministerial the following table: Code by the Prime Minister; and whom the Cabinet Secretary interviewed in the course of his investigation. Renewable heat incentive (£ million) [68997] 2011-12 56 The Prime Minister: These are matters for the Cabinet 2012-13 133 Secretary who I understand has written to the hon. 2013-14 251 Member on this issue. 2014-15 424 John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister who is responsible Source: DECC under the Ministerial Code for investigating any complaints http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/What%20we%20do/UK%20 of a breach of the code by the Prime Minister; and with energy%20supply/Energy%20mix/Renewable%20energy/1691-qa- whom he has confirmed his understanding of the info-levy-funded-spending.pdf interpretation of the Code. [68996] The main other policies funded through general taxation The Prime Minister: The Ministerial Code makes are the Green Investment Bank which will have initial clear that Ministers are accountable to Parliament for capitalisation of £3 billion and begin operation in 2012-13 their decisions and actions. which it is anticipated could leverage around a further £15 billion from the private sector, and the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) demonstration programme. SCOTLAND At spending review 2010, the Government committed Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs up to £l billion for the capital investment for the first CCS demonstration project. At Budget 2011, the Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Government also confirmed that they would fund their Scotland what recent discussions his Department has commitments to CCS demonstrations from general had with the Minister for Rural Affairs and the taxation. Environment; and if he will make a statement. [71576] DECC published an assessment of the impact of David Mundell: I am in regular contact with the climate change and energy polices on energy prices and Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Rural bills for households and non-domestic consumers alongside Affairs and the Environment and with my ministerial the July 2010 Annual Energy Statement available online colleagues in DEFRA on a range of issues of importance at: to Scotland. Last week I discussed a range of issues http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/about/ec_social_res/ with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the analytic_projs/price_bill_imp/pricebillimp.aspx Environment including recent developments on EU reform of the common agricultural policy and the In July 2011 DECC published provisional analysis on fisheries concordat. the impacts of energy and climate change policies on energy prices and bills faced by large energy intensive users available online at: ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/about-us/economics- Climate Change social-research/2350-pro-ests-of-impacts-energy-and- prices.pdf Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy An updated assessment of the impact of energy and and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the climate change policies on energy prices and bills for cost to the (a) public purse and (b) private sector of households and businesses and bills will be published implementing Government policies on tackling climate alongside the Annual Energy Statement in the autumn change. [71568] reflecting policy developments over the last year. 1251W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1252W

Departmental Manpower Capital grants provided in 2010-11 £ million

Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Wave and tidal 20.25 and Climate Change how many officials in his Department Total 30.85 worked on the draft of the national planning policy framework produced by the Department for Communities Research and development grants for nuclear related technologies in 2009-106 and Local Government. [71891] Technology Amount (£ million)

Charles Hendry: Four officials spent part of their Fission7 16.1 time working with DCLG officials on this draft. Fusion8 18.9 Total 35 Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy 1 The renewables obligation (RO) is currently the Government’s main and Climate Change how many officials in his Department financial incentive for large scale renewable electricity, including wind worked on the draft of the national planning policy power. framework produced by the practitioners’ advisory group. 2 Figures for 2010-11 will be available following publication of Ofgem’s [71896] annual report for the 2010-11 obligation year by April 2012. 3 Feed-in tariffs incentivise the deployment of small-scale low carbon electricity generation. They support solar photovoltaic, hydro, anaerobic Charles Hendry: None, though two officials met the digestion and wind projects up to 5 MW and microCHP installations practitioners advisory group at the group’s request. of up to 2 kW. 4 Latest available figures. Electricity Generation 5 Approximately two-thirds of this (£0.9 million) would have been used for electricity generation. 6 Latest available figures. Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for 7 This includes funding by the Research Councils and the Nuclear Energy and Climate Change what the total cost to the Decommissioning Authority. public purse is of all forms of subsidy for the development, 8 Research Councils funding. construction and installation of each low carbon method As the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate of electricity generation in the last year for which figures Change, the right hon. Member for Eastleigh (Chris are available. [71150] Huhne), made clear in his written statement to the House on 18 October 2010, Official Report, columns Charles Hendry: The cost to the public purse for the 42-46WS, although there would be continuing support development, construction and installation of low carbon for activities such as research and development, there electricity generation using the latest available figures will be no public subsidy for new nuclear power stations. are given in the following tables. These include the latest Research and development grants for carbon abatement available figures for financial incentives provided by the technologies including carbon capture and storage in Government to increase the deployment of renewable 2010-11 energy capacity, as well as research and development £3.1 million was spent by DECC to support a range grants provided to developers of low carbon electricity of R&D projects, including those funded by the Technology generation and capital grants awarded to offshore wind, Strategy Board. There has been additional expenditure wave and tidal energy developers. under the CCS demonstration programme which remains Financial incentives for renewable energy capacity commercially confidential until the procurement has Name of incentive Year Amount (£) been completed.

The renewables 2009-102 1.1 billion Feed-in Tariffs: Lancashire obligation1 Feed-in tariffs3 2010-11 10.7 million Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Research and development grants for renewable energy technologies in Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made 2009-104 of the number of people resident in (a) East Lancashire Technology Amount (£ million) and (b) Pendle constituency who have participated in Solar 15.3 the (i) feed-in tariff and (ii) renewable heat incentive [71775] Wind 9.2 since his appointment. Marine, 7.5 Charles Hendry: Information about the feed-in tariffs Biofuels 35.5 (FITs) scheme from the FITs central register can be Geothermal 4.1 obtained only at the local authority level. Hence no Hydro 0 information is available for East Lancashire as a whole. Unallocated 18.5 However, live data for all local authorities (including Total 90.1 those in East Lancashire) is available on the Ofgem Research and development grants for anaerobic digestion technology in website and can be accessed at: 201-11 https://www.renewablesandchp.ofgem.gov.uk/Default.aspx £ million The FITs quarterly statistics received by DECC from AD Demonstration Programme 51.3 Ofgem are broken down by constituency, and showed at the end of June 2011 that there were 49 schemes in Capital grants provided in 2010-11 Pendle constituency, all at the domestic scale. In addition, £ million live data for Pendle local authority on 13 September Offshore wind 10.6 2011 showed that there were 76 installations on that date, of which 74 were at domestic scale. 1253W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1254W

There have been no participants in the renewable heat Charles Hendry: The decision to close the Sellafield incentive (RHI) scheme as it is not yet open for applications. MOX Plant (SMP) was an operational and commercial Subject to state aid approval, the Government intends matter for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority that the RHI will open for applications from the non- (NDA). The Government were kept fully informed and domestic sector on 30 September 2011. as it was clear that closure was the only commercially viable option they endorsed the decision on value for Microgeneration Certification Scheme money grounds. While the closure of SMP is regrettable, it should not Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy detract from the fact that the renaissance of nuclear in and Climate Change how many companies are registered the UK opens up new opportunities for Sellafield. The as qualified under the Microgeneration Certification site continues to be the home to much of our nuclear Scheme in (a) Wales and (b) the UK. [71707] skills, our nuclear expertise and many of our key facilities. It has also been identified as one of eight sites for a new Gregory Barker: The numbers of microgeneration nuclear power station. installer companies registered as MCS certificated are: The NDA’s decision on SMP has no connection with (a) 124 in Wales the separate consideration by the Government of the policy options for dealing with the UK’s plutonium (b) 3,269 in the UK stockpile. We consulted earlier this year on our preliminary Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy view that the best prospect of delivering a long-term and Climate Change what steps he plans to take to solution for plutonium management will be by reusing ensure that smart meters will not expose customers to the plutonium to make mixed oxide fuel. As set out in the consultation document SMP was never expected to prolonged radio frequency microwave radiation. [71743] be used for dealing with the UK stockpile of plutonium. Charles Hendry: As yet communications technology We are currently reviewing the results of that consultation solutions have not been selected for the smart metering and expect to publish the outcome and next steps later system. Both wired and wireless technologies exist that this autumn. If, following the consultation, the Government could be used and, for practical and technical reasons, were to decide to reuse plutonium as MOX fuel, in due both wireless and wired solutions will need to be utilised course we would need to consider building a new MOX by installers during the roll out, depending on local fabrication plant. Any such plant would need to take circumstances. fully into account the lessons from SMP and from other MOX plants around the world. Where wireless technologies are used in deploying smart meters they will have to comply with relevant regulations, best practice and international standards as set out by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing WORK AND PENSIONS Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). In 2009 the ICNIRP published an evidence review, and updated and reconfirmed Council Tax its guidance. We are currently consulting on draft technical specifications for the smart metering equipment and on Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Work proposals to introduce licence conditions that will require and Pensions how many recipients there are of council suppliers to install smart metering equipment that meets tax benefit in each local authority area in England. the relevant ICNIRP guidance. [69339]

National Infrastructure Plan Steve Webb: A copy of the available information on CTB recipients by local authority has been placed in the Library. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will publish his Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Department’s submission to the National Infrastructure and Pensions what proportion of recipients of council Plan. [71781] tax benefit of working age (a) were in employment, (b) were not in employment and (c) had a registered disability Charles Hendry: The second National Infrastructure in (i) England and (ii) each local authority area on the Plan, due for publication in the autumn, will provide most recent date for which figures are available. [69348] the Government’s overall strategic assessment of the challenges facing the country’s infrastructure and the Steve Webb: The information as requested is not action the government is taking to respond, across available. A copy of the available information on CTB sectors including energy. Individual departmental recipients has been placed in the Library. contributions to the plan will not be published separately. A breakdown of CTB recipients by employment status and disabled status is only available for CTB recipients Radioactive Materials who are not also on a passported benefit (income support, jobseeker’s allowance (income-based), employment Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for and support allowance (income based), or pension credit Energy and Climate Change whether he has considered (guaranteed credit). Non-passported recipients represent the potential effects on (a) sector skills and employment around one third of all CTB claimants. and (b) the future re-use of the UK’s plutonium stockpile The information provided contains numbers of CTB as MOX fuel of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s recipients rather than proportions. As employment status proposed closure of Sellafield MOX plant. [71782] and disabled status can only be obtained for non passported 1255W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1256W recipients, presenting these numbers as proportions of and rent services in Scotland and Wales. The data the total CTB caseload would be misleading as the consider a relatively small selection of properties and employment status and disabled status may well be are used to generate local housing allowance rates for different between the passported and non passported each broad rental market area (BRMA). However, it is groups. not a comprehensive source of data on the number of rents that are below the 30th percentile of the local rent Housing Benefit distribution.

Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many rents for (a) shared, (b) one Pensions how many households were receiving bedroom, (c) two bedroom, (d) three bedroom and (e) Housing Benefit Transitional Protection in each local four bedroom accommodation were assessed as being at authority area in Great Britain in June 2011. [71231] or below the 30th percentile in each broad rental market area in (i) June 2010 and (ii) June 2011; [71227] Steve Webb: The information is not available. (2) how many rents for (a) shared, (b) one bedroom, Social Fund: Yorkshire and Humberside (c) two bedroom, (d) three bedroom and (e) four bedroom accommodation were assessed as being at or Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work below the 30th percentile in each local authority area in and Pensions how many people in (a) Yo rk , (b) North Great Britain in (i) June 2010 and (ii) June 2011. [71228] Yorkshire, (c) Yorkshire and the Humber and (d) England have received a (i) grant and (ii) loan from the Steve Webb: The information is not available: the Social Fund in each of the last five years. [71457] question refers to data on all private rented sector (PRS) rents which come from market evidence data Steve Webb: The information available is in the following (MED) collected by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) table:

Table 1: Number of initial social fund loans and grants awards in Yorkshire and Humber and England Yorkshire and the Humber England Community care grants Loans Community care grants Loans

2006-07 22,700 210,700 215,900 1,858,900 2007-08 22,300 214,400 196,800 2,040,400 2008-09 23,400 237,000 200,000 2,479,300 2009-10 25,800 313,900 209,800 3,139,400 2010-11 25,700 340,900 205,100 3,084,400 Notes: 1. We are unable to provide the localised data provided for the years specified for technical reasons. 2. The information provided is based on Government Office Region for the years requested however from March 2011 due to the closure of Government Offices for the Regions closing they are referred to as Regions. 3. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100. 4. The information provided is Management Information. Our preference is to answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this case we only have Management Information available. It is not quality assured to the same extent as Official/National statistics and there are some issues with the data, for example, it does not include applications which were processed clerically and have not yet been entered on to the Social Fund Computer System. 5. If an applicant receives an initial award and this award is increased on first review in the same month as the initial award was made, then the Policy, Budget and Management Information System (PBMIS) does not count the initial award and the review award separately, but counts one award on the one application. However, if a first review award is made in a later month than the initial award, then PBMIS counts two awards on the one application. Similarly, if an initial or first review award is increased by the Independent Review Service, then all awards made in the same month on one application count as one award. However, if an initialawardor any review award(s) on one application are made in different months, then PBMIS will count one award for each month in which an initial or review award was made. Because of this counting method, only the numbers of initial awards have been given. 6. Figures are for initial awards made, not the number of people who received an initial award. (Some people-received more than one initial award.)

Social Security Benefits: City of York Mr Paice: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 12 September 2011, Official Report, Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work column 975W. and Pensions how many people in City of York Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Council area have moved off benefits and into work in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the the last 12 months. [71455] answer of 8 September 2011, Official Report, column 771W, Chris Grayling: The information requested is not on badgers, whether the costs to the public purse of the available. proposed cull referred to are per year or in respect of the total cost of the pilot. [72002] Mr Paice: My previous answer of 8 September 2011, ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Official Report, column 771W, refers to costs for each area over a 10 year period, rather than costs per year. Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control Deerstalking

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information representations her Department has received opposing her Department holds on the number of people who a cull of badgers; and if she will make a statement. have attained deerstalking level 1 proficiency in each [71952] region. [70658] 1257W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1258W

Richard Benyon: None. There is no requirement for The number of vessels required to meet the above the awarding body (Deer Management Qualifications criteria is not recorded centrally. An exercise is carried Ltd), deer stalkers or course providers to report the out each year by UK fisheries administrations to assess award of level 1 deer stalking certificates to DEFRA. whether or not vessels meet the economic link criteria However, latest published statistics on the awarding through the level of their landings. Those that do not body’s website confirm that 16,189 people have completed are then contacted to identify which of the other possible the assessment and been awarded the certificate. criteria they meet.

Fish: Catering Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for of the UK fixed quota allocation is held by dummy Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what types of vessels for each UK fish producer organisation. [71736] fish are served in her Department’s canteens and associated facilities. [71591] Richard Benyon: As at 1 January 2011, approximately Mr Paice: Since 16 May 2011, DEFRA’s restaurant 20% of UK fixed quota allocation units were held on and catering services have been contracted to Eurest fish producer organisations’ (FPO) dummy licences. Services, which has served the following fish in DEFRA’s The following table shows the breakdown for each restaurants and canteens: FPO. Plaice Fish producer organisation Percentage Salmon Coley Aberdeen FPO 1.2 Cod Anglo Northern Irish FPO Ltd 0.4 Haddock Anglo Scottish FPO Ltd 2.2 Pangasius Cornish FPO Ltd 1.0 Eastern England FPO Ltd 0.8 Mackerel Fife FPO Ltd 0.1 Peeled prawns Fleetwood FPO Ltd 0.6 Tinned tuna The FPO Ltd 0.0 Fisheries: Quotas Interfish 0.1 Klondyke 0.0 Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Lowestoft FPO Ltd 0.0 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will Lunar Group 0.0 make an assessment of the compatibility of European Isle of Man Non-Sector 0.0 Commission proposals on tradable fishing quotas with North Atlantic FPO Ltd 0.0 EU treaty provisions on property rights; [71510] North East of Scotland FO Ltd 0.8 (2) if she will make an assessment of the effects of North Sea FPO Ltd 0.5 implementing European Commission proposals for Northern Ireland FPO Ltd 1.7 tradable fishing quotas on coastal fishing communities. Northern Producers Organisation Ltd 0.5 [71511] Orkney FPO Ltd 0.2 Scottish FPO Ltd 5.9 Richard Benyon: As UK Fisheries Minister I will Shetland FPO Ltd 3.1 carry out an assessment of all elements of the European South Western FPO Ltd 0.4 Commission’s proposals on reform of the Common Wales and West Coast FPO Ltd 0.0 Fisheries Policy. This will include the compatibility of West of Scotland FPO Ltd 0.4 the EU proposals for tradable fishing concessions with All fish producer organisations 19.9 EU Treaty provisions on property rights and the potential impacts on coastal fishing communities. Fishing Vessels Forestry Commission: Government Procurement Card

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many fishing Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish the (a) vessels on the British Register were required to comply purchase date, (b) transaction amount, (c) supplier with the economic link requirement as part of the terms and (d) level 3 or enhanced transaction entry of each for entry onto the Register in the latest period for which individual transaction undertaken by the Forestry figures are available. [71735] Commission using the Government Procurement Card Richard Benyon: All UK fishing vessels landing more in (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10. [71702] than two tonnes of quota stocks in any one year must comply with the economic link by: Mr Paice: Details of Government Procurement Card (a) landing 50% of their catch into the UK; transactions by the Forestry Commission in England (b) employing crew at least 50% of whom are resident in UK for 2008-09 and 2009-10 have been placed in the Library coastal areas; of the House. This includes date of transaction, amount, (c) spending at least 50% of their operating expenditure on merchant details and category description. Level 3 or goods and services in the UK; or enhanced transaction details, which is the detailed (d) other equivalent means, including combinations of the transaction information passed from participating suppliers above. to the card issuer, are not held by the Forestry Commission. 1259W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1260W

Game: Birds DEFRA does not hold details of commercial and industrial waste at local authority level. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State From 2008-09 to 2010-11, the Department provided for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will funding to upper tier local authorities outside London bring forward proposals to ban the mass production of through the Waste Infrastructure Capital Grant to support birds for sport shooting; and if she will make a investment in infrastructure, such as recycling and statement; [71951] composting facilities, to boost recycling rates. During (2) what information her Department holds on the this time DEFRA provided the following amounts to number of (a) pheasants and (b) partridges produced the City of York council: for sport shooting in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement. [71953] £ 2008-09 359,837.71 Mr Paice: I refer the hon. Member to the answers 2009-10 361,122.65 given on 12 September 2011, Official Report, columns 2010-11 133,485.73 971-72W. DEFRA is encouraging local authorities to sign up Livestock: Animal Welfare to the new Recycling and Waste Services Commitment to improve services to residences. We have removed Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State national targets to allow local authorities greater freedom for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps to make local decisions, and are working with the Waste she has taken to improve the animal welfare of farmed and Resources Action Programme and Improvement animals since her appointment; and if she will make a and Efficiency South East (one of nine regional statement. [71950] Improvement and Efficiency Partnerships) to provide technical and procurement advice to local authorities. Mr Paice: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 12 September 2011, Official Report, columns 969-70W. ATTORNEY-GENERAL Recycling Coroners and Justice Act 2009: Prosecutions

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Attorney-General how Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion many people have been charged with offences under of waste collected in City of York was recycled in each section 71 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 for year since 2003-04; what funding her Department provided holding someone in slavery or servitude or requiring a to the City of York council to increase recycling rates in person to perform forced or compulsory labour. each year in that period; and what recent steps her [71996] Department has taken to encourage local authorities to increase waste recycling rates. [71487] The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) records show that six prosecutions have been Richard Benyon: The proportion of household waste brought since the introduction, in April 2010, of the collected in the City of York which was recycled from offence of holding someone in slavery, or servitude or 2003-04 to 2009-10 is as follows: requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour. Percentage The CPS’s records indicate the volume of offences, not defendants, prosecuted by the CPS. These data are 2003-04 15.43 not held by defendant or by outcomes. 2004-05 17.77 2005-06 24.44 2006-07 39.93 2007-08 43.37 HEALTH 2008-09 45.13 Alcoholic Drinks 2009-10 43.26

The proportion of all waste collected by City of York Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for council (household and non-household) which was recycled Health on how many occasions he has met (a) over the same period is as follows: representatives of the drinks industry, (b) alcohol treatment providers and (c) alcohol-related charities since his Percentage appointment. [71578] 2003-04 19.01 Anne Milton: The Secretary of State for Health, my 2004-05 22.09 right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire 2005-06 25.71 (Mr Lansley), has not met with representatives of the 2006-07 39.36 drinks industry or alcohol treatment providers since his 2007-08 42.28 appointment. 2008-09 43.69 2009-10 41.83 The Secretary of State has met with an alcohol related charity on one occasion since his appointment. 1261W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1262W

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse Care Homes: Inspections

Mrs Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for pursuant to the answer of 19 July 2011, Official Report, Health what the smallest care home is which was column 917W, on alcoholic drinks: misuse, for what inspected by the Care Quality Commission in the last reasons his Department uses the 2005 General Household three years. [71992] Survey as the basis for information on alcohol consumption among adults rather than the General Lifestyle Survey 2009. [71740] Paul Burstow: The following information has been provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Anne Milton: The 2005 General Household Survey The following tables show the name of each one bed was the most current information available at the time care home, as the CQC has recorded it, which has been the research into alcohol attributable fractions was inspected or reviewed by the CQC and its predecessor undertaken by the North West Public Health Observatory. the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) over the last three years, and the region it is located in. Mrs Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Inspections prior to 1 October 2010 were carried out pursuant to the answer of 19 July 2011, Official Report, under the Care Standards Act 2000. Reviews carried column 917W, on alcoholic drinks: misuse, what plans out after this date were carried out under the Health he has to update estimates of the number of alcohol-related and Social Care Act 2008. hospital admissions using the latest available data on Completed reviews of compliance carried out by the CQC under the 1 alcohol consumption. [71741] Health and Social Care Act 2008 Name Region Anne Milton: The North West Public Health Observatory Olive House London periodically reviews the value of updating the methodology Time to Care North East used to calculate alcohol-related hospital admissions Flat 1 South East using the latest evidence on harms from alcohol. Any Mrs Sarah Louise Vooght—Hill South West changes can then be applied retrospectively to ensure Park Road Residential Care Home comparability. 63 West Park Road South West The Butts West Midlands Brian Hall—1 Ratcliffe Road West Midlands Cancer: Surgery Margaret Jean Holton—5 Beacon West Midlands Gardens 1 October 2010 to 1 September 2011. John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Random or key inspections carried out by the CQC under the Care Health what recent assessment his Department has Standards Act 20001 made of the effectiveness of robotic radiosurgery; and Name Region what contribution he expects robotic radiosurgery to Ethel Road (7) South East make to the Government’s strategy for cancer treatment 16 Hill Park Road South West in the NHS. [71599] 5 Beacon Gardens West Midlands 18 Leafdown Close West Midlands Paul Burstow: The National Radiotherapy Olcote West Midlands Implementation Group (NRIG) report, ‘Stereotactic 41 Beach Road North West Body Radiotherapy Guidelines for Commissioners, 15a Worsley Road South East Providers and Clinicians in England 2011’ made a 71 The Fremnells Eastern comprehensive assessment of the role and opportunities 110 Primley Park South West for SBRT in cancer treatment. An assessment of the Danemere South East technology available for the delivery of Stereotactic 51a Chapel Park Road South East Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), including robotic systems, 1 Springhead South West was also made in the report. A copy of the NRIG 44 Monks Close Eastern report has been placed in the Library. 362 Park Road East Midlands The report brought together all the existing evidence Autism Initiatives (85 Beatrice North West on SBRT and concluded that a small number of patients Street) would benefit from this treatment. There are at least 20 Time-to-Care North East radiotherapy centres across the country with the capability The Lodge South West of delivering this treatment. 1 The Cottages Yorkshire and Humberside Ensuring that all cancer patients receive the appropriate Hollybush Villas North East treatment delivered to a high standard is critical to 3 Hainault Avenue Eastern improving cancer outcomes. It is now for the local Myddleton House North West national health service to take account of this guidance Godwyne Hurst South East when considering whether to commission SBRT for Hill View Care Home South East a particular indication. As with all clinical decisions, Fossdyke North East these should be made locally on a case-by-case basis Hexthorpe House Yorkshire and Humberside taking into account the individual circumstances of Rowan—Innova House CLD East Midlands each patient. 1 1 April 2009 to 30 September 2010. 1263W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1264W

Random or key inspections carried out by the CSCI under the Care Standards Act 20001 £ Name Region Bulgaria 0 5 Beacon Gardens West Midlands Cyprus 197,000 Bowley Close, 1 London Czech Republic 64,000 New Monterey North West Finland 0 Saxon House South East France 3,078,000 Glen Cottage South East Germany 538,000 Ethel Road (7) South East Greece 1,957,000 1 Empire Road South West Hungary 0 10 Clifton Drive East Midlands Iceland 0 The Butts West Midlands Ireland 17,322,000 Barrington Road, 45a London Italy 5,174,000 82 Beagleswood Road South East Latvia 0 Limekiln Farm South East Liechtenstein 0 Henbury View Road (Flat 19) South West Lithuania 0 Saxon House Eastern Luxembourg 0 63 West Park Road South West Netherlands 170,000 Bath Road (4) South West Norway 0 Andover Close (31) South East Poland 15,000 134 Newtondale Yorkshire and Humberside Portugal 2,472,000 Millpool Eastern Romania 231,000 44 Monks Close Eastern Slovakia 1,000 Olive House London Slovenia 167,000 Gunters Grove Farm South West Spain 5,214,000 1 1 September 2008 to 31 March 2009. Sweden 0 Switzerland 0 Food Standards Agency: Government Procurement Total 38,500,000 Card Note: Country totals are rounded to the nearest £1,000. Overall totals are rounded to John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the nearest £100,000. Sub-totals may not add up to totals due to rounding. he will publish the (a) purchase date, (b) transaction amount, (c) supplier and (d) level 3 or enhanced transaction The amounts paid relate to combined claims for entry of each transaction undertaken by the Food Standards temporary visitors (via European health insurance cards, Agency using the Government Procurement Card in (i) workers temporarily posted abroad by their employer 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10. [71703] and referrals for treatment in other European economic area countries. Due to the nature of the claims system Anne Milton: The information for 2008-09 and 2009-10 between member states, it is not currently possible to is held manually and could be provided only at a disaggregate the data consistently for all member states disproportionate cost. by either type of claim or type of treatment. Health Services: Foreign Nationals Mental Health Services Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many foreign nationals owe (a) under Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) £1,000 and (b) over £1,000 for NHS treatment which how many NHS admissions were made under Part II of they have received. [71916] the Mental Health Act 1983 in each NHS trust area in England in the latest year for which figures are Anne Milton: The Department does not hold this available; [71650] information centrally. (2) what the percentage change was in the number of Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements NHS admissions under Part II of the Mental Health Act 1983 in each NHS trust area between 2005-06 and the latest year for which figures are available; [71651] Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the balance of outstanding payments was (3) how many NHS admissions were made under for each country under the European Health Insurance Part II of the Mental Health Act 1983 in each primary care Card scheme in the latest period for which information trust area in latest year for which figures are available; is available. [71946] [71652] (4) what the percentage change was in the number of Anne Milton: For claims submitted up to an including NHS admissions under Part II of the Mental Health the financial year 2010-11, a total of £38,487,035.14 is Act 1983 in each primary care trust area between 2004-05 outstanding. A breakdown, by country, is shown in the and the latest year for which figures are available; following table. [71653] (5) how many admissions were made under Part II of £ the Mental Health Act 1983 per 1,000 head of Austria 1,887,000 population in each primary care trust area in the latest Belgium 0 year for which figures are available; [71654] 1265W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1266W

(6) what the percentage change was in the number of Sickness absence rate, for the NHS and acute trusts in England, April admissions under Part II of the Mental Health Act 2009-March 2011 1983 per 1,000 head of population in each primary care Percentage trust area between 2004-05 and the latest year for April to March each Of which: Acute year Total NHS trusts which figures are available; [71655] (7) how many NHS bed days were accounted for by 2009-10 4.40 4.18 people with a mental health related diagnosis in (a) 2010-11 4.16 3.91 each NHS trust area and (b) each primary care trust Notes: area in the most recent year for which figures are 1. Sickness absence rate is calculated by dividing the sum total sickness absence days by the sum total days available per month for [71656] available; each member of staff. (8) how many NHS bed days per 1,000 head of 2. While lower sickness absence rates, in general, indicate lower levels population were accounted for by people with a mental of sickness absence it should be noted that lower rates can also indicate under reporting of sickness absence. health related diagnosis in each primary care trust in Data Quality: the most recent year for which figures are available; The NHS Information Centre for health and social care seeks to [71657] minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing (9) how many patients were detained under the the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data Mental Health Act 1983 in each primary care trust area quality. Where changes impact on figures already published, this is (a) in total and (b) per 1,000 head of population in assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not the latest year for which figures are available; [71658] changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. (10) what the percentage change was in the number Source: of detentions under the Mental Health Act 1983 (a) NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care—Processed nationally and (b) in each primary care trust area using data taken from the Electronic Staff Record Data Warehouse. between 2004-05 and the latest date for which figures are available. [71659] COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Paul Burstow: Information on the number of NHS admissions made under part II of the Mental Health Council Housing Act 1983 in each primary care trust (PCT) has never been collected centrally, as it is an aggregate return from providers. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what progress he This means that it is not possible to calculate the has made on his proposal to end lifetime council house percentage change between 2004 and a more recent tenancies. [72059] period. Information on how many admissions were made Grant Shapps: We are not ending tenancy for life. under part II of the Mental Health Act 1983 per 1,000 Landlords will have discretion to offer new lifetime head of population in each PCT has never been collected tenancies, if they so choose. Our proposals will make centrally, as it is an aggregate return from providers. the system in England much more flexible, allowing This means that it is not possible to calculate the local authorities and social landlords to help the many percentage change between 2004 and the latest period people who are inadequately housed, or stuck on waiting for which figures are available. lists, or overcrowded. There will be no change to the Information on the number of patients detained under security and rights of existing social tenants. the Mental Health Act 1983 is not collected. Local Government: Sick Leave The rest of the information has been placed in the Library. John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what information NHS: Sick Leave he holds on the number of days of staff sickness absence in local authorities in England on average per employee in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010. [70582] John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many days of staff sickness absence there Robert Neill: The information requested is not held were in trust hospitals in England on average per centrally. employee in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010. [70583]

Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in the format requested. There is no standard definition WOMEN AND EQUALITIES for the number of working days of an average national health service employee due to the NHS work force Children’s Television Programming being extremely diverse in terms of occupations compared with many other public sector employers. 6. Jo Swinson: To ask the Minister for Women and Information on the annual sickness absence percentage Equalities what discussions she has had with broadcasters rate for the NHS and acute trusts in England, April on improving the representation of women and girls in 2009-March 2011 is in the following table. children’s television programming. [71824] 1267W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1268W

Lynne Featherstone: The role of the media in the Mr Gauke: The UK is expected to receive billions of positive portrayal of women and girls is widely recognised pounds under the agreement with Switzerland. It is by Government, media organisations and the bodies impossible to quantify the amount of tax that would be which regulate the media. However, it is a long-standing owed by UK taxpayers in Switzerland if they were principle that the Government do not interfere in taxed at the UK marginal rate without further information. programme content or scheduling. Budgets: Equality Unemployment Jane Ellison: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 8. Alison McGovern: To ask the Minister for Women on how many occasions his Department (a) conducted and Equalities what assessment she has made of the and (b) published an equality impact assessment of (i) level of unemployment of young women; and if she the Budget and (ii) a Spending Review in the period will make a statement. [71826] from 1997 to 2010. [67965]

Maria Miller: I have been asked to reply. Justine Greening: The Government have not carried out retrospective assessments of Budgets or Spending Tackling youth unemployment, for both young women Reviews in the period requested. However, on 20 October and young men, continues to be a key priority for this 2010 the Treasury published, for the first time, an Government. overview of the impact of the Spending Review on Government are supporting young people into work groups protected by equalities legislation. through investment in flexible, personalised employment Since coming into office, the Government have also support, apprenticeships, careers advice, work experience driven improvements in tax policy making. The and training. Government now publishes a “Tax Information and Youngpeople will also benefit from the radical reform Impact Note” for all individual tax policy changes. of the welfare, skills and education system already These explicitly include an assessment of the equalities under way. impact of each individual measure. The Budget is an overall statement of economic Flexible Working policy, containing a wide range of measures. It would not be possible to conduct an equality impact assessment 9. Jake Berry: To ask the Minister for Women and over a broad range of measures. Equalities what steps she plans to take to improve arrangements for flexible working. [71827] Child Benefit

Maria Miller: I have been asked to reply. Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer We want people to be able to balance work and when HM Revenue and Customs plans to publish the caring responsibilities and the Government are committed methodology for identifying those families with a to removing barriers that can stop that happening. Over higher rate taxpayer who will no longer be entitled to the summer we put forward our proposals to extend the child benefit from January 2013; and if he will make a right to request flexible working to all employees and statement. [71485] we will respond to that consultation in due course. It is clear from our work with business that many are Mr Gauke: The policy to withdraw child benefit from supportive of the principles of flexible working, showing families containing a higher rate taxpayer will be introduced that employers and employees alike recognise the benefits from January 2013 and will be administered through it brings. the tax system using existing systems and processes. Child benefit will be withdrawn from families where the claimant, or their partner (with whom they are living) is a higher rate taxpayer. The tax status of anyone else in a TREASURY household would be irrelevant. It will be the responsibility of the higher rate taxpayer to inform HMRC whether Air Passenger Duty their household is in receipt of child benefit. Further details of the changes to child benefit will be announced in due course. Dr Poulter: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when his Department expects to publish its response to Departmental Manpower the consultation on air passenger duty. [71879] Gavin Williamson: To ask the Chancellor of the Justine Greening: The Government will publish their Exchequer how many (a) special advisers and (b) press response later this autumn. officers were employed by his Department between (i) November 1999 and June 2001, (ii) May 2002 and June Bank Services: Switzerland 2007 and (iii) June 2007 and January 2008; and what the cost to the public purse was in (A) cash and (B) real Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the terms of such appointments. [68329] Exchequer if he will estimate the amount of tax that would be owed to the Exchequer on the capital and Justine Greening: Information on the number of special interest of funds held by UK taxpayers in Switzerland advisers and press officers that were employed for the if they were taxed at the UK marginal tax rate; and if periods specified in this request could be provided only he will make a statement. [70405] at disproportionate cost. 1269W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1270W

However, HM Treasury’s resource and accounts include this report are prepared in accordance with HM Treasury’s details on annual costs for special advisers since 1999, Financial Reporting Manual for central Government and numbers of special advisers since 2004. These are Departments and associated Treasury resource accounting available online at: and budgeting guidance. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100407010852/ The Royal Mint Advisory Committee has not incurred http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/dep_perf_reports_index.htm any public expenditure since becoming an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body of HM Treasury in Departmental Press: Subscriptions January 2010.

Jon Ashworth: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Equitable Life Payment Scheme how much his Department spent on newspapers and periodicals in 2010-11. [67842] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effectiveness Justine Greening: HM Treasury’s spending on newspapers of the Equitable Life Payment Scheme; and if he will and periodicals in previous years is set out in the make a statement. [71293] following table: Mr Hoban [holding answer 12 September 2011]: The £ scheme began making payments as planned on 30 June 2010-11 62,349 and hundreds of payments have been paid to date. 2009-10 119,000 Payment volumes will continue to be ramped up over 2008-09 199,000 the coming months as the scheme’s complex payment 2007-08 142,000 processes are refined further. 2006-07 109,000 The performance of the scheme will be closely monitored to ensure it is meeting its objectives and regular progress Treasury’s corporate policy is that newspapers and reports published. periodicals can only be ordered where there is a valid business need. These requirements must be approved by Financial Institutions a Deputy Director before any orders are placed. Departmental Procurement Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what his policy is on the international regulation of positions held by financial institutions in commodity Julian Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the markets via (a) hedge funds and (b) index funds; Exchequer what proportion of procurement contracts [71641] offered by his Department have been advertised on the Contracts Finder website since the website’s inception. (2) what his policy is on the limiting of positions held by financial institutions in commodity markets via (a) [67228] hedge funds and (b) index funds; [71642] Justine Greening: HM Treasury comply with the (3) what his policy is on the mandatory reporting of Government’s transparency guidance on the publication swaps transactions conducted by financial institutions of opportunities, tenders and contracts awarded over in commodity markets via (a) hedge funds and (b) £10,000 in value on the Contracts Finder website. index funds; [71643] Departmental performance can be seen in the published (4) what discussions his Department has had with its document at: international counterparts on the reporting of swaps http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/ transactions conducted by financial institutions in transparency-progress-reports commodity markets via (a) hedge funds and (b) index funds; [71644] Up-to-date data (i.e. inclusive of contracts published in August 2011) will be reported by the Cabinet Office (5) what studies his Department has conducted into in September 2011. links between the behaviour of index funds and monthly spikes in commodity prices in markets traded in the Owen Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer UK; [71645] what methodology (a) his Department and (b) the (6) if he will make an assessment of the effect of non-departmental public bodies for which he is responsible index funds on levels of liquidity within commodity used to estimate savings to the public purse made in markets traded in the UK in each of the last four respect of its procurement and purchasing since May financial years. [71646] 2010. [69266] Mr Hoban: The Government closely monitors, relevant Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the research on the role of financial market activity on answer given to him by the Minister for the Cabinet commodity markets and prices. Office and Paymaster General, my right hon. Friend the It is important to note that trading in commodities Member for Horsham (Mr Maude), on 8 September markets plays an important role in providing liquidity 2011, Official Report, column 801W. (the volume of trades being made in a market) in these Table 6.D of the HM Treasury Annual Report and markets and that liquidity is essential to the effective Accounts 2010-11 (HC 984) reports that non-pay Gross functioning of these markets. Against the backdrop of Admin Costs for the Treasury Group (including the climate change, and the possibility that international Office for Budget Responsibility) reduced from £128 agricultural prices may become more volatile over time, million in 2009-10 to £85 million in 2010-11. Figures in the role of agricultural futures and options markets, 1271W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1272W and the liquidity they rely on, become more important. Households in the UK and Leeds by the number of dependent children Liquid, well functioning markets bring important benefits in the household, 2010 to commodity producers, processors and traders, sending thousands important price signals and allowing them to hedge Number of dependent children UK Leeds price risks, and as such benefit end consumers as well. One or two 6,499 95 The Government strongly supports the G20 commitment Three or four 1,077 13 to improve the regulation, functioning, and transparency Five or more 76 1 of financial and commodity markets and the UK authorities All households with dependent children 7,652 108 are playing a full role towards meeting this objective— working with partners in the EU and internationally. As with any sample survey, estimates from the Annual Population The Government supports greater transparency in Survey are subject to a margin of uncertainty and are therefore presented rounded to the nearest thousand. The totals may not commodities derivative markets, including the reporting sum exactly due to rounding. of positions by trader type, especially where it enables data to be compared across different markets allowing regulators to analyse, interpret and act where necessary. Income Tax: Tax Yields On the regulation, and limiting of positions in commodity markets, the Government supports strong regulatory oversight powers including through the application of Stephen Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the an active and formalised position management regime. Exchequer (1) what the monetary value was of the tax A position management regime means that the regulator receipts for each income tax band in (a) 2000 and (b) actively monitors what is happening in the market. If it each year since 2005; [70382] is concerned about any activity, the regulator can intervene (2) how many people paid income tax at each tax with those carrying out the activity, requiring them to band in (a) 2000 and (b) each year since 2005. [70383] explain their actions or, if necessary, to wind down their position in the market. The authority to set position Mr Gauke: The estimated number of taxpayers liable limits would appropriately be a part of a position for income tax by taxpayer marginal rate can be found management regime, though not the leading element. in Table 2.1 “Number of individual income taxpayers”. Position limits by their nature are inflexible tools, and http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_tax/ the Government is sceptical that such measures would menu.htm#liabilities be effective in reducing the presence of a particular participant type in the market, or would be an effective Estimates are based on the Survey of Personal Incomes tool to address price volatility. Indeed, position limits (SPI) for 2000-01 to 2007-08. Estimates for 2008-09 may ultimately reduce liquidity, which could pose serious onwards are based upon the 2007-08 SPI projected risks to those markets and could increase price volatility. using economic assumptions consistent with the OBR’s March 2011 economic and fiscal outlook. Households: Children A breakdown of income tax receipts by income tax band is not available. Hilary Benn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many households with (a) one or two children, Inflation: Low Incomes (b) three or four children, (c) four or five children and (d) six children or more there are in (i) Leeds and (ii) the UK. [71907] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply. effects of inflation on people with low and fixed incomes in the comprehensive spending review period. The information requested falls within the responsibility [70700] of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply. Justine Greening: The Office for National Statistics Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated September 2011: (ONS) is responsible for the measurement of consumer As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I prices inflation. The ONS does not publish estimates of have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking inflation for people with low or fixed incomes. The how many households with (a) one or two children, (b) three or Government have taken action to support the most four children, (c) four or five children and (d) six children or more vulnerable at a time of rising costs of living including there are in (i) Leeds arid (ii) the UK. (71907) cutting fuel duty, raising the personal allowance and The number and type of households in the UK can be estimated protecting key benefits for pensioners. using the Annual Population Survey. Estimates are provided for households with dependent children. Dependent children are those living with their parent(s) and either (a) aged under 16, or (b) aged 16 to 18 in full-time education, excluding children aged Mass Media 16 to 18 who have a spouse, partner or child living in the household. Gavin Williamson: To ask the Chancellor of the Data are shown for Leeds metropolitan borough and the UK Exchequer what the cost to the public purse was of his in 2010. Because the estimates of households with six more dependent children in Leeds are not sufficiently robust, estimates Department’s national media coverage evaluations in are shown for households with (a) one or two children, (b) three each month between (a) November 1999 and June or four children, and (c) five or more children. The estimates for 2001, (b) May 2002 and June 2007 and (c) June 2007 the UK are shown on the same basis. and January 2008. [68368] 1273W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1274W

Justine Greening: HM Treasury did not conduct any Animal Welfare: Standards national media cover evaluations in the periods specified. Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Public Sector Debt the Home Department what steps her Department is taking to safeguard animal welfare standards in Mr Hollobone: To ask the Chancellor of the laboratories. [72026] Exchequer what the national debt was in May 2010 and what it is expected to be in May 2015 (a) in sterling Lynne Featherstone: The Animals (Scientific Procedures) and (b) as a proportion of gross domestic product. Act 1986 requires high standards of welfare for all [70059] animals used in regulated procedures. Unless a specific exemption is granted, the animals must be housed and Justine Greening: In May 2010, public sector net debt cared for in accordance with the standards which are (excluding the temporary effect of the financial laid down in the published Guidance on the Operation interventions) was £778.7 billion, or 53.7% of GDP. of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and The Office of Budget Responsibility’s March Economic two Codes of Practice for the housing and care of and fiscal outlook estimates that PSND will reach animals used in scientific procedures. £1,314 billion by the end of the fiscal year 2014-15, These exist to ensure good husbandry and to safeguard equivalent to 70.5% of GDP. animal welfare. The guidelines represent a consensus of views obtained not only from scientists and others Taxis working in academic and industrial institutions but also from societies and associations that have a direct interest in terms of animal welfare. These can be accessed Jon Ashworth: To ask the Chancellor of the through the Home Office website. Exchequer how much his Department spent on taxis in The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate closely 2010-11. [67844] monitors compliance with these requirements. Justine Greening: HM Treasury’s spend on taxis in Asylum previous years is set out in the table as follows: Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for £ the Home Department what plans she has for the 2010-11 97,875 reform of the asylum system; and if she will make a 2009-10 189,000 statement. [71107] 2008-09 219,000 2007-08 216,000 Damian Green [holding answer 9 September 2011]: 2006-07 188,000 Reform of the asylum system has already begun, through our Asylum Improvement Project. We have already seen improvement outcomes from this project. We have scrapped the system which encouraged case owners to concentrate on files that were easy to HOME DEPARTMENT resolve and discouraged them from tackling older cases and have introduced a new performance framework Animal Experiments: EU Law consisting of a wide range of performance indicators which will help us to monitor the overall health of the Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for asylum system. the Home Department whether in transposing EU The project published its one-year-on progress report directive 2010/63/EU into UK law the provisions of the in May 2011. The report can be found on the UK Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 will be (a) Border Agency website. retained as minimum standards and (b) strengthened. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/ [71089] aboutus/reports/asylum-improvement-project/

Lynne Featherstone [holding answer 9 September 2011]: Entry Clearances: Diplomatic Service Article 2 to Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes allows member Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the states to retain stricter national provisions in force on 9 Home Department (1) how many diplomatic visas have November 2010. This is provided such measures are not been granted for staff at the embassies of (a) Denmark, used to inhibit the free market by prohibiting or impeding (b) El Salvador, (c) Equatorial Guinea, (d) Eritrea, the supply or use of animals from another member state (e) Estonia, (f) Ethiopia, (g) Finland, (h) France, applying the minimum standards set out in the directive, (i) Gabon, (j) Georgia, (k) Germany, (l) Greece, or the placing on the market of products developed (m) Guatemala, (n) Guinea, (o) Guyana, (p) the with the use of such animals. Holy See, (q) Honduras, (r) Hungary, (s) Iceland, The public consultation on the transposition of European (t) Indonesia, (u) Iran, (v) Iraq, (w) Ireland, (x) Directive 2010/63/EU which closed on 5 September Israel and (y) Italy in the last five years; [71721] 2011 invited views on the use of Article 2 in transposing (2) how many diplomatic visas have been granted for the directive into UK legislation. Responses to the staff at the embassies of (a) Afghanistan, (b) Albania, consultation will be carefully considered before decisions (c) Algeria, (d) Angola, (e) Argentina, (f) Armenia, are taken on how to proceed with regard to this issue. (g) Austria, (h) Belgium, (i) Bolivia, (j) Bosnia and 1275W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1276W

Herzegovina, (k) Brazil, (l) Bulgaria, (m) Burma, (n) Nationality 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total Burundi, (o) Cambodia, (p) Cameroon, (q) Chile, (r) China, (s) Colombia, (t) The Democratic Republic of Belgium — — — — 1 1 Congo, (u) Costa Rica, (v) Cote d’Ivoire, (w) Croatia, Belize — — 2 — — 2 (x) Cuba and (y) Czech Republic in the last five years; Benin — 1 —427 [71722] Bhutan — — —426 (3) how many diplomatic visas have been granted for Bolivia 5 4 — 10 1 20 staff at the embassies of (a) Japan, (b) Jordan, (c) Bosnia and 13 6 6 13 5 43 Herzegovina Kuwait, (d) Kyrgyzstan, (e) Laos, (f) Latvia, (g) Botswana6221415 Lebanon, (h) Liberia, (i) Lithuania, (j) Luxembourg, Brazil 28 25 19 28 20 120 (k) Macedonia, (l) Mexico, (m) Moldova, (n) Monaco, Brunei 55 49 32 8 21 165 (o) Mongolia, (p) Morocco, (q) Nepal, (r) Netherlands, Bulgaria27————27 (s) Nicaragua, (t) Democratic People’s Republic of Burkina 3 6 3 3 13 28 Korea, (u) Norway and (v) Oman in the last five years; Burma(Myanmar) 5 17 8 12 1 43 [71723] Burundi 1 1 — 1 — 3 (4) how many diplomatic visas have been granted for Cambodia — 224513 staff at the embassies of (a) Panama, (b) Paraguay, Cameroon 43 20 31 27 29 150 (c) Peru, (d) Philippines, (e) Poland, (f) Portugal, (g) Canada 53 21 25 42 64 205 Qatar, (h) Romania, (i) Saudi Arabia, (j) Senegal, (k) CapeVerde———112 Slovak Republic, (l) Serbia, (m) Republic of Kosovo, Central 11—114 (n) Slovenia, (o) Spain, (p) Sudan, (q) Sweden and African (r) Switzerland in the last five years; [71724] Republic Chad 1 — — — 3 4 (5) how many diplomatic visas have been granted for Chile 26 19 15 41 40 141 staff at the embassies of (a) Taiwan, (b) Tajikistan, China 80 116 8 20 12 236 (c) Thailand, (d) Tunisia, (e) Turkey, (f) Turkmenistan, Colombia 44 61 28 58 35 226 (g) USA, (h) Uruguay, (i) Uzbekistan, (j) Venezuela, Congo 1 116615 (k) Vietnam, (l) Yemen and (m) Zimbabwe in the last CostaRica—————— five years; [71725] Croatia8232419 (6) how many diplomatic visas have been granted for Cuba — 59 43 24 20 146 staff at the high commissions of (a) Antigua and Democratic 17 43 17 22 2 101 Barbuda, (b) Australia, (c) Bahamas, (d) Bangladesh, Republic of (e) Barbados, (f) Botswana, (g) Brunei, (h) Cameroon, Congo (i) Canada, (j) Cyprus, (k) Dominica, (l) Fiji, (m) Djibouti — 4 —239 Gambia, (n) Ghana, (o) Grenada, (p) Guyana, (q) Dominica — — 1 — — 1 Dominican 511105334 India, (r) Jamaica, (s) Kiribati, (t) Lesotho, (u) Malawi, Republic (v) Malaysia, (w) Malta, (x) Mauritius and (y) Ecuador 3 9 7 7 13 39 [71726] Mozambique in the last five years; Egypt 76 153 148 124 114 615 (7) how many diplomatic visas have been granted for El Salvador 1 1——— 2 staff at the high commissions of (a) Namibia, (b) New Equatorial 5—62518 Zealand, (c) Nigeria, (d) Pakistan, (e) Papua New Guinea Guinea, (f) Rwanda, (g) Saint Christopher and Nevis, Eritrea11111115 (h) Saint Lucia, (i) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ethiopia 11 40 25 7 23 106 (j) Sierra Leone, (k) Singapore, (l) Sri Lanka, (m) Fiji 8643324 Swaziland, (n) Tanzania, (o) Tonga, (p) Trinidad and Gabon 20 3 26 12 — 61 Tobago, (q) Uganda and (r) Zambia in the last five Gambia 18 26 11 28 55 138 years. [71727] Georgia 10 15 11 10 10 56 Germany — — 1 — 1 2 Damian Green: The number of diplomatic visas issued Ghana 40 56 67 97 56 316 by nationality in the last five years is shown in the Guatemala 1 2 — — 3 6 following table: Guinea 18 21 7 16 6 68 Guinea- ——1—12 Bissau Nationality 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total Guyana 5 7 5 2 — 19 Afghanistan 16 20 13 21 22 92 Honduras 1 ———— 1 Albania 28 26 29 11 19 113 Hong Kong 3 — 2 2 — 7 Algeria 22 29 63 42 43 199 India 117 117 103 123 111 571 Angola 12 30 10 15 10 77 Indonesia 34 17 35 35 39 160 Argentina 5 1 5 5 — 16 Iran 73 98 122 43 28 364 Armenia 12 5 10 7 13 47 Iraq 21 56 74 59 24 234 Australia 18 22 21 44 40 145 Israel—1—113 Austria — — — — 1 1 Italy — 1 — — 1 2 Azerbaijan 9 24 11 7 8 59 Ivory Coast 24 43 23 22 32 144 Bahrain 3 8 10 7 11 39 Jamaica 5 14 16 36 30 101 Bangladesh 33 67 57 35 44 236 Japan 63 34 65 61 53 276 Barbados 4 7 5 2 — 18 Jordan 26 52 62 69 63 272 Belarus 24 11 11 13 16 75 Kazakhstan 17 27 49 31 73 197 1277W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1278W

Nationality 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total Nationality 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total

Kenya2421453834162Tanzania 48 12 20 23 16 119 Korea 2132412Thailand 22 38 22 22 36 140 (North) Togo——1—56 Kosovo———11112Tonga 5 1 — 2 — 8 Kuwait 68 73 95 119 104 459 Trinidad and 102 1 3—16 Kyrgyzstan 6 6 2 11 8 33 Tobago Laos 1 2 —418Tunisia 42 31 22 26 23 144 Lebanon 4 467223Turkey 54 67 69 50 67 307 Lesotho 3 259625Turkmenistan 2 9 9 10 — 30 Liberia32089848Uganda 17 12 11 14 18 72 Libya 39 38 87 39 31 234 Ukraine 32 35 67 50 37 221 Macedonia 1 5 11 17 7 41 United Arab 154 122 56 130 71 533 Madagascar 5 947126Emirates Malawi 17 11 13 4 13 58 United ———1—1 Nations Malaysia 44 44 23 29 23 163 United States 30 66 66 73 191 426 Maldives 1 5 7 7 — 20 Uruguay — 11226 Mali—342716 Uzbekistan 12 7 12 21 8 60 Mauritania 8 1 2 — 2 13 Venezuela 2 5 19 9 2 37 Mauritius 6 1 5——12 Vietnam 15 21 23 34 12 105 Mexico 14 8 17 12 5 56 Yemen 11 36 29 25 11 112 Moldova — 8 16 10 18 52 Yugoslavia 21 24 26 13 — 84 Monaco — 1——— 1 Zambia 48 70 30 46 12 206 Mongolia 9 12 16 4 31 72 Zimbabwe 27 31 19 25 6 108 Montenegro — —34714 Morocco 12 27 35 55 24 153 Mozambique 6 8 21 15 6 56 Entry Clearances: Overseas Students Namibia 12 6 — 2 5 25 Nepal 6 12 10 5 6 39 Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of New Zealand 26 19 21 13 15 94 State for the Home Department for what reason private Niger——1214colleges which run courses validated by a university are Nigeria 58 99 91 99 129 476 subject to an additional review under tier 4 Oman 24 40 46 47 36 193 arrangements; and if she will make a statement. [70732] Pakistan 75 147 110 117 100 549 Palestinian —111—3 Authority Damian Green [holding answer 8 September 2011]: Panama — — — 3 — 3 Under Tier 4 of the points based system (PBS) we have Papua New 4— 314122seen that the level of compliance with PBS obligations Guinea has been closely aligned to the type of institution, with Peru 16 26 14 9 9 74 higher rates of abuse found in the privately funded Philippines 27 152 57 166 34 436 sector. We are moving to a system of more rigorous Portugal — — — — 1 1 inspection to be carried out by the independent bodies Qatar 122017112888that have previously inspected the sectors with the highest Romania 20 1 1——22levels of compliance. Russia 338 111 136 197 35 817 University validation is limited to particular courses Rwanda 5 8 12 3 10 38 and in many cases does not cover the majority of Saudi Arabia 233 212 305 335 220 1,305 courses offered by a college, and is therefore insufficient Senegal 5 19 6 18 19 67 for Tier 4 purposes. Serbia — — 3 11 15 29 Seychelles — — — — 4 4 Human Trafficking Sierra Leone 21 27 40 24 4 116 Singapore 11 6 11 9 13 50 Slovakia — — 1 — — 1 Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Somalia — —2125the Home Department how many cases were accepted for consideration as victims of trafficking by the South Africa — 3 9 70 100 182 National Referral Mechanism but were subsequently South Korea 33 36 30 52 24 175 not pursued because the person was the victim of Spain — 1——— 1abusive practices but was not trafficked in the latest Sri Lanka 9 29 69 29 18 154 period for which figures are available. [71993] St Kitts and 1———— 1 Nevis St Lucia — 1——— 1 Damian Green: During the first 24 months of the Sudan 39 47 47 73 50 256 National Referral Mechanism’s operation to 31 March Surinam — — 2 — — 2 2011, competent authority decision makers found Swaziland — — — 6 7 13 reasonable grounds for believing trafficking had occurred Syria 12 25 7 23 11 78 in 895 cases. This is 67% of the cases referred where there has been a decision made. A further 450 cases Tajikistan 10 1 10 8 6 35 (33%) did not meet the reasonable grounds threshold. 1279W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1280W

A competent authority will assess a case according to Mr Blunt: I have been asked to reply. the definition of trafficking given in the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in The table gives figures for the total number of offenders Human Beings. They are not responsible for assessing who were convicted for a first offence of a non-violent whether a person is a victim of other abusive practices or non-sexual nature and given an immediate custodial or crimes. sentence, from the 12 month period ending March 2006 to the 12 month period ending March 2011. These Criminal allegations may be investigated by the police figures have been taken from the dataset used for the and wider protection issues are considered by the UK production of Table Q7m and Table Q7n of ‘Criminal Border Agency. Justice Statistics, Quarterly Update to March 2011’ Offenders which was published on 25 August 2011 and can be found at:

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ Home Department pursuant to the answer of 27 July criminal-justice/criminal-justice-statistics.htm 2011, Official Report, column 908W, on first offenders, how many people given a custodial sentence for a first The table provides an update of the figures provided offence of a non-violent and non-sexual nature were in the answer of 27 July 2011, Official Report, column sentenced to a prison term of less than one year in each 908W,as well as providing additional figures for offenders year since 2005. [71791] receiving custodial sentences of less than 12 months.

Number of offenders who were convicted and sentenced to immediate custody for a first offence of a non-violent or non-sexual nature in England and Wales, 12 months ending March 2006 to 12 months ending March 2011, indictable offences only1 First time offenders sentenced for a first offence of a non-violent or non-sexual nature Immediate custody Immediate custodial sentences of less than 12 months in Sentenced in 12 months ending March All Number Percentage Number Percentage

2006 27,420 6,456 23.5 3,436 12.5 2007 25,415 6,165 24.3 3,223 12.7 2008 25,636 7,247 28.3 3,992 15.6 2009 25,370 7,148 28.2 3,491 13.8 2010 25,322 6,766 26.7 3,232 12.8 2011 25,247 5,993 23.7 2,676 10.6 1 Including indictable and trial either ways offences. Notes: The figures have been drawn from the police’s administrative IT system, the police national computer, which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional and subject to change as more information is recorded by the police.

Overseas Students: Employment Damian Green: The Government’s fundamental reforms of student visas will tighten up the system, tackle abuse Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of and ensure we continue to attract the brightest and the State for the Home Department for what reason best students from across the world. We are moving to a overseas students studying at independent colleges are system of more rigorous inspection of those privately prohibited from undertaking paid work while studying; funded institutions that sponsor international students, and if she will make a statement. [70731] carried out by independent bodies that already inspect the sectors with the highest levels of compliance. There Damian Green [holding answer 8 September 2011]: has been a significant amount of correspondence about Under Tier 4 of the points based system (PBS) we have these changes and a number of discussions at official seen that the level of compliance with PBS obligations level with representatives of colleges that provide religious has been closely aligned to the type of institution, with education. higher rates of abuse found in the privately funded sector. That is why in July we restricted the right to work to students studying at universities and publicly funded colleges. Visas It is entirely appropriate to afford greater privileges in areas of the sector with a better track record of both compliance with their sponsor duties and recruitment Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for of international students who are more likely to comply the Home Department what recent representations she with the terms of their leave. has received from professional bodies regarding the changes to Tier 1 and 2 visas. [70456] Overseas Students: Religion Damian Green: We have received no representations Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for from professional bodies regarding the changes to Tier the Home Department what recent discussions she has 1 and Tier 2 since the public consultation in 2010, had with colleges which provide religious education on expect for discussions with representatives of the legal changes to the Tier 4 accreditation process. [71189] profession. 1281W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1282W

DEFENCE £ million

Adam Werritty August 2010 1.6 September 2010 2.1 John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence October 2010 2.5 how many times he has met Adam Werritty (a) in total November 2010 2.1 and (b) in his Department’s main building since May December 2010 2.2 2010. [71541] January 2011 6.1 February 2011 4.7 Dr Fox [holding answer 13 September 2011]: Ihave March 2011 6.1 met Mr Werritty 14 times at the Ministry of Defence April 2011 1.6 Main Building over the last 16 months but not in an May 2011 4.9 official capacity. June 2011 5.4 July 2011 2.8 John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions Adam Werritty has The single living accommodation (SLA) upgrade travelled with him on overseas visits since May 2010. programme is being delivered through various initiatives [71542] across the Department, including private finance initiative projects where SLA improvements are only one element Dr Fox [holding answer 13 September 2011]: Mr of the work, therefore exact expenditure by month Werritty is not an employee of the Ministry of Defence cannot be separately identified without disproportionate and has, therefore, not travelled with me on any official cost. overseas visits. Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Armed Forces: Housing how many homes are provided for service personnel and their families in City of York constituency; and Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for how many have been provided in each year since 1994. Defence what recent estimate he has made of the [71494] number of empty service family quarters. [71412] Mr Robathan: There are currently 147 service family Mr Robathan: As at 1 September 2011 there were accommodation (SFA) properties within the City of 6,245 void service family accommodation (SFA) properties York constituency. in the UK, representing 12.72% of housing stock. A total of 89 SFA properties in the City of York The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will always need to constituency have been disposed of since 1996. Records maintain a management margin of empty properties in prior to this date are no longer available. order to ensure that homes are available for entitled families when required. Further properties are held SFA disposals empty to allow major upgrade work to take place, or 2000 1 pending bulk moves of personnel or disposal action. 2001 57 The MOD is committed to reducing the number of void 2002 30 SFA properties to a target management margin of 10% 2005 1 of total stock. Total 89

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Armed Forces: Investigations Defence how much his Department spent on upgrading service personnel accommodation in each month since May 2010. [71413] Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what investigation his Department conducted into Mr Robathan: The service family accommodation an incident on 15 November 2006 in Helmand Province (SFA) upgrade programme targets those properties in in Afghanistan in which a Royal Marines Commando the greatest need and upgrades them to the highest patrol reportedly fired warning shots at a white Hilux standard for condition (SfC). Other improvement activities, vehicle, resulting in the death of two civilians and two such as new kitchen and bathroom programmes, may civilians being wounded; when that investigation was also have the effect of upgrading properties to the conducted, which part of his Department conducted highest SfC, however it is not possible to separately that investigation; and if he will place in the Library a identify such expenditure. copy of the report of that investigation; [19901] The Ministry of Defence upgraded 898 SFA to the (2) what investigation his Department conducted highest SfC in financial year 2010-11 and aims to upgrade into allegations relating to the conduct of Coldstream 800 this financial year subject to funding. The cost of Guards in Afghanistan in October and November the SFA upgrade programme since May 2010 is shown 2007; when the investigation was conducted; which in the following table: part of his Department conducted this investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report £ million of the investigation; [20787] (3) what investigation his Department conducted May 2010 4.9 into an incident on 6 November 2007 in Kabul in which June 2010 3.6 a son of an Afghan general was reportedly killed by a July 2010 3.7 warning shot from an unidentified UK company; when 1283W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1284W this investigation was conducted; which part of his when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; investigation; [20788] [20797] (4) what investigation his Department conducted (13) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 25 October 2007 in Kabul, in which into the incident on 12 March 2008 in Helmand province, a vehicle reportedly failed to stop for an unidentified in which ambushed troops reportedly called in gunships patrol and a warning shot was reportedly fired by a after a soldier was wounded; when the investigation was British soldier; when the investigation was conducted; conducted; which part of his Department conducted which part of his Department conducted the investigation; the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report copy of the report of the investigation; [20798] of the investigation; [20789] (14) what investigation his Department conducted (5) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 19 November 2008 in Helmand into the incident on 21 October 2007 in Kabul, in which province in which soldiers from J Company, 42 Commando an unidentified British vehicle with a gunner on top Royal Marines, reportedly fired warning shots at a reportedly wounded three civilian interpreters; when vehicle approaching a convoy; when the investigation this investigation was conducted; which part of his was conducted; which part of his Department conducted Department conducted the investigation; and if he will the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; copy of the report of the investigation; [20799] [20790] (15) what investigation his Department conducted (6) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 26 March 2009 in Helmand province into the incident on 4 October 2007 in Kabul, in which in which W Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, British soldiers reportedly wounded a non-combatant reportedly shot and wounded a motorcyclist observing with a warning shot; when the investigation was conducted; the patrol; when the investigation was conducted; which which part of his Department conducted the investigation; part of his Department conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20791] of the investigation; [20800] (7) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 10 November 2009 in Helmand (16) what investigation his Department conducted province in which a patrol of 1 Company Coldstream into the incident on 3 January 2009 in Helmand province Guards reportedly killed a driver who failed to stop; in which British mentors with the Afghan army allegedly fired when the investigation was conducted; which part of his a warning rifle shot at a suspicious person; when the Department conducted the investigation; and if he will investigation was conducted; which part of his Department place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the [20792] Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20801] (8) what investigation his Department conducted (17) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on (1) 30 September 2009 in Helmand into the incident on 19 January 2009 in Helmand province province, in which a platoon from B Company, 4th Battalion in which Y Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, The Rifles, called in an air strike; when the investigation called in a Reaper drone to launch a missile on alleged was conducted; which part of his Department conducted Taliban; when the investigation was conducted; which the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a part of his Department conducted the investigation; copy of the report of the investigation; [20793] and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20802] (9) 28 May 2009 in Helmand province, in which a patrol from A Company, 2nd Battalion The Rifles, (18) what investigation his Department conducted reportedly shot at a car; when the investigation was into the incident on 27 January 2009 in Helmand province conducted; which part of his Department conducted in which W Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a reportedly shot at two people watching the patrol; when the copy of the report of the investigation; [20794] investigation was conducted; which part of his Department (10) 19 May 2009 in Helmand province, in which conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Gurkhas mentoring a police unit reportedly called in a Library a copy of the report of the investigation; Harrier air strike after an ambush; when the investigation [20803] was conducted; which part of his Department conducted (19) what investigation his Department has conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a into the incident on 4 December 2008 in Helmand copy of the report of the investigation; [20795] province in which W Company, 45 Commando Royal (11) 22 October 2008 in Helmand province, in which Marines, reportedly shot and wounded a man; when the a soldier in a British squad mentoring the Afghan army investigation was conducted; which part of his Department reportedly killed a motorcyclist; when the investigation conducted the investigation; and if he will place in the was conducted; which part of his Department conducted Library a copy of the report of the investigation; the investigation; and if he will place in the Library a [20804] copy of the report of the investigation; [20796] (20) what investigation his Department conducted (12) what investigation his Department conducted into the incident on 24 December 2009 in Helmand into the incident on 14 October 2008 in Helmand province in which L Company, 42 Commando Royal province, in which Y Company 45 Commando Royal Marines, reportedly shot at an approaching vehicle; Marines reportedly hit a motorcyclist at a roadblock; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his 1285W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1286W

Department conducted the investigation; and if he will Allegation Date place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation; [20805] Allegation 3 21 October 2007 (21) what investigation his Department conducted Allegation 4 25 October 2007 into the incident on 30 December 2009 in Helmand Allegation 5 6 November 2007 province in which W Company, 45 Command Royal Allegation 8 22 October 2008 Marines, reportedly fired a warning shot at a white van; Allegation 10 29 November 2008 when the investigation was conducted; which part of Allegation 12 24 December 2008 his Department conducted the investigation; and if he Allegation 13 30 December 2008 will place in the Library a copy of the report of the Allegation 16 27 January 2009 investigation; [20806] Allegation 18 19 May 2009 (22) what investigation his Department conducted Allegation 19 28 May 2009 into the incident on 29 November 2008 in Helmand Allegation 21 10 November 2009 province in which a police patrol mentored by UK A further five incidents were investigated by the Chain of troops reportedly shot at a vehicle driven by another Command but the reports we have located are incomplete: Afghan policeman; when the investigation was conducted; which part of his Department conducted the investigation; Allegation Date and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the investigation. [20860] Allegation 1 15 November 2006 Allegation 7 14 October 2008 Dr Fox [holding answer 27 October 2010]: We deeply Allegation 11 4 December 2008 regret all civilian casualties. Protecting the Afghan civilian Allegation 14 3 January 2009 population is a cornerstone of International Security Allegation 17 26 March 2009 Assistance Force (ISAF)’s mission, and all British troops We have been unable to confirm whether these reports were not undergo comprehensive training on the strict rules of completed properly or simply the wrong version was filed upon engagement. Where incidents do occur, procedures are return from theatre. However, they had all found that the troops in place to ensure they are promptly reported to the had not breached UK law or ROE. chain of command and follow-up actions take place in Allegation 2 (dated 4 October 2007) was, as you know, attributed accordance with ISAF and UK national procedures. to an unknown patrol. Despite the extensive searches we have This contrasts directly with the attitude of the insurgents, undertaken no further details of this incident have been uncovered. whose indiscriminate use of suicide bombs, roadside Allegation 9 (dated 19 November 2008) was investigated by the explosive devices and human shields cause the majority Chain of Command. A summary of the investigation report was of civilian deaths and injuries in Afghanistan. We will located in a separate document, which found that the troops continue our efforts to prevent insurgents harming civilians involved correctly followed Escalation of Force procedures, but it and to develop the capacity of Afghan security forces to has not been possible to locate the report itself. protect the population. For two incidents, Allegation 15 (dated 19 January 2009) and Allegation 20 (dated 30 September 2009), the civilian casualties The records relating to the follow-up actions taken were caused by other ISAF nations, and, in accordance with following these incidents are not held centrally by the policy at the time, were not investigated by the UK. Our policy Department and will take time to identify. I will write to now states that in such circumstances, where UK troops are the hon. Member once work has been completed. .involved even if clearly not directly responsible for a civilian Substantive answer from Liam Fox to Paul Flynn: casualty, a UK investigation will take place. With regard to Allegation 6 (dated 12 March 2008), no investigation I undertook to write to you in response to your Parliamentary took place as there was no indication of civilian casualties. A Questions on 3 November 2010 (Official Report, columns 847W- possible Afghan National Police casualty was initially reported 850W) on Armed Forces Investigations. I am new in a position to (as published by Wikileaks) but a few moments later he was do so. confirmed as a UK soldier. UK helicopters were called in and Let me begin by reiterating that protecting Afghan civilians is engaged the enemy. However, despite The Guardian stating two among our and ISAF’s top priorities. There are strict procedures women and two children were killed, and another child injured, in in place to both minimise the risk of casualties occurring and to this incident there is no mention of this in our reports. investigate any incidents that, regrettably, do happen. Where there None of the incidents were reported to the Service Police for are incidents in which civilians have been injured or killed, and further investigation. UK forces are potentially believed to have been involved, the chain of command conducts an investigation to ensure that Rules The-Permanent Joint Headquarters has completed a review of of Engagement (ROE) have been complied with and Escalation the policy regarding these incidents to confirm the reporting of Force procedures followed. If it is suspected that a criminal act process and ensure investigations are properly recorded. has taken place it will be reported to the Service Police for further I will not be placing copies of the investigation reports in the investigation. Library of the House as their release could prejudice the safety The information disclosed by Wikileaks about each incident and effectiveness of the Armed Forces. came from the Serious incident Report, which is an initial snapshot I hope this response has been helpful. of what occurred, often reported in the few moments immediately after an event. Because of their immediacy to the event these reports do not always have all of the-facts and it is .for this reason Ben Parkinson that sub-sequent, more detailed investigations are conducted to consider all of the relevant information. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence I can confirm that we have located the necessary records to confirm that 11 of the incidents you enquired about were fully if he will take steps to ensure that Lance Bombardier investigated by the Chain of Command in theatre. All the troops Ben Parkinson will not be discharged from the Army involved complied with UK ROE and followed Escalation of on medical grounds whilst he is in receipt of medical Force procedures correctly. Those incidents were: rehabilitation from his Department. [71620] 1287W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1288W

Mr Robathan: We do not comment on individual Defence: Procurement cases. However, I can confirm that every case is assessed individually and no one will leave the armed forces until Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for they have reached a point in their recovery where it is Defence what effect the transposition of directive right for them to leave, however long that takes. 2009/81/EC into UK law will have on Yellow Book Commando Brigade procurement rules regarding sole source procurement. [70849] Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Order of Battle is of the Commando Peter Luff: The transposition of Directive 2009/81/EC into UK law will have no effect on the current arrangements Brigade. [71103] used by the Ministry of Defence for pricing work that it Peter Luff: As at 7 September 2011, 3 Commando has decided to procure on a sole source basis. These Brigade Royal Marines consisted of: arrangements are often referred to as ’Yellow Book’ rules. This is because the EU treaties and the directive Cdo IX Group establishes the legal framework under which a decision 40, 42 and 45 Cdo RM is made to procure goods, works and services in the 1 Rifles defence and security fields either sole source or through 29 Cdo Reg (Royal Artillery) competition. Only when that decision has been made 24 Cdo (Royal Engineers) are any specific rules governing the selected type of Cdo Logistics Regiment procurement applied. When a decision, in compliance 539 Assault Squadron with that legal framework, has been made to procure Armoured Support Group sole source, then the existing sole source arrangements will continue to apply to that procurement. Outside the brigade, the Royal Marines include the following units: Departmental Manpower Force Protection Group 1 Assault Group Commando Training Centre Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) Army personnel, (b) Ministry Commando Helicopter Forces of Defence Police, (c) civil servants working for his Royal Marines Band Department and (d) civilian staff of his Department Defence Reform Review were employed at (i) Dreghorn, (ii) Redford and (iii) Craigiehall barracks in the latest period for which figures are available. [71812] Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much he expects to be saved as a result of Mr Robathan [holding answer 14 September 2011]: the implementation of Lord Levene’s recommendations The figures requested are shown in the following table. in the report, Defence Reform—an independent report into the structure and management of the Ministry of MOD Defence, published in June 2011. [71276] Army MOD Police Civilians Dr Fox: As the Defence Reform report explains, its Craigiehall 180 1 158 aim was to develop a simpler and more effective model Dreghorn 592 0 14 for the management of Defence. While this should Redford 745 0 £0 enable the Department to make significant reductions in running costs and get greater value for money out of The Ministry of Defence (MOD) Police and MOD the Defence budget this was not its primary purpose. civilian figures represent the actual numbers of personnel Work during the implementation phase will determine in post at 31 August 2011. the projected savings, and any associated costs, from The Army figures have been taken from the joint those Defence Reform recommendations that become personnel administration system and represent the number formal change programmes. of Army personnel employed at the locations as at 13 September 2011. Defence Support Group

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Private Finance Initiative Defence when he expects to sell (a) the Defence Support Group, (b) the Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre and Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for (c) his Department’s share of the telecommunications Defence if he will publish the value of estimated tax spectrum. [70845] receipts, calculated in accordance with the Green Book, in each public sector economic assessment of Peter Luff: As the strategic defence and security private finance initiative projects in procurement by his review made clear, sales of assets such as the Defence Department as of March 2011. [71223] Support Group and the Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre and the defence stake in the telecommunications Peter Luff [holding answer 13 September 2011]: The spectrum, should generate in excess of £500 million Ministry of Defence (MOD) currently has no private over the spending review period. Sales are expected to finance initiative (PFI) projects in procurement. It does be completed by the end of the current comprehensive have a small potential future pipeline of housing and spending review period in 2015. aircrew training service projects which are subject to 1289W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1290W investment decisions prior to commencing procurement. £ million The MOD remains committed to using PFI only where it is value for money. 2011-12 2012-13 Resource DEL (near cash) 15 30 Departmental Public Expenditure Capital DEL 5 Nil Other Resource DEL 0 0 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to his Department’s Business Other Resource DEL includes depreciation and the Plan 2011-2015, how much is projected to be saved in costs of writing down or writing off the value of capital (a) Resource DEL, (b) Capital DEL, (c) annually- equipment no longer required. In 2010-11, the portion managed expenditure and (d) in total from the of this cost attributable to decisions made in the Strategic reduction of the number of Tornados in each financial Defence and Security Review was treated as Annually year from 2010-11 to 2014-15. [71275] Managed Expenditure. Its treatment in 2011-12 and future years has yet to be decided. Dr Fox: Savings over the next four years are expected Because Resource DEL includes depreciation, which to be: is the capital cost of equipment spread over time, it cannot be added to Capital DEL to give a total figure. £ million 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much will be saved in (a) Resource DEL, Resource DEL 0303590 (near cash) (b) Capital DEL, (c) annually-managed expenditure Capital DEL 10 0 0 5 and (d) in total by March 2012 from placing at Other Resource 0000extended readiness a landing and command ship. DEL [71283]

No savings were identified in 2010-11 Dr Fox: Savings over the next four years are expected Other Resource DEL includes depreciation and the to be: costs of writing down or writing off the value of capital equipment no longer required. In 2010-11, the portion £ million of this cost attributable to decisions made in the strategic 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 defence security review was treated as annually managed Resource 10 10 15 10 expenditure. Its treatment in 2011-12 and future years DEL (near has yet to be decided. cash) Because Resource DEL includes depreciation, which Capital DEL 0 0 0 0 is the capital cost of equipment spread over time, it Other 0000 cannot be added to Capital DEL to give a total figure. Resource DEL All figures are planning assumptions and are rounded to the nearest £5 million. Other Resource DEL includes depreciation and the costs of writing down or writing off the value of capital Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for equipment no longer required. In 2010-11, the portion Defence how much (a) has been saved and (b) is of this cost attributable to decisions made in the strategic projected to be saved in each financial year of the defence and security review was treated as annually spending review period in (i) Resource DEL, (ii) Capital managed expenditure. Its treatment in 2011-12 and DEL, (c) annually-managed expenditure and (d) in future years has yet to be decided. total from sales of his Department’s assets. [71277] Because Resource DEL includes deprecation, which is the capital cost of equipment spread over time, it Dr Fox: The Department has agreed a target of £162 cannot be added to Capital DEL to give a total figure. million of capital receipts over the spending review All figures are planning assumptions and are rounded period from disposing of assets that could be sold as to the nearest £5 million. viable businesses. Preparatory work is in the early stages and will include a value for money analysis to identify ongoing costs and potential savings for each of the asset Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for sales. The earliest receipt is likely to be realised during Defence (1) how much has been saved in (a) Resource financial year 2013-14. DEL, (b) Capital DEL, (c) annually-managed expenditure and (d) in total from the removal of the Royal Navy Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for component of the Joint Harrier Force from service; Defence how much will be saved in (a) Resource DEL, [71284] (b) Capital DEL, (c) annually-managed expenditure (2) how much has been saved in (a) Resource DEL, and (d) in total by April 2013 from the withdrawal of (b) Capital DEL, (c) annually-managed expenditure the three variants of the TriStar transport/tanker and (d) in total from the removal of the RAF component aircraft from service. [71282] of the Joint Harrier Force from service. [71285]

Dr Fox: The savings to April 2013 are expected to be Dr Fox: Savings over the next four years are expected as follows: to be: 1291W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1292W

£ million £ million 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14- 2014-15

Resource DEL 125 170 180 180 Resource 15 45 70 75 (near cash) DEL (near Capital DEL 25 40 15 15 cash) Other 305 320 325 330 Capital 10 10 5 5 Resource DEL DEL Other -10 -10 -10 -10 The figures represent the total projected savings arising Resource from the retirement of the Joint Harrier Force. We have DEL not calculated the projected savings individually for the Royal Naval and Royal Air Force components as many Other Resource DEL includes depreciation and the costs are common and are not directly attributable, to costs of writing down or writing off the value of capital either service. equipment no longer required. In 2010-11, the portion of this cost attributable to decisions made in the Strategic Other Resource DEL includes depreciation and the Defence and Security Review was treated as Annually costs of writing down or writing off the value of capital Managed Expenditure. Its treatment in 2011-12 and equipment no longer required. In 2010-11, the portion future years has yet to be decided. of this cost attributable to decisions made in the strategic defence and security review was treated as annually Because Resource DEL includes deprecation, which managed expenditure. Its treatment in 2011-12 and is the capital cost of equipment spread over time, it future years has yet to be decided. cannot be added to Capital DEL to give a total figure. Because Resource DEL includes depreciation, which All figures are planning assumptions and are rounded is the capital cost of equipment spread over time, it to the nearest £5 million. cannot be added to Capital DEL to give a total figure. All figures are planning assumptions and are rounded Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for to the nearest £5 million. Defence how much has been saved in (a) Resource DEL, (b) Capital DEL, (c) annually-managed Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for expenditure and (d) in total from the decommissioning Defence how much has been saved in (a) Resource of one Bay-class amphibious support ship. [71288] DEL, (b) Capital DEL, (c) annually-managed expenditure and (d) in total from the decommissioning of HMS Ark Royal. [71286] Dr Fox: Savings over the next four years are expected to be: Dr Fox: Savings over the next four years are expected to be: £ million 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

£ million Resource DEL 10555 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 (near cash) Capital DEL 5 0 0 0 Resource DEL 10 25 35 35 (near cash) Other Resource -20 5 5 5 DEL Capital DEL 0 0 0 0 Other Resource 25 25 25 25 DEL Other Resource DEL includes depreciation and the costs of writing down or writing off the value of capital Other Resource DEL includes depreciation and the equipment no longer required. In 2010-11, the portion costs of writing down or writing off the value of capital of this cost attributable to decisions made in the strategic equipment no longer required. In 2010-11, the portion defence and security review was treated as annually of this cost attributable to decisions made in the strategic managed expenditure. Its treatment in 2011-12 and defence and security review was treated as annually future years has yet to be decided. managed expenditure. Its treatment in 2011-12 and Because Resource DEL includes deprecation, which future years has yet to be decided. is the capital cost of equipment spread over time, it Because Resource DEL includes depreciation, which cannot be added to Capital DEL to give a total figure. is the capital cost of equipment spread over time, it All figures are planning assumptions and are rounded cannot be added to capital DEL to give a total figure. to the nearest £5 million. All figures are planning assumptions and are rounded to the nearest £5 million. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to his Department’s Business Defence how much has been saved in (a) Resource Plan 2011-2015, how much has been saved in (a) Resource DEL, (b) Capital DEL, (c) annually-managed expenditure DEL, (b) Capital DEL, (c) annually-managed expenditure and (d) in total from the reduction by four in the and (d) in total from not bringing into service the Nimrod MRA4 maritime patrol aircraft. [71289] number of frigates. [71287]

Dr Fox: Savings over the next four years are expected Dr Fox: Savings over the next four years are expected to be as follows: to be as follows: 1293W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1294W

Dr Fox: [holding answer 12 September 2011]: Savings £ million over the next four years are expected to be: 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Resource DEL 85 195 220 210 £ million (near cash) 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Capital DEL 55 5 5 15 Resource DEL 185 505 970 1,100 Other Resource 150 150 150 150 (near cash) DEL Capital DEL -5 -25 115 440 Other Resource DEL includes depreciation and the Other 0 0 -5 -10 costs of writing down or writing off the value of capital Resource DEL equipment no longer required. In 2010-11, the portion of this cost attributable to decisions made in the Strategic Other Resource DEL includes depreciation and the Defence and Security Review was treated as Annually costs of writing down or writing off the value of capital Managed Expenditure. Its treatment in 2011-12 and equipment no longer required. In 2010-11, the portion future years has yet to be decided. of this cost attributable to decisions made in the strategic defence and security review was treated as annually Because Resource DEL includes depreciation, which managed expenditure. Its treatment in 2011-12 and is the capital cost of equipment spread over time, it future years has yet to be decided. cannot be added to Capital DEL to give a total figure. All figures are planning assumptions and are rounded Because Resource DEL includes deprecation, which to the nearest £5 million. is the capital cost of equipment spread over time, it cannot be added to Capital DEL to give a total figure. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for All figures are planning assumptions and are rounded Defence with reference to his Department’s Business to the nearest £5 million. They do not include any Plan 2011-2015, what efficiencies over the future efficiency that may result from future planning Comprehensive Spending Review period, including rounds or the programming of the Transforming Defence work under the Transforming Defence programme, programme. have been made; how much is projected to be saved in respect of those efficiencies in (a) Resource DEL, (b) Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Capital DEL, (c) annually managed expenditure and Defence what non-front line costs his Department (d) in total in each financial year from 2010-11 to incurred in 2010-11 in respect of (a) Resource DEL, 2014-15. [71300] (b) Capital DEL and (c) AME. [71608] Dr Fox [holding answer 12 September 2011]: Savings over the next four years are expected to be: Dr Fox [holding answer 13 September 2011]: Non-front line costs are not routinely calculated separately. The £ million Ministry of Defence is committed to saving at least £4.3 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 billion in activities that have been identified as non-front line over the spending review period. Progress against Resource DEL 185 505 970 1,100 this target will be reported in the Department’s business (near cash) plan. Capital DEL -5 -25 115 440 Other 0 0 -5 -10 Resource DEL Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department expects to save Other Resource DEL includes depreciation and the through reductions in commodity spend in respect of costs of writing down or writing off the value of capital (a) Resource DEL, (b) Capital DEL and (c) AME in equipment no longer required. In 2010-11, the portion each year of the comprehensive spending review period. of this cost attributable to decisions made in the strategic [71692] defence and security review was treated as annually managed expenditure. Its treatment in 2011-12 and future years has yet to be decided. Dr Fox [holding answer 13 September 2011]: The Ministry of Defence expects to save approximately £80 Because Resource DEL includes deprecation, which million over the spending review period as a result of is the capital cost of equipment spread over time, it additional reductions in commodity spend. Details of cannot be added to Capital DEL to give a total figure. when these savings will be realised are still being developed. All figures are planning assumptions and are rounded to the nearest £5 million. They do not include any future efficiency that may result from future planning Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for rounds or the programming of the Transforming Defence Defence how much (a) has been saved and (b) is programme. projected to be saved in each financial year of the comprehensive spending review period from reductions in spend on media and communications from (i) Resource Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for DEL, (ii) Capital DEL, (iii) AME and (iv) in total. Defence how much is projected to be saved in (a) [71609] Resource DEL, (b) Capital DEL, (c) annually managed expenditure and (d) in total from the Ministry of Defence Efficiency Programme in each financial year Dr Fox [holding answer 13 September 2011]: Savings from 2010-11 to 2014-15. [71301] over the next four years are expected to be as follows: 1295W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1296W

Dr Fox [holding answer 12 September 2011]: Official £ million ministerial overseas travel is undertaken only where 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 there is a clear defence requirement. Such travel is Resource DEL 10 15 20 20 undertaken in accordance with the rules of the Ministerial (near cash) Code, which is available from the following website: Capital DEL 0 0 0 0 www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/content/ministerial-conduct-and- Other DEL 0 0 0 0 guidance

These figures do not include savings related to advertising and marketing in support of service recruiting. Gibraltar Other Resource DEL includes depreciation and the costs of writing down or writing off the value of capital equipment no longer required. In 2010-11, the portion Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for of this cost attributable to decisions made in the strategic Defence (1) whether he plans to deploy more troops to defence and security review was treated as annually Gibraltar; [70874] managed expenditure. Its treatment in 2011-12 and (2) how much his Department spent on the defence future years has yet to be decided. of Gibraltar in each of the last 10 years. [70883] Because Resource DEL includes depreciation, which is the capital cost of equipment spread over time, it Peter Luff: The strategic defence and security review cannot be added to Capital DEL to give a total figure. confirmed our commitment to the defence of Gibraltar All figures are planning assumptions and are rounded and to the continued maintenance of a permanent joint to the nearest £5 million. operating base there, and the Ministry of Defence will maintain in Gibraltar the facilities, forces and readiness Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for levels required. This will involve reducing our land and Defence how much his Department expects to save estate holdings, transferring services to the Government through estate rationalisation through (a) sales and of Gibraltar as agreed under the 2007 global agreement, (b) reduced operational costs in respect of (i) Resource and reducing the number of UK-based armed forces DEL, (ii) Capital DEL and (iii) AME in each year of and civilian personnel deployed there. the comprehensive spending review period. [71694] The costs directly attributable to the provision of a Forward Mounting Base in Gibraltar are shown in the Dr Fox [holding answer 13 September 2011]: As following table for the years 2006-07 to the most recent announced as part of the Strategic Defence and Security financial year and have been rounded to the nearest Review, the Ministry of Defence expects to save up to £ million. Figures before 2006-07 are not comparable £350 million per year through the rationalisation of the due to changes in the Department’s accounting rules. Defence estate and associated running cost savings including a revised approach to the way we manage and deliver £ million infrastructure services across the estate. Sales of assets 2006-07 68 should generate in excess of £500 million over the 2007-08 76 comprehensive spending review period. 2008-09 70 Detailed plans are being developed and finalised as 2009-10 69 part of the current and future planning rounds. Further 2010-11 75 details or a profile are not available at this time.

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings to the public purse he expects to Defence (1) what recent reports he has received of achieve from the Submarine Enterprise Performance territorial infringements in Gibraltarian waters; and if Programme in respect of (a) Resource DEL, (b) he will make a statement; [70879] Capital DEL and (c) AME during the comprehensive (2) how many territorial infringements in relation to spending review period. [71768] Gibraltar were recorded by his Department in each of the last 10 years. [70882] Peter Luff: The strategic defence and security review stated that the Submarine Enterprise Performance programme was expected to deliver savings of at least Peter Luff: The Minister for the Armed Forces, my £900 million over the next 10 years. These savings, hon. Friend the Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey), which are subject to further work, are expected to start last visited British Forces Gibraltar in February this to accrue towards the end of the comprehensive spending year, and the Secretary of State for Defence, my right review period, and are all expected to be in respect of hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), Capital DEL. did so in July. They were both briefed on incursions into British Gibraltar territorial waters, and how these are dealt with by Ministry of Defence and Government of Departmental Visits Abroad Gibraltar assets, and diplomatically, as appropriate. Records of incursions have only been maintained since Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence May 2009. Many of the incursions that occur are legal if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department’s crossings constituting “innocent passage” as defined by policy on overseas travel for departmental (a) Ministers the UN convention on the law of the sea. The number and (b) parliamentary private secretaries. [71442] of serious illegal incursions is as follows: 1297W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1298W

Israel: Unmanned Air Vehicles Reporting period Serious incursions

25 May 2009 to 31 December 2009 5 Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010 5 for Defence how much his Department has spent on 1 January 2011 to 31 August 2011 5 leasing drones from Israel in each of the last five years; what the total operating time of such drones was in The most recent of these serious incidents occurred each such year; and if he will make a statement. [71580] on 3 May 2011. Peter Luff [holding answer 13 September 2011]: The Hermes 450 Unmanned Air System (UAS) is operated Government Procurement Card by the British Army under a service provision contract awarded to Thales UK in 2007. The UAS assets are provided to Thales UK by Elbit Systems, a company John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence based in Israel. Since 2007, Hermes 450 has flown the if he will publish the (a) purchase date, (b) transaction following number of hours on operations: amount, (c) supplier and (d) level 3 or enhanced transaction entry if held for each individual transaction Hours flown undertaken by Defence Travel using the Government Procurement Card in (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10. 2007 4,180 [71218] 2008 12,576 2009 10,925 Peter Luff [holding answer 13 September 2011]: We 2010 14,698 do not plan to publish the details requested for each 2011 (up until September) 10,392 Government Procurement Card (GPC) transaction relating to Defence travel. This activity has been undertaken at a cost of just over £125 million. I am withholding a breakdown of However, while we currently release details of expenditure this cost as its disclosure would prejudice commercial on all GPC transactions over £25,000, as part of the interests. Government’s efforts to make the procurement process more transparent, we will shortly publish all GPC transactions for the current financial year of £500 and Libya: Armed Conflict above. The level of detail will be restricted to protect the safety of some members of staff and some of our suppliers. Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for We intend to publish the details of transactions of Defence what proportion of sorties flown by NATO £500 and above for the period April 2011 to June 2011 forces in respect of Operation Ellamy were flown by by the end of September 2011. We will publish data for each participating state. [71185] the period July 2011 to September 2011 in October 2011, with data provided monthly in arrears thereafter. Peter Luff: From the start of current operations in Libya up till 1 September 2011, NATO coalition aircraft have flown around 8,000 strike sorties of which the UK India: Arms Trade has flown around 1,500. The UK does not comment on the operational details of allied nations’ operations, which are a matter for the Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Governments concerned. Defence what steps his Department is taking to increase defence exports to India; and if he will make a statement. [71209] Military Aircraft

Mr Gerald Howarth [holding answer 9 September Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011]: We continue to support Defence exports in India Defence what discussions he has had with the United through an active Defence diplomacy initiative, working States Department of Defense regarding the exchange closely with the UK Trade and Investment Defence and of one initial operational test and evaluation F-35B Security Organisation. Exports help to build and enhance aircraft for an initial operational test and evaluation relations with allies, to support UK defence industry, F-35C aircraft. [70847] and to reduce the cost of equipment for Britain’s Armed Forces through extended production runs. Peter Luff: The UK is committed to procuring three Defence Ministers travelling overseas will responsibly F-35B aircraft to conduct joint operational test and promote the best that Britain has to offer. Earlier this evaluation activity with the US armed forces. Since the year I travelled to India where I had discussions on decision taken, during last year’s strategic defence and export opportunities. Defence Ministers have held further security review, to change to the carrier variant, the UK discussions on export opportunities such as Typhoon, has agreed in principle with the US to exchange one of Hawk and Global Combat Ship during the Defence and these aircraft for a USMC F-35C aircraft. However, the Security Equipment International exhibition (DSEi) decision to implement the aircraft exchange remains taking place 13-16 September 2011, at which meetings subject to approval by HM Treasury and the Senate were held with the Indian delegations. Armed Services Committee. 1299W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1300W

Military Bases: Kirknewton When the MOD updates its equipment and stock, surplus and obsolete items (including spare parts) are sold through the MOD’s own Disposal Services Authority Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for (DSA), largely through a network of marketing agreements Defence what his policy is on (a) the Military Civil for the collection, storage, and specialist marketing and Integration project, (b) the proposed construction of sale of surplus equipments, so as to achieve the best barracks at Kirknewton, West Lothian and (c) return for the taxpayer. Contractors are selected through regional engagement. [70274] open competition in compliance with European Union public procurement regulations. Peter Luff: Comprehensive planning work is now under way to draw up plans for the timing and sequencing The DSA marketing contractors will sell through of the Army moves. This work will also decide the target marketing to potential customers, direct negotiation infrastructure requirements, including at Kirknewton, or by competitive tender or auction including websites needed to complete the re-basing. This detailed planning for purely commercially viable kit where this route to work will involve the appropriate and necessary engagement market will provide the optimum return. DSA are not with partners such as the Scottish Government, West made aware of the market value of equipment when it is Lothian council and other Government Departments declared as surplus but can set a minimum guaranteed and agencies, including the appropriate level of consultation price and a minimum selling price for major and unusual which will be required as we work through all options. items when they are sold by the marketing contractors. While our plans will continue to be driven by the In the financial year 2010-11, the MOD achieved military requirement, we will aim, where possible, to receipts of around £10 million from the sale of surplus base Army personnel close to a number of units to naval equipment, including items such as capital ships, enable them to change post while providing greater naval spares and scrap, small boats, clothing and vehicles. family stability and to be close enough to urban areas to allow their families to have easier access to jobs, schools, housing and other facilities. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for This work will be supported by the Military Civil Defence what the Order of Battle is of the fleet. Integration (MCI). The key objectives of this approach [71100] are: To identify and manage the impact of changes to the size, nature and geographical location of armed forces communities. Peter Luff: As at 7 September 2011, the Order of Battle for the fleet was as follows: To provide partner organisations with a clear understanding of the specific needs of the armed forces communities in their area in order to factor these needs into long-term planning, and to enable Number the appropriate provision of local authority services. Landing Platform Helicopter 12 To establish a programme of work that delivers mutual benefit Landing Platform Dock 2 and promotes economic and social integration between the armed T45 3 forces communities and the wider civilian community. T42 4 In pursuing this policy, we will clearly aim to engage T23 13 closely at both regional and local level in Scotland, Hunt Class MCV 8 where the MCI is conducted through the Firm Base Sandown Class MCV 7 Forum and a Governance Model that has been developed River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels 3 with the Scottish Government and the local authorities. Helicopter Offshore Patrol Vessels 1 P2000 Patrol Boats 18 Navy Ocean Survey Vessels 1 Coastal Survey Vessels 3 Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Antarctic Patrol Ship 1 Defence (1) what process the Royal Navy uses to Ships Submersible Ballistic Nuclear 4 dispose of surplus (a) spare parts, (b) specialist and Ship Submersible Nuclear 7 general tools and (c) other surplus equipment; [70337] Assault Helicopters—Sea King 3 Sqns Mk4 (2) what the marketing value was of disposed assets Search and Rescue—Sea King Mk5 2 Sqns belonging to the Royal Navy in the last year for which Airbourne Surveillance and 3 Sqns figures are available. [70339] Control—Sea King Mk7

Peter Luff: When major assets such as ships and Anti Submarine and Anti Surface: aircraft become surplus to requirements, the Ministry Merlin Mk1 Lynx 4 Sqns of Defence (MOD) first looks at selling to other Mk3 and Mk8 3 Sqns governments. This has the potential benefit of strengthening international relationships and generating income that can be reinvested in defence. It also enables other Battlefield Helicopters—Lynx Mk9 1 Sqn governments to contribute to international security and Elementary Flying 3 Sqns could also provide UK industry with opportunities to Beechcraft King Air 350ER 1 Sqn undertake some of the regeneration work. If such a sale Avenger is not feasible, then other options are considered, such 1 HMS Illustrious is now operating in the Landing Platform as sale to private commercial enterprises or even recycling. Helicopter role, as well as HMS Ocean. 1301W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1302W

For the Royal Fleet Auxiliary: Peter Luff: The Minister for the Armed Forces, my hon. Friend the Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey), Number met with representatives of the Residents’ Action Force Leuchars earlier this year to discuss issues around the Fleet Tankers 2 basing review. While the Ministry of Defence fully Support Tankers 1 recognises the need to engage with members of the Small Fleet Tankers 2 Leuchars community, it is considered too early in the Fleet Replenishment Ships 3 planning phase process to conduct any meaningful Landing Ship Dock 3 discussions at this stage; the detail and implications of Aviation Training Ship 1 basing two major units and a formation headquarters at Forward Repair Ship 1 Leuchars is still being worked through. We will be establishing a comprehensive plan for RAF Leuchars engagement with those likely to be affected by the basing review. We do very much appreciate that the Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for changes we have decided to make are going to have very Defence pursuant to the oral statement of 18 July 2011, significant implications for many and it is our firm Official Report, columns 643-45, what assessment he intent to engage with those affected as we determine has made of the feasibility of basing at Leuchars the how to implement our decisions. This will include the headquarters of the commanding officer of formation; appropriate and necessary engagement with partners what ceremonial roles that officer will still be required such as the Scottish Government, Fife council and to carry out in Edinburgh; and what estimate he has other Government Departments and agencies, as well made of the likely additional annual cost of the as local communities. rebasing. [71399]

Peter Luff: Comprehensive planning work is now RAF Lossiemouth: European Fighter Aircraft under way to draw up plans for the timing and sequencing of the Army moves. Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State This detailed planning work will involve, at the for Defence what plans he has for a new Air Defence appropriate time, the necessary engagement with partners training area for the operation of the Typhoon Force such as the Scottish Government, West Lothian council from RAF Lossiemouth. [71348] and other Government Departments and agencies, including the appropriate level of consultation which will be Peter Luff: There are currently no plans for a new air required as we work through all options. It is, therefore, defence training area for the operation of Typhoon too early to confirm our exact requirements for, or aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth. The Typhoon Force indeed the cost implications of, developing RAF Leuchars will continue to utilise extant training areas throughout as a major Army base. the United Kingdom. It is also too early to say what precise roles the commanding officer at Leuchars will undertake. Unmanned Air Vehicles Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether an operational runway is to be Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State retained at Leuchars following the arrival of Army for Defence when he expects the Watchkeeper units and a formation headquarters. [71422] unmanned aerial vehicle to be fully operational; and if he will make a statement. [71581] Peter Luff: No decisions have yet been made regarding whether an operational runway will be retained at Leuchars Peter Luff [holding answer 13 September 2011]: It is following the arrival of Army units and a formation planned that Watchkeeper will achieve full operating headquarters. capability by December 2013.

Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the monetary value is of contracts Warships awarded to local firms by RAF Leuchars in each of the last 10 years. [71423] Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements his Department has made Mr Robathan: The information concerning the contracts in respect of the protection of Royal Navy ships from awarded to local firms by RAF Leuchars prior to running aground following the withdrawal of financial year (FY) 2010-11 is not held centrally and emergency towing vessels. [71954] could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The monetary value of contracts awarded to local Peter Luff: In the event of an incident where a Royal firms by RAF Leuchars in FY 2010-11 was around Navy vessel requires recovery, the Ministry of Defence £152,000. (MOD) is able to deploy military and commercial assets to recover that vessel. Royal Navy personnel are trained Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State to deal with a range of scenarios, such as towing other for Defence whether he plans to meet the Residents vessels, and if required, the MOD is able to place short Action Force Leuchars to discuss the closure of RAF notice contracts with industry for towing vessels from Leuchars. [71630] anywhere in the UK or indeed the world. 1303W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1304W

EDUCATION (3) if he will assess the effects of the timing of the autumn announcement of capital funding for local Academies authorities from his Department for 2012-13 and 2013-14 on local authorities’ ability to plan repair and Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for rebuilding work in schools; and if he will make a Education how many people employed by (a) his statement. [70669] Department and (b) the YoungPeople’s Learning Agency are assigned to work on the Academy Programme; and Mr Gibb [holding answer 8 September 2011]: In July what the cost to the public purse of the (i) salaries, (ii) 2011 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced national insurance contributions, (iii) pension contributions £500 million of extra funding for local authorities which and (iv) allowances in respect of such staff was in the are facing the greatest pressure from a continuing rise in pupil numbers, but have insufficient school places available. latest period for which figures are available. [68072] Most of this funding comes from efficiency savings Mr Gibb [holding answer 5 September 2011]: As at from remaining BSF projects—all of which are continuing 30 June 2011 there were around 260 people (full time as planned. This money will be allocated in this financial equivalents) in the Department for Education engaged year to the local authorities with the greatest demographic directly in work on policy development and programme pressures so they can provide enough places, especially delivery related to Academy schools. In addition, there at primary schools, in 2012. Details of those allocations are around 117 staff (full time equivalents) in the Young will be provided in the autumn. Although this is 2011-12 People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) involved in funding money, it will be delivered to local authorities as and supporting open Academies. There are other staff unringfenced grant, where they have no time-limit on both in the Department and in the YPLA who make a spend. contribution to policy development and programme Local authorities can invest this funding in additional delivery related to Academy schools as part of their places in all categories of school, considering where the wider role. additional places will best benefit the children of their The latest period for which spending figures are available area. is the first quarter of this financial year, April to June The Secretary of State also announced the establishment 2011. The cost to the public purse for this period breaks of a new, privately-financed, programme of school building down as follows. which will address between 100 and 300 of the schools in the worst condition. We expect to announce in December Breakdown of costs April to June 2011 2011 the projects which will be taken forward. £ DFE YPLA We are currently consulting on the recommendations made in Sebastian James’s review of education capital Salaries1 2,118,687 1,172,766 and will make further announcements on local capital NI Contributions 179,633 104,795 allocations when we have considered the responses. We Pension 425,923 231,088 would expect all local authorities to maintain asset Contributions management plans, enabling effective targeting and timing Allowances n/a 19,021 of investment in the schools across their estate. Total 2,724,243 1,527,670 1 Salaries includes the cost of agency staff. Children: Day Care Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for what reason local education authorities Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for are responsible for the costs of maintaining the records Education how many (a) childminder services, (b) full of schools converting to academies. [68791] day childcare settings and (c) out-of-school childcare settings (i) opened and (ii) closed in England in each Mr Gibb: When a school converts to academy status year since 2005-06. [70254] most of the responsibility for maintaining records falls to the academy. Local authorities will be responsible for Mr Gibb: This is a matter for Ofsted. The Chief retaining some records in relation to the statutory functions Inspector, Miriam Rosen, has written to the hon. Member that they retain and which do not transfer to the academy, and a copy of her reply has been placed in the House such as provision relating to SEN statemented pupils Libraries. and home to school transport arrangements. The funding Letter from Miriam Rosen, dated 8 September 2011: that UKs receive takes account of retained statutory Your recent Parliamentary Question has been passed to me, as responsibilities. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, for response. Ofsted has regulated and inspected childcare providers since Capital Grant Scheme September 2001, taking over that function from local authorities. Prior to 1 September 2008 Ofsted registered providers by type of care including full day care and out of school care. The Childcare Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Act 2006 which came into effect on 1 September 2008 changed the for Education (1) how many local authorities will way in which childcare was registered and categorised. From this receive funding from his Department’s capital grant to date Ofsted has held two registers, the Early Years Register for be allocated in the autumn; and if he will make a providers caring for children from birth until 31 August after their statement; [70667] fifth birthday, and the Childcare Register for older children or where compulsory registration is not required. The Childcare Act (2) how his Department will determine which local also removed the different types of childcare and combined ail authorities will receive funding from its capital grant types of care on non-domestic premises into one category ‘childcare scheme; and if he will make a statement; [70668] on non-domestic premises’. This includes full day care settings 1305W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1306W and out of school care but also has other types of care within it For ‘closed’ providers we have given the number of providers such as sessional pre-schools. The figures below therefore use the who resigned or had their registration with Ofsted cancelled in the new categories from September 2008. year concerned. Some of these providers may have resigned from The information you have requested is provided in Tables A one register but continue to provide childcare in relation to the and B below. Figures are provided by financial year. other register. You requested the number of providers who have opened in Please note that the same provider may appear in figures for each year since 2005-06. We have provided the number of those both the full day care who have registered with us in each of the years since this date. This does not necessarily mean that these have opened for the first and the out of school day care, up to and including the first part time. Some are registrations where providers change their legal of the year 2008-09, This is because it was possible for the same entity, for example from an individual to a limited company, but provider to register to provide both day care types. still continue to provide childcare from the same address; or involve providers who are already registered with us on one A copy of this reply has been sent to Sarah Teather, Minister of register and who choose at a later date to register on the other State for Children and Families, and will be placed in the library register. of both Houses.

Table A: Number of providers registering in each financial year 1 September 1 April to 31 20082 to 31 Provision type1 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 August 2008 March 2009 2009-10 2010-11

Childminder 11,205 10,728 8,973 3,833 4,556 7,148 7,547 Full day care 1,752 1,664 1,596 743 n/a n/a n/a Out of school day care 1,906 1,728 1,609 691 n/a n/a n/a Childcare on non-domestic n/a n/a n/a n/a 1,404 2,360 2,577 premises 1 Providers were only categorised as full or out of school day care settings until the start of the Early Years Foundation Stage on 1 September 2008. After this date all providers who would have been categorised as day care were categorised as childcare on non-domestic premises. 2 Introduction of Early Years Foundation Stage. Table B: Number of providers closing in each financial year 1 September 1 April to 31 20082 to 31 Provision type1 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 August 2008 March 2009 2009-10 2010-11

Childminder 10,427 12,943 14,578 4,859 6,942 10,587 8,186 Full day care 1,104 1,445 1,572 642 n/a n/a n/a Out of school day care 1,261 1,813 1,735 721 n/a n/a n/a Childcare on non-domestic n/a n/a n/a n/a 2,373 3,139 3,140 premises 1 Providers were only categorised as full or out of school day care settings until the start of the Early Years Foundation Stage on 1 September 2008, After this date all providers who would have been categorised as day care were categorised as childcare on non-domestic premises. 2 Introduction of Early Years Foundation Stage.

Civil Servants Tim Loughton: Over the period, headcount information for the whole of the Department and predecessor Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Department’s senior civil service (SCS) is set out in the Education how many civil servants his Department following table: employed in each of its three most senior grades (a) on the most recent date for which figures are available and (b) in each of the last five years. [70587]

Part (a) Part (b) Department for Children, Schools Department for Department for and Families Education and Grade band Education (DfE) DfE (DCSF) DCSF DCSF Skills Data at: 31 July 2011 31 March 2011 31 March 2010 31 March 2009 31 March 2008 31 March 2007

Permanent Secretary 111111 SCS Band 3 444344 SCS Band 2 21 21 24 23 20 25 SCS Band 1 and 1A 96 92 90 91 84 99 Total 122 118 119 118 109 129

Computer Science Mr Gibb: We are currently reviewing the national curriculum and the position of ICT, which includes elements of computer science. Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment his Department has made In July 2010 the Government commissioned the of the contribution of the teaching and learning of Livingstone Hope Review of the skills shortages faced computer science to the digital, creative and high- by the digital, creative and technological industries. technology industries. [71448] This review made several recommendations including 1307W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1308W the need for rigorous teaching of computer science material differences in tax. Differences in tax receipts in schools and universities, which we are now between PFI and conventionally funded projects are considering. considered as part of HM Treasury’s Value for Money model which is run for each PFI project at the appraisal Departmental Private Finance Initiative stage. The output of the model is one source of information that is used to inform the overall value for money Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment of the project. For those projects in procurement Education if he will publish the value of estimated tax in March 2011 the percentage by which the public receipts, calculated in accordance with the Green sector comparator is uplifted to reflect the additional Book, in each public sector economic assessment of tax take that accrues to the Government from the private finance initiative projects in procurement by his private finance option is given in the table. Department as of March 2011. [70920] These figures are for outline business cases at the Mr Gibb [holding answer 12 September 2011]: When pre-market appraisal stage and therefore are not used to carrying out an appraisal of a project or policy, the assess tax takes from specific PFI providers after contracts Green Book sets out that options should be adjusted for have been signed.

Tax assumption Project Local authority School name (percentage)

1 Birmingham Waverley 6 2 Essex Woodlands 6 3 Halton The Grange 6 4 Islington Paradise Park PRU (New River College) 6 5 Kingston Upon Hull Andrew Marvell, Oakfield and Kingswood 5 6 Knowsley SEN adjacent to Kirkby Sports Centre for Learning 6 7 Leicester City of Leicester and Crown Hills 8 8 Nottingham Farnborough. School and Technology College 6 9 Rochdale Falinge Park High and Wardle 6 10 Salford St Ambrose Barlow and St Patrick’s RC High, The Swinton High/Moorside 6 11 Wolverhampton Heath Park Business and Enterprise and North East Wolverhampton Academy 6

Departmental Redundancy Tim Loughton: Information on approved releases made by the Education Family (the Department and its arm’s Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for length bodies) since May 2010 is set out in the following Education how much (a) his Department and (b) each table: non-departmental body for which he is responsible has spent on redundancies since May 2010. [66342]

Name Cost of staff released since May 2010 (£)

Department for Education 9,300,000 Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) 2,500,000 Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) 130,056 General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) 0 National College 651,948 Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) 10,099 Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) 0 Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) 1,400,000 Partnerships for Schools (PfS) 576,927 Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) 6,000,000 School Food Trust (SFT) 323,772 Training and Development Agency (TDA) 1,900,000 Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) 0

Departmental Written Questions relating to written parliamentary question performance on a sessional basis and will provide full information to Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Committee at the end of the Session. Statistics Education what proportion of written questions tabled relating to Government Department’s performance for to him for answer on a named day did not receive a the 2009-10 parliamentary Session were previously provided substantive answer on the day named for answer between to the committee and are available on the Parliament (a) 27 May 2010 and 19 July 2011 and (b) 9 March website. 2011 and 19 July 2011. [71126] Between 27 May 2010 and 19 July 2011 the Department received 1,170 named day parliamentary questions, out Tim Loughton: The Government have committed to of which 13% were answered on the specified named providing the Procedure Committee with information day. Between 9 March 2011 and 19 July 2011 the 1309W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1310W

Department received 350 named day parliamentary £ questions, out of which 27% were answered on the Primary Secondary specified named day. The Department aims to answer named day questions North East 758,257,552 804,772,400 on the date specified by the Member and ordinary South Tyneside 45,180,742 48,981,610 questions within five sitting days. Where it is not possible Note: The data are taken from the local authorities section 251 Outturn statement for to provide a full answer within the usual deadline, the 2009-10. Department believes it will usually be preferable to Education: Young People provide a full answer a few days late than to provide an incomplete answer. Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Education Maintenance Allowance: City of York what the local education authority net revenue expenditure per head of population aged between 14 and 19 was in Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for cash terms for each London borough in (a) 2008-09, Education how many young people in the City of York (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11. [71682] received education maintenance allowance in each year Mr Gibb [holding answer 13 September 2011]: The since 2004-05. [71467] Department does not hold this information. Mr Gibb: This is a matter for the Young People’s Family Intervention Programme Learning Agency (YPLA) who operate the education maintenance allowance for the Department for Education. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Peter Lauener, the YPLA’s chief executive, will write to Education how many staff were employed in each the hon. Member for York Central with the information Family Intervention Project in each year since the requested and a copy of his reply will be placed in the establishment of the projects. [72037] House Libraries. Tim Loughton: The Department does not collect this Education: Finance information. Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for GCSE Education how much his Department spent on (a) Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for primary and (b) secondary school education in (i) Education (1) how many pupils achieved at least five South Tyneside, (ii) the North East and (iii) nationwide GCSEs grades A* to C in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) in 2010. [70491] South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) Mr Gibb: The available information on how much nationwide in each year since 1997; [70423] was spent is for 2009-10 and is shown as follows. The (2) how many pupils achieved GCSEs grades A* to information for 2010-11 is currently being collected and C including English and Maths in (a) Jarrow will be available in January 2012. constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) nationwide in each year since 1997. [70424] £ Mr Gibb: The information for 1997 and 2005 to 2010 Primary Secondary is provided in the following table. Figures for 1998 to England 15,490,397,855 15,635,929,285 2004 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Jarrow Constituency South Tyneside North East England Number of Number of Number of Number of pupils achieving pupils achieving pupils achieving pupils achieving at least 5 Number of at least 5 Number of at least 5 Number of at least 5 Number of GCSE grades pupils GCSE grades pupils GCSE grades pupils GCSE grades pupils achieving A* to C achieving at A* to C achieving at A* to C achieving at A* to C at least 5 including least 5 GCSE including least 5 GCSE including least 5 GCSE including GCSE grades English and grades A* English and grades A* English and grades A* English and A* to C mathematics to C mathematics to C mathematics to C mathematics

1997 389 275 668 512 11,492 8,787 264,910 213,244 2005 505 317 1,000 663 16,616 11,805 361,551 284,209 2006 543 370 1,112 791 18,198 12,804 382,663 296,077 2007 629 425 1,242 878 19,707 13,607 402,411 303,535 2008 674 429 1,268 834 21,347 14,423 426,732 311,076 2009 741 448 1,487 917 22,347 14,761 444,390 316,104 2010 775 529 1,529 957 23,471 15,608 482,225 341,980 Notes: 1. Figures in the table include GCSE and equivalents. 2. Jarrow constituency, South Tyneside and North East figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. 3. Jarrow constituency, South Tyneside and North East figures cover all maintained schools. England figure includes all participating schools. 4. 2005-2010 figures based on pupils at the end of key stage 4 in the academic year. 1997 figures based on pupils aged 15 at the start of the academic year. 5. Figures are derived from final Secondary School Performance Tables data.

GCSE: Home Education ensure that home-educated children have access to GCSE examination centres. [71415] Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps the Government is taking to 1311W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1312W

Mr Gibb: We recognise that it is not always easy for Schools: Buildings home-educated children to find suitable exam centres. While it is rightly a matter for an individual school or Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for college as to whether to provide facilities for home-educated Education how much his Department spent on school children to sit their exams, we encourage them to do so; buildings in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in and we provide training, advice and support to exam (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) the officers accordingly. We also welcome the work that North East and (iv) nationwide in each year since 1997. awarding bodies do to promote such access. [70422]

Government Buying Standards Mr Gibb: Complete information for capital allocations at constituency level, and by phase of education, is not Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for held centrally. This information is held at local level. Education what the reasons were for excluding his Capital allocations held centrally are as follows: Department from the adoption of Government Buying Capital allocations Standards. [71787] £ million Of which: Tim Loughton: The Department fully complies with England North East South Tyneside most of the Government Buying Standards, however, we will continue to apply our own nutritional standards 1997-98 650.1 34.9 1.5 to the Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services 1998-99 1,027.0 53.9 2.5 1999- 1,348.8 81.5 3.4 as they are equal to or better than those in the Government 2000 Standard. 2000-01 2,541.1 119.8 5.7 2001-02 2,501.5 200.6 5.6 Numeracy 2002-03 2,983.4 178.8 9.2 2003-04 4,085.5 232.0 8.0 2004-05 4,173.7 223.2 23.9 Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2005-06 4,234.6 263.4 39.2 Education (1) what steps he plans to take to ensure that 2006-07 3,777.7 147.1 5.6 children finish education functionally numerate; and if 2007-08 4,860.5 342.7 39.1 he will make a statement; [70780] 2008-09 4,943.7 388.4 43.9 (2) what steps he is taking to raise levels of basic 2009-10 7,215.6 560.5 82.9 numeracy and personal finance capability in education. 2010-11 7,244.0 551.0 37.4 [70781] Notes: 1. Capital allocations include capital grant, supported borrowing, and PFI credits. Mr Gibb: A sound understanding of mathematics 2. PFI Credits are counted in the year of financial close, although the revenue enhances pupils’ employment prospects and gives them support begins once the school asset comes into use. This, and the early use of supported borrowing allocations in Building Schools for the Future projects, skills that can be used in all aspects of life. Numeracy is accounts for the uneven run of figures in the table. the core foundation of mathematics. 3. Local authorities in the North East are: Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North Tyneside, Good quality teaching is fundamental to improving Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, engagement and achievement in mathematics. We will and Sunderland. strengthen the teaching of mathematics by recruiting Please see the following breakdown of capital spend more high quality graduates, improving initial teacher year on year from 2001-02 onwards. We do not have training to ensure that all newly qualified teachers have figures for earlier years: the skills to teach well, improving the skills of existing teachers through good quality continuing professional £ million development for mathematics teachers. We will also Of which: support initiatives to increase the number of specialist Total North East South Tyneside mathematics and science teachers. 2001-02 3.3 0.3 0 We are currently undertaking a review of the national 2002-03 60.6 11.9 0 curriculum in order to develop a curriculum that provides 2003-04 128.5 20.4 0 children with the essential knowledge needed when they 2004-05 219.1 6.4 0 leave school. Personal finance capability will be considered 2005-06 225.8 1.4 0 as part of that review. Young people also learn how to 2006-07 358.9 9.4 0 manage personal finance and understand a range financial 2007-08 401.6 28.9 0 products and services through the Personal Social Health 2008-09 384.8 32.0 0 and Economic (PSHE) education programmes of study 2009-10 370.2 15.7 0 at Key Stages 3 and 4. 2010-11 182.6 0.9 0 It is our intention that all young people leave school or college with good English and maths skills, ideally Schools: City of York the English and maths GCSE A*-C. In taking forward the recommendations in Alison WolfsReview of Vocational Education we are investigating how English and maths Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for should be part of an overall study programme for 16 to Education (1) how much his Department allocated to 18-year-olds who have not yet achieved GCSE A*-C in the City of York Council for school capital spending in English and/or maths. (a) 1996-97 and (b) each year since; [71465] 1313W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1314W

(2) what capital funding was allocated by his The level of funding of the pupil premium in 2011-12 Department to schools in the City of York in each year is £430 per pupil for those pupils known to be eligible since 2003. [71466] for free school meals, £430 per pupil for looked after children and £200 per pupil for service children. According Mr Gibb: The following table shows allocations of to the figures recorded on the January 2011 School central capital support to York local authority and its Census, Hampshire will receive £8.5 million for the schools since 1996-97. pupil premium.

£ million Schools: Newton Abbot 1996-97 0.8 1997-98 1.3 1998-99 1.8 Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for 1999-2000 4.5 Education what the average class size for (a) primary 2000-01 7.4 and (b) secondary schools was in Newton Abbot 2001-02 4.8 constituency in the latest period for which figures are 2002-03 9.2 available. [71265] 2003-04 11.1 2004-05 126.8 Mr Gibb: The requested information is shown in the 2005-06 10.7 following table. 2006-07 23.0 Average class size state-funded primary and secondary schools1, 2, 3: 2007-08 19.3 Classes as taught4 2008-09 26.7 Newton Abbot parliamentary 2009-10 23.1 constituency—January 2011 2010-11 18 State-funded primary1, 2 26.8 2 2011-12 6.2 State-funded secondary13 20.5 1 Of which £15.4 million of PFI credits. 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Provisional. 2 Includes primary academies 3 Includes city technology colleges and secondary academies (including Schools: Coventry all-through academies). 4 One teacher classes as taught during a single selected period in each school on the day of the census in January. Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Source: Education if the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of School Census State for Schools will visit Richard Lee Primary School in Coventry. [71207] Schools: Swimming Mr Gibb [holding answer 9 September 2011]: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for met the right hon. Member for Coventry North East in Education what steps he is taking to promote July 2011 to discuss the capital needs of Richard Lee swimming in schools. [71628] primary school. Since then the Secretary of State for Education has announced further support for schools Mr Gibb: Swimming is a compulsory part of the with the greatest need. A new, privately-financed programme National Curriculum for Physical Education in primary of school building (the Priority School Building programme) schools. The current requirement is that every pupil will address between 100 and 300 of the schools in the must be able to swim 25 metres, unaided and in a worst condition. recognised stroke, and demonstrate an understanding of water safety, by the end of Key Stage 2. The remit for Schools: Hampshire the review of the National Curriculum, which is now under way, makes clear that this requirement will remain. Mr Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the guaranteed level of funding per pupil was for (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) Sixth Form Colleges special schools in Hampshire in the latest period for which figures are available; and what the guaranteed Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for level of funding will be in 2011-12. [70078] Education how many students are entering sixth form in each school and college in London in 2011-12. Mr Gibb: The Guaranteed Unit of Funding for [71247] Hampshire in 2011-12 is £4,647.63 per pupil. The Department for Education allocates this funding to Hampshire county council and it is for the authority to Mr Gibb [holding answer 9 September 2011]: Information delegate this funding to the schools in their area through on the number of students entering sixth form in 2011/12 their local funding formula to meet the individual needs is not yet available for either schools or colleges. and pressures of their schools. It also pays for the free Data will be collected through the School Census, entitlement to early education for three and four-year-olds, and the Individualised Learner Record, on the number and for services retained by the local authority, such as of students participating in sixth forms in 2011/12. This support for High Needs pupils. will be available from January 2012. 1315W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1316W

Social Workers Pupil:teacher ratios (PTRs)1 in local authority maintained primary and secondary schools. Years: each January, 1997 to 2010 and November 2010. Coverage: York local authority Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for York Education (1) what proportion of children’s social Primary Secondary workers employed by each local authority on 1 April in January each of the last five financial years were no longer employed by the end of that financial year; [71419] 1997 24.3 16.3 1998 24.6 16.2 (2) how many qualified children’s social workers 1999 23.5 16.7 were employed by each local authority on 1 April in 2000 24.6 18.4 each of the last five years. [71420] 2001 22.9 16.6 2002 22.0 16.0 Tim Loughton: The Department does not currently 2003 22.0 16.0 collect this information from local authorities. Each 2004 22.7 16.0 local authority maintains its own data on the number of 2005 23.0 15.6 social workers and on turnover. Following the 2006 21.7 15.9 recommendation in the Munro review about the need 2007 21.7 16.3 for better data, both nationally and locally, there are 2008 21.4 15.7 plans to publish a new suite of nationally collected 2009 21.6 15.7 performance information by May 2012. 2010 21.8 15.3

Teachers: City of York November 2010 24.6 16.0 Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 The January 2010 PTRs are calculated by dividing the total FTE number of sole registered pupils on roll in schools by the total FTE number of qualified Education (1) how many full-time equivalent (a) teachers regularly employed in schools. November 2010 figures are calculated teachers, (b) teaching assistants and (c) support staff using the FTE number of sole and dual registered pupils on roll. there were in local authority schools in the City of Source: School Census York in each year since 1996; [71460] (2) what the average pupil to teacher ratio was in (a) November 2010 data from the new School Workforce primary and (b) secondary schools in York in each Census (SWF) is also available in the “Publication’s year since 1996. [71461] Underlying Data” available in the first zipped archive from the Statistical First Release “School Workforce in England November 2010 (Provisional)”. The SFR is Mr Gibb: York became a new local authority on available at the following web link: 1 April 1997 and therefore the information requested is not available for 1996. http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000997/ index.shtml The information requested for full-time equivalent teachers, teaching assistants and support staff in 1997, November 2010 full-time equivalent (FTE) support 2001 to 2009 is published in tables 19, 25 and 26 of the staff numbers are not available because the actual hours Statistical First Release (SFR) “School Workforce in that support staff worked were not collected and these England (including Local Authority level figures) January figures are required to calculate the FTE. The November 2009 (Revised)” published on 29 September 2009. The 2011 SWF will include this information. SFR is available at the following web link: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000874/ Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Tables19to27v2.xls Education what the gross average salary of a full-time teacher in local authority schools in the City of York The equivalent information requested for 1998 to was in (a) cash and (b) real terms in each year since 2000 is published in tables 18, 23 and 24 of the Statistical 1996-97. [71463] First Release (SFR) “School Workforce in England (including pupil:teacher ratios and pupil:adult ratios) January 2007 (Revised)” published on 27 September Mr Gibb: The following table provides the gross 2007. The SFR is available at the following web link: average salary of full-time regular qualified teachers in service in local authority maintained schools by cash http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000743/ SFR29_2007_FinalTables18-25.xls terms and real terms for York local authority, in each March, 1997 to 2009 and November 2010. The information requested for full-time equivalent teachers, teaching assistants and support staff in 2010 is Average salary of full-time regular teachers1 in service in local authority maintained schools in cash and real terms2, years: March 1997 to March 20093 published in tables 19, 25 and 26 of the Statistical First and November 2010; coverage: York local authority Release (SFR) “School Workforce in England (including £ pupil:teacher ratios and pupil:adult ratios) January 2010” York local authority published on 26 May 2010. The SFR is available at the Cash terms Real terms following web link: As at http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000927/ March: index.shtml 19974 22,600 30,800 The following table provides the pupil:teacher ratios 19984 23,200 30,900 in local authority maintained primary and secondary 19994 24,100 31,400 schools in York local authority, in each January, 1997 to 20004 24,900 31,900 2010 and November 2010. 20014 26,900 33,900 1317W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1318W

Average salary of full-time regular teachers1 in service in local authority The information provided is from the School Workforce maintained schools in cash and real terms2, years: March 1997 to March 20093 and November 2010; coverage: York local authority Census that was collected for the first time in November £ 2010 and provides absence data in respect of the academic York local authority year 2009-10. The information is not available broken Cash terms Real terms down by phase of education for the calendar years 2009 and 2010 or any earlier years. 20024 27,800 34,300 Further information on teacher sickness absence 20034 29,700 35,400 including the historical comparisons that are available 20044 30,600 35,500 is published in table 18 of School Workforce in England, 20054 32,100 36,300 November 2010 (Provisional) Statistical First Release 20064 33,100 36,800 which is available at the following web link: 20074 34,300 36,900 http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ 455 2008 — — statistics-by-topic/a00196713/school-workforce-sfr 20093,4 35,800 36,400 Teachers: Training

As at November: James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for 20106 37,600 37,600 Education what algorithm the Training and 1 Teachers of all grades including school leadership. Development Agency uses to allocate quotas for initial 2 Real terms figures calculated at 2009-10 prices using 28 June 2011 GDP teacher training places to training institutions. [71079] deflators. These are available from the following HM treasury web link together with further information about the methodology employed: Mr Gibb: The allocations by the Training and http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/data_gdp_index.htm Development Agency for Schools (TDA) are based on 3 Provisional. 4 Database of School Records. Excludes academies and city technology the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) targets published by colleges. the Department for Education. For 2011/12, the 2010/11 5 Figures are not sufficiently reliable. baseline allocations were adjusted in response to the 6 Source: School Workforce Census. Includes academies and city technology colleges. following factors: previous recruitment to ITT courses Note: against targets over the past three years; the proportion Figures are rounded to the nearest £100. of trainee teachers who have found employment as a teacher; and the ITT provider’s Ofsted inspection reports Teachers: Newton Abbot and ratings. Full details of the TDA’s methodology will be published Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for on the agency’s website this month along with the Education how many (a) primary and (b) secondary finalised allocations for 2011/12. school teachers were employed in Newton Abbot constituency in the latest period for which figures are Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education available. [71264] pursuant to the answer of 11 May 2011, Official Report, column 1281-3W, on higher education: teachers, how Mr Gibb: There were 280 full-time equivalent regular many and what proportion of the mainstream initial teachers in local authority maintained primary schools teacher training places allocated to higher education and 330 in secondary schools in Newton Abbot institutions were (a) postgraduate courses and (b) constituency in November 2010. The source of data undergraduate courses (i) at each higher education provision is the November 2010 School Workforce Census institution and (ii) in total in academic year (A) 2009-10, and figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. (B) 2010-11 and (C) 2011-12. [71444] Further school workforce statistics are available from Mr Gibb [holding answer 12 September 2011]: The the Statistical First Release ’School Workforce In England, totals for all higher education institutions in England November 2010’ which is available at the following web are shown in the following table: link: Allocated postgraduate and undergraduate initial teacher training places— http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000997/ Academic years: 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12: Coverage: England index.shtml AY 2009/10 AY 2010/11 AY 2011/12

Number of Teachers: Sick Leave places Postgraduate 23,189 23,564 21,273 John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Undergraduate 7,539 7,453 7,106 Education how many days there were of sickness Total 30,728 31,017 28,379 Percentage of absence by teaching staff in (a) primary and (b) total secondary schools in England on average per employee Postgraduate 75 76 75 [70585] in (i) 2009 and (ii) 2010. Undergraduate 25 24 25 Notes: Mr Gibb: In the academic year 2009-10 an average of 1. Correct as at 8 September 2011 (2011/12 allocations are subject to further change). 3.7 days sickness absence was taken by each teacher 2. Allocated places exclude continuer places for multiple year courses. employed in local authority maintained nursery and 3. Excludes postgraduate places allocated to school-centred initial teacher primary schools. The equivalent figure for secondary training providers, employment-based programmes and teach first places. 4. 2011/12 figures now reflect revisions as providers seek to align allocated schools was 4.5 days. The overall figure for teachers in numbers with recruitment activity. 2010/11 figures incorporate minor all schools was 4.2 days. Teachers included were those revisions. employed on a contract of at least 28 days during the Source: period. TDA 1319W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1320W

A table showing the number of places allocated to PQ 68230 was answered on 8 September 2011, Official Report, each higher education institution by the Training and column 780W. Development Agency for Schools in academic years 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12 has been placed in the Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education House Libraries. when he plans to respond to questions 68881, on looked after children, and 68882, on adoption, tabled by the Training and Development Agency: City of York hon. Member for Chesterfield on 20 July 2011 for answer on 6 September. [71418] Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much mainstream grant funding was Tim Loughton: The relevant information is as follows: allocated by the Training and Development Agency for PQ 68881 was answered on 9 September 2011, Official Report, Schools to (a) the University of York and (b) Yo rk S t column 900W. John University in (i) 1996-97 and (ii) the latest year for PQ 68882 was answered on 9 September 2011, Official Report, which figures are available. [71464] column 881W.

Mr Gibb: The Training and Development Agency for Schools allocated mainstream grant funding as follows to: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (a) The University of York: (i) £453,332 in 1996-97 and (ii) £708,830 in 2011/12; and Ethiopia: Resettlement (b) York St John University: (i) £2,120,686 in 1996-97 and (ii) £3,386,370 in 2011/12. Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for University Technical Colleges International Development what information his Department holds on the government of Ethiopia’s villagization policy. [70683] Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the decision-making process is for the Mr O’Brien: In February 2011, officials from DFID assessment of university technical college bids. [71446] Ethiopia participated in a multi-agency assessment of villagisation (now officially known as the Commune Mr Gibb [holding answer 12 September 2011]: programme) in the Gambella region of Ethiopia. The Applications to establish a university technical college findings were captured in a report, which was shared from September 2012 which were received by the application with the Government of Ethiopia. deadline of 1 June 2011 are being assessed by the Department against the published assessment criteria. The Department for International Development (DFID) These criteria relate to the educational vision and identity holds a draft copy of the Government of Ethiopia’s of the university technical college, the soundness of the Commune Development Programme Plan for the educational plan, evidence of demand, organisational Developing Regional States. This was received upon its capability and capacity, the suitability of the proposed release in March 2011. A final version of the plan has premises, and cost and financial viability. As part of the not been released. assessment process, a number of applicants were interviewed Food Supply during August, and the decision on which UTC applications are approved to move to the next stage of development will be made around the end of September. Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether he has had recent discussions University Technical Colleges with the Committee on World Food Security on the implementation of the recommendations of the report, Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for The Future of Food and Farming. [71713] Education when he plans to announce his decision on the university technical college bids. [71447] Mr O’Brien: The Department of International Development (DFID) in partnership with the foresight Mr Gibb [holding answer 12 September 2011]: The team will be hosting a side event at 37th Session of the Department is still in the process of assessing the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in Rome on applications it has received to establish university technical Wednesday, 19 October. The side event will focus on the colleges. An announcement will be made around the implementation of the report, The Future of Food and end of September about those that are approved to Farming’, with recommendations submitted to the CFS move to the next stage of development. for consideration. Written Questions: Government Responses

Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE when he plans to reply to questions 68227, on care placements, and 68230, on special guardianship, tabled Armed Conflict by the hon. Member for Chesterfield on 18 July 2011 for answer on 5 September. [71417] Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Tim Loughton: The relevant information is as follows: he has made of stocks of chemical weapons held in PQ 68227 was answered on 12 September 2011, Official Report, Libya before the start of the recent uprising against column 984W. Colonel Gaddafi. [70636] 1321W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1322W

Alistair Burt: Libya abandoned its weapons of mass Alistair Burt: The release of all political prisoners in destruction programme in 2003 and destroyed all its Burma remains a long standing expectation of the declared chemical weapons munitions (unfilled) by 1 international community. Aung San Suu Kyi’s meeting March 2004. By the end of February 2011, Libya had with the Burmese president on 19 August, and the also destroyed 54% of its chemical agent stocks and proposal raised in Burma’s Parliament on 26 August for 39% of its precursor stocks. a general amnesty, are encouraging developments. However, We have regularly raised with the National Transitional the international community is watching closely for Council the importance of ensuring that the site where tangible outcomes, including the release of all political the stocks are located remains secured and of resuming prisoners. destruction. We are also in close touch with the Organisation We raise the need for to release political prisoners at for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which has every opportunity with the Burmese Government. It is responsibility for international verification of compliance an issue that we discuss in our systematic engagement with the Chemical Weapons Convention. with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) governments on how to promote genuine progress in Bahrain: Health Professions Burma. Over recent weeks we have discussed Burma with the governments of the Philippines, Indonesia and Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Singapore as well as the ASEAN secretariat. We are and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has working to secure the strongest possible resolution on received on the recent trials of medical staff in Burma at the forthcoming UN General Assembly, reflecting Bahrain; and if he will make a statement. [71989] our concerns, including the plight of political prisoners. China Alistair Burt: I was pleased to hear on 7 September about the release on bail of the medical staff that were still being detained. I understand the final hearing will Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for be on 29 September and hope that due process is being Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment followed fully and transparently. he has made of (a) the influence of the People’s Republic of China in the Indian Ocean and (b) the effect of such The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth influence on British interests. [72065] Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has stressed the need for Bahrain Alistair Burt: Our assessment is that China is developing to meet all its human rights obligations and our its economic and political relations with countries Ambassador in Bahrain raised the specific case of the surrounding the Indian ocean, including through medical personnel with the Bahraini Minister of Justice investments and infrastructure projects. The 2010 White in May. Staff from our embassy in Bahrain, along with Paper on ‘China’s National Defence’ stated that the other international colleagues, have attended the key Chinese Navy had been developing its capabilities to trials. conduct operations in distant waters. Burma: Human Rights It is important for UK interests that China uses its growing economic, political and military weight in a responsible manner, in line with international norms Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and global interests. For example, we welcome China’s and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he constructive support for multilateral anti-piracy efforts has had on the establishment of a human rights in the Gulf of Aden. We continue to step up our commission in Burma; and if he will make a statement. engagement with China through political, diplomatic [71564] and military channels on the full range of foreign and security policy issues. We expect, for example, to hold Alistair Burt: In advance of the UN Human Rights an official-level dialogue with China on South Asia Council’s Universal Periodic Review of human rights in issues soon. Burma in January, the UK asked the Burmese Government to explain whether the proposed National Human Rights Croatia: EU Enlargement Commission would operate with genuine independence and whether international monitors would be permitted Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for to assess its operation, Burma’s report to the Human Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what timetable he Rights Council stated that an organisation will “emerge has set for the ratification by Parliament of Croatia’s eventually” in accord with Paris Principles. accession to the EU. [71734] The Burmese authorities announced the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission on 5 September. Mr Lidington: The ECOFIN Council of 12 July 2011 Our embassy is seeking to meet with members of the formally closed Croatia’s EU accession negotiations. Commission at the earliest opportunity. We are clear Negotiations on the drafting of the Accession treaty are that any such organisation should be independent and expected to be concluded in time for signature before operate firmly in line with Paris Principles. the end of 2011. The anticipated date of Croatia’s accession is 1 July 2013, on which day the treaty shall Burma: Political Prisoners enter into force providing that all 27 member states’ and Croatia’s instruments of ratification have been deposited Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign before that date. . and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he The provisions of the EU Act 2011 will apply to the has had with ASEAN on political prisoners in Burma. UK’s domestic ratification procedures. This Act requires [71563] that the UK cannot ratify the treaty unless a statement 1323W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1324W has been made in accordance with Section 5 of the Act, Occupied Territories: Housing the treaty has been approved by an Act of Parliament and the referendum condition or exemption condition Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign is met. The required statement under Section 5 of the and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Act as to whether the treaty falls within Section 4 must representations he has made to the government of be made within two months of the date when the Israel over (a) the expansion of illegal settlements on Accession Treaty is agreed. We therefore expect it to be the west bank, (b) the demolition of Palestinian homes made within two months of signature of the Accession on the west bank and (c) the demolition of Palestinian treaty, expected in December 2011. The Government homes in east Jerusalem; and if he will make a will introduce a Bill to ratify the Accession treaty when statement. [72062] parliamentary time allows. Alistair Burt: Our policy on settlements is clear. They are illegal under international law. We look to the Human Rights Government of Israel to take all necessary steps to prevent settlement construction. Most recently, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for and Commonwealth Affairs, the hon. Member for North Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), issued the following taking to ensure that the human rights of ethnic statement on UK policy on settlements on 16 August: minorities in Libya are protected during the period of “I condemn the decision of the Israeli Government to build transition to the new government. [71258] 277 housing units in the illegal West Bank settlement of Ariel, 16 kilometres inside the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Israel has again ignored the calls of the international community to refrain Alistair Burt: The UK continues to raise with the from actions which make a return to negotiations more difficult. National Transitional Council (NTC) the importance These repeated actions, illegal under international law, undermine of protecting the rights of ethnic minorities in Libya, confidence and threaten a two state solution.” especially the Tuareg, Amazigh and Tebu. The UK The focus between the Israelis and the Palestinians missions in Tripoli and Benghazi have met representatives should be on confidence-building steps with the aim of of minority communities on the NTC. The NTC has giving momentum to restarting negotiations. In this made clear its commitment to international humanitarian respect, house demolitions or the eviction of Palestinians and human rights law. Article 6 of the NTC’s Draft from their homes are deeply unhelpful and cause Constitutional Declaration states that ’all Libyans are unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians. We are equal before the law, enjoy equal civil and political aware that there has been an increase in demolitions in rights and equal opportunities, have equal duties and recent months, we continue to monitor the situation public responsibilities, and are not discriminated against closely and issue statements when necessary. because of religion, faith, language, wealth, gender, ancestry, political views, social status or tribal, group or UK Membership of EU family affiliation’. Article 8 of the same document sets out that the Libyan state will guarantee equal opportunities Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for to all citizens, including the provision of adequate living Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent standards and right to work, education, healthcare and estimate he has made of the total annual cost of the social security for every citizen. We welcome this emphasis UK’s membership of the EU. [70998] and the NTC’s commitment, and we will continue to raise the issue of minority rights. We will also explore Justine Greening: I have been asked to reply. the scope for provision of international support and The latest forecast of the UK’s contributions to the expertise to the NTC in this area. EU budget is set out in Table 2.16 of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook of March 2011. This forecast will be updated in the Iraq: Armed Conflict autumn. UN World Conference Against Racism Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for to the Turkish and Iranian governments on military Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the action in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. [71814] Government’s planned approach is regarding the UN World Conference Against Racism in September 2011. Alistair Burt [holding answer 14 September 2011]: It [70312] is for the Government of Iraq to decide whether to Mr Jeremy Browne: I will reply to the hon. Member make representations to the Governments of Turkey shortly. and Iran over military actions against the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) and PJAK (Free Life Party of Kurdistan) Substantive answer from Alistair Burt to Stephen Twigg: within Iraq’s borders. We have consistently called for The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth co-operation with the Governments of Iraq and the Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Kurdistan Region over the threat in the border areas, (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has today informed the House by and have expressed our concern about indiscriminate written ministerial statement that the Government will Iranian shelling. not attend the high-level meeting to commemorate the 1325W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1326W

10th anniversary of the 2001 World Conference against Inland Waterways: Freight Racism on 22 September at the United Nations in New Yo rk . 17. Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to increase the Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for proportion of freight carried on inland waterways. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent [71845] discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the UN World Conference Against Racism in September Mike Penning: We continue to support the shift of 2011. [70313] freight from road to inland waterways, primarily through the Department’s Mode Shift Revenue Support scheme. Alistair Burt [holding answer 8 September 2011]: The This assists companies with the operating costs of Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth transporting freight by inland waterway, where this is Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond more expensive than road and where there are (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has today informed the House by environmental benefits (eg: lower carbon emissions). written ministerial statement that the Government will not attend the high-level meeting to commemorate the Smart Ticketing 10th anniversary of the 2001 World Conference against Racism on 22 September at the United Nations in New 18. Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Yo rk . Transport what recent discussions he has had with The Secretary of State has not spoken with his EU transport operators on the expansion of smart counterparts about the September meeting. Foreign ticketing technologies. [71846] and Commonwealth Office officials held regular discussions with their EU colleagues about the meeting and kept Norman Baker: My officials and I meet regularly with the Secretary of State fully updated on developments. transport operators to discuss the roll-out of smart ticketing technologies. The Government are strongly committed to rolling out smart and integrated ticketing as there are huge TRANSPORT potential benefits for passengers, local authorities and operators. That is why we have committed to delivering, Lane Rental with operators and public sector bodies, the infrastructure to enable most public transport journeys to be undertaken 14. Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for using smart ticketing by December 2014. Transport what assessment he has made of the likely effects on congestion of the implementation of lane Bus Services: Young People rental proposals. [71842] 19. Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for 15. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State Transport what assessment he has made of the effects for Transport what assessment he has made of the of bus service reductions on young people; and if he likely effects on congestion of the implementation of will make a statement. [71847] lane rental proposals. [71843] Norman Baker: I am aware that, as a result of local Norman Baker: Street works are a significant cause of decisions, in some areas of the country bus services are delay and disruption, contributing to congestion that is being reduced. estimated to cost over £4 billion a year. A consultation Changes to services are a matter for bus operators is under way on regulations to enable a small number of and local transport authorities. While I am monitoring targeted pilot schemes to be brought forward, which the overall impact, the Government do not and cannot would inform future assessments of whether lane rental make an assessment of every individual change. could usefully play a wider role in managing congestion. I would encourage all local authorities to ensure young people’s ability to access education and leisure Rail Travel activities is not compromised. Local education authorities have statutory duties regarding travel to school—students 16. Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for must not be prevented from attending education because Transport what assessment he has made of recent there is no bus service or the fare is unaffordable. trends in levels of rail travel. [71844] Driving: Sleep Apnoea Mrs Villiers: Annual statistics for the year ending March 2011 published by the Office of Rail Regulation Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for show that passenger travel rose during the year to reach Transport if he will meet Ms Carol Upcraft to discuss an overall, all time high of 33.6 billion passenger miles. her campaign to raise awareness about the contribution The number of rail journeys has been rising steadily of sleep apnoea to road accidents. [70328] each year since privatisation with only one slight drop in the total during 2009. Since then the upward trend Mike Penning: The Department is committed to raising has resumed to reach a total of 1.4 billion journeys awareness of obstructive sleep apnoea and driving. I undertaken. Long-distance rail travel has nearly doubled would be happy to meet with the hon. Member and his since privatisation. constituent, Ms Carol Upcraft, to discuss her campaign. 1327W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1328W

Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Railways: Manufacturing Industries Transport what estimate his Department has made of the number of road accidents where sleep apnoea was Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for attributed as a cause in the last three years. [70379] Transport what assessments his Department has made of the risks to the train building supply chain in the Mike Penning: Information on the number of injuries UK since January 2011; and what support his resulting from reported road accidents caused by drivers Department (a) has and (b) plans to provide to small with specific medical conditions is not collected. and medium-sized enterprises in the train building The number of injury road accidents in Great Britain industry in the East Midlands. [71163] for which a police officer attended the scene and recorded the contributory factor ’Fatigue’ was 1,812 in 2008, Mr Prisk: I have been asked to reply. 1,806 in 2009 and 1,766 in 2010. No such assessments have been carried out. However The contributory factor ’Fatigue’ is recorded in accidents on 5 July the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation in which the police officer’s opinion at the time of and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for reporting was that the driver/rider was unable to drive Twickenham (Vince Cable), created an Economic Response effectively or perceive hazards due to being too tired. Task Force to fully understand and mitigate the economic This may or may not be due to a specific medical impact of job losses at Bombardier, its supply chain and condition. the local communities. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and High Speed Trains: Scotland Skills and the Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Hammond), have asked their officials to work if he will make an assessment of the potential (a) together with the sector and key delivery partners, such economic and (b) environmental benefits of including as UK Trade and Investment, to support the train Scotland in the national high speed rail network. manufacturing sector and the wider rail supply chain in [71834] securing more sustainable UK jobs through clearly identified business opportunities such as the Intercity Mr Philip Hammond: Our vision is for a truly national Express programme, Crossrail and High Speed 2. high speed rail network. The proposals on which we are Additionally the Department’s Solution’s for Business currently consulting include through-running services offers a range of publically funded products and services to Scotland, delivering significant journey time savings. designed to help businesses to overcome key challenges If the Government makes the decision to progress the and—through UK Trade and Investment—explore export HS2 project, it will be delivered in phases. Phase 1, opportunities. London to the West Midlands, phase 2 to Manchester and Leeds. I have indicated to the Scottish Government Road Traffic that once we have completed the legislative process for phase 2 it will be appropriate for us to engage with the Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Scottish Government on options future development of Transport what recent assessment he has made of the the network to Scotland. economic costs of congestion on the road network. Large Goods Vehicles: Sleep Apnoea [71799] Mike Penning: The 2006 Eddington Study estimated Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for that, using the Department for Transport’s National Transport what steps his Department is taking to raise Transport Model, the direct costs of congestion to awareness within the road haulage industry of the risks business could rise by £10 billion to £12 billion from associated with undiagnosed sleep apnoea. [70327] 2003 to 2025 (in 2002 prices). Adding in the value of the lost time experienced by other travellers raises this Mike Penning: The Department is committed to figure to £23 billion to £24 billion per annum. This identifying opportunities to raise awareness of obstructive report is available at: sleep apnoea. A number of initiatives are ongoing with http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http:// commercial drivers including questioning them directly www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/transportstrategy/ about it as part of their compulsory medicals for driver eddingtonstudy/researchannexes/ licensing purposes and sending our ‘Tiredness Can Kill’ The following table provides estimates of the cost of leaflet to raise awareness of the condition with them congestion to business and other travellers in lost time and their employers. in 2003 (in 2002 prices) in each English region. Network Rail: Finance Estimated cost of congestion by English region, 2003, at 2002 prices Region £ billion

Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for North-east 1.0 Transport if he will discuss with Network Rail (a) the Yorks and Humber 1.7 introduction of a fair payments policy and (b) the East midlands 0.9 reduction of its current 60-day payment terms. [72025] Eastern England 1.2 South-east 1.9 Mrs Villiers: This is an operational matter for Network London 5.3 Rail and not something in which the Government have South-west 0.7 the power to intervene. 1329W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1330W

Estimated cost of congestion by English region, 2003, at 2002 prices Thameslink Railway Line: Rolling Stock Region £ billion

West midlands 1.9 Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for North-west 1.9 Transport if he will publish the financial model used to England total 16.5 assess bids for the Thameslink Rolling Stock Project. [65191] These figures are based on the difference between the actual time taken to make a journey and the time that Mrs Villiers [holding answer 11 July 2011]: An would be taken under theoretical ’free-flow’ conditions. unpopulated blank template of the financial model has They do not necessarily represent the net benefit that been published on the DFT website. would result from removing congestion. Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what regulations govern the (a) Intercity Transport by how much his Department expects traffic Express Programme and (b) Thameslink Rolling Stock numbers on the major road network to change between procurements. [71816] 2011 and (a) 2020, (b) 2030 and (c) 2040. [71975] Mrs Villiers: The Utilities Contracts Regulations 2006 Mike Penning: The latest estimate of outturn traffic govern both the Intercity Express Programme and on all major roads for Great Britain in 2010 is 197.4 Thameslink rolling stock procurements. billion vehicle miles: http://www.dft.gov.uk/statistics/tables/tra0102 The latest published forecasts from the Department for Transport’s National Transport Model (NTM) can CABINET OFFICE be found at: http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/economics/ntm/forecasts2009/ British Sky Broadcasting index.html Current forecasts from the NTM show traffic on all Luciana Berger: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet major roads in Great Britain increasing by 24% in the Office how much his Department has spent on period 2010-25 and by 40% in the period 2010-35. subscriptions to Sky TV since May 2010. [67556]

Roads: Accidents Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office has spent £6,887 on subscriptions to Sky TV since May 2010. Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for The Emergency Planning College (EPC) in York has Transport what information his Department holds on separate arrangements in place and pays for a commercial the causes of road accidents. [70326] contract. Additionally, the National School of Government’s Mike Penning: It is not possible to identify the cause residential training site at Sunningdale Park, Ascot is of reported personal injury road accidents from data operated by De Vere Venues under the terms of a PFI collected through STATS19. However, Department for contract which includes televisions. The National School Transport collects statistics on contributory factors to pays inclusive delegate rates for its use of the facilities accidents reported by the attending police officer. and thus is unable to identify any charges in respect of Information on reported contributory factors to road the provision of these televisions. accidents, for Great Britain in 2009, can be found in Table 4a of Article 4 (‘Contributory factors to reported Departmental Procurement road accidents’) in our annual report, ‘Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: 2009’. A copy has been placed Joan Walley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet in the Libraries of the House, and it can also be found Office what guidance his Department provides to local using the following link: authorities on the effect of procurement policy in http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/ relation to small and medium-sized enterprises on the accidents/casualtiesgbar/rrcgb2009.html creation of local jobs. [72108] The contributory factor article for reported accidents in Great Britain in 2010 will be published at the end of Mr Maude: Local authorities are responsible for their September 2011. own procurement policies and decisions, but many choose Please note that contributory factors are reported to follow central Government policies and practices, only for injury road accidents where a police officer which are published on the Cabinet Office website and attended the scene and reported at least one contributory disseminated to local authorities via procurement policy factor. These factors are largely subjective, reflecting notes. Baroness Eaton, Chair of the Local Government the attending officer’s opinion at the time of reporting. Group, has signalled local government support for the It is recognised that subsequent inquires could lead to measures the Government announced on 11 February the reporting officer changing his/her opinion. to make it easier for SMEs to compete for public sector It is important to note that it may be difficult for a contracts. police officer, attending the scene after an accident has Where SMEs are successful in bidding for contracts, occurred, to identify certain factors that may have they are often local companies providing local contributed to a cause of an accident. employment. 1331W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1332W

Employment: Birmingham Mr Maude: I have asked the chief executive of the Central Office of Information to write to the hon. Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Member. Office what estimate he has made of the number of Letter from Emma Lochhead, dated 7 September 2011: lower skilled jobs at Levels One and Two available in As Chief Executive of the Central Office of Information Birmingham, Ladywood on 1 September in each year (COI), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question from 2006 to 2011. [71919] 70833 regarding transactions made using the Government Procurement Card (GPC). Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the The Central Office of Information (COI) uses the Government responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Procurement Card as it is an efficient way of processing low value transactions. asked the authority to reply. The Government is committed to transparency and we believe Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated September 2011: the information regarding Government Procurement Cards for As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I this financial year is the most relevant. Central Government have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Departments will be publishing any transactions over £500 on what estimate he has made of the number of lower skilled jobs at their websites, starting with 2011/2012 Quarter 1 (April-June) Levels One and Two available in Birmingham, Ladywood on 1 data at the end of September and then on a monthly basis. September in each year from 2006 to 2011. [071919] The cost required to obtain, contextualise and report data for Estimates of vacancies for the UK as a whole are obtained the last 3 years would exceed the cost limits of a Freedom of from the ONS Vacancy Survey, which is the most complete source Information request or a Parliamentary question. of vacancy information. Local area estimates are obtained from vacancies notified to Jobcentre Plus, but Jobcentre Plus vacancies Mystery Shopper Complaints Scheme account for around half of the total number of vacancies as reported by the Vacancy Survey. Simon Wright: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Table 1 shows the number of live unfilled Jobcentre Plus vacancies for Birmingham, Ladywood for skill levels 1 and 2. Office in respect of which contracts complaints have Data has been provided for the August period for 2006 to 2011 as been submitted through the mystery shopper complaints the latest data available is for the period August 2011. scheme; which complaints (a) were investigated, (b) National and local area estimates for many labour market had no further action taken, (c) were passed on to the statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant relevant procurement body, (d) had a review ordered, count are available on the NOMIS website at: (e) resulted in a change to the terms of a contract and http://www.nomisweb.co.uk (f) resulted in a decision by the contracting authority to cancel the contract. [72251] Table 1: The number of skill levels1 1 and 2 job vacancies in Birmingham, Ladywood parliamentary constituency Mr Maude: The Government have published the As at August Total skill each year Skill level 1 Skill level 2 levels 1 and 2 issues and the resolution of the cases investigated by the mystery shopper service in the first three months of 2006 1,172 680 1,852 the scheme between February and May 2011. I refer the 2007 1,406 310 1,716 hon. Member to this report, which can be found at: 2008 1,091 271 1,362 www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/mystery-shopper 2009 700 164 864 Further reports will be issued in due course. 2010 1,152 328 1,480 2011 956 467 1,423 Non-departmental Public Bodies 1 Skills levels are defined based on Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) 2000. Source: Julian Sturdy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Jobcentre Plus administrative system Office how many new non-departmental public bodies have been established since May 2010. [71570] Ex-servicemen Mr Maude: Since May 2010, the Government have Mr Llwyd: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office established and classified four new NDPBs which were whether he has any plans to appoint a Minister within not previously in existence in another form. In addition his Department with responsibility for the welfare of a small number of bodies are proposed in legislation which is currently subject to Parliamentary consideration. current and former military personnel. [71999] Public Sector: Procurement Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 15 July 2010, Official Report, column 864W. Tom Greatrex: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many small and medium-sized enterprises have participated in the SME Product Surgery scheme. Government Procurement Card [70068]

John Glen: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office Mr Maude: Three SME Product Surgeries have been what the (a) transaction date, (b) transaction amount held to date. Five SMEs participated in the first, held by and (c) supplier was of each transaction undertaken the Department for Transport in Birmingham on 17 June; by the Central Office of Information using the 32 SMEs participated in a Product Surgery on the Government Procurement Card in (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 29 July organised by the Ministry of Justice; and nine 2009-10; and which of these transactions attracted level were chosen from over 350 proposals submitted to the three or enhanced transaction entry. [70833] Innovation Launch Pad to take part in the Product 1333W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1334W

Surgery, held in London on 19 July. At least six further (5) how many full-time equivalent staff in his Department Product Surgeries are being planned with Departments in each pay band were working for the Creative Industries for later in the year. Council (a) on 1 December 2010 and (b) in the latest The Cabinet Office is encouraging SMEs to register period for which figures are available; [71988] their interest in participating in future Product Surgeries (6) how many full-time equivalent staff in each pay by contacting the Cabinet Office service desk. band in his Department (a) were working on 1 December 2010 and (b) are working on the proposed Sick Leave: Civil Service Communications Bill; [71973] (7) how many full-time equivalent staff in each pay John Stevenson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet band in his Department (a) were working on Office what information he holds on the number of 1 December 2010 and (b) are working on policy on days of sickness absence in the civil service on average local television. [71974] per employee in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010. [70586] Mr Jeremy Hunt: The Department for Culture, Media Mr Maude: The average number of days of sickness and Sport has operated a fully flexible resourcing system absence in the civil service per person and staff year for since April 2011. This model enables the Department to (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 are given in the following table: quickly adapt to changing priorities by targeting resources Table 1: Average working days lost per person1 and staff year2 in the in order to meet our departmental objectives. The civil service, 2009 and 2010 Department operated a more limited model of flexible Average days resourcing from 2008 onwards in which some individuals Average working working lost per staff were in a flexible pool but others were in standing teams days lost per person year dedicated to specific policy areas. As individuals are 2010 7.6 8.3 deployed flexibly across our entire remit, we do not 2009 7.7 8.7 have the data to provide complete FTE figures broken 1 Average working days lost per person—the total number of working down to specific policies. days lost across the year divided by the total number of employees during the year. Football Governance 2 Average working days lost per staff year—the total number of working days lost across the year divided by the total number of potential staff years. Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Source: Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he plans to Quarterly Sickness Absence Data, Cabinet Office publish the Government’s response to the Culture, More information on sickness absence is available on Media and Sport Select Committee’s Seventh Report the civil service statistics website at: of the current session on Football Governance. [71972] www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/who/statistics/sickness.aspx Mr Jeremy Hunt: I am grateful to the Select Committee for their report on Football Governance, which contains a strong set of recommendations and conclusions. The CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Department expects to publish the Government response shortly. Departmental Manpower Government Procurement Card Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) how many John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, full-time equivalent staff in each pay band in his Olympics, Media and Sport if he will publish the (a) Department are working on policy on Lord Leveson’s purchase date, (b) transaction amount, (c) supplier inquiry into the media; [71959] and (d) level 3 or enhanced transaction entry of each (2) how many full-time equivalent staff in each pay individual transaction undertaken by the Olympic Delivery band in his Department were working for the Endowment Authority using the Government Procurement Card in Fund panel (a) on 1 December 2010 and (b) in the (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10. [71700] latest period for which figures are available; [71960] (3) how many full-time equivalent staff in each pay Hugh Robertson: The Department does not collate band in his Department are working on policy on this information for the Olympic Delivery Authority matters within the order of reference of the Joint (ODA). Accordingly, I have asked the chief executive of Committee on Superinjunctions; [71961] the ODA to write directly to my hon. Friend with this (4) how many full-time equivalent staff in each pay information. band in his Department (a) were working on 1 December 2010 and (b) are working on (i) digital switchover, (ii) National Lottery heritage, (iii) libraries, (iv) the National Lottery, (v) horse racing, (vi) gambling, (vii) licensing, (viii) the Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for London 2012 Olympic Games, (ix) sport, (x) tourism, Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has (xi) implementation of the Digital Economy Act 2010, any statutory powers of direction in respect of use of (xii) broadband, (xiii) the May Day Bank Holiday Big Lottery funds. [71546] Review, (xiv) the live entertainment consultation, (xv) cultural education, (xvi) spectrum, (xvii) sporting John Penrose: The Secretary of State for Culture, governance and (xviii) intellectual property policy; Olympics, Media and Sport has no such powers. The [71968] responsibility for the Big Lottery Fund now rests with 1335W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1336W the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster Tourism: Cumbria General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude). Olympic Games 2012: Tickets John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans his Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Department has to provide information on attractions Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what information (a) in Cumbria and (b) nationally during the London his Department holds on the number of tickets sold for 2012 Olympics. [71600] the London 2012 Olympic Games by parliamentary constituency. [72053] John Penrose: The Government’s plans for promoting Hugh Robertson: The London 2012 Organising the growth of the visitor economy are set out in detail in Committee (LOCOG) is the private company operating the paper, “Government Tourism Policy” published in independently of Government that is responsible for March 2011, and available at: staging the London 2012 Games, including the ticketing arrangements. LOCOG has not broken down London http://www.culture.gov.uk/publications/7896.aspx 2012 ticket applications or sales by parliamentary constituency. Ticket applications were split approximately Over the next four years VisitBritain will be running equally between London, the wider south-east and the the ″You’re Invited″ programme, which will capitalise rest of the UK. on the international interest in the recent royal wedding, as well as next year’s diamond jubilee and Olympic Telephone Calls: Unsolicited Goods and Services and Paralympic Games, and showcase Britain to the world. The programme aims to attract 4 million extra Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, visitors, spending £2 billion in the UK economy, which Olympics, Media and Sport what representations he has will support businesses, jobs and growth. The programme received on nuisance and repeat sales calls to commercial is backed by a £100 million marketing fund, funded by numbers; whether he plans to take steps to prohibit the public and private sector. Visitor attractions in such calls; and if he will make a statement. [71720] Cumbria and across the country will be featured in this promotion. Mr Vaizey: No representations have been received on this particular issue. Safeguards are already in place VisitBritain publishes the: through the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (PECR), which provides www.Tourism2012Games.org protection to commercial numbers. Unsolicited marketing website in partnership with the London Organising calls are not allowed to be made to a number that is Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games registered with the Corporate Telephone Preference (LOCOG) to help tourism businesses and organisations Service (CTPS) scheme. The CTPS scheme was introduced across the UK to connect with short and long term in 2004 and to date about 1.8 million numbers are opportunities provided by the Games and to play their registered with them. Further detailed information about part in delivering a world-class welcome to visitors in the CTPS can be found using the link: 2012 and beyond. VisitBritain is a leader in the use of http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/ctps/what social media for tourism marketing and the team has Television already visited Cumbria to inform businesses how they can get involved. The third part of the roll out of the marketing campaign wilt be a social media campaign John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for due to go live towards the end of the year. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what progress has been made on launching local television stations; and if During the Games period itself, information on Britain, he will make a statement. [R] [71635] including Cumbria, will be disseminated through both the London Media Centre, and the main Media Centre Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, at the Olympic Park. Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), recently announced 65 VisitEngland is working closely with local areas and locations that have the opportunity to pioneer commercially destinations, in line with Government’s localism agenda, viable local TV across the UK for the first time. They to grow the value of local tourism economies. This is will be supported by a new framework, with the first co-ordinated through the National Strategic Framework licences awarded during the course of next year. for Tourism,which includes an action programme developed in consultation with the tourism sector. Television: Licensing VisitEngland is currently working with destinations Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, across the country, including Cumbria, on a campaign Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has considered to deliver economic growth from the domestic market, the merits of lowering to 65 the age at which individuals and to support employment and job creation. This will are eligible for free TV licence. [71574] maximise the impact of the unique events of 2012, including the Queens diamond jubilee and the Olympic Mr Vaizey: The Government are satisfied with the and Paralympic Games, helping to spread the benefits current range of concessionary television licences and of the Games outside London and maintain a legacy of no consideration is being given to extending this range. domestic tourism growth. 1337W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1338W

JUSTICE Contingent Fee

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Civil Disorder what estimate he has made of the effects of implementing his proposals on reform of contingent Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice fee arrangements on access to justice for individuals in what estimate he has made of the number of those each decile of the population by income. [71512] charged as a result of the August 2011 public disorder who have previously (a) served a custodial sentence, Mr Djanogly: The Government are proposing to (b) been released early from a custodial sentence, (c) allow the use of Damages-based Agreements, also known worn a tag and (d) served a community sentence. as contingency fees, in civil litigation in England and [71554] Wales. This proposal is being taken forward in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for which is currently before Parliament. The Bill also Justice (1) how many persons arrested in connection includes proposals on ’no win no fee’ conditional fee with the August 2011 public disorder in England and agreements. Wales were remanded into custody following a first The Government published an Impact Assessment hearing; [71604] alongside its consultation response ’Reforming (2) how many persons convicted of offences in Civil Litigation Funding and Costs in England and connection with the August 2011 public disorder in Wales—Implementation of Lord Justice Jackson’s England and Wales have been jailed to date. [71605] Recommendations: The Government Response’, column 8041, on 29 March 2011. This Impact Assessment identifies potential impacts on individuals, groups and businesses. Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice is currently publishing frequent updates on people being dealt with by the Government Procurement Card court system in relation to the disturbances on 6-9 August. These reports can be found on the Ministry of John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if Justice website at: he will publish the (a) purchase date, (b) transaction http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ad- amount, (c) supplier and (d) level 3 or enhanced hoc/index.htm transaction entry of each transaction undertaken by As the publication notes the chief statistician will HM Courts Service using the Government Procurement review the quality of data and release further breakdowns Card in (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10. [71704] as reliable data become available. A more detailed release will be published on 15 September containing detailed Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Ministry of Justice is committed information on age, gender, offence committed, sentence to transparency and will be publishing details of all given, and previous criminal history. Government Procurement Card transactions over £500 on its website. Data for 2011-12 Quarter 1 (April-June) Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for will be published by the end of September with Quarter Justice how many people were charged with the offence 2 (July-September) following at the end of October. of rioting under section one of the Public Order Act Transaction data will then be published monthly one 1986, in each of the last three years. [71636] month in arrears. The work required to obtain, contextualise and report Mr Blunt: Persons proceeded against at magistrates data for HM Courts Service for 2008-09 and 2009-10 courts for rioting under section 1 of the Public Order would be at disproportionate costs and will not therefore Act 1986 in England and Wales, from 2008 to 2010 be published. (latest available) can be viewed in the table. Homicide: Sentencing Charging data are not collected centrally by the Ministry of Justice; prosecutions data are provided in lieu. Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Court proceedings data for 2011 are planned for Justice if he will bring forward legislative proposals to publication in spring, 2012. update Schedule 21 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 to Persons proceeded against at magistrates courts for rioting under section 1 of the require judges to sentence individuals found guilty of a Public Order Act 1986, England and Wales, 2008-101,2,3, hate crime murder to a mandatory minimum terms of Offence 2008 2009 2010 30 years. [67854]

Riot 15 14 — Mr Kenneth Clarke: Schedule 21 of the 2003 Act 1 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted provides guidance to judges in determining the minimum from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police term of a mandatory life sentence for murder. It provides forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection for starting points not mandatory minimum terms. processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Schedule 21 provides for a starting point of 30 years for 2 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom a murder aggravated by hostility towards the victim on these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When the basis of race, religion, and sexual orientation, but 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 not disability. We are aware of this anomaly and we are two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory currently looking at the best way to address it. However, maximum penalty is the most severe. it is important to bear in mind that the courts can, and 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: do, aggravate sentence in cases of hate crime whatever Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice form it might take. 1339W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1340W

Immigration Sexual Offences: Prisoners’ Release

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many people have been convicted of Justice how many of those convicted of (a) sexual offences under section 71 of the Coroners and Justice offences involving children, (b) rape and (c) murder Act 2009 for holding someone in slavery or servitude or have been granted unsupervised day release from (i) requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory prison and (ii) another secure unit in each of the last labour; [71995] three years. [69733] (2) in how many cases where a conviction has been Mr Blunt: The number of unescorted day resettlement secured under section 71 of the Coroners and Justice releases given to prisoners serving sentences for murder Act 2009 the victim (a) had been trafficked, (b) was or rape, England and Wales 2007 to 30 June 2009 (latest British and (c) had an immigration status which period at which the requested level of detail are available) allowed them to work in the UK. [71994] are provided in the following table. Mr Blunt: Section 71 of the Coroners and Justice Act These data relate to the number of releases and not 2009 came into force in April 2010. There have been no the number of prisoners. One prisoner may be released reports of any convictions under this Act in 2010 (latest on a number of occasions, for example, where they are available). engaged in paid or unpaid work in the community. From the data held centrally, it is not possible to separately Information held centrally by the Ministry of Justice identify from those prisoners serving sentences for sexual on the Court Proceedings Database does not contain offences, which were for sexual offences against children. information about the circumstances behind each case 1 beyond the description provided in the statute under Unescorted day resettlement releases for prisoners serving sentences for murder, rape and all offences2 which proceedings are brought. Information is not held on a victim’s nationality and immigration status. It is Offence 2007 2008 2009 not possible to identify whether the victim had been Murder 46,284 38,107 17,841 trafficked. Rape 1,097 2,035 1,118 Court proceedings data for 2011 are planned for All offences 422,813 414,512 189,810 publication in the spring, 2012. 1 Figures relate to the number of day resettlement releases given and not the number of prisoners who received them (a prisoner may have more than one resettlement release). 2 January to June. Prisoners: Ex-servicemen Note: The data presented in this table are drawn from administrative IT systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in he will conduct a study involving (a) all prisons or (b) any large scale recording system. more than one prison to ascertain how many former Release on temporary licence is unavailable to juveniles military personnel are in the prison system. [71977] held in Secure Children’s Home or Secure Training Centres but such offenders may be released temporarily Mr Blunt: In September 2010, MOJ and Defence under the mobility process. It is generally supervised. Analytical Services Advice (DASA) published the results Since these data have been collected there have been no of joint work to determine the number of regular unsupervised releases for offenders convicted of the ex-service personnel in prison in England and Wales. offences requested in the question. The report provided a figure of 2,280 ex-service personnel that were serving a sentence in prison in England and Wales. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS This remains the most comprehensive and reliable piece of research on this matter to date and we have no Commonwealth current plans to repeat the exercise as there is no evidence to suggest that the proportion of veterans within the Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for prison population has changed significantly. Business, Innovation and Skills what assistance his Department provides to the Commonwealth Business Council; and if he will make a statement. [71786] Remand In Custody Mr Prisk: This Department’s work with the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) is principally Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for through UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). Their Justice what the cost to the public purse was of the complementary work means that UKTI and the CBC production of pre-sentence reports for courts in each of keep each other informed regarding their activities, and the last three years. [71637] that they co-operate where appropriate. For example, the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, my Mr Kenneth Clarke: Full information about these noble Friend Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint, will be a costs is not currently available. The National Offender keynote speaker at the CBC’s Commonwealth Business Management Service (NOMS) is developing systems to Forum in Perth, Western Australia in October 2011, report expenditure on a service by service basis. This and UKTI was an official partner for CBC’s Power information will be published in autumn 2012 through Summit 2011 (conference on the energy sector in the Government’s Transparency Agenda. March 2011). 1341W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1342W

Banks: Competition (a) The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills consulted on the effectiveness of business support Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for delivery and what improvements could be made to the Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what recent Business Link service with, representatives from; the discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Exchequer on competition within the banking sector; Wales (ICAEW), the Federation of Small Businesses [70994] (FSB), the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the Forum (2) what information his Department holds on the of Private Business (FPB), the British Chambers of proportion of small businesses that have applied for Commerce (BCC) and the Institute of Directors (IoD), bank finance in each month since January 2011; with a group of independent entrepreneurs including [70997] members of the Secretary of State’s Entrepreneurs Forum, (3) what information his Department holds on the and, through the business representative bodies, via proportion of small businesses that have had their workshops in every English region involving business applications for finance turned down in each month support practitioners, providers (including; Enterprise since January 2011. [70996] Agencies), local authorities and small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s). Mr Prisk: I refer the hon. Member to the answer (b) Improvements identified included; (71257) I provided for my hon. Friend the Member for A preference for advice to business provided by peer networks, Northampton South (Mr Binley), today. professionals and intermediaries such as accountants and banks; Government funding for targeted face to face advice to be Mr Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, aimed at SMEs with high growth potential; Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has Easier access to business information, advice on regulation had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on and Government transactions on the Business Link website and competition within the banking sector. [71253] the ability to personalise content; and Government not to duplicate private sector provision. Mr Prisk: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation New online services are being developed with experts and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for in the relevant subject matter and tested with prospective Twickenham (Vince Cable), and the Chancellor of the SME users. Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), meet regularly to discuss a number of Business: Bank Services matters relating to the economy. This includes discussion of competition in the banking sector. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, As set out in the coalition agreement, the Government Innovation and Skills what recent assessment he has are committed to fostering diversity in the provision of made of the level of competition in the provision of financial services, and to creating a more competitive banking services for small businesses. [70993] banking industry. Mr Prisk: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Business (71256) I provided for my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton South (Mr Binley), today. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will respond to Business: Civil Disorder the findings of the British Chambers of Commerce Workforce Survey—Micro Businesses. [71091] Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many applications Mr Prisk: I welcome the British Chamber of Commerce’s his Department has received for the High Street Workforce Survey on micro businesses, following on Support Scheme to date. [70454] from their June survey of sole traders—and I look forward to seeing further publications in the same series. Mr Prisk: To date 35 local authorities have indicated The distinctive feature of this series is that it helpfully that they intend to claim against the High Street Support shows how issues are perceived differently by businesses Scheme. Information about the number of applications of different sizes. The comments on experience and for support from businesses will be available when those perceptions of employment law are a particularly helpful local authorities submit their detailed claims for input to the current review in this area. reimbursement to Government, for which the deadline is 3 November. Business Links Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has had Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State discussions with representatives of the British Bankers for Business, Innovation and Skills which businesses Association on steps to ensure that small businesses and business groups his Department has consulted on affected by public disorder in August 2011 have access (a) the effectiveness of Business Link to date and (b) to finance required to return to business. [70566] improvements that could be made to advice given through Business Link. [71092] Mr Prisk: I met with the Metropolitan Police Service and a group of business stakeholders, including the Mr Prisk: The information is as follows: British Bankers Association, during the period in which 1343W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1344W the riots were occurring. At this meeting we discussed Business: Loans the key actions to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by the situation. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, BIS officials worked with the British Bankers Association Innovation and Skills on how many occasions he has to ensure that small businesses had the information met the Federation of Small Businesses to discuss affordable needed regarding contacting their banks and getting bank finance. [70995] support. This included using the Business Link website to disseminate information on the special measures Mr Prisk: As with all key stakeholders and partners, I introduced by banks to support their SME customers meet with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) affected by the riots. frequently both bilaterally and through forums such as Some banks have responded to the recent disorder by the Small Business Economic Forum which I chair and offering interest and fee-free loans to SMEs affected. which meets quarterly, bringing together Ministers and Also some banks have made donations to assist the SME representative bodies together with other ad hoc recovery, including to the charitable High Street Fund participants such as the banks. My discussions with the organised by Sir William Castell. FSB encompass a broad range of subjects, including issues relating to affordable bank finance.

Business: Entry Clearances Mr Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of small businesses applied for bank finance in each month Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for since January 2011. [71254] Business, Innovation and Skills what representations he has received from business organisations on the Mr Prisk: The SME Finance Monitor shows that immigration cap since 1 June 2011. [70564] 15% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) had applied for a new loan or overdraft, or renewed an Mr Prisk: The Department for Business, Innovation existing facility, in the last 12 months. and Skills has ongoing contact with business representatives BIS’s Annual Small Business Survey 2010 found that from across all sectors on migration issues. 26% of SMEs had applied for finance in the preceding Since June 2011 we have had representations about 12 months. This survey excludes businesses with no the impact of the Tier 2 limit on business forward employees, which are included in the SME Finance planning. Monitor survey. Evidence shows that the use of external finance increases with the size of a business. The Bank of England’s Credit Conditions survey Business: Industrial Health and Safety reported a marked increase in demand for credit from small businesses in Quarter 2 2011, following a sharp Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for fall in Quarter 1. Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 5 July 2011, Official Report, column 1192W, on Mr Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, business: industrial health and safety, what assessment Innovation and Skills how many times he has met he has made of the recommendations in the (a) Davidson representatives of the Federation of Small Businesses Review: Implementation of EU Legislation and (b) to discuss affordable bank finance for small businesses. British Chamber of Commerce report on Health and [71255] Safety concerning exemptions from some health and safety legislation for people who are self-employed in Mr Prisk: As with all key stakeholders and partners, I low risk sectors. [71674] meet with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) frequently both bilaterally and through forums such as Mr Prisk [holding answer 13 September 2011]: The the Small Business Economic Forum which I chair and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has an which meets quarterly, bringing together Ministers and established working relationship with the Health and SME representative bodies together with other ad hoc Safety Executive (HSE) and I am delighted that this participants such as the banks. Government are implementing the recommendations from my noble Friend Lord Youngof Graffham’s recent Mr Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, review of Health and Safety (H&S) in the UK. He Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of made a number of recommendations that are designed the level of competition in the banking sector in respect through their emphasis on the importance of a risk-based of financing for small businesses. [71256] approach to H&S to reduce the burden of compliance with H&S requirements on Small and Medium Enterprises Mr Prisk: The Government recognise that the UK’s and micro-businesses, including self-employed people. banking sector is highly concentrated. We established A further review of H&S legislation (both domestic and the Independent Commission on Banking, part of whose EU) has been commissioned by the Minister of State remit was to consider how to promote competition in for Employment, Department for Work and Pensions, both retail and investment banking. This included my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell recommendations around measures to promote stability (Chris Grayling). The review is being led by Professor and competition for the benefit of consumers and Ragnar Loefstedt and I expect him to set out his views businesses. The Commission published its final report on whether we can sensibly make further simplifications on 12 September. The Government welcome the report and/or exemptions to H&S regulations. and will be responding before the end of this year. 1345W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1346W

The Commission’s final report states that the financial their high streets and take appropriate action. It is a crisis had led to a significant increase in concentration practical guide for local businesses and people, which of the UK banking market. It states that in 2010, the they can use to evaluate their shopping areas, and draw four biggest banks held 85% of small and medium-sized up a plan of action to improve them. It can also be used enterprise business current accounts. by communities to look at what their retailers offer, The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and what is available elsewhere in the area, and what can be Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham done to develop these offerings in a complementary (Vince Cable), recently met with a panel of new entrant way. and smaller UK banks, where they discussed entry and expansion in the UK banking market, including business Businesses: Fraud banking. Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, for Business, Innovation and Skills what information Innovation and Skills what information his Department and advice on fraud awareness and prevention (a) is holds on the proportion of small businesses that had provided to start-up businesses via the current Business their applications for finance to a bank turned down in Link service and (b) will be provided by the new each month since January 2011. [71257] Business Link service from November 2011. [70754]

Mr Prisk: BIS collect data on loans and overdrafts to Mr Prisk: The information requested is as follows: small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from each of the four main lenders, estimated to cover c.75% of (a) Under current arrangements, the regional the market. development agencies who manage the Business Link regional service in England support start-up businesses. This data shows that approvals for SMEs with less As part of this support they distribute No-Nonsense than £1 million turnover have moved within fairly narrow Guides, produced in conjunction with Government bands of around 80% for overdraft applications and Departments, which give businesses clear and jargon-free 70% for loan applications. information about the legal, official and financial aspects The independent SME Finance Monitor survey found of setting up and running a business (including legal that, over the past 12 months, 72% of overdraft applications structures, data protection, patent and credit protection, and 59% of loan applications were approved in the first to help prevent fraud). instance. At the end of the process, 85% of applications These guides are available on the Business Link website: for overdrafts resulted in the business receiving an overdraft and 66% of loan applications resulted in the business www.businesslink.gov.uk receiving a loan. 12% of overdraft applications and 27% with other sources of information and practical support of loan applications resulted in the business not receiving to help businesses (including start-ups) to safeguard finance. their business against the latest scams and stings. In additional, useful contacts details are available to report Business: Urban Areas any potential fraud and get help if a victim. (b) This information will still be available to businesses Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for after November 2011 and businesses experiencing difficulty Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his accessing it will also be able to get help through the new Department is taking to enhance the long-term Business Link helpline. viability of town centres. [70528] Civil Disorder Mr Prisk: On 17 May we announced that Mary Portas had been appointed to lead an independent Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for review into the future of the high street. She was asked Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has by the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister made of the cost of the public disorder in August 2011 to identify what the Government, local authorities and to businesses in the London Borough of Southwark. businesses can do to create diverse, sustainable high [71585] streets where small businesses and independent retailers are able to thrive. Mary Portas is engaging with not just Mr Prisk [holding answer 13 September 2011]: No retailers, but all high street businesses, the public sector estimates of the costs to businesses in Southwark are and the third sector to identify what the Government, available. local authorities, businesses and the third sector can do to create diverse and sustainable high streets. This includes Southwark borough has indicated its intention to considering how best to develop high streets that contribute claim against Government’s £20 million High Street to promoting economic growth, creating jobs and improving Support scheme. It is expected that the borough will be the quality of life in local areas. amongst the largest recipients of funding when their detailed claim is submitted. The Government’s plan for growth, published alongside Budget 2011, committed BIS and the Department for Communities and Local Government to develop a package Departmental Air Travel of measures to support thriving town centres and build on the Town Centre First Policy. The Mary Portas High John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Streets Review will be contributing to this work. Business, Innovation and Skills on what occasions he In addition, we have published the “Healthy High has flown on official business (a) by budget airline and Street Guide” to help communities recognise decline in (b) in economy class in the last 12 months. [67918] 1347W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1348W

Mr Davey: The Secretary of State for Business, Jobs created/safeguarded by FDI from other EU member states (MS) Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member to UK for Twickenham (Vince Cable), flew economy class to Number of MS Jobs Russia in November 2010. Both officials and Ministers excluding UK Jobs created safeguarded travel economy class for short-haul flights and business 1998/99 14 9,918 18,123 class for long-haul flights. Where there is a requirement 1999/2000 14 8,701 24,307 for a Minister to travel first class the difference in cost is 2000/01 14 15,708 8,567 reimbursed to the Department. 2001/02 14 11,187 7,649 Departmental Training 2002/03 14 11,381 4,650 2003/04 14 8,199 12,324 2004/05 24 11,950 11,755 Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the (a) date, (b) 2005/06 24 9,388 10,070 location, (c) number of attendees and (d) cost to the 2006/07 26 10,142 13,085 public purse was for each (i) away day and (ii) team 2007/08 26 16,163 20,080 building activity organised for staff in his Department 2008/09 26 11,432 17,848 between June 2001 and May 2002. [68338] 2009/10 26 12,074 11,887 2010/11 26 12,532 14,104 Mr Davey: BIS was formed through a Machinery of Source: Government (MoG) change that occurred in June 2009. UK Trade and Investment The Department was created by merging The Department Foreign Investment in UK for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS). Neither of these two predecessor Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Departments existed in 2001-02. Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer The current arrangements within the Department are of 14 July 2011, Official Report, column 494W, on that these type of events are organised at local level and inward investment, how much inward investment has funded from individual group or directorate budgets. been agreed at events hosted by Royal Navy vessels We do not hold a central record of when these activities since 2010. [70242] take place and the respective costs. Mr Prisk: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) plays a Employment: Foreign Investment in UK key role in attracting inward investment to the UK, providing support to foreign owned companies considering Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the UK as a potential location. UKTI does not centrally Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate his collect data showing the value of inward investment Department has made of the number of jobs (a) created agreed at networking events, including those hosted on and (b) safeguarded by foreign direct investment from Royal Navy vessels, as investment decisions are typically other EU member states in each year since 1981; and if based on a variety of factors. UKTI does record the he will make a statement. [67087] number of FDI projects entering the UK each year, including those projects supported by UKTI. In 2010/11 Mr Prisk: The following table shows the Department’s UKTI significantly assisted 849 of 1,434 projects, more estimate of the number of jobs created and safeguarded than ever before, with 49,898 associated jobs. by foreign direct investment (FDI) to the UK from other EU member states from fiscal year 1984/85 onwards. Data are not available for fiscal years 1981/82 to 1983/84. Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Data have not been provided on a consistent EU27 Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer Official Report basis, but is based on EU membership during the years of 14 July 2011, , column 494W, on in question. inward investment, what plans his Department has to co-operate with the Royal Navy in order to increase the Jobs created/safeguarded by FDI from other EU member states (MS) frequency of events similar to the involvement of HMS to UK Ocean in the UK-Brazil seminar on defence and Number of MS Jobs security co-operation; and whether future such events excluding UK Jobs created safeguarded will be funded by his Department. [70243] 1984/85 9 3,091 2,837 1985/86 9 4,619 2,446 Mr Prisk: UK Trade and Investment Defence and 1986/87 11 4,860 1,561 Security Organisation regularly liaises with the Ministry 1987/88 11 5,915 9,433 of Defence to identify where the best opportunities 1988/89 11 6,788 6,370 exist to promote defence and security exports taking 1989/90 11 6,426 12,464 into account the operational programme of the Royal 1990/91 11 5,141 18,061 Navy. Two such events are planned at present. The 1991/92 11 5,722 14,212 additional costs of those events are met by contributions 1992/93 11 4,550 20,727 from the industry exhibitors. 1993/94 11 5,031 43,492 1994/95 11 6,930 15,154 Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for 1995/96 14 10,492 18,103 Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking 1996/97 14 5,777 9,474 to encourage inward investment from Australia and 1997/98 14 10,249 18,881 New Zealand. [71387] 1349W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1350W

Mr Prisk [holding answer 12 September 2011]: To in the City of York started a degree course in (a) 1996, ensure the UK retains a strong pipeline of high quality (b) 2005, (c) 2009 and (d) the latest year for which investment projects from overseas, steps include the figures are available. [71432] introduction of a more integrated national business model to support inward investment, ensuring that Mr Willetts: The latest available data from the Higher investors always see the very best the UK has to offer; a Education Statistics Agency (HESA) is shown in the genuinely cross-Government approach to strategic table. Figures for the 2010/11 academic year will be relationship management of key global investors; action available in January 2012. to ensure that the UK’s tax regime and planning regulations Young1 first degree entrants from York local authority2 UK higher education build investor confidence; action to ensure our regulatory 3 system is proportionate and encourages growth; and institutions —Academic years 1996/97, 2005/06 and 2009/10 encouragement of specific infrastructure investment. Academic year Entrants UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) has dedicated 1996/97 515 investment teams in Australia and New Zealand. In 2005/06 795 2010-11: 2009/10 840 Note: 53 investment projects from Australia located or expanded in Figures are based on snapshot at 1 December and have been rounded to the the UK—35 assisted by UKTI; nearest five. 15 investment projects from New Zealand located or expanded 1 Young covers entrants aged under 21. 2 in the UK—14 assisted by UKTI. Excludes entrants whose local authority could not be established due to missing or invalid postcode information. 3 Excludes the Open University due to inconsistencies in their coding of Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for entrants across the time series. Also excludes entrants studying HE courses at Business, Innovation and Skills what information his further education institutions. Source: Department holds on the dates of any discussions Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) between UK Trade and Investment and the office of the First Minister of Wales in the last 12 months; and Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for what the subject was of any such discussion. [71545] Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding per (a) (b) Mr Prisk: Meetings between my noble Friend the undergraduate and postgraduate student his Minister of State for Trade and Investment (Lord Green Department has allocated to (i) the University of York of Hurstpierpoint)and the First Minister of Wales took and (ii) York St John University in each year since place on 2 February 2011 and 28 March 2011. Discussions 1998. [71433] at both meetings centred around the current trade and investment climate for businesses and how we might Mr Willetts: This information is not held in the form develop closer links between UK Trade and Investment requested, but it is possible to provide notional figures (UKTI) and the Welsh Government. for the amount of grant distributed by the Higher UKTI officials are in regular contact with trade and Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) for investment colleagues in the Welsh Government. The teaching and research apportioned by the number of Welsh Government, along with the other devolved learners (full-time equivalent) in each year. It should be Administrations, play an active role on the International noted that there have been some significant changes in Business Development Forum (IBDF) which is the HEFCE’s funding methodology over this period which main engagement mechanism for co-ordinating the UK means that the following table should not be read as a effort on trade and inward investment activity. IBDF time series. In addition the data do not take account of meets every three months with the next meeting scheduled other sources of public funding, for example from the to take place on 28 September 2011. NHS or the research councils. Crucially it should be borne in mind that institutions have a significant degree Higher Education: York of freedom in terms of how their grant is distributed internally. It is for that reason that the figures given are Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, notional and should not be read as the actual level of Innovation and Skills how many young people resident resource attached to any particular learner.

£ per academic year York St John University University of York Study level: UG PGT PGR UG PGT PGR

1998-99 2,276 418 1,185 2,942 1,842 6,332 1999-2000 2,355 477 1,898 3,008 1,964 6,593 2000-01 2,540 429 1,258 3,083 2,005 6,452 2001-02 2,707 594 1,715 3,118 1,920 6,686 2002-03 2,752 222 954 3,159 1,720 7,275 2003-04 2,988 440 662 3,110 1,663 7,985 2004-05 3,522 359 1,458 3,344 1,484 8,515 2005-06 3,695 350 n/a 3,438 1,540 6,210 2006-07 3,897 509 n/a 3,668 1,672 5,149 2007-08 4,075 642 n/a 3,895 1,828 5,854 2008-09 4,078 927 n/a 4,088 1,911 5,806 1351W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1352W

£ per academic year York St John University University of York Study level: UG PGT PGR UG PGT PGR

2009-10 3,699 687 4,808 3,864 728 5,268 2010-11 3,608 371 4,366 3,768 718 4,922 Key: UG: Undergraduate PGT: Postgraduate taught PGR: Postgraduate research Notes: 1. UG/PGT ‘Funds’ for UG and PGT are standard resource minus assumed fees, plus widening access and improving retention funding. FTEs’ are Home and EU HEFCE-funded, excluding non-completions. Funding for non-mainstream FTEs has been excluded. 2. PGR Figures include proportionately small amounts of transitional funding for PGR students. For the years in which the mainstream QR quality threshold differed from the PGR supervision fund threshold, the student numbers in this analysis include the larger of the eligible student totals. In the early years some notional teaching grant is included in the funding amounts.

Housing: Repairs and Maintenance and presenting business plans to best effect, preparing to apply for bank funding and attracting equity investment. Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for To support small businesses to address the challenges Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has they face, we are ensuring we have a predictable tax made of the size of the informal economy in the residential system that rewards endeavour; enabling better access repair, maintenance and improvement sector. [71342] to both debt and equity finance; reducing red tape; enabling business to more easily access public procurement Mr Prisk: The Department does not hold estimates opportunities; encouraging business exports; and making of the size of the informal economy in the residential sure that the support we provide is delivered in the most repair, maintenance and improvement sector. effective and efficient way possible. That is why we are A comparison of 2008 construction output figures revamping the Business Link website and have supported with household expenditure figures from the Office for the launch of the mentoring web portal, enabling users National Statistics (ONS) records expenditure on Home to find the right mentoring network for them, and to Improvements—contracted out at £24,128 million (source: develop both the demand and the supply of mentoring. ONS, Family Spending—Living Costs and Food Survey) and £22,442 million output in public and private housing repair and maintenance (source: ONS, Output in the Investment: Private Sector construction industry and NISRA, Northern Ireland Construction Output Statistics). The difference of £1,685.5 Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State million may, in part, be explained by the ONS survey for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his not including data from legitimate small firms who are Department is taking to stimulate private sector not registered for PAYE or VAT. investment in Coventry. [70809]

IBM Mr Prisk: At Budget 2011, BIS published ‘The Plan for Growth’ jointly with HM Treasury, which introduced Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, a package of measures to create a new model of economic Innovation and Skills how many contracts his Department growth, driven by private sector investment, through holds with IBM; and what the (a) purpose and (b) four overarching ambitions for the UK: monetary value of each such contract is. [58733] 1. To create the most competitive tax system in the G20. 2. To make the UK the best place in Europe to start, finance Mr Davey: BIS have only one IBM contract for the and grow a business. supply of SPSS licences for statistical analysis purposes. 3. To encourage investment and exports as a route to a more The annual support charges for these licences is currently balanced economy. £18,000. 4. To create a more educated workforce that is the most flexible in Europe. Insolvency BIS and HMT are now working on the successful implementation of these measures, and have also announced Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State the next stage in the Government’s Growth Review. for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans Coventry is covered by the Coventry and Warwickshire to take to reduce the number of business insolvencies. local enterprise partnership, which is taking forward a [70701] broad programme of work that has three key ambitions to stimulate private sector investment in the area: Mr Davey: Government recognise the importance of ensuring that the UK’s businesses are best placed to Create an environment where it is easy for businesses to start take advantage of funding opportunities available to and thrive; them. Accordingly, we want to ensure that companies Accelerate the growth of the local economy through targeted are adequately investment—ready to attract finance support in our key strategic sectors; and where necessary.BusinessLink.gov offers advice on creating Tackle the skills problem by aligning supply and demand. 1353W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1354W

Job Creation: Private Sector In addition UK Trade and Investment, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, and the Department Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for for Energy and Climate Change work closely together Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has to attract inward investment to support the development made of the number of jobs created in the private of low carbon infrastructure, for example for offshore sector in each quarter of the last three years. [68942] wind manufacturing. There are also considerable opportunities for our manufacturers from developing Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation greener production processes throughout the supply and Skills has not produced any estimates of the number chain, so that they minimise carbon emissions and use of jobs created in the private sector in each quarter of energy and resources efficiently and effectively. the last three years. Mature Students While the Office for National Statistics also does not publish estimates of jobs created in the private sector, Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for they do publish estimates of total employment in the Business, Innovation and Skills if he will list the 30 private sector, which are shown in the following table, universities or higher education institutions with the taken from the ONS Labour Market Statistics release highest (a) proportion and (b) number of mature on 14 September 2011. students; and if he will make a statement. [69047] UK Private sector employment Million, seasonally adjusted Mr Willetts: The 30 English higher education institutions with the highest proportion and number of UK-domiciled 2008 undergraduate entrants who were mature (aged 21 or June 23,513 over) are shown in tables 1 and 2 respectively. Figures September 23,321 are taken from the Higher Education Statistics Agency December 23,043 Student Record and are provided for the 2009/10 academic year. Information for the 2010/11 academic year will 2009 become available from January 2012. Figures for March 22,790 undergraduate entrants have been provided in the table as the definition of mature differs by level of study. June 22,543 Mature undergraduates are defined as 21 or over, mature September 22,573 postgraduates are 25 or over. December 22,515 Table 1: English higher education institutions with the highest proportion of UK-domiciled undergraduate entrants1 who were 2010 mature—Academic year 2009/10 March 22,557 Percentage of entrants who were June 22,868 Institution mature2 September 22,881 Birkbeck College 95.4 December 22,973 Institute of Education 92.2 Open University 89.6 2011 Thames Valley University 81.6 March 23,091 London South Bank University 78.5 June 23,132 University of Teesside 75.9 Harper Adams University 75.3 College Manufacturing Industries University of Bolton 75.1 University Campus Suffolk 72.3 John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for St Georges Hospital Medical 72.2 Business, Innovation and Skills if he will discuss with School the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Anglia Ruskin University 71.2 the viability of investment in the UK manufacturing Edge Hill University 69.6 sector. [71611] London Metropolitan 67.6 University Mr Prisk [holding answer 13 September 2011]: The University of Sunderland 67.4 Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, University of East London 66.0 my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham Buckinghamshire New 65.3 (Vince Cable), has regular discussions with the Secretary University of State for Energy and Climate Change, the right hon. University of Warwick 64.7 Member for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne), complemented University of Greenwich 64.0 by frequent discussions at ministerial and official level. Canterbury Christ Church 62.9 Economic growth is the top priority for the Government University and discussions cover a wide range of issues, including University of Chester 61.0 how we can help UK manufacturers take advantage of University of Huddersfield 60.6 the opportunities presented by the transition to a green City University London 60.3 economy and development of a package of measures Staffordshire University 60.3 for energy intensive businesses whose international Bishop Grosseteste University 60.0 competitiveness is most affected by our energy and College Lincoln climate change policies. University of Bedfordshire 59.8 1355W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1356W

Table 1: English higher education institutions with the highest Medical Research Council proportion of UK-domiciled undergraduate entrants1 who were mature—Academic year 2009/10 Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Percentage of entrants who were Institution mature2 Business, Innovation and Skills what priority the Medical Research Council gives to research into neurological University of Cumbria 59.7 conditions. [71402] Coventry University 59.2 Mr Willetts: The Medical Research Council’s (MRC) University of Worcester 59.0 strategic research priorities are outlined in its strategic University of Central 58.7 plan for 2009-14, “’Research Changes Lives”. Priorities Lancashire for the current spending review, including plans for delivery, are outlined in the MRC Delivery Plan 2011/12 University of Northampton 58.5 to 2014/15. 1 Covers full-time and part-time undergraduates In their first year of Both documents are available from the MRC’s website study. at: 2 Covers entrants aged 21 or over. Note: www.mrc.ac.uk Percentages fn the table are based on a HESA standard registration and outline MRC plans to increase funding in neuroscience, population and are given to one decimal place. Source: including research into mental health, neurodegeneration Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record and neurological conditions, and addiction. The level of Table 2: English higher education institutions with the highest number funding awarded in these areas will be dependent on the of UK-domiciled undergraduate entrants1 who were mature— quality and strategic relevance of any proposals received. Academic year 2009/10 2 Institution Mature entrants Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Open University 89,360 Business, Innovation and Skills what priority the University of Teesside 11,245 Medical Research Council gives to research into University of Central 7,495 long-term conditions. [71404] Lancashire London South Bank University 7,390 Mr Willetts: The Medical Research Council’s (MRC) Birkbeck College 7,360 strategic research priorities are outlined in its strategic University of Plymouth 6,780 plan for 2009-14, ‘Research Changes Lives’. Under the University of Greenwich 6,485 strategic aim ‘Picking research that delivers’, two research Anglia Ruskin University 6,290 priorities have been outlined: ‘Resilience, repair and Thames Valley University 5,930 replacement’ and ‘Living a long and healthy life’. Both Edge Hill University 5,890 priorities provide opportunities to support research relating University of Warwick 5,320 to long-term conditions. University of Sunderland 5,200 Priorities for the current spending review, including University of Hull 5,080 plans for delivery, are outlined in the MRC Delivery Birmingham City University 5,030 Plan 2011/12 to 2014/15. Staffordshire University 4,950 Both documents are available from the MRC’s website Coventry University 4,875 at: University of Huddersfield 4,845 www.mrc.ac.uk Sheffield Hallam University 4,735 University of East London 4,530 The level of funding awarded in these areas will be University of Northumbria at 4,380 dependent on the quality and strategic relevance of any Newcastle proposals received. Leeds Metropolitan University 4,285 University of the West of 4,265 Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for England, Bristol Business, Innovation and Skills what role his Department University of Wolverhampton 4,240 has in setting research priorities for the Medical Research London Metropolitan 3,860 Council. [71405] University Canterbury Christ Church 3,610 University Mr Willetts: The Government take a view on the University of Cumbria 3,510 overall level of funding to science and research and its University of Bedfordshire 3,495 distribution between the research councils. These decisions University of Westminster 3,315 are informed by external advice drawn from a wide Middlesex University 3,300 range of expert sources including academia and industry, both nationally and internationally. University of Chester 3,275 1 Covers full-time and part-time undergraduates in their first year of Every Government will have some key national strategic study. priorities, which the research base has a role in addressing. 2 Covers entrants aged 21 or over. It is appropriate for Ministers to ask the research councils Note: to consider programmes to tackle these strategic priorities, Figures in the table are based on a HESA standard registration population and are rounded up or down to the nearest five. but it is for the councils to decide on specific projects Source: and people to fund within these priorities, free from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record ministerial interference. 1357W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1358W

In line with the Haldane Principle, BIS does not 1 Led by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council interfere on decisions concerning funding of individual (EPSRC), the RCUK Energy Programme brings together the research proposals, which are best taken by researchers work in this area of EPSRC and that of the Biotechnology and themselves through peer review. This is a matter for Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment individual research councils based on advice from the Research Council (NERC), and the Science and Technology science community. The coalition Government support Facilities Council (STFC). this principle as vital for the protection of academic independence and excellence. Office for Life Sciences The Medical Research Council (MRC) has worked with its major stakeholder groups to review and evaluate Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, its strategic direction. Discussions with the MRC’s Council Innovation and Skills whether the Office of Life (which BIS attends), Strategy Board, its research boards Sciences will cover all life sciences industries, including and overview groups have reflected on how the MRC the agricultural and industrial biotechnology sectors. can be best positioned to deliver its mission. BIS also [71357] has sight of MRC’s draft strategic plan before it is published. Mr Willetts: The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) works to create a supportive business environment for all life Mobile Phones science industries. This covers the pharmaceutical, medical biotechnology, medical technology, industrial biotechnology Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for and agricultural biotechnology sectors. Life sciences is Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his an important growth area and the OLS works closely Department has made of progress on the development with industry sectors to understand the issues impacting and introduction of a universal charger for mobile on UK competitiveness and to develop evidence-based telephones; and if he will make a statement. [70532] policy in order to retain current investment and secure future investment. Mr Prisk: I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer (71047) I provided today. Overseas Students Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment Business, Innovation and Skills if he will list the 30 he has made of progress towards a standard charger for universities or higher education institutions with the mobile telephones. [71047] highest (a) proportion and (b) number of students from overseas; and if he will make a statement. [69050] Mr Prisk: No recent assessment has been made by the Government. Industry has voluntarily agreed a Mr Willetts: The 30 English higher education institutions Memorandum of Understanding covering 90% of with the highest proportion and number of enrolments European mobile phone sales to introduce the first from overseas (covers students domiciled in European standardised mobile phone charger and compatible mobile Union countries other than the United Kingdom and phones. The aspiration of the industry is that, by 1 January countries outside the European Union) are shown in 2012, the majority of all new mobile phone models tables 1 and 2 respectively. Figures are taken from the available will support a universal charging connector. Higher Education Statistics Agency Student Record and are provided for the 2009/10 academic year. Information Nuclear Fusion: Research for the 2010/11 academic year will become available from January 2012. Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Table 1: English higher education institutions with the highest Business, Innovation and Skills what recent research proportion of enrolments1 from overseas. Academic year 2009/10 his Department has (a) undertaken and (b) evaluated Percentage of enrolments from into cold fusion devices. [70991] Institution overseast2 Mr Willetts: At present no funding has been awarded London Business School 73.8 for research into cold fusion by bodies funded by this London School of Economics 65.5 Department. and Political Science. University of Buckingham 57.0 Nuclear Power: Research Cranfield University 49.8 London School of Hygiene and 48.5 Tropical Medicine Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Royal College of Music 43.1 Business, Innovation and Skills how much has been School of Oriental and African 42.8 spent on nuclear research and development by the Studies [70200] research councils since May 2010. Imperial College of Science, 40.4 Technology and Medicine Mr Willetts: The total expenditure by the RCUK Royal College of Art 40.1 1 Energy Programme for nuclear fission research and Royal Academy of Music 39.3 development was £6.5 million for the financial year University of the Arts, London 38.7 2010-11. University of London 36.1 Expenditure for the financial year 2011-12 will be (Institutes and activities) available in April 2012. University College London 35.7 1359W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1360W

Table 1: English higher education institutions with the highest Table 2: English higher education institutions with the highest number proportion of enrolments1 from overseas. Academic year 2009/10 of enrolments1 from overseas. Academic year 2009/10 Percentage of enrolments from Institution Enrolments from overseas2 Institution overseast2 University of Surrey 4,655 Guildhall School of Music and 32.9 University of Newcastle-upon- 4,480 Drama Tyne City University London 31.0 Brunei University 4,455 Aston University 30.4 Sheffield Hallam University 4,370 Royal Holloway and Bedford 30.3 University of Sunderland 4,350 New College 1 Covers full-time and part-time postgraduate and undergraduate University of Surrey 30.2 enrolments in all years of study. 2 University of Bedfordshire 29.4 Covers students domiciled in European Union (EU) countries other than the United Kingdom and non-EU countries. Courtauld Institute of Art 29.4 Note: University of Cambridge 27.9 Figures in the table are based on a HESA standard registration University of Bath 27.9 population and are rounded up or down to the nearest five. Source: University of Essex 27.8 Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record University of Warwick 27.7 Brunei University 27.2 Overseas Trade: Libya University College Birmingham 25.6 London Metropolitan 25.5 Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for University Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to University of Oxford 25.4 take to encourage trade and investment between the Queen Mary and Westfield 25.1 UK and Libya. [70541] College Trinity Laban Conservatoire of 24.9 Mr Prisk: Through UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Music and Dance we are focusing on the key commercial needs in post-conflict 1 Covers full-time and part-time postgraduate and undergraduate Libya, supporting the return to normality in the country. enrolments in all years of study. 2 Covers students domiciled in European Union (EU) countries UKTI staff will shortly resume work in Tripoli. In due other than the United Kingdom and non-EU countries. course we will again offer the full range of UKTI Note: services for British companies seeking to do business in Percentages in the table are based on a HESA standard registration Libya, including support for trade missions. UK Trade population and are given to one decimal place. and Investment has invited key British firms to a conference Source: on 27 September to address the reconstruction needs in Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record Table 2: English higher education institutions with the highest number Libya. of enrolments1 from overseas. Academic year 2009/10 Institution Enrolments from overseas2 Pensions

University of Manchester 9,915 University College London 8,290 Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State University of Nottingham 8,270 for Business, Innovation and Skills what funding he plans to assign to ensuring that businesses understand University of Warwick 7,995 the implications of proposed pension changes to be University of Greenwich 6,555 implemented in 2012. [71008] University of Leeds 6,415 University of the Arts, London 6,350 Steve Webb [holding answer 12 September 2011: I London School of Economics 6,255 have been asked to reply. and Political Science University of Oxford 6,220 The Pensions Regulator is responsible for employer London Metropolitan 6,215 compliance for the introduction of automatic enrolment University duties and is planning to spend £1.7 million this financial Imperial College of Science, 6,010 year and £2.6 million next year on external communications. Technology and Medicine From 2013-14 onwards the spend is estimated at around University of Birmingham 6,000 £1 million annually. In addition employers will be made University of Sheffield 5,875 aware of their duties through registration documentation Kings College London 5,810 that they will receive from the regulator. University of Cambridge 5,795 DWP will complement TPR employer communications University of Bedfordshire 5,650 in the run-up to October 2012, focusing on small and University of Westminster 5,640 medium employers and spending in the region of Middlesex University 5,600 £1.8 million to inform businesses of pension changes. University of East London 5,470 This includes helping SMEs understand automatic City University London 5,345 enrolment, and enabling employers to provide information University of Hertfordshire 5,245 that is needed to give to their employees about automatic University of Southampton 5,230 enrolment. University of Northumbria at 4,860 DWP is planning to continue with proactive Newcastle communications beyond October 2012 to support roll-out Kingston University 4,830 of automatic enrolment, and fully costed plans will be Coventry University 4,765 developed nearer the time. 1361W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1362W

Renewable Energy: Research the scope of the relief so that it can no longer be exploited for a purpose for which it was not intended. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for The Government will revisit the level of the LVCR in Business, Innovation and Skills how much has been Budget 2012, if discussions with the European Commission spent on renewable energy research and development do not produce a workable solution to the problem of by the research councils since May 2010. [70199] exploitation of the relief. Rolling Stock: East Midlands Mr Willetts: The total expenditure by the RCUK Energy Programme1 for renewable energy research and development, including hydrogen and fuel cells, was £62 Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for million for the financial year 2010-11. Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what assessment his Department has made of future prospects for the train Expenditure for the financial year 2011-12 will be building supply chain in the East Midlands; [71161] available in April 2012. (a) (b) 1 Led by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (2) what support his Department has and (EPSRC), the RCUK Energy Programme brings together the plans to provide to Bombardier Transportation’s work in this area of EPSRC and that of the Biotechnology and supply chain in the 2011-12 financial year; [71162] Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Economic (3) what assessment his Department has made of the and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment risks to the train building supply chain in the UK since Research Council (NERC), and the Science and Technology January 2011; and if he will publish any such Facilities Council (STFC). assessments. [71164] Resolving Workplace Disputes Mr Prisk: No such assessments have been carried out. However on 5 July the Secretary of State for Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend Business, Innovation and Skills when his Department the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), created an plans to publish (a) the responses to its Resolving Economic Response Task Force to fully understand Workplace Disputes consultation and (b) its response and mitigate the economic impact of job losses at to the consultation. [71984] Bombardier, its supply chain and the local communities. Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation The Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for and Skills intends to publish the Government’s response Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for to the Resolving Workplace Disputes consultation later Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), have asked this autumn. their officials to work together with the sector and key delivery partners, such as UK Trade and Investment, to We do not intend to publish individual responses, but support the train manufacturing sector and the wider we will make them publicly available. rail supply chain in securing more sustainable UK jobs Resource Accounting and Budgeting through clearly identified business opportunities such as the Intercity Express programme, Crossrail and High Speed 2. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 6 Additionally the Department’s Solution’s for Business September 2011, how many representations he has received offers a range of publically funded products and services on the Government’s estimate of the Resource Accounting designed to help businesses to overcome key challenges and Budgeting charge in each month since December and—through UK Trade and Investment—explore export 2010; and if he will make a statement. [71445] opportunities. Scientific Advisers Mr Davey [holding answer 12 September 2011]: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has no record of any representations received on the Government’s Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for estimate of the Resource Accounting and Budgeting Business, Innovation and Skills when his Department’s charge since December 2010. chief scientific adviser left his post; when he expects his replacement to be appointed; and by what means he Retail Trade: Companies has been provided with scientific advice during the period the post has been vacant. [71671] Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Mr Willetts: Professor Brian Collins, the Chief Scientific to prevent Jersey-based internet retail companies Adviser (CSA) for Business, Innovation and Skills, having a significant advantage over high-street shops in completed his three year contract on 31 May 2011. A England; and if he will make a statement. [70786] recruitment process for the new CSA is currently ongoing in line with the Civil Service Code and is being jointly Mr Prisk: As part of Budget 2011 the Chancellor of administered with the Department for Transport (DfT). the Exchequer announced that legislation would be BIS expects to announce the name of the successful introduced in Finance Bill 2011 to lower the Low Value candidate before the end of the year. Consignment Relief (LVCR) threshold, below which To provide support to the new CSA and help cover goods imported from outside the EU (including the the interregnum, the Department is recruiting a new Channel Islands) are VAT-free, from £18 to £15 with senior civil servant Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser effect from November 2011. The Government will also who will be supported by a core team and provide explore options with the European Commission to limit leadership, as BIS Head of Science and Engineering 1363W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1364W

Profession, to around 183 individuals in BIS who are For ease of reference we have extracted data relating members of the Government Science and Engineering to the ’Jobs Created or Safeguarded’ output and provide (GSE) community. BIS expects to announce the name this data in the following table: of the successful candidate before the end of October. In the meantime, the CSA team and the Department Number of Jobs created or continues to source advice from this network and from Financial year safeguarded1 BIS’s wide range of partner organisations, such as the 2011-12 2254 research councils, the Intellectual Property Office, the 2010-11 3,489 National Measurement Office and the Technology Strategy 2009-10 10,138 Board to ensure that the Department meets its priorities 2008-09 8,057 and key deliverables. The Government Office for Science has also offered to provide backup advice, through the 2007-08 7,569 network of CSAs and elsewhere until the CSA is in 2006-07 5,667 post. 2005-06 4,240 2004-05 5,121 2003-04 2,970 Small Businesses: Civil Disorder 2002-03 2,307 2001-02 2,341 Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for 2000-01 316,476.5 Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking 1999-2000 38,310.5 to support businesses whose earnings have been 1998-99 35,421 reduced as a result of the August 2011 public disorder. 1 ‘Jobs Created’ are measured in full time equivalent posts (30 or more [70789] working hours per week) and the job must be considered to be permanent (i.e. have a life expectancy of over 12 months). To qualify Mr Prisk: The £20 million High Street Support scheme as a ‘Job Safeguarded’ the post must be a permanent, paid, full time equivalent (FTE) job which is at risk (i.e. forecast to be lost within announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister 12 months). on 11 August will support businesses affected by the 2 2011/12 figures cover period to end of June 2011. recent disturbances. It will help them to get back up and 3 On 1 April 2002 all Regional Development Agencies adopted a running quickly, for instance if assistance is needed revised process for reporting outputs. Prior to that point SEEDA with business clear-up, replacement of equipment, or counted gross output achievement only, which included indirect outputs costs of temporary accommodation. This includes help and those provided by other public funding. with cash flow while insurance claims are being made, Southern Cross Healthcare staff costs incurred while the business is affected by temporary closure, and many costs not fully covered by Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for insurance. Local authorities will also be able to use the Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department fund to cover the full costs of business rate hardship has provided assistance to directors of adult social relief for affected business up to the end of the financial services to ensure that new operators of former Southern year. Cross care homes are financially viable. [67467] Government recognise that the impact on business will continue beyond this immediate recovery period. Mr Davey: The Department has not given assistance We continue to work together with local enterprise to the directors of adult social services. The Department partnerships, local authorities and trade and business has had significant involvement in advising the Department organisations to identify what longer term help is needed. of Health on the commercial aspects of Southern Cross. Student Numbers South East England Development Agency: Job Creation Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation and Skills if he will list the 30 universities or Business, Innovation and Skills how many jobs the higher education institutions with the highest (a) proportion South East England Development Agency has created and (b) number of UK-domiciled students; and if he since its inception. [71930] will make a statement. [69048]

Mr Prisk: The South East England Development Mr Willetts: The thirty English higher education Agency (SEEDA) records the number of ’Jobs Created institutions with the highest proportion and number of or Safeguarded’ as a result of the agency’s intervention. UK-domiciled enrolments are shown in tables 1 and 2 SEEDA would be unable to identify the number of respectively. Figures are taken from the Higher Education ‘Jobs Created’ from the total figures available for the Statistics Agency Student Record and are provided for output ’Jobs Created or Safeguarded’ without incurring the 2009/10 academic year. Information for the 2010/11 disproportionate costs. academic year will become available from January 2012. On an annual basis SEEDA agreed output targets Table 1: English higher education institutions with the highest with my the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation proportion of UK-domiciled enrolments1 Academic year 2009/10 and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Percentage of enrolments who Twickenham (Vince Cable), and a report of progress Institution were UK-domiciled against core output targets is included within SEEDA’s Open University2 99.9 Annual Report and Accounts which are publicly available Bishop Grosseteste University 98.8 via its website: College Lincoln http://www.seeda.co.uk/news-and-publications/Publications University Campus Suffolk 98.6 1365W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1366W

Table 1: English higher education institutions with the highest Table 2: English higher education institutions with the highest number proportion of UK-domiciled enrolments1 Academic year 2009/10 of UK-domiciled enrolments1 Academic year 2009/10 Percentage of enrolments who Institution UK-domiciled enrolments Institution were UK-domiciled Edge Hill University 24,770 Newman University College 98.3 University of Birmingham 24,130 University of Cumbria 97.9 Nottingham Trent University 23,900 Norwich University College of 97.8 Liverpool John Moores 22,585 the Arts University University of Chichester 97.8 University of Hertfordshire 22,405 Edge Hill University 97.8 Kingston University 22,250 Bath Spa University 97.4 University of Greenwich 22,250 Leeds Trinity University College 97.2 London South Bank University 22,225 University of Chester 97.1 Birmingham City University 22,035 University College Plymouth St 96.2 University of East London 21,465 Mark and St John University of Warwick 20,875 York St John University 96.2 University of Huddersfield 20,450 Harper Adams University 95.6 De Montfort University 20,430 College University of Sheffield 20,095 St Georges Hospital Medical 95.5 School University of Hull 19,495 Leeds College of Music 95.2 University of Wolverhampton 19,325 University of Winchester 94.6 University of Portsmouth 19,020 University College Falmouth 94.0 Staffordshire University 18,775 University of Worcester 93.9 Note: Figures in the table are based on a HESA standard registration Liverpool Hope University 92.9 population and are rounded up or down to the nearest five. Canterbury Christ Church 92.8 1 Covers full-time and part-time postgraduate and undergraduate University enrolments in all years of study. University of Plymouth 92.6 Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record University of Lincoln 92.6 Birkbeck College 92.4 Students: Loans University of Huddersfield 92.4 Leeds Metropolitan University 91.8 Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, University of Teesside 91.7 Innovation and Skills what proportion of people taking Roehampton University 91.0 out student loans he estimates will repay (a) the whole De Montfort University 91.0 amount and (b) a partial amount. [71766] Writtle College 90.9 Note: Mr Willetts: We currently estimate that of the new Percentages in the table are based on a HESA standard registration students starting courses from September 2012 onwards, population arid are given to one decimal place. around 60% of those taking student loans will repay the 1 Covers full-time and part-time postgraduate and undergraduate balance of the loan in full, while around 40% will have enrolments In all years of study. some of their loan written off. Loans are written off 30 2 The majority of Open University students domiciled outside the UK are recorded on the HESA Aggregate Overseas Return rather years after the borrower becomes liable to repay or on than the student record as they are distance learners who remain in the death or permanent disability of the borrower. their home country and do not come to the UK to study. The These figures are consistent with our estimate that percentages shown in this table are based on student record figures only and exclude the Aggregate Overseas Return. the resource accounting and budgeting charge for the Source: loans—representing the cost of both write-offs and Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record interest subsidies—will be around 30% of the face value Table 2: English higher education institutions with the highest number of loans issued. 1 of UK-domiciled enrolments Academic year 2009/10 All of the above estimates are for full time English Institution UK-domiciled enrolments students at UK institutions and full time EU students at Open University 209,415 English institutions. Manchester Metropolitan 32,260 University Mr Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Sheffield Hallam University 31,045 Innovation and Skills what recent assessment he has University of Manchester 30,485 made of the criteria used by the Student Loans Company University of Plymouth 29,820 to determine whether a student seeking means-tested University of the West of 29,715 financial support is an independent student. [72042] England, Bristol University of Central 28,630 Mr Willetts: The Student Loans Company uses criteria Lancashire set out in the Education (Student Support) Regulations University of Leeds 27,165 to determine whether a student seeking means-tested University of Northumbria at 26,565 financial support is an independent student. These Newcastle regulations are reviewed on an annual basis, and, following University of Teesside 26,255 the most recent review the Education (Student Support) University of Nottingham 25,850 Regulations 2011 were laid before Parliament on 11 August Leeds Metropolitan University 25,580 2011. These regulations did not make any changes to 1367W Written Answers15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 1368W the criteria to be used by the Student Loans Company unconditional) but decided not to go to university; in determining whether a student seeking means-tested individuals who received a conditional offer and failed financial support is an independent student or not. to meet the specific conditions (eg they did not achieve certain grades); and individuals who decided to withdraw Technology: Greater London from the UCAS system. Applicants and accepted applicants domiciled in Bexleyheath and Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Crayford constituency to full-time undergraduate courses via UCAS, Business, Innovation and Skills how much expenditure by area background, years of entry 2006 to 2010 his Department incurred in developing the Tech City Percentage Accepted Percentage website. [70565] Applicants of total applicants of total

Mr Prisk: Tech City is home to one of the largest 2006 concentrations of digital technology companies in Europe. Disadvantaged1 492 86 365 86 The website is an integral element in the overall strategy Other 79 14 61 14 to promote Tech City to investors, entrepreneurs and Total 571 100 426 100 establish businesses. The costs incurred for the website to 31 August are estimated at £53,351 comprising £37,000 2007 for website development, £9,595 for content, and £6,756 Disadvantaged1 519 88 388 88 for security and penetration testing. Other 72 12 53 12 Thameslink: Siemens Total 591 100 441 100

Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 Business, Innovation and Skills what work the Disadvantaged1 605 86 468 86 Economic Response Task Force has undertaken as a Other 97 14 76 14 result of the award of the Thameslink contract to Total 702 100 544 100 Siemens. [70790] 2009

Mr Prisk: The Economic Task Force, announced on 1 5 July, has begun work by focusing on support for the Disadvantaged 631 84 480 85 affected work force. It is working with Job Centre Plus Other 120 16 88 15 and the Skills Funding Agency to deliver Rapid Response Total 751 100 568 100 Services which aim to secure new jobs or training for those at risk of redundancy. 2010 The task force has also begun work with partners to Disadvantaged1 796 86 556 85 ensure that impacts on supply chain companies are Other 126 14 96 15 mitigated. This work is being led by the Chamber of Total 922 100 652 100 Commerce and the Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum. 1 Derived from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)’s POLAR2 measure. For the purposes of their funding UK Trade and Investment allocations HEFCE treat entrants from the most disadvantaged 40% of neighbourhoods as ’disadvantaged’ http://www.hefce.ac.uk/widen/fund Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for HEFCE uses two different groupings of areas to define disadvantage: Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to one based on the participation rates of young (19 and under) people record the originating location of inquiries made to in HE (which is used by HEFCE when looking at young full-time UK Trade and Investment. [67272] entrants); and one based on the proportion of adults who hold HE qualifications (which is used by HEFCE when looking at part-time and mature full-time entrants). Because this table includes applicants Mr Prisk: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) records and accepted applicants of all ages, disadvantage is defined by quintiles location information for service deliveries and significant 1 and 2 of the HE qualified adults measure. interactions with businesses on a customer relationship Source: management system. UKTI has no plans to record the UCAS location of all telephone inquiries. Veterinary Medicine: Education

Universities Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Department has made of the amount of time allocated Innovation and Skills how many people resident in to teaching related to exotic animals in Government Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency applied to enter accredited veterinary schools in comparison to other university in each of the last five academic years; how EU member states. [70735] many such applicants were successful; and what proportion of these were from disadvantaged backgrounds. [71543] Mr Willetts [holding answer 8 September 2011]: I can confirm that no assessment has been made of the time Mr Willetts: The information is in the following table allocated to teaching related to exotic animals in veterinary and has been provided by the Universities and Colleges schools in comparison with other EU member states. Admissions Service (UCAS). Higher Education veterinary schools are independent Applicants who were not accepted for entry will autonomous bodies whose courses will reflect the include: individuals who did not receive any offer; requirements of the relevant professional body that individuals who received an offer (conditional or provides accreditation. 11MC Ministerial Corrections15 SEPTEMBER 2011 Ministerial Corrections 12MC

of results for each school. The spreadsheet contained Ministerial Correction results for some schools that were suppressed due to small numbers of entries; the suppressed schools were Thursday 15 September 2011 not included in the analysis in error. In revising this analysis we have taken into account the suppressed information to provide an accurate answer. The full answer given was as follows: EDUCATION History: GCSE Mr Gibb: 2,734 schools have been identified as being mainstream comprehensive. Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) All of these schools entered pupils for GCSE history Education how many mainstream comprehensive schools (b) 17 had fewer than 5% of pupils entered for GCSE history entered (a) no pupils, (b) fewer than five per cent. of (c) 139 had fewer than 10% entered for GCSE history pupils, (c) fewer than 10 per cent. of pupils and (d) (d) 1,031 schools had fewer than 25% of pupils entered for fewer than 25 per cent. of pupils for GCSE history GCSE history in 2010. examinations in 2010. [65835] The correct answer should have been: [Official Report, 20 July 2011, Vol. 531, c. 1041W.] Letter of correction from Nick Gibb: Mr Gibb: 2,734 schools have been identified as being An error has been identified in the written answer mainstream comprehensive. given to the hon. Member for Kingswood (Chris Skidmore) (a) 63 of these schools entered no pupils for GCSE history on 20 July 2011. While the total number of mainstream (b) 88 had fewer than 5% of pupils entered for GCSE history comprehensive schools identified was correct, the answers (c) 210 had fewer than 10% entered for GCSE history to the individual components were not. The answer was (d) 1,102 schools had fewer than 25% of pupils entered for produced using a spreadsheet that contained a summary GCSE history in 2010.

ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 15 September 2011

Col. No. Col. No. TRANSPORT ...... 1159 TRANSPORT—continued Concessionary Coach Travel ...... 1166 Rolling Stock (Procurement)...... 1170 Cycling...... 1167 Topical Questions ...... 1171 Heavy Goods Vehicles...... 1162 Rail Franchises ...... 1165 Rail Investment...... 1164 WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 1174 Rail Network (Sustainability)...... 1168 Civil Partnership Ceremonies...... 1179 Rail Projects...... 1169 Female Genital Mutilation...... 1174 Rail Travel...... 1161 Flexible Working...... 1176 Rolling Stock Contracts...... 1159 Violence against Women and Girls...... 1178 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Thursday 15 September 2011

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 51WS HEALTH—continued National Minimum Wage...... 51WS Report on Complaints and Litigation (Government Response)...... 61WS DEFENCE...... 52WS Central Advisory Committee on Pensions and HOME DEPARTMENT...... 62WS Compensation...... 53WS Report on Phone Hacking (Government Commander Joint Forces Command...... 52WS Response) ...... 62WS Management of Unsolicited Mail at Christmas...... 55WS Nuclear Liabilities Management Strategy ...... 53WS JUSTICE...... 62WS UK-Norway Initiative Workshop...... 54WS Mutual Recognition of Protection Measures in Civil Matters...... 63WS EDUCATION...... 55WS Revised Framework Document (Information Standards and Testing Agency...... 55WS Commissioner’s Office and the Ministry of Justice)...... 62WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 56WS TRANSPORT ...... 63WS General Affairs Council (12 September 2011) ...... 56WS Informal EU Transport Council ...... 63WS Ministerial Correction ...... 57WS Maritime Incident Response Group...... 64WS World Conference Against Racism (10th Sale of Trust Ports ...... 65WS Anniversary) ...... 56WS TREASURY ...... 51WS HEALTH...... 58WS Anti-avoidance...... 51WS Care and Support (Stakeholder Engagement)...... 58WS European Regulation of Financial Services ...... 52WS PETITION

Thursday 15 September 2011

Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 21P Glass Bottles (Pubs and Clubs) ...... 21P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 15 September 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 1260W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Coroners and Justice Act 2009: Prosecutions ...... 1260W Business Links ...... 1341W Business: Loans...... 1344W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 1340W Business: Urban Areas...... 1345W Banks: Competition ...... 1341W Businesses: Fraud...... 1346W Business ...... 1341W Civil Disorder ...... 1346W Business: Bank Services ...... 1342W Commonwealth ...... 1340W Business: Civil Disorder ...... 1342W Departmental Air Travel ...... 1346W Business: Entry Clearances ...... 1343W Departmental Training ...... 1347W Business: Industrial Health and Safety...... 1343W Employment: Foreign Investment in UK ...... 1347W Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued DEFENCE—continued Foreign Investment in UK ...... 1348W Departmental Manpower...... 1288W Higher Education: York...... 1349W Departmental Private Finance Initiative ...... 1288W Housing: Repairs and Maintenance ...... 1351W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 1289W IBM ...... 1351W Departmental Visits Abroad ...... 1295W Insolvency...... 1351W Gibraltar...... 1296W Investment: Private Sector...... 1352W Government Procurement Card ...... 1297W Job Creation: Private Sector...... 1353W India: Arms Trade...... 1297W Manufacturing Industries ...... 1353W Israel: Unmanned Air Vehicles...... 1298W Mature Students ...... 1354W Libya: Armed Conflict...... 1298W Medical Research Council ...... 1356W Military Aircraft ...... 1298W Mobile Phones ...... 1357W Military Bases: Kirknewton ...... 1299W Nuclear Fusion: Research ...... 1357W Navy ...... 1299W Nuclear Power: Research ...... 1357W RAF Leuchars ...... 1301W Office for Life Sciences...... 1358W RAF Lossiemouth: European Fighter Aircraft...... 1302W Overseas Students ...... 1358W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 1302W Overseas Trade: Libya...... 1360W Warships ...... 1302W Pensions...... 1360W Renewable Energy: Research...... 1361W EDUCATION...... 1303W Resolving Workplace Disputes...... 1361W Academies...... 1303W Resource Accounting and Budgeting ...... 1361W Capital Grant Scheme...... 1303W Retail Trade: Companies...... 1361W Children: Day Care ...... 1304W Rolling Stock: East Midlands...... 1362W Civil Servants...... 1305W Scientific Advisers...... 1362W Computer Science ...... 1305W Small Businesses: Civil Disorder ...... 1363W Departmental Private Finance Initiative ...... 1307W South East England Development Agency: Job Departmental Redundancy ...... 1307W Creation...... 1363W Departmental Written Questions ...... 1307W Southern Cross Healthcare ...... 1364W Education: Finance...... 1309W Student Numbers...... 1364W Education Maintenance Allowance: City of York.. 1309W Students: Loans ...... 1366W Education: Young People...... 1310W Technology: Greater London...... 1367W Family Intervention Programme ...... 1310W Thameslink: Siemens ...... 1367W GCSE ...... 1310W UK Trade and Investment...... 1367W GCSE: Home Education...... 1309W Universities ...... 1367W Government Buying Standards ...... 1311W Veterinary Medicine: Education...... 1368W Numeracy ...... 1311W Schools: Buildings...... 1312W CABINET OFFICE...... 1330W Schools: City of York...... 1312W British Sky Broadcasting...... 1330W Schools: Coventry ...... 1313W Departmental Procurement...... 1330W Schools: Hampshire ...... 1313W Employment: Birmingham...... 1331W Schools: Newton Abbot ...... 1314W Ex-servicemen...... 1331W Schools: Swimming...... 1314W Government Procurement Card ...... 1331W Sixth Form Colleges...... 1314W Mystery Shopper Complaints Scheme ...... 1332W Social Workers ...... 1315W Non-departmental Public Bodies ...... 1332W Teachers: City of York ...... 1315W Public Sector: Procurement...... 1332W Teachers: Newton Abbot ...... 1317W Sick Leave: Civil Service...... 1333W Teachers: Sick Leave ...... 1317W Teachers: Training...... 1318W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 1266W Training and Development Agency: City of York.. 1319W Council Housing...... 1266W University Technical Colleges ...... 1319W Local Government: Sick Leave ...... 1266W University Technical Colleges ...... 1319W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 1319W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 1333W Departmental Manpower...... 1333W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 1249W Football Governance ...... 1334W Climate Change ...... 1249W Government Procurement Card ...... 1334W Departmental Manpower...... 1251W National Lottery...... 1334W Electricity Generation...... 1251W Olympic Games 2012: Tickets...... 1335W Feed-in Tariffs: Lancashire ...... 1252W Telephone Calls: Unsolicited Goods and Services.. 1335W Microgeneration Certification Scheme...... 1253W Television...... 1335W National Infrastructure Plan...... 1253W Television: Licensing ...... 1335W Radioactive Materials ...... 1253W Tourism: Cumbria...... 1336W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL DEFENCE...... 1281W AFFAIRS...... 1255W Adam Werritty...... 1281W Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control...... 1255W Armed Forces: Housing ...... 1281W Deerstalking...... 1256W Armed Forces: Investigations...... 1282W Fish: Catering ...... 1257W Ben Parkinson...... 1286W Fisheries: Quotas ...... 1257W Commando Brigade...... 1287W Fishing Vessels ...... 1257W Defence: Procurement...... 1288W Forestry Commission: Government Procurement Defence Reform Review...... 1287W Card...... 1258W Defence Support Group...... 1287W Game: Birds...... 1259W Col. No. Col. No. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— JUSTICE—continued continued Remand In Custody...... 1339W Livestock: Animal Welfare...... 1259W Sexual Offences: Prisoners’ Release...... 1340W Recycling ...... 1259W PRIME MINISTER...... 1249W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 1320W Ministers: Conduct ...... 1249W Armed Conflict...... 1320W Bahrain: Health Professions...... 1321W SCOTLAND...... 1249W Burma: Human Rights...... 1321W Department for Environment, Food and Rural Burma: Political Prisoners...... 1321W Affairs...... 1249W China ...... 1322W Croatia: EU Enlargement ...... 1322W TRANSPORT ...... 1325W Human Rights ...... 1323W Bus Services: Young People...... 1326W Iraq: Armed Conflict ...... 1323W Driving: Sleep Apnoea ...... 1326W Occupied Territories: Housing ...... 1324W High Speed Trains: Scotland...... 1327W UK Membership of EU...... 1324W Inland Waterways: Freight ...... 1326W UN World Conference Against Racism ...... 1324W Lane Rental ...... 1325W Large Goods Vehicles: Sleep Apnoea ...... 1327W HEALTH...... 1260W Network Rail: Finance...... 1327W Alcoholic Drinks...... 1260W Rail Travel...... 1325W Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse...... 1261W Railways: Manufacturing Industries ...... 1328W Cancer: Surgery ...... 1261W Road Traffic...... 1328W Care Homes: Inspections ...... 1262W Roads: Accidents ...... 1329W Food Standards Agency: Government Smart Ticketing ...... 1326W Procurement Card...... 1263W Thameslink Railway Line: Rolling Stock ...... 1330W Health Services: Foreign Nationals ...... 1263W Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements ...... 1263W TREASURY ...... 1267W Mental Health Services ...... 1264W Air Passenger Duty ...... 1267W NHS: Sick Leave...... 1265W Bank Services: Switzerland ...... 1267W Budgets: Equality...... 1268W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 1273W Child Benefit...... 1268W Animal Experiments: EU Law...... 1273W Departmental Manpower...... 1268W Animal Welfare: Standards ...... 1274W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 1269W Asylum ...... 1274W Departmental Procurement...... 1269W Entry Clearances: Diplomatic Service...... 1274W Equitable Life Payment Scheme...... 1270W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ...... 1278W Financial Institutions...... 1270W Human Trafficking ...... 1278W Households: Children ...... 1271W Offenders ...... 1279W Income Tax: Tax Yields...... 1272W Overseas Students: Employment...... 1279W Inflation: Low Incomes...... 1272W Overseas Students: Religion ...... 1279W Mass Media ...... 1272W Visas ...... 1280W Public Sector Debt ...... 1273W Taxis ...... 1273W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 1320W Ethiopia: Resettlement...... 1320W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 1266W Food Supply...... 1320W Children’s Television Programming ...... 1266W Flexible Working...... 1267W JUSTICE...... 1337W Unemployment ...... 1267W Civil Disorder ...... 1337W Contingent Fee ...... 1338W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 1254W Government Procurement Card ...... 1338W Council Tax ...... 1254W Homicide: Sentencing ...... 1338W Housing Benefit ...... 1255W Immigration...... 1339W Social Fund: Yorkshire and Humberside ...... 1256W Prisoners: Ex-servicemen ...... 1339W Social Security Benefits: City of York ...... 1255W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Thursday 15 September 2011

Col. No. EDUCATION...... 11MC History: GCSE ...... 11MC Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied, nor can corrections be made in the Weekly Edition. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Thursday 22 September 2011

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CONTENTS

Thursday 15 September 2011

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1159] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Transport Minister for Women and Equalities

Palestine and the United Nations [Col. 1181] Answer to urgent question—(Alistair Burt)

Business of the House [Col. 1192] Statement—(Sir George Young)

Royal Assent to Acts passed [Col. 1207] Backbench Business [31st allotted day] Food Security and Famine Prevention (Africa) [Col. 1208] Motion—(Amber Rudd)—agreed to Human Rights on the Indian Subcontinent [Col. 1250] Motion lapsed

Royal British Legion (Princes Risborough) [Col. 1294] Debate on motion for Ajournment

Westminster Hall Scientific Advice (Emergencies) [Col. 331WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 51WS]

Petition [Col. 21P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 1249W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 11MC]