Tuesday Volume 561 16 April 2013 No. 140

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 16 April 2013

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2013 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 147 16 APRIL 2013 148

agree with me that proton beam therapy is now almost House of Commons as important as radiotherapy? How much have the Government spent on this therapy, and how many Tuesday 16 April 2013 patients have been helped by it?

The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock Anna Soubry: We are building two new machines specifically to deliver that treatment. I accept that these PRAYERS things often take a long time, but those machines are planned to go in. In the meantime, NHS England has made it clear that people who need this specific type of [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] treatment can receive it overseas and it will be funded accordingly. BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): Two years ago, the Prime LONDON LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND TRANSPORT FOR Minister accepted the installation of CyberKnife as the LONDON (NO.2)BILL [LORDS](BY ORDER) latest in cancer radiosurgery equipment at the world-leading Consideration of Bill, as amended, opposed and deferred Royal Marsden hospital cancer centre. At the last Health until Tuesday 23 April (Standing Order No. 20). Questions, I asked the Secretary of State whether he would accept one of the countless invitations to visit the Royal Marsden. The consultant clinical oncologist has Oral Answers to Questions issued and reissued that invitation, but has had no response from the Department. Could the Secretary of State now please visit CyberKnife at the Royal Marsden? HEALTH Anna Soubry: I have to tell the hon. Lady that, as she knows, there is some controversy over this particular The Secretary of State was asked— treatment, which is backed by a very large and powerful Radiotherapy American company. The Under-Secretary of State for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Central Suffolk 2. Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): What and North Ipswich (Dr Poulter), has visited, and I progress he has made on the commitment that patients know that the Secretary of State has an extremely busy would have access to appropriate radiotherapy and full diary. It is not as simple as a visit; it is all about wherever they lived. [150764] whether there is any clinical value. Cancer The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Anna Soubry): I am pleased to say that from 26 March, 3. Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): £22.7 million of the Prime Minister’s fund to improve What steps his Department is taking to raise awareness access to what is called intensity modulated radiotherapy— of the signs and symptoms of cancer. [150765] IMR in short—has already been committed. The money is being used to update machines and ensure that 8. Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): What steps his radiographers receive extra training if they need it. We Department is taking to raise awareness of the signs are well on our way, especially as it is now a nationally and symptoms of cancer. [150771] commissioned service, so there is no reason why anybody should not have the access they need to this treatment. 12. Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): What steps his Department is taking to raise awareness of the signs Grahame M. Morris: I thank the Minister for that and symptoms of cancer. [150775] response, but is she aware that new guidelines released by NHS England for treating patients using stereotactic The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health ablative radiotherapy—advanced radiotherapy—say that (Anna Soubry): It would take me a very long time to only commissioning for early stage lung cancer will be give all the details of the Department’s work. In short, approved, and that other treatments for all other cancers we have run a number of specific campaigns, both can be paid for only in clinical trials? As no trials are locally and regionally, to deal with a number of cancers. being commissioned in England, can the Minister explain We will now evaluate whether those pilots have been how the treatment for patients with prostate, liver and successful. What I can say is that, such is the success of spinal cancer, who were receiving SABR treatment last the lung cancer campaign, we will be recommissioning month, will be funded in the future? it in July. Anna Soubry: What I do know, having had a long Eric Ollerenshaw: I thank the Minister for that reply. meeting with my officials only this morning, is that the May I raise, in particular, the issue of poor outcomes in evidence, as they have explained it to me, is clear: SABR pancreatic and prostate cancer? The problem we face is is effective only in a small number of people who have, how to achieve the earlier diagnosis that is needed by unfortunately, a certain small tumour in their lungs, and GPs, so that we can achieve better outcomes in terms of it is not suitable for other treatments of cancers. However, international comparisons. if the hon. Gentleman wants to discuss the matter further, my door is always open. Anna Soubry: It was a great pleasure to meet my hon. Friend and the hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): The trouble to discuss prostate and pancreatic cancer. Those cancers with all these things is that medical science moves faster are difficult because often the symptoms are not obvious. than the targets set by the Government. Does the Minister The “Know 4 sure” campaign highlights some of the 149 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 150 symptoms associated with them. We are evaluating this Anna Soubry: We are always open to discuss anything matter, and if we think that there is benefit in a campaign that can improve outcomes for anybody suffering from specifically on those cancers, we will run that campaign. cancer, and certainly we are alert to all new research. As I said, if that involves talking to devolved Administrations, Steve Brine: The Minister will be aware that the my officials do that in order to improve outcomes for all-party group on breast cancer, which I co-chair, is people in England. holding an inquiry into older people and breast cancer, starting this afternoon. We look forward to seeing her David Tredinnick (Bosworth) (Con): Is my hon. Friend there. What plans do the Government have to ensure aware that one of the most effective treatments in that everyone affected by breast cancer, regardless of reducing the impact of prostate cancer is traditional their age, is diagnosed at the earliest possible stage? Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, and does she agree that it is crucial that we get the regulation of herbal practitioners in place as soon as we can? Anna Soubry: I pay tribute to the work of my hon. Friend and all those involved with the all-party group—I am indeed looking forward to this afternoon’s session. I Anna Soubry: All these things have to be evidence-based. particularly commend the group’s work on targeting I am reminded of the evidence that the chief medical women over 70. Again, we have run a pilot campaign on officer gave recently on this subject. that and are evaluating the results, and if there is value in it, it will be rolled out in order to bring huge benefits. Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): A freedom of information survey by Labour showed that cancer networks saw their funding cut by 26% between 2010 Fiona Bruce: Given the link between smoking and and 2013 and lost 20% of their work force over the same cancer and the fact that 70% of smokers start before period, losing vital skills and expertise along the way, they are 18 and 94% before they are 25, what consideration despite repeated reassurances from the Government have the Government given to introducing plain packaging that funding for clinical networks would be protected. in order to drive down the number of young people Even more shockingly, all this is happening at a time attracted to smoking in the first place? when the Department of Health has handed back £2.2 billion to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. How Anna Soubry: We are considering what has been a can the Minister justify handing vital NHS funding huge consultation, but I must correct my hon. Friend—I back to the Treasury when cancer networks are being am in no way criticising her—because it is not plain cut, specialist staff and skills are being lost and thousands packaging, but what we call standardised packaging. If, of nurses are being axed? like me, hon. Members were to see the cigarette packets now issued in Australia, they would realise that they are Anna Soubry: I think that that was about four questions far from plain. Some would say that they are a counterfeiter’s in one, but I would certainly dispute all that has been nightmare, not a charter for counterfeiters. said. Let me make this absolutely clear: we know that there was great success in the cancer networks, which is John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab): People why we have extended them, so that they now include, remember the massive improvements in cancer care for example, dementia and mental health, and far from services under Labour. Now, more and more people are cutting the overall money going to all the strategic having to wait longer and longer for those crucial networks, we have increased it by 27%. diagnostic cancer tests, when they might be worried sick about what they will have to face. Is the Minister happy Cardiovascular Disease that more people are waiting longer and what is she doing now to cut those waiting times? 4. Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): What support his Department has given to local authorities Anna Soubry: We have invested £450 million in improving and NHS commissioners to improve cardiovascular exactly the matter that the right hon. Gentleman raises, disease outcomes. [150766] and I do not share his analysis one bit. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): As well as raising (Dr Daniel Poulter): On 5 March, we published the awareness of cancer, will the Minister clarify whether cardiovascular disease outcomes strategy, which included this new list of 28 prescribed drugs produced by the 10 key actions for commissioners and providers to NHS Commissioning Board will increase access to the ensure patients and carers get the best possible support. cancer drugs fund? As set out in the strategy, we will continue to make data available to local authorities to see where their areas of greatest need are and to shape their own response Anna Soubry: What I know is that the cancer drugs accordingly. fund is delivering in a way that, if I may say so, was not delivered under the last Administration. Christopher Pincher: Will my hon. Friend support the efforts of local clinicians, Tamworth borough council Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP): What and charities such as Tamworth in the Community, discussions have taken place with Health ministerial which are working with parents, teachers and children colleagues in devolved Administrations on the need to to educate them about the importance of healthy eating share best practice in diagnosis, analysis of biopsies and and exercise, to deal with the health challenges we have future treatments and care for those suffering from in Tamworth and tackle the rather unfair notoriety that different forms and types of cancer? Tamworth gained in the press? 151 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 152

Dr Poulter: I commend the work being done locally almost 1,000 more health visitors working in the NHS in Tamworth to address this issue. As we know, one of and we have expanded the family nurse partnership the biggest public health challenges facing this country programme. All these things will make a difference. is obesity. The risk factors for cardiovascular disease Indeed, there is now a lot more joint commissioning include diabetes and high cholesterol. If we can tackle between hospitals and primary care, to ensure that obesity and improve lifestyles, we will address both commissioning arrangements are in place to better support those risk factors directly, so I wish my hon. Friend’s the role of community nurses and district nurses in local organisations every success in tackling those challenges. preventive care and better look after people with long-term conditions. Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): As the Minister has said, those with diabetes are five times more likely than Dementia others to develop cardiovascular disease, which currently costs the national health service £9.8 billion a year. Will 6. Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): What steps his he commit to a public awareness campaign and issue Department plans to take to improve dementia guidelines for local health and wellbeing boards so that diagnosis rates and to reduce regional variations in they make this a priority? such diagnoses. [150769]

Dr Poulter: I commend the right hon. Gentleman’s The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): work in raising the profile of diabetes. A lot of the Dementia diagnosis rates vary across the country, from Government’s work is focused on the importance of 75% in the best areas to a shocking 31% in the worst improving public health in this country and in particular areas. That is totally unacceptable, given the difference on obesity, and if we are to tackle that, we have to deal that we know a diagnosis and a good care plan can with diabetes. As a key part of that, we are now giving make to people who have dementia. 40% of the public health money to local authorities to do exactly what he has just described: to focus money in Mark Menzies: What steps is my right hon. Friend’s the right places to tackle cardiovascular disease in those Department taking to ensure that GPs are adequately communities that most need it, particularly in inner-city supported, so that his ambitious targets for dementia areas. diagnosis are met?

Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): The role Mr Hunt: My hon. Friend makes an important point. of local authorities in scrutinising NHS decisions is There is a misconception among some GPs that a now even more important, yet the joint health overview dementia diagnosis is pointless and cannot make a and scrutiny committee of Yorkshire and Humber councils difference, when we know that in fact the correct medicines was consistently denied a number of important documents, can help between one in three and one in four of those which was one reason why the High Court ruled that who have the condition. However, some GPs also have a the decision taken in the Safe and Sustainable review point when they are concerned that it is difficult to was unlawful. This is now in tatters. Will the Minister access good services for people who have dementia. The now confirm whether he will instruct NHS England not way we will change GPs’ minds is for them to appreciate to appeal the High Court decision? that something will change if someone gets a dementia diagnosis. That is the big challenge that this ministerial Dr Poulter: Surely how valid evidence is is a matter team has set the Department. for the court. I am sure my hon. Friend would recognise that there has to be a distinction between what we do Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Does the Minister here in Parliament and what is done in the courts. If agree that there is much to be learned from the high rate NHS England would like to appeal the decision and if it of dementia diagnosis in Northern Ireland? Is not that thinks there are good grounds to do that, that is something an example of how important it is for the devolved it must do. The decision will then ultimately be made in powers to share information and tactics for success in the courts, on the basis of how valid that appeal is. their own areas with the other devolved bodies?

Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): The best way to Mr Hunt: I agree with the hon. Gentleman. Some of improve outcomes for heart disease patients and get the the devolved Administrations, particularly Scotland, best value for public money is to help people to manage actually do better than England in regard to dementia their condition at home. Can the Minister therefore diagnosis, and one thing that we must learn from them explain the thinking behind the Government’s strategy is the value of a properly integrated care plan. I am of cutting one in five district nurses, so that delayed working closely with the Minister of State to ensure discharges from hospital due specifically to a lack of that we deliver that in England. NHS community services rise by 40%, costing taxpayers £6 million a month as a result? Mr Stephen Dorrell (Charnwood) (Con): My right hon. Friend said in his answer to my hon. Friend the Dr Poulter: The hon. Lady and Opposition Members Member for Fylde (Mark Menzies) that certain aspects are fond of saying that we are cutting the NHS. It is of the treatment of dementia patients had to change. their party that has said it will cut; they think it is Does he agree that that should include the services that irresponsible to increase funding for the NHS. We on are delivered to them becoming more integrated, not the Government Benches have invested £12.5 billion only between hospitals and community health care more in the NHS. There are 6,000 more clinical staff services but between social care services and social working on the ground, focusing specifically on early housing support, in order to provide a proper joined-up intervention, early strategies and lifestyle. We now have package of care for people who receive such diagnoses? 153 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 154

Mr Hunt: I wholeheartedly agree with my right hon. Mr Allen: I thank the Minister for those remarks, and Friend. I was in the accident and emergency unit at I would like to thank those on both Front Benches for Watford hospital last week when a lady with advanced their support for the Early Intervention Foundation, dementia was admitted. She had bruises all over her which is greatly appreciated. Would the Minister accept face after having had a fall. The shocking reality was that, in addition to having police and crime commissioners that that A and E department knew nothing about that and councils promoting early intervention, the role of lady. It did not know her medical history, and it did not GPs, of directors of public health and of health and know whether that was her normal condition. There wellbeing boards will be absolutely central to getting was no proper joined-up link between the social care early intervention plans and programmes to scale across system and the NHS. Tackling that issue is probably the the whole of England? single biggest long-term and strategic challenge that we have to address in the NHS. Dr Poulter: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. The health and wellbeing boards in particular will be Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): Was well placed to bring together and join up what goes on Professor Malcolm Grant, the chairman of NHS England, in early interventions and to break down some of the talking about dementia sufferers when he said today silos that have existed in education, social services and that the NHS would have to charge for particular health care. It is through the health and wellbeing treatments? If not, will the Secretary of State specifically boards that a lot of the work being done by health rule that out? visitors and others to improve the life chances of many children, particularly in the poorest communities, can Mr Hunt: Professor Malcolm Grant did not say that. be taken forward at local level in a much stronger way. What he actually said was that if the NHS considered charging, he would oppose it. I agree with him; I would Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): oppose it, too. Will my hon. Friend tell the House what steps are being taken to encourage and help local authorities to focus Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Con): I should like to on illness prevention and help people to lead healthier thank the Under-Secretary of State for Health, my hon. lives? Friend the Member for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich (Dr Poulter), for his visit to Newark, which was Dr Poulter: My hon. Friend will be aware that local a huge success. However, it has been pointed out that authorities are now receiving 40% of the public health there is a distinct feeling in Newark that dementia budget. That allows local authorities to have a much patients are not being treated quite so quickly there as more nuanced approach to how and where they direct they are in other parts of Nottinghamshire. Will the their budgets. It is of course desirable to focus on the Secretary of State please give that matter his attention? early years to give each and every child the best start in life, to set good and healthy eating patterns and to Mr Hunt: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend the support the work being done in the health service in Member for Newark (Patrick Mercer). The variation in expanding the health visitor programme. This also allows dementia diagnosis rates is something that we have to local authorities to address other public health challenges tackle urgently. In the end, the litmus test as to whether in the area by focusing, for example, on areas with high we are able to cope with an ageing population in the rates of teenage pregnancy, smoking or cardiovascular NHS will be how we deal with dementia, which now disease death. affects one in three people over the age of 65. There is still a lot of misunderstanding about the impact that a Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the Minister, but we do good diagnosis and care plan can have, and for the sake have quite a lot to get through, so shorter answers of my hon. Friend’s constituents and everyone else, this would help. is an area in which we need to make urgent change. Mr Peter Hain (Neath) (Lab): What sort of early intervention have the Government ordered to prevent a Early Intervention contagious spread of measles from the outbreak in the Neath and Swansea area of more than 700 serious 9. Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab): If cases? Thousands of parents across Britain will have his Department will make early intervention a priority been tormented by the choice of whether to vaccinate for clinical commissioning groups and public health their children for measles, mumps and rubella because officers. [150772] of the scare. Surely the Minister should take serious action to instruct public health officials to combat this The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health issue. (Dr Daniel Poulter): I commend the tremendous amount of work undertaken by the hon. Gentleman on early Dr Poulter: We are taking exactly that action to make intervention. Yesterday, he and I attended the Early sure that the vaccine is available and to promote the Intervention Foundation, which he has set up. We are uptake of it. The right hon. Gentleman will of course talking a lot about legacies this week, and his legacy be aware that the problems and concerns about the and the work that he has done to promote early intervention failure of some families to take up the vaccine resulted will certainly stand the test of time. The Government from some mis-used data in the past. That was a regrettable are committed to supporting that work, both through incident concerning the use of medical data, and is his foundation and through the work that we are doing unfortunately causing great problems now. We are to expand the family nurse partnership programme and committed to making sure that those vaccines are available the number of health visitors available to young families. to the children who need it. 155 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 156

Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): When it opinion, notwithstanding the fact that many people comes to early intervention with the one in 10 children would say that he advances a number of important in this country who have a diagnosable mental health arguments. I will say, however, that it is important to problem, will the Minister confirm that it is the look at all the emerging evidence, including the evidence Government’s intention to ensure that those children all coming out of Australia. As he will no doubt know, have access to talking therapies so that they get the right Australia continues to face a legal challenge that is yet treatment at the right time, which will make a big to be resolved. It is also important to be aware of that. difference for them? Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) Dr Poulter: In his time in office, my right hon. Friend (Con): Does the Minister agree that adult smokers have has done a tremendous amount to promote the cause of already made a conscious decision to disregard all the mental health and to get parity of treatment between health warnings that are so highly publicised, and are mental and physical health. That is exactly what we therefore unlikely to be influenced by the appearance of propose to do with the money going into the talking a packet of cigarettes? Is not the best way of deterring therapies—to get in place those early interventions, not children from smoking the setting of a good example by just for adults, but for children, too. We shall be taking responsible parents who know how much money their that work forward in earnest in the years ahead. children are spending without supervision, and what they are spending it on? Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington) (Lab): Does the Minister agree that the most important Anna Soubry: If only it were as simple as that. Emerging form of early intervention is for the public to get evidence that I have seen suggests that it is the attractiveness prompt advice on their symptoms? Does he share my of the packets that leads young people to decide to take concern that a leaked report on the national performance up smoking. It also suggests—it is important for us to of the 111 line shows that the service is in crisis with bear this in mind—that standardised packaging is not staff shortages, delays, abandoned calls, 11-hour waits intended to persuade those who choose to smoke to for call-backs, staff being wrongly diverted to attend continue to do so, and will make no difference to their cats with diarrhoea and ambulance crews going without choices. The aim is to protect children and young people. breaks for 12 or more hours? Is this not a trademark Government shambles? 22. [150785] Mr Kevin Barron (Rother Valley) (Lab): It is a well-known fact that for many decades cigarette Dr Poulter: The hon. Lady will be aware that it is packaging has been there to attract the eyes of not just important not to rush the roll-out of any service. That is current smokers, but those who are yet to become why we kept in place the NHS Direct service in areas smokers. Given that 50% of people who smoke die where rolling out the 111 service has been slower. A lot prematurely, it is clear that, over those many decades, of good work is going on in early intervention; it the tobacco industry’s intention has been to attract new focuses on giving local authorities the budget and the smokers, including young children. The sooner we get powers to make a difference to local communities. The on with standardising packaging, the better. Labour party should get behind that and do much more to support it. It is this Government who are making a Anna Soubry: As I have said, I am precluded from difference in early years, and I hope that the Opposition giving any personal opinion, but I am sure that we will can support us on that. all take on board what the right hon. Gentleman has Tobacco Product Packaging said.

10. Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab): When the Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): Recent press Government plan to respond to the consultation on reports have revealed that as many as a third of the standardised packaging for tobacco products; and if he number of cigarettes sold in the London area are will bring forward legislative proposals on standardised contraband. Will the Minister discuss the matter with those in other Departments, in order to ensure that the packaging. [150773] objective that we are trying to achieve by standardising The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health packaging will be achieved by that means? (Anna Soubry): I am afraid that I cannot give a timetable, and I make no apology for the fact that this Government Anna Soubry: I shall be meeting the relevant Home are taking a careful look at all the evidence that has Office Minister today to discuss that very issue, but let come out of the consultation. me repeat that, far from being a counterfeiter’s dream, the packets produced in Australia would clearly be a Dan Jarvis: Figures from Cancer Research UK show nightmare here. A variety of colours, watermarks and that more than 1,100 of the 10 to 14-year-olds in holograms, and all manner of other things, can be Barnsley are regular smokers. Given that countries such attached to them, which is why they are described as as Australia and New Zealand have now committed to “standardised” rather than “plain”. standardised packaging, I ask the Minister again: are the Government planning to legislate to give millions of 20. [150783]Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne children one less reason to start smoking? North) (Lab): This decision is taking too long, and those who care about the impact of smoking on Anna Soubry: I find it most bizarre that the advice I children are at a loss to understand why. Given the am given by my officials—and I absolutely accept their U-turn on minimum alcohol pricing, the delaying of advice—is that, as the hon. Gentleman will understand, the sexual health strategy and, now, the stalling on because of judicial reviews of consultations, I am not standardised packaging, I must ask whether the allowed to have an opinion, so I do not give any Government have simply given up on public health. 157 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 158

Anna Soubry: And it was all going so well. I will take Norman Lamb: I am certainly happy to have a discussion no lectures from Labour Members, who had 13 years in with the hon. Lady, and to look into the concerns she which to resolve this issue, but did not do so because raises and get back to her on them. they knew that these were difficult and tricky matters, and that it was important for all the evidence to be George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): As the Minister considered properly. I do not know what peculiar gestures is aware, the active involvement of patients in biomedical Opposition Front Benchers are making, but they are research is one of the areas in which Britain is increasingly clearly not listening and understanding when it comes leading. Yesterday, I chaired a meeting with my hon. to stuff that they themselves must have considered Friend the Member for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton- when they were in government. Brown) and the Empower: Access to Medicine group and Les Halpin, who is suffering from a terminal disease Muscle-Wasting Conditions and is launching a campaign for greater patient involvement in access to rare drugs. Will the Minister meet me and 11. Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): What steps the my hon. Friend to take that forward? Government plan to take to ensure that patients with rare and very rare muscle-wasting conditions have Norman Lamb: I seem to be ready to agree to several access to high cost drugs when such treatments become meetings and I will certainly add that one to my list. I available. [150774] will be delighted to meet my hon. Friend—and I should also pay tribute to him for the work he is doing in this The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman area. Lamb): Our priority is to ensure that patients in England, Hospices including those with rare and very rare muscle-wasting conditions, have access to new and effective treatments 13. Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): What steps he on terms that represent value to the NHS and the is taking to make the services of hospices more taxpayer. available to NHS patients. [150776] Mark Durkan: The all-party parliamentary group for The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman muscular dystrophy, which has been conducting an Lamb): We are supporting NHS England to develop a inquiry, was told recently that patients who are experiencing fairer and more transparent funding system for hospices, muscle-wasting conditions, and their families, are concerned to be in place by 2015. We have made £60 million in about the possibility that they will be denied access to capital available to hospices to improve their physical potential treatment because of regulatory barriers, and/or environments, and will continue to provide over £10 million on cost grounds. Will the Minister meet the all-party in central funding for children’s hospices. group to discuss measures for the removal of any such Sir Tony Baldry: Will my hon. Friend confirm that impediments? the new NHS commissioning arrangements should increase the opportunities for hospices in the voluntary sector, Norman Lamb: I am certainly willing to meet the such as the excellent Katharine House hospice in my all-party group, but I think that significant new constituency, to provide palliative care and terminal opportunities are emerging. For example, from this care provision for NHS patients? month the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence will be responsible for the evaluation of new Norman Lamb: I pay tribute to the hospice movement, drugs for the treatment of rare conditions, and I think including Katharine House in my hon. Friend’s that that is a very good thing. constituency. It is crazy that we are spending a lot of public money on caring for people at the end of life in Mr Gary Streeter (South West Devon) (Con): One of places where they do not want to be. Most people do my constituents, a seven-year-old boy, has Duchenne not want to end their life in hospital, yet about 50% of muscular dystrophy. His family are pinning their hopes people still die in hospital. We are looking to create a on a new drug called ataluren, which has not yet completed new funding regime where money will follow the patient, its trials. Can the Minister give me any idea when it to ensure people’s choice is respected so they can die might become available? where they want to, and so that hospices have fair Norman Lamb: I understand that the manufacturer funding. of ataluren has applied for conditional approval from Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): I the regulatory authorities. We await the outcome of recently had a case of very poor care of a terminally ill that process, but I am afraid that I cannot give a time patient in the last few days of her life. She was let down scale for it. by a GP who refused to prescribe the pain relief she needed and a district nursing service that provided Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): wholly inadequate support. Given what the Minister Eculizumab is a high-cost drug that makes a profound has just said and that 20% of people want to die at difference to the lives of people with a rare kidney home, what action will be taken to ensure that such disorder, yet the Department has rejected the cases do not happen and that instead we start to provide recommendation of the Advisory Group for National much better support for people so they can die peacefully Specialised Services to make it available to all patients, at home? instead referring it to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which will delay any decision Norman Lamb: My ambition is that the UK have a by at least a year. Will the Minister meet me and global reputation for the best possible care at the end of specialists from my Newcastle constituency to discuss life. Whether we are talking about the Liverpool care how we can ensure those patients are not adversely pathway and concerns that have been raised about some affected by this delay? care in hospital or care in the community and caring for 159 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 160 people at home at the end of life, it is essential that The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health people have a dignified death and the best possible care. (Dr Daniel Poulter): Following a referral from the joint Everything we are doing is aimed at achieving that. Manchester and Trafford health overview and scrutiny Where there are specific cases such as the one the hon. committee, the Secretary of State requested initial advice Lady raises, the relatives have the right to pursue a from the independent reconfiguration panel. That was complaint, and ought to do so if care has fallen below received on 27 March 2013. The Secretary of State will an acceptable standard. consider the advice and make a decision in due course.

Cancer Kate Green: This issue is of huge importance to my constituents, who are concerned about access to accident 14. Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): and emergency and acute services and about delays in How the NHS will be held to account on the discharge into the community in the absence of adequate experiences of cancer patients using the NHS. [150777] community provision. So far, Ministers have refused to meet me so that I can make representations about my The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health constituents’ concerns. Will the Minister give me an (Anna Soubry): The Secretary of State made it very undertaking that no final decision will be taken until clear to NHS England in his mandate that we expect to that meeting can take place so that local concerns can see an improvement in patient experience. be properly taken into account?

Mr Baron: The Francis report recommended that the Dr Poulter: I am sure that we would be happy to meet NHS be held to account on patient experiences. Given the hon. Lady; I am certainly happy to do so. A number that the national cancer patient experience survey is a of the concerns she has outlined in the House and at a proven tool in driving up the quality of care, will the local level will be taken into consideration by my right Minister endorse calls for the survey to be carried out hon. Friend the Secretary of State when he considers annually, and support the development of a clinical the report. commissioning group outcomes indicator set indicator based on the results in order to incentivise CCGs to Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West) (Con): improve cancer patient experience? I welcome the Minister’s undertaking to meet local Members to discuss these important matters and I Anna Soubry: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for endorse the comments made by the hon. Member for those comments; as he knows, these are now matters for Stretford and Urmston (Kate Green) about the importance NHS England. I will make sure it is aware of what he of a timely resolution. The longer this goes on, the has said and his urging it to do both those things for the greater the cost will be to local health services. obvious benefits they would have for a cancer patient’s experience. Dr Poulter: My hon. Friend is absolutely right and it is important that a timely conclusion is reached. It is Mr Jamie Reed (Copeland) (Lab): The hon. Member also right, as the hon. Member for Stretford and Urmston for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) is absolutely (Kate Green) said, that the need to improve community right: it is essential that the NHS is held to account for services and preventive care and to provide better support the experiences of cancer patients and patients with for people with long-term conditions in the Trafford other conditions, too. Accountability has undoubtedly area should be considered. been weakened, however, as a result of the NHS reorganisation that came into effect this month. Last Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): I week, the outgoing deputy chief executive of the NHS, also welcome the Minister’s agreement to meetings. Will David Flory, said that the loss of experience in the NHS he and the Secretary of State carefully consider the is greater than he has ever seen and that hospitals have likely impact of downgrading accident and emergency been left struggling as a result. How can a service facilities at Trafford general and the implications for stripped of so much skill, knowledge and expertise nearby Wythenshawe hospital? Does the Minister agree provide the accountability that patients deserve? that a failure to provide proper facilities at Wythenshawe for the anticipated additional 4,500 accident and emergency Anna Soubry: I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman’s patients, the additional admissions stemming from that question depicts a situation that I simply do not recognise. and the extra beds required could lead to long delays As I visit hospitals and other organisations, both in my and a diminution in the service? constituency and across the country, I am told that there has been a huge improvement, especially in Dr Poulter: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of commissioning—[Interruption.] No, by front-line clinicians, State has visited Wythenshawe hospital and can pay who talk with enthusiasm about how the commissioning testament to the high-quality care available there. All of services has improved because now at last the the points that the right hon. Gentleman has raised will, clinicians—those who know best—are in charge, and of course, be taken into account when a decision is not, as has often been the case, faceless bureaucrats and made. managers. Rheumatoid Arthritis Hospital Services: Trafford 16. Mrs Linda Riordan (Halifax) (Lab/Co-op): What 15. Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): When steps the Government plans to take to improve public he expects to take a decision on the reconfiguration of awareness of the signs and symptoms of early hospital services in Trafford. [150778] rheumatoid arthritis. [150779] 161 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 162

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Lamb): We have made earlier diagnosis a clear objective (Dr Daniel Poulter): Local health care commissioners in our mandate to the NHS. It is for NHS England and have worked with the trust, Monitor and NHS England’s local commissioners to undertake appropriate awareness Hertfordshire and South Midlands local area team to campaigns on arthritis. We very much welcome the ensure that robust plans are in place to improve the appointment of Professor Peter Kay as the first national trust’s performance against accident and emergency clinical director of musculoskeletal disease to advise on waiting time performance indicators. specific initiatives. Mr Hollobone: The greatest difficulty for Kettering is Mrs Riordan: I thank the Minister for his reply. May I that it has the sixth fastest household growth rate in the ask him for another meeting to discuss this very important country, and A and E admissions are up 12% year on matter and take forward further action on it? year. Will the Minister ensure that the NHS Commissioning Board makes sure that population estimates are put Norman Lamb: The meetings are stacking up, but I into its funding formula? would love to meet the hon. Lady. She should just get in touch with my office and we will get it arranged. Dr Poulter: My hon. Friend makes a very good point. I will take up the matter further with the NHS Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I will Commissioning Board because it is important that when spare my hon. Friend a meeting, but will he tell me what we are commissioning services we take into account evidence there is to suggest that there was more awareness future population growth. and earlier diagnosis when spa towns such as Harrogate and Bath provided spa facilities for those most badly Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): Along with the affected by rheumatism and arthritis? hon. Members for Kettering (Mr Hollobone) and for Wellingborough (Mr Bone), I shall meet the chief executive Norman Lamb: My hon. Friend makes an extremely and chair of Kettering general hospital this Friday to interesting point. Although I have not agreed to meet discuss the latest steps in the Healthier Together review. her, I would be happy to have an informal discussion Does the Minister agree that it is important that we with her at some later stage. urge on Kettering general hospital and all the other decision makers that we must maintain our proper Mr Speaker: I think we will take that as a meeting. accident and emergency and other vital services at Kettering general hospital? Royal Lancaster Infirmary Dr Poulter: It certainly sounds as though there is a 17. David Morris (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Con): need for an accident and emergency department in Whether there are plans to close the accident and Kettering. These are matters for the local commissioning emergency department at the Royal Lancaster boards to take forward, but it would be wrong for the Infirmary. [150780] hon. Gentleman or anyone else to say that as part of the Healthier Together programme there are any site-specific The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health proposals that would in any way threaten Kettering (Dr Daniel Poulter): I would like to reassure my hon. accident and emergency department. Friend that there are no plans and never have been any plans to close the accident and emergency department Topical Questions at Royal Lancaster Infirmary. T1. [150788] David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): If he David Morris: I thank my hon. Friend for that robust will make a statement on his departmental answer. Does he agree that the local Labour party responsibilities. fabricated the scare story that the A and E department was going to close? It was never going to close, as he has just stated. Will he assist me in taking the local Labour The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): party’s bogus petition offline? In a week when we are remembering the remarkable contribution made by Margaret Thatcher to our national life, we should also mark the extraordinary contribution Dr Poulter: My hon. Friend is right to highlight the made by someone else who died last week—Professor fact that it is wrong of any political party—in this case, Sir Robert Edwards, the Nobel prize-winning doctor the Labour party—to focus on scaremongering when who pioneered modern IVF treatment. One in seven there is no basis in truth. At no point have there been couples in this country experience fertility problems plans to close Royal Lancaster Infirmary. and he has given them hope and, in many cases, wonderful happiness. The whole House will want to applaud not Kettering General Hospital just his scientific boldness, but his moral courage in confronting what was considered at the time to be an 18. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What extremely difficult ethical issue. assessment he has made of (a) the pressures faced by Kettering general hospital’s accident and emergency David Rutley: In the light of the recent measles outbreak department and (b) what can be done by Kettering in south Wales, does my right hon. Friend agree that the general hospital to achieve national accident and claims made by Dr Andrew Wakefield about the MMR emergency transition time targets. [150781] vaccine are both discredited and completely wrong? 163 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 164

Mr Hunt: I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. T5. [150792] Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): What Andrew Wakefield said had no scientific basis Evidence from the all-party muscular dystrophy and caused huge damage and worry to many thousands group’s inquiry into access to high-cost drugs for rare of parents. It is very important to reiterate that the diseases has highlighted the importance in clinical scientific way to prevent measles, which can be a horrible trials of centres of excellence, such as the International and even a fatal disease, is to make sure that children Centre for Life, which is based in Newcastle. Will the have had two doses of MMR. Parents of children of Minister, with NHS North of England, meet me to any age who have not had those doses should contact discuss changes to specialist neuromuscular care in my their GP, particularly in the current circumstances. area as a result of the new NHS set-up?

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman Andy Burnham (Leigh) (Lab): Accident and emergency Lamb): I am tempted to say no, but I would not get departments across England are being closed, even away with it—so, yes, of course the hon. Lady can join though all are under intense pressure. For 11 weeks all the rest and arrange to meet me. I would be very running, the NHS has missed the Government’s national happy to discuss her concerns. While I am at the Dispatch A and E target. Last week, in places, one in three Box, may I pay tribute to the International Centre for patients waited more than four hours in scenes not seen Life, which does really important work? since the bad old days of the mid-1990s. What clearer symbol of the growing crisis in A and E is there than a Mr Speaker: The Minister can report to his family tent as a makeshift ward in the car park at Norwich? just how popular a fellow he is. The Secretary of State’s failure to address that cannot continue. Nursing jobs have been lost, ambulances are T3. [150790] Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North queuing outside A and E and patients are being treated Poole) (LD): The all-party group on global tuberculosis in car parks. When will he get a grip? has just published a report on rising rates of drug-resistant TB. One recommendation is for a Mr Hunt: The statistic that the right hon. Gentleman national strategy for TB in the UK. Will the Minister will not give the House is that for the year as a whole, comment on that? The officers of the all-party group which ended last March, the Government hit our A would also be grateful if he fitted us into his very busy and E target. Furthermore, he still will not tell the schedule of meetings. House about the disaster that is happening in Labour- controlled Wales, where the A and E target has not been Anna Soubry: My hon. Friend the Member for North hit since 2009. He still refuses to condemn what is Norfolk (Norman Lamb) is having a break on that one. happening there. There is a lot of pressure on A and E, The continuing outbreaks of TB cause a lot of concern, because 1 million more people are using A and E every especially in certain communities. I have no hesitation year, compared with just two years ago. What are the in agreeing to meet my hon. Friend to explain what root causes? They are poor primary care alternatives NHS England is doing and the development of a national that date directly to the disastrous GP contract negotiated strategy. by his Government, since when more than 4 million additional people have been using A and E every year, Andy Burnham (Leigh) (Lab): Here comes another social care and hospital sectors that are not joined request for a meeting with the very obliging Minister. up—Labour had 13 years to sort that out but did Last month he promised the House that he would nothing—and problems in recruitment that have been rewrite the section 75 regulations to rule out enforced made a great deal worse by his disastrous decision to competitive tendering in the NHS. However, before implement the working time directive. It is time he Easter the respected House of Lords Secondary Legislation sorted out his own issues before trying to criticise the Scrutiny Committee said this of his redraft: Government for sorting them out. “The substitute Regulations are substantially the same as the original Regulations.” It is no surprise that it seems to many that the Government T2. [150789] Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con): The all-party group on men’s health, of which I are intent on privatisation by the back door, putting am vice-chairman, has assisted in research that seems large parts of the NHS up for sale. With a crunch vote to show that men’s poor sexual health is often in the Lords next week, it is turning into another symptomatic of more serious problems, such as type 2 shambles. I make this offer to the Minister: will he again diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Will my hon. agree to withdraw the regulations and to sit down with Friend assure me that all robust measures are being put us and the professions this week and come up with in place to ensure that that is not overlooked and that wording that is acceptable to all? men do not die unnecessarily because that situation is taken for granted? Norman Lamb: This really is the most outrageous scaremongering from the Labour party. In March 2010, the Labour Government issued guidance on European The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health procurement law that described the limited circumstances (Anna Soubry): I completely agree with everything my in which one could avoid going out to tender. The hon. Friend has said, and the sexual health document wording used in these regulations is exactly the same as we published in March relates specifically to those that used by Labour in March 2010, yet Labour Members matters. Men are not very good at going to see their GP, will not admit that. There are also added safeguards in a nurse or another health professional when they fear the redrafted regulations to ensure that there is a clear that they might need some sort of assistance. It is incentive for integrating and co-ordinating services for beholden on all men to follow the lead of women. the benefit of patients. 165 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 166

T4. [150791] Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): The Secretary The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health of State is aware of the widespread management (Dr Daniel Poulter): That is an absolutely extraordinary failures of East of England ambulance trust, and last question given that it was the previous Labour month we saw the belated resignation of its chair. Government’s decision to contract out out-of-hours Will he ensure that the trust makes patient care the services in the first place, which has led to the massive No. 1 priority, and will he join me in calling for its pressure on so many A and Es. The regulations in place remaining non-executive directors, who presided over for many of these arrangements were laid by the previous these management failings, to reflect on their own Labour Government. positions? T9. [150796] John Pugh (Southport) (LD): What is the Mr Jeremy Hunt: I congratulate my hon. Friend on Department doing to deal with the difficulties her campaigning on this. There must be full accountability presented by poor data sharing between health and for what went wrong in that ambulance trust. It is social care agencies and the threat to integration that absolutely a top priority for me and my Ministers, two that presents? of whom represent Norfolk and Suffolk, to sort out what is happening in the trust, and that is why very Mr Jeremy Hunt: My hon. Friend makes a very good decisive action has been taken. point, and I pay tribute to him for raising this issue frequently. We will not have properly integrated, joined-up T7. [150794] Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne health and care services unless we crack the issue of North) (Lab): Further to the question from my hon. data sharing. There need to be protections for people so Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central that they can prevent their data from being shared if (Chi Onwurah), several of my constituents with they do not want that, but by the same merit we have to desperately ill relatives are very angry about the make sure that there is better availability. For example, Government referring to NICE a decision on the use of delayed discharges from hospitals, which are causing eculizumab. The continuing delay is risking lives and pressure on A and Es, would be directly helped if we also means that people have several invasive treatments cracked this. That is why we have called for a paperless that could well cost more. To save space in the NHS by 2018. Minister’s diary, may I add a request to join the meeting with my hon. Friend to talk about how this Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): Under dangerous delay is causing very great distress to many the previous Government, my constituents could get an constituents? appointment with their GP within 48 hours. I recently heard of a wait for a routine appointment taking three Norman Lamb: The hon. Lady raises a very important weeks. Is not this one of the reasons there is such point, and I would be delighted for her to join the pressure on A and Es, and will the Secretary of State meeting rather than my having another one. reintroduce the 48-hour appointment?

T8. [150795] Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Mr Hunt: The reason there is so much pressure on A Kettering general hospital’s new £30 million-pound and Es is the disastrous GP contract negotiated by the foundation wing has a new 16-bed intensive care unit, hon. Lady’s party in government, since when—I do not 28-bed cardiac unit and 32-bed children’s unit, and it know whether she was listening to what I said earlier—an opens to patients for the first time this coming additional 4 million people every year are going to our Saturday. Will my right hon. Friend the Secretary of A and Es. That is what is causing the huge pressure, and State take this opportunity to congratulate all those at that is what we are determined to put right. Kettering general hospital who have brought this project to fruition? T10. [150797] Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): The Secretary of State will know that the number of people Mr Jeremy Hunt: I would be absolutely delighted to donating organs after their death has risen by 50% in do that. I had an excellent visit to Kettering hospital the past five years. Does he credit the network of that was hosted by my hon. Friend, and I saw at first specialist nurses who support bereaved families in hand just how hard people are working in tough hospital for that increase and, if so, what lessons does circumstances, with big increases in A and E admissions he take from that? causing a great deal of pressure throughout the hospital. One had a sense at the hospital that there was a mission Mr Hunt: This is an example of a programme that to turn things around and make things better, and a has been a huge success and I pay tribute to the work management team who were totally committed to doing done by the previous Government as well as this that. I congratulate them and all the front-line staff who Government in making sure that we can tackle this very are doing such an important job for the people of serious problem. All I would say to my hon. Friend is Kettering. that three people still die every day, I believe, because we are not able to get the organ donations we need. We Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ should not think that, despite the success, we have Co-op): A year ago, GPs in Hackney bid to run the solved this problem. There is much work to do and I out-of-hours services. Earlier this year, they were told personally think that it is something that everyone that it had to be tendered because the board was fearful should think about doing. It can be a source of personal of legal challenge from private health companies. Who pride to put oneself on the organ donation list and we is running the NHS—the Secretary of State or the should all encourage our constituents to think about it private health company lawyers? as well. 167 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2013 Oral Answers 168

Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab): I have listened does the Secretary of State share my concern that if very carefully to what the Secretary of State has said on parents believe they are protected by, for example, A and E, but he has not addressed the fact that under homeopathy products, they might be less likely to use the previous Government waiting times reduced and an evidence-based treatment? Will he make an unequivocal under his Government they are growing and are now statement that such products will not give any protection? the longest waiting times for more than a decade, so what is he going to do? Mr Hunt: I am happy to do so and thank my hon. Friend for bringing up the issue. There is no scientific Mr Hunt: As I said to the right hon. Member for evidence whatsoever that homeopathic products can Leigh (Andy Burnham) earlier, we actually hit our A provide protection against measles. The right thing to and E waiting time target last year. If the hon. Lady is do is to get two doses of the MMR jab. As I said earlier, talking about waiting times in general, the number of anyone whose children, whatever their age, have not people waiting for more than a year for an operation had those two doses should contact their GP. was 18,000 under the previous Government, and the Lucy Powell (Manchester Central) (Lab/Co-op): As figure has fallen to just 800 under this Government. we have heard, A and E waiting times are at their worst level for a decade, yet we hear of proposed A and E Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): If there is a smidgeon reconfigurations based on tackling so-called inappropriate of space in any of the Ministers’ diaries, is there a presentations. Does the Secretary of State agree that chance that they could meet me and representatives of that approach is the wrong way around and that he the nursing profession to address not the issue that I would be better off tackling why people are going to think the Government are saying they are opposed A and E first, before he embarks on any reconfigurations? to—mandatory nurse to patient ratios on wards—but that of adequate registered nurse levels on hospital Mr Hunt: That is exactly what we are doing. We are wards? looking at the root causes of the fact that admissions to A and E are going up so fast—namely, that there is such Dr Poulter: Of course, I would be very happy to meet poor primary care provision; that, as we discussed my hon. Friend to discuss this matter further. He can be earlier, changes to the GP contract led to a big decline reassured that I have regular discussions on these matters in the availability of out-of-hour services; and, that with representatives from the nursing profession, both health and social care services are so badly joined up. in my clinical work and, more specifically, in my ministerial That is how we are going to tackle this issue with roles. A and E, and that is what we are doing.

John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): The Secretary Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): I am delighted of State said earlier that 1 million extra people are to learn that there will shortly be a new national clinical attending A and Es annually, but a few minutes later he director for neurological conditions, focusing in particular said that the figure was 4 million. Which one is it? on conditions such as Tourette’s syndrome. Will the Secretary of State reassure us that that appointment, which is so long overdue, will be expedited at the earliest Mr Hunt: It is an additional 4 million since the opportunity? disastrous changes to the GP contract and an additional 1 million since the last election. Norman Lamb: I agree with the hon. Gentleman about the real value of this appointment and I think Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): In Brixham in that the clinical director’s work will emphasise the my constituency, 94% of five-year-olds are protected importance of addressing conditions such as that to against measles. Just up the road in Totnes the figure is which he referred. I am delighted that the hon. Gentleman only 70%. There are many reasons for the variation, but is showing such clear support for this initiative. 169 16 APRIL 2013 Abortion Statistics 170

Abortion Statistics therefore confident that the concerns about this issue are shared by a number of Members from all parties in Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order the House. No. 23) On 8 January, the Department of Health confirmed in a written answer to my noble Friend Lord Alton of 12.34 pm Liverpool that there are discrepancies in the balance Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): I beg to move, between the number of boys and girls born in the UK to some groups of women that That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require the Secretary of “potentially fall outside of the range considered possible without State to compile statistics on gender ratios of foetuses aborted in intervention.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 8 January 2013; the United Kingdom, and where available overseas; and for Vol. 742, c. WA2.] connected purposes. That indicates that there may be evidence that a significant It is a tragedy that, in some countries, the words “It’s number of abortions are taking place on the grounds of a girl” are not always a source of joy but sometimes of gender or sex selection, a practice that is wholly illegal danger. The abortion of baby girls occurs in huge in this country. Any doctor who performed a termination numbers simply because of their gender. The UN states on that basis would potentially be committing a criminal that it is a problem of “genocide proportions”, with one offence. expert estimating that gendercide has cost the lives of about 200 million women and girls worldwide over the I welcome the decision of Ranjit Bikhu and other past 30 years. British Asian women to establish a campaign to challenge anti-girl and anti-life attitudes and practices. It must The practice is pervasive in China. The country’s never be a matter of choice to end the life of a girl one-child policy and its traditional preference for boys merely because of her gender. have led to widespread abandonment, infanticide and forced abortions. China now has 37 million more young An investigation by The Daily Telegraph in 2012 males than females. We hear of towns and villages uncovered strong evidence, including filmed evidence, where young men outnumber young women by up to that doctors at some British clinics are agreeing to 30:1. Quoting China’s official figures, the Financial terminate pregnancies by arranging abortions on the Times stated recently that there have been 330 million grounds of gender and to produce the relevant paperwork. abortions since the one-child policy was introduced—a The investigation also exposed a practice termed “family policy tragically indirectly aided and abetted for many balancing”, with boys being aborted too, thus stretching years by funds provided by successive British Governments. the possibility of gendercide taking place in the UK well beyond certain cultural groups. One doctor, highly Similarly, there are markedly more males than females experienced in this field, said he believes the practice is in India, with various regions facing serious and growing “fairly widespread”. gender imbalances. The murder of a student who was gang-raped on a Delhi bus at the end of last year Technological advancements in prenatal diagnostic sparked outrage across India and shone a spotlight on tests now enable the gender of a fetus to be determined the place of women in Indian society. That and the at 10 weeks’ gestation. As that technology continues to country’s long history of expensive dowry gifts on the develop and becomes widely available, there is much marriage of a daughter are among the factors that are concern that it will increase requests for abortions when resulting in the illegal but widespread practice of female the gender of an unborn child is not what a mother or gendercide. father were hoping for. My Bill reminds the police and the Crown Prosecution Female gendercide in such countries is fuelling human Service that abortion on the grounds of gender is illegal trafficking and sexual slavery. It is resulting in tragic in this country, and it calls on the Department of practices such as the kidnapping, sale and imprisonment Health to put in place procedures to record the gender of young girls in places far from their home towns to act of babies aborted under the provisions of the Abortion as so-called “wives”. Such avoidance of female births is Act 1967, once the sex can be determined. The Bill gender discrimination in its worst form. It constitutes would also impose tougher penalties on anyone found violence against women even before they have a chance to have facilitated the abortion of a child because of its to live. gender, or made arrangements to travel overseas for Why am I relating these tragic situations in this place such an outcome. In addition, it calls for further today, when so many Members are well aware of them consideration of the practice and implications of the and condemn them? The reason is that if we are to wide, deeply concerning and, in some countries, extensive condemn gendercide in countries such as China and practice of female gendercide overseas. India, we must be ready to condemn and challenge any Here in the United Kingdom, a country that prides suggestion that gendercide is taking place in the UK. I itself on striving for gender equality and tackling acknowledge and respect the wide range of sincerely discrimination in all its forms, any indication of this held views on abortion, but such wider discussions are most fundamental form of gender discrimination and not the subject of this ten-minute rule motion. The violence against women must surely be investigated motion seeks to draw the House’s attention to indications further. A key purpose of my Bill is to highlight concerns that illegal gendercide appears to be taking place in this about abortion on the grounds of sex selection taking country. I hope that the House can unite in registering place in the UK, and to remind us all, whether regulators, profound shock at even the possibility that that it is prosecuting authorities, doctors, the Department of happening, in whatever proportion. Health or, crucially, Ministers, that we cannot turn a The House will have seen early-day motion 936, an blind eye to the issue and should be proactive in preventing, all-party motion that I tabled on this topic. It has challenging and stopping it as something that is wholly attracted more than 50 supportive signatures. I am unacceptable in the UK, as well as abroad. 171 Abortion Statistics 16 APRIL 2013 172

Before I say “I commend this Bill to the House”, this Mr Speaker: I am bound to say to the hon. Gentleman would until yesterday have been the end of my speech. that I should have hoped that it would not have been Quite remarkably, however, bearing in mind the fact necessary for him to take further steps, but, as the that my Bill is called the Abortion Statistics Bill as set saying goes, we are where we are. First, I might suggest down several weeks ago, just yesterday the Department that he consults the Leader of the House, who I know of Health announced a consultation on abortion statistics attaches a premium to timely and substantive replies. and their publication. I would flatter myself by thinking Secondly, he might wish to have another go at business there was any connection; none the less it gives me the questions. Thirdly, he should rest content that his remarks opportunity to mention the issue. I understand that the today will be transmitted to the relevant Minister without Department of Health is seeking the public’s view on delay. The situation is disappointing, as the Minister for the publication of abortion statistics, in order—and I the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General is responsible quote from its overview— for the co-ordination of Government policy, among “to ensure that the reports remain relevant and useful.” other matters. Fourthly, I advise the hon. Gentleman, if he remains disquieted about the matter, to raise it with In the light of the causes for concern that I have the Procedure Committee, whose Chairman, the hon. highlighted today, I trust that the Department will Member for Broxbourne (Mr Walker), will, I am sure, consider including in those statistics a record of the lend a sympathetic ear. I hope my advice is of use to the gender of babies aborted, if ascertainable. I hope that hon. Member for Harrow West (Mr Thomas). many responses by the public to the consultation will support that call. Business without Debate Finally, in further support of my motion, I draw the House’s attention to the recent call by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for members DELEGATED LEGISLATION states to Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing “collect the sex ratio at birth, monitor its development and take Order No. 118(6)), prompt action to tackle possible imbalances.” I understand that the Department of Health is currently CHARITIES finalising its response to the Assembly on that issue, That the draft Small Charitable Donations Regulations 2013, and I note the comment from the Health Minister Earl which were laid before this House on 14 February, be approved.— Howe that (Karen Bradley.) Question agreed to. “this is an important piece of work and demonstrates how seriously this issue is being taken not just in this country but across Europe.” EUROPEAN UNION DOCUMENTS Let us ensure that we lead the way in monitoring, Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing challenging and—most important—preventing this deeply Order No. 119(11)), worrying practice. I commend this Bill to the House. Question put and agreed to. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION FOR CONSUMER DISPUTES Ordered, That this House takes note of Unnumbered Explanatory That Fiona Bruce, Dr Thérèse Coffey, Ms Margaret Memorandum dated 26 February 2013, submitted by the Department Ritchie, Mrs Mary Glindon, Jim Dobbin, Robert Flello, for Business, Innovation and Skills, relating to a draft Directive Pat Glass, Mr Virendra Sharma, Jim Shannon, Rosie on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Cooper, Daniel Kawczynski and Jeremy Lefroy present Regulation (EC) No. 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive the Bill. on consumer ADR), and a draft Regulation on online dispute resolution for consumer disputes (Regulation on consumer ODR); Fiona Bruce accordingly presented the Bill. and supports the Government’s general position to increase consumer confidence and enhance the internal market as intended by the Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on proposed legislation.—(Karen Bradley.) Friday 26 April, and to be printed (Bill 158). Question agreed to.

Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I seek your guidance and GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE BILL assistance. I tabled a round-robin question on 4 December (PROGRAMME)(NO. 3) 2012, asking how many computers, mobile telephones, Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing BlackBerrys and other pieces of IT equipment had been Order. No. 83A(7)), lost or stolen in 2010-11 and 2011-12. I have received That the following provisions shall apply to the Growth and interesting replies from every Department except the Infrastructure Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Order of Cabinet Office. I chased an answer on 16 January, 5 November 2012 (Growth and Infrastructure Bill (Programme)): expecting one on 21 January; I raised the matter at Consideration of Lords Amendments business questions on 7 February, and the Leader of the 1. Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall House kindly endeavoured to get me an answer; and I (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion raised the continuing lack of an answer again on 26 March. two hours after their commencement at today’s sitting. I am always grateful when Ministers agree to allow 2. The proceedings shall be taken in the order shown in the first themselves to be held to account by the House, but I column of the following Table. wonder whether you could give me some guidance on 3. The proceedings shall (so far as not previously concluded) the further steps I might take to return to a state of be brought to a conclusion at the times specified in the second grace on this particular question. column of the Table. 173 Business without Debate 16 APRIL 2013 174

TABLE Growth and Infrastructure Bill [Relevant document: the Seventh Report of Communities Lords Amendments Time for conclusion of proceedings and Local Government Committee, The Committee’s response No. 25 45 minutes after the commencement to Government’s consultation on permitted development of proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments. rights for homeowners, HC 830.] Nos.7,1to6,8to24 Two hours after the commencement Consideration of Lords amendments and 26 to 40 of those proceedings. Subsequent stages Mr Speaker: Before we commence our consideration, I should inform the House that the tag referring to the 4. Any further Message from the Lords may be considered forthwith without any Question being put. seventh report from the Communities and Local Government Committee was omitted, in error, from the 5. The proceedings on any further Message from the Lords Order Paper. Details are available from the Vote Office. shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement.—(Karen Bradley.) Question agreed to. 12.48 pm The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Michael Fallon): I beg to move, That this House disagrees with Lords amendment 25. Back in October, the Government introduced a Bill to this House that contained a number of important growth measures designed to help stimulate the economy. I am very pleased to report that both Houses of Parliament have given the Bill the priority it deserves, and that six months after its introduction both Houses have completed their consideration. We must now reach agreement with the other place on the final version of the Bill. Let me explain that the Government agree with 38 of the 40 amendments that have been made. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will address those in the second group of amendments for debate. It is right that we set out our reasons for our disagreement with the other place in two important respects. The Government do not support amendment 25, which seeks to remove clause 27—a clause that this House supported and that would establish the new employment status of employee shareholder. I urge the House to confirm its view that this imaginative proposal should continue to be made available and clause 27 should be retained. Clause 27 establishes a new employment status in our labour market—the employee shareholder—in addition to the existing categories of worker and employee. Employee shareholders will have more employment rights than workers but fewer rights than employees. Importantly, employee shareholders will be given at least £2,000 of shares in the company they work for, or in its parent company. The first £2,000 of value will not attract income tax or national insurance contributions, and the first £50,000 of shares will not be subject to capital gains tax. British companies are competing in a global race to increase their competitiveness and create wealth. What is at stake here is choice and a new status that companies can use to give themselves a competitive edge and more flexibility in deciding how to structure their work force. By combining share ownership and favourable tax treatment—with appropriate steps to prevent any tax avoidance—we are giving companies, especially young companies, a tool that may tip the balance in their favour as they seek to attract high-calibre individuals who can have a disproportionately positive impact on how the company performs. That is why the Government want to create the new employment status—to promote enterprise and aspiration. 175 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 176

Much has been said about the new employee shareholder change to the guidance puts beyond any doubt our status. Throughout the scrutiny in this House, I stressed intention that no one should be forced into this new from the beginning that we do not want people coerced status. into this new type of status. That is why the Government While the benefits of the new status are considerable, chose to add protections to the status on Report. We it will not suit all companies or individuals—and we added protections for existing employees by creating a have never pretended that it would. It is up to companies new unfair dismissal right and by inserting the right not and individuals to decide, and we have published guidance to be subjected to any detriment if they turn down an for individuals so that they fully understand the implications. employee shareholder contract. Those protections are That guidance sets out the employment rights associated important. They allow existing employees, if offered an with these jobs, the risks and rewards of being a shareholder, employee shareholder contract, to say no, in the knowledge and other factors they may wish to consider before that the law will protect their decision. deciding whether to accept an employee shareholder The Government have always been clear that this position. measure is voluntary for both individuals and companies We are now, therefore, debating an employment status to use if it suits their circumstances or business needs. that is absolutely voluntary.Jobseeker’s allowance claimants For people on job seeker’s allowance, our priority is to will not be penalised if they do not want to apply for minimise periods of unemployment by helping them to employee shareholder roles. Existing employees can move into work as soon as possible. During proceedings turn down the offer of an employee shareholder contract in this House, I listened carefully to concerns raised by, from their current employer without fear of suffering a among others, my right hon. Friend the Member for detriment or being dismissed if they say no. Hazel Grove (Andrew Stunell), who is in his place today. In response to the concerns he expressed in Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): Will the Committee, I agreed that guidance to decision makers Minister confirm that there has been great excitement in job centres would make it clear that an individual in many areas of the business community, especially in should not be mandated if there were good reasons for smaller tech companies, which is a positive reinforcement refusing an employee shareholder offer. However, the of the Government’s enterprise policies? We should pay other place was unconvinced that this employment status tribute to the Minister for bringing this exciting proposal would be truly voluntary for jobseeker’s allowance claimants forward. if there was the possibility—however remote—that a claimant could lose their JSA if they turned down an Michael Fallon: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. We employee shareholder job. have never specified the type of company that is I want to make it absolutely clear that this new most likely to take up this new status, but obviously employment status is voluntary.That is why the Government younger companies at the beginning of their lives will have looked at all this again in the light of comments be able to use this status at a time when they might not and speeches by the noble Lords in that debate. We have be able to pay their staff more than competitor companies, decided now to remove any remaining ambiguity, which or those already established in the marketplace. They I hope will reassure both this House and the other will therefore have an extra edge to offer to those place. I can tell the House that as a result of considering individuals whom they wish to recruit. We have had the policy further we have decided that job centre much interest already from such companies, who see the advisers will not be able to mandate job seekers to apply new status as an exciting way to motivate their new for employee shareholder positions. The Government work forces. will amend the guidance for DWP jobcentre advisers to Protections for people do not end there. The Bill state explicitly that a jobseeker cannot be mandated to confirms that someone can be an employee shareholder apply for an employee shareholder job. Draft guidance only if they are given at least £2,000 worth of shares, will shortly be placed in the Library. and if they are not, the person will not be an employee Andrew Stunell (Hazel Grove) (LD): I thank my right shareholder and will have all the normal employment hon. Friend for giving way and, in particular, for having rights that are associated with employees. listened carefully to what was said in this House and in Clause 27 also stipulates that a person can only be an the other place. Will he say a little more about the employee shareholder if they receive fully paid up shares. guidance that will be provided, the timetable and the This means that the employee shareholder will not be implementation? Can he give us an assurance that it will liable for any debts should the company fold. Of course be in place before the Bill receives Royal Assent and there will be circumstances where an employee shareholder comes into force? leaves the business. It should be apparent from all that I have said that it is not the Government’s intention that Michael Fallon: I certainly can. It is not possible, employee shareholders are left with shares that they can under the procedures of the House, to place the guidance sell back to the company only at prices that are unfair in the Library before I have first explained it to the or where the buy-back arrangement would leave the House, but I will lay the draft guidance in the Library as employee shareholder at a financial disadvantage if soon as the transcript of this afternoon’s debate is there is no other way of disposing of the shares for available. value. Let me be clear about what the draft guidance will On Report in this House, we introduced an amendment mean. It will mean that a jobseeker cannot be compelled to make a power to allow the Government to set a to apply for an employee shareholder job, nor can their minimum value for the buy-back of shares if the company jobseeker’s allowance be reduced or cut if they turn and employee shareholder enter into a buy-back agreement. down an offer of an employee shareholder job or refuse That reserve power will be used, if it is needed, to to apply for an employee shareholder job. This explicit safeguard employee shareholders in the unlikely event 177 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 178

[Michael Fallon] Secondly, why connect employee ownership, for which there is widespread support in all parts of the House, that employers behave unscrupulously. By including with giving up rights to not be unfairly dismissed, these protections we are ensuring that individuals redundancy pay, flexible working and time off for training? understand the implications of employee status and are No coherent answer has been provided by the Government genuinely free to decide whether to accept it. No one during the Bill’s passage through this House or the House can be pressurised, bullied or coerced into accepting of Lords. In fact, as the Conservative Baroness, Lady this new status. Wheatcroft, said, their proposal simply risks giving With this announcement of further explicit protection employee ownership a bad name. After all, if businesses for jobseeker’s allowance claimants, I urge hon. Members with employee shareholders are looking to carry out a to disagree with the other place and reinsert clause 27 redundancy programme, who are they likely to let go first? into the Bill. The new employment status gives young companies in particular a new option that they can use Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): The hon. Gentleman to attract high-calibre individuals to help grow their gives me a choice of things to argue about, but I will business. It is important that we give companies that pick up on just one—the survey. He refers to 25% of choice, but it is also important that we give people this companies supporting the measure. He is overlooking opportunity to share in the growth potential of the the fact that it is designed to attract small and medium-sized company they work for. The clause should be part of enterprises—niche companies. It will never enjoy full the Bill. use by 100% of companies. We should focus on the small businesses that will take advantage of it and Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): The Opposition become tomorrow’s medium and large enterprises. agree with Lords amendment 25, which seeks to remove Mr Umunna: With the greatest respect to the hon. that part of the Bill that provides for the new status to Gentleman, my understanding is that the survey was which the Minister referred. conducted among the very businesses to which he refers. Let me start by making an observation. We are As far as I am aware, the Government have not claimed debating the Bill the day before many in the country will that it is specifically for small businesses. I am happy to pause to observe the funeral of the late Baroness Thatcher. be disabused if I have got that wrong. Coincidentally, in supporting the Lords amendment to Thirdly, the proposal could do immense damage to dump the Government’s proposal, we find ourselves in workplace relations and to the standing of business the extraordinary position of being on the same side of more generally. I say that from a common sense point of the fence as at least four of her former Ministers: Lord view and as an employment lawyer. What on earth are Lawson, Lord Forsyth, Lord Deben and Lord King. employees to think if suddenly, out of nowhere, their The reason for this unusual state of affairs is simple. employer says, “Will you give up all your fundamental Notwithstanding the admittedly notable concession that rights in this workplace if I give you some shares?” the Minister has just given, this is an ill-thought-out What signal will that send to the employee? [Interruption.] and bad idea, and that is why there is strong cross-party The hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith) opposition. Lord Forsyth put it well in the Lords when says from a sedentary position that it is voluntary, but he said that the proposal what does that say about one’s relationship with an “has all the trappings of something that was thought up by employer if they are talking about taking away fundamental someone in the bath”.—[Official Report, House of Lords, 20 March 2013; Vol. 744, c. 614.] rights at work? As Justin King, CEO of Sainsbury’s and until recently a member of the Prime Minister’s business I have to say that I agree with Lord Forsyth on advisory group, said, what will the population at large another matter, too. I cannot understand why my opposite think of businesses that want to trade employment number, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation rights for money? and Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), who I note is not here today, is going Fourthly, and this applies more generally to the along with this. The Business Secretary engaged in Government’s moves to destroy the unfair dismissal some considerable media in respect of the Beecroft regime, removing people’s rights to claim unfair dismissal, proposals, and said how outrageous they would be. I or a redundancy payment for which compensation is am, of course, aware that the Minister perhaps has a capped, will simply increase the likelihood of employers different view. As Lord Forsyth said, at least Beecroft facing spurious discrimination claims brought against did not take away entitlement to redundancy payments. them, for which compensation is unlimited. That was a This is worse than Beecroft because it does. point made by Baroness Brinton in the other place. There are a number of reasons why we support the If an employee is to be offered this special type of Lords amendment. They were all mentioned in the employment status, it is important that they should be other place and we wholeheartedly agree with them. able to access proper advice on it, particularly in this First, this is supposed to be a “growth” Bill. No evidence climate when jobs are few and far between. That point whatever appears to have been adduced by the Government was made by the noble and learned Lord Pannick, who to show how this measure would boost growth. The proposed the amendment. The Government have refused attitude of businesses, at its most generous, is divided; to accept that statutory rights should be lost only if the at its worst, it is overwhelmingly opposed to the measure. agreement is in writing and the person concerned has In the latest published survey of 700 companies by received proper independent legal advice on its Barclays Corporate, which was published this week, the consequences. That is how it applies in relation to proposal appears to find favour with just 25% of compromise agreements. respondents. In the Government’s own consultation, Then there is the issue of the shares themselves and only five businesses out of the 200 responses received tax. How on earth are these to be valued, particularly showed any interest in taking up the scheme. given—if the hon. Member for Enfield North (Nick de 179 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 180

Bois) is right that the measure is aimed at small Nick de Bois: I will come to that. I know that the hon. companies—that many are unquoted. How will the value Gentleman has a history in corporate mergers and of shares be determined without incurring exorbitant acquisitions. When I started my business some time fees that would render the whole exercise worthless? ago, engaging with individuals and offering them a According to the Treasury, it will cost the Exchequer stake in my business was fundamental. It was all about £l billion by the end of the forecast period, but the true the people I worked with, so I gave away shares to cost may well be more because, as the Treasury’s December individuals to whom I wanted to give them in order to 2012 policy costing document says, it is hard to predict make them part of the company. I did not have the how quickly the increased scope for tax planning will be advantage of what is being offered today, but neither exploited. That point was picked up by Paul Johnson, did I have the disadvantage of the market we are in the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, who said today. Back then, we had not seen the massive increase that in employment regulation that came in from Europe “just as government ministers are falling over themselves to under the previous Government. condemn” George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): My hon. Friend, tax avoidance like me, has experience of running small businesses. On “that same government is trumpeting a new tax policy that looks the connection between rights and responsibilities in a like it will foster a whole new avoidance industry.” small company, does he agree that it is fundamentally in start-ups and micro and small businesses, where regulations Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): My hon. Friend and red tape hold back progress, that we need to help is absolutely right to raise the issue of tax avoidance. Is employees to understand the link between the two? there not also an implication for lower paid workers? Furthermore, does he agree that that is why the measure The Minister has just told us that only the first £2,000 has been welcomed by entrepreneurs and senior business of shares will be exempt from PAYE and national people, such as Brent Hoberman, the co-founder of insurance. Does that not mean that workers with, say, Lastminute.com, and Stuart Rose from M&S? Brent £4,000-worth of shares will be hit with a tax bill? Hoberman said that this imaginative new proposal would be welcomed by British entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial Mr Umunna: That is absolutely right. employees alike and that it will encourage workers to be company owners and give fast-growing businesses more My final and principal objection to the proposal is flexibility in return. this: last November, I put it to the Business Secretary in this House that an employer in his Twickenham Nick de Bois: I agree. The point I am trying to make, constituency would, under these arrangements, be able in as balanced and fair a way as I can under the to make acceptance of job offers conditional on people circumstances, is that, like many people, when I started agreeing to accept employee owner status. He denied a business, I did not worry about employment rights that that was the case, yet patently the arrangements and legislation. I tackled it with enthusiasm; I went for allow for it. The risk in the current jobs market of it. When I did that, however, in the late ’80s, I did not people being pressurised, or feeling under pressure, to have to think about the issues that are now facing many take jobs with this type of status will be increased. people and which are now at the forefront of their I am pleased about the Minister’s concession today. I minds. That is why I welcome the proposal. raised the point with him on Report, but did not get the I want to stick to my main premise, in response to the kind of assurance or concession that he just gave, and it comments from the hon. Member for Streatham. I do is good that he gave it. Lord Forsyth said he was not believe that anyone will lightly give up shares in a astonished that the coalition was even thinking of bringing business. It is not something that employers do. They forward a measure under which people could have their give shares up only in return for value, and they get that right to jobseeker’s allowance withdrawn if they did not value from people or by selling them. It is perfectly accept a job on this basis. Of course, we will need to reasonable to assume that employers will look for value study the guidance. We have not seen it yet, and the first from what they give up. As he will know with his we heard of the concession was from the Minister just background, however, we also have to bear it in mind now. Notwithstanding the concession, however, and for that by transferring shares, employers also transfer all the reasons I have just given, we continue to support rights—in contrast to what he said about employment Lords amendment 25. rights—under the Companies Act 2006, which was introduced by the last Government, which enhanced the rights of minority shareholders, such as on matters Nick de Bois: I am grateful for the opportunity to of prejudice. Employees can even form quasi-partnerships highlight a couple of points in favour of the Government’s through small minority shareholding. Employers do measures. Judging from the comments of the hon. not lightly give up shares, and when they do, they Member for Streatham (Mr Umunna), obviously the actually give rights to individuals. Opposition see this fundamentally as an attack on rights, whereas I see it as a chance to empower individuals Mr Umunna: I do not disagree with that. and workers to become owners and shareholders and to move from employment to entrepreneurialism, which is Nick de Bois: If the hon. Gentleman wants to intervene, something that should be encouraged, not fraught with I would be happy to take up his point. fear. 1.15 pm Mr Umunna: I absolutely agree with the hon. Gentleman, Mr Umunna: I do not disagree with many of the hon. but I fail to understand why we have to withdraw Gentleman’s points, but I still fail to understand—he people’s rights in order to achieve that. will have to forgive me—why, despite what he says, we 181 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 182

[Mr Umunna] been a great tribute to employees and management. That flexibility has been proven to work. Would not the need to link giving up shares and allowing employees to temptation be, under these proposals, simply to get rid participate in the way he describes with taking away of those staff? their fundamental rights at work. Nick de Bois: No responsible employer would ever Nick de Bois: I hope that the hon. Gentleman will relish the prospect of losing the experience that he has understand, as I am sure he does, that the best chance of invested in to help to develop his business. I have had success for a micro niche business—the people who will the pleasure of offering people jobs and of recognising benefit from this measure and become tomorrow’s medium that in some cases, if they have come from unemployment, businesses—is to be in the most flexible market possible. it can be a life-changing experience for them. However, The supply side has to be flexible, so that employers can I have also shared the pain of having to lose people, afford to take the risk. often through no fault of their own, and I will take no These very modest removals being offered to lectures from anyone about how employers relish losing individuals—they will not be compelled to take them—will people. It does not happen. be attractive to entrepreneurial, non-risk-averse employees as well as to small, flexible business leaders wanting to John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I start a business. want to make four simple, brief points. The first is about share ownership. I tabled amendments when the Andy Sawford: The hon. Gentleman makes the point—it Bill was debated in this House to try to extend share is a legitimate point, but I happen to disagree with ownership without connecting that with the loss of it—that these regulations are over-burdensome. One rights. It is noticeable that the Government opposed person’s regulation is another person’s basic employment those amendments. As people look to reconstruct the protection. The critical issue, however, is surely the link. economy and learn the lessons from what has happened His argument might well be worth hearing in this place, in this economic crisis, there is a genuine willingness to but why link the two? That is the critical issue that my look at greater involvement by the work force in the constituents do not understand. management of companies. Part of that is about extending share ownership to workers. That is a development that Nick de Bois: The biggest step someone takes when we have welcomed in both Houses. The problem is that they start a small business is employing someone. They linking the two things in this way will not act as an cease to be a sole trader working in their own environment; incentive for companies to recruit the best; in fact, it their own boss without responsibility for anyone else will act as a deterrent. If someone faces the choice of and having to meet only their own needs and those of going to a company that offers them share ownership their family. They do not want to take that step chained without the loss of rights, they will go to that company. by too many onerous responsibilities too early on. They If they have the opportunity of going to a company seek therefore to strike a deal with their investor or where they will have to sell some of their rights, that will partner, and in return for that flexibility, they do not ask obviously act as a deterrent. for a single penny in cash to invest in the business. That is a good deal. I would have taken it, had it been on Andy Sawford: I agree with my hon. Friend’s point offer to me and had I faced these regulations. about workers in that situation, but we should also challenge the account that is being given about how Julian Smith: My hon. Friend is describing very attractive this measure will be to small businesses. I have effectively the challenges facing a new small business. run a small business. The idea that I would have to work Does it not surprise him that the Opposition, particularly out the tax and other implications of this measure with the shadow anti-business Secretary of State, are so my work force when I had far more important things to negative about these supply-side changes? do—building a good, strong work force and running a business—does not stack up to me. Nick de Bois: I am not surprised that the hon. Member for Streatham, who speaks very eloquently, expresses John McDonnell: I was going to make that point. his support for employee and share ownership, but There is an element of complexity in this scheme which neither am I surprised that while expressing their support, will lead to small businesses coming to us in about six the Opposition will probably vote against it. months’ time and saying that it is part of the overburdening I want to leave the House with one thought. We all of regulation. want Britain to succeed. We know, from the statistics that we have traded across the Floor many times, that Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ growth will come from the small and medium-sized Co-op): On that point, the assumption has been made enterprises that dominate our economy.The small businesses that all employees will opt for this status, but in many that I believe will take up this offer—I believe the cases some workers will, while others will refuse, leading Government also recognise this—will become the medium to two types of worker in the same business and even enterprises that are so critical to our growth. more complexity for the very small businesses that we are trying to support. Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): One of the most significant features of the current recession has John McDonnell: That leads on to my second point—I been the flexibility in the labour market. In contrast to do not want to delay the House. This measure opens up the ’80s, when there were widespread redundancies, as the process of recruitment, retention and promotion to people were just laid off, we have seen remarkable potential victimisation and abuse. Despite the formal flexibility and partnership between management and protections that the Government assure us will be put in employees, with reduced working hours and pay. It has place, the reality is that informal pressures will be put 183 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 184 on those who wish to be recruited, retained or promoted Julian Smith: I want to speak briefly in support of my and these will override the formal protections. Those hon. Friend the Member for Enfield North (Nick de who have represented people at tribunals and elsewhere Bois) and talk about the narrative that is developing will know that it is extremely difficult to prove victimisation among Opposition Members. We heard the same bleating and bullying in the work force. Those informal pressures for settlement agreements and we have heard the same will eventually undermine the credibility of the scheme. rhetoric for these proposals. We have heard no tangible My fear is that they will also undermine the credibility idea from the Opposition of how we might make life of employee share ownership schemes overall. easier for the thousands of small businesses in North Thirdly, I look forward to reading the draft regulations Yorkshire that are creating the bulk of the jobs in my and guidance on protections for jobseeker’s allowance. constituency or for the tiny companies across the UK However, ministerial statements on JSA protections in that are struggling with the six regulations a day that recent months, as recorded in Hansard,haveprovednot Labour piled upon them. to be worth the paper they are written on. I refer to The proposals that we are discussing are part of a assurance after assurance we were given that there were suite of proactive measures to make business easier in no targets for sanctions in individual jobcentres, when this country. Business was laden with regulation, taxation we now have concrete evidence that that is the case. and more and more bureaucracy by the Labour party in Ministerial assurances on the operation of JSA have so power. We—our party and this Government—are doing far not proved to be effective. I believe that, at the end of absolutely the right thing by looking at every opportunity the day, they will prove not to be effective in this case to find ways to make life a bit easier for the hard-working either, because the same informal pressures will be put men and women who are waking up in the middle of on jobcentre workers to meet targets for sanctions the night, worried about whether they can pay staff the overall. next day. I commend these proposals and the others Finally, this measure sets an extremely dangerous that the Government are making across the range of precedent. The idea of selling rights could creep into their enterprise policies. other areas of policy making. For example, will landlords in future be able to offer reduced rents for reductions in Mark Lazarowicz: I, too, would like to say a few security of tenure? Will consumer rights be sold for a words about this proposal of shares for rights. Of the reduction in the price of particular goods? That is much various types of employment legislation that have come more significant than the scheme being proposed in this before this House over the years—these provisions are debate. The idea that rights can be sold in any sphere of basically employment legislation—there can scarcely government activity sets a dangerous precedent for the have been any with as few friends, on either side of future development of rights in this country. industry. I welcome the fact that the House of Lords did its revising job well and removed the offending Julian Smith: Does not the hon. Gentleman agree clause. I am only sorry that the coalition parties, that businesses throughout Britain have been laden Conservative and Lib Dem, have chosen to bring it down with regulation, particularly in employment, and back today, instead of withdrawing quietly and gracefully. that we have to try constantly to make it easier for them Given that this provision has so few friends, I suspect to take people on, particularly at the moment, when we that very few employers will want to make use of it. need to do that to create jobs? That is because employers who want to extend employee share ownership, of which I am a great supporter—the John McDonnell: With the greatest respect to the year after I entered this House I introduced a private hon. Gentleman, I disagree. We have heard this argument Member’s Bill to promote it—will not want to do so in about the overburdening of regulation year after year, ways that force their employees to give up important and it is usually used as a justification to give employers rights at work. The type of employer who wants to the facility to sack people, cut their wages or undermine work with their employees is not likely to be one who at their employment rights. the same time wants to alienate them by taking away their rights, which is what this measure would force Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) such employers to do if they made use of it. Of course, (PC): Did not the last intervention let the cat out of the it is hard to see any employees volunteering to adopt bag? This is essentially about deregulating the labour such an arrangement either. I suspect that employers market via the back door. who would make use of the measure would be those who are in difficulty. John McDonnell: It is, but I was trying to be a bit I take the point that was made earlier about businesses more subtle about the process of allegation—I appreciate that want to start up and take on more workers making that it does not really suit my style of speaking. use of the scheme, but the problem is that, although a new business could behave with the best will in the The point I am trying to make is that, in addition to world in involving its workers in a collective enterprise, the process of selling rights, the scheme will not just be it will be when things go wrong and people fall out that unworkable—because its implementation will increase those workers will need the protection that is enjoyed by burdensome regulation even more, as my hon. Friends the workers of this country. That is why we should be have said—but will act as a deterrent against positive loth to throw that protection away. moves towards the development of share ownership and worker engagement in companies. On that basis, I think that, apart from being iniquitous, this measure 1.30 pm will be counter-productive. That is why I wholeheartedly One objection has involved the suggestion that tax agree with the points my hon. Friend the shadow Secretary dodges and loopholes could be taken advantage of as a of State made in support of the Lords amendment. result of the measure being introduced. The Government 185 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 186 say that they will ensure that that does not happen, but The House divided: Ayes 277, Noes 239. we all know that tax lawyers will find new ways round Division No. 202] [1.33 pm legislation and that Governments will have to try to catch up with them, no matter what measures are introduced AYES to prevent that from happening. I suspect that, in a Adams, Nigel Duddridge, James couple of years’ time, measures to deal with new loopholes Aldous, Peter Duncan Smith, rh Mr and tax dodges will have to be quietly introduced in a Andrew, Stuart Iain Finance Bill, in the hope that no one notices the Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Dunne, Mr Philip embarrassing results of the changes. Bacon, Mr Richard Ellis, Michael There is a possibility that the scheme will lead to a Baker, Norman Ellison, Jane growth in the number of workers with fewer rights, and Baker, Steve Ellwood, Mr Tobias to the deregulation of the labour market to which the Baldry, Sir Tony Elphicke, Charlie hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr (Jonathan Baldwin, Harriett Eustice, George Edwards) referred. If that were to happen, it would be Barclay, Stephen Evennett, Mr David insidious to see a spread of businesses or employers Barker, rh Gregory Fabricant, Michael Baron, Mr John Fallon, rh Michael giving up some of the most important rights to be won Bebb, Guto Featherstone, Lynne by workers and their trade unions over many decades. Beith, rh Sir Alan Foster, rh Mr Don Incidentally, a different Liberal party was proud to Beresford, Sir Paul Fox,rhDrLiam speak up for those rights in the past, but in its current Berry, Jake Freeman, George guise it seems happy to see them taken away. Bingham, Andrew Freer, Mike It is also foreseeable that businesses making use of Birtwistle, Gordon Fuller, Richard the scheme might eventually have to implement Blackman, Bob Gale, Sir Roger redundancies and lay-offs in which people lost their Boles, Nick Garnier, Sir Edward jobs. It is precisely at such times that the potential for Bottomley, Sir Garnier, Mark Peter Gauke, Mr David legal challenges would arise. I do not have time today to Bradley, Karen George, Andrew go into all the possibilities, but it does not require much Brake, rh Tom Gibb, Mr Nick imagination to understand the prospect of all sorts of Bray, Angie Gilbert, Stephen legal challenges— Brazier, Mr Julian Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Bridgen, Andrew Glen, John Mr Speaker: Order. I do not know whether the hon. Brine, Steve Goldsmith, Zac Gentleman is interested in hearing a few seconds of Brokenshire, James Goodwill, Mr Robert reply. He is not obliged to be interested, but if he is, he Bruce, Fiona Gove, rh Michael will need to resume his seat. Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Grant, Mrs Helen Buckland, Mr Robert Gray, Mr James Burley, Mr Aidan Grayling, rh Chris Mark Lazarowicz: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I shall Burns, Conor Green, rh Damian end by saying that I hope the House will not support the Burns, rh Mr Simon Greening, rh Justine Government’s proposals today. Burrowes, Mr David Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Burstow, rh Paul Gyimah, Mr Sam Michael Fallon: With the leave of the House, I should Burt, Lorely Halfon, Robert like briefly to respond. I am afraid that we have had a Byles, Dan Hammond, Stephen fairly predictable debate today. We have heard the voices Cable, rh Vince Hancock, Matthew of the employment lawyers on the Opposition Benches, Cairns, Alun Hands, Greg and the voices of entrepreneurs on this side of the Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Harper, Mr Mark Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Harrington, Richard House. I have made it absolutely clear that the proposed Carmichael, Neil Harris, Rebecca status will be entirely voluntary and optional, and I Carswell, Mr Douglas Hart, Simon have introduced a further change today to make it Cash, Mr William Harvey, Sir Nick absolutely clear that those who are on jobseeker’s allowance Chishti, Rehman Haselhurst, rh Sir will be fully protected. Nobody has to take up this Chope, Mr Christopher Alan status. Nobody can be harassed or bullied into taking it Clappison, Mr James Heald, Oliver up, but there are plenty of businesses that are ready and Clark, rh Greg Heath, Mr David willing to do so. Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Heaton-Harris, Chris I should like to finish by citing Miss Becky McKinlay, Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hemming, John Henderson, Gordon who said that she would have welcomed such a scheme Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hinds, Damian when she set up her company six years ago, because Collins, Damian Colvile, Oliver Hoban, Mr Mark she could not afford to outbid her peers on wages. Crabb, Stephen Hollingbery, George Her company is called Ambition, and we should be Crouch, Tracey Hollobone, Mr Philip ambitious— Davey, rh Mr Edward Howarth, Sir Gerald Davies, David T. C. Howell, John 1.33 pm (Monmouth) Hughes, rh Simon Davies, Glyn Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Forty-five minutes having elapsed since the commencement de Bois, Nick Huppert, Dr Julian of proceedings on consideration of the Lords amendment, Dinenage, Caroline Jackson, Mr Stewart the debate was interrupted (Programme Order, this day). Djanogly, Mr Jonathan James, Margot The Speaker put forthwith the Question already proposed Dorries, Nadine Javid, Sajid from the Chair (Standing Order No. 83F), That this Doyle-Price, Jackie Jenkin, Mr Bernard House disagrees with Lords amendment 25. Drax, Richard Johnson, Joseph 187 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 188

Jones, Andrew Redwood, rh Mr John Wright, Jeremy Zahawi, Nadhim Jones, Mr Marcus Rees-Mogg, Jacob Wright, Simon Tellers for the Ayes: Kawczynski, Daniel Reevell, Simon Yeo, Mr Tim Mark Hunter and Kelly, Chris Reid, Mr Alan Young, rh Sir George Anne Milton Knight, rh Mr Greg Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Lamb, Norman Robertson, rh Hugh Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Robertson, Mr Laurence NOES Latham, Pauline Rogerson, Dan Abbott, Ms Diane Dowd, Jim Laws, rh Mr David Rosindell, Andrew Abrahams, Debbie Doyle, Gemma Leadsom, Andrea Russell, Sir Bob Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Dugher, Michael Lee, Jessica Rutley, David Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Durkan, Mark Lee, Dr Phillip Sandys, Laura Alexander, Heidi Eagle, Ms Angela Leech, Mr John Scott, Mr Lee Ali, Rushanara Eagle, Maria Lefroy, Jeremy Selous, Andrew Allen, Mr Graham Edwards, Jonathan Leslie, Charlotte Shapps, rh Grant Anderson, Mr David Efford, Clive Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Sharma, Alok Ashworth, Jonathan Ellman, Mrs Louise Lewis, Brandon Shelbrooke, Alec Austin, Ian Engel, Natascha Lewis, Dr Julian Simpson, Mr Keith Bailey, Mr Adrian Esterson, Bill Liddell-Grainger, Mr Skidmore, Chris Bain, Mr William Evans, Chris Ian Smith, Miss Chloe Banks, Gordon Farrelly, Paul Lidington, rh Mr David Smith, Henry Barron, rh Mr Kevin Field, rh Mr Frank Lilley, rh Mr Peter Smith, Julian Bayley, Hugh Fitzpatrick, Jim Lloyd, Stephen Smith, Sir Robert Beckett, rh Margaret Flello, Robert Lopresti, Jack Soames, rh Nicholas Begg, Dame Anne Flint, rh Caroline Loughton, Tim Soubry, Anna Benn, rh Hilary Fovargue, Yvonne Luff, Peter Spelman, rh Mrs Benton, Mr Joe Francis, Dr Hywel Lumley, Karen Caroline Berger, Luciana Galloway, George Main, Mrs Anne Spencer, Mr Mark Betts, Mr Clive Gapes, Mike Maude, rh Mr Francis Stanley, rh Sir John Blackman-Woods, Roberta Gardiner, Barry Maynard, Paul Stephenson, Andrew Blomfield, Paul Gilmore, Sheila McCartney, Jason Stevenson, John Blunkett, rh Mr David Glass, Pat McCartney, Karl Stewart, Bob Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Glindon, Mrs Mary McIntosh, Miss Anne Stewart, Iain Brennan, Kevin Goodman, Helen McPartland, Stephen Stewart, Rory Brown, Lyn Greatrex, Tom Menzies, Mark Streeter, Mr Gary Brown, Mr Russell Green, Kate Mercer, Patrick Stride, Mel Bryant, Chris Greenwood, Lilian Metcalfe, Stephen Stunell, rh Andrew Buck, Ms Karen Gwynne, Andrew Mills, Nigel Sturdy, Julian Burden, Richard Hain, rh Mr Peter Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Swales, Ian Byrne, rh Mr Liam Hamilton, Mr David Moore, rh Michael Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Campbell, Mr Alan Hamilton, Fabian Mordaunt, Penny Swinson, Jo Caton, Martin Hanson, rh Mr David Morgan, Nicky Syms, Mr Robert Champion, Sarah Harris, Mr Tom Morris, Anne Marie Teather, Sarah Chapman, Jenny Havard, Mr Dai Morris, David Thornton, Mike Clark, Katy Healey, rh John Mosley, Stephen Thurso, John Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hendrick, Mark Mowat, David Timpson, Mr Edward Clwyd, rh Ann Hepburn, Mr Stephen Mundell, rh David Tomlinson, Justin Coaker, Vernon Hillier, Meg Munt, Tessa Tredinnick, David Coffey, Ann Hilling, Julie Murray, Sheryll Turner, Mr Andrew Connarty, Michael Hodge, rh Margaret Murrison, Dr Andrew Tyrie, Mr Andrew Cooper, rh Yvette Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Neill, Robert Uppal, Paul Crausby, Mr David Hoey, Kate Newmark, Mr Brooks Vara, Mr Shailesh Creagh, Mary Hood, Mr Jim Newton, Sarah Vickers, Martin Creasy, Stella Horwood, Martin Nokes, Caroline Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Cruddas, Jon Hosie, Stewart Nuttall, Mr David Walker, Mr Charles Cryer, John Hunt, Tristram Offord, Dr Matthew Walker, Mr Robin Cunningham, Alex Irranca-Davies, Huw Ollerenshaw, Eric Wallace, Mr Ben Cunningham, Mr Jim Jackson, Glenda Opperman, Guy Watkinson, Dame Angela Cunningham, Sir Tony Jamieson, Cathy Ottaway, Richard Weatherley, Mike Curran, Margaret Jarvis, Dan Paice, rh Sir James Webb, Steve Dakin, Nic Johnson, rh Alan Patel, Priti Wharton, James Danczuk, Simon Johnson, Diana Penning, Mike White, Chris David, Wayne Jones, Graham Penrose, John Whittaker, Craig Davidson, Mr Ian Jones, Helen Percy, Andrew Whittingdale, Mr John Davies, Geraint Jones, Mr Kevan Phillips, Stephen Wiggin, Bill De Piero, Gloria Jones, Susan Elan Pickles, rh Mr Eric Willetts, rh Mr David Denham, rh Mr John Joyce, Eric Pincher, Christopher Williams, Mr Mark Dobbin, Jim Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Prisk, Mr Mark Williams, Roger Dobson, rh Frank Keeley, Barbara Pritchard, Mark Williams, Stephen Docherty, Thomas Kendall, Liz Raab, Mr Dominic Williamson, Gavin Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Khan, rh Sadiq Randall, rh Mr John Wilson, Mr Rob Doran, Mr Frank Lammy, rh Mr David Reckless, Mark Wollaston, Dr Sarah Doughty, Stephen Lavery, Ian 189 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 190

Lazarowicz, Mark Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Mr Pickles: I agree with amendments 1 to 6, 8 to 24 Leslie, Chris Reed, Mr Jamie and 26 to 40, but I ask the House to support the motion Lewis, Mr Ivan Reed, Steve to disagree with Lords amendment 7. Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Reynolds, Emma Long, Naomi Riordan, Mrs Linda I would like to thank the noble Lords for their Love, Mr Andrew Ritchie, Ms Margaret well-informed debates since this Bill passed to the other Lucas, Caroline Robertson, John place just before Christmas. Those debates brought Lucas, Ian Robinson, Mr Geoffrey about a number of positive changes, and we are happy MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Rotheram, Steve to support a significant number of them. I recognise the Mactaggart, Fiona Roy, Mr Frank constructive proposals put forward in particular by Mahmood, Mr Khalid Roy, Lindsay Baronesses Byford and Parminter and by Lords Jenkin Mahmood, Shabana Ruane, Chris of Roding, Tope, Shipley and Greaves on the Government Malhotra, Seema Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Benches; by Lord Best and the Earl of Lytton from the Mann, John Sarwar, Anas Cross Benches; and, indeed, by Lord Berkeley on the Marsden, Mr Gordon Sawford, Andy Opposition Benches. McCabe, Steve Seabeck, Alison McCann, Mr Michael Shannon, Jim The amendments to clause 1 take into account the McCarthy, Kerry Sharma, Mr Virendra very poor performance of a small number of authorities McClymont, Gregg Sheerman, Mr Barry in failing to meet statutory deadlines. They confirm that McCrea, Dr William Sheridan, Jim designation can be made only on the basis of inadequate McDonagh, Siobhain Shuker, Gavin performance in the determination of major applications McDonald, Andy Simpson, David and that the criteria of those designations must be laid McDonnell, John Slaughter, Mr Andy before both Houses of Parliament before coming into McFadden, rh Mr Pat Smith, rh Mr Andrew force. McGovern, Alison Smith, Angela McGovern, Jim Smith, Nick On report in this House, in response to arguments McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Smith, Owen put forward by my right hon. Friend the Member McKechin, Ann Spellar, rh Mr John for Hazel Grove (Andrew Stunell) as well as by the McKenzie, Mr Iain Stuart, Ms Gisela right hon. Member for Greenwich and Woolwich McKinnell, Catherine Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry (Mr Raynsford), the Government made a commitment Meacher, rh Mr Michael Tami, Mark to amendment 12 to exempt rural exception sites from Mearns, Ian Thomas, Mr Gareth the provisions of clause 6 on affordable housing. In Miliband, rh Edward Thornberry, Emily addition, we have always said that we intend clause 6 to Miller, Andrew Trickett, Jon be a temporary measure to unblock existing stalled Mitchell, Austin Twigg, Derek housing developments, and we were happy to introduce Moon, Mrs Madeleine Umunna, Mr Chuka an amendment to ensure that the sun would set on it on Morden, Jessica Vaz, rh Keith 30 April 2016. Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Vaz, Valerie Morris, Grahame M. Walley, Joan We have made clear that the Planning Inspectorate’s (Easington) Ward, Mr David assessment of the viability of a particular scheme will Mudie, Mr George Watson, Mr Tom be independent, and that any evidence on which inspectors Mulholland, Greg Watts, Mr Dave rely in their discussions will be made public. We also Munn, Meg Weir, Mr Mike support the amendments that will guarantee consistency Murphy, rh Mr Jim Whitehead, Dr Alan with existing mayoral planning powers relating to Murphy, rh Paul Williams, Hywel applications that are of strategic importance in London. Murray, Ian Williamson, Chris Nandy, Lisa Winnick, Mr David Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) Nash, Pamela Winterton, rh Ms Rosie (LD): I thank the Secretary of State for announcing an O’Donnell, Fiona Wishart, Pete important measure that will deal with the mischief of Onwurah, Chi Woodcock, John many years during which people were unable to know Osborne, Sandra Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Owen, Albert what arguments developers were advancing for the delivery Wright, David Pearce, Teresa of less than the locally affordable housing limits. It will Wright, Mr Iain Perkins, Toby allow us to hold to account, publicly, developers as well Pound, Stephen Tellers for the Noes: as local authorities. Powell, Lucy Phil Wilson and Qureshi, Yasmin Tom Blenkinsop Mr Pickles: I agree. It will ensure that important information is provided where it should be provided, Question accordingly agreed to. within the community. Lords amendment 15, which amends clause 8, constitutes After Clause 4 a direct response to points made with passion and persistence by Lady Parminter, and also by the English DEVELOPMENT ORDERS: DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE National Park Authorities Association, about the precise CURTILAGE OF A DWELLING HOUSE drafting of our proposal to accelerate the roll-out of superfast broadband coverage. The amendment will The Secretary of State for Communities and Local ensure that we retain important safeguards that will Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I beg to move, That this continue to protect our national parks and other protected House disagrees with Lords amendment 7. areas. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): With this it I hope that the House will support Lords amendment 8, will be convenient to discuss Lords amendments 1 to 6, which will simplify the process of making local development 8 to 24 and 26 to 40. orders; Lords amendment 16, which will reduce the 191 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 192 period of grace for the registration of town and village Mr Pickles: Obviously we will provide the information greens from two years to one; Lords amendment 23, when the regulations are laid. That is normal Government which will remove ambiguity from development consent procedure. orders; and Lords amendment 24, which will enable the Having poured praise on my hon. Friend the Member Mayor of London to delegate his planning responsibilities. for Richmond Park— Let me now deal with the important issue of permitted development rights for home owners. The proposal in Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con): Will my question was not part of the Bill as introduced in the right hon. Friend give way? House of Commons. I overheard one of my right hon. Friends expressing a desire to vote against it and claiming Mr Pickles: I must! to have voted against it persistently during all the Bill’s stages in the Commons, but I must point out that this is Zac Goldsmith: I stand by the words that my right the first occasion on which it has been before us. It hon. Friend quoted so eloquently earlier. There are stems from an amendment tabled by Lords True, Tope certainly ways in which we could simplify the planning and Lytton, and I know that it has engaged the interest system; I do not think anyone disputes that. However, of many Members of the House of Commons as well. I given that 90% of applications are already successful, am grateful for the opportunity to debate the way in surely removing people’s right to object will simply which the planning system strikes a balance between the guarantee that the remaining 10%—the most contentious, rights of home owners to improve their homes and the un-neighbourly, antisocial developments—proceed as right of the state to specify the improvements that they well, causing unnecessary conflict between neighbours. are allowed to make. Mr Pickles: I think that it would be best for my hon. Let me now quote, with considerable approval, from Friend to wait until the omelette has started to settle. a document which states: He may care to cross-examine me further then. “No one today would assert that property rights should be unrestricted but…those restrictions must always be justified and Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): remain as limited as possible… many planners who have grown I do not know about omelettes, but the Secretary of up with the view that the property owner is only one stakeholder State is making a very soft-boiled case for supporting among others. There are too many who act as if they believe that most people cannot be trusted to make decisions themselves the Government, and I am really trying hard. I do not without the superior advice and judgement of professionals. know about him, but I hear complaints from many of Some councillors, too long on planning committees, react to a my constituents, at my surgeries or through local councillors, restatement of the inherent rights of property by fearing loss of that their neighbours have extended the remit of their control! It is that word which is the key. planning permissions in terms of height, length or type. Too much planning has become development control… the How many more complaints does he think will be made time and trouble that has been spent on dealing with planning to us when planning permission is no longer required applications for extensions and additions, porches and for a development that a neighbour would regard as garages…cannot be seriously said to have been cost-effective.” completely unacceptable and antisocial? Those are the magnificent words of my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Park (Zac Goldsmith), together Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. We with those of John Gummer, in the wonderful Quality must have shorter interventions. of Life policy group report, published in 2007. Mr Pickles: When I became Member of Parliament Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): I am sure for Brentford and Ongar, my predecessor gave me a my right hon. Friend agrees that the local government single file and two pieces of advice. The first was that family is like the curate’s egg: good in parts, but bad as when the sun rose I should always be found in my own well. Does he agree, however, that the issues that he has bed, and the second was “Never, in any circumstances, raised would have been ventilated much more effectively become involved in planning.” Since then, I have been had the consultation period been longer—along with made a Planning Minister. My advice to my hon. Friend the Cabinet Office guidelines—and had the Department is not to become too heavily involved in disputes between itself arrived at a settled consensus in response after neighbours. 16 weeks? Unfortunately, that has not happened. Several hon. Members rose— Mr Pickles: I do not know about the curate’s egg, but I have always regarded local government as an omelette Mr Pickles: If hon. Members will let me make a little of happiness and consensus. I hope that by the time I sit progress, they will be able to hear what I am suggesting. down, I shall have spun together a dish that the hon. I believe that there is broad agreement on the need for Gentleman can happily tuck into. greater flexibilities and freedoms for home owners. It is Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): Will the merely a question of detail, and that detail is contained Secretary of State give way? in planning regulations—secondary legislation—which both Houses will be able to consider in due course, Mr Pickles: I will, of course, give way to the right separately from the Bill. However, the Government hon. Gentleman on the matter of omelettes. cannot support Lords amendment 7, which seeks to use the sledgehammer of primary legislation to change the Paul Burstow: Can the Secretary of State explain details of planning regulations. The amendment would why, even at this stage, it was not possible to provide an introduce a wholly new principle allowing local planning executive summary of the findings from the consultation? authorities to view national householder permitted Why must the House wait until May to find out whether development rights as completely optional, which would people are in favour of the proposal or against it? constitute a significant extension of state power over 193 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 194

[Mr Pickles] Mr Pickles: This is a normal administrative process. I will check with my ministerial colleagues, but I believe a private property rights. It is also unnecessary, because a London borough—Barking, I think—is currently putting mechanism for responding to exceptional concerns in out a consultation with regard to article 4 and betting particular areas already exists. shops in the area. In 2008, the previous Government extended permitted There is a misunderstanding here. Where this measure development rights for home owners—from roof extensions relates to a sole property, we would expect notice to be to rear extensions. That did not result in neighbourhood served, but where it is served generally to an area, the wars; nor did it mean the end of local planning. We normal process by which we inform the public about believe there is a case for further sensible, practical planning applications, decisions and appeals would apply. reforms. In those changes, article 4 powers were reformed, and they were amended in 2010 to give greater local Robert Neill (Bromley and Chislehurst) (Con): I agree discretion. that to permit a local authority to opt out entirely from permitted development measures would be draconian, 2pm but does my right hon. Friend accept that there are underlying concerns that article 4 directions may not We have always recognised that there will be some operate as well in practice as in theory? Is he therefore areas where national permitted development rights will prepared to consider what further steps might be taken sit less comfortably and that local authorities should be by his Department and local authorities to refine the able to carve out an exemption following appropriate way in which the article 4 system works? consultation. They can do so by making an article 4 direction. Over 270 directions have been made since 2010. Mr Pickles: Absolutely, and that is why we are looking The Local Government Association has suggested towards Lord Taylor’s advice in respect of tweaking the that article 4 directions are not enough, yet there is no article 4 process. It has undergone a number of changes. real evidence base to suggest that. Councils have powers It changed under the last Government in 2008, and we to make directions to withdraw householder permitted made a change in 2010, so article 4 is not set in concrete—it development rights with immediate effect. Immediate is not buried under a back patio. directions must then be confirmed by the council following local consultation within 12 months. John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): Does A second issue raised is that the council must pay my right hon. Friend accept that one reason why no compensation costs if less than 12 months notice is compensation has been paid under article 4 is that local given. Compensation would be payable only where a authorities are frightened to issue article 4 directives planning application is subsequently refused or conditions under which they may have to pay compensation? are imposed, and a claim for compensation is made relating to householders’ abortive expenditure or other Mr Pickles: I have enjoyed campaigning with the loss. In this case, such loss is likely to be minimal. hon. Gentleman on other issues, but I have to say he is being highly speculative here, as there is no real evidence Indeed, more broadly, the LGA has not provided of such a self-denying ordinance by local authorities. evidence on the extent to which councils have been forced to pay out any compensation under the current Mr Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con) rose— article 4 regime. I regret that. After an extensive search through correspondence, we can find no example of a Mr Pickles: I am about to use honeyed terms to try to local authority reporting to the Department that it has placate my colleagues who have concerns, but before I been forced to pay compensation. get to that dramatic moment, I will give way again. The third issue raised by the LGA is that article 4 directions have to be used across an entire use-class. Mr Walker: I do not want to keep my right hon. That is not relevant to the matters we are discussing Friend from reaching that dramatic moment because I today, which are to do with householder permitted should observe that my Whip said I was going to hear development rights. Importantly, article 4 directions honeyed words and an outbreak of common sense from have been made, and can continue to be made, in those on the Front Bench. Some might uncharitably call respect of individual elements within the householder that a Government climbdown, but I would describe it permitted development rights. This is not a blunt tool as listening to the concerns of Back Benchers. and can be tuned to local circumstances. I have not intervened in any article 4 direction since Mr Pickles rose— May 2010. We have committed to working with the LGA to update our article 4 guidance as part of Lord Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab) rose— Taylor’s review, to ensure that the process is as clear and straightforward as possible. Mr Pickles: And before the honeyed words arrive, I can think of nobody more appropriate to give way to Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): Article 4 directives than the emollient Chairman of the Select Committee. are generally used for enforcing restrictions in conservation areas, which is why they are quite restrictive, but this Mr Betts: I am still struggling with understanding proposal would constitute a major extension of their why the Secretary of State is resisting amendment 7 and use. How does my right hon. Friend propose that local instead arguing in favour of article 4. He says the authorities would recover the costs associated with that? amendment’s scope is far too wide, but that article 4 is As I understand it, they are not at present permitted to there to be used instead. Are there therefore certain charge for those costs. circumstances in which authorities may want to opt out 195 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 196 of permitted development rights under amendment 7, Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): but would not be able to use article 4? If so, what are I appreciate the seriousness with which the Secretary of those circumstances? State has considered the representations made by Back Benchers to him and his Planning Minister, which is Mr Pickles: Well, one might be concerned that this shown by the fact that he is dealing with this group of might be misrepresented as a money-raising exercise—a amendments himself. I am grateful to him for that. nice little earner—for local authorities, and that it However, will he forgive me if I am sceptical and want would be in their financial interests for us to accept to wait to see his proposals? This question has caused a amendment 7. It is important that the British public—or great deal of grief to my district council, Chiltern the English public in this case—have confidence in the district council, and to many councils across the country planning system. and I am afraid that we will not believe what he says at that Dispatch Box until we see the proposals in black Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): I would like and white. a little more information. Will the Secretary of State give us his forecast of how many extra extensions we Mr Pickles: Of course, I am cut to the quick by my would get in the first year under his proposal, and how right hon. Friend’s remarks. She does not need to rely many might be lost with the amendment? on my persuasion, however, because no matter what happens the issue will come back to this House for Mr Pickles: My right hon. Friend recognises that this consideration. represents a boost to industry. [Interruption.] Iam sorry if the idea of helping local builders and do-it- Zac Goldsmith: I thank my right hon. Friend for yourselfers and people who earn their own living is giving way and welcome his decision to rethink the regarded as unimportant. policy, but given that Lord True’s amendment is modest, it is hard to know what further compromise the Government Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab) rose— might accept. Will the Secretary of State provide greater clarity about what he is proposing before we are asked Mr Pickles: I feel that, somehow, I am returning to to vote? confrontational type, and I must avoid that, so let me say the honeyed words, and then I will consider giving Mr Pickles: Considering that I quoted a good page way to the hon. Lady. and a half from an excellent document that is, I hope, Notwithstanding my comments on this amendment, still in print, I am not entirely sure that the Dispatch I appreciate that there is the separate issue of the detail Box is the right forum from which to attempt to negotiate of the Government’s planned reforms to permitted the consensus I seek. My hon. Friend has absolutely development rights. I am grieved and distressed that nothing to lose. He will be involved in the discussions Lords and Members—on both sides of the House—who and we will seek to try to reach a sensible compromise. I would normally look to for advice, guidance and If he does not like it, he can go into the other Lobby support on planning issues have concerns, so we have and say that he was right all along. listened to them. The Planning Minister and my other ministerial colleague, the right hon. Member for Bath Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I (Mr Foster), have met colleagues from this House to hope that my right hon. Friend will take this as a helpful hear their views, and I believe that even at this late hour intervention. When I was shadow floods Minister, I, in we can establish a broad consensus on these practical my humble capacity, and the environment, food and reforms. We will listen carefully to the debate this rural affairs team worked very closely with the local afternoon—this is, of course, the first opportunity the planning shadow team. We were very concerned about House has had to debate the matter—reflect on all the the flood implications of tarmacking over our drives points raised and consider in detail the representations and building extra conservatories. Will my right hon. made in the consultation on the secondary legislation. Friend give the House an assurance today that that I can announce today that in the spirit of consensus important aspect of the question has been considered? we will introduce a revised approach to the contentious question of permitted development rights for home Mr Pickles: I well remember wandering through the extensions when the Bill returns to the Lords. If we flooding in my hon. Friend’s constituency, complete cannot persuade the other House, the issue will return with wellington boots, and I know that she takes an to the Commons next week so that hon. Members can enormous interest in such matters. It is important to debate and vote further. Given the discussions I have understand that these changes will in no way affect had with colleagues who have concerns, I believe that building regulations or the necessity to ensure flood the problem is eminently bridgeable. I would like the prevention and to take sensible precautions. opportunity to build that bridge. Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con): I appreciate the Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): I am fact that the Secretary of State has come to the Chamber grateful to the Secretary of State for giving way, and I today and said that he is prepared to listen, as many of think that most of us have listened carefully. May I us have concerns. Like other Members, I want to know suggest that the ideas put to the other House might, what is in his mind and what he is thinking. At this when they come back to this House, be more acceptable stage, I merely urge him to pick up on an adage used than the proposal in front of us? elsewhere: it is not all about size.

Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend has, in his succinct way, Mr Pickles: I am always glad to hear that it is not all put the case better than I have. about size; that is a comfort to me. 197 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 198

Mr Charles Walker: I thank my right hon. Friend for Mr Pickles: As consensus goes, this is pretty damn being most generous in giving way. In deciding what will dramatic. It is about as dramatic as consensus gets. I happen next week, will he discuss his position and that will certainly do my best to make my hon. Friend—and, of others with colleagues on the Back Benches so that more importantly, her constituents—happy and contented. we can reach consensus on what might be acceptable? Nadine Dorries (Mid Bedfordshire) (Con): I take on Mr Pickles: Absolutely. My hon. Friend the Planning board the Secretary of State’s point that the LGA has Minister and my right hon. Friend the Minister— not provided him with sufficient evidence, but will he [Interruption.] The Minister from Bath, whose accept as evidence the fact that many of us have been responsibilities are numerous. My hon. Friend and my approached by our councils and their leaders, who have right hon. Friend have already entered into extensive asked us to come along and support the amendment? discussions and I believe, based on those discussions, The change is not one that councils want or one that that the problem is bridgeable. they think that they can afford.

2.15 pm Mr Pickles: It has been noticeable that discussion in the Chamber is one-sided today. There is concern on the Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire) (Con): I think that Government Benches and either complete indifference the Secretary of State will recognise that the level of or partisan points from those on the Opposition Benches. attendance in the House today for the consideration of Lords amendments shows how seriously many of us Several hon. Members rose— take the matter. To return to his earlier metaphor, he is a good egg and I am prepared to give him the benefit of Mr Pickles: I shall give way to my hon. Friend the the doubt. He must not scramble the process, however, Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole (Annette and I hope that he will return with substantive changes. Brooke), but then I think that that must be it as others Tinkering is not enough; we believe that the policy is need to speak. seriously flawed. Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): Mr Pickles: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for not I, too, would like more details about the direction of coddling me. change. As most councils have extensive delegation powers, 90% of extensions go through smoothly. Why is Lyn Brown: I am genuinely grateful to the Secretary this such a huge measure for those that need more of State for giving way, but had I heard his words from a detailed consideration for the sake of the neighbours Minister on my own side when I sat on the Government and the whole neighbourhood? Benches, I would have thought that they were wriggle words—I would not have been persuaded. Will his ideas Mr Pickles: I could not have put it better myself. I about what might be changed address concerns in my believe we can move together, arrive at a broad consensus constituency about beds in sheds? and ensure that homeowners can see developments take place and that planning officers are not bogged down Mr Pickles: I cannot imagine any circumstances in with unnecessary considerations. I welcome the important which permitted development rights would allow beds scrutiny of the Bill in the other place and the majority in sheds. I politely remind the hon. Lady that this of the amendments proposed. In the light of the new Government took decisive action on beds in sheds after commitment to reflect, I hope I have convinced the years of neglect from Labour. House that amendment 7 is unnecessary and that it Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): I am really should therefore not be accepted today. enjoying the Secretary of State’s performance this afternoon. Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab): I welcome the I must say that the thought of consensus and the right Government’s decision to accept all but one of the hon. Gentleman does not spring to mind on many amendments that were passed in the other place, in occasions. Will he put us, and particularly his Back particular the sunset clause on section 106, the Secretary Benchers, out of our misery and suggest what the great of State’s announcement today on the assessment of consensual position might be next week? viability, the fact that at least some criteria will now be Mr Pickles: The solutions are available and my Back published for identifying so-called failing planning Benchers have come up with a number of ideas. It authorities, and the right hon. Gentleman’s agreement would be wholly wrong of me not to place on record my that when it comes to broadband development, the gratitude to the hon. Gentleman for his sterling work in Secretary of State should have regard to the environment exposing the waste under the previous Labour Government and the conservation of the natural beauty of our through a series of questions. We on this side are very countryside. grateful for all he has done and I certainly intend to put That leaves the House with the one amendment on him up for a campaigning award. permitted development rights, and the very large attendance here today demonstrates the extent of concern. I listened Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): I came to the extremely carefully to what the Secretary of State said. Chamber in the hope that the Secretary of State would There have been many references to eggs in the course give me some assurances that something dramatic would of the debate so far. One Member said that the Secretary happen. I am not happy, however, about it being debated of State was a good egg, but this particular egg is behind the scenes and not on the Floor of the House. completely empty when it comes to the detailed proposal The concerns of Members on both sides of the House that he has in mind. What he said was not persuasive, are genuine and we feel these pressures intensely when not just to those on the Opposition Benches but I we talk to our local councils. suspect to those on the Government Back Benches. 199 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 200

This is, in essence, a debate about how decisions I find it extraordinary. Given the extent of the concern should be taken on extensions to residential properties. and the discussions that have been taking place at the It is a debate about, first, the process, and secondly, last minute with colleagues on the Government Benches who should take those decisions. At the heart of the who are immensely concerned about the matter, how is debate is a simple question: is it sensible for the Government it that all these months after the closing date for the to impose the change in permitted development rights consultation, the Government have not even been able on every single local planning authority in England? to publish what people said and to respond to it? That is what we are debating. The Secretary of State I am not surprised that the Government have not tries to suggest that the proposal is about empowering been keen to do that because of the extent of the people, but what he is trying to do is to take away the concern expressed. Two arguments have been made. rights of neighbours to object to developments that The first was that the Government’s proposal would they think will affect their rights and their amenity. boost economic recovery. That view is not shared by That is why there is so much concern. those who should know. When the Planning Minister I think it is a centralist proposal that the right hon. was asked by the BBC what would be the economic Gentleman has advanced. I do not think that it will give impact of the measure, he replied, “I don’t know.” The the boost to the economy that is being claimed, because truth is that nobody knows. The Select Committee was I do not think the back gardens of England should be not persuaded by the economic argument. It said that made the victims of the failure of the Government’s the case that the Government had put was economic policy. “so tentative, broad-brush and qualified as to provide little assurance that the financial benefits suggested will be achieved.” Mrs Main: May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to consider his phraseology? The issue is not necessarily Even Anglian Home Improvements, who know a lot the back gardens of England, but the curtilages of about building conservatories, said that the proposals England, which could be a different point entirely. would on their own “achieve little if anything in terms of securing economic growth”. Hilary Benn: The hon. Lady makes an extremely important point. I was going to raise it in a moment, If the Government wanted to boost the construction but I shall raise it now. The Planning Minister told the sector and the building of conservatories, they could do Select Committee that the development would be limited a lot worse than to reduce the rate of VAT on home to 50% of the garden, but the consultation document improvements to 5%, as the National Federation of does not say that. It says 50% of the curtilage of the Builders has suggested. house. As the Royal Town Planning Institute has pointed The second argument and the substantive one is that out, the two are self-evidently not the same. I would it should be made much easier for people to be able to happily give way at this moment to the Secretary of extend their homes. The Secretary of State knows, as we State if he could clarify a simple question. Is it 50% of have heard in this debate, that about 90% of those the garden or 50% of the curtilage? planning applications for extensions beyond the existing permitted development rights are approved. That shows Robert Neill: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? that the planning system is working to allow these extensions, but what it also shows is that the planning Hilary Benn: Gladly, but the House will have noticed system works to weed out the 10% of applications that that the Secretary of State, who is responsible for this, are not acceptable. The right hon. Gentleman wants cannot answer or is unwilling to answer a very simple those 10% to be able to go ahead, come what may. That question in the House today. is the consequence of what he is proposing. Robert Neill: Will the right hon. Gentleman answer this very simple question? Given his new-found concern Bob Blackman: It is interesting that the right hon. for back gardens, will he explain why his Government Gentleman is referring to a key point in the debate—the persisted in regarding back gardens as brownfield 13% of applications that are currently not approved. development, resisted attempts to reclassify them and Can we be clear about the Labour party’s policy on permitted more building on back gardens, which was permitted development? Is it in favour of a free-for-all reversed by this Government? or in favour of vast restrictions?

Hilary Benn: I make no apology for having a brownfield- Hilary Benn: I shall be very clear. The reason I shall first policy when we were in government. One of the be going through the Lobby to vote against the Secretary reasons why more and more development is going to be of State’s motion today is that I believe that decision seen on greenfield sites is that in revising the national should be taken by local communities and local authorities, planning policy framework, the Government have weakened as the other place suggested. Instead of being decided the extremely sensible brownfield-first policy. from the centre, it should be decided locally. There was a hurried consultation on permitted development That is the reason why, for example, Richmond council rights. Reference has already been made to the fact that called them “very foolish proposals”, and why the leader although the consultation closed on 24 December last, of Sutton council said that the Government’s proposals anyone who looked this morning on the Communities were and Local Government website to remind themselves of what the Government’s response was, given the great “a recipe for disaster....If this is allowed to happen it will set neighbour against neighbour and split communities”. hoo-hah that there has been and the many views expressed, would have found this simple statement: It is why the leader of Bromley council spoke about “We are analysing your responses. Visit this page again soon to “an uncontrolled planning free for all, causing major problems download the outcome to this public feedback.” for future generations” 201 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 202

[Hilary Benn] week—I cannot say what that is, and neither can any other Member, because the Secretary of State has not which would shared with us his thinking on that. On that basis, I urge “undermine the rights of our residents to voice their views on all Members to accept what the other place has proposed what will affect their immediate surroundings”. and solve the matter once and for all by rejecting the And it is why Councillor Mike Jones, who leads on the Secretary of State’s motion and giving local councils Local Government Association in this field, said: the power to take these decisions for themselves, because that would be the localist thing to do. “All this policy will do is give a green light to the unsightly and out-of-place small scale developments which have already been Robert Neill: As a former sous-chef in the Department, turned down because of legitimate local reasons.” I have no doubt that if my right hon. Friend the The right hon. Gentleman made an argument about Secretary of State says he wishes to achieve a workable article 4. It is an argument that the Planning Minister and viable compromise, he means it. I trust him and made when he appeared before the Select Committee believe him because I know him, and I hope all my hon. back in October, although as we have heard, article 4 is Friends think the same. designed to deal with particular problems in particular Very little weight can be attached to the Opposition’s places. The right hon. Gentleman said he could not find cynical approach. Having spent nearly two and a half any examples of people who had been able to claim years as a ministerial sous-chef stripping away the compensation against their councils, although a fair centralised control that the Labour party placed upon point was made that councils are reluctant to find planners in this country and the constraints it placed on themselves in that position. It was rather strange, therefore, local authorities, I think that it ill behoves Labour that back in September the Secretary of State went to Members to talk the language of localism. great pains to say about councils that do use article 4: “If they do that, then a member of the public can seek Lyn Brown: Will the hon. Gentleman give way on that damages against them.” point? That sort of suggests that he was saying, “Well, if you don’t like what your council is doing by using article 4, Robert Neill: I will make some progress before giving you can always try to get some compensation.” way. It is well known that throughout the history of planning legislation in this country there has been a concept of 2.30 pm permitted development. That is not new; it goes back to Given the slight contradiction there appears to be, 1947. It has always been accepted that it is legitimate, even on the Front Bench, between the Secretary of for reasons of public policy, from time to time to adjust State and the Planning Minister, will the Secretary of the criteria that determine what constitutes permitted State clarify when he winds up whether he would give development, and that has always been done at national consent in every case to applications from local authorities level. The difficulty with the Lords amendment is that it to use an article 4 direction to cover their whole area would allow a complete opting-out of any adjustment and exempt themselves from the permitted development to national policy at a local level, and that seems to me rights? If he says no, it is not a remedy. If he says yes, he to be nothing other than a needlessly blunt instrument. is making the other House’s case for it, because what it However, I accept that there is an issue about the has proposed is a much simpler way of achieving the operation of article 4 in practice. I know that from my same effect: namely, giving the local authority the right own dealings with local authorities and from my own to opt out of the permitted development right proposal experience as both a Minister and a councillor. in respect of residential dwellings. I will keep my remarks brief, because many Members Lyn Brown: The hon. Gentleman is very kind. I was wish to contribute. I simply say to the Secretary of State going to ask him whether he thought that the policy was that it is quite clear that his proposals have not been consistent with the Government’s localism agenda. I thought through. We know that they will not achieve think he would agree with me that it is not. Does he the boost to the economy he suggested they would. agree with me that Newham council has an issue with They have engendered an enormous amount of concern developments on back gardens that are used as dwellings and opposition from Members of the House, organisations, but are uninhabitable, unsanitary and completely against local authorities and others. cohesive communities? I listened extremely carefully to what the Secretary of Robert Neill: There is a real issue in Newham and State chose to describe as his “honeyed” words. To be other parts of the country about developments in back honest, I was expecting something much more significant. gardens. When I was in the Department, it was my right In truth, there was nothing there. He has had all this hon. Friend the Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant time, since the consultation closed, and he has been well Shapps), then the Housing Minister, who did more to aware for months of the concern that the proposals tackle the issue than any Minister before him, and that have created among many of his right hon. and hon. is now being carried on by my hon. Friend the Member Friends. With great respect, it is not good enough for for Grantham and Stamford (Nick Boles). This him to come along today and say, “Okay, I get the Government are helping to deal with the issue the hon. message. Honestly, I am sure that we can work this out. Lady raises on behalf of her constituents. Believe me.” I accept that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of We have a simple choice today: we have the Lords State, with his experience of the matter, understands amendment, which simply states that if a local council that we need to find an article 4 system that actually does not want to do this, it does not have to; and we works, rather than the well-intentioned but draconian have whatever might appear in the other place next outcome proposed by their lordships. Rightly or wrongly, 203 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 204 concerns have been raised about how article 4 actually and £100 million, which shows the lack of clarity in operates on the ground. That relates in part to the point their thinking. The impact assessment made no estimate my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Yardley of the social and environmental impacts. Reference has (John Hemming) made about a degree of risk averseness been made to the 90% of proposals that currently gain among local government officers in recommending them planning permission, but of those some are changed to their members. because of representations on the consultation arrangements that are made as part of the planning consideration. We Mr Stewart Jackson: Does my hon. Friend not agree should be concerned not only about the 10% that are with me, however, that it would have been easier to turned down but would be accepted under permitted persuade the House of the merits of these proposals if development rights, but those that are never submitted the indicative costs of, say, the enforcement action likely for planning permission because they are so awful that under the new regime, and indeed the indicative economic people know they would be turned down if they were benefit referred to by the Secretary of State, had been submitted. made more explicit in the course of the debate? On localist issues, what can be more local than an extension to a house? This has no national significance. Robert Neill: My hon. Friend raises an important The Planning Minister has accepted that it will not have point, and I accept the basis on which he does so. any significant impact on economic growth in the country Equally, however, there is no doubt a great deal set out as a whole—it is a local matter. In that case, why not in the consultation. I very much hope that the consultation accept amendment 7? The Secretary of State has argued contains some constructive proposals on how we might for the use of article 4 instead. Article 4 is time consuming, make an article 4 system work more effectively in practice. cumbersome, subject to challenge and potentially costly. I understand his point, but the details are particularly It is really meant to be used as an exception rather than indicative and speculative in these cases because, in as a general rule. The Secretary of State must clarify general, the Government have rightly taken a policy of whether article 4 will achieve the same effect for local not seeking to intervene in local authority applications authorities as amendment 7, and, if not, what is the for article 4 directions, which is a genuinely localist difference between them. If the same effect can be stance. We have in fact made the position more localist achieved under article 4 as under amendment 7, then by requiring only notification of the article 4 direction, why not retain amendment 7? rather than approval by the Secretary of State—a general move back towards localism, which the previous Government never did. That is why I think that, rather Andrew Bingham: I am not keen on this idea, and I than thinking about the indicative costs, we should look have said so from an early stage, because there would be at finding a constructive means whereby local authorities long-term consequences from what is perceived as a have the confidence to use article 4 directions, knowing short-term gain. We have heard about monstrous that they will work and will not create a disproportionate carbuncles; I think that we could end up with a lot of burden. small warts on properties. My constituency of High Peak is a hilly area. A small extension to a property next Bob Blackman: My hon. Friend has vast experience door but one on a steep hill can have an overbearing in local government and in planning law. Does he agree effect on the neighbours. To do this without planning that one of the reasons for the impetus behind the permission would be wrong for my constituency and campaign to allow local authorities to opt out is the wrong in general. The Lords amendment would give Government’s proposal to double the amount of permitted this power to local councils. I do not know what my development that will be allowed? In some parts of the local council would do with it, although I have a good country it will work, but in others it will not. That is the idea; it may go with it or it may not. The amendment is concern of local authorities, MPs and councillors very sensible. It would devolve the power to our local authorities—our locally elected members—to let them Robert Neill: I understand my hon. Friend’s genuine make the decision on whether they want to follow this concerns—I do not doubt the good faith with which approach. That is why I will support the Lords amendment they are raised—but, equally, I hope he accepts that my and not, I am afraid, its rejection. problem with the Lords amendment is that it would import a blanket approach to something that has always Annette Brooke: I, too, welcome the work done in the been adjusted nationally, although however much it other place. We have some very sensible amendments should or should not be is a matter for debate. If we are and I am pleased that the Government have accepted going to change that, we ought to give it rather more them. consideration. I have in my hand the representation that I submitted My other difficulty with the Lords amendment is that on 24 December, obviously having worked right up it would make a very significant shift in policy by until Christmas. Nothing has really changed in the adopting that blanket opt-out approach, without any views that I expressed on behalf of colleagues at that consideration of that in the consultation. I hope that time, when we rehearsed the arguments over and again. my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State’s stance will However, I would like to pick up on the long term enable that to take place. effects mentioned by the hon. Member for High Peak (Andrew Bingham). The problem is not just that one Mr Betts: The Select Committee looked at the extension might be a great eyesore and affect neighbours Government’s proposals and we concluded that the case for a long period, but that even when the temporary for the change to permitted development rights for measure had ended it would be very difficult to refuse domestic extensions has not been made. The Government’s an application from houses nearby, so a whole impact assessment estimates costs of between £5 million neighbourhood could be affected over time. 205 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 206

[Annette Brooke] good egg, or whatever. The simple truth is that this proposal has got to come back here to be discussed and I would like my right hon. Friend the Secretary of voted on. I need the help and assistance of colleagues to State to say a little more about how he will tackle the ensure that the proposal is voted down. If we do not issues that we have before us, on which we have had a vote it down, we cannot arrive at a consensus. This consultation. They are not satisfactory as they are, and would be a wholly unusual and strange process. It we are in the dark about where we might go next. would take a sledgehammer to planning system, and that is wholly wrong. I believe that we can give the Zac Goldsmith: Many colleagues are minded to support assurances that my hon. Friends seek, but we need some the amendment but would like to support the Government. time to discuss this with right hon. and hon. Members, For my part, I would need to hear the Secretary of State and then, whatever the outcome, it will come back here say, first, that whatever amendment the Government on 23 April; that is certain. I ask my hon. Friends to introduce in the Lords will reflect absolutely the spirit look most carefully at this issue, to support the Government, of this amendment; secondly, that we will have time in and, by so doing, to support the rights of property this Chamber to debate that amendment; and, thirdly, owners and local authorities. that he is laying out a clear timetable. Without those assurances, I personally, regretfully, will be unable to Bob Blackman: There are two key concerns here: support the Government and will see myself marching first, the rights of local authorities; and secondly— through the contrary Lobby. 2.47 pm Mr Stewart Jackson: In this of all weeks, it pains me Two hours having elapsed since the commencement of to be considering voting for the amendment and against proceedings on Lords amendments, the debate was interrupted the Government, but this policy has not been well (Programme Order, this day). thought out. When the Planning Minister came to speak at the meeting yesterday, he was very gracious but The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Question already unable to demonstrate the economic benefits. We know proposed from the Chair (Standing Order No. 83F), that the Secretary of State is between Scylla and Charybdis That this House disagrees with Lords amendment 7. on this because it is a Treasury-driven issue, and he has The House divided: Ayes 286, Noes 259. played a difficult wicket very well. We have seldom had Division No. 203] [2.48 pm a situation where so many Conservative councils and other bodies have united to say that this is very bad AYES legislation. It offends against the principle of localism. It is also a credibility issue for this House. It is not Adams, Nigel Cable, rh Vince absolutely the best thing in the world to be told the Afriyie, Adam Cairns, Alun Government’s position an hour ago by The Daily Telegraph Aldous, Peter Cameron, rh Mr David while the Secretary of State assures us in this House Andrew, Stuart Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair that he is thinking about clarifying the situation. Bacon, Mr Richard Carmichael, Neil I am not convinced that densely populated urban Baker, Norman Carswell, Mr Douglas areas such as mine will not suffer from the problems Baker, Steve Cash, Mr William raised by the hon. Member for West Ham (Lyn Brown), Baldry, Sir Tony Chishti, Rehman such as beds in sheds. We need to take this issue away to Baldwin, Harriett Clappison, Mr James demonstrate the costs of enforcement actions in the new Barclay, Stephen Clark, rh Greg regime and the economic benefits. I look to the Secretary Barker, rh Gregory Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth of State to reassure the House, but at the moment I am Barwell, Gavin Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey minded, very regretfully, to support the amendment. Bebb, Guto Coffey, Dr Thérèse Beith, rh Sir Alan Collins, Damian Bellingham, Mr Henry Colvile, Oliver 2.45 pm Benyon, Richard Cox, Mr Geoffrey Mrs Main: Regrettably, the only reason this proposal Beresford, Sir Paul Crabb, Stephen would have any economic benefit is that the scale of Berry, Jake Crockart, Mike such developments would be so large that people would Binley, Mr Brian Davey, rh Mr Edward scramble to go and get the thing built before anybody Birtwistle, Gordon Davies, David T. C. Boles, Nick (Monmouth) could object to it. I am very unhappy about it. In 2005 Bottomley, Sir Peter Davies, Glyn we had the high hedges legislation, whereby anything Bradley, Karen Dinenage, Caroline over 2 metres was considered to be un-neighbourly, and Brady, Mr Graham Djanogly, Mr Jonathan now we are hearing proposals for something that is Brake, rh Tom Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen 4 metres high by 8 metres. This will potentially be Bray, Angie Doyle-Price, Jackie extremely divisive in communities. I really feel that the Brazier, Mr Julian Duddridge, James Secretary of State could have offered us a little more Bridgen, Andrew Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain today, although I know that he is in a very difficult Brine, Steve Dunne, Mr Philip place in this regard. I believe that in areas such as Brokenshire, James Ellis, Michael St Albans, particularly when we have no definitions of Bruce, Fiona Ellison, Jane curtilage or gardens, this will be a very divisive and Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Ellwood, Mr Tobias ruinous issue. Buckland, Mr Robert Elphicke, Charlie Burley, Mr Aidan Eustice, George Mr Pickles: I think that I can offer the reassurances Burns, rh Mr Simon Evans, Graham that colleagues are seeking. It is not a question of Burrowes, Mr David Fabricant, Michael simply taking my word for it, regarding me as being a Byles, Dan Fallon, rh Michael 207 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 208

Farron, Tim Lee, Dr Phillip Rudd, Amber Thurso, John Featherstone, Lynne Leech, Mr John Ruffley, Mr David Timpson, Mr Edward Field, Mark Leslie, Charlotte Russell, Sir Bob Tomlinson, Justin Foster, rh Mr Don Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Rutley, David Turner, Mr Andrew Fox,rhDrLiam Lewis, Brandon Sandys, Laura Tyrie, Mr Andrew Francois, rh Mr Mark Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Scott, Mr Lee Uppal, Paul Freeman, George Lidington, rh Mr David Selous, Andrew Vaizey, Mr Edward Freer, Mike Lloyd, Stephen Shapps, rh Grant Vara, Mr Shailesh Fuller, Richard Lopresti, Jack Sharma, Alok Vickers, Martin Gale, Sir Roger Lord, Jonathan Shelbrooke, Alec Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Garnier, Sir Edward Lumley, Karen Simpson, Mr Keith Walker, Mr Robin Garnier, Mark Macleod, Mary Skidmore, Chris Wallace, Mr Ben Gauke, Mr David Maude, rh Mr Francis Smith, Miss Chloe Watkinson, Dame Angela Gibb, Mr Nick Maynard, Paul Smith, Henry Weatherley, Mike Gilbert, Stephen McCartney, Karl Smith, Julian Webb, Steve Glen, John McIntosh, Miss Anne Smith, Sir Robert Wharton, James Goodwill, Mr Robert McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Soames, rh Nicholas Wheeler, Heather Gove, rh Michael McPartland, Stephen Soubry, Anna Whittaker, Craig Graham, Richard McVey, Esther Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Whittingdale, Mr John Grant, Mrs Helen Menzies, Mark Spencer, Mr Mark Wiggin, Bill Gray, Mr James Mercer, Patrick Stephenson, Andrew Willetts, rh Mr David Grayling, rh Chris Metcalfe, Stephen Stevenson, John Williams, Mr Mark Green, rh Damian Miller, rh Maria Stewart, Bob Williams, Roger Greening, rh Justine Mills, Nigel Stewart, Iain Williams, Stephen Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Milton, Anne Stewart, Rory Williamson, Gavin Gummer, Ben Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Streeter, Mr Gary Wilson, Mr Rob Gyimah, Mr Sam Moore, rh Michael Stride, Mel Wollaston, Dr Sarah Hague, rh Mr William Mordaunt, Penny Stunell, rh Andrew Wright, Jeremy Halfon, Robert Morgan, Nicky Sturdy, Julian Wright, Simon Hammond, rh Mr Philip Morris, Anne Marie Swales, Ian Yeo, Mr Tim Hammond, Stephen Morris, David Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Young, rh Sir George Hancock, Matthew Morris, James Swinson, Jo Zahawi, Nadhim Hands, Greg Mosley, Stephen Syms, Mr Robert Tellers for the Ayes: Harper, Mr Mark Mowat, David Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Mark Hunter and Harrington, Richard Mundell, rh David Teather, Sarah Mr David Evennett Harris, Rebecca Munt, Tessa Hart, Simon Murray, Sheryll Harvey, Sir Nick Murrison, Dr Andrew NOES Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Neill, Robert Abbott, Ms Diane Burden, Richard Hayes, rh Mr John Newmark, Mr Brooks Abrahams, Debbie Burns, Conor Heald, Oliver Newton, Sarah Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Burstow, rh Paul Heath, Mr David Norman, Jesse Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Campbell, Mr Alan Heaton-Harris, Chris Nuttall, Mr David Alexander, Heidi Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hemming, John Ollerenshaw, Eric Ali, Rushanara Caton, Martin Henderson, Gordon Opperman, Guy Allen, Mr Graham Champion, Sarah Hinds, Damian Osborne, rh Mr George Anderson, Mr David Chapman, Jenny Hoban, Mr Mark Ottaway, Richard Ashworth, Jonathan Clark, Katy Hollingbery, George Paice, rh Sir James Austin, Ian Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hopkins, Kris Parish, Neil Bailey, Mr Adrian Clwyd, rh Ann Howarth, Sir Gerald Patel, Priti Bain, Mr William Coaker, Vernon Howell, John Paterson, rh Mr Owen Banks, Gordon Coffey, Ann Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Penning, Mike Baron, Mr John Connarty, Michael Huppert, Dr Julian Penrose, John Barron, rh Mr Kevin Cooper, Rosie Hurd, Mr Nick Percy, Andrew Bayley, Hugh Cooper, rh Yvette James, Margot Perry, Claire Beckett, rh Margaret Crausby, Mr David Javid, Sajid Phillips, Stephen Begg, Dame Anne Creagh, Mary Jenkin, Mr Bernard Pickles, rh Mr Eric Benn, rh Hilary Creasy, Stella Johnson, Joseph Pincher, Christopher Benton, Mr Joe Crouch, Tracey Jones, Andrew Prisk, Mr Mark Berger, Luciana Cruddas, Jon Jones, rh Mr David Pritchard, Mark Betts, Mr Clive Cryer, John Jones, Mr Marcus Randall, rh Mr John Bingham, Andrew Cunningham, Alex Kawczynski, Daniel Reckless, Mark Blackman, Bob Cunningham, Mr Jim Kelly, Chris Redwood, rh Mr John Blackman-Woods, Roberta Cunningham, Sir Tony Kirby, Simon Rees-Mogg, Jacob Blomfield, Paul Curran, Margaret Knight, rh Mr Greg Reevell, Simon Blunkett, rh Mr David Dakin, Nic Kwarteng, Kwasi Reid, Mr Alan Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Danczuk, Simon Laing, Mrs Eleanor Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Brennan, Kevin David, Wayne Lamb, Norman Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Brooke, Annette Davidson, Mr Ian Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Robertson, rh Hugh Brown, Lyn Davies, Geraint Latham, Pauline Robertson, Mr Laurence Brown, rh Mr Nicholas de Bois, Nick Laws, rh Mr David Rogerson, Dan Bryant, Chris De Piero, Gloria Leadsom, Andrea Rosindell, Andrew Buck, Ms Karen Dobbin, Jim 209 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 210

Docherty, Thomas Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Thomas, Mr Gareth Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Keeley, Barbara Rotheram, Steve Thornberry, Emily Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Kendall, Liz Roy, Mr Frank Thornton, Mike Doran, Mr Frank Khan, rh Sadiq Roy, Lindsay Trickett, Jon Dorries, Nadine Lammy, rh Mr David Ruane, Chris Twigg, Derek Doughty, Stephen Lavery, Ian Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Umunna, Mr Chuka Dowd, Jim Lazarowicz, Mark Sanders, Mr Adrian Vaz, rh Keith Doyle, Gemma Leslie, Chris Sarwar, Anas Vaz, Valerie Dromey, Jack Lewis, Mr Ivan Sawford, Andy Walley, Joan Dugher, Michael Lewis, Dr Julian Seabeck, Alison Ward, Mr David Durkan, Mark Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Shannon, Jim Watson, Mr Tom Eagle, Ms Angela Long, Naomi Sharma, Mr Virendra Watts, Mr Dave Eagle, Maria Love, Mr Andrew Sheerman, Mr Barry White, Chris Edwards, Jonathan Lucas, Caroline Sheridan, Jim Whitehead, Dr Alan Efford, Clive Lucas, Ian Shuker, Gavin Williams, Hywel Ellman, Mrs Louise Mactaggart, Fiona Skinner, Mr Dennis Williamson, Chris Engel, Natascha Mahmood, Mr Khalid Slaughter, Mr Andy Winnick, Mr David Esterson, Bill Mahmood, Shabana Smith, rh Mr Andrew Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Evans, Chris Main, Mrs Anne Smith, Angela Woodcock, John Farrelly, Paul Malhotra, Seema Smith, Nick Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Field, rh Mr Frank Mann, John Smith, Owen Wright, David Fitzpatrick, Jim Marsden, Mr Gordon Spellar, rh Mr John Wright, Mr Iain Flello, Robert McCabe, Steve Stanley, rh Sir John Flint, rh Caroline McCann, Mr Michael Stuart, Ms Gisela Tellers for the Noes: Flynn, Paul McCarthy, Kerry Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Phil Wilson and Fovargue, Yvonne McCartney, Jason Tami, Mark Tom Blenkinsop Francis, Dr Hywel McClymont, Gregg Gapes, Mike McCrea, Dr William Question accordingly agreed to. Gardiner, Barry McDonagh, Siobhain George, Andrew McDonald, Andy Lords amendment 7 disagreed to. Gilmore, Sheila McDonnell, John The Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the Questions Glass, Pat McFadden, rh Mr Pat necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded Glindon, Mrs Mary McGovern, Alison at that time (Standing Order No. 83F). Godsiff, Mr Roger McGovern, Jim Goggins, rh Paul McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Lords amendments 1 to 6, 8 to 24 and 26 to 40 Goldsmith, Zac McKechin, Ann agreed to. Goodman, Helen McKenzie, Mr Iain Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Greatrex, Tom McKinnell, Catherine Order No. 83H), That a Committee be appointed to Green, Kate Meacher, rh Mr Michael draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing Greenwood, Lilian Mearns, Ian to their amendments 25 and 7; Griffith, Nia Mitchell, Austin Gwynne, Andrew Moon, Mrs Madeleine That Roberta Blackman-Woods, Karen Bradley, Nic Hain, rh Mr Peter Morden, Jessica Dakin, Michael Fallon and Andrew Stunell be members Hamilton, Mr David Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) of the Committee; Hamilton, Fabian Morris, Grahame M. That Michael Fallon be the Chair of the Committee; Hanson, rh Mr David (Easington) That three be the quorum of the Committee. Harman, rh Ms Harriet Mudie, Mr George Havard, Mr Dai Mulholland, Greg That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Karen Healey, rh John Munn, Meg Bradley.) Hemming, John Murphy, rh Mr Jim Question agreed to. Hendrick, Mark Murphy, rh Paul Hillier, Meg Murray, Ian Committee to withdraw immediately; reasons to be Hilling, Julie Nandy, Lisa reported and communicated to the Lords. Hodge, rh Margaret Nash, Pamela Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Nokes, Caroline Hoey, Kate O’Donnell, Fiona ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM Hollobone, Mr Philip Offord, Dr Matthew BILL (PROGRAMME) (NO. 3) Hood, Mr Jim Onwurah, Chi Horwood, Martin Osborne, Sandra Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Hunt, Tristram Owen, Albert Order No. 83A(7)), Irranca-Davies, Huw Pawsey, Mark That the following provisions shall apply to the Enterprise and Jackson, Glenda Perkins, Toby Regulatory Reform Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Jackson, Mr Stewart Powell, Lucy Orders of 11 June and 16 October 2012 (Enterprise and Regulatory Jamieson, Cathy Pugh, John Reform Bill (Programme) and Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Jarvis, Dan Qureshi, Yasmin Bill (Programme) (No. 2)): Johnson, rh Alan Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Consideration of Lords Amendments Johnson, Diana Reed, Mr Jamie 1. Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall Jones, Graham Reed, Steve (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion Jones, Helen Reynolds, Emma two hours after their commencement at today’s sitting. Jones, Mr Kevan Riordan, Mrs Linda 2. The Lords Amendments shall be considered in the following Jones, Susan Elan Ritchie, Ms Margaret order, namely Lords Amendments Nos. 35 to 40, remaining Jowell, rh Dame Tessa Robertson, John Lords Amendments. 211 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 212

Subsequent stages Harrington, Richard Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew 3. Any further Message from the Lords may be considered Harris, Rebecca Moore, rh Michael forthwith without any Question being put. Hart, Simon Mordaunt, Penny Harvey, Sir Nick Morris, Anne Marie 4. The proceedings on any further Message from the Lords shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Morris, David one hour after their commencement.—(Mr Randall.) Hayes, rh Mr John Morris, James Heald, Oliver Mosley, Stephen The House divided: Ayes 313, Noes 245. Heath, Mr David Mowat, David Division No. 204] [3.3 pm Heaton-Harris, Chris Mulholland, Greg Hemming, John Mundell, rh David AYES Henderson, Gordon Munt, Tessa Herbert, rh Nick Murray, Sheryll Adams, Nigel Crockart, Mike Hinds, Damian Murrison, Dr Andrew Aldous, Peter Crouch, Tracey Hoban, Mr Mark Neill, Robert Andrew, Stuart Davey, rh Mr Edward Hollingbery, George Newmark, Mr Brooks Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Davies, David T. C. Hollobone, Mr Philip Newton, Sarah Bacon, Mr Richard (Monmouth) Holloway, Mr Adam Nokes, Caroline Baker, Norman Davies, Glyn Hopkins, Kris Norman, Jesse Baker, Steve de Bois, Nick Horwood, Martin Nuttall, Mr David Baldry, Sir Tony Dinenage, Caroline Howarth, Sir Gerald Offord, Dr Matthew Baldwin, Harriett Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Howell, John Ollerenshaw, Eric Barclay, Stephen Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Hughes, rh Simon Opperman, Guy Barker, rh Gregory Dorries, Nadine Huppert, Dr Julian Osborne, rh Mr George Baron, Mr John Doyle-Price, Jackie Hurd, Mr Nick Ottaway, Richard Barwell, Gavin Drax, Richard Jackson, Mr Stewart Paice, rh Sir James Bebb, Guto Duddridge, James James, Margot Parish, Neil Beith, rh Sir Alan Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Javid, Sajid Patel, Priti Bellingham, Mr Henry Dunne, Mr Philip Jenkin, Mr Bernard Paterson, rh Mr Owen Benyon, Richard Ellis, Michael Johnson, Joseph Pawsey, Mark Beresford, Sir Paul Ellison, Jane Jones, Andrew Penning, Mike Berry, Jake Ellwood, Mr Tobias Jones, rh Mr David Penrose, John Bingham, Andrew Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Mr Marcus Percy, Andrew Binley, Mr Brian Eustice, George Kawczynski, Daniel Perry, Claire Birtwistle, Gordon Evans, Graham Kelly, Chris Phillips, Stephen Blackman, Bob Evennett, Mr David Kirby, Simon Pickles, rh Mr Eric Boles, Nick Fabricant, Michael Knight, rh Mr Greg Pincher, Christopher Bottomley, Sir Peter Fallon, rh Michael Kwarteng, Kwasi Prisk, Mr Mark Bradley, Karen Farron, Tim Laing, Mrs Eleanor Pritchard, Mark Brake, rh Tom Featherstone, Lynne Lamb, Norman Pugh, John Bray, Angie Field, Mark Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Raab, Mr Dominic Brazier, Mr Julian Foster, rh Mr Don Latham, Pauline Randall, rh Mr John Bridgen, Andrew Fox,rhDrLiam Laws, rh Mr David Reckless, Mark Brine, Steve Francois, rh Mr Mark Leadsom, Andrea Redwood, rh Mr John Brokenshire, James Freeman, George Lee, Dr Phillip Rees-Mogg, Jacob Brooke, Annette Freer, Mike Leech, Mr John Reevell, Simon Bruce, Fiona Fuller, Richard Leslie, Charlotte Reid, Mr Alan Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Gale, Sir Roger Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Buckland, Mr Robert Garnier, Sir Edward Lewis, Brandon Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Burley, Mr Aidan Garnier, Mark Lewis, Dr Julian Robertson, rh Hugh Burns, Conor Gauke, Mr David Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Robertson, Mr Laurence Burns, rh Mr Simon George, Andrew Lidington, rh Mr David Rogerson, Dan Burrowes, Mr David Gibb, Mr Nick Lloyd, Stephen Rosindell, Andrew Burstow, rh Paul Gilbert, Stephen Lopresti, Jack Rudd, Amber Byles, Dan Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Lord, Jonathan Ruffley, Mr David Cable, rh Vince Glen, John Loughton, Tim Russell, Sir Bob Cairns, Alun Goldsmith, Zac Luff, Peter Rutley, David Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Goodwill, Mr Robert Lumley, Karen Sanders, Mr Adrian Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Gove, rh Michael Macleod, Mary Sandys, Laura Carmichael, Neil Grant, Mrs Helen Main, Mrs Anne Scott, Mr Lee Carswell, Mr Douglas Gray, Mr James Maynard, Paul Selous, Andrew Cash, Mr William Grayling, rh Chris McCartney, Jason Shapps, rh Grant Chishti, Rehman Green, rh Damian McCartney, Karl Sharma, Alok Chope, Mr Christopher Grieve, rh Mr Dominic McIntosh, Miss Anne Shelbrooke, Alec Clappison, Mr James Gummer, Ben McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Simpson, Mr Keith Clark, rh Greg Gyimah, Mr Sam McPartland, Stephen Skidmore, Chris Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hague, rh Mr William McVey, Esther Smith, Miss Chloe Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Halfon, Robert Menzies, Mark Smith, Henry Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hammond, rh Mr Philip Mercer, Patrick Smith, Julian Collins, Damian Hammond, Stephen Metcalfe, Stephen Smith, Sir Robert Colvile, Oliver Hancock, Matthew Miller, rh Maria Soames, rh Nicholas Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hands, Greg Mills, Nigel Soubry, Anna Crabb, Stephen Harper, Mr Mark Milton, Anne Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline 213 Growth and Infrastructure Bill16 APRIL 2013 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 214

Spencer, Mr Mark Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Fitzpatrick, Jim McDonagh, Siobhain Stanley, rh Sir John Walker, Mr Charles Flello, Robert McDonald, Andy Stephenson, Andrew Walker, Mr Robin Flint, rh Caroline McDonnell, John Stevenson, John Wallace, Mr Ben Flynn, Paul McFadden, rh Mr Pat Stewart, Bob Ward, Mr David Fovargue, Yvonne McGovern, Alison Stewart, Iain Watkinson, Dame Angela Francis, Dr Hywel McGovern, Jim Stewart, Rory Webb, Steve Gapes, Mike McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Streeter, Mr Gary Wharton, James Gardiner, Barry McKechin, Ann Stride, Mel Wheeler, Heather Gilmore, Sheila McKenzie, Mr Iain Stunell, rh Andrew White, Chris Glass, Pat McKinnell, Catherine Sturdy, Julian Whittaker, Craig Glindon, Mrs Mary Meacher, rh Mr Michael Swales, Ian Wiggin, Bill Godsiff, Mr Roger Mearns, Ian Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Willetts, rh Mr David Goggins, rh Paul Mitchell, Austin Swinson, Jo Williams, Mr Mark Goodman, Helen Moon, Mrs Madeleine Syms, Mr Robert Williams, Roger Greatrex, Tom Morden, Jessica Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Williams, Stephen Green, Kate Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Teather, Sarah Williamson, Gavin Greenwood, Lilian Morris, Grahame M. Thornton, Mike Wilson, Mr Rob Griffith, Nia (Easington) Thurso, John Wollaston, Dr Sarah Gwynne, Andrew Mudie, Mr George Timpson, Mr Edward Wright, Jeremy Hain, rh Mr Peter Munn, Meg Hamilton, Fabian Murphy, rh Mr Jim Tomlinson, Justin Wright, Simon Turner, Mr Andrew Hanson, rh Mr David Murphy, rh Paul Yeo, Mr Tim Tyrie, Mr Andrew Harman, rh Ms Harriet Murray, Ian Young, rh Sir George Uppal, Paul Havard, Mr Dai Nandy, Lisa Vaizey, Mr Edward Tellers for the Ayes: Healey, rh John Nash, Pamela Vara, Mr Shailesh Mark Hunter and Hendrick, Mark O’Donnell, Fiona Vickers, Martin Nicky Morgan Hillier, Meg Onwurah, Chi Hilling, Julie Osborne, Sandra NOES Hodge, rh Margaret Owen, Albert Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Pearce, Teresa Abbott, Ms Diane Cooper, Rosie Hoey, Kate Perkins, Toby Abrahams, Debbie Cooper, rh Yvette Hood, Mr Jim Pound, Stephen Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Corbyn, Jeremy Howarth, rh Mr George Powell, Lucy Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Crausby, Mr David Hunt, Tristram Qureshi, Yasmin Ali, Rushanara Creagh, Mary Irranca-Davies, Huw Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Allen, Mr Graham Creasy, Stella Jackson, Glenda Reed, Mr Jamie Anderson, Mr David Cruddas, Jon Jamieson, Cathy Reed, Steve Ashworth, Jonathan Cryer, John Jarvis, Dan Reynolds, Emma Austin, Ian Cunningham, Alex Johnson, rh Alan Riordan, Mrs Linda Bailey, Mr Adrian Cunningham, Mr Jim Johnson, Diana Ritchie, Ms Margaret Bain, Mr William Cunningham, Sir Tony Jones, Graham Robertson, Angus Banks, Gordon Curran, Margaret Jones, Helen Robertson, John Barron, rh Mr Kevin Dakin, Nic Jones, Mr Kevan Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Beckett, rh Margaret Danczuk, Simon Jones, Susan Elan Rotheram, Steve Begg, Dame Anne David, Wayne Jowell, rh Dame Tessa Roy, Mr Frank Benn, rh Hilary Davidson, Mr Ian Joyce, Eric Roy, Lindsay Benton, Mr Joe Davies, Geraint Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Ruane, Chris Berger, Luciana De Piero, Gloria Keeley, Barbara Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Betts, Mr Clive Denham, rh Mr John Kendall, Liz Sarwar, Anas Blackman-Woods, Roberta Dobbin, Jim Khan, rh Sadiq Sawford, Andy Blears, rh Hazel Dobson, rh Frank Lammy, rh Mr David Seabeck, Alison Blenkinsop, Tom Docherty, Thomas Lavery, Ian Shannon, Jim Blomfield, Paul Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Lazarowicz, Mark Sharma, Mr Virendra Blunkett, rh Mr David Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Leslie, Chris Sheerman, Mr Barry Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Lewis, Mr Ivan Sheridan, Jim Brennan, Kevin Doran, Mr Frank Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Shuker, Gavin Brown, Lyn Doughty, Stephen Long, Naomi Simpson, David Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Dowd, Jim Love, Mr Andrew Skinner, Mr Dennis Bryant, Chris Doyle, Gemma Lucas, Caroline Slaughter, Mr Andy Buck, Ms Karen Dromey, Jack Lucas, Ian Smith, rh Mr Andrew Burden, Richard Dugher, Michael MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Smith, Angela Campbell, Mr Alan Durkan, Mark Mactaggart, Fiona Smith, Nick Campbell, Mr Ronnie Eagle, Ms Angela Mahmood, Mr Khalid Smith, Owen Caton, Martin Eagle, Maria Mahmood, Shabana Spellar, rh Mr John Champion, Sarah Edwards, Jonathan Malhotra, Seema Stuart, Ms Gisela Chapman, Jenny Efford, Clive Mann, John Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Clark, Katy Ellman, Mrs Louise Marsden, Mr Gordon Tami, Mark Clarke, rh Mr Tom Engel, Natascha McCabe, Steve Thomas, Mr Gareth Clwyd, rh Ann Esterson, Bill McCann, Mr Michael Thornberry, Emily Coaker, Vernon Evans, Chris McCarthy, Kerry Trickett, Jon Coffey, Ann Farrelly, Paul McClymont, Gregg Twigg, Derek Connarty, Michael Field, rh Mr Frank McCrea, Dr William Umunna, Mr Chuka 215 Growth and Infrastructure Bill 16 APRIL 2013 216

Vaz, rh Keith Winnick, Mr David Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill Vaz, Valerie Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Walley, Joan Wishart, Pete Consideration of Lords amendments Watson, Mr Tom Woodcock, John Watts, Mr Dave Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab): On a point of order, Weir, Mr Mike Wright, David Madam Deputy Speaker. Given what the House has Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Wright, Mr Iain just decided, I seek your guidance. The Government Whitehead, Dr Alan have tabled amendments to this Bill in the other place to Williams, Hywel Tellers for the Noes: abolish the Agricultural Wages Board. They did that Williamson, Chris Mr David Hamilton and after the Bill had completed its passage in this House, Wilson, Phil Heidi Alexander which means that right hon. and hon. Members have not been able to utter a single word about those proposals. Question accordingly agreed to. Given the programme motion just decided and the limited time for debate, it seems unlikely that the House will have an opportunity to debate the board’s abolition, and we may not be able to vote on the specific proposals relating to the AWB without compromising other parts of the Bill with which we might agree. How can it be right for a proposal that will undermine wages for many rural workers to be enacted without this House ever having the chance to debate and challenge the Government on these proposals? May I seek your guidance, Madam Deputy Speaker?

Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): As I think the hon. Lady knows, that is not matter for the Chair and it is certainly not a point of order with regard to business. She has taken time from the business to make her point very forcefully and it is on the record. In terms of guidance from me, I say only that that was not a point of order and there is nothing further that I can do as Deputy Speaker. We will therefore proceed. I draw the House’s attention to the fact that financial privilege is involved in Lords amendments 64, 65, 66 and 104. If the House agrees to them, I will cause an appropriate entry to be made in the Journal.

Clause 56

COMMISSION FOR EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

3.17 pm The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): I beg to move, That this House disagrees with Lords amendment 35.

Madam Deputy Speaker: With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: Lords amendments 36 to 38 and Government motion to disagree, and Government amendments (a) and (b) to words so restored to the Bill. Lords amendment 39. Lords amendment 40, Government motion to disagree, and Government amendments (a) to (h) in lieu, and amendments (i) and (ii) to Government amendments (a), (b) and (c) in lieu.

Jo Swinson: May I say what a great pleasure it is to see you back in the Chair after your time away, Madam Deputy Speaker? I am sure the whole House will wish to echo that sentiment. As has already been discussed in this place and the other place, the measures in this Bill aim to promote long-term growth and reduce regulatory burdens on business. Consideration in the House of Lords has led 217 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 218 Bill Bill [Jo Swinson] and wide-ranging—its remit is wide and it has a huge amount of work to do—but they are not the broad, to important changes to the Bill, the great majority of overarching and rather more vague aspirations outlined which the Government believe strengthen and improve in the general duty. it, and we will consider those changes when we discuss the second group of amendments. The first group of Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I am amendments deals with the few issues where the disappointed that the Government are resisting Lords Government do not support the change proposed in the amendment 35. Is the Minister aware of the fact, and House of Lords. We have reflected carefully in the light does she agree, that the general duty has considerable of the strong views expressed and I will take each issue symbolic importance? Following the debate in the House in turn. of Lords, the EHRC this week acknowledged that As I outlined on Report, we want a strong, independent symbolic importance as an indication of the emphasis Equality and Human Rights Commission, and a great we place on equality of opportunity. deal has already been achieved since we last debated that matter in the House. We have appointed a new Jo Swinson: I understand the hon. Lady’s disappointment chair of the EHRC, who has been welcomed by Members and the arguments put forward in the other place. She is from all parties, and six new members to its board. We right to an extent that the debate has become largely have announced a budget, agreed with the EHRC, to symbolic. In a sense, I would argue that it has become enable it to continue its important work. purely symbolic. If we were writing the 2006 Act from the beginning and that long list of equality and human Under the leadership of Baroness O’Neill, we are rights duties that I have just outlined, people would not confident that the organisation will go from strength to say, “Those duties are not sufficient.” Everything that strength, but for any organisation to be successful, it the EHRC wants to do can be done under the existing must have clarity of purpose. The general duty is not a duties, so she is right that the debate is to some extent core purpose; it is a much more vague and aspirational symbolic. I do not believe that our measure will have an statement. Although I am sure that people can agree impact on the day-to-day work of the commission. with the sentiments it expresses, it does not help the commission or anyone else to understand clearly, in a focused way, what it is there to do and, importantly, Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): To follow what it can achieve. That is why we are seeking to repeal what the hon. Member for Stretford and Urmston the general duty. The change will not hinder the EHRC’s (Kate Green) has said, I remind the House that John ability to fulfil its important duties and responsibilities. Wadham told the Public Bill Committee that he does not regard the change as an attack on the EHRC’s We are also changing the commission’s monitoring remit. There was no worry in that respect. Since that duty to ensure that it reports on its core functions, time, the EHRC made a vague and odd press statement, rather than on the state of society generally. That will but John Wadham said that the change does not affect enable the EHRC to continue to promote equality of the philosophy, approach or goals of the organisation. opportunity, tackle discrimination, and protect and promote human rights, but more effectively than before. It will Jo Swinson: I take on board my hon. Friend’s point. also enable the EHRC to gain the that respect hon. We discussed on Report the EHRC council’s evidence Members want it to have as our equality body and to the Committee. As he says, repealing the general duty national human rights institution. does not impact on those equalities and human rights duties. There is no suggestion that section 3 of the Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling) (Lab): Will the hon. 2006 Act has any interpretive value in relation to other Lady explain why there is a contradiction between the legislation, including that Act—it has no specific legal EHRC’s core objectives and that aspiration? effect in and of itself. I understand the concerns, but I challenge hon. Members to suggest what concrete things Jo Swinson: The EHRC’s objectives are clearly outlined the measure stops the EHRC doing. The EHRC has the in sections 8 and 9 of the Equality Act 2006. As I have powers and tools it needs to do its important work, said, although section 3 of the Act and the general duty which is how it should be. paint a broad overarching vision, they do not focus specifically on equality, diversity and human rights as Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) outlined in sections 8 and 9, which is what the EHRC (PC) rose— needs to focus on day to day. The House should remember that the commission Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) will still have the responsibility and duty to promote (Lab) rose— understanding of equality and diversity; to encourage good practice in relation to equality and diversity; to Jo Swinson: I will give way to the hon. Lady, but then promote equality of opportunity; to promote awareness I want to make progress—I am conscious of what hon. and understanding of rights under the Equality Acts; to Members have said about the importance of time. enforce the Equality Acts; to work towards the elimination of unlawful discrimination and harassment; to promote Debbie Abrahams: I raised similar points on Second the understanding of the importance of human rights; Reading. What does the hon. Lady think the impact to encourage good practice in relation to human rights; will be on the international community’s view of the to promote awareness, understanding and protection of Government’s equality and human rights priorities? As human rights; and to encourage public authorities to many have stated, the international community could comply with section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998. see the measure as a downgrading of the Government’s Therefore, the EHRC duties that remain are significant equality and human rights priorities. 219 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 220 Bill Bill Jo Swinson: The hon. Lady raises an important point act. Because the Government have not acted, as the and gives me the opportunity to put firmly on the hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) record the importance that the Government attach to pointed out, cases of caste discrimination that people the EHRC as the national human rights institution, and would like to bring are being held up. Cannot the the importance of the dialogue and discussions we have Minister understand that the Government need to make had with the International Co-ordinating Committee of a decision today to recognise caste discrimination and National Human Rights Institutions, which will continue. put it in legislation? It is vital that the EHRC maintain its A-rated status in that regard. I am therefore asking the House to reject Jo Swinson: I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. Lords amendments 35 and 36, but I hope I have provided We have spoken before about this issue, because it reassurance that the EHRC will be able to fulfil its affects many of his constituents. It does him great credit important role in our society. that he speaks out for them and what they would like to see happen. In terms of the evidence of whether legislation Jonathan Edwards rose— is required at this point, we are not yet convinced that it is the right way forward. Some discrimination cases can Jo Swinson: I am sorry, but I did say that I wanted to already be brought under employment law. Some cases move on after taking that last intervention. of the operation of prejudice would fall outside We recognise the strength of feeling and the views discrimination law, but might be able to be brought expressed on caste in another place, and the importance under other forms of law, such as constructive dismissal of the issue. It is important to put it on the record that legislation. The NIESR report contained a range of the Government recognise that caste prejudice remains cases, many of which do not actually fall within the in the UK, not least as outlined in the 2010 National scope of discrimination law, such as prejudice within Institute of Economic and Social Research report. It is society outside of the workplace or the sale of goods important to recognise that the problem is entirely and services. Therefore the number of cases that would contained within Hindu and Sikh communities, which be potentially covered is quite small. A range of groups is different from other forms of prejudice and has expressed significant concerns about legislation on discrimination, which can be much more widespread in this issue, including many Sikh and Hindu groups, some society.That is why we are working with those communities of which represent low castes, such as Gujarati Arya to address the problem through an education programme Kshatriya Mahasabha UK, the Sikh Council UK, the supported by leading community organisations. That National Council of Hindu Temples UK, the Rita will be backed up by further examination by the EHRC, Trust, the Hindu Forum of Britain, Vishwa Hindu which reports later this year. Last month, the Under- Parishad UK, the National Hindu Students Forum UK Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, my hon. and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK. All those Friend the Member for Maidstone and The Weald organisations have expressed their concern about legislating, (Mrs Grant), outlined the extra funding that had been and we need to listen to their voices. made available for the “Talk for a Change” pilot project, so we can see how attitudes could be changed within Andrew Stunell (Hazel Grove) (LD): I have a lot of those key communities. time and respect for the work that my hon. Friend is doing on this, but there is real disappointment in the Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Money for House that the Government are not proceeding on this. education and understanding is welcome and important. It is not exclusively a matter for the Hindu community I am glad that the Government recognise that caste or one that should be decided by the leadership of discrimination is a problem, but in doing so, why does Hindu organisations, which—if I may say so—may in the Minister not take this opportunity to mention it in some cases be facilitating the caste system here in the law? Some who have tried to drag cases through UK. We need a robust response from the Government employment tribunals and others have had great difficulty very quickly. because caste prejudice is not mentioned specifically in law. If we understand that there is a problem with a Jo Swinson: My right hon. Friend makes an important form of prejudice, we should try to legislate as well as point about organisations that represent different parts educate to eliminate it. of the Hindu and Sikh communities, and that is why it is important to point out that they do not only represent Jo Swinson: I appreciate the point that the hon. high castes: some of them represent low castes as well, Gentleman makes. It is a complex issue, as the previous and there is concern across the spectrum. It is a serious Government also recognised. There is not one voice issue that requires serious consideration, and the from the communities about the right way to tackle this Government are not ruling out legislation. We have the issue, or whether legislation is the best solution to the power to legislate under secondary legislation: what I problems that have been identified. That is why, when am saying is that we are not convinced today that that is the Equality Act 2010 was passed, the previous Government necessary. took a power to enable them to introduce caste as a characteristic protected against discrimination through John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I secondary legislation. But the communities are very moved the compromise amendment that was accepted concerned about the possibility of increasing stigma by by the whole House. It provided that the Government using legislation to try to deal with this issue— would legislate if they could identify incidents of caste discrimination. The report identifies such incidents. It 3.30 pm was not a matter of the form of legislation: it was a Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): My hon. Friend’s commitment to legislate. The Government are taking predecessor as Equalities Minister was clear that the an extreme step backwards from what was agreed by the evidence was compelling and that the Government should whole House in 2010, when it was opposed by those 221 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 222 Bill Bill [John McDonnell] Jo Swinson: My hon. Friend raises an important point on whether this is a form of race discrimination. I same organisations that the Minister has listed today. think that the law shows that in some instances it may Traditional Hindus opposed Mahatma Ghandi’s attempt well be that cases could be brought under race to outlaw caste discrimination in 1933. discrimination when there is an issue of caste, although not necessarily in every case, which is why this discussion Jo Swinson: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his has arisen. She is also right to make the point about intervention and the work he has done on this issue over women’s groups. My hon. Friend the Member for many years. I reiterate some of the concerns that we Maidstone and The Weald, who leads on this issue, has have heard from those groups. For example, GAKM met a wide range of groups and organisations representing UK, an organisation that represents a community officially different sides, including women. It is important to recognised as low caste in India, fears that by enacting ensure that all people in the community are considered. this provision, Parliament could undo all the work done Taking the step of legislating would mean that every by communities over the past 20 years to try to remove employer, service provider and public authority across the differentiation by caste in all aspects of life. I am not Great Britain would need to familiarise themselves with saying that these are not important issues or that ultimately new legal obligations, despite the very low chance of it would not be helpful to enact the provision, I am ever being faced with a case of caste discrimination. saying that we need to proceed with great caution, That is why we have developed an educational programme. because the communities affected have significant differences The EHRC has offered to complete its examination into of view. That is why we want to ensure that the EHRC how best to address caste prejudice and discrimination, makes a further assessment of the views and evidence and we will be consulting together for views across the on this issue, on which it will report back later this year. communities. On that basis, I hope the House will agree The Government have already said, through the work that it is not appropriate at this time to agree with the and the statement of the Under-Secretary of State for other place on amendment 37. Women and Equalities, my hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant), and through John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): Will discussions in the other place, that if the assessment my hon. Friend give way? shows that we need to legislate, the option remains open to us. Jo Swinson: I want to make a little progress, because I Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) am conscious of time. (LD): I have raised this issue with my hon. Friend. The Amendments 38 and 39 focus on health and safety. amendments, on a general duty of equality and on caste Addressing the concerns about strict liability for breach discrimination, both had very large majorities in the of health and safety duties is an important element of House of Lords, and I am very sympathetic to them. the Government’s wider reforms to tackle both the Bluntly, it seems to me that the only way for the Government perception of a compensation culture and the damaging to get themselves off the hook is to ask the Joint effect it has on sensible health and safety management Committee on Human Rights, which consists of Members and business growth—concerns consistently reported from both Houses and all parties, to look urgently at by businesses. both matters and make recommendations. I sit on that As was outlined on Report, the purpose of this Committee and could make sure that that happens. I reform is to establish the important principle that a think the Committee would recommend that they be responsible employer should not be liable to a civil supported. I wonder whether the Minister is willing to claim for compensation where they have taken all reasonable go down that road. steps and have not been negligent. The substantive law is unaffected. Criminal offences and their enforcement Jo Swinson: It is not for the Government to instruct will not be affected, and employees will continue to have Joint Committees to undertake particular investigations. the right to bring claims for compensation where they As I was saying, the reason for caution on the part of can prove their employer has been negligent. the Government relates to a lack of evidence. The The Government do not believe that it is justifiable to NIESR report is clear about the lack of evidence. It hold employers liable for incidents outside of their states that there is no clear evidence on the extent of control that they could not have reasonably prevented. caste discrimination and whether it is changing in the The modern framework of law and supporting evidence UK. Further evidence would therefore certainly be helpful and guidance means that employees are in a much in assisting the Government’s decision making. In addition better position than they have been historically to to what the EHRC is doing, the Government intend to demonstrate whether their employer is at fault, and that conduct a full consultation and publish a report on its will remain relevant as evidence in assessing what employers outcome. If the evidence shows clearly that legislation is should have known and whether an employer’s behaviour the right way forward, then, as I have said, powers was reasonable. That reform will mean that in future already exist in law to extend those protections to cover there will be a consistent approach to civil litigation caste by means of a statutory instrument. across all health and safety legislation. This is simpler Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): The UK is a for all to understand and will therefore have a greater signatory to the convention on the elimination of all impact in increasing employers’ confidence to do the forms of racial discrimination, and clearly there is a right things to protect their employees and to develop feeling that this is a form of race discrimination. Has and grow their business. the Minister listened to representations from women’s We have proposed an amendment in lieu of groups? Women may have an additional vulnerability to amendment 38 and proposed that the House should discrimination within communities. agree with the other place in its amendment 39, which, 223 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 224 Bill Bill as well as reinstating the main provision, would also Jo Swinson: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind reintroduce amendments agreed in Grand Committee offer. No doubt, his Committee’s work on this matter in response to points raised by the Delegated Powers will be of great value to the Government when we put and Regulatory Reform Committee. The Committee together the consultation and work out how to deliver took the view that a power to extend the policy to wider the framework—it will not be a single scheme; there health and safety legislation was too wide, and the could be a variety of schemes—to ensure that tenants Government have agreed to remove it. have access to redress. I shall now turn to letting and managing agents. The Government intend to introduce the secondary Many letting agents act lawfully and provide a good legislation as soon as reasonably possible, but it is right service, but there is a minority whose service quality is that this be an order-making power, because it will give unacceptable—no doubt Members on both sides of the us the flexibility that comes from consultation and the House have heard tales from their constituents where due processes of policy making and scrutiny. this has been the case. Consumer protection legislation covers many of the problematic practices, but enforcement John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab): The is patchy, particularly in less serious cases. Also, existing Lords amendment tabled by Baroness Hayter simply legislation does not give consumers direct access to extended the estate agents system of regulation, which redress. has been in place for more than 30 years, to letting and managing agents. It includes a redress scheme, but goes The noble Lady Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town wider, including to cover some of the concerns that the said in the other place that her amendment simply hon. Member for Worthing West (Sir Peter Bottomley) required agents to sign up to a redress scheme. In has raised. Why do the Government not simply accept response, this Government amendment gives the Secretary that amendment? of State the power to make an order requiring letting and managing agents of privately rented and residential Jo Swinson: The right hon. Gentleman raises a good leasehold homes to belong to a redress scheme. The point, but there is also a good answer. The Government Government will consult on the detail, taking into are proposing an amendment in lieu of Lords amendment account the recommendations of the Communities and 40, which, as he said, subjects letting and management Local Government Committee Select Committee and agents to the Estate Agents Act 1979. The amendment the Office of Fair Trading. made to the Bill at present would not properly achieve the effect of requiring redress. It would impose undue Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): I look regulatory burdens by making such provision much forward, if I can, to contributing to this debate later. In broader. The requirements of the 1979 Act are rightly the consultation, will the Government consider setting onerous, because purchasing a house is something that minimum standards, adopting other codes, such as the people might do only once or twice in their lifetimes code for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors? and it involves a huge sum of money. There is therefore Will the consultation also include disciplinary procedures a strong case for significant levels of regulation, which and will there be an improvement to the protection of is not made in quite the same way for letting agents, leaseholder funds? where redress is the most important element.

Jo Swinson: I know that the hon. Gentleman has 3.45 pm tabled amendments and is keen to press the Government John Healey rose— on these issues. It is important that consumers have access to redress where letting and managing agents do Jo Swinson: If the right hon. Gentleman is unsatisfied not act as they should. Obviously, the specifics of the when I have finished answering his intervention, he may consultation have not yet been drawn up, but I am sure have another bite of the cherry. The Government’s that, through Hansard, his suggestions will be well-received. other concern about Lords amendment 40 is that it does I know that the Minister for Housing, my hon. Friend not work with the devolution settlement, because the the Member for Hertford and Stortford (Mr Prisk), will 1979 Act is a piece of UK-wide legislation, whereas be happy to meet him to discuss his concerns in more housing and letting issues are devolved to the devolved detail in order to ensure that we get this right. Taking Administrations. The amendment would therefore cause this power in the Bill will give us an opportunity to a significant difficulty with them. I presume that is an ensure that we get the details right. I hope I can reassure inadvertent effect of the amendment on the part of its him, however, when I say that my hon. Friend the movers in the other place; none the less, we would not Minister for Housing is keen to ensure that we make want it to make it into the Bill. speedy progress, while still getting the details right. John Healey: I am somewhat disturbed by that response and the suggestion that the homes that people buy are Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): I thank somehow more important than other people’s homes. the Minister for the letter she sent to me, as Chair of the We are dealing with people’s homes. Almost 9 million Communities and Local Government Committee. As households now rent in the private sector, which includes she knows, we are conducting an inquiry into the 1 million families with children. They require some private rented sector and are taking evidence on assurance—some security and basic rights in the market letting agents and proposals to change regulations in a that they do not have at the moment—which a redress number of areas, but I can assure her that we will, in scheme on its own will not provide. particular, consider the details of the redress scheme and I hope therefore that we will be able to inform the Jo Swinson: I understand what the right hon. Gentleman Government before they consider their secondary legislation says; we may have to agree to disagree on this matter. in detail. He is absolutely right to highlight the fact that we are 225 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 226 Bill Bill [Jo Swinson] Personally, I believe that we as a country have made a great deal of progress in this regard since I grew up here dealing with people’s homes, which is why this measure and since members of my family arrived here from is so important. Incidentally, it is also something that abroad. However, Baroness Campbell also said: his party did not see fit to introduce in 13 years in “We would not wish to risk slipping back to the time before the government. This Government are righting the situation Stephen Lawrence inquiry, but if Section 3 goes and the equality by making amendments to ensure that there is a redress duty is weakened or lost shortly after, I feel that is precisely where scheme. Indeed, when the Lords amendment we are we will be heading.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 4 March discussing was introduced in the other place, that is the 2013; Vol. 743, c. 1278.] argument that was made and that is what was said was Indeed, Doreen Lawrence has resolutely opposed the most important. I agree that a redress schemes is important removal of section 3. Baroness Campbell enjoyed to ensure that where there is a problem, tenants can overwhelming support from most of the others who have an avenue for redress. spoke on this issue in the Lords, and numerous others Indeed, such a scheme has two functions, because it is outside Parliament have objected to the repeal, fearing not just about ensuring that when somebody has a that the changes will result in a much weaker body. problem, they can get redress. The very fact that agents Those who have objected include Justice, the Fawcett have to sign up to redress schemes in the first place is in Society, Mind, the Refugee Council and the Equality itself a driver of behaviour to ensure less wrongdoing in Trust. the first place. More widely, residential leasehold matters Having listened to the arguments on this matter in are being taken forward separately by the Department both Houses and outside Parliament, the commission for Communities and Local Government in the round itself has now said that unless the Government can tables it is conducting. The noble Lady Baroness Gardner provide additional robust reasons for removing the of Parkes raised that issue in the other place. general duty—which they have not done—the case for I hope I have been able to outline the Government’s removing the Lords amendments in the Commons will position on the Lords amendments and provide some not have been made. The commission therefore continues reassurance to Members of this House. to support the retention of the general duty and the maintenance of the position established by the Lords. I Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): It is good to see put it to the Minister that if the commission is content you back in your place, Madam Deputy Speaker. to support the retention of the duty—which is doing no harm; indeed, it is doing quite the opposite—why does Before I turn to the four issues covered by this group she think that she knows better? of amendments, it is worth revisiting the supposed purpose of the Bill. It is supposed to be an enterprise Let us not forget that the Government are not only Bill that will generate growth. It was referred to as a seeking to water down the commission’s remit; they Christmas tree of a Bill when it left us, but it has since have also cut its budget by more than 60%. The cut was become something of a forest. so great that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights was moved to write to the Government Let me deal with each of the four issues in turn. The in June and July last year to express concerns. first is the Government’s move to repeal the general duty for the Equality and Human Rights Commission contained in section 3 of the Equality Act 2006. The Julian Smith: How does the shadow Secretary of Lords wished to reverse the Government’s move to State account for the evidence given by John Wadham, repeal section 3 of the 2006 Act and we agree with the chair of the commission, when he appeared before them. The general duty sets out the mission and vision the Committee? He stated: of the commission. It is worth repeating that duty, “I do not think that it is so problematic, because other parts of which is for the commission to encourage and support the legislation provide sufficient clarity on what our job really “the development of a society in which…people’s ability to achieve is.”––[Official Report, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Public their potential is not limited by prejudice or discrimination…there Bill Committee, 19 June 2012; c. 79.] is respect for and protection of each individual’s human rights…there How does the hon. Gentleman account for the chair of is respect for the dignity and worth of each individual…each the organisation—[Interruption.] How does he account individual has an equal opportunity to participate in society, for a board member of the organisation saying that in and…there is mutual respect between groups based on understanding and valuing of diversity…equality and human rights.” Parliament, yet now doing a flip-flop? Which is true? What does the organisation believe, and what does the The Government wish to repeal all of that as part of hon. Gentleman’s party believe? their red tape challenge, on the basis that it is a “vague, unnecessary and obsolete provision from the Equality Act 2006”, Mr Umunna: With the greatest respect to the hon. Gentleman, our party has made it very clear what we as the Minister put it in her letter to me yesterday. I believe. Mr Wadham can speak for himself, but I must could not disagree with her more. first point out that he is not the chair of the organisation. I made the point on Report that this is not red tape. Secondly, the Equality and Human Rights Commission Vision and mission are important. The reason that the has made it clear that it has changed its position on this Government have failed on all manner of fronts is that matter. Thirdly, we are hardly going to find a senior they lack vision and mission. As Baroness Campbell, member of an agency such as the commission seeking who sponsored the amendment in the Lords, said, the to have a public row with its Minister. However, I think duty imports the cultural and ethical principles of equality we all know exactly what people in the commission and human rights into the commission’s remit. It makes think. I was told that the last time we discussed this it clear that the commission is there not just to enforce matter in the House, Opposition Members were being rules but to change culture. cheered on by employees of the commission who were 227 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 228 Bill Bill watching the debate. I am sure that they are watching taken thereafter. It is not fair for him to say that we took this debate right now, and that they will have listened insufficient action during our time in government, but with interest to what the hon. Gentleman has just said. we needed to allow time for the communities concerned The Minister should also reflect on what the majority to adjust and to provide an opportunity for the education of her party’s members think about this issue. They which he talks about. Despite the time that has passed—the cannot fathom why she and the Business Secretary are Act was passed back in 2010—it is clear that more still making all these changes to people’s rights at work, to needs to happen. the role of the commission and so on. My hon. Friend We do not believe that the Government are doing the Member for Edinburgh South (Ian Murray), the enough on this issue, which is part of the reason why we shadow Minister for employment relations has told me will vote against the Government’s motion to disagree about his trip to the Liberal Democrats’ spring conference with the Lords amendment. I hope that further discussions last month. He spoke at a fringe meeting on employment can take place here about the implementation of action rights—I did not know he was going to do that—at against caste discrimination before the matter is discussed which the Minister tried to justify all these changes. My again in the other place. People on both sides of the understanding is that people walked out of that room in debate have said loudly and clearly that they would like disgust at the measures that she is trying to push through far more consultation on the subject. We hope that that today. I have, of course, castigated my hon. Friend for can happen. The goal—the place where we all want to forgetting to take Labour party membership forms with be—is to reach agreement on a way forward over the him to dish out; he will take a big box of them next next few days before the provisions arrive back in the time. We support the Lords amendments in this respect. House of Lords. Let me turn now to deal with caste discrimination, a matter that has attracted considerable interest outside Richard Fuller: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? this House. Labour has a proud history of tackling injustice and discrimination. We believe that people Mr Umunna: I will move on, because we are short of should be able to make the most of their potential time and I want to ensure that others can come into the opportunities—whatever their race, gender, family debate. background or social circumstances. In recent months, I shall move on to deal with health and safety.Clause 61, organisations such as the Anti-caste Discrimination to which Lords amendments 38 and 39 apply, is designed Alliance have campaigned for stronger action to tackle to remove civil liability for breaches of duty imposed by caste discrimination, and their case has been powerful. health and safety regulations. In so doing, it overturns Every community group and every faith group to which an accepted and established health and safety regime we have spoken—on either side of the debate in recent that has been on the statute book for a very long days—has been united in the belief that caste discrimination time—for over a century. What the Government are has no place in our country. seeking to do is overturn legislation that has been in We Labour Members thus believe that we must send place since a ruling in 1898. The consequence of that is a strong and clear message today—that caste discrimination serious. The clause removes the existing and long-established is completely unacceptable, and that we support taking right of an employee to rely on a breach of health and more action. That is why we will support the amendment. safety in any claims for personal injury. As was said in We need to do more to ensure that the small number of the other place, in respect of employer liability it will people who face such injustice have access to the redress force injured employees to face they deserve and have somewhere to turn to for support. “a near impossible evidential burden.”—[Official Report, House It is fair to say, however, that some have raised of Lords, 6 March 2013; Vol. 743, c. 1502.] legitimate concerns about the practicalities of how The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has stated the legislation would work—about its drafting and that the clause will favour negligent employers over implementation. We take those practical points seriously those who take health and safety considerations seriously and we agree that any new action we take must over and who treat people with the care that they are due. time reduce rather than increase the number of people The Government have not been able to provide evidence being identified by their caste, eliminating discrimination on the matter to support legislative change. They justify in the future. their amendment by referring to a recommendation in Professor Löfstedt’s report “Reclaiming health and safety Alok Sharma (Reading West) (Con): I absolutely for all”, published in November 2011. However, Professor agree with the hon. Gentleman and I think all of us are Löfstedt himself has expressed doubts about the united in believing that any form of discrimination—caste Government’s plan. In his review of progress a year on or any other form—is entirely wrong. It is interesting to from his report, he states: reflect that the hon. Gentleman is talking about this issue in 2013, yet the Labour party was in power—I “the proposed amendment to the Health and Safety at Work Act reverses the current position on civil liability. This means that, know the hon. Gentleman was not here then—for 13 years. unless exceptions apply, claims for compensation in relation to Did this issue not come up at any time over 13 years breaches of health and safety legislation will need to prove that and, if so, why did the Labour party not bring forward the employer has been negligent. The approach being taken is any proposals at the time? The Labour party should more far-reaching than I anticipated in my recommendation.” welcome the fact that this Government are the first to put forward an education programme to deal with the 4pm issue. Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab): Does my Mr Umunna: I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, hon. Friend agree that as a result of the failure of cases but we sought to deal with the issue through the Equality that would otherwise have succeeded, people who have Act 2010 and then by providing for further action to be not received compensation will look to the statutory 229 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 230 Bill Bill [Andy McDonald] I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the organisations across the sector who have worked with authorities for their rehabilitation—for their care, speech us to secure this change in position from the Government. therapy and physiotherapy—and that that will effectively Tenants and landlords have for too long had little constitute the nationalisation of rehabilitation? protection, and have been bewildered as to why it has taken so long for the Government to recognise the need Mr Umunna: I do agree. I think that describing it as for change. Until this eleventh-hour U-turn, the the nationalisation of rehabilitation is entirely appropriate. Government seemed out of touch and isolated on this I know that my hon. Friend, whose practice advised issue. It is good that they have changed position, recognising people who were claiming for personal injury, speaks the need for a proper complaints system for all consumers. with the benefit of huge experience. However, we are disappointed that the Government have not gone further, having rejected other parts of The Government declined to undertake the review Baroness Hayter’s amendment. that Professor Löfstedt recommended on the restriction of the number of situations in which strict liability would apply, saying that it would be too complex. The John Healey: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that other place rightly voiced serious concerns about that. slight qualification, but he may be in danger of overstating Lord McKenzie of Luton said: the extent of the U-turn. There are growing problems of “On the basis of the flimsiest of evidence, the opportunities for unjustified, unfair, upfront fees, misleading advertisements, those injured at work to obtain redress are being substantially repairs not being done and visits not being made. This impaired. We should be very clear about that. This is not ‘business is a step in the right direction, but it is a small step, and as usual’. The beneficiaries, of course, will be the providers of will prove insufficient to deal with a market that is not employer’s liability insurance. The losers will include taxpayers functioning properly and fairly in the interests of tenants because reduced compensation will mean reduced benefit recovery.”— or landlords. [Official Report, House of Lords, 6 March 2013; Vol. 743, c. 1504.] In less than a fortnight it will be workers memorial Mr Umunna: There must be some telepathy going on day, and many ceremonies, involving many Members of here, because I was about to go on to say that it is Parliament, will take place around the country to remember important to note that the majority of the sector see the men and women who have been injured or killed in the Government’s amendment today as a first step, not a workplace. The current framework is accepted and well last word. established, and has helped to prevent workplace deaths and injuries. I ask the Government to reflect on the debate and the vote in the other place, and to preserve Sir Peter Bottomley: The issue of caste was very well the status quo in the interests of the appropriate balance covered yesterday on the BBC’s “Newsnight”programme, of rights and responsibilities between employee and and I hope the Government will take up the suggestion employer in keeping the employee safe at work. We that there should be discussion over the next few days support the Lords amendment in that context. about how the points made can be incorporated into the aim to get fairness. My reaction on watching people Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): I apologise for describe what it was like to be told by someone junior to arriving late. I was at a meeting of the Backbench them that they should not take orders from them because Business Committee. of something that happened in their family past was My hon. Friend has just made an important point. that that was ludicrous. This is not about compensation as such; it is about Ghandi called the untouchables the children of God ensuring that employers introduce and abide by regulations over 70 years ago—in the 1930s, I think—and we ought that prevent accidents from happening in the first place to find some way of picking that up and echoing it in because they are frightened of having to pay the our country. compensation. That financial disincentive will drive I could speak on a number of issues, but I will stick to employers to do the right thing in circumstances in the issue of agents, and in particular leasehold managing which they might not otherwise have done so. This is agents. I hope that when the Select Committee looks at not about people at work receiving money; it is about this, it will address not only the letting of residential people at work not getting hurt and not getting killed. tenancies but the 3 million leaseholds in this country, many of which are held by people who are old, frail and Mr Umunna: I entirely agree. This is one of the on fixed incomes. My hon. Friend the Minister may be aspects of the debate on health and safety that I find right to say that the majority of managing agents behave particularly frustrating. While we must of course retain well. In the past, however, many of them, and especially a balance, we must also be clear about the fact that those who were associated with the freeholder, ripped protecting people at work and keeping them safe is not off their leaseholders left, right and centre. Such agents a matter of red tape. It is a matter of safety at work. are a minority, but they hold the majority of the Lords amendment 40, to which the Government have responsibility for managing leasehold properties, and tabled their own amendment, relates to estate agents. It the faster they are brought out into transparency and represents a welcome U-turn by the Government, who openness, the better. have backed Labour’s proposals to give greater protection I pay tribute to the Minister for Housing. Through to tenants and landlords by forcing letting agents to his efforts and the co-operation of his colleagues, the join a scheme to deal with complaints. It is a victory for Government have come forward with a welcome initiative. tenants and landlords who rely on agents to rent, or I am not arguing it is completely right—I would be care for, their property in a market described as the wild surprised if it were—but its 10 measures deal with a west by the industry itself. variety of issues, the most important of which is openness. 231 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 232 Bill Bill Having a redress scheme requires having a code. The but the 3 million leaseholders. That will require serious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has a good effort in Government and by Parliament and I hope code, as do some of the associations of letting agents. that in time the injustices that are rampant will have This explains why most people have argued for licensing, evaporated, partly through transparency and partly through which would include an ombudsman service and a legislative action. redress system. As things stand, we are going to get the Let me give an example of transparency. I challenge redress system, but we are not necessarily going to get every managing agent to tell every leaseholder now the code. what commission the freeholder is getting on the insurance I hope Ministers, either in this place or the other premiums to cover the value of the properties. Those place, can assure the Houses of Parliament that they commissions go up to 65%. In my view, they should not agree that having redress requires having a code, and be more than about 5% or 10%. Let us get that out in that managing agents will not be able to practice if they the open, and we will get the rest of the muck out have been struck off or cannot give adequate assurances afterwards. that they meet the code and will abide by decisions if they are held to have offended against it. Mrs McGuire: I want to make a few remarks about Ordinary disputes are one thing. I ought to declare the abolition of the general duty. that I have an interest in a small leasehold flat—I am It is sad that we are repealing the general duty under now a freeholder—and our managing agent and freeholder the Equality Act 2006. It was not plucked out of mid-air behaved impeccably with the six leaseholders. I have no and something that the then Government suddenly complaint about that at all. I have taken advantage of decided to put into an Act of Parliament. Progress the present system, but many people have not. towards the Act was long and conciliatory and it worked In Oakland court in my constituency, a group of for this Parliament and organisations outside it, yet really old people took action against their freeholder as under the guise of deregulation we are seeing the undoing they were being charged for a warden’s flat when there of many years’work, much consensus and much acceptance was no warden. Eventually, when they could get to the that the general duty laid out a set of values and leasehold valuation tribunal, there was an effective judgment principles for the Equality and Human Rights Commission. that would have given back to them—although sadly I find it doubly sad that the Minister, who has apparently many of them had died—not only tens of thousands of built up a reputation as a champion of equality, is pounds but possibly £100,000. Eventually, they came to having to justify this proposal today. The general duty a settlement and I pay tribute to the freeholders for sets out a unifying vision for society, which the EHRC doing that. must work towards. I find it disappointing that she To have clever lawyers, some of whom will appear at dismissed the idea that aspiration could sit comfortably LEASE—the Government-approved agency for giving with some of the other specific duties of the EHRC. advice on leaseholds—advise managing agents on what Unlike the Minister, I think that the general duty is can be done with leaseholders within the law does not fundamental to how the EHRC operates. It sets out the strike me as balanced. I ask the Government to ask guiding principles and values of the EHRC. It had LEASE to ensure that at least one of the two people I cross-party support and I suspect that if I checked the will name is invited to join its board. One is Sebastian voting record of the Minister, I would probably find O’Kelly, who runs the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, that she wholeheartedly supported that general duty in and the other is Martin Boyd. 2006, as did her party. Seven years on, what was achieved Martin Boyd got involved because he was one of the by working with her party and members of the other leaseholders who took on the Tchenguiz brothers. It is party in the coalition is dismissed as a burden on us all. not for me to get involved with whatever happened, right or wrong, with the Tchenguiz brothers, the action 4.15 pm to which they were subject and the separate action that Section 3 of the Equality Act 2006 brings equality they are now taking—although I would have thought and human rights together. It identifies the fact that we that a handshake and an apology would solve that. I am are defined not by our differences, but by our common saying, however, that the Tchenguiz brothers do not humanity. To put that another way, it says, “We’re all in have the best reputation for how they deal with leaseholders. this equality game together.” That is what the Minister Sometimes, they appear to charge rather high sums if has failed to see. The Government have not defined someone wants to sublet a leasehold property and what the EHRC would do better as a result of the sometimes they want to sell it. A whole series of other abolition of the general duty.They have made an assertion, issues should, I believe, be fully examined under but they have proved nothing about the repeal of section 3. parliamentary privilege. We cannot consider the repeal of section 3 in isolation. It seems to me that officials in the Departments As my hon. Friend the Member for Streatham involved have had to work really hard to produce the (Mr Umunna) identified, the EHRC is undergoing five pages of new clauses that we are discussing, so I tremendous change. It has had its budget cut by 60%, shall not add to their burdens by trying to go through yet the stoics within the EHRC have said that they can them in detail. continue to do some of the good work. It has been The permanent secretaries at the Department for weakened by the withdrawal of many of the facilities Business, Innovation and Skills, the Department for that it offered, including a telephone helpline. Where do Communities and Local Government and the Ministry people go now? What will the Minister say to people of Justice have a responsibility to add to the numbers of who need the help and support of the Equality and people involved, because Parliament will ensure that the Human Rights Commission? The general duty reflects issue gets proper attention—not just the 9 million tenancies, the values that a modern society should aspire to. 233 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 234 Bill Bill John Hemming: Does the right hon. Lady agree that Alok Sharma: I have referred to the NIESR report, the key thing about the general duty is section 12 and and clearly there is evidence that such discrimination is the requirement to monitor the progress of society going on, and ultimately we need to ensure that there towards the general duty? That is where it has a practical are remedies for it. As I was about to say, nearly half of effect. the 36 incidents discussed are not covered by the area of equality legislation. Indeed, for many others there is Mrs McGuire: Yes and, as I understand it, the monitoring scope to find the other remedies available. period has been extended from three years to five years. The hon. Gentleman has identified an important aspect. Dr Wollaston: Does my hon. Friend not also accept We should get away from the idea that the Equality and that, because the chances of a successful prosecution Human Rights Commission is merely the sum of its are small, individuals are less likely to come forward compliance powers. It is more than that. It should be and report incidents? working with the wider community to establish a society that has equality and human rights at its heart. The Alok Sharma: That might indeed be the case. I have Government’s disregard rejects the view that the EHRC been a Member of Parliament for only three years—many has a role working with the wider community. Members have been here far longer—and I represent a My hon. Friend the Member for Streatham mentioned constituency whose make-up means it is a microcosm of Baroness Campbell of Surbiton. The House owes the Britain, but in those three years not a single constituent baroness a great debt of gratitude because she has a has come to talk with me about being subject to caste long record of working on human rights and equality discrimination. People have come to talk about other issues—far longer, probably, than some of the younger forms of discrimination, but certainly not caste Members of this House have been alive. She knows discrimination. what she is talking about, and her charge to the Government was that they have yet to prove that a commission with Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab): fewer powers and tools at its disposal will be more Will the hon. Gentleman explain to me the relevance of effective than one with the role and powers bestowed on the number of constituents who have come forward to it by Parliament some six years ago. talk with him, or with anyone else? Surely a few cases means a few cases too many. If we base our understanding The Minister has failed to make that case. I hope of discrimination on numbers, we will not get very far. she will think again. If she is not prepared to do so, I hope Members in all parts of the House who believe Alok Sharma: I understand the sentiment the hon. that the Equality and Human Rights Commission has a Lady expresses, but is she suggesting that the Government role beyond its compliance powers will support Baroness should legislate to protect people from every conceivable Campbell and the House of Lords, and will support form of discrimination? We know that class discrimination their amendment when it comes to the vote this afternoon. exists, as do other forms of discrimination, but we follow other approaches for those, rather than legislation. Alok Sharma: I will restrict my comments to the discussion of caste discrimination. As I said in my Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): Is my hon. intervention on the hon. Member for Streatham Friend not concerned that most ordinary, sensible people (Mr Umunna), I think we can all agree that caste probably believe that caste discrimination is already discrimination is wrong and abhorrent, as is any form illegal and that if we do not go ahead with this, we will of discrimination. I welcome the fact that the Government be sending out a message that it is acceptable and that are making a real effort, taking the issue seriously and claims against it are not supported by the law? putting in place a programme of education. I hope that the hon. Member for Streatham would Alok Sharma: Of course it is unacceptable. As I said agree that, before introducing legislation, we should earlier, any form of discrimination is unacceptable, but ensure that there is an evidence base for doing so. As I we need to ensure that the remedies we have available am sure he will be aware, the NIESR report was incredibly are used, and ultimately there has to be an evidence comprehensive. As I understand it, NIESR approached base for legislation. CasteWatch UK and Voice of Dalit International and looked back at cases that were up to 10 years old, yet it Mr Khalid Mahmood (Birmingham, Perry Barr) (Lab): came up with a relatively low volume of caste-related If a carer was to refuse to care for an individual because incidents. I have no wish to trivialise any of those they were of a lower caste, how does the hon. Gentleman incidents, and clearly they were incredibly hurtful to think that would be remedied? the individuals involved, but I will just make the point that, ultimately, if we are to introduce legislation, we Alok Sharma: I took part in a debate on Radio 5 live need to ensure that there is a broad evidence base for this morning, and that was one of the examples that doing so. I understand that 32 people were interviewed came up. Clearly it is unacceptable. I do not know the for the NIESR report and 23 were used as case studies. details of the case, and I do not know whether there is a Those 23 people reported 36 separate caste-related incidents. remedy under workplace legislation, but, to continue with the theme, I think that we need to ensure that there Mr Umunna: I am listening carefully to the hon. is an evidence base. I welcome the work that the Gentleman, but I want to ask him two questions. Does Government are proposing on education. One of the he accept that caste discrimination is going on and, if he points made by a caller to the Radio 5 live debate this does, does he agree that the fact that it might be quite morning was that much of the time employers do not restricted should not preclude us taking action to protect understand caste discrimination. That could form part the small number who are subject to it? of the education process. As I understand it, certainly 235 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 236 Bill Bill based on my reading of the debate in the other place, This is not fanciful or esoteric: we are talking about the Government have not closed their mind to legislation. real people’s lives. Michael Adamson was a 29-year-old They said that an evidence base is needed and that electrician who suffered a fatal electrocution in the additional work is being undertaken. course of his employment in August 2005. The accident occurred during the construction of a retail outlet when John Hemming: Does my hon. Friend accept that he touched a cable labelled “Not in use”. The cable was were the Government motion to pass, this issue would live and Michael was fatally injured, but Michael’s not return to the House of Lords and could not be family saw justice because they were able to rely on the subject to a further amendment, but it is possible to Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. If they had not deal with it through a statutory instrument? There is been able to rely on the regulations, they would not have general agreement that the Lords proposal is not an been compensated for the loss of a son and brother. acceptable solution that would solve the problem properly. Mr Hill, who was a roofer and slater, fell from Alok Sharma: My hon. Friend makes an interesting scaffolding during the course of his work and suffered point. As the Minister said, this is a complex issue and very serious injuries resulting in incomplete tetraplegia. there is not necessarily a common view about how we The accident occurred as he came down the scaffolding need to deal with it. That is why the proposal to have on a portable ladder that was not fixed or in any way education as a first step is absolutely right. I welcome secured; he fell to the ground, causing the injury. His the fact that Talk for a Change will be running the— injuries were so severe that damages were agreed at just under £2 million. The court held that there was no Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab): Does liability at common law, but there was liability under the the hon. Gentleman agree that before the Race Relations Work at Height Regulations 2005. Were it not for those Act 1976 many fewer race relations cases, if any, were regulations, Mr Hill, whose injuries were so serious and taken through the courts, but after the law was passed life-altering, would not have received any compensation. people had the confidence to take their cases further? 4.30 pm Alok Sharma: I am pleased that we have come a long way from that time. We live in a modern society, and Finally, Mr John Smyth suffered catastrophic injuries that is entirely appropriate. in the course of his employment. He was working on a As I understand it from the debate in the other barge. A coupling on a crane that was moving a steel place—I am sure that the Minister will respond to beam overhead failed and the beam fell, striking Mr Smyth this—the Government’s mind is not closed on legislation. on his head. He suffered a severe brain injury and has The fact that work is going to be done by the Equality been rendered quadriplegic. His life and the lives of his and Human Rights Commission should also be welcomed. family have been shattered. Compensation exceeding This is a very complex issue, and it would be unfortunate £2 million was obtained, because Mr Smyth could rely if we were to follow a route of introducing legislation on the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations without having the evidence base for it. 1998 and the Work at Height Regulations 2005. He would not have received any compensation if those My final point, which was made by a caller this regulations could not be relied on. morning, is how much of an issue this is from the perspective of those who are second, third or fourth Significant sums are involved in catastrophic injury generation and were born and brought up in this country. cases. When I left practice, I left behind a case load that I do not define myself by my caste and I suspect that ran into hundreds of millions of pounds. Those are not there are millions like me up and down the country. I windfalls for people. This is not about a compensation will therefore support the Government’s motion. culture. These people have not won the pools or the lottery. Those moneys are there to provide them with Andy McDonald: I should like to speak to amendment 38. lifelong care—with transport, rehabilitation, speech therapy As my hon. Friend the shadow Minister said, this and physiotherapy—but the Government’s proposal seeks proposal goes much further than the one made by to pull the rug from under all those people. Why on Professor Löfstedt in his review of health and safety earth will this Government not think things through? law. Professor Löfstedt referred to ending civil liability, Where will those people turn? They will turn to the but only in relation to strict liability, whereas these statutory services. Are the Government serious about proposals will impact on the vast majority of employer nationalising rehabilitation and giving the bill to the liability cases, where breaches of statutory duty allegations taxpayer while letting the insurers off the hook? Insurers are usually more important than negligence. In every are rubbing their hands in glee at these proposals, and it case, the injured worker will have to prove that the is about time that this Government woke up. It will cost employer knew, or ought to have known, that a machine this country a fortune if they proceed in this way. was unsafe, equipment was faulty, or there had been People now face difficulties in making their case. previous accidents—something known to the employer Lord Brown, a former Supreme Court justice, highlighted but unlikely to be known by the employee. in the other place the difficulties experienced by workers It is worth noting that over 90% of health and safety in proving the negligence of employers. He said that regulation enforcement is through the civil courts. There when he worked as a barrister a number of claims were are some 78,000 claims for compensation following lost accidents at work every year, but only 1,000 criminal “because the claimants were not quite able to assemble all the prosecutions under health and safety, so if this proposal evidence necessary to prove actual negligence.”—[Official Report, proceeds we will be singularly relying on the Health and House of Lords, 6 March 2013; Vol. 743, c. 1513.] Safety Executive to do a better job than it is doing That is the situation that people will be placed in—they now—and what is the likelihood of that, given the will be denied a basic human right, and at a massive resources that are attributed to that organisation? cost to the taxpayer. 237 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 238 Bill Bill Karl Tonks, president of the Association of Personal “The evidence is compelling—so hopefully the Government Injury Lawyers, has said: who said that they would consider any evidence coming forward will now bring forward their own amendment to include caste.” “Lord Brown’s comments go to the heart of the matter. People injured through no fault of their own will find it extremely We are not talking about caste discrimination in challenging to secure justice.” social or personal circumstances. However, I understand He also commented on that when the Equality Act 2010 was debated, the then Solicitor-General accepted that the evidence showed “unintended consequences which will not just affect the workers that caste discrimination was prevalent in personal and involved, but society as a whole.” social situations. I ask the Government, and in particular I beg the Government to think again about the proposals. the Minister, whether we can rest comfortably on the I do not think that they have thought through the assumption that discrimination that persists widely in consequences of their actions. This will result in a lot of personal and social situations will magically halt at the misery for people who will have to turn to our statutory threshold to the shop floor or the door to the office? services and not receive the care and attention they That is a hard position to take. need. The lack of availability of district nurses will mean that those with a spinal cord injury will have to On whether legislation is the right approach, I say to wait in their properties for the nurse on duty to evacuate the Government that Talk for a Change is an inappropriate their bowels at a time not of their choosing, when the and insufficient measure. The NIESR report advised whole point—the whole caboodle—is to make sure that that education would not be sufficient. I ask the Minister people can live the lives that they want to and fulfil their whether she would rest on education alone as the answer potential. The proposals will deny them that opportunity to racist or sexist behaviour in the workplace. If not, and I beg the Government to think again. why should we rest on that alone in this case? On the basis of my constituents’ experiences, I disagree with the argument that caste discrimination is a diminishing Richard Fuller: I will speak in support of Lords issue. Does the Minister not see that the provision of amendment 37, which would provide people with legal education without the provision of legal remedy is the protection against caste discrimination in the workplace. worst possible solution, because it raises knowledge but I have listened intently to the debate. A number of does not afford consequences for discriminatory actions? speakers have said that this is a complex issue, including The current laws do not provide sufficient protection the Minister, the shadow Secretary of State and my for those who face caste discrimination. I draw the hon. Friend the Member for Reading West (Alok Sharma). House’s attention to the judgment in the employment I regard all those colleagues with great esteem, so I hope tribunal case of Naveed v. Chilli Pink in November 2011, that they will forgive my saying that the idea that this is which stated: a complex issue is rubbish. This is a straightforward “We consider in the light of the above provisions”— issue. Caste discrimination in the workplace is wrong and the people who suffer from it deserve legal protection. meaning section 9(5) of the Equality Act 2010— That is the beginning and end of the matter. “that the Claimant’s complaint of discrimination based on his caste was doomed to fail… First, no order has yet been made To help the Minister, who with the best of intentions extending section 9 of the Equality Act 2010 so as to provide for has found herself on the wrong side of the argument, I caste to amount of itself to an aspect of race.” will answer three questions that I expect this Government and the previous Government asked on this issue. Is The current situation is hostile to people who want to there evidence of a problem of caste discrimination? Is bring discrimination cases based on caste, and delay in legislation the best approach? Is a delay to implementation that matter is serious. justified? Hon. Members have already said that we need legislation so that some of those cases can move forward. There On whether there is evidence of a problem, I have was an important case recently. I will not talk about it received a petition signed by more than 300 of my specifically, but the impediments faced by the person constituents in Bedford and Kempston. I have received trying to bring the case to justice in terms of understanding representations from the Valmiki community, the Ravidassia among the police of the issues involved, access to legal community and the Dr Ambedkar Mission Society in advice and legal aid, and the personal costs in such Bedford. Those who saw “Newsnight”—a current affairs circumstances, would put anybody off doing so. programme on the BBC—will have seen, towards the end of the programme, personal testimonies from three On whether a delay is justified, the EHRC’s position of my constituents: Mr Ram Dhariwal, Mr Sam Kalyan seems perverse—we heard earlier about its flip-flops on and, most movingly, Mr Prithi Kaeley. other issues. Yesterday, the policy statement on its website stated: On behalf of those constituents and many others, I must say that I cannot see how people can argue that “The Equality and Human Rights Commission supports the there is no evidence of a problem. Some may say that enactment of Section 9 (5) of the Equality Act 2010”, the studies by the Anti Caste Discrimination Alliance yet after being given this job by the Government, it and the NIESR did not provide sufficient evidence. recently stated: Those reports made me angry and made me cry. They “What is clear is that caste is an extremely complex area,”. made me feel that action on this issue was all the more I would be interested to hear from the Government— important. perhaps the Minister will respond—whether the EHRC I repeat what I said to the Minister earlier on the is researching this issue or looking at ways in which evidence for a problem. She should listen to her companies could move forward with rules on colleague, the Under-Secretary of State for International implementation should the Government enact this measure. Development, the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Would it be possible for the EHRC to bring cases to Green (Lynne Featherstone), who said: court or support cases going through the courts? 239 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 240 Bill Bill I tried to intervene earlier on the shadow Secretary of Simon Hughes: I think I am right in saying that the State because I want to be absolutely clear about the Opposition’s position is not consistent. If the House position of the Labour party on this issue, and specifically upholds the Lords amendment and the Government are on whether it would like this measure on caste to be defeated, it does not go back to the Lords, because the enacted. That was not clear from what the shadow position will have been agreed by both Houses. Secretary of State said because he also talked about consultation and other things. It would be helpful to Richard Fuller: I am now even more confused. I will have clarification on that. I argue that whether or not have to read carefully the comments that have been made. the issue of caste is diminishing over time—that may or For me, this is the clearest issue, and I need no further may not be true—is not material. Discrimination today explanation. When it comes to tackling discrimination, deserves remedy today. It is no good telling people that I ask myself whether our enlightenment should be a we can sort the issue out and that their grandchildren condition of a quantum of discrimination. If so, how and great grandchildren will be fine. We need a remedy many career opportunities will be curtailed, and what today. amount of tears will be shed, as a result of harassment based on caste? Alternatively, is our enlightenment a Mr Umunna rose— condition of our understanding that all people deserve equality of opportunity, protected by law, regardless of Richard Fuller: I shall give way for clarification. their gender, race, sexual orientation, faith and caste? For me, the answer is a clear one of principle. On those Mr Umunna: I am conscious that I shall not get the grounds, and on behalf of the hundreds of my constituents chance to intervene again. The Labour party’s position who have written to me to encourage me to make the is clear: more needs to be done and if we are to do more case for equality of treatment under the law, I ask the in legislation, further consultation must be carried out Minister to reconsider her position and accept Lords and the issue must be looked at properly. That is why we amendment 37. support the amendment so that it can go back to the Lords and we can have a discussion about how to get 4.45 pm more consultation and how agreement can be reached. We are clear that more needs to be done and I remind Sandra Osborne: I am in favour of the Lords amendments the hon. Gentleman that we touched on this issue in the on the general duty in the Equality Act 2006. I am Equality Act 2010, although we did not bring into force extremely disappointed with the view the Government by order the inclusion of caste in the definition of race have taken. They are seeking to repeal the general duty in that Act. However, the fact that we addressed the because they believe it serves no useful purpose and is issue in that Act shows we were alive to it. As he and I superfluous to requirements, but that flies in the face of know, practically implementing such measures in a way the views of equality and human rights experts; the that does not lead to a plethora of litigation is something EHRC, albeit latterly; service users and other stakeholders; of which we must all be mindful. and the Government’s analysis of the public consultation, which shows that the majority of respondents were Richard Fuller: If I can hear that as a clarification—I opposed to repeal by a ratio of 6:1, and that they were do not wish to misstate what I heard—the position of concerned about losing the guiding principles and values the shadow Secretary of State and the Labour party is set out in the general duty. If the Government believe precisely the same as that of the Government on the key that section 3 is so insignificant, why are they using issue of whether it is abundantly clear that discrimination valuable parliamentary time on it? That is particularly based on caste is wrong, and that we should enact the puzzling because the measure had all-party support relevant measure today. The hon. Gentleman’s answer is during the passage of the Act. “Let’s have more time; let’s do more consultation”, Section 3 mandates the EHRC to act with a view to which is what I heard the Minister say. Perhaps I encouraging and supporting the development of the misheard. various aspects of equality and human rights. The Government believe that it raises unrealistic expectations Mr Umunna: There are two points. First, if our of what the EHRC can do. That view lacks not only position was the same as that of the Government we ambition but principles. The values we enshrine in would reject the Lords amendments. Secondly, we are legislation send a message about the society to which we clear that more needs to be done and we must look at aspire. That requires not just a regulator but an legislation and at what measures to introduce. I cannot organisational framework that can promote social change. be clearer than that for the hon. Gentleman. As Age UK has said, the measure is about changing the culture, not just enforcing the rules. Richard Fuller: If I may say so, the hon. Gentleman Society values an outward-looking EHRC monitoring could try a lot harder to be much clearer than that. I am what is happening in the UK rather than just reporting not asking specifically about the amendment but about on itself. One example is the EHRC report on the the provision in the Bill that the people who campaigned shortcomings of care provided to elderly people. That hard on this issue want to see. I believe their expectation not only brought about change in practice, but highlighted is that the Labour party will support that provision, but the rights of elderly people to protection and to respect I am hearing that it does not yet support it. of their human rights. Simon Hughes rose— Sir Bob Hepple has said that the Government are wrong to say that section 3 has no specific legal function. Richard Fuller: I am happy to give way to the right He states that the courts can use it as a helpful guide to hon. Gentleman. Perhaps he understands the situation the Act in the absence of a purpose clause, which the better. previous Government declined to insert in the Equality 241 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 242 Bill Bill [Sandra Osborne] Mr Mahmood: Those people have asked me to take up this issue on their behalf, as their Member of Parliament, Act 2010. I sat on that Bill Committee, and remember and that is what I am doing. It is not a matter of the Lib Dems arguing for a purpose clause. However, individual cases because—as I have said and as the hon. the purpose clause was less important than it might Gentleman needs to understand—one case is too many. have been because of the general duty set out in the In this day and age, and in this country, discrimination 2006 Act. Sir Bob believes that the repeal of section 3 against anybody based on who their parents or grandparents will leave equality law rudderless. I look forward to the were, where they came from or the family into which Minister informing the House of the Government’s they were born is wrong, and we should not go down response to that view. that route. We are here to protect those people who, Equality and human rights are inextricably linked. through no fault of their own, were born of a particular The point of the Equality Acts was to overcome the lineage. fragmentation of the different forms of discrimination. There are cases of prejudice in my constituency and The EHRC needs the clear purpose provided in section 3 in Birmingham, but they cannot be dealt with because to guide it when deciding priorities, and to ensure that it the law does not allow it. We want the Government to approaches its different equality and human duties in look at that issue and deal with it. The point is equality an integrated and effective manner. for all. This is not about discrimination against one The Joint Committee on Human Rights, in its sixteenth group of people or one caste of people: it is about report, unanimously welcomed section 3, saying that it providing equality for all of us. If this argument had would serve in practice as a unifying factor in performance been accepted on the race relations legislation we introduced, of the commission’s duties under sections 8 to 11, which my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Erdington the Minister outlined. I have already raised in previous (Jack Dromey) would still be fighting his corner and debates the danger of jeopardising the EHCR’s UN A trying to provide evidence of the number of people status accreditation, following the cuts of 76% of its affected by that discrimination. We are going down a budget and 62% of its staff since its inception. This route that we have trodden long enough to understand repeal would be another nail in the coffin, and we know that where there are issues of inequality and injustice that the public sector equality duty is also under review. we need to address them. There have been cases of What does that say about the coalition’s commitment to people working below someone of a different caste, and equality? It is constantly chipping away at the most believing that that they should not take them seriously. progressive and advanced legislation and policy, while In the health service, there have been care providers who undermining the ECHR in its infancy, when it was far were looking after people of a lower caste but felt that too early to judge its effectiveness. they should not be doing that. We need to provide In 2011, the Deputy Prime Minister told the hon. protection for those who are most vulnerable. They Member for East Dunbartonshire (Jo Swinson), who is have suffered huge discrimination in their country of now the Minister responsible, that he would resist the origin, and we should not perpetuate it. siren calls to water down the Equality Act by confirming that there would be no move to dilute its incredibly important protections or to enshrine and boost inequality Jeremy Corbyn: I will be very brief, because other in this country under the guise of dealing with unnecessary colleagues want to speak. I want to address the issue of or intrusive regulation. That is exactly what is happening caste, and to compliment the hon. Member for Bedford here today, so I do not expect to see any Liberal (Richard Fuller) on the way he spoke and for the logic Democrats in the Aye Lobby on this issue today. he brought to his argument. Outside the House at lunch time today, there was a Mr Khalid Mahmood: I rise to speak in favour of the considerable demonstration in support of the Lords Lords amendment on caste discrimination. The Minister amendment on caste discrimination. The people on the said that we need more education and consultation. She demonstration came from different backgrounds and said that she wants more evidence. We can educate and communities: Hindu communities, Sikh communities, consult as much as we want, and if she wants evidence, Muslim communities, Christian communities and people she can come to my office or I can send her almost 1,000 who hold no particular faith. All were united in the letters that I have received from my constituents on this view that if there is discrimination on any basis, it is issue. This issue is close to the heart of most of the wrong. While education may help people to get away people in the United Kingdom who have been excluded from their discriminatory practices, it does not offer from equality legislation. They ask why, when everybody protection for the victims of that prejudice. It is therefore else is entitled to the protection of that legislation, they incumbent on this House to do something. are not. We want that issue to be addressed today. Caste discrimination is not new. In south Asia, it is a We have discussed the number of people who have massive issue, despite it being illegal within the terms of come forward. Most of those affected cannot come the Indian constitution written by Dr Ambedkar, and forward—as the hon. Member for Bedford (Richard despite the many statements on the issue by Mahatma Fuller) pointed out—or be taken seriously unless they Gandhi. In this country, we have passed race relations are prepared to spend huge amounts of their personal legislation over many years. The arguments being used money to get their cases heard. today—that there is not enough evidence, more needs to be gathered and there has to be consultation—are Alok Sharma: On a point of clarification, the hon. exactly the same arguments used against the first race Gentleman says that he has had 1,000 letters from his relations law in this country: that we cannot legislate constituents. Have all those people specifically faced away prejudice and discrimination. No, we cannot. caste discrimination in this country? However, we can offer protection for the victims, we can 243 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 244 Bill Bill offer legal redress, we can stop discrimination in the Government were not convinced then that there was workplace. That is what the Lords amendment is designed caste discrimination, they would undertake research, to do. and the commitment was given—a cross-party promise— The history of the immediate issue is that an amendment that if there was any evidence of discrimination, legislation to the Equality Bill, which came before the House in would be forthcoming. 2010, was agreed. Two amendments were tabled. One That evidence has now been brought forward. It is amendment, tabled by Rob Marris, the former MP for not numerous, but, as hon. Members have said, if one Wolverhampton South West, was in the form of the person is discriminated against, we should ensure that it Lords amendment, but, unfortunately, was not accepted. does not happen. So there might not be the quantum, Instead, the Government accepted an amendment tabled but there is the qualitative evidence demonstrating that by my hon. Friend the Member for Hayes and Harlington discrimination is taking place. I say to the hon. Member (John McDonnell), which stated that research should for Reading West (Alok Sharma) that I have had cases be undertaken. That research has been done. The in my constituency of appalling levels of discrimination, requirement—it was not an option, but a requirement— but people are terrified of coming forward, because, placed on the Secretary of State was to introduce legislation without protection in place, it would reinforce the if the research report showed that there was discrimination. discrimination, as my hon. Friend the Member for The research shows clearly that there is discrimination Islington North said. on the basis of caste. I am therefore very disappointed Today is about the fulfilment of a commitment, given with the Minister’s response and hope that she will on a cross-party basis, to legislate, if the evidence is think again. We can vote in favour of the Lords amendment there, to outlaw the discrimination. I am asking for that today. That would change the law and be the end of the commitment to be upheld. My understanding of the immediate debate. Caste discrimination would be illegal position of the Labour Front-Bench team is straightforward. in the UK if we were to do that today. I very much hope They support the outlawing of caste discrimination, we do. which is why they support the Lords amendment. Detailed There are many organisations and people who say regulations would need to be introduced, as is always that we want more discussion and debate. We should, the case with anti-discrimination legislation, so I accept however, simply say that we think discrimination on any that further discussions would be needed, but let us basis in our society is wrong. I am the chair of the establish the principle today. trustees of the Dalit Solidarity Network and I have met I am an old-fashioned Marxist, but my politics over many people who are victims of caste discrimination. the past 30 years have also been shaped by my Asian On the square today were many people who had been constituents, who have taught me a lot. They have through the most appalling situations—because they taught me about the role of Ghandi. As mentioned married into the upper-lower caste, got a job where earlier, in 1933, his 21-day fast was followed by a their manager was a different caste or went for a promotion year-long campaign that resulted, in 1947, in an Indian and did not get it. All kinds of things come out when constitution that outlawed caste discrimination. My these debates take place. I urge the House, if we think Sikh constituents have also taught me a lot. In Sikhism, that discrimination is wrong, to legislate to say that it is caste discrimination is outlawed. I will quote from the wrong, and, if we want to outlaw it, to do it today. Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book. It says: “do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or 5pm castes in the world hereafter”. John McDonnell: I want to comment briefly—it is To those Sikh organisations that have expressed important that we hear from other Members in the time consternation about some of the debate around caste, I available—on the two issues with which this debate say that what we have a chance to introduce today into started. British legislation is Sikh principles. The Sikh community in this country should be proud of that, and this House I turn first to the Equality and Human Rights should be proud to say that we will outlaw caste Commission. As my right hon. Friend the Member for discrimination once and for all. Let us do it on a Stirling (Mrs McGuire) said on Second Reading, the cross-party basis. House of Lords has discovered that we are seeing the incremental abolition of the EHRC: cuts in its budget Several hon. Members rose— and staffing; the reduction of staff morale to an all-time low; the undermining of confidence in the organisation Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. I wish and its effectiveness among the wider community; and to inform the House that the knife will fall at 5.15 pm. I now—almost the killer blow—the undermining of its will call Mr Sharma next, then Mr Hughes, and I would remit. That is what this is about, and it is a tragedy that like both to be mindful that if they wish to hear the it is a Liberal Democrat Minister bringing it about, Minister sum up, they must leave her time to do so. because the Liberal Democrats supported us so effectively throughout the construction of the organisation. Mr Virendra Sharma: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, I turn briefly to caste. As my hon. Friend the Member for allowing me to speak in this debate on the amendment for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) said, I moved an to include caste in the Bill. amendment to the Equality Act 2010. To be frank, it Before we debate caste, we need to understand what was not what we wanted. I supported the Rob Marris the caste system means. It has been a deep-rooted proposal to outlaw caste discrimination, but the two tradition among Indian sub-continent communities for Front-Bench teams were anxious about outlawing it, so centuries. Various social reform movements of the last we worked cross-party. Liberal Democrat, Conservative 1,000 years have declared discrimination on the basis of and Labour Members sought a compromise agreement caste to be unacceptable. Many saints, rishis, social and we got it through the House. It was simple: if the reformers and gurus have campaigned on the issue. 245 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 246 Bill Bill [Mr Virendra Sharma] is key to changing attitudes and behaviour, but it is also necessary to reduce discrimination in the long term. Indeed, every page of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Legislation is necessary to ensure that any victim of Granth Sahib—from which my hon. Friend the Member discrimination is protected, and to provide legal redress for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) quoted— against discrimination. Adding “caste” alongside “race” speaks, in one way or the other, against inequality in in section 9 of the Equality Act 2010 will reaffirm our society. Many other faiths—Jainism, Buddhism—also commitment to fight prejudice of any kind and to speak against discrimination, highlighting caste before protect any individual who feels discriminated against. I moving on to other inequalities in society. can only hope that, as a testimony to the strong unity However, after centuries, we are still talking about the that I have witnessed in the Hindu and Sikh communities, fact that there is a caste system in society. It might be the amendment will never have to be used in practice. alien to British society, but for people who have lived or come from there, it is in them, which is why, when India Simon Hughes: I say to the Under-Secretary of State gained independence from Britain, it had to pass a for Business, Innovation and Skills, my hon. Friend the law—it is in the constitution—saying that nobody can Member for East Dunbartonshire (Jo Swinson) that I, discriminate against another individual in employment, like many of our colleagues, support the retention of service delivery or, above all, social life. Why did India the general duty on equality. I understand the difficulty have to do that if educating people or persuading them that she has in a coalition Government, in that she has to change their habits and practices was such a simple to try to reflect different views, but I hope that, whatever matter? It shows that even Dr Ambedkar, Pandit Nehru, decision is reached today, she will be able to persuade Mahatma Gandhi and many other leading members of her colleagues that we should retain that duty rather the Indian political movement accepted that doing so than remove it. was not easy. That is why that law was introduced in the On the caste issue, I offered a suggestion earlier on constitution. the way forward. If the Government cannot accept the We need to understand what is in India, but we also amendment to make caste a basis for discrimination—which need to understand how we are living in British society. I am persuaded that we ought to support—I hope that I feel proud to represent the constituency of Ealing, they will at least give Parliament an early opportunity Southall, in which Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Dalits—we to introduce secondary legislation to allow the provision are using that term now—and many other minorities to be added to legislation this year. from different parts of the world live. I feel proud to say in this place that we all live together peacefully, supporting Jo Swinson: I thank my right hon. Friend the Member each other. We have the Sikh procession, which all the for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) communities join—I am sure that many Members who for what must be one of the shortest speeches of his life. are present can speak about that as well. Whenever With the leave of the House, I shall respond to some of there are any issues in the community, we come together the points that he and others have made, and I genuinely and address them. welcome the opportunity to do so. There has been a change in social life as well. People are entering inter-caste marriages and there is more The shadow Secretary of State, the hon. Member for closeness, but there is still an element when we are Streatham (Mr Umunna), began by accusing the talking about employment and, in certain areas, service Government of making a U-turn on lettings. He failed, delivery as well. The hon. Member for Reading West however, to point out his own party’s U-turn on that (Alok Sharma) asked how many cases there were, and issue. The proposals in the Government amendment for although sometimes we do not have the details of cases, a redress scheme bear a striking similarity to an amendment we know that such practices are going on. In previous that was tabled under the previous Government by my years, before 1976, there was indirect discrimination—that hon. Friend the Member for Hertford and Stortford is, if it was not direct discrimination—and now there is (Mr Prisk) and supported by the Conservatives and the still indirect discrimination. Liberal Democrats. It would have introduced a redress scheme, but the Labour Government voted against it. I would like to make one other point. We are not That is why we are bringing forward the amendment talking about something that is anti-Hindu, anti-Sikh today. It is a much more sensible provision than the one or anti-Jainist or against any other high-class, high-caste that was tabled in the other place, and it will give redress community. This is not against them; it is introducing to consumers who are unfortunate enough to be the equality, so that where any individual or group feels victims of letting and management agents who are not that they are being discriminated against, they will have acting as they should. the legal remedy that we are introducing today. As I have said, there is not a major issue in my The right hon. Member for Stirling (Mrs McGuire) constituency. I feel proud that the Sikhs and Hindus asked where people should go for help in the absence of there actively promote unity among all faiths. That is the EHRC helpline, and I am happy to draw her attention why we all meet together at the processions and at many to the Equality Advisory Support Service that has been other functions. My right hon. Friend the Member for set up instead. Anyone who needs advice on these issues Leicester East (Keith Vaz), who is in his place, was in can ring the service on 0808 800 0082. That service is my constituency on Sunday when the Tamil new year still available, although it is no longer supplied by the was celebrated. Members of all the other religions and EHRC. It also works closely with the Commission to faith groups were present at those celebrations. There is ensure that general information is passed back to inform not an issue in people’s social lives. the work of the service. We have heard suggestions about placing the value of My hon. Friend the Member for Reading West (Alok education over the value of legislation in protecting Sharma) made a powerful speech on the question of individuals against caste discrimination. Of course education caste. He was right to highlight the complexity of the 247 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 248 Bill Bill issue. He also asked for confirmation that the Government Farron, Tim Lamb, Norman were not entirely closed to the idea of legislation. I am Featherstone, Lynne Lansley, rh Mr Andrew happy to give him that confirmation, as I said earlier, Field, Mark Latham, Pauline and indeed as has been said in the other place. The issue Foster, rh Mr Don Laws, rh Mr David is about ensuring that we get the right response. We Fox,rhDrLiam Leadsom, Andrea recognise that, as the EHRC gathers the evidence for Francois, rh Mr Mark Lee, Dr Phillip Freeman, George Leslie, Charlotte the assessment it is undertaking this year, it might Freer, Mike Letwin, rh Mr Oliver ultimately recommend a view that involves legislation. Fuller, Richard Lewis, Brandon My hon. Friend the Member for Worthing West Gale, Sir Roger Lewis, Dr Julian (Sir Peter Bottomley) has tabled amendments to deal Garnier, Sir Edward Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian with various issues, particularly a code of practice for Garnier, Mark Lidington, rh Mr David redress. The Government consultation will of course Gauke, Mr David Lilley, rh Mr Peter include consideration of how the redress mechanism Gibb, Mr Nick Lloyd, Stephen should operate— Gilbert, Stephen Lopresti, Jack Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Lord, Jonathan Glen, John Loughton, Tim 5.15 pm Goldsmith, Zac Luff, Peter Two hours having elapsed since the commencement of Goodwill, Mr Robert Lumley, Karen proceedings on consideration of the Lords amendments, Gove, rh Michael Macleod, Mary the debate was interrupted (Programme Order, this day). Graham, Richard Main, Mrs Anne The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Question already Grant, Mrs Helen May, rh Mrs Theresa proposed from the Chair (Standing Order No. 83F), Gray, Mr James Maynard, Paul Grayling, rh Chris McCartney, Jason That this House disagrees with Lords amendment 35. Green, rh Damian McCartney, Karl The House divided: Ayes 310, Noes 244. Greening, rh Justine McIntosh, Miss Anne Division No. 205] [5.15 pm Grieve, rh Mr Dominic McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Griffiths, Andrew McPartland, Stephen Gummer, Ben McVey, Esther AYES Gyimah, Mr Sam Menzies, Mark Adams, Nigel Cable, rh Vince Hague, rh Mr William Mercer, Patrick Afriyie, Adam Cairns, Alun Halfon, Robert Metcalfe, Stephen Aldous, Peter Cameron, rh Mr David Hammond, rh Mr Philip Miller, rh Maria Alexander, rh Danny Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hammond, Stephen Mills, Nigel Amess, Mr David Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hancock, Matthew Milton, Anne Andrew, Stuart Carmichael, Neil Hands, Greg Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Bacon, Mr Richard Cash, Mr William Harper, Mr Mark Moore, rh Michael Baker, Norman Chishti, Rehman Harrington, Richard Mordaunt, Penny Baker, Steve Chope, Mr Christopher Harris, Rebecca Morgan, Nicky Baldry, Sir Tony Clappison, Mr James Hart, Simon Morris, Anne Marie Baldwin, Harriett Clark, rh Greg Harvey, Sir Nick Morris, David Barclay, Stephen Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Morris, James Barker, rh Gregory Clegg, rh Mr Nick Hayes, rh Mr John Mosley, Stephen Baron, Mr John Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Heald, Oliver Mowat, David Barwell, Gavin Coffey, Dr Thérèse Heath, Mr David Mundell, rh David Bebb, Guto Collins, Damian Heaton-Harris, Chris Munt, Tessa Beith, rh Sir Alan Colvile, Oliver Henderson, Gordon Murray, Sheryll Bellingham, Mr Henry Cox, Mr Geoffrey Herbert, rh Nick Murrison, Dr Andrew Benyon, Richard Crabb, Stephen Hinds, Damian Neill, Robert Beresford, Sir Paul Crockart, Mike Hoban, Mr Mark Newmark, Mr Brooks Berry, Jake Crouch, Tracey Hollingbery, George Newton, Sarah Bingham, Andrew Davey, rh Mr Edward Hollobone, Mr Philip Nokes, Caroline Binley, Mr Brian Davies, David T. C. Holloway, Mr Adam Norman, Jesse Birtwistle, Gordon (Monmouth) Hopkins, Kris Nuttall, Mr David Blackman, Bob Davies, Glyn Horwood, Martin Offord, Dr Matthew Boles, Nick Davies, Philip Howell, John Ollerenshaw, Eric Bradley, Karen de Bois, Nick Huppert, Dr Julian Opperman, Guy Brake, rh Tom Dinenage, Caroline Hurd, Mr Nick Ottaway, Richard Bray, Angie Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Jackson, Mr Stewart Paice, rh Sir James Brazier, Mr Julian Dorries, Nadine James, Margot Parish, Neil Bridgen, Andrew Doyle-Price, Jackie Javid, Sajid Patel, Priti Brine, Steve Drax, Richard Jenkin, Mr Bernard Paterson, rh Mr Owen Brokenshire, James Duddridge, James Johnson, Joseph Pawsey, Mark Bruce, Fiona Dunne, Mr Philip Jones, Andrew Penning, Mike Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Ellis, Michael Jones, rh Mr David Penrose, John Buckland, Mr Robert Ellison, Jane Jones, Mr Marcus Percy, Andrew Burley, Mr Aidan Elphicke, Charlie Kawczynski, Daniel Perry, Claire Burns, rh Mr Simon Eustice, George Kelly, Chris Phillips, Stephen Burrowes, Mr David Evans, Graham Kirby, Simon Pickles, rh Mr Eric Burstow, rh Paul Evennett, Mr David Knight, rh Mr Greg Pincher, Christopher Burt, Lorely Fabricant, Michael Kwarteng, Kwasi Poulter, Dr Daniel Byles, Dan Fallon, rh Michael Laing, Mrs Eleanor Prisk, Mr Mark 249 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 250 Bill Bill Pritchard, Mark Stunell, rh Andrew Cryer, John Jamieson, Cathy Pugh, John Sturdy, Julian Cunningham, Alex Jarvis, Dan Raab, Mr Dominic Swales, Ian Cunningham, Mr Jim Johnson, rh Alan Randall, rh Mr John Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Cunningham, Sir Tony Johnson, Diana Reckless, Mark Swinson, Jo Curran, Margaret Jones, Graham Redwood, rh Mr John Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Dakin, Nic Jones, Helen Rees-Mogg, Jacob Thornton, Mike Danczuk, Simon Jones, Mr Kevan Reevell, Simon Thurso, John David, Wayne Jowell, rh Dame Tessa Reid, Mr Alan Timpson, Mr Edward Davidson, Mr Ian Joyce, Eric Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Tomlinson, Justin Davies, Geraint Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Tredinnick, David De Piero, Gloria Keeley, Barbara Robertson, rh Hugh Turner, Mr Andrew Denham, rh Mr John Kendall, Liz Robertson, Mr Laurence Tyrie, Mr Andrew Dobbin, Jim Khan, rh Sadiq Rogerson, Dan Uppal, Paul Dobson, rh Frank Lammy, rh Mr David Rosindell, Andrew Vara, Mr Shailesh Docherty, Thomas Lavery, Ian Rudd, Amber Vickers, Martin Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Lazarowicz, Mark Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Leslie, Chris Ruffley, Mr David Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Russell, Sir Bob Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Lewis, Mr Ivan Walker, Mr Charles Rutley, David Doran, Mr Frank Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Walker, Mr Robin Sandys, Laura Dowd, Jim Long, Naomi Wallace, Mr Ben Scott, Mr Lee Doyle, Gemma Love, Mr Andrew Watkinson, Dame Angela Selous, Andrew Dromey, Jack Lucas, Caroline Shapps, rh Grant Weatherley, Mike Dugher, Michael Lucas, Ian Sharma, Alok Webb, Steve Durkan, Mark MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Shelbrooke, Alec Wharton, James Eagle, Ms Angela Mactaggart, Fiona Shepherd, Sir Richard Wheeler, Heather Eagle, Maria Mahmood, Mr Khalid Simpson, Mr Keith White, Chris Edwards, Jonathan Mahmood, Shabana Skidmore, Chris Whittaker, Craig Efford, Clive Malhotra, Seema Smith, Miss Chloe Whittingdale, Mr John Ellman, Mrs Louise Mann, John Smith, Henry Wiggin, Bill Engel, Natascha Marsden, Mr Gordon Smith, Julian Willetts, rh Mr David Esterson, Bill McCabe, Steve Smith, Sir Robert Williams, Mr Mark Evans, Chris McCann, Mr Michael Soames, rh Nicholas Williams, Roger Farrelly, Paul McCarthy, Kerry Soubry, Anna Williamson, Gavin Field, rh Mr Frank McClymont, Gregg Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Wilson, Mr Rob Fitzpatrick, Jim McCrea, Dr William Spencer, Mr Mark Wright, Jeremy Flello, Robert McDonagh, Siobhain Stanley, rh Sir John Wright, Simon Flint, rh Caroline McDonald, Andy Flynn, Paul McDonnell, John Stephenson, Andrew Yeo, Mr Tim Stevenson, John Fovargue, Yvonne McFadden, rh Mr Pat Young, rh Sir George Stewart, Bob Francis, Dr Hywel McGovern, Alison Zahawi, Nadhim Stewart, Iain Gapes, Mike McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Stewart, Rory Tellers for the Ayes: Gardiner, Barry McKechin, Ann Streeter, Mr Gary Mr Robert Syms and Gilmore, Sheila McKenzie, Mr Iain Stride, Mel Mark Hunter Glass, Pat McKinnell, Catherine Glindon, Mrs Mary Meacher, rh Mr Michael NOES Godsiff, Mr Roger Mearns, Ian Goggins, rh Paul Mitchell, Austin Abbott, Ms Diane Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Goodman, Helen Moon, Mrs Madeleine Abrahams, Debbie Brennan, Kevin Greatrex, Tom Morden, Jessica Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Brown, Lyn Green, Kate Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Greenwood, Lilian Morris, Grahame M. Ali, Rushanara Brown, Mr Russell Griffith, Nia (Easington) Allen, Mr Graham Bryant, Chris Gwynne, Andrew Mudie, Mr George Anderson, Mr David Buck, Ms Karen Hain, rh Mr Peter Munn, Meg Ashworth, Jonathan Burden, Richard Hamilton, Mr David Murphy, rh Mr Jim Austin, Ian Campbell, Mr Alan Hanson, rh Mr David Murphy, rh Paul Bailey, Mr Adrian Campbell, Mr Ronnie Harman, rh Ms Harriet Murray, Ian Bain, Mr William Champion, Sarah Healey, rh John Nandy, Lisa Banks, Gordon Chapman, Jenny Hemming, John Nash, Pamela Barron, rh Mr Kevin Clark, Katy Hendrick, Mark O’Donnell, Fiona Beckett, rh Margaret Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hepburn, Mr Stephen Onwurah, Chi Begg, Dame Anne Clwyd, rh Ann Hermon, Lady Osborne, Sandra Benn, rh Hilary Coaker, Vernon Hilling, Julie Owen, Albert Benton, Mr Joe Coffey, Ann Hodge, rh Margaret Pearce, Teresa Berger, Luciana Connarty, Michael Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Perkins, Toby Betts, Mr Clive Cooper, Rosie Hoey, Kate Powell, Lucy Blackman-Woods, Roberta Cooper, rh Yvette Hood, Mr Jim Qureshi, Yasmin Blears, rh Hazel Corbyn, Jeremy Hosie, Stewart Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Blenkinsop, Tom Crausby, Mr David Howarth, rh Mr George Reed, Steve Blomfield, Paul Creagh, Mary Hunt, Tristram Reynolds, Emma Blunkett, rh Mr David Creasy, Stella Irranca-Davies, Huw Riordan, Mrs Linda Bottomley, Sir Peter Cruddas, Jon Jackson, Glenda Ritchie, Ms Margaret 251 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 252 Bill Bill Robertson, Angus Teather, Sarah Crockart, Mike Henderson, Gordon Robertson, John Thomas, Mr Gareth Crouch, Tracey Herbert, rh Nick Rotheram, Steve Thornberry, Emily Davey, rh Mr Edward Hinds, Damian Roy, Mr Frank Trickett, Jon Davies, David T. C. Hoban, Mr Mark Roy, Lindsay Twigg, Derek (Monmouth) Hollingbery, George Ruane, Chris Umunna, Mr Chuka Davies, Glyn Hollobone, Mr Philip Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Vaz, Valerie Davies, Philip Holloway, Mr Adam Sanders, Mr Adrian Walley, Joan de Bois, Nick Hopkins, Kris Sarwar, Anas Ward, Mr David Dinenage, Caroline Horwood, Martin Sawford, Andy Watson, Mr Tom Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Howarth, Sir Gerald Seabeck, Alison Watts, Mr Dave Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Howell, John Shannon, Jim Weir, Mr Mike Dorries, Nadine Huppert, Dr Julian Sharma, Mr Virendra Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Doyle-Price, Jackie Hurd, Mr Nick Sheerman, Mr Barry Whitehead, Dr Alan Drax, Richard Jackson, Mr Stewart Sheridan, Jim Williams, Hywel Duddridge, James James, Margot Shuker, Gavin Williamson, Chris Duncan Smith, rh Mr Javid, Sajid Simpson, David Wilson, Phil Iain Jenkin, Mr Bernard Skinner, Mr Dennis Winnick, Mr David Dunne, Mr Philip Johnson, Joseph Slaughter, Mr Andy Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Ellis, Michael Jones, Andrew Smith, rh Mr Andrew Wishart, Pete Ellison, Jane Jones, rh Mr David Smith, Angela Woodcock, John Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Mr Marcus Smith, Nick Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Eustice, George Kawczynski, Daniel Smith, Owen Wright, David Evans, Graham Kelly, Chris Spellar, rh Mr John Wright, Mr Iain Evennett, Mr David Kirby, Simon Stuart, Ms Gisela Tellers for the Noes: Fabricant, Michael Knight, rh Mr Greg Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Heidi Alexander and Fallon, rh Michael Kwarteng, Kwasi Tami, Mark Susan Elan Jones Farron, Tim Laing, Mrs Eleanor Featherstone, Lynne Lamb, Norman Field, Mark Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Question accordingly agreed to. Foster, rh Mr Don Latham, Pauline Lords amendment 35 disagreed to. Fox,rhDrLiam Laws, rh Mr David The Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the Questions Francois, rh Mr Mark Leadsom, Andrea Freeman, George Lee, Dr Phillip necessary for the disposal of business to be concluded at Freer, Mike Leslie, Charlotte that time (Standing order No. 83F). Fuller, Richard Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Question put, That this House disagrees with Lords Gale, Sir Roger Lewis, Brandon amendment 36. Garnier, Sir Edward Liddell-Grainger, Mr Garnier, Mark Ian The House divided: Ayes 312, Noes 245. Gauke, Mr David Lidington, rh Mr David Division No. 206] [5.28 pm Gibb, Mr Nick Lilley, rh Mr Peter Gilbert, Stephen Lloyd, Stephen AYES Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Lopresti, Jack Glen, John Lord, Jonathan Adams, Nigel Brine, Steve Goldsmith, Zac Loughton, Tim Afriyie, Adam Brokenshire, James Goodwill, Mr Robert Luff, Peter Aldous, Peter Bruce, Fiona Gove, rh Michael Lumley, Karen Alexander, rh Danny Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Graham, Richard Macleod, Mary Amess, Mr David Buckland, Mr Robert Grant, Mrs Helen Main, Mrs Anne Andrew, Stuart Burley, Mr Aidan Gray, Mr James Maude, rh Mr Francis Bacon, Mr Richard Burns, rh Mr Simon Grayling, rh Chris May, rh Mrs Theresa Baker, Norman Burrowes, Mr David Green, rh Damian Maynard, Paul Baker, Steve Burstow, rh Paul Greening, rh Justine McCartney, Jason Baldry, Sir Tony Burt, Lorely Grieve, rh Mr Dominic McCartney, Karl Baldwin, Harriett Byles, Dan Griffiths, Andrew McIntosh, Miss Anne Barclay, Stephen Cable, rh Vince Gummer, Ben McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Barker, rh Gregory Cairns, Alun Gyimah, Mr Sam McPartland, Stephen Baron, Mr John Cameron, rh Mr David Halfon, Robert McVey, Esther Barwell, Gavin Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hammond, rh Mr Philip Menzies, Mark Bebb, Guto Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hammond, Stephen Mercer, Patrick Bellingham, Mr Henry Carmichael, Neil Hancock, Matthew Metcalfe, Stephen Benyon, Richard Cash, Mr William Hands, Greg Miller, rh Maria Beresford, Sir Paul Chishti, Rehman Mills, Nigel Berry, Jake Chope, Mr Christopher Harper, Mr Mark Bingham, Andrew Clappison, Mr James Harrington, Richard Milton, Anne Binley, Mr Brian Clark, rh Greg Harris, Rebecca Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Birtwistle, Gordon Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hart, Simon Moore, rh Michael Blackman, Bob Clegg, rh Mr Nick Harvey, Sir Nick Mordaunt, Penny Boles, Nick Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Haselhurst, rh Sir Morris, Anne Marie Bradley, Karen Coffey, Dr Thérèse Alan Morris, David Brake, rh Tom Collins, Damian Hayes, rh Mr John Morris, James Bray, Angie Colvile, Oliver Heald, Oliver Mosley, Stephen Brazier, Mr Julian Cox, Mr Geoffrey Heath, Mr David Mowat, David Bridgen, Andrew Crabb, Stephen Heaton-Harris, Chris Mundell, rh David 253 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 254 Bill Bill Munt, Tessa Smith, Sir Robert Blenkinsop, Tom Gapes, Mike Murray, Sheryll Soames, rh Nicholas Blomfield, Paul Gardiner, Barry Murrison, Dr Andrew Soubry, Anna Blunkett, rh Mr David Gilmore, Sheila Neill, Robert Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Bottomley, Sir Peter Glass, Pat Newmark, Mr Brooks Spencer, Mr Mark Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Glindon, Mrs Mary Newton, Sarah Stanley, rh Sir John Brennan, Kevin Godsiff, Mr Roger Nokes, Caroline Stephenson, Andrew Brown, Lyn Goggins, rh Paul Norman, Jesse Stevenson, John Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Goodman, Helen Nuttall, Mr David Stewart, Bob Brown, Mr Russell Greatrex, Tom Offord, Dr Matthew Stewart, Iain Bryant, Chris Green, Kate Ollerenshaw, Eric Stewart, Rory Buck, Ms Karen Greenwood, Lilian Opperman, Guy Streeter, Mr Gary Burden, Richard Griffith, Nia Ottaway, Richard Stride, Mel Campbell, Mr Alan Gwynne, Andrew Paice, rh Sir James Stunell, rh Andrew Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hain, rh Mr Peter Parish, Neil Sturdy, Julian Champion, Sarah Hamilton, Mr David Patel, Priti Swales, Ian Chapman, Jenny Hanson, rh Mr David Paterson, rh Mr Owen Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Clark, Katy Harman, rh Ms Harriet Pawsey, Mark Swinson, Jo Clarke, rh Mr Tom Healey, rh John Penning, Mike Syms, Mr Robert Clwyd, rh Ann Hemming, John Penrose, John Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Coaker, Vernon Hendrick, Mark Percy, Andrew Teather, Sarah Coffey, Ann Hepburn, Mr Stephen Perry, Claire Thornton, Mike Connarty, Michael Hermon, Lady Phillips, Stephen Thurso, John Cooper, Rosie Hilling, Julie Pincher, Christopher Timpson, Mr Edward Cooper, rh Yvette Hodge, rh Margaret Poulter, Dr Daniel Tomlinson, Justin Corbyn, Jeremy Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Prisk, Mr Mark Tredinnick, David Crausby, Mr David Hoey, Kate Pritchard, Mark Turner, Mr Andrew Creagh, Mary Hood, Mr Jim Pugh, John Tyrie, Mr Andrew Creasy, Stella Hosie, Stewart Raab, Mr Dominic Uppal, Paul Cruddas, Jon Howarth, rh Mr George Randall, rh Mr John Vara, Mr Shailesh Cryer, John Hunt, Tristram Reckless, Mark Vickers, Martin Cunningham, Alex Irranca-Davies, Huw Redwood, rh Mr John Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Cunningham, Mr Jim Jackson, Glenda Rees-Mogg, Jacob Walker, Mr Charles Cunningham, Sir Tony Jamieson, Cathy Reevell, Simon Walker, Mr Robin Curran, Margaret Jarvis, Dan Reid, Mr Alan Wallace, Mr Ben Dakin, Nic Johnson, rh Alan Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Watkinson, Dame Angela Danczuk, Simon Johnson, Diana Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Weatherley, Mike Darling, rh Mr Alistair Jones, Graham Robertson, rh Hugh Webb, Steve David, Wayne Jones, Helen Robertson, Mr Laurence Wharton, James Davidson, Mr Ian Jones, Mr Kevan Rogerson, Dan Wheeler, Heather Davies, Geraint Jowell, rh Dame Tessa Rosindell, Andrew White, Chris De Piero, Gloria Joyce, Eric Rudd, Amber Whittaker, Craig Denham, rh Mr John Keeley, Barbara Ruffley, Mr David Whittingdale, Mr John Dobbin, Jim Kendall, Liz Russell, Sir Bob Wiggin, Bill Dobson, rh Frank Khan, rh Sadiq Rutley, David Willetts, rh Mr David Docherty, Thomas Lammy, rh Mr David Sanders, Mr Adrian Williams, Mr Mark Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Lavery, Ian Sandys, Laura Williams, Roger Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey Lazarowicz, Mark Scott, Mr Lee Williamson, Gavin M. Leslie, Chris Selous, Andrew Wilson, Mr Rob Donohoe, Mr Brian Lewis, Mr Ivan Shapps, rh Grant Wright, Jeremy H. Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Sharma, Alok Wright, Simon Doran, Mr Frank Long, Naomi Dowd, Jim Love, Mr Andrew Shelbrooke, Alec Yeo, Mr Tim Shepherd, Sir Richard Doyle, Gemma Lucas, Caroline Young, rh Sir George Simpson, Mr Keith Dromey, Jack Lucas, Ian Zahawi, Nadhim Skidmore, Chris Dugher, Michael MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Smith, Miss Chloe Tellers for the Ayes: Durkan, Mark Mactaggart, Fiona Smith, Henry Nicky Morgan and Eagle, Ms Angela Mahmood, Mr Khalid Smith, Julian Mark Hunter Eagle, Maria Mahmood, Shabana Edwards, Jonathan Malhotra, Seema NOES Efford, Clive Mann, John Ellman, Mrs Louise Marsden, Mr Gordon Abbott, Ms Diane Banks, Gordon Engel, Natascha McCabe, Steve Abrahams, Debbie Barron, rh Mr Kevin Esterson, Bill McCann, Mr Michael Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Beckett, rh Margaret Evans, Chris McClymont, Gregg Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Begg, Dame Anne Farrelly, Paul McCrea, Dr William Ali, Rushanara Beith, rh Sir Alan Field, rh Mr Frank McDonagh, Siobhain Allen, Mr Graham Benn, rh Hilary Fitzpatrick, Jim McDonald, Andy Anderson, Mr David Benton, Mr Joe Flello, Robert McDonnell, John Ashworth, Jonathan Berger, Luciana Flint, rh Caroline McFadden, rh Mr Pat Austin, Ian Betts, Mr Clive Flynn, Paul McGovern, Alison Bailey, Mr Adrian Blackwood, Nicola Fovargue, Yvonne McGovern, Jim Bain, Mr William Blears, rh Hazel Francis, Dr Hywel McGuire, rh Mrs Anne 255 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 256 Bill Bill McKechin, Ann Shannon, Jim Brake, rh Tom Gibb, Mr Nick McKenzie, Mr Iain Sharma, Mr Virendra Bray, Angie Gilbert, Stephen McKinnell, Catherine Sheerman, Mr Barry Brazier, Mr Julian Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Meacher, rh Mr Michael Sheridan, Jim Bridgen, Andrew Glen, John Mearns, Ian Shuker, Gavin Brine, Steve Goldsmith, Zac Mitchell, Austin Simpson, David Brokenshire, James Goodwill, Mr Robert Moon, Mrs Madeleine Skinner, Mr Dennis Brooke, Annette Gove, rh Michael Morden, Jessica Slaughter, Mr Andy Bruce, Fiona Graham, Richard Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Smith, rh Mr Andrew Buckland, Mr Robert Grant, Mrs Helen Morris, Grahame M. Smith, Angela Burley, Mr Aidan Gray, Mr James (Easington) Smith, Nick Burns, Conor Grayling, rh Chris Mudie, Mr George Smith, Owen Burns, rh Mr Simon Green, rh Damian Munn, Meg Spellar, rh Mr John Burrowes, Mr David Greening, rh Justine Murphy, rh Mr Jim Stuart, Ms Gisela Burstow, rh Paul Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Murphy, rh Paul Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Burt, Lorely Griffiths, Andrew Murray, Ian Tami, Mark Byles, Dan Gummer, Ben Nandy, Lisa Thomas, Mr Gareth Cable, rh Vince Gyimah, Mr Sam Nash, Pamela Thornberry, Emily Cairns, Alun Halfon, Robert O’Donnell, Fiona Trickett, Jon Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hammond, rh Mr Philip Onwurah, Chi Twigg, Derek Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hammond, Stephen Osborne, Sandra Umunna, Mr Chuka Carmichael, Neil Hancock, Matthew Owen, Albert Vaz, Valerie Cash, Mr William Harper, Mr Mark Pearce, Teresa Walley, Joan Chishti, Rehman Harrington, Richard Perkins, Toby Watson, Mr Tom Chope, Mr Christopher Harris, Rebecca Pound, Stephen Watts, Mr Dave Clappison, Mr James Hart, Simon Powell, Lucy Weir, Mr Mike Clark, rh Greg Harvey, Sir Nick Qureshi, Yasmin Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Whitehead, Dr Alan Clegg, rh Mr Nick Hayes, rh Mr John Reed, Mr Jamie Williams, Hywel Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Heald, Oliver Reed, Steve Williamson, Chris Coffey, Dr Thérèse Heath, Mr David Reynolds, Emma Wilson, Phil Collins, Damian Hemming, John Riordan, Mrs Linda Wilson, Sammy Colvile, Oliver Henderson, Gordon Ritchie, Ms Margaret Winnick, Mr David Cox, Mr Geoffrey Herbert, rh Nick Robertson, Angus Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Crabb, Stephen Hinds, Damian Robertson, John Wishart, Pete Crockart, Mike Hoban, Mr Mark Rotheram, Steve Woodcock, John Crouch, Tracey Hollingbery, George Davey, rh Mr Edward Holloway, Mr Adam Roy, Mr Frank Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Roy, Lindsay Davies, David T. C. Hopkins, Kris Wright, David Ruane, Chris (Monmouth) Horwood, Martin Wright, Mr Iain Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Davies, Glyn Howarth, Sir Gerald Sarwar, Anas Tellers for the Noes: Davies, Philip Howell, John Sawford, Andy Heidi Alexander and de Bois, Nick Hughes, rh Simon Seabeck, Alison Susan Elan Jones Dinenage, Caroline Hunter, Mark Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Huppert, Dr Julian Question accordingly agreed to. Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Hurd, Mr Nick Dorries, Nadine Jackson, Mr Stewart Lords amendment 36 disagreed to. Doyle-Price, Jackie James, Margot Drax, Richard Javid, Sajid Duddridge, James Jenkin, Mr Bernard After Clause 56 Duncan Smith, rh Mr Johnson, Joseph Iain Jones, Andrew EQUALITY ACT 2010: CASTE DISCRIMINATION Dunne, Mr Philip Jones, rh Mr David Motion made, and Question put, That this House Ellis, Michael Jones, Mr Marcus disagrees with Lords amendment 37.—(Jo Swinson.) Ellison, Jane Kawczynski, Daniel Elphicke, Charlie Kelly, Chris The House divided: Ayes 307, Noes 243. Eustice, George Kirby, Simon Division No. 207] [5.41 pm Evans, Graham Knight, rh Mr Greg Evennett, Mr David Kwarteng, Kwasi AYES Fabricant, Michael Laing, Mrs Eleanor Fallon, rh Michael Lamb, Norman Adams, Nigel Baron, Mr John Farron, Tim Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Afriyie, Adam Barwell, Gavin Featherstone, Lynne Latham, Pauline Aldous, Peter Bebb, Guto Field, Mark Laws, rh Mr David Alexander, rh Danny Bellingham, Mr Henry Amess, Mr David Benyon, Richard Foster, rh Mr Don Leadsom, Andrea Andrew, Stuart Beresford, Sir Paul Fox,rhDrLiam Lee, Dr Phillip Bacon, Mr Richard Berry, Jake Francois, rh Mr Mark Leech, Mr John Baker, Norman Bingham, Andrew Freeman, George Leslie, Charlotte Baker, Steve Binley, Mr Brian Freer, Mike Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Baldry, Sir Tony Birtwistle, Gordon Gale, Sir Roger Lewis, Brandon Baldwin, Harriett Blackman, Bob Garnier, Sir Edward Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Barclay, Stephen Boles, Nick Garnier, Mark Lidington, rh Mr David Barker, rh Gregory Bradley, Karen Gauke, Mr David Lilley, rh Mr Peter 257 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 258 Bill Bill Lloyd, Stephen Russell, Sir Bob NOES Lord, Jonathan Rutley, David Abbott, Ms Diane Dromey, Jack Loughton, Tim Sanders, Mr Adrian Abrahams, Debbie Dugher, Michael Luff, Peter Sandys, Laura Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Durkan, Mark Lumley, Karen Scott, Mr Lee Alexander, Heidi Eagle, Ms Angela Macleod, Mary Selous, Andrew Ali, Rushanara Eagle, Maria Main, Mrs Anne Shapps, rh Grant Allen, Mr Graham Edwards, Jonathan May, rh Mrs Theresa Sharma, Alok Anderson, Mr David Efford, Clive Maynard, Paul Shelbrooke, Alec Ashworth, Jonathan Ellman, Mrs Louise McCartney, Jason Shepherd, Sir Richard Austin, Ian Engel, Natascha McCartney, Karl Simpson, Mr Keith Bailey, Mr Adrian Esterson, Bill McIntosh, Miss Anne Skidmore, Chris Bain, Mr William Evans, Chris McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Smith, Miss Chloe Banks, Gordon Farrelly, Paul McPartland, Stephen Smith, Henry Barron, rh Mr Kevin Field, rh Mr Frank McVey, Esther Smith, Julian Beckett, rh Margaret Fitzpatrick, Jim Menzies, Mark Smith, Sir Robert Begg, Dame Anne Flello, Robert Mercer, Patrick Soames, rh Nicholas Beith, rh Sir Alan Flint, rh Caroline Metcalfe, Stephen Soubry, Anna Benn, rh Hilary Flynn, Paul Miller, rh Maria Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Benton, Mr Joe Fovargue, Yvonne Mills, Nigel Spencer, Mr Mark Berger, Luciana Francis, Dr Hywel Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Stanley, rh Sir John Betts, Mr Clive Fuller, Richard Moore, rh Michael Stephenson, Andrew Blackman-Woods, Roberta Gardiner, Barry Mordaunt, Penny Stevenson, John Blears, rh Hazel George, Andrew Morgan, Nicky Stewart, Bob Blenkinsop, Tom Gilmore, Sheila Morris, Anne Marie Stewart, Iain Blomfield, Paul Glass, Pat Morris, David Stewart, Rory Blunkett, rh Mr David Glindon, Mrs Mary Morris, James Streeter, Mr Gary Bottomley, Sir Peter Godsiff, Mr Roger Mosley, Stephen Stride, Mel Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Goggins, rh Paul Mowat, David Stunell, rh Andrew Brennan, Kevin Goodman, Helen Mundell, rh David Sturdy, Julian Brown, Lyn Greatrex, Tom Munt, Tessa Swales, Ian Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Green, Kate Murray, Sheryll Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Brown, Mr Russell Greenwood, Lilian Murrison, Dr Andrew Swinson, Jo Bryant, Chris Griffith, Nia Neill, Robert Syms, Mr Robert Buck, Ms Karen Gwynne, Andrew Newmark, Mr Brooks Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Burden, Richard Hain, rh Mr Peter Newton, Sarah Teather, Sarah Campbell, Mr Alan Hamilton, Mr David Nokes, Caroline Thornton, Mike Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hanson, rh Mr David Norman, Jesse Thurso, John Champion, Sarah Harman, rh Ms Harriet Nuttall, Mr David Timpson, Mr Edward Chapman, Jenny Healey, rh John Offord, Dr Matthew Tomlinson, Justin Clark, Katy Hepburn, Mr Stephen Ollerenshaw, Eric Tredinnick, David Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hermon, Lady Opperman, Guy Turner, Mr Andrew Clwyd, rh Ann Hodge, rh Margaret Ottaway, Richard Tyrie, Mr Andrew Coaker, Vernon Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Paice, rh Sir James Uppal, Paul Coffey, Ann Hoey, Kate Parish, Neil Vaizey, Mr Edward Connarty, Michael Hollobone, Mr Philip Patel, Priti Vara, Mr Shailesh Cooper, Rosie Hood, Mr Jim Paterson, rh Mr Owen Vickers, Martin Cooper, rh Yvette Hosie, Stewart Pawsey, Mark Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Corbyn, Jeremy Howarth, rh Mr George Penning, Mike Walker, Mr Charles Crausby, Mr David Hunt, Tristram Penrose, John Walker, Mr Robin Creagh, Mary Irranca-Davies, Huw Percy, Andrew Creasy, Stella Jackson, Glenda Perry, Claire Wallace, Mr Ben Watkinson, Dame Angela Cruddas, Jon Jamieson, Cathy Phillips, Stephen Cunningham, Alex Johnson, rh Alan Weatherley, Mike Pincher, Christopher Cunningham, Mr Jim Johnson, Diana Webb, Steve Poulter, Dr Daniel Cunningham, Sir Tony Jones, Graham Wharton, James Prisk, Mr Mark Dakin, Nic Jones, Helen Wheeler, Heather Pritchard, Mark Danczuk, Simon Jones, Mr Kevan Pugh, John White, Chris Darling, rh Mr Alistair Jowell, rh Dame Tessa Raab, Mr Dominic Whittaker, Craig David, Wayne Joyce, Eric Randall, rh Mr John Whittingdale, Mr John Davidson, Mr Ian Keeley, Barbara Redwood, rh Mr John Wiggin, Bill Davies, Geraint Kendall, Liz Rees-Mogg, Jacob Willetts, rh Mr David De Piero, Gloria Khan, rh Sadiq Reevell, Simon Williamson, Gavin Denham, rh Mr John Lammy, rh Mr David Reid, Mr Alan Wilson, Mr Rob Dobbin, Jim Lavery, Ian Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Wright, Simon Dobson, rh Frank Lazarowicz, Mark Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Yeo, Mr Tim Docherty, Thomas Leslie, Chris Robertson, rh Hugh Young, rh Sir George Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Lewis, Mr Ivan Robertson, Mr Laurence Zahawi, Nadhim Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Rogerson, Dan Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Long, Naomi Rosindell, Andrew Tellers for the Ayes: Doran, Mr Frank Love, Mr Andrew Rudd, Amber Greg Hands and Dowd, Jim Lucas, Caroline Ruffley, Mr David Anne Milton Doyle, Gemma Lucas, Ian 259 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 260 Bill Bill MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Robertson, John Amess, Mr David Duddridge, James Mactaggart, Fiona Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Andrew, Stuart Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Mahmood, Mr Khalid Rotheram, Steve Bacon, Mr Richard Dunne, Mr Philip Mahmood, Shabana Roy, Mr Frank Baker, Norman Ellis, Michael Malhotra, Seema Roy, Lindsay Baker, Steve Ellison, Jane Mann, John Ruane, Chris Baldry, Sir Tony Elphicke, Charlie Marsden, Mr Gordon Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Baldwin, Harriett Eustice, George McCabe, Steve Sawford, Andy Barclay, Stephen Evans, Graham McCann, Mr Michael Seabeck, Alison Barker, rh Gregory Evennett, Mr David McCarthy, Kerry Shannon, Jim Baron, Mr John Fabricant, Michael McClymont, Gregg Sharma, Mr Virendra Barwell, Gavin Fallon, rh Michael McCrea, Dr William Sheerman, Mr Barry Bebb, Guto Farron, Tim McDonagh, Siobhain Sheridan, Jim Beith, rh Sir Alan Featherstone, Lynne McDonald, Andy Shuker, Gavin Bellingham, Mr Henry Field, Mark McDonnell, John Simpson, David Benyon, Richard Foster, rh Mr Don McFadden, rh Mr Pat Skinner, Mr Dennis Beresford, Sir Paul Fox,rhDrLiam McGovern, Alison Slaughter, Mr Andy Berry, Jake Francois, rh Mr Mark McGovern, Jim Smith, rh Mr Andrew Bingham, Andrew Freeman, George McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Smith, Angela Binley, Mr Brian Freer, Mike McKechin, Ann Smith, Nick Birtwistle, Gordon Fuller, Richard McKenzie, Mr Iain Smith, Owen Blackman, Bob Gale, Sir Roger McKinnell, Catherine Spellar, rh Mr John Boles, Nick Garnier, Sir Edward Meacher, rh Mr Michael Stuart, Ms Gisela Bradley, Karen Garnier, Mark Mearns, Ian Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Brake, rh Tom Gauke, Mr David Mitchell, Austin Tami, Mark Bray, Angie George, Andrew Moon, Mrs Madeleine Thomas, Mr Gareth Brazier, Mr Julian Gibb, Mr Nick Morden, Jessica Thornberry, Emily Bridgen, Andrew Gilbert, Stephen Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Trickett, Jon Brine, Steve Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Morris, Grahame M. Twigg, Derek Brokenshire, James Glen, John (Easington) Umunna, Mr Chuka Brooke, Annette Goldsmith, Zac Mudie, Mr George Walley, Joan Bruce, Fiona Goodwill, Mr Robert Munn, Meg Ward, Mr David Buckland, Mr Robert Gove, rh Michael Murphy, rh Paul Watson, Mr Tom Burley, Mr Aidan Graham, Richard Murray, Ian Watts, Mr Dave Burns, Conor Grant, Mrs Helen Nandy, Lisa Weir, Mr Mike Burns, rh Mr Simon Gray, Mr James Nash, Pamela Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Burrowes, Mr David Grayling, rh Chris O’Donnell, Fiona Whitehead, Dr Alan Burstow, rh Paul Green, rh Damian Onwurah, Chi Williams, Hywel Burt, Lorely Greening, rh Justine Osborne, Sandra Williamson, Chris Byles, Dan Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Owen, Albert Wilson, Phil Cable, rh Vince Griffiths, Andrew Pearce, Teresa Wilson, Sammy Cairns, Alun Gummer, Ben Perkins, Toby Winnick, Mr David Cameron, rh Mr David Gyimah, Mr Sam Pound, Stephen Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Halfon, Robert Powell, Lucy Wishart, Pete Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hammond, Stephen Qureshi, Yasmin Wollaston, Dr Sarah Carmichael, Neil Hancock, Matthew Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Woodcock, John Cash, Mr William Harper, Mr Mark Chishti, Rehman Harrington, Richard Reckless, Mark Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Reed, Mr Jamie Chope, Mr Christopher Harris, Rebecca Wright, David Reed, Steve Clappison, Mr James Hart, Simon Wright, Mr Iain Reynolds, Emma Clark, rh Greg Harvey, Sir Nick Riordan, Mrs Linda Tellers for the Noes: Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Ritchie, Ms Margaret Susan Elan Jones and Clegg, rh Mr Nick Hayes, rh Mr John Robertson, Angus Julie Hilling Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Heald, Oliver Coffey, Dr Thérèse Heath, Mr David Question accordingly agreed to. Collins, Damian Heaton-Harris, Chris Colvile, Oliver Henderson, Gordon Lords amendment 37 disagreed to. Cox, Mr Geoffrey Herbert, rh Nick Crabb, Stephen Hinds, Damian Crockart, Mike Hoban, Mr Mark Clause 61 Crouch, Tracey Hollingbery, George Davey, rh Mr Edward Hollobone, Mr Philip CIVIL LIABILITY FOR BREACH OF HEALTH AND SAFETY Davies, David T. C. Holloway, Mr Adam DUTIES (Monmouth) Hopkins, Kris Motion made, and Question put, That this House Davies, Glyn Horwood, Martin disagrees with Lords amendment 38.—(Jo Swinson.) Davies, Philip Howarth, Sir Gerald de Bois, Nick Howell, John The House divided: Ayes 316, Noes 241. Dinenage, Caroline Hughes, rh Simon Division No. 208] [5.55 pm Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hunter, Mark Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Huppert, Dr Julian AYES Dorries, Nadine Hurd, Mr Nick Adams, Nigel Aldous, Peter Doyle-Price, Jackie Jackson, Mr Stewart Afriyie, Adam Alexander, rh Danny Drax, Richard James, Margot 261 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 262 Bill Bill Javid, Sajid Patel, Priti Vara, Mr Shailesh Wiggin, Bill Jenkin, Mr Bernard Paterson, rh Mr Owen Vickers, Martin Willetts, rh Mr David Johnson, Joseph Pawsey, Mark Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Williams, Mr Mark Jones, Andrew Penning, Mike Walker, Mr Charles Williams, Roger Jones, rh Mr David Penrose, John Walker, Mr Robin Williams, Stephen Jones, Mr Marcus Percy, Andrew Wallace, Mr Ben Williamson, Gavin Kawczynski, Daniel Perry, Claire Ward, Mr David Wilson, Mr Rob Kelly, Chris Phillips, Stephen Watkinson, Dame Angela Wollaston, Dr Sarah Kirby, Simon Pincher, Christopher Weatherley, Mike Wright, Simon Knight, rh Mr Greg Poulter, Dr Daniel Webb, Steve Yeo, Mr Tim Kwarteng, Kwasi Prisk, Mr Mark Wharton, James Young, rh Sir George Laing, Mrs Eleanor Pritchard, Mark Wheeler, Heather Tellers for the Ayes: Lamb, Norman Pugh, John White, Chris Anne Milton and Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Raab, Mr Dominic Whittingdale, Mr John Greg Hands Latham, Pauline Randall, rh Mr John Laws, rh Mr David Reckless, Mark Leadsom, Andrea Redwood, rh Mr John NOES Lee, Dr Phillip Rees-Mogg, Jacob Abbott, Ms Diane Danczuk, Simon Leech, Mr John Reevell, Simon Abrahams, Debbie Darling, rh Mr Alistair Leslie, Charlotte Reid, Mr Alan Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob David, Wayne Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Alexander, Heidi Davidson, Mr Ian Lewis, Brandon Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Ali, Rushanara Davies, Geraint Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Robertson, rh Hugh Allen, Mr Graham De Piero, Gloria Lidington, rh Mr David Robertson, Mr Laurence Anderson, Mr David Denham, rh Mr John Lilley, rh Mr Peter Rogerson, Dan Ashworth, Jonathan Dobbin, Jim Lloyd, Stephen Rosindell, Andrew Austin, Ian Dobson, rh Frank Lopresti, Jack Rudd, Amber Bailey, Mr Adrian Docherty, Thomas Lord, Jonathan Ruffley, Mr David Bain, Mr William Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Loughton, Tim Russell, Sir Bob Banks, Gordon Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Luff, Peter Rutley, David Barron, rh Mr Kevin Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Lumley, Karen Sandys, Laura Beckett, rh Margaret Doran, Mr Frank Macleod, Mary Scott, Mr Lee Begg, Dame Anne Dowd, Jim Main, Mrs Anne Selous, Andrew Benn, rh Hilary Doyle, Gemma May, rh Mrs Theresa Shapps, rh Grant Benton, Mr Joe Dromey, Jack Maynard, Paul Sharma, Alok Berger, Luciana Dugher, Michael McCartney, Jason Shelbrooke, Alec Betts, Mr Clive Durkan, Mark McCartney, Karl Shepherd, Sir Richard Blackman-Woods, Roberta Eagle, Ms Angela McIntosh, Miss Anne Simpson, Mr Keith Blears, rh Hazel Eagle, Maria McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Skidmore, Chris Blenkinsop, Tom Edwards, Jonathan McPartland, Stephen Smith, Miss Chloe Blomfield, Paul Efford, Clive McVey, Esther Smith, Henry Blunkett, rh Mr David Ellman, Mrs Louise Menzies, Mark Smith, Julian Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Engel, Natascha Mercer, Patrick Smith, Sir Robert Brennan, Kevin Esterson, Bill Metcalfe, Stephen Soames, rh Nicholas Brown, Lyn Evans, Chris Miller, rh Maria Soubry, Anna Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Farrelly, Paul Mills, Nigel Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Brown, Mr Russell Field, rh Mr Frank Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Spencer, Mr Mark Bryant, Chris Fitzpatrick, Jim Moore, rh Michael Stanley, rh Sir John Buck, Ms Karen Flello, Robert Mordaunt, Penny Stephenson, Andrew Burden, Richard Flint, rh Caroline Morgan, Nicky Stevenson, John Campbell, Mr Alan Flynn, Paul Morris, Anne Marie Stewart, Bob Campbell, Mr Gregory Fovargue, Yvonne Morris, David Stewart, Iain Campbell, Mr Ronnie Francis, Dr Hywel Morris, James Stewart, Rory Champion, Sarah Gapes, Mike Mosley, Stephen Streeter, Mr Gary Chapman, Jenny Gardiner, Barry Mowat, David Stride, Mel Clark, Katy Gilmore, Sheila Mundell, rh David Stunell, rh Andrew Clarke, rh Mr Tom Glass, Pat Munt, Tessa Sturdy, Julian Clwyd, rh Ann Glindon, Mrs Mary Murray, Sheryll Swales, Ian Coaker, Vernon Godsiff, Mr Roger Murrison, Dr Andrew Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Coffey, Ann Goggins, rh Paul Neill, Robert Swinson, Jo Connarty, Michael Goodman, Helen Newmark, Mr Brooks Syms, Mr Robert Cooper, Rosie Greatrex, Tom Newton, Sarah Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Cooper, rh Yvette Green, Kate Nokes, Caroline Teather, Sarah Corbyn, Jeremy Greenwood, Lilian Norman, Jesse Thornton, Mike Crausby, Mr David Griffith, Nia Nuttall, Mr David Thurso, John Creagh, Mary Gwynne, Andrew O’Brien, Mr Stephen Timpson, Mr Edward Creasy, Stella Hain, rh Mr Peter Offord, Dr Matthew Tomlinson, Justin Cruddas, Jon Hamilton, Mr David Ollerenshaw, Eric Tredinnick, David Cryer, John Hanson, rh Mr David Opperman, Guy Turner, Mr Andrew Cunningham, Alex Harman, rh Ms Harriet Ottaway, Richard Tyrie, Mr Andrew Cunningham, Mr Jim Harris, Mr Tom Paice, rh Sir James Uppal, Paul Cunningham, Sir Tony Healey, rh John Parish, Neil Vaizey, Mr Edward Dakin, Nic Hemming, John 263 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 264 Bill Bill Hendrick, Mark O’Donnell, Fiona Government amendments (a) and (b) made to words Hepburn, Mr Stephen Onwurah, Chi so restored to the Bill. Hermon, Lady Osborne, Sandra Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Owen, Albert Lords amendment 40 disagreed to. Hoey, Kate Pearce, Teresa Government amendments (a) to (h) made in lieu of Hood, Mr Jim Perkins, Toby Lords amendment 40. Hosie, Stewart Pound, Stephen Howarth, rh Mr George Powell, Lucy Hunt, Tristram Qureshi, Yasmin Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): On a point of order, Irranca-Davies, Huw Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Mr Deputy Speaker. I seek your guidance. An earlier Jackson, Glenda Reed, Mr Jamie point of order was made on the vote we hoped to have Jamieson, Cathy Reed, Steve on the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board—Lords Johnson, rh Alan Reynolds, Emma amendment 41 and subsequent measures. A large number Johnson, Diana Riordan, Mrs Linda of hon. Members wish to ensure that this House, even Jones, Graham Ritchie, Ms Margaret though it has debated the matter under the Public Jones, Helen Robertson, Angus Bodies Act 2011, expresses its view, rather than the Jones, Mr Kevan Robertson, John Jowell, rh Dame Tessa Robinson, Mr Geoffrey decision being made in another place. The House—the Joyce, Eric Rotheram, Steve democratic House—should have an opportunity in Keeley, Barbara Roy, Mr Frank the Chamber to debate and make a decision on the Kendall, Liz Roy, Lindsay abolition of the AWB. What opportunities do Members Khan, rh Sadiq Ruane, Chris of the House have to express a view on that measure, Lammy, rh Mr David Ruddock, rh Dame Joan rather than expressing a view on it when it is conglomerated Lavery, Ian Sawford, Andy with other amendments? Lazarowicz, Mark Seabeck, Alison Leslie, Chris Shannon, Jim Lewis, Mr Ivan Sharma, Mr Virendra Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): Further to that Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Sheerman, Mr Barry point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. I do not intend to Long, Naomi Sheridan, Jim delay the House, but I sympathise with the hon. Member Love, Mr Andrew Shuker, Gavin for St Ives (Andrew George), who feels strongly about Lucas, Caroline Simpson, David the matter. I have sought advice from the Clerks, but I Lucas, Ian Skinner, Mr Dennis am not clear. I might be mistaken, but I understand MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Slaughter, Mr Andy that, should the Secretary of State or his representative Mactaggart, Fiona Smith, rh Mr Andrew on the Treasury Bench choose to raise the matter even Mahmood, Mr Khalid Smith, Angela in objection to Lords amendments, they would give the Mahmood, Shabana Smith, Nick House an opportunity to express its view on the matter Malhotra, Seema Smith, Owen once and for all. It is annoying that we have no opportunity Mann, John Spellar, rh Mr John Marsden, Mr Gordon Stuart, Ms Gisela to debate the abolition of the AWB, but to have no McCabe, Steve Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry opportunity even to vote on it is a double indignity. Can McCann, Mr Michael Tami, Mark you advise the House on that, Mr Deputy Speaker? McCarthy, Kerry Thomas, Mr Gareth McClymont, Gregg Thornberry, Emily Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): Further McCrea, Dr William Trickett, Jon McDonagh, Siobhain Twigg, Derek to that point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. This group McDonald, Andy Umunna, Mr Chuka of amendments also includes the first statutory regulation McDonnell, John Vaz, Valerie of the press since the late 17th century. For the House of McFadden, rh Mr Pat Walley, Joan Commons to be unable to vote specifically on such a McGovern, Alison Watson, Mr Tom major constitutional issue seems to me to deny our McGovern, Jim Watts, Mr Dave constituents their right to maintain freedom of speech McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Weir, Mr Mike in the country at large, and I hope that you will find McKechin, Ann Whiteford, Dr Eilidh some procedure—and the Clerks, in their wisdom, will McKenzie, Mr Iain Whitehead, Dr Alan find some precedent from the early days of Parliament—so McKinnell, Catherine Williams, Hywel that we may vote on this motion. Meacher, rh Mr Michael Williamson, Chris Mearns, Ian Wilson, Phil Mitchell, Austin Wilson, Sammy Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I thank the Moon, Mrs Madeleine Winnick, Mr David hon. Members for the point of order, but if you do not Morden, Jessica Winterton, rh Ms Rosie know of a precedent, Mr Rees-Mogg, it is probably not Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Wishart, Pete worth knowing. I am a servant of the House and I am Morris, Grahame M. Woodcock, John directed by Standing Order No. 83F(6) to put a single (Easington) Woodward, rh Mr Shaun question on all remaining Lords amendments once Mudie, Mr George Wright, David those to which a Minister has indicated an intention to Munn, Meg Wright, Mr Iain Murphy, rh Paul disagree have been disposed of. Hon. Members may of Murray, Ian Tellers for the Noes: course vote against that question, which will be to agree Nandy, Lisa Julie Hilling and to several Lords amendments, including those to which Nash, Pamela Susan Elan Jones they have drawn attention this evening. Lords amendments 1 to 34, 39 and 41 to 120 agreed to, Question accordingly agreed to. with Queen’s Consent signified to amendment 71 and Lords amendment 38 disagreed to. Commons financial privileges waived in respect of Lords amendments 64 to 66 and 104. 265 Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 16 APRIL 2013 266 Bill [Mr Deputy Speaker] Defamation Bill Consideration of Lords amendments Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 83H), That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing After Clause 1 to their amendments ; That Stephen Crabb, Ian Murray, Jo Swinson, Mr Iain ARBITRATION SERVICE FOR DEFAMATION AND RELATED Wright and Paul Uppal be members of the Committee; CIVIL CLAIMS AGAINST MEMBERS OF INDEPENDENT That Jo Swinson be the Chair of the Committee; REGULATORY BOARD That three be the quorum of the Committee. 6.13 pm That the Committee do withdraw immediately.— The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Swayne.) (Mrs Helen Grant): I beg to move, That this House Question agreed to. disagrees with Lords amendment 1. Committee to withdraw immediately; reasons to be reported and communicated to the Lords. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: DEFAMATION BILL (PROGRAMME) (NO.2) Lords amendment 2, and Government motion to disagree. Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 83A(7)), Lords amendment 3, and amendment (a) thereto. That the following provisions shall apply to the Defamation Lords amendments 4 to 14. Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Order of 12 June 2012 Lords amendment 15, and Government motion to (Defamation Bill (Programme)): disagree. Consideration of Lords Amendments Lords amendment 16, and Government motion to 1. Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall disagree. (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement at today’s sitting. Mrs Grant: I am delighted that the Defamation Bill Subsequent stages has returned to this House for us to consider the 2. Any further Message from the Lords may be considered amendments made in the other place. Lords amendments 1, forthwith without any Question being put. 15 and 16 constitute a partial enactment in statute of 3. The Proceedings on any further Message from the Lords several recommendations made by Lord Justice Leveson shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion in his report on the culture, practices and ethics of the one hour after their commencement. —(Mr Swayne.) press. In particular, they create a press recognition body Question agreed to. and require the creation of an arbitration service within recognised self-regulators for defamation and related civil claims. However, the requirements set out in these amendments for the press recognition body do not specify fully or clearly Lord Justice Leveson’s requirements for the self-regulator.

Paul Farrelly (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab): Is the hon. Lady aware that these amendments have been overtaken by events and will not be pressed? We only have one hour in which to discuss all the amendments to the Defamation Bill? Before she launches into a long speech, will she take account of this and perhaps conclude her remarks relating to past events so that we can move on?

Mrs Grant: I am very aware of time scales and if the hon. Gentleman could bear with me for 30 seconds longer, we might be able to move from this section to the next section. Moreover, the amendments were tabled at a time when cross-party talks were well under way to identify an agreed response to Leveson’s recommendations, including careful efforts to develop a set of workable criteria for the self-regulatory body. The amendments before us pre-empted the outcome of those talks. As the House will be aware, on 18 March cross-party talks were resolved successfully and a draft royal charter was agreed as a vehicle by which the recognition body should be set up. Detailed criteria by which self-regulators would be assessed were also agreed, and provisions to enact Lord Justice Leveson’s recommendations on incentives in costs and exemplary damages have subsequently 267 Defamation Bill16 APRIL 2013 Defamation Bill 268 been included in the Crime and Courts Bill. Further, a proceedings for the court to decide certain key issues, “no change” clause has been included in the Enterprise including whether the serious harm test is satisfied. The and Regulatory Reform Bill as a safeguard against addition of a permission stage would therefore add political intervention with the royal charter. little or nothing, because any case where the existence of I note that my hon. Friend the hon. Member for serious harm was disputed could have that issue resolved Worthing West (Sir Peter Bottomley) has tabled a motion at a very early stage in any event. to agree with amendment 16, which introduces a requirement for an independent regulatory body to Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): I am provide an arbitration service. I should like to reassure grateful to the Minister for taking us through this my hon. Friend and this House that the recognition matter. The problem comes when a body—not a person— criteria contained within the agreed draft royal charter sends a threatening letter to an ordinary member of the include just that. To retain amendment 16 in the Bill, public. Were I to go to a pop concert and be abused by alongside the provisions within the royal charter, risks security staff, and then tell my friends not to go to creating duplication and uncertainty around these anything organised by those people, and if they then requirements. The package of measures identified to issued and served a writ, what chance would I have, enact Lord Justice Leveson’s recommendations have with no money? Do I go straight to court and say, cross-party support. As Lord Puttnam, who tabled “They’ve shown no loss. Cut it out. They are not a these amendments, said: person. They’ve got no feelings. They should not be “Nothing in the world will delight me more than to see the allowed to do it.”? Defamation Bill pass in its original form.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 25 March 2013; Vol. 744, c. 880.] Mrs Grant: If my hon. Friend will bear with me, I will On that basis, I hope that the House will agree to the deal with that specific point. If I do not, I am sure he removal of Lords amendments 1, 15 and 16. will come back. I also ask the House to disagree with Lords amendment 2. A motion to that effect has been tabled by my hon. and Paul Farrelly: Will the Minister give way? learned Friend the Member for Harborough (Sir Edward Garnier). The amendment concerns two distinct but Mrs Grant: I would like to make a little more progress. related issues, which have already featured extensively in debates in both Houses during the passage of the Bill. Paul Farrelly: On that point?

Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): I thank the Mrs Grant: No, in a moment. I want to make some Minister for giving way so early in her speech. She is progress first. presumably aware that the Joint Committee on the draft If the claimant succeeded at the permission stage, an Defamation Bill, on which I served, said that it favoured early resolution hearing would often still be needed to the approach that limits libel claims to situations where enable the court to give a ruling on other key aspects of the corporation can prove the likelihood of substantial the claim—in particular, what the meaning of the words financial loss. Does she understand the reasons behind complained of was and whether they were statements of that, and can she give us any reassurances on that? fact or opinion. This would mean that two sets of applications and hearings could often be needed, whereas Mrs Grant: I fully understand those reasons, and if under our proposals one would be sufficient. We have the hon. Gentleman will bear with me and allow me to consistently made it clear that we are fully committed to progress on to an explanation of those amendments, I taking action to help reduce the cost of defamation hope that all will be revealed to him. proceedings. The amendment would have precisely the The separate but related issues are whether there opposite effect. should be any restrictions on the rights of bodies corporate In addition to the early resolution proposals, the and other non-natural persons to bring an action in Civil Justice Council has recently submitted to the defamation and whether any non-natural person, which Secretary of State its recommendations for cost protection is performing a public function, should be prevented in defamation and privacy proceedings. We are considering altogether from bringing a claim in relation to a statement these carefully, with a view to introducing measures to concerning that function. In relation to the first issue, give protection to parties with limited means when they the amendment would mean that in order to bring a are faced by an opponent with substantially greater claim, a non-natural person would first have to obtain resources. The amendment would undermine these permission of the court. The court would be required to initiatives and in many cases create unnecessary additional strike out any such application, unless the claimant costs for both claimants and defendants. could show that the publication of the statement complained of had caused, or was likely to cause, substantial financial Paul Farrelly: I thank the Minister for her generosity loss. We believe that a permission stage for this purpose in giving way. The amendment would be the only place would create unnecessary duplication and additional in the Bill that provides for an early strike-out procedure. costs for both parties. One of the problems has been that we have not seen the If the claimant was required to show substantial changes to the civil procedure rules throughout all this. financial loss in order to satisfy the permission requirement, How, then, can we be confident that what is promised it would in effect mean that the claimant would satisfy will happen? In the case that the hon. Member for the serious harm test introduced by clause 1. We have Worthing West (Sir Peter Bottomley) will no doubt asked the civil procedure rules committee to consider refer to in due course—of Peter Wilmshurst and NMT—an rule changes to support a new early resolution procedure early strike-out procedure was necessary to prevent one under which either party could apply at the outset of company from abusing our libel laws. It was an example 269 Defamation Bill16 APRIL 2013 Defamation Bill 270

[Paul Farrelly] Mrs Grant: I am grateful to my hon. and learned Friend, who makes a very good point indeed. of libel tourism and all the worst excesses. The amendment would be the only place in the Bill providing for early Sir Peter Bottomley: Just two names: Peter Wilmshurst strike-out. and the hundreds of thousands of pounds by a corrupt organisation, a company that had not allowed clinical Mrs Grant: I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, but research to be published properly; and Dr Simon Singh the early resolution procedure will not fix the problem and the half a million pounds of costs over £5,000 of of the chilling effect and equality of arms that he is damages, and the court could not find a way of dismissing obviously concerned about. It is one of many measures the case. That is the problem: such cases should not be and although I fully accept that the chilling effect is an allowed to start. issue, we also have to recognise that companies must have the right to protect their reputation. One therefore Mrs Grant: As I intimated earlier, fixing the problem has to consider not just our request for an early resolution of fairness and creating the right balance between the procedure, but the serious harm test and our proposals claimant and defendant is not just about an early strike-out on cost protection and exemplary damages and costs. procedure. It is about a package of proposals that create Altogether, all those things will, I hope, ensure that fairness, are proportionate and allow for freedom of defamation proceedings are not manipulated by the expression while protecting the reputations of individuals. party with considerably more financial needs against the party with less financials means. Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab): I am grateful to the (LD): Before my hon. Friend leaves this issue and Minister for giving way—I know she wants to get into following the intervention by our hon. Friend the Member the flow of her speech—but she misunderstands what for Worthing West (Sir Peter Bottomley), will she say clause 1 will do. A trial judge will be able to decide whether the implication of what she said a few minutes whether serious harm has been caused only at the final ago is that she and the Government are willing to look trial, after costs have been expended, as indicated by her at how we reflect the Lords amendment, but in a hon. Friend the Member for Worthing West (Sir Peter different way, to deal with corporate actions against Bottomley). The purpose of the clause introduced in vulnerable individuals, which is clearly a concern on the Lords is to allow the issue to be resolved at an early both sides of the House? stage, before the defendant has faced too much cost and stress. What has she got against that? Mrs Grant: In relation to serious financial harm—that aspect and that aspect alone at the moment. Mrs Grant: I have just explained that we have requested I now turn to the second element of the Lords that an early resolution procedure should be looked amendment. In the case of Derbyshire county council v. into, and if we have an early resolution procedure, we Times Newspapers, the House of Lords held that local do not need a permission stage. As I have explained, authorities and government bodies were already prevented having a permission stage and an early resolution procedure from bringing actions for defamation. The amendments would create far too much delay and cost, which is not seek to extend that principle and prevent claims by any what anyone wants. I would have thought that the non-natural person performing a public function. We shadow Minister, having been a solicitor, would know do not consider that appropriate, as it would remove the effect that can have on claimants. completely the right of a wide range of businesses and other organisations to protect their reputation. Although Sir Edward Garnier (Harborough) (Con) rose— the provision focuses on criticisms in connection with Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con) rose— the exercise of public functions, that criticism could of course have a wider impact on the reputation of the Mrs Grant: I would also like to make the point—I business more generally. can hear that there are concerns about this issue—that I Our view is that a rigid, restrictive statutory provision am, however, aware of the strength of feeling that exists that would remove the right to claim from a wide range on this matter and on whether the Bill should contain a of bodies does not represent a proportionate approach. provision requiring non-natural persons trading for profit We consider it much better to allow the courts to to show substantial financial loss. As we have made develop the Derbyshire principle, as they consider clear at earlier stages in the Bill, in order to satisfy the appropriate and necessary in the light of individual serious harm test, such bodies are likely in practice to cases. The removal of the amendment will not affect the have to show actual or likely financial loss anyway. Derbyshire principle, which will continue under the However, I can confirm that we are prepared to consider common law as it does now. I hope that the House will actively that aspect of the Lords amendment further, therefore agree to reject Lords amendment 2. and we will listen carefully to the views expressed in both Houses. 6.30 pm Sir Edward Garnier: I listened with care to what the I shall now turn to the remaining amendments, all of shadow Secretary of State said just now. Although it is which are Government amendments that I ask the true that clause 1 might be a retrospective application, House to support. Amendments 3 to 7 relate to the the ordinary rules of strike-out and the ordinary rules defence of publication on a matter of public interest. of court that police abusive cases are not altered. If the Hon. Members will recall that, before the Bill left this court is faced with an abusive claim by a company, it House for the other place, my right hon. Friend the will be dealt with. One does not need legislation to Justice Secretary and I gave a commitment that the police the administration of such proceedings. Government would look again at clause 4. As a result of 271 Defamation Bill16 APRIL 2013 Defamation Bill 272 those considerations, we tabled amendments in the other to the affirmative resolution procedure in Parliament. place to recast the defence in a number of respects. This will of course ensure that these receive thorough Amendment 3 would replace the requirement for the parliamentary scrutiny. defendant to show that he had acted responsibly in Amendment 12 relates to clause 6 and clarifies, for publishing the statement complained of with a requirement the avoidance of doubt, that the defence of qualified to show that he reasonably believed that publishing the privilege for peer-reviewed statements in scientific or statement complained of was in the public interest. academic journals extends to journals that are published Considering whether the defendant has demonstrated in electronic form. his reasonable belief will involve a subjective element— Amendment 13 extends the qualified privilege that is namely, what the defendant believed at the time—and available under clause 7 in respect of fair and accurate the objective element involving the question of whether copy of extracts or a summary of any document circulated that belief was reasonable for the defendant to hold. to members of a listed company that relate to the My hon. Friend the Member for Worthing West appointment, resignation, retirement or dismissal of (Sir Peter Bottomley) has tabled an amendment proposing directors of the company to material relating to the that the test should be whether the defendant had appointment, resignation, retirement or dismissal of reasonably decided that publication was in the public company auditors. This is a response to a concern interest. That point was debated in the other place, and raised in the other place and is in line with the more I believe that the concern underlying his amendment general Government policy to increase the transparency might be that the current wording, “reasonably believed”, of interactions between companies and their auditors. could make the test too subjective and result in arguments Finally, amendment 14 amends clause 13 to enable about the defendant’s motive. I can give him a clear the claimant who has been successful in a claim against reassurance that we do not consider these amendments the publisher of defamatory material to obtain an order to be justified. The defendant’s belief and his motive are for a secondary publisher, such as a bookseller, to stop not the same thing. distributing, selling or exhibiting materials containing The courts have made it clear in cases such as Flood the defamatory statement. Without such a provision, that considerations about motive are usually irrelevant, the effect of clause 10 might be that an action could not so it is highly unlikely that they would entertain them if be brought against the secondary publisher who refused any such arguments were to arise. We are satisfied that to remove the material from circulation even though our wording accurately captures the essence of the they knew it was defamatory. Flood judgment. In addition, the emphasis that the I believe that the Government amendments made Government have placed—in debates, and which I reiterate during the Bill’s passage through the other place assist today—on our intention to reflect Flood will leave the in achieving the Government’s aim of striking the courts in no doubt that that is the case. correct balance between freedom of expression and Amendment 5 removes the list of factors that the protection of reputation. To conclude, I urge the House clause previously invited the court to consider, which to support amendments 3 to 14 and to disagree with had led to concern being expressed in this House and amendments 1, 2, 15 and 16. elsewhere that a checklist approach would be taken by the courts. Amendment 7 requires the court, in considering Sadiq Khan: At the last general election, all three whether a defendant’s belief is reasonable, to make such main parties were committed to reform our defamation allowance for editorial discretion as it considers appropriate. laws. The Bill before us is a step forward in modernising Amendment 6 brings together two previous subsections our outdated defamation legislation. I shall shortly of the clause reflecting the doctrine of reportage, without explain that it is not perfect—I believe that the House changing their effect. Amendment 4 requires the court must decide on a number of crucial issues today—but it to have regard to all the circumstances of a case when will lead to a much-needed updating of the law. reaching a judgment. We believe that these amendments I begin by thanking colleagues in the other place, to clause 4 reflect the current law as articulated in the including Lord Browne of Ladyton and Baroness Hayter case of Flood, and that they will avoid an over-prescriptive of Kentish Town, for championing improvements to approach while maintaining an appropriate balance the Bill, many of which are before us today, and Lord between the interests of the claimant and those of the McNally for his handling of the Bill in the other place. defendant. A number of the points addressed in the amendments I shall move on to amendments 8 to 11, which make a were raised by Labour in the House of Commons and number of changes to points of detail in respect of in Committee in the Lords. We welcome the fact that clause 5. Amendment 11 provides that the defence in the Government have taken them on board. I hope the the clause is defeated if the claimant shows that a House will endorse the improvements made to the website operator has acted with malice in respect of provisions on public interest defence, the operators of publishing a statement. This responds to concerns raised websites and the electronic publication of peer-reviewed in the other place that situations could arise in which a academic and science journals. All those will contribute website operator had acted maliciously—for example, to improving our defamation legislation. by inciting the poster to make the posting, or by otherwise colluding with him. Although we believe that these Paul Farrelly rose— situations are likely to be rare, we consider that in circumstances where a website operator acts maliciously, Sadiq Khan: I will give way once and then move on. it is right that the defence should be defeated. Amendments 8 and 9 are technical amendments to Paul Farrelly: I thank my right hon. Friend, who the regulation-making powers and amendment 10 provides referred to the efforts of Baroness Hayter, particularly that regulations made under this clause will be subject in respect of amendment 2 on non-natural persons or 273 Defamation Bill16 APRIL 2013 Defamation Bill 274

[Paul Farrelly] Dr Simon Singh said today: “My own case is not atypical. Lots of cases which people think corporates. Will he also pay tribute to Lord Lester of are unfair and unreasonable have involved large companies suing Herne Hill of the Liberal Democrats and Lord Mawhinney individuals and corporations. The only clause in the Bill that of the Conservative party, as this truly was an amendment would have helped me would have been if the British Chiropractic with cross-party support in the Lords? Association had had to demonstrate financial loss, because that would have been impossible for them. Corporations have huge influence on society and that’s why we need to tip the balance in Sadiq Khan: My hon. Friend will be pleased to know favour of free speech.” that I thank them later in my speech, but I will do it now. I thank Lord Lester for beginning the process of his private Member’s Bill, which followed the working Simon Hughes: As the right hon. Gentleman knows, I party; and I thank Lord Mawhinney who chaired the am very sympathetic to the point he is making, and I excellent Joint Committee. I thank, too, the Select certainly agree that the case of Dr Singh exemplifies the Committee on Culture, Media and Sport, ably chaired wrong that we seek to redress. It is simply a matter of by another Conservative, the hon. Member for Maldon the tactics that we use to achieve the result that we want. (Mr Whittingdale). The Minister has expressed her willingness to consider tabling another amendment, and it seems to me that, in On the rules on a corporation’s ability to pursue procedural terms, the only way in which we can do that defamation against an individual, however, the broad is by ensuring that the Commons disagrees with the consensus breaks down. We were led to believe that this Lords so that negotiation can take place in the other afternoon the Government would make concessions place over the next few days. that would buy off the Liberal Democrats and us, but that did not happen. What the Minister has said is inadequate, and gives the lie to the word “concession”. Sadiq Khan: I am terribly sorry, but the Minister did not say that. She alluded to the civil procedure rules and The Government, and the hon. and learned Member to the Civil Justice Council, but she did not say that she for Harborough (Sir Edward Garnier), seek the House’s would go away and table an amendment in lieu of the support for the overturning of Lords amendment 2. previously amended clause 2. If she had agreed to table, The amendment would bring equality to an area of law next week, a new amendment containing subsections (1), that is currently characterised by a large degree of (2), (3), but not (4)—for the reasons that she articulated— inequality and that has had a chilling effect. Corporations that would be an argument in the right hon. Gentleman’s have used their financial and legal might to intimidate favour. their critics, which in many cases has led to their silence. This is the tactic. The right hon. Gentleman can vote Let me quote from the excellent report of the Joint with us. Members of his party, plus ours, defeat the Committee. Government, and we succeed in ensuring that the amended “It is unacceptable that corporations are able to silence critical clause 2 is in the Bill. reporting by threatening or starting libel claims which they know the publisher cannot afford to defend and where there is no realistic prospect of serious financial loss. However, we do not Dr Huppert: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? believe that corporations should lose the right to sue for defamation altogether ...we favour the approach which limits libel claims to situations where the corporation can prove the likelihood of Sadiq Khan: I will in a moment, but I want to make ‘substantial financial loss’.” some progress first. We have only an hour in which to debate the amendments because of the way in which the Opposition Members support that statement. Government programmed the debate. If the Government are successful today, they will Sadly, publishers are routinely threatened with libel undo a key improvement that was made in the other proceedings by corporations who do not want negative place, and this House will send the message that it is coverage. The Lords amendment would make that more acceptable for corporations and institutions to silence difficult. their critics by using the threat of defamation in a battle that is inherently unequal. The Bill, as amended, will not prevent corporations from pursuing defamation 6.45 pm actions against individuals; it merely introduces an initial hurdle before that stage is reached. A court must be In addition, the Lords new clause aligns the law with satisfied that the likelihood of substantial financial the so-called Derbyshire principle. This principle rightly harm has been proved before the action can proceed. prevents public bodies from bringing defamation actions, That last point is important, as it relates to the size of and the amendment will mean that private companies the company and thus takes into account the particular delivering public functions are similarly restricted. In challenges facing smaller businesses. the original case of Derbyshire County Council v. Times The hon. Member for Worthing West (Sir Peter Newspapers in 1993, Lord Keith of Kinkel’s judgment Bottomley) mentioned Dr Simon Singh, the science makes clear the importance of “uninhibited public criticism” writer who led the libel reform campaign—a campaign of democratically elected and public bodies. The principle for reform of our defamation law—after being sued for is very important, because it means that local authorities— criticising the “bogus treatments”offered by some alternative or, indeed, any public authority or organ of central or medicine providers. He pointed out that if the Government local government—should be open to uninhibited public were successful today, people such as him who made criticism and therefore do not have the right to make a similar statements would still be given no protection. As claim for defamation for damages. Members may know, he was sued by the British Chiropractic Association, which is registered as a company. Sir Edward Garnier rose— 275 Defamation Bill16 APRIL 2013 Defamation Bill 276

Sadiq Khan: I will give two examples, and then I will Committee on the draft Bill, chaired, as we have been give way to the hon. and learned Gentleman, as I know reminded, by former Conservative Cabinet Minister, he has an interest in this matter. Lord Mawhinney. Let us look at some of the consequences for the Ministry of Justice, the Minister’s Department. The Paul Farrelly: The right hon. Member for Bermondsey Government amendment means that anyone, including and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes) suggested in his a whistleblower, who wants to criticise the way a private intervention that the Government might make some company runs a prison using taxpayer money could changes in the Lords and gave the Minister the opportunity face the threat of an action for damages, whereas he or to intervene. Will my right hon. Friend invite the Minister she would not for criticising a public sector prison. This to intervene, to make clear what might happen in the should be about protecting the reputation of the justice Lords if this measure is not pressed to a vote now? system, rather than big corporations. It would also mean that someone wanting to raise concerns about a Sadiq Khan: My hon. Friend will be pleased to know danger to public safety caused by a private company that I think it is good manners and courtesy to take an managing, for example, medium risk offenders, once intervention when someone on the Front Bench tries to the Government’s plans for privatising our probation make one, so if the Minister seeks to intervene I shall service have been implemented, would face the threat of allow her to do so. defamation. Do the Government really want this unlevel playing Sir Peter Bottomley rose— field—which the Liberal Democrats will support in about 20 minutes? I remind the House that these are Sadiq Khan: I shall give way to the hon. Gentleman in private companies undertaking public functions at taxpayer a moment. expense. At a time when the Government are handing I was talking about the huge amount of support for over more and more of our public services to private Lords amendment 2. It should also be supported by the and voluntary groups in education, health care and Liberal Democrats, whose manifesto stated that they crime and justice, less and less of taxpayer spend will be sought defamation reform that would require subject to the uninhibited public criticism Lord Keith “corporations to show damage and prove malice or recklessness”. identified as so fundamental. That is a far higher threshold than that in Lords amendment 2. If the Liberal Democrats stick to their Sir Edward Garnier: First, may I make it perfectly manifesto and their principles and vote with us this clear to the ignorant person who tweeted about me this evening, we can defeat this attempt to stifle free speech. afternoon that I have, in fact, declared my interest in I urge them and others to vote with us to support the relation to this matter on the amendment paper? retention of this crucial clause in the Bill. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Derbyshire I like to keep my promises, so I shall now give way to county council case, while Lord Keith held that the the hon. Member for Worthing West (Sir Peter Bottomley). council should not be able to sue, he confirmed that corporations should be able to sue to protect their Sir Peter Bottomley: The right hon. Gentleman might trading reputation? The heart of the right hon. Gentleman’s get as far as I did by doing that. argument is that this is about inequality of arms. He Atos do disability checks for the Government and a thinks rich, very large and hugely well-resourced companies number of disability claimants had a forum where they are bullying less resourced individuals, but the same put their comments about that. Atos, I understand, sent criticism could be made of immensely rich private a legal letter that closed it down because the threat was individuals who bring claims. Robert Maxwell used his sufficient. The Government could not have done that millions—perhaps they were other people’s millions— and Atos should not, so the public function issue matters. There are plenty of other ways in which large corporations Mr Speaker: Order. I am sure the hon. and learned can defend their reputation, but using money and legal Gentleman will have an opportunity to catch my eye threats is not one of them. and make his own speech in due course, but we do not have all that long for this debate and we have got the gist Sadiq Khan: The hon. Gentleman might have been in of his point. the House in 1993, when Lord Keith made his judgment, but the numbers of private companies undertaking public functions in ’93 were far fewer than they are in Sadiq Khan: Thank you for rescuing me from that 2013. The hon. Gentleman knows that I have huge speech, Mr Speaker. respect for him, but if his party has its way, with the First, we are not saying corporations cannot sue at support of the Liberal Democrats, even more public all. We are saying, “If you’ve suffered serious financial services will be tendered and will be run by private loss relative to the size of your company, you can sue.” companies. Also, directors can sue, which is especially relevant to a Large elements of the Bill show how Parliament small company suffering harm. should legislate. Political consensus on the overarching All in all, we believe that the provisions in Lords need to reform followed by detailed, expert debate on amendment 2 are measured and sensible, and modernise the substance in both Houses, all informed by a dedicated our existing defamation laws in a proportionate manner. set of campaigners and non-governmental organisations, They enjoy wide support, too. They are supported by has helped to turn the original substandard Bill to a the Libel Reform Campaign, the House of Commons better set of proposals. I hope that today the House will Culture, Media and Sport Committee and the Joint agree with us one more time on the importance of 277 Defamation Bill16 APRIL 2013 Defamation Bill 278

[Sadiq Khan] We should also bear it in mind that there are different types of company. There are not-for-profit companies retaining the key changes made to the Bill in the Lords. which are not in the business of making money and Do you know what? Defamation Bills do not come which, if they were libelled, would not lose money. It around very often—this is only the third since 1853. We may well be said in response to me that the amendment must grasp the opportunity and deliver the modern, deals with that. They would get permission from the updated defamation laws warranted by our tradition of court to bring that action, but that just creates another open and free speech. hurdle, as the Under-Secretary of State for Justice, my hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone and The Weald Sir Edward Garnier: There have been three defamation (Mrs Grant), made clear. Bills in my lifetime; I do not know whether that helps the right hon. Member for Tooting (Sadiq Khan)— Sir Peter Bottomley: I would be grateful if my hon. and learned Friend could advise briefly on two points. Sadiq Khan: It shows how old you are. First, at which stage should the courts have said, “We are not going to go further with the claim against Dr Simon Singh or against Dr Peter Wilmshurst”? Sir Edward Garnier: It does, and perhaps the right Secondly, with reference to loss, in 1950 two doctors hon. Gentleman will allow me to— said that tobacco is very bad for people’s health and asbestos is very bad for people’s lungs. That was not the Mr Speaker: Order. May I point out that I think the general view. It was an insight, and the companies hon. and learned Gentleman was born not in 1853 but, involved in selling tobacco and selling asbestos could if memory serves me, in 1952? have sued for loss. That should have been struck out as well. There should be no libel for such cases. How Sir Edward Garnier: On 26 October, and I share a would my hon. and learned Friend stop that kind of birthday with President Mitterrand and Hillary Clinton. thing without the proposed new clause? Let us move on, however. I have already declared my interest, so I hope I do not Sir Edward Garnier: I shall not unwind the case of have to do so again. I want to say that this is not a Singh or the Wilmshurst case; they have been before the question of being right or wrong. I am not saying that I courts and have been dealt with. As it happens, the case am right, that my hon. Friend the Minister is right or of Simon Singh became controversial because it was an that the right hon. Member for Tooting is wrong, but argument about whether the words complained of that this is a matter of judgment and opinion. We are constituted allegations of fact or whether they were perfectly entitled to have different views about how best capable of constituting comment. That is the point on to order the law on defamation. which it went to the Court of Appeal. There was an action in South Africa brought by a It so happens that the right hon. Gentleman and I tobacco company which sued and recovered damages take a different view on Lords amendment 2 on non-natural on the allegation that its products promoted cancer. persons. I happen to think that Lord Bingham was right Things change. That is the advantage of having an in the Jameel case in 2007 to make it quite clear that he organic system of law which enables the courts to deal thought it was perfectly proper and right for corporations with evidence and reach conclusions about whether a to be able to bring actions for libel without proof of company or anyone else has been attacked inappropriately. special damage—without having to show money loss. I will not recite all that he said, as there is not enough As I was saying to the hon. Member for Cambridge time, but it is worth bearing it in mind when some of the (Dr Huppert), it is not all that hard to think of statements more hyperbolic accusations are traded about companies which seriously injure the general commercial reputation that bring actions for libel to terrorise or use their of trading and charitable organisations. An arms financial muscle to inhibit the defence of those actions company— or to inhibit free speech. Dr Huppert: Will the hon. and learned Gentleman Dr Huppert: Does the hon. and learned Gentleman give way? accept that there is a fundamental difference between non-natural persons and natural persons in terms of Sir Edward Garnier: If the hon. Gentleman will forgive aspects to do with feelings, for example? Corporations me, this debate stops at 7.13 pm. of any size cannot have feelings that can hurt by defamatory Arms companies can be accused of bribing foreign action; there is a fundamental difference that the law officials. Oil companies can be accused of damaging the should reflect. environment. International humanitarian agencies can be accused of wrongfully succumbing to Government Sir Edward Garnier: That is not only fundamental; it pressure. Retailers can be accused of exploiting child is highly uncontroversial. Human beings can get damages labour, and so on. As the right hon. Member for Tooting for hurt to their feelings; companies cannot. One cannot said, the directors or the leading members of those libel a company by accusing it, for example, of adultery, companies may also have a parallel course of action, whereas one can so libel an individual. There are plenty but the company itself should not be shut out from of obvious and not very surprising differences between pursuing a course of action if that is available to it. the law relating to individuals and the law relating to The good name of a company, as that of an individual, companies, but there are examples of things which is a thing of value. A damaging libel may lower its affect companies’ trading reputations, which should be standing in the eyes of the public and even of its own susceptible to protection. staff and make people less ready to deal with it and less 279 Defamation Bill16 APRIL 2013 Defamation Bill 280 willing or less proud to work for it. If that were not so, Paul Farrelly: I wish to speak briefly to Lords corporations would not go to the lengths they do to amendment 2, which would be a major change to the protect and burnish their corporate images. There is Bill, and to amendment (a) to Lords amendment 3, nothing repugnant in the notion that this is a value which stands in my name and that of the hon. Member which the law should protect, and it is not an adequate for Worthing West (Sir Peter Bottomley). I will curtail answer that the corporation can itself seek to answer my remarks, because I want to give other Members the the defamatory statement through press releases or opportunity to speak. public statements, as protestations of innocence by the Lords amendment 2 would be a major change. The impugned party necessarily carry less weight with the issue here is not just about big corporations wanting to public than the prompt issue of proceedings which bully and intimidate the little people, as McDonalds did culminate in a favourable verdict by a judge or a jury. years ago, simply because they can. The Culture, Media Furthermore, why should one have to accept that a and Sport Committee’s report highlighted a more recent publication, if truly damaging to a corporation’s commercial case of almost flagrant abuse of our libel laws by a large reputation, will result in provable financial loss, since corporation: Tesco’s libel action against The Guardian— the more prompt and public a company’s issuing of some people’s favourite paper, and some people’s hate proceedings, and the more diligent its pursuit of a paper—in 2008. We can generalise from that case. claim, the less the chance that financial loss will actually It has recently been in vogue to condemn aggressive accrue? It may be argued against me that all these and widespread tax avoidance, and that was what The matters will be dealt with in the permission hearing, but Guardian story was all about. It made a mistake in that when is the permission hearing to take place? Will the story and referred to the wrong tax. It turned out that corporation have to wait right until the end of the Tesco was avoiding not only the wrong tax but the tax limitation period? Will it have to wait for weeks and that it said it was not avoiding. The Guardian,asany weeks while the next set of accounts comes out, so that newspaper would, apologised, made a clarification and it can work out whether financial loss has occurred as a offers of amends and ensured that it used all the procedures consequence of the libel? There might be any number of of the law, as set down the last time this House looked causes of a company suffering an economic downturn, at reform of libel law, but Tesco was just not interested. particularly in a recession. The reason Tesco turned everything down, stalled for I return to the point I made about not-for-profit time and racked up the costs was not just because it companies and charities. could, but because it, like so many corporations, wanted to chill. It wanted to take the newspaper and its journalists Dr Huppert: Has the hon. and learned Gentleman out of the game. It wanted to send a message. The seen that the amendment that I hope the Government Guardian—it could have been any newspaper—faced a will bring forward specifically refers to trading-for-profit bill of up to £5 million if the case went all the way to the organisations, as the Joint Committee recommended? It House of Lords, or now to the Supreme Court, because specifically excludes charities. the issue in libel is cost, not damages, so it settled for a nominal sum. The costs were massive. 7pm Lords amendment 2 would have cross-party support not only in the Lords but here, if Members had a free Sir Edward Garnier: I am discussing the amendment vote. The only people who oppose it are those organisations to the Bill, not the one somewhere else that the hon. that like to chill and those firms that make massive Gentleman was happy to talk about. amounts of money out of the libel industry. The I agree with my hon. Friend the Minister in relation amendment would not stop companies suing; it just to subsection (4) of the new clause proposed in Lords asks that they demonstrate significant damage when amendment 2. It seems to me that procedurally we can they can fight back by other means. only deal with the amendment as one; we cannot chop The Lords amendment also asks that the court approve and change it. Subsection (4) states: a writ. Currently people can just go to court, a writ is “Non-natural persons performing a public function do not rubber-stamped and then one is obliged to spend one’s have an action in defamation in relation to a statement concerning time and money fighting it. The refusal of Rachel that function.” Ehrenfeld, an American, to go thorough that procedure It seems to me that the common law, as expressed led to the Americans introducing their laws to stop our through Derbyshire, is there. If we legislate, we will libel judgments being enforced in the United States. create sclerosis. Indeed, I think that there are some disadvantages in legislating to put the Reynolds defence Sir Edward Garnier: I ask the hon. Gentleman to into statute. We will no doubt make lots of work for our have a look at new clause 2(3), which says: learned friends, but we will make the process of amending “The court must strike out an application under subsection (2) the law of libel, particularly in relation to public interest unless the body corporate can show that the publication of the statements, all the more difficult as we lock it down into words or matters complained of has caused, or is likely to cause, statute. substantial financial loss”. I urge the House to think carefully before deciding on What happens to a charity or non-profit-making company whether to agree to their lordships’ amendment. I urge that is not in the business of making a financial gain or Members to give my hon. Friend the Minister and the a financial loss if it is defamed? The case would have to Government the time and space to get this right with be struck out under the clause. mature consideration and not to be seduced by the siren calls of the pressure groups, no matter how well motivated Paul Farrelly: The hon. and learned Gentleman has they might be, into producing what would be a deleterious forgotten that the proposal does not apply to non-profit- and damaging end to this affair. making organisations. 281 Defamation Bill16 APRIL 2013 Defamation Bill 282

[Paul Farrelly] Let me make a point on behalf of Colin Channon, the editor of my local newspaper, the Worthing Herald, This is the only part of the Bill, until we see the civil who says that were he to report that a group of unauthorised procedure rules, that provides for early strike-out. That campers was in the constituency and he were then sued, would have helped Peter Wilmshurst, sued by NMT, he would have to pay £3,000 for initial advice before he who could not ultimately pay the bills that he had got to a panel. We are in danger of our local newspapers racked up, leaving aside the worry for his family in being threatened. putting everything on the line. The amendment would As for people conspiring to say that the police would get around the distinction drawn in the Simon Singh not confirm whether someone had been arrested, the case—the artificial discrimination between corporate idea that someone could sue for a libel that claimed they bodies and non-incorporated bodies that allowed the had been arrested but which had not been confirmed, British Chiropractic Association to sue him in the first even though true, makes the issue even worse. I am instance. unhappy with most of this but I am particularly unhappy The Lords amendment is sensible and proportionate. that the Government have not yet found a way of It would not prevent individuals in companies, particularly having new clause 2, in effect, there for all of us. private companies, from suing if they felt defamed by an article that attacked their company. It would also, as the hon. Member for Worthing West said, extend the Dr Huppert: It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member Derbyshire principle to contracted-out firms where they for Worthing West (Sir Peter Bottomley), with whom I are providing public functions—Atos, for example. In have had many promising discussions on the issue. I am short, it keeps up with the times. delighted that the Bill is back in the Commons. There was a period when, due to the actions of the Labour I put my name to Lords amendment 3, tabled by the peer Lord Puttnam, there was a risk. I am glad that that hon. Member for Worthing West, partly, again, on the risk did not eventualise and that it turned out not to be grounds of reducing costs. Beliefs are very subjective a problem. and decisions are more objective if the courts interpret them sensibly. I also wanted to tease out from the This Bill will make a significant change to the costs of Government why, having rejected all our concerns in libel and to free speech and it will reduce libel tourism. I the Bill Committee about having another tick list, as the am particularly pleased about clause 6, which provides Reynolds defence had proved so costly, they had so specific protection for peer-reviewed academic and scientific radically changed their mind. The Minister has not publications. That is something that I value greatly and elucidated that. However, by virtue of the fact that the I am delighted that we will be able to make those matter was uncontested in the Lords, I am happy that a protections, because we have heard of too many cases court can consider all circumstances of the case. I hope of learned journals being silenced. that in a spirit of cross-party truce, my colleague the The issue remains, however, of corporations and hon. Member for Worthing West will speak to his non-natural persons. As I argued earlier, they are different. amendment. They do not have feelings. They are categorically separate and there should be different rules for what happens when they wish to bring libel actions. Significantly, we Sir Peter Bottomley: I want to make two points that have heard that they can abuse power, as in the cases of were not those I intended to make originally. My third Peter Wilmshurst and Simon Singh. I was going to talk point is that I disagree with my hon. and learned Friend more about them, but a number of speeches have covered the Member for Harborough (Sir Edward Garnier) them. almost completely about this, so I will not put those arguments. There is, largely, cross-party agreement, with the notable Tesco Lotus in Thailand sued a journalist for exception of the hon. and learned Member for Harborough £1.9 million—perhaps it was dollars or something, but (Sir Edward Garnier). it was quite a lot—because it wanted an apology, and it eventually got an agreement to have a clarification of Sir Edward Garnier: Does the hon. Gentleman accept the words on an inside page. It later sued a former MP, a that “a body corporate” in subsection (1)(a) of the new business journalist, in the same way. clause proposed by Lords amendment 2 does not restrict Corporations such as Tesco, whether in joint venture it to money-making corporations? overseas or in this country, should not be able to choose to sue an individual journalist; it simply should not Dr Huppert: The hon. and learned Gentleman is happen. They have plenty of power, plenty of weight, correct. I understand that that is the intention and that plenty of thick skin and an umbrella, and they should is what was recommended. I eagerly anticipate a not be able to do it. Government amendment and hope that it will address I would have stopped corporations suing for libel at that issue. None of us wants to put constraints on all. charities. This relates to profitable or profit-making I believe strongly that public functions should fall organisations, or at least those that are trying to make a under the Derbyshire principle, irrespective of whether profit. we want private businesses doing public jobs. Earlier I I heard the Minister make a commitment to actively gave the example of a security guard at a pop festival. I consider such amendments. My understanding is—I am regard security as a public function even if it is privately still new to parliamentary procedure—that that is as far hired, and such people should not be able to sue for as a Minister is able to go at this stage. I would be libel. The court should not issue the writ; it should not grateful if it was not her intention to set high expectations be allowed. for such an amendment being tabled in the Lords. She is 283 Defamation Bill16 APRIL 2013 Defamation Bill 284 welcome to clarify the issue now; otherwise, I am very Davey, rh Mr Edward Hunter, Mark happy with what she said and look forward to the Davies, David T. C. Jackson, Mr Stewart amendment. (Monmouth) James, Margot Davies, Glyn Jenkin, Mr Bernard We will get cross-party agreement on corporations de Bois, Nick Johnson, Joseph having to prove that they have suffered serious financial Dinenage, Caroline Jones, Andrew harm. Simon Singh has correctly said that that would Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Jones, rh Mr David have saved him. Such a provision is still missing from Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Jones, Mr Marcus the Bill, but I believe that the Government have now Dorries, Nadine Kawczynski, Daniel said that they will address it. I trust the Government on Doyle-Price, Jackie Kelly, Chris that and I look forward to the amendment and to the Drax, Richard Kirby, Simon Bill finally changing. Duddridge, James Knight, rh Mr Greg As John Kampfner, the former chief executive of Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Kwarteng, Kwasi Dunne, Mr Philip Laing, Mrs Eleanor Index on Censorship, said: Ellis, Michael Lamb, Norman “When we launched the Libel Reform Campaign in 2009, only Ellison, Jane Lancaster, Mark the Liberal Democrats backed change. Now the cause has cross Elphicke, Charlie Lansley, rh Mr Andrew party support.” Eustice, George Latham, Pauline I look forward to seeing this Bill become an Act. Evans, Graham Leadsom, Andrea Fabricant, Michael Lee, Dr Phillip 7.13 pm Fallon, rh Michael Leslie, Charlotte Farron, Tim Letwin, rh Mr Oliver One hour having elapsed since the commencement of Featherstone, Lynne Lewis, Brandon proceedings on Lords amendments, the debate was interrupted Field, Mark Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian (Programme Order, this day). Foster, rh Mr Don Lidington, rh Mr David The Speaker put forthwith the Question already proposed Fox,rhDrLiam Lilley, rh Mr Peter from the Chair (Standing Order No. 83F), That this Francois, rh Mr Mark Lloyd, Stephen House disagrees with Lords amendment 1. Freer, Mike Lopresti, Jack Fuller, Richard Lord, Jonathan Question agreed to. Garnier, Sir Edward Loughton, Tim Lords amendment 1 accordingly disagreed to. Garnier, Mark Luff, Peter The Speaker then put forthwith the Questions necessary Gauke, Mr David Lumley, Karen for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that George, Andrew Macleod, Mary time (Standing Order No. 83F). Gibb, Mr Nick Main, Mrs Anne Gilbert, Stephen Maynard, Paul Motion made, and Question put, That this House Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl McCartney, Jason disagrees with Lords amendment 2.—(Mrs Grant.) Glen, John McCartney, Karl The House divided: Ayes 298, Noes 230. Goldsmith, Zac McCrea, Dr William Goodwill, Mr Robert McIntosh, Miss Anne Division No. 209] [7.13 pm Graham, Richard McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Grant, Mrs Helen McPartland, Stephen AYES Gray, Mr James Menzies, Mark Adams, Nigel Brine, Steve Grayling, rh Chris Mercer, Patrick Afriyie, Adam Brokenshire, James Green, rh Damian Metcalfe, Stephen Aldous, Peter Brooke, Annette Greening, rh Justine Miller, rh Maria Alexander, rh Danny Bruce, Fiona Griffiths, Andrew Mills, Nigel Andrew, Stuart Buckland, Mr Robert Gummer, Ben Milton, Anne Bacon, Mr Richard Burley, Mr Aidan Halfon, Robert Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Baker, Steve Burns, Conor Hammond, rh Mr Philip Mordaunt, Penny Baldry, Sir Tony Burns, rh Mr Simon Hammond, Stephen Morgan, Nicky Baldwin, Harriett Burstow, rh Paul Hancock, Matthew Morris, Anne Marie Barclay, Stephen Burt, Lorely Harper, Mr Mark Morris, David Barker, rh Gregory Byles, Dan Harrington, Richard Morris, James Baron, Mr John Cable, rh Vince Harris, Rebecca Mosley, Stephen Barwell, Gavin Cairns, Alun Hart, Simon Mowat, David Bebb, Guto Campbell, Mr Gregory Harvey, Sir Nick Mundell, rh David Beith, rh Sir Alan Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Munt, Tessa Bellingham, Mr Henry Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hayes, rh Mr John Murray, Sheryll Benyon, Richard Carmichael, Neil Heath, Mr David Murrison, Dr Andrew Beresford, Sir Paul Cash, Mr William Heaton-Harris, Chris Neill, Robert Berry, Jake Chishti, Rehman Hemming, John Newmark, Mr Brooks Bingham, Andrew Chope, Mr Christopher Henderson, Gordon Newton, Sarah Binley, Mr Brian Clappison, Mr James Herbert, rh Nick Nokes, Caroline Birtwistle, Gordon Clark, rh Greg Hinds, Damian Norman, Jesse Blackman, Bob Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hoban, Mr Mark Nuttall, Mr David Boles, Nick Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hollingbery, George O’Brien, Mr Stephen Bradley, Karen Coffey, Dr Thérèse Holloway, Mr Adam Offord, Dr Matthew Brady, Mr Graham Collins, Damian Hopkins, Kris Ollerenshaw, Eric Brake, rh Tom Colvile, Oliver Howarth, Sir Gerald Opperman, Guy Bray, Angie Cox, Mr Geoffrey Howell, John Ottaway, Richard Brazier, Mr Julian Crockart, Mike Hughes, rh Simon Paice, rh Sir James Bridgen, Andrew Crouch, Tracey Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Parish, Neil 285 Defamation Bill16 APRIL 2013 Defamation Bill 286

Patel, Priti Stevenson, John Chapman, Jenny Hodge, rh Margaret Paterson, rh Mr Owen Stewart, Iain Clark, Katy Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Pawsey, Mark Stewart, Rory Clarke, rh Mr Tom Hoey, Kate Penning, Mike Streeter, Mr Gary Clwyd, rh Ann Hollobone, Mr Philip Penrose, John Stride, Mel Coaker, Vernon Hood, Mr Jim Percy, Andrew Stunell, rh Andrew Coffey, Ann Hopkins, Kelvin Perry, Claire Sturdy, Julian Connarty, Michael Howarth, rh Mr George Phillips, Stephen Swales, Ian Cooper, Rosie Hunt, Tristram Pickles, rh Mr Eric Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Corbyn, Jeremy Irranca-Davies, Huw Pincher, Christopher Swinson, Jo Crausby, Mr David Jackson, Glenda Poulter, Dr Daniel Syms, Mr Robert Creagh, Mary Jamieson, Cathy Prisk, Mr Mark Thornton, Mike Creasy, Stella Johnson, rh Alan Pritchard, Mark Thurso, John Cruddas, Jon Johnson, Diana Pugh, John Timpson, Mr Edward Cryer, John Jones, Graham Raab, Mr Dominic Tomlinson, Justin Cunningham, Alex Jones, Helen Randall, rh Mr John Tredinnick, David Cunningham, Mr Jim Jones, Mr Kevan Reckless, Mark Turner, Mr Andrew Cunningham, Sir Tony Jowell, rh Dame Tessa Redwood, rh Mr John Tyrie, Mr Andrew Curran, Margaret Keeley, Barbara Rees-Mogg, Jacob Uppal, Paul Dakin, Nic Kendall, Liz Reevell, Simon Vaizey, Mr Edward Danczuk, Simon Khan, rh Sadiq Reid, Mr Alan Vara, Mr Shailesh Darling, rh Mr Alistair Lammy, rh Mr David Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Vickers, Martin David, Wayne Lavery, Ian Davidson, Mr Ian Lazarowicz, Mark Robertson, rh Hugh Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Robertson, Mr Laurence Davies, Geraint Leech, Mr John Walker, Mr Charles Rogerson, Dan De Piero, Gloria Leslie, Chris Walker, Mr Robin Rosindell, Andrew Denham, rh Mr John Long, Naomi Wallace, Mr Ben Rudd, Amber Dobbin, Jim Love, Mr Andrew Ward, Mr David Ruffley, Mr David Docherty, Thomas Lucas, Ian Russell, Sir Bob Watkinson, Dame Angela Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Mactaggart, Fiona Rutley, David Weatherley, Mike Doran, Mr Frank Mahmood, Shabana Sandys, Laura Webb, Steve Dowd, Jim Malhotra, Seema Scott, Mr Lee Wharton, James Doyle, Gemma Mann, John Selous, Andrew Wheeler, Heather Dromey, Jack Marsden, Mr Gordon Shannon, Jim White, Chris Durkan, Mark McCabe, Steve Shapps, rh Grant Whittaker, Craig Eagle, Ms Angela McCann, Mr Michael Sharma, Alok Whittingdale, Mr John Eagle, Maria McCarthy, Kerry Shelbrooke, Alec Wiggin, Bill Efford, Clive McClymont, Gregg Shepherd, Sir Richard Willetts, rh Mr David Ellman, Mrs Louise McDonagh, Siobhain Simpson, David Williams, Mr Mark Engel, Natascha McDonald, Andy Simpson, Mr Keith Williams, Roger Esterson, Bill McDonnell, John Skidmore, Chris Williams, Stephen Evans, Chris McFadden, rh Mr Pat Smith, Miss Chloe Williamson, Gavin Farrelly, Paul McGovern, Alison Smith, Henry Wilson, Sammy Farron, Tim McGovern, Jim Field, rh Mr Frank McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Smith, Julian Wright, Simon Smith, Sir Robert Fitzpatrick, Jim McKechin, Ann Young, rh Sir George Soubry, Anna Flello, Robert McKenzie, Mr Iain Zahawi, Nadhim Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Flint, rh Caroline McKinnell, Catherine Spencer, Mr Mark Tellers for the Ayes: Flynn, Paul Meacher, rh Mr Michael Stanley, rh Sir John Greg Hands and Fovargue, Yvonne Mearns, Ian Stephenson, Andrew Mr David Evennett Francis, Dr Hywel Mitchell, Austin Galloway, George Moon, Mrs Madeleine NOES Gapes, Mike Morden, Jessica Gardiner, Barry Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Abbott, Ms Diane Berger, Luciana Gilmore, Sheila Morris, Grahame M. Abrahams, Debbie Betts, Mr Clive Glass, Pat (Easington) Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Blackman-Woods, Roberta Glindon, Mrs Mary Mudie, Mr George Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Blenkinsop, Tom Godsiff, Mr Roger Mulholland, Greg Alexander, Heidi Blomfield, Paul Goggins, rh Paul Munn, Meg Ali, Rushanara Blunkett, rh Mr David Goodman, Helen Murphy, rh Mr Jim Allen, Mr Graham Bottomley, Sir Peter Greatrex, Tom Murphy, rh Paul Anderson, Mr David Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Green, Kate Murray, Ian Ashworth, Jonathan Brennan, Kevin Greenwood, Lilian Nandy, Lisa Austin, Ian Brown, Lyn Griffith, Nia Nash, Pamela Bailey, Mr Adrian Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Gwynne, Andrew O’Donnell, Fiona Bain, Mr William Brown, Mr Russell Hain, rh Mr Peter Onwurah, Chi Banks, Gordon Bryant, Chris Hamilton, Mr David Osborne, Sandra Barron, rh Mr Kevin Buck, Ms Karen Hanson, rh Mr David Owen, Albert Bayley, Hugh Burden, Richard Harman, rh Ms Harriet Pearce, Teresa Beckett, rh Margaret Campbell, Mr Alan Healey, rh John Perkins, Toby Begg, Dame Anne Campbell, Mr Ronnie Hemming, John Pound, Stephen Benn, rh Hilary Caton, Martin Hendrick, Mark Powell, Lucy Benton, Mr Joe Champion, Sarah Hermon, Lady Qureshi, Yasmin 287 Defamation Bill16 APRIL 2013 Defamation Bill 288

Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Spellar, rh Mr John That three be the quorum of the Committee. Reed, Mr Jamie Stuart, Ms Gisela That the Committee do withdraw immediately.— Reynolds, Emma Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Riordan, Mrs Linda Tami, Mark (Mr Syms.) Ritchie, Ms Margaret Thomas, Mr Gareth Question agreed to. Robertson, John Thornberry, Emily Committee to withdraw immediately; reasons to be Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Trickett, Jon reported and communicated to the Lords. Rotheram, Steve Twigg, Derek Roy, Mr Frank Umunna, Mr Chuka Roy, Lindsay Vaz, Valerie BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE Ruane, Chris Walley, Joan Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Watson, Mr Tom Order No. 15), Sanders, Mr Adrian Watts, Mr Dave Sarwar, Anas Whitehead, Dr Alan That, at this day’s sitting, the motions in the name of Mr Andrew Sawford, Andy Williamson, Chris Lansley relating to the Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) Bill Seabeck, Alison Wilson, Phil (Joint Committee) and the Sittings of the House (Wednesday Sharma, Mr Virendra Winnick, Mr David 17 April), may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour and Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions) will not Sheerman, Mr Barry Winterton, rh Ms Rosie apply.—(Mr Syms) Sheridan, Jim Wollaston, Dr Sarah Shuker, Gavin Woodcock, John Question agreed to. Skinner, Mr Dennis Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Slaughter, Mr Andy Wright, David GROCERIES CODE ADJUDICATOR BILL Wright, Mr Iain Smith, rh Mr Andrew [LORDS] (PROGRAMME) (NO.4) Smith, Angela Tellers for the Noes: Smith, Nick Susan Elan Jones and Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Smith, Owen Julie Hilling Order No. 83A(7)), That the following provisions shall apply to the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill Lords] for the purpose of supplementing Question accordingly agreed to. the Order of 19 November 2012 (Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill Lords amendment 2 disagreed to. [Lords] (Programme)): Lords amendments 15 and 16 disagreed to. Consideration of Lords Message Lords amendments 3, (a), and 4 to 14 agreed to. 1. Proceedings on the Lords Message shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing their commencement at today’s sitting. Order No. 83H), That a Committee be appointed to Subsequent stages draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing 2. Any further Message from the Lords may be considered to their amendments 1, 2, 15 and 16; forthwith without any Question being put. That Mr David Evennett, Robert Flello, Mrs Helen 3. The Proceedings on any further Message from the Lords Grant, Dr Julian Huppert and Mr Andy Slaughter be shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion members of the Committee; one hour after their commencement.—(Mr Syms.) That Mrs Helen Grant be the Chair of the Committee; Question agreed to. 289 16 APRIL 2013 Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill 290 [Lords] Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill [Lords] that when the Government do the right thing, we will agree with them. In this case, the Minister is certainly Consideration of Lords message doing the right thing. It is worth returning to the introduction of this Bill. Clause 23 It was a fairly ordinary Bill to start with, but it was strengthened substantially in the other place with the ORDERS addition that trade associations and third parties could 7.30 pm seek redress from the adjudicator. Importantly, on Second Reading in this House, we had a robust debate on The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, whether fines should be included in the Bill. We disagreed Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): I beg to move, That on that point, and the Minister vehemently and robustly this House agrees with Lords amendment 14A. defended their omission. We are delighted that provisions Hon. Members may be surprised to see the return of on fines were added in Committee, which made the Bill a Bill to which we bade such a fond farewell not very all the better. long ago. It returns to the House for two reasons. First, we had such an enjoyable time during its passage through The amendment we are considering is significant the Commons that we could not resist one further go, because it shows the power of this House. The Select but secondly—and by far the most important reason—we Committee has had a pre-appointment hearing for the tabled this amendment in the other place in response to adjudicator, and we congratulate her on her appointment. a recommendation from the Delegated Powers and She will be a very good adjudicator and we look forward Regulatory Reform Committee in its sixteenth report of to her getting stuck into some of the important work the Session. that has to be done on this issue. We have also had a lot of cross-party consensus on the Bill on the Floor of the As hon. Members will recall from our discussions, House and in Committee. It is a testament to the power the adjudicator must consult on her guidance. This will of the Select Committees and the Committee system—not allow her to make a recommendation to the Secretary to mention the other place—that we started with a of State about the maximum level of the fine or the fairly weak Bill, but it will leave this House today much basis for determining that amount. The Secretary of stronger. State will then need to lay an order before Parliament setting this maximum level or the method for determining Many people deserve credit for that improvement. As it. The Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform well as the Minister, they include the hon. Member for Committee has recommended that such an order be St Ives (Andrew George) who is in his place, my hon. subject to an affirmative resolution rather than the Friend the Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen) who I negative procedure provided for in the Bill when it left do not see in his place, and my hon. Friend the Member the Commons. for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies), who was my wing There are already safeguards around the use of the person in Committee. power. It can be exercised only after a recommendation We do not disagree with the Lords and will be agreeing from the independent adjudicator, based on her with the Minister in this particular case, but I will just consultation, and the Delegated Powers and Regulatory make this point. We had arguments in Committee about Reform Committee recognised that this would usefully ensuring that the Select Committee on Business, Innovation serve to inform the exercise of the power by the Secretary and Skills and the Select Committee on Environment, of State. However, the Committee advised that as Food and Rural Affairs in particular had time to look at the upper limit of the penalty is not on the face of the these issues, and the Minister defended robustly the Bill, the power to fix those limits should be subject to other Committees of this House. Now that provisions a significant level of parliamentary scrutiny. This is in on fines are in the Bill, and the Secretary of State will be line with its recommendations in other cases in which putting forward an order to determine their amount, it the maximum penalty is not stated on the face of the is right that that statutory instrument should be before Bill. the House for affirmative resolution. We can then debate We think that the Committee’s comments are reasonable it to ensure that it is in the interests not just of the and we are happy to heed the voice of Parliament on suppliers covered by the groceries code adjudicator, but this issue. Our amendment provides only that the order businesses and supermarkets too. will be subject to the affirmative resolution procedure, ensuring that Parliament will be able to scrutinise and Sir James Paice (South East Cambridgeshire) (Con): positively approve the order. I trust that this increased I will make a brief contribution because, like the Minister, level of scrutiny will be to the satisfaction of hon. Members, I am happy to support the Lords amendment. I just and I urge them to support this minor amendment to wanted to make the point that, in considering the fines what I think we all agree is an excellent Bill. structure and the levels at which they will need to be set, Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): It is strange I hope that my hon. Friend the Minister and the Secretary that an hour has been allocated for this debate when it is of State will consider the magnitude of the businesses obvious that it will take only a few moments. Given that involved. A fine that to most people would seem substantial the Agricultural Wages Board has been abolished by the of perhaps a few thousand pounds, would be totally unelected House of Lords and this House was not able insignificant—a few minutes’ trading—to a major to have a debate on that, the timetable today is a bit supermarket. disappointing. I do not pretend to have the answers. This is a subject For my sins, I have often said in Delegated Legislation on which I have wrestled in my own mind and discussed Committees in the past few weeks that I agree with the with the adjudicator, because it will be extremely difficult. Minister, and this is another demonstration of the fact That is one reason I was always a bit dubious about the 291 Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill 16 APRIL 2013 Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill 292 [Lords] [Lords] need for fines—the reputational issue will be far more I shall return to the primary purpose of the amendment. valuable. It is clear to me that if a fine is to be levied, it I congratulate my hon. Friend the Minister. This is a will have to be at a level that is likely to lead to the welcome change and we look forward to the order being behavioural change of the relevant supermarket that all brought forward as quickly as possible, so that when the of us who support the Bill desire to see. That means it adjudicator begins her job, in the coming few weeks I will be very significant. I am sure that if my hon. Friend hope, we will see this measure introduced effectively the Minister comes forward with figures, there will be and a proactive adjudicator seeking vigorously to enforce accusations that they are completely disproportionate the groceries code. to the issues. The proportion, however, is to do not just with the issue, but with the scale of the business and the Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): Thank you for behavioural change we want to see—clearly, that is not calling me to speak, Mr Speaker. I am sorry to throw going to happen unless the business has been in serious you by standing so late. I had not intended to speak. breach of the code. I welcome the amendment from the other place and I am grateful for the opportunity to make the point the consideration given to the Bill and the great input to my hon. Friend, and to hon. Members in all parts of from both Houses. It has undoubtedly benefitted from the House, that when the statutory instrument comes it. I echo the comments of the hon. Member for St Ives back to the House we will have to consider this wider (Andrew George). I, too, truly wish that we had also issue. It is not simply a penalty for a small offence, but availed ourselves of the opportunity to debate the something we need to ensure is a genuine penalty for Agricultural Wages Board, on which we have had no breach of the code and a deterrent. It will therefore have vote or debate in the Chamber. In effect, it has today to be of a very large magnitude indeed. been abolished by an unelected Chamber. While welcoming the amendment and the thorough scrutiny given to the Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): It is a pleasure to Bill now before us, I think that the House should reflect follow the right hon. Member for South East on earlier business, when we effectively bypassed this Cambridgeshire (Sir James Paice). I welcome the Lords House entirely. It is a sad day for our democracy. amendment and do not oppose it. I am sure that that will be a great relief to my hon. Friend the Minister, Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): I rise to whom I congratulate on all the work she has done on support other Members who have spoken, especially my the Bill. right hon. Friend the Member for South East Cambridgeshire (Sir James Paice), who has supported The key point addressed by the right hon. Member the Bill throughout and did a great job as Minister. I for South East Cambridgeshire is that the order, when it also echo what my hon. Friend the Member for St Ives is brought forward, is couched in a manner that has the (Andrew George) said about the Bill, although I do not impact we all want. Whether fines will be a set figure or necessarily welcome his comments about the Agricultural a proportion of turnover was debated at some length in Wages Board—but I will not go into that debate. Committee. A proportion of turnover for Tesco as I congratulate the Minister on listening throughout opposed to, say, Waitrose, is significant. Certainly, in this whole process, including in Committee, in order to other areas of competition law this appears to be the improve the Bill. I also thank the shadow Minister for case. I urge my hon. Friend the Minister to look at a his co-operation. The Committee and the House have proportion of turnover as an alternative to setting an worked extremely well to bring forward this Bill. absolute amount in the order. I congratulate the Government on accepting the need to provide for fines in the Bill. The fact that significant changes have been 7.45 pm made shows the benefit of debate and scrutiny in this I again echo the words of my right hon. Friend the place. Without question, the Bill improved over time. Member for South East Cambridgeshire, who said we I echo the words of the hon. Member for Edinburgh have to consider a level of fine that is commensurate South (Ian Murray). I sat through the previous debate with the size of the company committing the felony. We on the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill and have to be clear about that. It will matter, because this is made a point of order about how we had not had an not only about naming and shaming. If the public see opportunity to debate the abolition of the Agricultural that a large fine has been imposed on a large supermarket Wages Board. The groceries code adjudicator is being in this country, they will start to realise what kind of put in place to address some of the pressures on primary bad practices have been carried out. Many of our producers. It is a great pity, however, that we were not producers, farmers and growers have suffered so much given the acres of time we have now—to debate this abuse over the years, especially when it comes to perishable relatively minor issue—in order to debate an issue that goods, whereby supermarkets and others have suddenly will have a significant impact on the future of agriculture decided that they have enough strawberries or whatever and agricultural workers in this country. The risk that and will not buy those crops, or they find some other this might become a race to the bottom or that the reason not to buy them. Those crops then have to be Gangmasters Licensing Authority might be the only destroyed, at a loss to the farmer or grower. That is an body able effectively to regulate and protect workers in abuse by supermarkets and others of their power. We the agricultural sector is one that the House ought not therefore very much welcome the Bill and look forward to take. I hope that the House will reflect on the fact to seeing what level of fine will be imposed on the that the undemocratic House has introduced a measure companies that abuse their powers. without the democratic Chamber having an opportunity I am hopeful that the fact that the groceries code to debate it. We must ensure that such a thing never adjudicator is in place will stop most of the abuses that happens again. There has been no debate or vote in this have been committed. If that is what having the Groceries House on an issue of great significance. Code Adjudicator Bill achieves, that is far better than 293 Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill 16 APRIL 2013 294 [Lords] fining lots of companies. We want to see bad practice Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) Bill ruled out and good practice put in its place. I am (Joint Committee) hopeful that that is exactly what the Bill will do. I therefore very much welcome the Lords amendment, but I also welcome the fact that the Bill has made such Mr Speaker: I inform the House that I have selected quick progress through the Lords to come back here to the amendment in the name of Mr Christopher Chope the Commons. I therefore hope we can get it on the and others. statute book as quickly as possible. 7.49 pm Jo Swinson: I do not intend to detain the House for The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew long, but I want to respond to the points raised in this Lansley): I beg to move, debate. That this House concurs with the Lords Message of 15 January The right hon. Member for South East Cambridgeshire 2013, that it is expedient that a Joint Committee of Lords and (Sir James Paice) raised a perfectly fair point about the Commons be appointed to consider the draft Voting Eligibility fines structure and whether it should take into account (Prisoners) Bill presented to both Houses on 22 November 2012 (Cm 8499), and that the Committee should report by 31 October the size of the business being fined, in order to drive its 2013. behaviour. Let me reassure him that the adjudicator will have to undertake a consultation on her guidance on That a Select Committee of six Members be appointed to join with the Committee appointed by the Lords; the maximum. As my hon. Friends who served on the Committee have said, we discussed that in depth in That the Committee shall have power— Committee, because she will want to spend a little time (i) to send for persons, papers and records; ensuring that she gets that right. I am sure that hon. (ii) to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House; Members will be interested in engaging with that (iii) to report from time to time; consultation and giving their views on it. (iv) to appoint specialist advisers; and My hon. Friend the Member for St Ives (Andrew (v) to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom; George) talked about when the adjudicator begins her That Mr Crispin Blunt, Steve Brine, Lorely Burt, Mr Nick role. I am pleased to say that, as adjudicator-designate, Gibb, Sir Alan Meale and Derek Twigg be members of the she is currently working one day a week, enabling her to Committee. build some of the stakeholder relations that will be so The motion arises from the statement made on crucial. Once the Bill is commenced and becomes an 22 November last year by my right hon. Friend the Act, she will have her full suite of powers and be Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice in working three days a week. response to a judgment in the European Court of I thank the hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton Human Rights. That judgment required the Government (Neil Parish) for his kind comments. Indeed, this is an to bring forward legislative proposals on prisoner voting appropriate point to thank a few Members for the work for Parliament to consider. The Justice Secretary published they have done to get us to this position. They include the draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) Bill and proposed my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department for that a Joint Committee of both Houses be appointed to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend conduct pre-legislative scrutiny. In this motion today, the Member for St Ives, who has campaigned for this the Government are seeking the establishment of a measure for over a decade, the hon. Member for Ynys Joint Committee to consider that draft legislation. Môn (Albert Owen), who built a lot of momentum on The Justice Secretary made it clear in November that the issue through his private Member’s Bill, and the although Ministers might have strong personal views Opposition spokespeople, the hon. Members for Edinburgh on this matter, the Government are under an international South (Ian Murray) and for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies), law obligation to implement the Court’s judgment. Equally, who have also campaigned on the issue and who worked however, the Justice Secretary was clear that Parliament hard with the Government to help to improve the Bill. I is sovereign, a fact recognised explicitly by the Human also thank the Chair of the Select Committee on Business, Rights Act 1998, and the current law passed by Parliament Innovation and Skills, the hon. Member for West Bromwich will remain in force unless and until it is changed. West (Mr Bailey), and the Chair of the Select Committee The Government believe that it is right that Parliament on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the hon. should be given the opportunity fully to consider the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh), along difficult and contentious issue of prisoner voting. That with the Chairs of the Bill Committee, the hon. Members is why we brought forward draft legislative proposals for North Thanet (Sir Roger Gale) and for Arfon (Hywel for pre-legislative scrutiny. We consider that to be the Williams), as well as the members of the Committee, most appropriate course of action, given the importance the Whips and the Parliamentary Private Secretaries. of the issue and the strong views that exist across both Together, we have managed to create an adjudicator Houses. It will be for Parliament to scrutinise the legislation, with the teeth to ensure that retailers treat their direct which contains a number of options reflecting the spectrum suppliers fairly and lawfully. That is a legacy of which of views that we know exist on this question. The Lords we can be proud. I commend the Bill to the House. started the process of establishing a Joint Committee of Lords amendment 14A agreed to. both Houses to conduct pre-legislative scrutiny in January. Following discussions through the usual channels, the Government tabled a motion on 1 March to nominate the Commons Members to serve on the Committee. My hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr Chope) and others subsequently tabled an amendment, which has necessitated the debate we are having today. I 295 Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) 16 APRIL 2013 Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) 296 Bill (Joint Committee) Bill (Joint Committee) understand the purpose behind the amendment. Following In addition, I would point out to Members that the the implementation of the Wright report, we now elect membership of the Joint Committee is not imposed by the Chairs of most Select Committees, and the membership Government or by the usual channels. Members have of those Committees is determined by elections within an opportunity to table amendments to the motion put the political parties. It might therefore be argued that it down, as demonstrated today, and if they wish to, to would be in the spirit of the Wright report for the suggest alternative names to serve on the Committee. membership of pre-legislative Committees similarly to The whole House then has an opportunity to vote on be elected by the House and by the parties, rather than the membership. Such is the character of this evening’s being determined by the Government and through the debate that I would say that I am not aware of any usual channels. objection in practice to the proposed membership of However, there are strong arguments of principle and the Joint Committee. of practicality against such a move. As a matter of Finally, I should emphasise that to endorse the principle principle, joint pre-legislative Committees need to be behind the amendment before us would represent a carefully balanced to ensure that they properly reflect significant change in the way in which we conduct all shades of interest and opinion across both Houses of legislative scrutiny. If we are to make such a change, we Parliament. To ensure that scrutiny is rigorous, that should do so only after a full investigation of the all the means including critics of the legislation as well as its potential consequences, both intended and unintended. supporters. With the best will in the world, a process of That would include proper consultation with the parties election is unlikely to achieve that balance. If a majority affected, including the Liaison and Procedure Committees of the House has a prior view on a particular piece of both in this House and in the other place. Members will legislation, that view is likely to be reflected in the recall that the Wright report made a wide range of composition of any Committee appointed following recommendations designed to improve Parliament’s scrutiny elections. role, but I note that it did not recommend the change suggested in the amendment. Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): I am just wondering whether we could save some time tonight. For that reason, I urge my hon. Friend the Member If that is the right hon. Gentleman’s position, will he tell for Christchurch not to press his amendment to a us which members of the Committee will be in favour of Division today, and I hope that the House will resolve the proposal and which will be opposed to it, under the to establish this Committee and allow it to get on with balanced arrangements that he has arrived at? its work.

Mr Lansley: I am not sure that the hon. Gentleman 7.56 pm has quite understood the character of the Bill. It offers options, and to that extent— Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): I rise to support the motion on the draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) Steve McCabe: I was just following up on what the Bill and the Joint Committee therein, and to oppose the right hon. Gentleman was saying. amendment. Mr Lansley: Yes, and for the benefit of the House and The first thing to say is that the draft Voting Eligibility the hon. Gentleman I am attempting to explain that (Prisoners) Bill is a highly contentious piece of legislation. acceptance of the amendment to tonight’s motion might The Bill will offer the choice of three options for be inferred as establishing a point of principle. I am Parliament to consider on prisoner voting: a blanket explaining that there are objections in principle to that ban on all prisoners having the vote; entitling prisoners approach to joint pre-legislative Committees. serving four years or less to the vote; or entitling prisoners The point that I was making was that if a majority of serving six months or less to the vote. It is crucial that the House had a prior view on a particular piece of legislation as contentious as this be given extensive legislation, that view would be likely to be reflected in pre-legislative scrutiny. We on the Opposition side thus the composition of any Committee appointed following support the establishment of a Joint Committee of both elections. In my view, it is not healthy for a legislative Houses of Parliament to scrutinise for a period of six Committee to hear only one side of the arguments. If months the proposals in this Bill. the Commons membership of Joint Committees were I believe that the decision to pursue the scrutiny of determined by election, that would leave the House of the draft legislation by the means of a Joint Committee Lords to seek to achieve the necessary balance through of both Houses is perfectly reasonable given the nature appointments in that House. I doubt that Members of of the Bill under consideration, and given the fact that the other place would welcome that, as it could fetter it contains different options on prisoner voting for their choice considerably. Parliament to consider. Since 2010, 10 Joint Committees On a practical level, I believe that it would be counter- of both Houses have been set up to scrutinise draft productive to elect Members to serve on Committees Bills. These Committees have tended to be used to undertaking pre-legislative scrutiny. There is usually an scrutinise the most complex pieces of legislation, including imperative to establish a Joint Committee as quickly as on the detention of terror suspects and the reform of possible after the publication of a draft Bill to enable the House of Lords. They have also been deployed the Committee to complete its work in time for the Bill where Government policy is still to be formed in detail proper to be introduced in Parliament later in the or where cross-party agreement is felt to be crucial to Session, or by a specified date. A process of elections the success of the proposals. Labour Members welcome conducted by the parties would be bound to delay the the establishment of a Joint Committee to scrutinise establishment of Joint Committees, giving the Committees this particular draft Bill, which I suspect falls into all of less time to complete their work or prejudicing the Bill’s those categories at once and has probably managed to timetable. create some entirely new ones of its own. 297 Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) 16 APRIL 2013 Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) 298 Bill (Joint Committee) Bill (Joint Committee) [Ms Angela Eagle] Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): Let me reassure the hon. Lady that I am not an anarchist, I believe that it is also right in this instance that the although I serve on the Committee, and that, actually, membership of this Joint Committee should be decided we follow my hon. Friend the Member for Broxbourne in the usual way via the Committee of Selection. It is (Mr Walker) very carefully. important that the Joint Committee be filled by Members of both Houses and of both parties who possess the Mr Speaker: Order. May I just say that the first part necessary skills and expertise to scrutinise the Bill fully. of the hon. Gentleman’s intervention was demonstrably While I acknowledge that some in this House believe superfluous? that everything that emanates from the Whips Office of any party is somehow hopelessly tainted, I have to say Ms Eagle: I had never quite imagined that the hon. that I do not share this analysis. I do not think that the Gentleman would fall into the anarchist persuasion, usual channels are inherently tainted; in fact, they often but I am glad he has reassured the House that that is work extremely well. not the case. I make that observation as someone who in my years It may be advisable for me to return to the subject of in this House has both served in the Whips Office and the amendment. I believe that it would be wrong for us voted against the Whip—not at the same time, I hasten to adopt a different method for selecting members of to add! I have also been elected as vice-chair of the the Joint Committee on an ad hoc basis before we have parliamentary committee for the Labour party and on had an opportunity to see what the Procedure Committee the Labour party’s national executive committee against might wish the House to consider, and, once its work the wishes of this supposedly “all-powerful” Whips has been done, to see more details of that work and of Office—so they do not always get their way. It follows the evidence that it wishes to gather. I think that the that I do not believe that it is necessarily always virtuous amendment is premature, and I ask the House to vote if the House bypasses the Whips Office. Deciding to against it. bypass the Whips Office simply because one wishes to bypass the Whips Office is not an argument for changing the way we do things in this instance. 8.2 pm In the circumstances, I am content for the members Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): I beg to of the proposed Joint Committee to be selected by the move amendment (a), leave out the names at the end of Committee of Selection. I think that it would be odd for the motion and insert us to change the procedure on a one-off basis for the “That the membership of the Committee shall be nominated purpose of this particular Joint Committee, and I agree by the Committee of Selection under Standing Order No. 121 with the Leader of the House that the Wright Committee following elections within the parties using whatever democratic did not suggest such a reform in its report. I understand and transparent method they choose.” that the Procedure Committee and its Chairman, the The amendment stands in my name and those of quite a hon. Member for Broxbourne (Mr Walker), recently few of my right hon. and hon. Friends, as well as that of announced that they planned to conduct an inquiry at least one Opposition Member. into the operation of the Committee of Selection in the I must say that the opening remarks from the two coming year. I suspect that the Leader of the House and Front Benches, otherwise known as the usual channels, I may be approached to give evidence to that Committee. caused me to feel that there was every good reason for us to change our present procedures. My right hon. Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): Is the Friend the Leader of the House presented objections hon. Lady surprised that my hon. Friend the Member relating to both principle and practice. One of his for Broxbourne (Mr Walker) supports my amendment? points about practice was that it was important for us to be able to deal with Joint Committees very quickly. The Ms Eagle: I am somewhat surprised. Although I decision to set up this Joint Committee was made in late would never criticise an hon. Member, I should have November, but, some four months later, we still have thought that if the Chairman of the Procedure Committee not set it up. I detected no sense of urgency; perhaps, if wished to look into the way in which the Committee of I am wrong about that, my right hon. Friend will Selection works, he might want to hear the evidence intervene. before putting his own views on record. However, he is I do not think that it was a convincing argument that his own very competent man, and he has his own views if we were to elect the members of the Committee on these matters. I hope that he will also have an open through our party groups, there would be an unacceptable mind when the Procedure Committee looks into how delay. The delay that has taken place so far has been due we might sensibly change the way in which the Committee to the Government, and no one else can be held responsible of Selection works. I look forward to the work that it for it. Indeed, I have heard suggestions that the Government will devote to the subject. have always been rather keen on kicking this whole subject into the long grass, and that my amendment, Mr Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con): I can reassure which was not inspired by the Government, was just an the hon. Lady that the Procedure Committee is very extension of the long grass and meant that this whole independent-minded, and that it will not be led by me. issue and the appointment of the Joint Committee could be delayed further. Ms Eagle: I think that it may be one of the anarchist I do not buy into the notion that there is an issue to Committees that we have in the House. Given its do with practical problems because of the question of membership, I know that it will not be led by anyone, speed, nor do I buy into the objections in principle. I am notwithstanding the hon. Gentleman’s undoubted prowess. not suggesting we should change the standing orders 299 Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) 16 APRIL 2013 Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) 300 Bill (Joint Committee) Bill (Joint Committee) and deal with all Joint Committees on the same basis. I ensure that the decision on the membership of the am suggesting that this particular subject is unique—I Committee is made by the individual Back-Bench groups think we can use that over-used word in this instance— of the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the because at present we find ourselves before an international official Opposition. Those groups can then elect the court being told we have to change our law when this people they would like to see on the Joint Committee. It elected House of Commons has made it clear that we seems to me that that system would work perfectly well do not wish to change the law. This is not some run-of-the and would distance the Government effectively from mill situation, therefore. any of the Committee’s work. It is a unique situation, and it strikes me that it would As the chairman of the Committee on Legal Affairs have been much better for the Executive to have kept and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of their hands well out of it. Whatever they do or do not the Council of Europe, I can say that there is quite a lot do is going to be looked at by politicians in the rest of of suspicion among the other 46 member countries that Europe. When the Lord Chancellor introduced the draft the UK Government are trying to ensure that nothing Bill, he conceded this was essentially a political issue as happens very quickly as they realise that the UK Parliament much as a legal issue. If the Government were able to is totally at odds with the judges in the European Court say, “We put forward these three alternative proposals of Human Rights on this issue. If the Lord Chancellor in a draft Bill; we then left it to the House of Commons, could have said to his counterparts in other countries in its wisdom, to decide who should serve on a Joint that he had nothing to do with who was on the Committee, Committee; and that Joint Committee took evidence that the usual channels were not involved, that the and examined it and reached various conclusions”, the Government left it to the Members of the House of Government would be under no obligation to accept Commons to choose their own Committee members those conclusions. If a Joint Committee, however comprised, and that the Government did not have to accept their was to reach conclusions that were not in accordance findings but could merely see what they think, he would with the evidence it received, that would bring the Joint have had a better alibi. People looking in from outside Committee into disrepute. might say that the motion is a fix by the usual channels. I do not accept the principle put forward by my right I understand that the Select Committee on Justice hon. Friend the Leader of the House that it will be undertook an informal bidding process, making impossible to have a properly balanced Joint Committee representations to the effect that it wanted one of its if it is elected. I suggest quite the reverse: if a Committee number to serve on the Joint Committee. The Justice is elected, its members are accountable to the people Committee is not the lead Select Committee on this who elected them. If those elected Committee members matter—that is the Select Committee on Political and do not participate in the Committee proceedings or if Constitutional Reform, of which I happen to be a they reach perverse conclusions, they will find it very member. The Justice Committee put forward a number hard to get re-elected. of names that were considered by the usual channels, When we appoint members to Select Committees or and one of those names was chosen and is among those our party groups, we will inevitably be electing mainly in the motion. the enthusiasts. The Environmental Audit Committee That seems to me to be a totally non-transparent way has a lot more enthusiasts for what I would call “greenery” of dealing with such issues and it is not appropriate that and an acceptance of climate change science than it has we should set a precedent whereby a Select Committee members who disagree with that, although I am delighted can start to lobby the Government covertly to have one that my right hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin and of its members as a member of a Joint Committee when Harpenden (Mr Lilley) has latterly joined the Committee that Select Committee is not the lead Committee. The to try to introduce some balance. Political and Constitutional Reform Committee has Perhaps the example of that Committee gives the taken evidence on this subject from the Deputy Prime answer to my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Minister and others, and if we are to give somebody House. If Members feel a Committee is becoming too from a Select Committee a place, we have not necessary homogenous and is not being objective in its assessments chosen the right one. of the evidence before it, the remedy lies in the Members My point is that the process would be much better of this House choosing an alternative member of the dealt with without the Government’s involvement and Committee to introduce balance. I do not believe only that is why I hope that Members will feel able to the usual channels can introduce balance into this support my amendment—not necessarily by voting for Committee; quite the reverse, in fact. it tonight, but by asking their Whips and colleagues On the issue of whether some Members proposed to whether the natural development of the Wright Committee serve on the Committee have a prior view, we know that reforms would be to introduce a further reform in this some of them do, as that was expressed in the vote in regard. That would mean that if we choose to set up a the House on this subject. Other Members put forward Joint Committee in the future we can do so quickly, a motion to the Committee that decides on the allocation knowing what the rules are and demonstrating that we of time for Back-Bench business; they put their heads are giving power to the Back Benches on such important above the parapet, and we know whether or not they are issues. That is even more the case with pre-legislative serving on that Committee. The same point applies in scrutiny. respect of the matters before us today. After the Government’s rough experience of setting My right hon. Friend the Leader of the House says, up a pre-legislative scrutiny Committee on the reform not totally tongue-in-cheek, that it is open to us, as the of the other place, I should have thought that they House, to put forward amendments for alternatives. I might say that they would do better to draw their neck am not criticising any Members of this Committee. My in and leave it to Members to choose the members of amendment is not designed to do that; it is designed to such Committees. They would then be free to decide 301 Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) 16 APRIL 2013 Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) 302 Bill (Joint Committee) Bill (Joint Committee) [Mr Christopher Chope] Mr Lansley: I entirely understand. The hon. Lady will be well aware that the membership of the Committee whether to accept the recommendations, taking into is not large and it would be difficult to pursue balance account the extent to which those Members have responded across the House. It is in any case the purpose of the positively or otherwise to the evidence put before them. pre-legislative scrutiny not to decide on the Bill, but to I have pleasure in moving the amendment and I am scrutinise the Bill to ensure that it is in a fit state and to grateful to my right hon. Friend for giving us the make recommendations so that the House can come on opportunity to speak about this important subject before to consider the policy of the Bill and its legislative we go on to other business before the House this evening. implementation, which will give Members in all parts of the House an opportunity to comment on it. Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con) rose— I ask my hon. Friend the Member for Bury North (Mr Nuttall) to forgive me if he is still to make his 8.15 pm contribution. I anticipated that there would not be an extended debate beyond this point, but having listened Mr Lansley: If I may, I do not mean to detain the to my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch I House too long, but the shadow Leader of the House wanted to respond to the debate up to that point and my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch because I thought he made important points that were (Mr Chope) made some important points and I want to worth responding to and considering in future. respond to a number of them. My hon. Friend put some interesting points, but I 8.19 pm remind him that when we make changes to our procedures Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): I do not we should proceed on the basis of full consultation and intend to delay the House for long, because I appreciate discussion across the House, and on the basis of that there is other business that we need to get on to, but investigation and recommendation from our Select I wish to support the amendment tabled by my hon. Committees. As it happens, not only does the Procedure Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr Chope) and Committee intend to consider questions relating to the signed by me and several other hon. Members. Selection Committee, as the shadow Leader of the House made clear, but I remind my hon. Friend and the House It seems reasonable to me that the membership of the that the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee Joint Committee, in so far as it is drawn from this is considering progress on the implementation of the House, should reflect the views of this House and, Wright reforms. therefore, the views of the wider public, which is perhaps more important. As the hon. Member for North Down I have not heard in the course of the debate an (Lady Hermon) mentioned in her intervention, none of objection as such to the proposed membership of the the Committee members chosen by the Committee of Joint Committee from this House, and I perceive no Selection is from Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales; delay on the part of Government once the Lords has they are drawn exclusively from England. completed its process of finding members. My hon. Fortunately, thanks to the auspices of the Backbench Friend’s arguments left out the Lords in this context. As Business Committee, we know exactly what this House’s we are talking about a Joint Committee, it is important view is on the matter, because on 10 February 2011 it to recognise that balancing the Committee is important held a debate on the subject. After a full and lengthy across both Houses, not just in this House. debate that lasted most of the day, 256 right hon. and I continue to depart from my hon. Friend on the issue hon. Members took part in the Division, with 234 voting of elections for specific legislative scrutiny.Notwithstanding in favour of maintaining the status quo and 22 voting in the points he makes, I think there is a point of principle favour of changing it. Therefore, over 91% of the Members about the risk of the election of Members to that who voted supported the status quo, which I think very scrutiny committee prejudicing the process of dispassionate much represents the view across the country. It is therefore scrutiny. I heard what he said about the nominations fair and reasonable that the country would expect any coming through a process of consultation within the Committee of this House to reflect those views. usual channels. The shadow Leader of the House and I are not the usual channels. The proposal emerged from Lady Hermon: Would the hon. Gentleman be so kind within the usual channels. If my hon. Friend looks at as to put on the record whether the Government abstained the proposed membership, I think he will certainly or voted in that key vote last February? conclude that the proposed membership of the Joint Committee will clearly be dispassionate and independent Mr Nuttall: As far as I am aware—I do not have the in its scrutiny, the members of the Committee having voting record in front of me—no members of the taken differing positions themselves and having obvious Government took part in the Division. Either deliberately expertise to bring to the subject. or by accident, the Government abstained; it was predominantly Back-Bench Members who took part. Lady Hermon (North Down) (Ind): I am grateful to That is noteworthy, because it removed more than the Leader of the House for taking an intervention. 100 Members from the vote, so I submit that the figure May I remind him ever so nicely that in Northern of 256 is probably relatively representative of the views Ireland we have 1.8 million people? Will he explain why of the House as a whole. Even if a larger number of no representative in the House from Northern Ireland Members had taken part, the result would still have has been selected to sit on the Committee? We do have reflected the 91.4% against 8.6%. some prisoners in Northern Ireland. It is a very controversial I want to make it absolutely clear for the record that I issue in Northern Ireland. Please do not tell me that have no objection in principle to any of the Members justice is devolved. I do not sit in the Northern Ireland being put forward by the Committee of Selection. Indeed, Assembly. I sit in this House. I have spoken with them privately and expressed my 303 Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) 16 APRIL 2013 304 Bill (Joint Committee) view that that is not why I support the amendment. Sittings of the House Rather, what we know is that of the six Members who (Wednesday 17 April) have been put forward through the Committee of Selection’s convoluted procedure—it is certainly not transparent—only two took part in the Division on 10 February 2011. One 8.27 pm voted in favour of the status quo and not giving prisoners the right to vote and the other, who was acting as The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew Teller—I think that is correct—voted in favour of changing Lansley): I beg to move, the status quo. That, on Wednesday 17 April: We do not know what the views of the other four (1) the House shall meet at 2.30 pm and the moment of were, and that is where there is a problem. If the interruption shall be at 10.00 pm; Government wanted balance on the Committee, that (2) notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order No. 21 may not occur because the other four are all in favour of (Time for taking questions), no questions shall be taken other than questions which are in the Speaker’s opinion of an urgent the argument or—I know not—are all against, in which character and relate either to matters of public importance or to case the Committee certainly would not be representative the arrangement of business; of the views of this House. Either way, there is a (3) the sitting in Westminster Hall shall begin at 2.30 pm and problem with the proposal before us. If it were indeed continue for up to four and a half hours; and the Government’s view that there should be balance, (4) in calculating the period of four and a half hours in then perhaps the logic of that argument would be for paragraph (3) no account shall be taken of any period during the six members of the Committee to have been drawn which the sitting in Westminster Hall may be suspended owing to exclusively from those who showed an interest on that a division being called in the House or in a committee of the occasion back on 10 February 2011, and equally from whole House. those who voted for the motion and those who voted The motion before the House proposes two principal against it. Clearly, however, that is not what has happened. changes to the business of the House tomorrow. The As my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch first part of the motion provides for the House to sit at (Mr Chope) said, this is a unique situation. There are 2.30 pm, with the moment of interruption at 10 pm. grounds for changing what has happened in the past. In This is instead of the usual starting time of 11.30 am response to the point that my right hon. Friend the with the moment of interruption at 7 pm. Leader of the House made a few moments ago, the fact It is not without precedent for the House to change that not only the Chairman but other members of the its sitting times to deal with specific, and tragic, Procedure Committee have signed and supported the circumstances. Indeed, right hon. and hon. Members amendment shows that there is a feeling within that may remember that the House was rightly recalled to Committee that it is sensible and demonstrates the right pay tributes to the Her Majesty the Queen Mother way forward. On that basis, I am pleased to support the following her death in 2002, but then also delayed amendment. returning from recess to accommodate the funeral Amendment negatived. arrangements. Main Question put and agreed to. The change in sitting times will allow Members from across the House who wish to pay their respects at the funeral of Baroness Thatcher to do so. The effect of an objection to this motion would be to deny colleagues, friends and others who wish to pay their respects that opportunity. There can be no justification for this. This is a debate about the sitting hours for tomorrow, and it should not be abused by those seeking now to debate the legacy of Baroness Thatcher. There was an opportunity to do that in the debate last Wednesday, and I remind the House that 77 right hon. and hon. Members contributed to that debate. I thank Her Majesty’s official Opposition for the way in which they have worked across the House to provide proper respect for the longest serving Prime Minister of the last century. The Leader of the Opposition, the acting shadow Deputy Leader of the House and other Labour Members paid generous tributes in that debate, not necessarily endorsing or agreeing with the policies of Baroness Thatcher but, I thought, very generously paying proper respect. In like spirit, the proposal to change the sitting hours tomorrow, and to defer questions on that day until next week, has been taken after consultation with Her Majesty’s official Opposition, and I am grateful for the approach that they have taken. The second effect of the motion is to suspend the operation of the oral questions rota for the day. This, too, is being done following consultation with, and the agreement of, the official Opposition. Should the motion be approved by the House, the consequence for Members 305 Sittings of the House 16 APRIL 2013 Sittings of the House 306 (Wednesday 17 April) (Wednesday 17 April) [Mr Andrew Lansley] 8.34 pm is that the ballots that have already taken place will be Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) rolled over until next week, and the Table Office has (LD): On behalf of my Liberal Democrat colleagues, I helpfully contacted affected Members to explain this to support fully the sentiments expressed by the Leader of them. the House and the shadow Leader of the House. It is quite proper, in the circumstances, for the House Whatever our views about Baroness Thatcher and to defer questions by one week. The Prime Minister her policies, it is entirely appropriate that tomorrow the takes his responsibilities to this House very seriously, as nation does not have Parliament sitting at the same time evidenced by the extent to which he not only responds as an important national funeral. It would also be to questions but makes statements to the House. I am entirely inappropriate to have a funeral in the morning sure that the vast majority of the House will understand and for Parliament to come back immediately into a what is being proposed and why. It is simply a matter of confrontation at the highest level, not least as it would decency and respect that, in returning from the funeral involve the Prime Minister, who follows Baroness Thatcher service and receptions tomorrow, Members should not as leader of the Conservative party. immediately enter into the character of business customary I would have thought it was in tune with the wishes of at Wednesday’s questions. every democrat that we will sit tomorrow. Indeed, there As a consequence of the House agreeing to meet at is no proposal that we do not sit. Parliament will go on 2.30 pm, paragraphs (3) and (4) of the motion provide and will do contentious business, as is entirely appropriate, for Westminster Hall also to meet at 2.30 pm, which is in considering the Finance Bill. I deduce from what the an obvious and common-sense addition to the first two Leader of the House said that there will be Prime parts of the motion. Minister’s questions next week and that the people who won the ballot for this week will ask their questions. I I do not intend to detain the House any further. This hope that that will happen next week as planned. is a simple motion, confined to the times of the House’s sittings tomorrow, and I commend it to the House. There will be other times to discuss the other arrangements for tomorrow and the Thatcher legacy, but it is right that we pause in the morning for those 8.31 pm who want to pay their respects and continue our business Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): It is a pleasure to without massive confrontation at 2.30 tomorrow. follow the Leader of the House, who knows that, many times over the past year, we have expressed the view that 8.35 pm the Prime Minister seeks to dodge Prime Minister’s questions. We do not yet know when Prorogation will George Galloway (Bradford West) (Respect): I have take place, but that may be another occasion when we never heard such tosh. will not sit on a Wednesday. Could the Leader of the This House of Commons continued its adversarial, House tell us when Prorogation will be? I pointed out bear-pit, unarmed political combat throughout the darkest recently that, following the Budget and given when we days of the second world war. Mr Churchill did not ask adjourned for the recess, four weeks will have passed for Parliament to be silenced and for confrontations between the Budget being delivered and the Prime across the House to be forbidden when our soldiers Minister dealing with its aftermath in this House. I have were being laid waste. In the Norway debate, the House argued consistently that the way this House’s business is of Commons rose perhaps to its finest 20th century arranged rather excludes Wednesdays and the accountability moment. Nobody said, “Our armed forces have suffered that Prime Minister’s questions brings to bear. a disaster. The House of Commons cannot meet. The I do not believe, however, that the reasons for changing clash of ideas cannot be heard. We must muffle the tomorrow’s sitting hours mean that we can accuse the drums and silence ourselves.” At Dunkirk, the House Prime Minister of dodging Prime Minister’s questions. clashed without pause. Real war leaders like Mr Churchill A former Prime Minister who led this country for 11 understood that the whole point of our being here, the years has, sadly, passed away and I think it is right that whole point of democracy, the whole point of elections the business of this House should pause and the din of is that we do not suspend normal political activity. the Chamber should quieten, so that hon. and right hon. Members, many of whom were personal friends of Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): Will hers, are able to attend her funeral and reflect upon it the hon. Gentleman give way? subsequently without having to come back to what is often the bear pit of adversarial politics in this country. George Galloway: Happily; I have a lot to say and I That does not mean that I agree with a single policy may take some time to say it. that that distinguished Prime Minister brought to this House or the country, and it would be wrong of me to say that I did, but that does not preclude me from Jacob Rees-Mogg: I am very grateful to the hon. having the appropriate amount of respect for her memory, Gentleman. He has missed the rather important point funeral and loved ones. The official Opposition absolutely that between 1939 and 1945, general elections were understand why tomorrow must be different in these suspended, so democracy was suspended during the very special circumstances. That will not preclude me war and his history is faulty. from checking how many Wednesdays are included in the parliamentary calendar in future, but we absolutely George Galloway: Actually, there were many by-elections, understand why this particular Wednesday cannot be a some of which produced spectacular results—as spectacular normal one. as the one in Bradford West just over a year ago. 307 Sittings of the House 16 APRIL 2013 Sittings of the House 308 (Wednesday 17 April) (Wednesday 17 April) In any case, is anyone suggesting that Aneurin Bevan Jim McGovern (Dundee West) (Lab): I wish to correct did not stand from these Benches and lacerate real war the hon. Gentleman. Winston Churchill, then a Liberal leaders about their conduct of the war? The hon. Member MP, was ejected from Dundee in 1922. He served from for North East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg) is a scholar 1908 to 1922. and a gentleman. He knows well the words that came from Mr Amery on his side at the darkest hour in the George Galloway: It is a very important qualification. Norway debate, which brought about the defenestration He was— of the Prime Minister and the coming to office of Mr Churchill, about whom more, much more, later. We Mr Speaker: Order. May I say, as I do not wish the did not suspend our democracy in our darkest hours; hon. Gentleman to be led away from the path of virtue, why are we suspending it now? that the point may be of interest to scholars but it is at It was said by one of those in the iron-clad consensus best tangential to the sittings of the House motion? on the Front Benches that this is a national funeral. I am sorry, but it is not a national funeral. There can be a George Galloway: As would have been what I was national funeral only when there is a national consensus going to say about Neddy Scrymgeour, the great temperance about the person being buried. That consensus does not MP who was Mr Churchill’s partner in the two-Member exist in relation to Mrs Thatcher. No matter how oft constituency at that time. How we could do with some people from the Front Benches fawn upon her, pour temperance, some prohibition in the House today, at honeyed words upon her or even—outside this House, least as far as the hon. Member for Falkirk (Eric Joyce) of course—tell lies about her and her record, that will is concerned. not change. The British establishment, and the Opposition Mr Speaker: Order. I know the hon. Gentleman is parties in particular, are making a profound misjudgment developing his argument, but I ask whether he would be if they imagine that there are not tens of millions of good enough to withdraw the reference to an hon. people in the country, all of whom have votes, who are Member who is not present, and to continue with his very angry about a whole range of issues that have main speech. arisen. With your permission, Mr Speaker, I hope to adumbrate some of those issues in relation to the motion George Galloway: I happily withdraw the remark. It this evening. was unworthy, but I have some history with the hon. If I were to speak shortly, it would be with that great Gentleman. I hope you, Mr Speaker, and the House will New York phrase, “Enough already.” We have had forgive me for that unworthy detour down Dundee way. enough of this; it has gone on too long and gone too My point is that Mr Churchill was a deeply divisive far, and this—the idea that we should suspend a vital figure. He was a man who changed sides, ratted and part of our democratic process for a party-political, and re-ratted; a man who was in Parliament, out of it and private, funeral—puts the tin hat on it. back again; and a man whose conduct of public affairs Do not get me wrong. I will not be demonstrating at was very controversial and divisive. However, by the the funeral tomorrow; I believe it is wrong to demonstrate time he died, only a tiny percentage of the population at someone’s funeral, but I will not agree to suspend our were churlish enough to imagine that such a man should democracy so that some of the friends of the deceased not be given the full 21-gun treatment and the full gun do not have to make a choice between attending Prime carriage treatment. Minister’s question time or going to the funeral. That choice is up to them to make, and it is of course clear Virtually everybody in this country knows that, were that they could do both, although they would—tender it not for Mr Churchill, this Parliament would either sensibilities though they may have—have to come into not exist or it would speak in German. I argue that the the bear pit immediately on their return to the House. very existence of the country was saved by Mr Churchill. But that is what they are here for; that is what they were That makes him worthy of a national funeral. That is elected to be here for. what made him—whatever one’s point of view of his Harold Wilson, who won four general elections and domestic politics—deserving of the muffling of the did not receive a scintilla of the treatment that the chimes of Big Ben, and deserving of the lowering of the British establishment has rolled out for the deceased on cranes on the Thames. this occasion, said that a week was a long time in No such consensus exists—you must know this, politics. This week has been a very long time. We were Mr Speaker—about the deceased in this case. Vast told at the beginning of the week that it was disrespectful tracts of this land—the north, Scotland, the midlands to speak of someone so recently dead. I was told on the and south Wales, and other industrial areas of this BBC yesterday that I should hold my peace until Thursday. country, which were reduced to distressed areas in How much national mourning, without consensus and Mrs Thatcher’s term of office—have never forgiven her, without justification, are we supposed to observe? but they are being asked to pay for this funeral. In fact, You know, Mr Speaker, how much personal respect I they are not being asked; they are being told that they have for you, so I hope you will accept that I mean must pay for it. nothing personal by this point. However, the decision to The deceased was a great proponent of private enterprise muffle Big Ben, just after the BBC muffled “Ding and a great enemy of public expenditure and the role of Dong!”, summed the whole thing up. It has become the state, which she wished to shrink. You were once a farcical. There is no national consensus around the devotee of those things, Mr Speaker, but age has brought deceased, and there was no justification for muffling wisdom, as it has in some respects to all of us. Is that Big Ben because that puts the deceased on a par with not an irony? As Ken Loach, the great film director, put Mr Churchill—a very divisive politician. My grandparents it, surely we should have put the funeral out to tender to helped overturn his car after the count in Dundee in the the private sector, and invited companies to sponsor it. 1930s when he was thrown out of Parliament in the city. Surely that is what Mrs Thatcher would have wanted at 309 Sittings of the House 16 APRIL 2013 Sittings of the House 310 (Wednesday 17 April) (Wednesday 17 April) [George Galloway] [Interruption.] I am at every Prime Minister’s questions— [Interruption.] I again caution hon. Gentlemen—as I a time when our pensioners are shivering to death in a must call them—on the Government Benches: people long winter that has stretched into the spring. At a time are listening to this debate, and this Thatcherite chorus, when we are virtually nationally bankrupt, is it right cackling like hyenas, would do better to show a touch of that the public should be told—not asked, but told—that sensitivity to the fact that millions of people in this they must pay for a party political funeral? I believe not. country hate Margaret Thatcher and those who followed The public have not been consulted on any of this. If her. my postbag has any relation to anyone else’s, it must be If the Prime Minister dodges Prime Minister’s questions obvious that a lot of people are very unhappy. The tomorrow, he will have dodged them for four consecutive public had one chance, to which I alluded a moment weeks. As Mr Wilson said, a week is a long time in ago. They could download “Ding-Dong!”, the song politics. Four weeks is a long time to miss Prime Minister’s from “The Wizard of Oz”, as they did in very large questions, the only mass audience— numbers, but the state broadcaster, which has led the fawning, censored the music that the public chose with Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): Will their money in private economic decisions—Mrs Thatcher the hon. Gentleman give way? was a big fan of those. George Galloway: I would much prefer to give way to the hon. Gentleman than for him to cackle and wobble Mr Speaker: Order. I was awaiting the conclusion of his ample girth from a sedentary position. the hon. Gentleman’s sentence, but I struggle to see how what he has just said relates to the terms of the sittings Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): On a of the House motion, to which I know it was his point of order, Mr Speaker. Will you rule whether such intention, and is now his intention, immediately to turns of phrase are parliamentary? return. Mr Speaker: The short answer is that what has just George Galloway: Indeed, Sir. Of course, the backdrop been said was distasteful, but was not disorderly. It does cannot be separated from the motion. Many watching not seem to have evoked any great display of misery on on the Parliament channel will know what the backdrop the part of the hon. Member for Elmet and Rothwell is—[Laughter.] Hon. Gentlemen may laugh, but that is (Alec Shelbrooke), but I know that when the hon. because they are not used to being watched on the Member for Bradford West rises to speak again, he will Parliament channel. do so with the degree of calm and measurement of his Perhaps that is just as well—[Interruption.] They words for which I know, in future years, he will want to cannot silence me. Some Members are not for turning, be renowned. and I am one of them. Better men than they have tried to do so. [AN HON.MEMBER: “You are hardly ever Alec Shelbrooke: There was I under the impression here.”] But when I am here, people listen, unlike some— that the hon. Member for Bradford West (George Galloway) [Interruption.] Well, I have had a lot of tweets about was a great orator. In the context of his last comments, I the speeches that preceded this one, and they are not at am sure that the hon. Gentleman would wish to all complimentary. congratulate this Prime Minister on ensuring that Parliament is not absent for four months, and on bringing The backdrop to this motion is clear, and it has been the House back in September for those two sessions of one thing after another. As Mr Macmillan said, it is not Prime Minister’s questions that, until recently, did not one damn thing, it is one damn thing after another. It is happen. the state mourning that was effectively declared by the state broadcaster. It is the decision that the Government George Galloway: That is actually the best point the made—it is speculated that your office, Mr Speaker, hon. Gentleman has made all evening. It just goes to was not wild about the idea—to recall Parliament at show that points made from one’s feet are usually better vast public expense. Members of Parliament were offered than points made from a sedentary—indeed, relaxed— up to £3,700 to fly back from their holidays to attend position. It is a fair point that Parliament does not retire what was, in effect, a state eulogy for a party political for the summer for as long as it did in our long period figure, and then to fly back at public expense to their together, Mr Speaker, in the House of Commons. But holidays. I hope that IPSA will release the details of facts are chiels that winna ding, as we say in Scotland. who claimed and what they claimed. That was a grotesque Every Wednesday, the Prime Minister should stand at and totally unnecessary decision. Monday was the day the Dispatch Box and face the music for everything that on which Parliament returned, and Monday was the has happened in the previous week. For four weeks it day on which people could have paid tribute and made will have been the case that the Prime Minister has not the points that they wished to make. That was the done so. At a time when the British economy is in second problem. The state mourning was the first, and desperate trouble, the Prime Minister has not been able the unnecessary and fantastically expensive recall of to be questioned about it. At a time when a Budget has Parliament was the second. come and gone, which has been near universally regarded— The muffling of the chimes of Big Ben was the third, the banning of “Ding-Dong!” was the fourth and now Chris Kelly (Dudley South) (Con): Welcomed. we have this motion. The shadow Leader of the House, politely as is her wont, made the point that there is every George Galloway: Welcomed? My goodness. I do not belief in this House that this Prime Minister likes to know where it was welcomed—certainly not by the avoid Prime Minister’s questions. If he avoids it tomorrow, financial commentators; certainly not by the markets; he will have avoided it for four consecutive weeks— certainly not by the public; certainly not by the opinion 311 Sittings of the House 16 APRIL 2013 Sittings of the House 312 (Wednesday 17 April) (Wednesday 17 April) polls—but the Prime Minister has not been able to be House of Commons be asked to accept the abrogation questioned about it. The Prime Minister has not been of its proper role tomorrow, given that the Government able to be questioned about anything for four weeks, are responsible for the clash? neither domestic nor international. Our country is involved It is too late now to change the time of the funeral, in very many serious matters overseas—you will be very but it is not too late for the House to refuse to abandon happy that I do not seek to dilate upon them, its responsibilities at Prime Minister’s questions. If the Mr Speaker—and the Prime Minister has not been able House divides on this at the end of the evening, as I to be questioned about them. hope it will, I hope that a decent number of Members of I just feel, and I think that the attendance here this Parliament will reflect the feelings, if not of their own evening indicates, that there are many who feel, whether constituents, then of the tens of millions of constituents they are in the official Opposition or not, that this has of many of us on the Opposition Benches—and of all gone too far. An attempt at canonisation of a person some Government Members too—who feel that the around whom there is—I see that Mr Speaker is frowning. adoration of the Maggie has gone far enough. I speak as a religious man. I am not against canonisation where it is justified, but there has to be a consensus before one can be canonised, and no such canonisation 9.2 pm is possible—[Interruption.] Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): It is almost like history repeating itself. In the mid ’70s, I came down on Mr Speaker: Order. There is an insistent noise from the train and my Whip told me that there would be a the Back Benches, which I think is rather unseemly. few tributes to Anthony Eden and that then the House Members cannot both cavil at what is being said and would finish for the day. I thought, “Surely, that’s not make a raucous noise themselves. I simply say to the fair. We’re actually packing up because Anthony Eden, hon. Member for Bradford West that I was not frowning who was living in the Caribbean, has died. So the at him; I was listening attentively to him. tributes will be paid and then the House will finish for the rest of the day.” I had an argument with the Labour George Galloway: Thank you, sir. Whip, and then I went in for the tributes. I had not been The point is that beatification and canonisation is here very long and I am not so sure I thought at the time something that can happen only when there is a consensus. it would be a good idea for me to say anything, because, There is no such consensus about the former Prime as sure as night followed day, a lot of people were going Minister, yet people are acting, the state is acting. The to pay these tributes to Anthony Eden, who some of state broadcaster and now the parliamentary authorities them had never even seen. So it is not as if this has not are asking us to accept things that are too close to royal. happened before. Mrs Thatcher famously had a slightly fraught relationship I had been a miner for 20-odd years, I said that when with the palace, and I can understand why. Mrs Thatcher I worked down the pit and somebody died, four people might to many Government Members have been great, took him out on a trolley along the rails, and they were but she was not great to up to 60% of the electorate allowed to go home and the rest of the pit continued to when she was alive, and, according to the polls, more work, because people like us had managed to secure a than 50% of the people now being polled are against tiny agreement with the National Coal Board to get her—strongly against her and feel that she did bad £250 for the miner’s widow. On that basis, the rest of us things here and abroad. It brings into discredit this kind went to work. What I am trying to convey is that the of funeral, this kind of state occasion, if it is awarded people who concern me now are the people out there when many people in the country feel it is unjustified, having to suffer austerity, the benefit cuts and the and feel that it is being rammed down their throats for increasing costs of their own funeral. They are just like partisan and ideological reasons, for which they are the people who concerned me back in the days of being asked to pay. 1975—the miners I had left behind in order to speak for Through you, Mr Speaker, I caution the establishment them in Parliament. I remember all the Tories walking of which I suspect you are not fully regarded as a out the moment I made that kind of criticism. I suppose member, though you ought to be, because your office is it is an indication of the split Tory party that some of one of the great offices in the land. I say to the establishment, them are staying today, because they have not followed through you, Mr Speaker, that it has gone too far. There their leader. Indeed, the leader has not ordered them has been too much of this. It is too expensive, too out. elaborate, too regal, and many people in the country are Let’s not kid ourselves. We hear talk about the thing unhappy about it. And to compound it all by effectively that we sometimes suggest has gone away: class. That’s cancelling a vital part of British political life would be what it is: it is about class. It’s about the fact that people to add insult to the injury already suffered. out there have to live their lives in a different way and that there is one rule for those at the top and another for My last point—[HON.MEMBERS: “Hurray!”] those at the bottom. It has never changed—I wish it Gentlemen—[HON.MEMBERS: “And ladies!”]—and ladies, although the misbehaviour is coming exclusively from had, but it hasn’t. gentlemen, as I think they are called, on the Government I heard about the chain of events—because that is Benches, my point is this. This funeral did not have to what it was: it seemed to grow like Topsy. First of all be organised so that it would clash with Prime Minister’s there was going to be some sort of ceremonial funeral. Question Time. It could have been held today or on The next thing we hear—I have to say it to you, Thursday.The state was vitally involved in the organisation Mr Speaker—is you telling us that the chimes of Big of this funeral—we know that, because we are paying Ben are going to stop. Then we hear that we are going to for it—and it was the state that organised the clash with abandon Prime Minister’s Question Time. What’s it all Prime Minister’s Question Time, so why should the about? That is why the people out there are angry—a 313 Sittings of the House 16 APRIL 2013 Sittings of the House 314 (Wednesday 17 April) (Wednesday 17 April) [Mr Dennis Skinner] won three elections in a row then suffered the indignity of being kicked out like a dog in the night by her own lot of them. I am not suggesting for a minute that there Members of Parliament. That is the truth of it, and is a majority—I never have—but I do believe that this whatever I say today is minimal compared with that. Government are out of touch with the people out there Yes, I would like to have Question Time tomorrow, of on a big scale, and this in the same week when benefits course, and I have a few questions prepared. Perhaps I were cut again. We should of course have Prime Minister’s should ask the Leader of the House my questions; he Question Time. might answer them when he winds up. One of them is undoubtedly about getting rid of the bedroom tax. I Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I’ve got question also want to tell the Prime Minister that it would not be No. 13. a bad idea to do something about agency workers. Mr Skinner: The hon. Gentleman may have No. 13, There is all this talk about immigration, but the real but in the absence of that list I have got about 15 questions problem in our society is the fact that a majority of the in my pocket to ask. Of course we should have Prime foreign people who come to this country are now being Minister’s Question Time. The people out there would dictated to by agencies, and it is time we got rid of them. want us to put the case about how they manage to make They are undercutting the indigenous workers. I worked ends meet. We are talking about the people who commit with Poles in 1948, down the pit. Why were there no suicide because they are up to their necks in debt and rows? Why did nobody get worked up about the displaced they have got so many callers knocking on their door—first persons—the Poles and the Ukrainians? Because they it’s Wonga and then it’s God knows how many others. were in the union with us, and they were paid the same That is what is happening in our society among the wages. And there wasn’t an agency in sight. So that is working class. another question that we could have put tomorrow. I do not think there is any doubt, whatever we think, We could also have put a question about doing that Mrs Thatcher was a divisive character. I am too, something, now that the country is skint, like we did in but I am not Prime Minister. I know that there is the 1945— desire within a lot of us to fight at the edges and take extra-parliamentary action and all the rest of it—and Alec Shelbrooke: Who caused the skint? what’s wrong with that?—but let us not give the impression that Margaret Thatcher was different or that she was Mr Skinner: It was caused by that great economic cool with everybody. She had an agenda the moment tsunami that swept across the world—[Interruption.] she got in—she actually got in on my birthday. And why did it sweep across the world? Because in 1989, in one of her last acts, Mrs Thatcher talked about the Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Which one? brave casino economy, the big bang in the City and deregulation. That was the moment it began. We never Mr Skinner: Way back. knew when it would turn into a recession, but we knew that somehow or other, that society of instant gratification Nadine Dorries (Mid Bedfordshire) (Con): I just want would cause a recession at some time. That is how it all to make the point that Baroness Thatcher is lying just began. yards from us in her final night in this Palace. Does the It was just like that with the share-owning democracy. hon. Gentleman not think that just on this night, when We could have discussed that tomorrow. Mrs Thatcher, she is only yards away, in the name of nothing other that non-divisive character, sold off all the public utilities. than good taste, it might be as well that we called this to She said, “We’ll sell off all the public utilities—gas, an end? electricity and all the rest—and everybody will have Mr Skinner: I am just making a statement about the shares. You can buy them off Sid and you’ll be able to fact that during the course of Margaret Thatcher’s be part of that great British share-owning democracy.” parliamentary time, especially when she was Prime Minister, What happened to that? What happened to the share- she was divisive, first, in the sense that she got rid of all owning democracy? EDF is now owned by French the wets so that she could set about her agenda. There is electricity; E.ON is owned by Germans; Scottish Power no question at all about that—I know that has nothing is owned by Spain’s Iberdrola; and npower is owned by to do with Question Time being abandoned, Mr Speaker. the German company RWE. Anglian Water has gone to Canada, and Thames Water is owned by the Germans— Mr Speaker: Order. A moment or two ago the hon. Gentleman was very much on the issue of Prime Minister’s Mr Speaker: Order. I am trying to help the hon. questions and I know that he will wish to return to it. Gentleman. He is absolutely in order, and it is relevant to the motion if he refers to matters that he would raise Mr Skinner: I do not need any lectures from Tories if there were a question session. In other words, he can about what they did to Mrs Thatcher, because I remember raise the questions, but it is not in order for him also to that night and the following day, when she stood at that provide the answers. Dispatch Box. She had not had a night’s sleep and she was making her final speech in Parliament. Why was Mr Skinner: So who owns Orange and T-mobile? she making the final speech in Parliament? It was not Have a guess. France and Germany! Who owns Cellnet because the Labour MPs had put a knife in her back. and O2? Spain! Who owns Arriva buses? The German There is no question about that: a succession of Tory Deutsche Bank! MPs had gone to her in the night and said, “I don’t think you should run again for the second ballot.” That Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con): is the truth of it. So, whatever I am saying here today I am listening carefully to the hon. Gentleman’s diatribe, does not compare with the fact that a woman who had and to his list of privatised utilities. May I suggest that 315 Sittings of the House 16 APRIL 2013 Sittings of the House 316 (Wednesday 17 April) (Wednesday 17 April) he gets a new researcher? EDF stands for Électricité de that will be absent tomorrow; also absent will be the France and it has been French for as long as it has valuable recent tradition of announcing the names of existed. Please will he get a new researcher, to put him the fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am afraid that the out of his misery as well as ours? Government have form on that. On two occasions, the announcement was changed from Prime Minister’s Question Mr Skinner: Yes, the hon. Gentleman has made his Time—the moment of the week of maximum attendance own case. Gatwick is owned by South Korea; Cadbury’s by Members and maximum attention by the press and is owned by the United States; the M6 toll is owned by public—once to a Monday and once to a Tuesday. It Australia’s Macquarie bank—on and on it goes. We was only because of an outcry by Back Benchers that it could, then, talk about bringing the public utilities back was restored to its proper place. into public ownership. The whole concept of Thatcher was to divide and There are other indications that the Government rule. She was also the one who said that “There is no wish not to publish the names of the fallen, by which I such thing as society”— mean the practice of reading out the names—it has been done—of the 179 fallen in Iraq and of the fallen in Alec Shelbrooke: Keep going, keep going. Afghanistan. It is now part of our orders in the House Mr Skinner: Yes, I know the hon. Gentleman likes it. that that is not permitted. Why? Lance Corporal Jamie That is why he is a thorn in the side of the leader of the Webb died on 26 March, and was repatriated to this Tory party now. I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman country on 4 April. Did anyone see any publicity about is falling out with him. that? Did anyone realise that the event had taken place? What I am saying is that it is important to remember I went down to Brize Norton to inspect the facilities that the people out there know where Thatcher stood. for the repatriation of our fallen soldiers. I was grateful They have not forgotten it. I am talking about those to the Prime Minister for writing to me after last communities where shipbuilding was destroyed in the Wednesday’s debate in the House, because Brize Norton early ’80s and where the steel industry at Corby and is in his constituency. Those facilities were very sensitively various other places was smashed when Thatcher brought conceived, and one can think of hardly any improvement in MacGregor, then brought him back, paying a £1.5 million that could be made. There is provision for counselling, transfer fee to Lazard’s bank for him to shut, it were and rooms have been allocated for the coffins to be laid said, about 20 or 30 pits. What happened in practice? out with the appropriate religious regalia. Also—this is We had 150 pits at the end of 1985 pit strike, and by the very touching—because many of the fallen were the time Thatcher went, there were only 30 left. That is why fathers, or perhaps in some cases the mothers, of young people out there are angry, and why they demand of children, a room has been fitted out with Peppa Pig toys us—at least a few of us—to speak the truth on their for the children who turn up. behalf. That is why I am all in favour of Question Time However, I believe that, sadly, an attempt has been because I have a list of questions I would like to ask the made to hide the event at Brize Norton. A special Prime Minister every single week. entrance has been constructed so that the main entrance, Thank you, Mr Speaker, for giving me the chance to and the attention that it might receive, can be avoided. talk about this issue. It is not about personalities; it is all When the procession went through the attractive town about class. We must never forget that. We should of Wootton Bassett, it was a touching sight. Passers-by remember where we come from. I remember my own would stop and bow their heads in respect and reverence. family—with nine kids, who did not have two ha’pennies Now, however, rather than going through the main to rub together—and that is still embedded in my soul. town, the procession skirts the local village and goes on That is why I speak as I do. I do not want to change; I to the main road, where no one can show respect. never will. That will not get my hands on the Dispatch I think it a great shame that there was no prime Box, but that is not a luxury that it has ever bothered ministerial announcement of the death of Lance Corporal me to get. It is important to remember that these words Webb. That meant that the country could not pay of mine do not come out of my mouth because of envy tribute to the 441st of our soldiers to die in Afghanistan. or greed, but because I believe that we have to look after We hear today that we went into Helmand province in those people who do not have two ha’pennies to rub 2006 in order to reduce the growth of drug activity together. That should be what motivates us every day of there. At that time only two soldiers had died in combat. the week, including at Prime Minister’s Question Time. Now 441 have died, and the growth of drug activity is at When the Labour party understands that as we do here record level. I think it absolutely right for us to meet today, it will be better for it. Thank you, Mr Speaker. and to bring that part of Prime Minister’s Question 9.17 pm Time back into being. Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): It is a daunting I congratulate my hon. Friends on their speeches. I prospect to follow two speeches that do great credit to agree with much of what they said. It would have been this Chamber. I look forward to the next election when possible for the funeral to take place on a different day, the voters in many lucky constituencies will have the and for Prime Minister’s Question Time to take place chance of putting right the major defect in this House. here. It is a great shame that although there was a minor We are elected here to represent how the country looks: announcement of that recent death, we have not paid at the moment there are more women here, but not that soldier the full respect that he so richly deserves. enough of them; there are more ethnic minorities here, but not enough of them—and there is a terrible shortage 9.22 pm of octogenarians. The people of Bolsover and Newport West will have a chance to correct that in future. Mr Lansley: I am sure that the hon. Member for My point will be brief, but it is one of great importance. Newport West (Paul Flynn) was present for Defence It is not just the pantomime of Prime Minister’s questions questions yesterday, and heard the Minister of State, 317 Sittings of the House 16 APRIL 2013 Sittings of the House 318 (Wednesday 17 April) (Wednesday 17 April) [Mr Lansley] The debate has been concluded by the Leader of the House. Those who wished to speak were called to do so. Ministry of Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member I do not think anybody would say I have been other for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Francois), pay tribute than fair in facilitating a proper debate, and I listened to the recently fallen. respectfully to all the speeches, as I always do. I am grateful to the shadow Leader of the House, the Question put. hon. Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle), for what she said earlier. It put me in mind of a caller to “Any The House divided: Ayes 245, Noes 13. Answers” on Radio 4 on Saturday, who said that, in his Division No. 210] [9.26 pm view, it was not a matter of whether one supported or opposed what Margaret Thatcher had done, but a matter AYES of understanding what was proper, decent and respectful Adams, Nigel Dorries, Nadine in relation to someone who had clearly been of immense Afriyie, Adam Doyle-Price, Jackie importance to the country. Indeed, the hon. Member Aldous, Peter Drax, Richard for Newport West said in the debate last Wednesday Amess, Mr David Duddridge, James that history would judge her to have been a great Prime Andrew, Stuart Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Minister. Bacon, Mr Richard Ellis, Michael Baker, Steve Ellison, Jane The hon. Lady asked about the date of prorogation. Baldry, Sir Tony Elphicke, Charlie When she is able to tell me that we have completed all Baldwin, Harriett Eustice, George the business whose completion is required in the current Barclay, Stephen Evans, Graham Session, I shall be able to tell her the date of prorogation, Barker, rh Gregory Evennett, Mr David but I cannot do so until then. Barwell, Gavin Fabricant, Michael No one would accuse the hon. Member for Bolsover Bebb, Guto Farron, Tim (Mr Skinner) of having changed, but what did change Beith, rh Sir Alan Featherstone, Lynne was this country under Margaret Thatcher. Moreover, Bellingham, Mr Henry Francois, rh Mr Mark at each of the elections in 1979, 1983 and 1987 she was Beresford, Sir Paul Freeman, George returned with an increased vote from the people of the Berry, Jake Freer, Mike Bingham, Andrew Fuller, Richard country. That was another change. Birtwistle, Gordon Gale, Sir Roger The hon. Member for Bradford West (George Galloway) Blackman, Bob Garnier, Sir Edward asked the House to search for a consensus. I am not Boles, Nick Garnier, Mark sure that anyone has ever established a consensus with Bone, Mr Peter Gauke, Mr David the hon. Gentleman. However, in the midst of a litany Bottomley, Sir Peter Gibb, Mr Nick of false analogies and irrelevancies, he did say one Bradley, Karen Gilbert, Stephen relevant thing. He said “That is what we are here for: to Brake, rh Tom Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl be here.” I have to say to the hon. Gentleman and the Brazier, Mr Julian Goodwill, Mr Robert House that since his election on 30 March last year, he Brine, Steve Graham, Richard has been here for just 13% of the votes. Brokenshire, James Grant, Mrs Helen Brooke, Annette Grayling, rh Chris George Galloway rose— Bruce, Fiona Green, rh Damian Buckland, Mr Robert Greening, rh Justine Mr Lansley: No, I am responding to the debate. Burns, Conor Gummer, Ben Burns, rh Mr Simon Halfon, Robert Let me just say this: it seems to me that, to coin a Burt, Lorely Hancock, Matthew phrase, the hon. Gentleman broke his own bat before Byles, Dan Hands, Greg coming to the crease. Cairns, Alun Harper, Mr Mark Campbell, Mr Gregory Harris, Rebecca George Galloway: I am grateful to the Leader of the Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hart, Simon House. He would not want to mislead the House or the Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Harvey, Sir Nick public on that point. First, I was elected on 29 March, Carmichael, Neil Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan and the House of Commons has been on holiday 50% Cash, Mr William Heath, Mr David of the time since then. I am in the House of Commons Chishti, Rehman Heaton-Harris, Chris every day; I just do not want to vote for Tweedledum or Chope, Mr Christopher Herbert, rh Nick Tweedledee— Clappison, Mr James Hermon, Lady Clark, rh Greg Hinds, Damian Mr Speaker: Order. May I ask the hon. Gentleman to Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hoban, Mr Mark resume his seat? Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hollingbery, George Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hollobone, Mr Philip There are two issues here. First, it was not clear to Collins, Damian Hopkins, Kris me, but it has since been signalled to me, that the Colvile, Oliver Horwood, Martin Leader of the House has concluded his speech; I thought Cox, Mr Geoffrey Howarth, Sir Gerald he was giving way to the hon. Gentleman. Secondly, the Crabb, Stephen Howell, John hon. Gentleman should not accuse someone of misleading Crockart, Mike Hughes, rh Simon the House, which I thought I heard him suggest. Crouch, Tracey Huppert, Dr Julian Davey, rh Mr Edward James, Margot George Galloway: Mr Speaker, I said he “would not Davies, David T. C. Jenkin, Mr Bernard want to” mislead the House. (Monmouth) Johnson, Joseph Davies, Glyn Jones, Andrew Mr Speaker: I am genuinely grateful to the hon. Davies, Philip Jones, rh Mr David Gentleman for that correction. There is no argument. Dinenage, Caroline Jones, Mr Marcus 319 Sittings of the House 16 APRIL 2013 320 (Wednesday 17 April) Kawczynski, Daniel Pincher, Christopher Webb, Steve Williams, Roger Kelly, Chris Poulter, Dr Daniel Wharton, James Williams, Stephen Kirby, Simon Prisk, Mr Mark Wheeler, Heather Williamson, Gavin Knight, rh Mr Greg Pugh, John White, Chris Wollaston, Dr Sarah Laing, Mrs Eleanor Reckless, Mark Whittaker, Craig Wright, Simon Lancaster, Mark Redwood, rh Mr John Whittingdale, Mr John Young, rh Sir George Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Rees-Mogg, Jacob Wiggin, Bill Tellers for the Ayes: Leslie, Charlotte Reid, Mr Alan Willetts, rh Mr David Mark Hunter and Lewis, Brandon Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Williams, Mr Mark Mr John Randall Liddell-Grainger, Mr Robertson, rh Hugh Ian Rosindell, Andrew Lidington, rh Mr David Rudd, Amber NOES Long, Naomi Ruffley, Mr David Bayley, Hugh McGovern, Jim Lopresti, Jack Russell, Sir Bob Corbyn, Jeremy Mearns, Ian Lord, Jonathan Rutley, David Cryer, John Morris, Grahame M. Luff, Peter Sanders, Mr Adrian Flynn, Paul (Easington) Lumley, Karen Scott, Mr Lee Galloway, George Skinner, Mr Dennis Macleod, Mary Selous, Andrew Hood, Mr Jim Maynard, Paul Sharma, Alok Howarth, rh Mr George Tellers for the Noes: McCartney, Jason Shelbrooke, Alec Lavery, Ian Kelvin Hopkins and McCartney, Karl Simpson, David McDonnell, John Steve Rotheram McCrea, Dr William Simpson, Mr Keith Menzies, Mark Skidmore, Chris Mercer, Patrick Smith, Miss Chloe Question accordingly agreed to. Metcalfe, Stephen Smith, Henry Ordered, Miller, rh Maria Smith, Julian That, on Wednesday 17 April: Mills, Nigel Smith, Sir Robert (1) the House shall meet at 2.30 pm and the moment of Milton, Anne Soubry, Anna interruption shall be at 10.00 pm; Moore, rh Michael Spencer, Mr Mark (2) notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order No. 21 Mordaunt, Penny Stephenson, Andrew (Time for taking questions), no questions shall be taken other Morgan, Nicky Stevenson, John than questions which are in the Speaker’s opinion of an urgent Morris, Anne Marie Stewart, Bob character and relate either to matters of public importance or to Morris, David Stewart, Iain the arrangement of business; Morris, James Stewart, Rory Mulholland, Greg Streeter, Mr Gary (3) the sitting in Westminster Hall shall begin at 2.30 pm and continue for up to four and a half hours; and Mundell, rh David Stride, Mel Munt, Tessa Stunell, rh Andrew (4) in calculating the period of four and a half hours in Murray, Sheryll Sturdy, Julian paragraph (3) no account shall be taken of any period during Murrison, Dr Andrew Swales, Ian which the sitting in Westminster Hall may be suspended owing to Neill, Robert Swayne, rh Mr Desmond a division being called in the House or in a committee of the Newmark, Mr Brooks Swinson, Jo whole House. Newton, Sarah Syms, Mr Robert Nokes, Caroline Thornton, Mike Business without Debate Nuttall, Mr David Thurso, John O’Brien, Mr Stephen Timpson, Mr Edward Offord, Dr Matthew Tomlinson, Justin SECTION 5 OF THE EUROPEAN Ollerenshaw, Eric Tredinnick, David COMMUNITIES (AMENDMENT) ACT 1993 Paice, rh Sir James Turner, Mr Andrew Motion made, Parish, Neil Tyrie, Mr Andrew That, for the purposes of its approval under section 5 of the Patel, Priti Uppal, Paul European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993, the Government’s Pawsey, Mark Vara, Mr Shailesh assessment as set out in the Budget Report shall be treated as if it Penning, Mike Vickers, Martin were an instrument subject to the provisions of Standing Order Penrose, John Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees).—(Joseph Johnson.) Percy, Andrew Walker, Mr Charles Perry, Claire Walker, Mr Robin Hon. Members: Object. Phillips, Stephen Wallace, Mr Ben 321 16 APRIL 2013 Sergei Magnitsky Case: Visa 322 Restrictions Sergei Magnitsky Case: Visa Restrictions which removes United States travel and banking privileges from those identified as involved in the persecution and Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House eventual death of Mr Magnitsky. It also penalises those do now adjourn.—(Joseph Johnson.) involved in the fraud uncovered and other human rights abuses. I was pleased to learn that only last Friday the 9.37 pm United States Treasury publicly listed the first 18 Russian Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): I am Government officials to be banned from the United very glad to have the opportunity through an Adjournment States under that law. debate to raise further the case of Sergei Magnitsky. I am grateful to hon. Members and my hon. Friends for Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): I thank joining me to support a case of continuing concern that my hon. Friend for giving way and for securing this involves not only the reputation of Russia but by necessity important debate. Does he agree that although our the response that we as a nation make to this scandal. I relations with Russia are complex and delicate, we am very grateful that my right hon. Friend the Minister should never shy away from condemning human rights for Europe is here to listen and respond. abuses and removing privileges from those associated I should remind the House that Sergei Magnitsky was with them? a Russian lawyer whose incarceration and death at the hands of the Russian authorities remains a standing Mr Buckland: I entirely agree. That sums up the reproach to that regime. He met his fate for raising the thrust of the approach that I believe we should be alarm about a $230 million fraud committed against the taking in this case. Russian state by its own officials. Mr Magnitsky would The European Parliament passed another resolution have been 41 on 8 April, not a dissimilar age to me. I am on the Magnitsky case in October last year, recommending a fellow lawyer. I was able to practise without fear or that sanctions be enacted on the Russian officials concerned favour. He was not. following the lack of progress in Russia and what we Just over a year ago, the House debated the issue and now know to be the effective closure of their investigation. took that opportunity to call for the Government to In this House, the Foreign Affairs Committee has issued take action to target those individuals who are implicated recommendations asking for the list of banned human in Mr Magnitsky’s death, and to take action in the form rights violators to be made public, with specific reference of visa and capital restrictions. A number of us called to the Magnitsky case. upon the Government to follow in the footsteps of, among others, the United States Senate by passing Nadine Dorries (Mid Bedfordshire) (Con): I wonder legislation to enact visa bans. whether my hon. Friend is going to highlight that What has happened since then? In Russia things have America has gone much further in both addressing the gone from bad to worse. In March this year the Russian problem and doing something about it. Will he call for authorities closed the investigation into Mr Magnitsky’s similar action to be taken in this House? death, having found that no crime had been committed, despite the findings of two independent domestic Mr Buckland: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. Indeed, commissions. The Russian authorities also announced I have referred to the Act of both Houses of Congress, that they found no evidence of a link between so it is clear that the United States has gone down the Mr Magnitsky’s arrest and death in custody and his legislative route and is taking action. That is something testimonies implicating Government officials in the theft I urge the UK Government to consider very seriously. of moneys from the Russian Treasury. Last month the There are two ways of doing that: either passing legislation Russian authorities finally launched a posthumous trial or using existing powers to deny visas to those who are against Mr Magnitsky, the first in Russian history. That implicated. I will return to that point shortly. is not only an offence to natural justice but something truly out of the theatre of the absurd. I am also heartened that many legislators in the French, Swedish and German Parliaments have taken Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): Will my the opportunity over the past year, as we have done, to hon. Friend confirm that anyone who puts the words debate and condemn the scandal emerging from this “Russia”, “untouchables” and “Sergei” into a search disturbing case. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign engine will find the full documented history of what can and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member be proven from Russian documents themselves? for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), offered some reassurance in the debate last year that the UK Mr Buckland: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who is Government have expressed many times to the Russian absolutely right. Once again, Google manages to set in Government their serious concerns about the situation, stone important words that lead inexorably to a wealth and I accept that the Government take human rights of evidence linking individuals to the unlawful killing of issues very seriously when considering our relations that lawyer. with Russia. I was saying that Mr Magnitsky’s trial is truly out of I also note that the Government said that they felt it the theatre of the absurd. In fact, it is redolent of the best to wait to see how other countries such as the ninth century, when a posthumous trial of a pope was United States reacted and responded before we made held by his successor—Pope Formosus was already any final decisions. Well, action has now been taken: dead when he was tried for his crimes. We have moved other countries have moved on this. Not only that, but on 1,100 years, but Russia seems to be going backwards. the situation has worsened dramatically, in the absurd, Outside Russia the situation has also moved on. In farcical way that I have outlined. We cannot stand on December last year President Obama signed into law the sidelines any more. It is time that we took action, the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act, either in the form of legislation to enact our own visa 323 Sergei Magnitsky Case: Visa 16 APRIL 2013 Sergei Magnitsky Case: Visa 324 Restrictions Restrictions restrictions against those involved in this grave injustice association as inappropriate and undesirable, and that or through Executive action on a case-by-case basis to gives us, as Conservatives and as freedom-lovers, the deny visa applications when made. leeway and the freedom to make the points that my hon. I have several questions for my right hon. Friend to Friends and I seek to make. which I know that he will do his best to respond. First, Sir Peter Bottomley: Put simply, this is an issue not of with regard to activities here in the United Kingdom of party blocs, but of right and wrong. As the leader of the anyone implicated in this scandal, is an investigation delegation of British MPs to the Parliamentary Assembly under way, and what steps have been taken and what of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in progress made? Europe, I was pleased that we raised the issue of Sergei Secondly, what is the status of the investigation into Magnitsky at a meeting. The leader of the Russian the sudden and unexplained death in Surrey some months delegation, Mr Nikolay Kovalyov, who is a member of ago of Alexander Perepilichnyy, a 44-year-old Russian the Duma and a former director of the FSB who was business man who was linked as a witness to this succeeded by Vladimir Putin, listened with interest and scandal and who suddenly died in what can only be respect to what we said. We did not get what we wanted described as unexplained circumstances? from the Russian delegation, but I think they understand Thirdly, will the Government consider, on a case-by-case that Russia will be judged in part by how it turns from basis, the list of 280 persons that United States looking at Sergei Magnitsky—the person who tried to Congressman Jim McGovern has submitted to the US defend Russia—to looking at the persons who have State Department detailing their role in this scandal, stolen money from the Russian people themselves. along with links to documents? Will the Government consider whether to issue those mentioned on that list Mr Buckland: I am extremely grateful to my hon. with a ban forbidding their entry into the United Kingdom, Friend. Like him, I have had the opportunity to address in accordance with the policy that denies entry to some of these issues directly with Russian politicians known human rights abusers? Fourthly, will the who have visited this place and sought a dialogue. It is Government support the European Parliament’s call to important that none of us shies away from using every remove EU visa and banking privileges from the officials opportunity to raise difficult issues and to challenge in involved in the Magnitsky case? a proper way. I understand the diplomatic complexities that we face Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP) rose— in poking a stick into a hornets’ nest, and I know how important our emerging trade relationship with Russia Mr Buckland: I will give way one last time. is. Russia has an important role to play, whether it is to do with the balance of our economy in Europe, with Jim Shannon: I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving regional security, or with wider global security. None way; I asked him beforehand if he would agree to it. the less, it is simply not tenable for us to turn a blind eye Has he considered whether the Government and the to this situation. I accept that approaching it in a Minister could address the issue of the assets of those heavy-handed manner would perhaps be inappropriate, involved who may be in the United Kingdom? That but we should make it crystal clear that we are not might be a way of making them accountable for their seeking to intervene in the judicial processes of another past misdemeanours. country but maintaining our right, as a free country, to criticise constructively and to operate our borders in a Mr Buckland: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman way that we see fit. and think that that option should be considered. This issue does not stop at visas; capital restrictions would be We should carefully enact visa restrictions so as to a real way of hitting these people where it hurts. To penalise those who are clearly linked to this and, indeed, return to my earlier point, it is a matter of reproach that other human rights violations in Russia. I believe that such people are allowed to be economically active in this would have a measurable impact on the lifestyles of our country while a glaring injustice remains unaddressed. many members of the Russian elite who come to London A huge fraud was committed against the people of because it is an attractive city in which to stay and in Russia by their own officials. I am sure that if they which to shop. I ask this simple question: why should wished to unravel this financial conspiracy they would these people be allowed to shop when this injustice have our full-throated support and co-operation, but in remains unaddressed? the absence of such an acknowledgement and action it is only right that Britain sends a clear message to those Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): The hon. Gentleman implicated in this scandal that we are on the side of is to be warmly congratulated on the subject of this justice and that those who do not share those values do debate. Does he not think, though, that his party would the eternal name of Russia no service and are not be better working in groups such as the Christian welcome here. Democrats, its natural home, rather than being allied with groups that often contain many members of Putin’s party and other right-wing parties? Would that not be a 9.52 pm way forward for his party so that it could attack these The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): I first injustices with greater independence and vigour? congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for South Swindon (Mr Buckland) on securing a debate on this Mr Buckland: The Conservative party is not a sister important subject. The fact that Members from a range party of United Russia. I accept that some work is done of political parties are present—some of whom have in the Council of Europe, but it would be unfair to say contributed by way of intervention—is a very clear that we are in any form of grouping with that party. message, not just to people who follow these affairs in Many Conservative Members would regard such an the United Kingdom, but, I hope, to those in Russia 325 Sergei Magnitsky Case: Visa 16 APRIL 2013 Sergei Magnitsky Case: Visa 326 Restrictions Restrictions [Mr David Lidington] sure that he and his team in the embassy will take the words of my hon. Friend as an invitation for such a who pay attention to our proceedings and those who do conversation to take place. so on behalf of the Russian Government, that the case Perhaps even more worrying than their closing of the of Sergei Magnitsky has not been and will not be investigation is that the Russian authorities have launched forgotten and that the fact that the causes of his death a posthumous prosecution of Mr Magnitsky on charges are not being properly investigated and no one is being of fraud. I confess that there is something macabre held to account for his treatment while in prison in about such a spectacle. My understanding is that such a Russia cannot but do serious and growing damage to procedure is within the ambit of the Russian constitution Russia’s reputation, not just in the United Kingdom, and Russian law, but that it has been used on only but in many other countries in Europe and around the exceptional occasions in the past. Trying a dead man world. and a man seen by many internationally as a whistleblower, I want to begin by expressing my sympathy on behalf to put it mildly, undermines efforts to tackle the perception of the Government to the family and friends of Sergei of widespread corruption within Russia. Magnitsky. The tragic circumstances of his death have I am afraid that we have to conclude from what has been outlined eloquently by my hon. Friend today and happened in recent weeks in Russia that there is no by many hon. Members in previous parliamentary debates evidence that the passage of the Act in the United on this subject. Every element of this case is of concern States has brought or is likely to bring closer the outcome to the Government. The circumstances of Mr Magnitsky’s that all of us wish to see, which is justice for Mr Magnitsky’s arrest, detention and eventual death, and the subsequent family and a thorough, above-board investigation into handling of the case by the Russian authorities are his death. Altering our own fair and long-established deeply troubling. I fully appreciate the strength of feeling practice of entry requirements for foreign nationals about this case from many Members of the House. seeking to come to the UK would be unlikely to contribute As I have made clear in the past, the Government to achieving justice for Mr Magnitsky either. agree entirely with the sentiment that lay behind the The duty of confidentiality means that the details of resolution of this House of 7 March 2012, namely that individual cases are not routinely discussed. As the we should defend human rights, condemn those who House knows, the United Kingdom does not prejudge abuse such rights and tackle a culture of impunity for evidence against individuals speculatively. abusers, wherever the abuse takes place and whoever is When visa applications are made, they are considered responsible. In particular, the clear wish of the House in on their individual merits, taking into account all the resolution was to secure justice for Mr Magnitsky. circumstances and information available to us at that During the debate last year, the Under-Secretary of time. As the Home Secretary, the Foreign Secretary and State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. I have regularly made clear in this House and outside, Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair where credible evidence exists, immigration rules empower Burt) made it clear that the Government would continue us to deny entry to those who abuse human rights. It is a to handle the case within the long-established practices declared policy of the present Government that people of this Government and previous Governments. He against whom there is credible evidence of complicity in undertook to re-examine the situation after the passage the abuse of human rights, should not normally expect of the American Act to ascertain whether there were to be granted admission to the United Kingdom. lessons that we might draw for our own policy. We continue to raise the Magnitsky case with the In recent weeks, the Russian authorities have formally Russian Government, making it clear that in our view a closed the investigation into Mr Magnitsky’s death without lack of progress in the case is at odds with the efforts any results. That happened despite the fact that it was they are making to demonstrate the independence of not some outside body—not some non-governmental their judiciary, and to portray Russia as an attractive organisation or foreign Government—that concluded place for foreign investors. Most recently, my right hon. in 2011 that Mr Magnitsky’s death was probably the Friend the Foreign Secretary raised the Magnitsky case result of having been severely beaten and denied medical with Foreign Minister Lavrov during talks in London treatment, but the Russian presidential committee on last month, and I did the same when I met Deputy human rights. It is therefore all the more dismaying that Foreign Minister Titov in Moscow in February. Recent the Russian authorities should have closed the investigation developments in the Magnitsky case will also be discussed, into Mr Magnitsky’s death without results. as a matter of serious concern, by senior officials at the next bilateral human rights dialogue between the United Kingdom and Russia. I remind the House that the Sir Peter Bottomley: Would it be possible and United Kingdom is unique among all EU member diplomatically appropriate for this debate to be passed, states in holding annual bilateral meetings to allow with respect, to His Excellency the Russian ambassador formal discussions about human rights. That gives us in London, with an invitation to have a meeting, on or the opportunity to hold Russia to account on the human off the record, with Members of Parliament who are rights obligations into which it has entered through its interested in hearing what he has to say, at which he participation in various United Nations conventions, could also, if he would be prepared to, hear what we and in the European convention on human rights. have to say? Let me try to respond to the specific questions posed by my hon. Friend the Member for South Swindon. He Mr Lidington: From my knowledge of the Russian asked about allegations that members of the so-called ambassador in London, I am sure that he will be paying “untouchables” have been complicit in criminal offences close attention to what is being said in the House this committed in the United Kingdom. In relation to that, evening and that no prompting will be necessary. I am however, and to a couple of his other questions, he will 327 Sergei Magnitsky Case: Visa 16 APRIL 2013 Sergei Magnitsky Case: Visa 328 Restrictions Restrictions understand that we have independent investigating and My hon. Friend asked about EU visa and banking prosecuting agencies in this country, and it is not for privileges. We would be willing to looking at any proposals Ministers to judge the credibility or strength of particular at EU level and to discuss them with our EU partners. pieces of evidence. On the first question, we have a The hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) raised Serious Organised Crime Agency whose job it is to the question of asset freezes. For the reasons I gave prevent, detect and contribute to the reduction of serious earlier, we do not believe that introducing asset freezes and organised crime, to gather store and analyse information along the lines that the United States has introduced about such crime, and to deliver the statutory requirement them would contribute to the objective we seek. Asset set out in legislation and international treaties. freezes would also need to meet legal tests. When assets For reasons the House will understand, SOCA’s policy are frozen by the UK or another democracy, they can is to neither confirm nor deny any details of its activity, find that such decisions are challenged in the courts. files it may have received, or specific requests concerning There are ongoing cases in which even UN and EU named subjects. However, that agency is always on the asset freezes against individuals are being challenged look out for and ready to investigate credible allegations through the courts. There would have to be credible of crimes of a serious international character that may evidence that could, if necessary, be tested in a court to have been committed. justify asset freezes in any individual case. The promotion and protection of human rights continues My hon. Friend also asked about the death in Surrey to be a key priority in our bilateral relationship with of Mr Perepilichnyy. At present his death is still being Russia. In recent months, we have seen a worsening of investigated by the Surrey police, which they are treating the human rights situation in that country, whether in as unexplained, and I therefore do not think I can relation to the Magnitsky case, the restrictive legislative comment or speculate on a live police investigation. changes on freedom of assembly, the moves against the Our understanding is that Surrey police believe they opposition, the inspections of non-governmental have access to all the assistance they currently require to organisations, or the draft legislation to curtail freedom carry out their investigation into the cause of death. My of assembly for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender hon. Friend asked whether the Government would take people. Those concerns are set out in the Foreign Office’s into consideration the list of 280 people allegedly involved “Human Rights and Democracy” report, which the in the Magnitsky case that Congressman Jim McGovern Foreign Secretary launched yesterday. submitted to the state department. As apparent from my earlier remarks, the Home Office would not consider We will continue to press Russia to take the initiative documents provided speculatively in the absence of an to ensure that the Magnitsky case and other cases are actual visa application from an individual. Having said brought to thorough and transparent conclusions. That that, when a visa application is made, it is considered on would send a positive signal on the protection of human its merits, and all circumstances and information available rights and democracy in Russia. to us at that time are taken into account. When credible Question put and agreed to. evidence exists that a person has been involved in human rights abuses, they should not expect to be allowed 10.7 pm entry to the UK. House adjourned.

1WH 16 APRIL 2013 Off-gas Grid Households 2WH

Across the UK, 4 million households are off the Westminster Hall mains gas grid. Their inhabitants comprise 15% of the population. Those households are not confined to rural areas, as 49% of off-gas grid households are situated in Tuesday 16 April 2013 urban areas. The households reliant on off-gas grid energy do not represent a marginal group—an exception to be brushed over—but instead comprise millions of [MR DAVID CRAUSBY in the Chair] families and individuals living in cities, towns and villages and on farms across the country. What, then, is the state Off-gas Grid Households of the off-grid gas energy sector that serves them? Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting A comprehensive study of the sector was published be now adjourned.—(Michael Fallon.) last month by the all-party group, drawing on evidence from off-grid energy suppliers, off-grid energy customers, 9.30 am consumer groups and the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The picture painted by the report is Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): It is stark. It reveals a sector in desperate need of the sort of a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, changes now being applied to the mains gas grid network. Mr Crausby. In these very difficult economic times, households up and down the UK are struggling with One thing is particularly clear: off-grid households the cost of living, and of all the bills that darken kitchen pay more for energy. Work undertaken by the heating tables from Aberdeen to Axminster, energy bills are bill comparator Sutherland Tables reveals that a typical hitting many the hardest. three-bedroom house, costing an average of £975 a year to heat on mains gas, would cost more than £1,570 to Rightly, the Government are taking action to help. heat with heating oil and a staggering £2,170 to heat Following my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s with bulk LPG. Overall, off-grid households pay 60% commitment to bringing down energy bills, Ofgem—the to 120% more for energy than households connected to Office of Gas and Electricity Markets—is introducing a the mains gas grid. package of measures to reduce bills, improve consumer advice and improve regulation, but, however welcome Anne Marie Morris: Does my hon. Friend also agree those changes are, their scope extends only as far as the that the challenge is not just the amount, but the limits of the mains gas grid. Beyond the flicker of the mechanism for payment, because sometimes direct debit grid lie millions of households that are at risk of being facilities are simply not available and individuals have left in darkness as energy reforms come into force. to pay up front, which inevitably is a much heavier Those households, unable to access gas from the grid, burden on the purse? rely on alternative energy sources, including heating oil, liquefied petroleum gas, electricity and solid fuels. If we Sarah Newton: That is absolutely right, especially in are serious about helping people who are struggling relation to bulk supplies of oil and gas, for which a with the cost of energy, we must ensure that there is single payment can be £600 or £800. parity between mains gas and off-grid households. The high prices are compounded by the fact that Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con): Does my off-grid households cannot benefit from the range of hon. Friend agree that the issue is not only that these discounts, such as those associated with dual fuel bills, are rural communities, but that often they are among that on-grid customers enjoy.Similarly, many energy-saving the most deprived, so it is those who are least able to schemes promoted by the Government have, in the bear the excessive costs of off-grid gas who have to bear words of Citizens Advice when giving evidence to the the burden? all-party group, “not been particularly effective at improving the energy efficiency Sarah Newton: My hon. Friend makes a very good of off-grid properties.” point. I will come on to illustrate the scale of the Previous schemes, such as the carbon emissions reduction problem that she so rightly raises early in the debate. target, have incentivised energy suppliers to provide All households should enjoy energy prices that are as energy-efficiency improvements to consumers. However, low as possible, along with the protection afforded by a the process used to assess the progress made by different robust regulatory system. All should have access to energy suppliers—the system of a point for each household comprehensive consumer advice services. It is important improved—encouraged suppliers to focus on easy-to- to stress that, in talking of households left off the mains improve households. As many off-grid properties were gas grid, we are not talking about a handful of remote far from easy to improve, having solid, hard-to-insulate villages. Millions of people rely on off-grid energy. As a walls and being situated in isolated locations, they were Cornish MP, raised in the duchy, I have always been accorded a low priority. As a result, many off-grid aware that, for many local households, energy is not households missed out. simply a matter of flicking a switch for a piped supply. The all-party group’s report shows that a considerable It involves an expensive process of sourcing, purchasing number of off-grid gas energy consumers believe that and securing delivery of a private supply of heating oil the high prices that they have to contend with result or LPG or, nowadays, of finding a renewable source of from a lack of competition among suppliers. I have energy. However, it was only on entering Parliament been aware of those concerns for some time, and following and joining the all-party group on off-gas grid, so ably the winter of 2010-11, when the price of heating oil in led by my hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal my constituency rocketed, I joined others in calling for (Dr Coffey), that I fully appreciated the scale and an Office of Fair Trading inquiry into the off-grid geographical extent of off-gas grid energy usage. energy market. I am very grateful to the former Energy 3WH Off-gas Grid Households16 APRIL 2013 Off-gas Grid Households 4WH

[Sarah Newton] for granted. Ofgem has no responsibility in the off-grid energy sector and the OFT can investigate only how Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Wealden well the market is operating. Off-grid energy customers (Charles Hendry), for listening to the concerns and for with a complaint against their supplier have only one asking the OFT to instigate just such an inquiry. However, recourse: their local trading standards team. Support while the OFT concluded that the off-grid market was from such teams differs across the UK and is extremely working well and gave most off-grid customers a choice limited in many places. Some moves have been made of suppliers, the all-party group’s report indicates that towards the self-regulation of the off-grid energy sector. the all-clear issued by the OFT may be premature. The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers, a trade association Crucially, the OFT analysed the number of suppliers whose membership delivers 80% of the UK’s heating in a given area by postcode. That approach throws up a oil to homes, has a code of conduct that requires number of issues. It has been argued that analysis by members to postcode district is not sufficiently detailed to give an “act with integrity and honesty”. accurate assessment of the number of functioning suppliers for any one address in that district, as postcode districts The federation is apparently preparing a more rigorous can cover many square miles and thousands of households. code, giving further specification on what would constitute In particular, sparsely populated rural areas, which are a breach of “integrity and honesty”. However robust most likely to be off-grid, by definition cover a larger that code is, the ultimate sanction will remain loss of expanse. The average rural postcode for England and membership. Given the number of suppliers who Wales comprises 55 square miles, compared with 14 square successfully trade without belonging to the federation, miles for urban areas. That large rural postcode size that sanction does not constitute such a disincentive. means that, although a postcode could be served by five Inadequate regulation is matched by limited support different suppliers, each supplier could feasibly serve for off-grid customers. On-grid households can access a only one district within it—a district large enough to range of support, including a dedicated team in Consumer support one whole company, but that comprises only a Focus, but many off-grid consumers struggle to find small proportion of the postcode area. Consumers living expert advice. In the words of Citizens Advice, when in that district would therefore have a very limited giving evidence on consumer advice for off-grid customers choice of suppler. to the all-party group: In giving evidence to the all-party group, the OFT “A team in DECC… that we knew we could go to, would be admitted that its approach overlooked a lack of competition nice... we just need a far more coordinated effort, essentially.” in rural areas, stating that many rural districts That stakeholder experience of consumer advice matches “actually only support a very small number of suppliers, perhaps that of too many off-grid customers. To assess the two or even only one.” off-grid energy sector is to assess a range of frustrations The first-class Cornish charity Community Energy Plus faced by off-grid energy consumers, from high prices, gave further evidence to the all-party group of a lack of possibly caused in part by a lack of competition in the competition in very rural areas served by small, local market, to inadequate regulation and a lack of dedicated companies, commenting that consumer advice. “a lot of the companies have an existing customer base and they’re actually unwilling to expand… that results in… a lack of What can be done to tackle those issues to ensure that competition”. off-grid customers benefit from assistance commensurate with that directed to on-grid households? The all-party It therefore appears that the OFT inquiry may not paint group’s report suggests a number of common-sense a comprehensive picture of the state of the market and changes that would make a real difference to off-grid that a lack of competition may well be a further issue gas consumers. The benefits system could recognise the affecting off-grid energy consumers. high prices that off-grid consumers face. Two particular benefits are specifically designed to assist with the cost Anne Marie Morris: Does my hon. Friend believe of energy: the warm home discount and the winter fuel that a comparison might be drawn in rural communities allowance. Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust between the broadband challenge and the energy challenge? support proposals to create a higher rate in the warm Both issues are difficult for rural communities. The home discount to reflect high off-grid prices. Last year, Government have a rural broadband strategy. Would it the hon. Member for Angus (Mr Weir) promoted a not be appropriate for them to adopt a rural energy private Member’s Bill that would have enabled off-grid strategy to look very carefully at this problem? gas consumers to receive their winter fuel allowance in September, rather than December. That simple change Sarah Newton: My hon. Friend makes a good point. would allow older consumers to purchase heating oil at Parts of rural areas have successfully rolled out super-fast low summer rates, thereby saving an estimated £200 a broadband. I must commend the super-fast broadband year. project in Cornwall; we have very high penetration To help to secure lower prices in the long term, the levels, even in some remote rural areas. She makes a fair OFT could be asked to reopen its study into the off-grid point: we need parity across our nation. People living in energy market, using more localised data. Such a revised remote rural areas should not be disadvantaged. As study could provide a more definitive answer about the policy makers, we should always consider fairness and scale of competition issues in the market and suggest parity. possible resolutions should such problems exist. To Consumers facing high prices and related competition provide regulatory protection and consumer support to issues are also bereft of the regulatory protections and off-gas households, the Government could set up a consumer support that many on-grid households take dedicated team within the new competition and markets 5WH Off-gas Grid Households16 APRIL 2013 Off-gas Grid Households 6WH authority to regulate the sector and support consumers. Bill revolution to be meaningful, it must travel beyond Community Energy Plus describes the creation of such the corridors of Whitehall and to all those beyond the a body as edge of the mains gas grid. “essential to ensure price parity across the market”. 9.47 am Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I thank the hon. Lady for bringing this important matter to the House. Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP): I am pleased to speak The differential in prices across Northern Ireland has in this important debate under your chairmanship, been recognised and the regulator is already looking at Mr Crausby, and to support the recommendations made it. Does she feel that something should be done UK-wide by the all-party group on off-gas grid in its excellent on the regulation of prices? The price, when the stuff report, which sets out the issues and proposes interesting comes off the ship in Belfast, is dearer there than in ideas to deal with them. some other parts of the Province. There is something I do not intend to speak on the general problem of seriously wrong, and the same problem applies across fuel poverty, the details of which should be well known all rural constituencies. by Members on both sides of the House, but I note the point that the hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth Sarah Newton: I hope the hon. Gentleman will forgive (Sarah Newton) made: although only 15% of households my ignorance, but I am not fully aware of the devolved in the UK are not on the gas grid, 32% of such households powers in relation to the energy market. I did not are in fuel poverty, as opposed to 15% of on-grid prepare to cover that in this speech, as I am very much households. That shows the extent of the problem, focused on England and Wales, but perhaps the Minister particularly, but not exclusively, in rural areas. I have will respond to that point. He probably has far greater raised the issue of off-grid supplies in all the years I knowledge of whether his powers extend to the Province have been in the House. When preparing for the debate, than I do. I was tempted simply to say—in the manner of “Blue Peter”—“Here’s one I prepared earlier” and produce an Alongside the measures I suggested, support to the old Hansard. It is slightly depressing to see the same green deal and the renewable heat incentive should familiar problems that we have talked about for years continue. If implemented correctly over the coming highlighted in report. years, both have the potential to assist off-grid gas households. The renewable heat incentive in particular I have raised the particular issue of winter fuel payments could help off-grid households to install air or ground for off-grid pensioners on numerous occasions, to Ministers heat pumps, providing a new, cheaper and more sustainable in both this and the previous Government. I am pleased energy source. with the strong recommendation in the new report that calls on the Department for Work and Pensions to Having campaigned for some years on behalf of reconsider its opposition to my private Member’s Bill. off-grid energy consumers living in my constituency, I My Bill does not seek to extend winter fuel payments to am assured that Ministers appreciate how important additional groups, nor does it tread on the contentious the issue is. I am grateful for all the time that the issue of means testing that concerns some Members. It Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate is tightly drawn to give some relief to a particularly Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill vulnerable sector: pensioners who are off the gas grid. and Battle (Gregory Barker), an off-grid energy consumer As the hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth said, all himself, has given and for the help that my hon. Friend forms of energy have increased in price, but the price of the Member for Wealden gave in securing the initial home fuel oil has rocketed in recent years, and there is OFT inquiry. I now urge DECC to take that appreciation clear evidence that the cost rises in early autumn and of the issue one step further, take careful note of the stays high over winter. Even on the website of an oil further evidence revealed by the all-party group’s report supplier, www.valueoils.com, we can read: and consider closely the all-party group’s recommendations, which could help to secure a fairer deal for off-grid “Winter months are typically more expensive than the summer given the rise in demand across Europe, the summer months of customers. It is important to stress that many such June and July will usually provide the lowest rates.” customers form part of a group that Ministers are keen to prioritise: households in and at real risk of going into The graph on the site shows dramatic increases in all fuel poverty. One OFT statistic is telling: 32% of off-gas areas of the United Kingdom over the winter months. grid households in Great Britain are fuel poor, compared It is important to note that this is not just an issue for with 15% of those on-grid. the rural highlands and islands of Scotland; it also affects rural Wales and all parts of rural England, The Government are right to do what they can to including Cornwall. help households struggling with rising energy bills, but that help will pass millions by if reforms to the mains Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): What the hon. gas network are not complemented by action on off-grid Gentleman says is further evidenced by the experience energy. The 600,000 off-grid households in fuel poverty of one of my constituents, who queried her bill and had will continue in fuel poverty, joined, no doubt, by many it reduced. No other market—including mains gas and others, if an unreformed off-grid energy sector is combined electricity—would operate in that way, so is that not with a return to winters like those of 2010 and 2011. evidence that the suppliers are charging over the odds at For the Government’s package of measures on energy times? bills to be fair, it must apply both to on-grid and off-grid households, and to be effective it must help the Mr Weir: The market is not clear. I appreciate that hundreds of thousands of off-grid households that have there are difficulties in the market. There are some big fallen into fuel poverty over recent years. For the Energy suppliers, but there are many small ones, and one difficulty 7WH Off-gas Grid Households16 APRIL 2013 Off-gas Grid Households 8WH

[Mr Weir] grid will receive their winter fuel bill around the time that the winter fuel allowance is generally paid, and it is that many suppliers buy on the notoriously volatile therefore works well for them. Indeed, in the explanatory spot market. The APPG report highlights another difficulty, notes to the regulations that last amended the benefit, which is that people are given a price when they ask for the previous Government stated: oil, but the price is not guaranteed and can be completely “They are paid in a lump sum each winter to ensure that different on delivery. That is no way for someone to run money is available when fuel bills arrive.” their main home heating supply. The presence of the That, however, is not the case for those who are off the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) reminds gas grid. They face the difficulty of having to pay for me that this is also an issue in Northern Ireland—I was their LPG or home fuel oil up front at the beginning of interrupted before I could mention that. winter, well before they have the benefit of the winter Figures from Oil Firing Technical Association suggest fuel allowance, and the hon. Member for Truro and that a typical rural household could save £170 if they Falmouth rightly pointed out the cost of a full tank of bought heating oil in June 2010 rather than in January gas. Many find it difficult to make the payment at that 2011, nearly doubling the value of their winter fuel point, and may well not fill up the tank completely, allowance. When I introduced my Bill, the House of which leaves them having to do so in the depths of Commons Library produced a note that stated: winter, which can bring problems of its own, particularly “The average costs of heating and providing hot water for a during the severe weather that we have recently experienced. typical three bedroom house with LPG have been estimated at The Office of Fair Trading produced a report that around £2,300 per year (based on April 2012 prices with a found that there were many competing suppliers in the conventional boiler), heating oil is thought to cost around £1,700 market. However, by definition many of them are small and gas around £1,200.” suppliers, and although some of the larger players offer It is worth noting that over the past four years, the cost greater payment flexibility, many smaller ones are unable of heating an average home with propane or home fuel to so. oil has increased by £850 and £750 respectively, while gas has increased by only £400, so not only are off-grid Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC): My hon. Friend referred homes more expensive to heat but the costs have risen to the difficulty of getting gas supplies in the depths of much more sharply than for homes on the gas grid. In winter, and that was certainly an issue two winters ago short, it costs almost double to heat a home with LPG in my constituency.Has he come across any local authorities than a home with access to the mains gas grid. It is also or other bodies that include gas supply as part of their important to note that the main use of LPG and home emergency planning? fuel oil is for heating, so although these homes generally have electricity they still face greater costs. Mr Weir: I cannot say that I have specifically addressed The traditional response of Government to the problem that issue but, to be fair to the Government, two winters has been to call for an extension of the mains gas grid, ago, they introduced a regulation to amend drivers’ and that point is made in the report, but there are hours, to enable tanker drivers to deliver during the fundamental difficulties, not least because in many rural worst of the winter. In spite of that, in my constituency areas there is simply no gas main and there is no it was impossible for tankers to get up many of the possibility of a gas main ever coming to areas such as roads because they were blocked with snow. I had the islands and highlands of Scotland, rural Wales and constituents who had no gas over that Christmas. The rural Northern Ireland perhaps. Even where there is a problem is exacerbated by the fact that some suppliers gas main, the connection cost can be exorbitant. place a meter in the tank, and unless the remote reading I recently came across a case in an urban setting in shows that the gas is at a certain level they will not my constituency. Even though there was a gas main deliver because they do not consider it an emergency. further down the street, my constituent was quoted £6,000 to connect to it. That would be uneconomical Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): The for most households, which are struggling to pay their hon. Gentleman raises an issue that was very evident in fuel bills. If the Government are serious about the my constituency during that time. The remote sensing extension of the gas grid, they have to do something meant that the supplier would not deliver unless the gas about connection costs. In the case of my constituent, it got down to a specific volume. Some people, for instance might be that the quoted cost was high because they those suffering from cancer, were so afraid that they were the first person in their small area who wanted to would be without heat that they were caused considerable connect. People connecting in future might get it cheaper, anxiety and concern. but it is still uneconomical for the first person, and that issue needs to be tackled. Mr Weir: The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent The problem in many rural areas is exacerbated by point. All these issues need to be addressed. the fact that much of the housing is old and of a When I debated the issue with the Minister of State, construction that makes it difficult to install energy-saving Department for Work and Pensions, the hon. Member measures such as cavity wall insulation. I appreciate for Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb),in this Chamber, that the Minister will say that the energy company I indicated that some of the larger firms were interested, obligation is meant to tackle such issues—and I am sure at least in discussing possible ways to address some of that it will— but there is still a huge problem over all the issues, and I understand that there have been discussions rural areas of the United Kingdom. between Ministers. When the Energy Bill was in Committee, Those households receive the same winter fuel allowances the then Minister of State, Department of Energy and as pensioners on the gas grid, but the crucial difference Climate Change, the right hon. Member for South is how the energy is delivered. Those who are on the gas Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes), agreed that the 9WH Off-gas Grid Households16 APRIL 2013 Off-gas Grid Households 10WH

Department for Work and Pensions would be included inquiry was completed and a report made. It gave in such discussions. I understand that a round table is customers greater flexibility in being able to compare due to take place next month, and I would be interested prices from various suppliers. Until then, they had to to hear from the Minister on whether he feels any change the bulk tank when they changed suppliers, and progress has been made. the complexity and expense of doing so meant that Although the price of fuel rises, often substantially, changing suppliers was very difficult. as winter approaches, some suppliers offer a fixed price, There have been incredibly good examples of but one that is much higher than in summer, and my Bill communities coming together to form purchaser groups suggested ways in which we might tackle the problem. that can negotiate more strongly with suppliers. Certainly, Winter fuel allowances are paid as a result of regulations the little community of Llanspyddid in my constituency that specify a date by which pensioners must apply, and has achieved that, although again—we have heard this it is worth noting that once someone is in the system message from hon. Members—the tariffs proposed by they do not have to apply in subsequent years. Clause 1 suppliers were so complicated that it was difficult for simply seeks to vary the regulations by bringing forward consumers to come to a conclusion and they needed the qualifying date for those off the gas grid from late help to evaluate suppliers’ proposals. That is nevertheless September to late July. Clause 2 seeks to bring forward a good example of how the consumer can be more the payment date to no later than 30 September to allow powerful in the market, given the right conditions. them to take advantage of buying a complete tank of I say to the Minister that those people need support gas before winter. to get groups together. A document has been produced It seems to me that the real problem—it is not unique on good practice for consumer groups in the energy to this Government; to be scrupulously fair, it happened market, but the Department of Energy and Climate under the previous Labour Government as well, and I Change could certainly do more to ensure that LPG discussed it with the then Minister with responsibility consumers know that they can have competitive tenders for energy—is that the Department simply tells Ministers from different suppliers. I often talk to LPG consumers that such changes are too difficult and too expensive, who still do not understand what can be done, and there neither of which bears scrutiny. I have already suggested should certainly be a public information campaign to that, if the Government have real problems with an enable people to benefit more from that. earlier date, we might keep the September date and simply allow payment to off-gas grid consumers at an Sarah Newton: This topic is very important. In Cornwall, earlier date from the second year. That would get round a huge amount of work has certainly been done, with many of the problems, none of which seems to me to be some financial help from the Government, to set up insurmountable. such bio co-operatives. They have been successful, but As we gallop towards Prorogation, I fear that time there are limits to their success, because of fundamental has run out for my Bill in this Session. I recall, however, issues in the market. If there are only one or two that when Ted Heath was Prime Minister, he wanted to suppliers, people can get a discount, but it will be about bring in the pensioners’ Christmas bonus, but was 10%, and we have heard about the huge disparity between consistently told by his advisers that it would be too on-grid and off-grid. Such help is welcome and a step in difficult or expensive, so he simply went on television the right direction—of course, 10% is still a decent and announced its introduction, and the Department saving—but it will not really tackle the underlying suddenly found a way to do it. Perhaps it is time for market issues. similar ministerial militancy from the Minister to tackle the problem. To encourage him, I have tabled a new Roger Williams: My hon. Friend makes a good point. clause to the Energy Bill that would insert the main However we cut the cake, heating a property with LPG provisions of my Bill, and I ask all Members who are is almost twice as expensive as doing so with mains gas. interested in the issue to sign it. Let us have another go I am sure that consumer groups can achieve a 10% at the Minister before our constituents have to suffer reduction, which is valuable. another winter of massively increasing fuel prices and My hon. Friend leads me on to say—this point was an inability to get oil because of the weather. also made by the hon. Member for Angus—that although off-grid energy consumers often live in very isolated 10.1 am properties, sometimes their communities have never been connected to the gas mains for some reason or Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): I another. Certainly in my constituency, old coal-mining pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Truro communities where there used to be deliveries of free and Falmouth (Sarah Newton) for securing this debate. coal to miners or their widows seem to have been left off As the hon. Member for Angus (Mr Weir) said, it has the mains grid. As I understand it—the hon. Member been oft-repeated. It is none the worse for that, but for Strangford (Jim Shannon) will correct me if I am progress is pitifully slow. I am sure that constituents wrong—the number of people off-grid in Northern throughout the UK who are represented by hon. Members Ireland is much higher than in the rest of the country. across this Chamber must feel that their cause has not Yet, work is going on there to get more people on to the been addressed by this Government or, indeed, by previous gas mains, which will give them huge savings on their ones. energy consumption. I want to raise several issues, on the first of which Whenever I have tried to inquire about getting some progress has been made. My predecessor, Richard communities such as Llangynidr and Abercraf on Livsey, pressed the Office of Fair Trading to conduct an to the mains supply, the cost—as the hon. Member inquiry into the supply of LPG for many years, but I for Angus said—was so enormous that taking that was the Member for Brecon and Radnorshire when that forward was impossible. There is not just the cost of the 11WH Off-gas Grid Households16 APRIL 2013 Off-gas Grid Households 12WH

[Roger Williams] Rural poverty has many causes, but the additional costs of energy and fuel faced by rural households are infrastructure, but people have to be made to commit to almost certainly a major factor. Fuel poverty is a major taking mains gas, which is a question not only of issue throughout the country, but it is all the more acute putting in a connection, but often of having appliances in small settlements in rural areas. Indeed, in 2010, changed for mains gas. In the old mining communities some 24.1% of households in villages, hamlets and in my constituency, some people are particularly vulnerable isolated dwellings were fuel poor, compared with the and certainly do not have the spare cash to make that then national average of 16.4%, and that figure has type of investment in their properties. I believe that the increased again, as we have heard in the statistics quoted Government should have some system for making mains today. connection more affordable for communities, because Particularly high fuel poverty in such communities at one stroke that would make a great impact on fuel can be at least partially explained through the lack of poverty. I am not sure what the arrangements are in gas connectivity. The cost of heating oil is approximately Northern Ireland, but I would be pleased, perhaps after twice that of heating a home by gas, so it is little this debate, to talk about that with the hon. Member for wonder, though still appalling, that on average, in 2009, Strangford. the cost to a rural household in ensuring an adequate standard of warmth was £346 more than for an urban Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): I household. do not think that any of us denies that it would be good Furthermore, a household with oil central heating is to get more and more people on to the grid. However, almost twice as likely to be fuel poor as one with gas does the hon. Gentleman see any dangers in that for central heating. With such a clear relationship between those still left off-grid, with the potential for volatile gas connectivity and fuel poverty, there are significant pricing and many of the problems highlighted in the benefits in trying to increase connectivity. Where that is all-party group’s report? not practical, the Government should be working to ensure that alternative fuels are as affordable as possible Roger Williams: The hon. Gentleman makes a good to off-gas grid households, and to concentrate efforts to point, but there will always be people left off-grid. We increase the energy efficiency of rural households. will not reach a situation in which everyone is on mains Although I am aware that the Office of Fair Trading gas. Where there is an opportunity to take a larger step examined the situation faced by off-gas grid households, forward in access to the mains supply, we should look at I am particularly grateful to the all-party parliamentary ways to achieve that because, as I have said, it would group on off-gas grid for its work on the matter. Its make a huge difference to fuel poverty in such communities. co-chairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North West To conclude, we are told that the green deal will make Durham (Pat Glass), whose constituency, like mine, has a huge difference to the heating efficiency of homes, significant rural poverty, and the hon. Member for and I have already seen that in my constituency. None Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) deserve credit in ensuring the less, the person who lives in an off-grid property that the APPG undertook its own comprehensive inquiry might be at a disadvantage, because the golden rule of in addition to that of the OFT. That inquiry has made the green deal, which is that the savings will be paid for several interesting recommendations to which I hope by the reduction in the energy demand, will be harder to the Government award significant consideration. meet. It has already been said that off-grid properties Although this is something of a niche issue, there are tend to be old and difficult to insulate. Will the Minister a significant number of park homes in my constituency, tell us how the green deal will be made available to and I am aware of the issues that many of those people who live in such homes and what will be done residents face. I urge the Minister to pay particular to address their needs? attention to the insufficient consumer protection regarding the fuel used by park-home residents, as highlighted as a case study in the APPG’s inquiry, and accordingly to 10.11 am introduce the necessary secondary legislation to rectify Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East the situation. Cleveland) (Lab): I congratulate the hon. Member for The APPG’s recommendation that a Minister assumes Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton) on securing a lead responsibility for the off-gas grid sector is a perfectly debate on this important matter, which affects so many reasonable and attainable move. Similarly, it seems entirely of our constituents. I do not intend to speak for long, logical, at least at first glance, that on and off-grid gas Mr Crausby, as the consensual conclusions on this issue should be covered by the same regulator, and I hope coalesce around a recognised need for more and stronger that that suggestion is considered by the Government. regulation in the market. Given the current economic mire and the fact that the The lack of gas connectivity has been raised by my potential for grid expansion was last analysed in 2001, I constituents in the rural parts of East Cleveland, especially urge the Government to consider reassessing the situation, those living in outlying houses or small ex-farm buildings especially in consideration of the dramatic increases in in and around communities such as Charltons, Margrove the price of oil, and to extend mains gas heating to the Park and Moorsholm. Although I recognise that there 500,000 people who currently do not have it despite are large urban off-grid populations, the lack of mains having a mains gas connection. gas supply is particularly problematic in rural areas. The 2009 English housing survey found that 36% of households in rural England are not covered by the gas Mr David Crausby (in the Chair): I intend to call the grid, compared with 8% of urban households. Front-Bench speakers at 10.30. 13WH Off-gas Grid Households16 APRIL 2013 Off-gas Grid Households 14WH

10.15 am I will make one other comment, to take matters to a different level. In introducing the debate, the hon. Member Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I congratulate the for Truro and Falmouth did not refer to this issue, but it hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton) is perhaps important that we refer to it. In addressing on raising this matter, which is very important to my rural fuel poverty, there needs to be recognition of and constituents in Northern Ireland. The hon. Member for support for the role that British farmers and land managers Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams) referred to can play in exploiting the huge potential offered by our the fact that Northern Ireland has even fewer people on agriculture to provide renewable energy resources. The the gas grid, and that is true. It is only in the last few Countryside Alliance has long called in its rural manifesto years that many of our constituents have been offered for the opportunity to get on the gas grid. Indeed, it was “the potential of farming and its by-products as a significant and only some 10 or 12 years ago that Newtownards first often existing source of renewable energy to be harnessed not went on the grid, and that is a major town; it is not even only as a way of mitigating climate change but also of increasing a rural area. our energy mix and therefore our energy security.” I want to make a few quick comments, because I am Cows produce something in great quantities that could conscious of the time. Some 42% of rural households be used to provide energy. Why are we not using it in are not connected to mains gas, compared with 8% in some rural areas? There are ways of using it that the urban areas. The hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth Government must consider fully; it is time that they and a couple of other hon. Members referred to the did so. unfairness of the situation. The cost of fuel and the In conclusion, there are many methods of addressing number of fuel suppliers play a particularly important the off-grid gas issue; the hon. Member for Angus, who role in the countryside. Rural households rely on oil and spoke earlier, referred to one method. We cannot provide LPG more heavily to heat their homes, so we clearly gas everywhere, but we have to try to provide it in lots of have an unfairness and imbalance in supply not just in places. I would like gas to be provided in some areas of Northern Ireland, but across the whole United Kingdom— my constituency where I have been pushing for it to be Scotland and Wales and elsewhere. We are probably all provided. I would like to see it provided in Ballynahinch; aware that some 10% of costs in the home go towards Saintfield in Ballygowan; and in the villages of the Ards heating. In December 2012, prices were 14% higher peninsula, such as Donaghadee, Millisle, Ballywalter, than in 2011 and 20% higher than last summer. Greyabbey and Portavogie. Those are areas where gas In the past year, I have been contacted by many should be made available, and it is quite possible to do pensioners, because they are the people in the greatest so. There are small groups in all those rural areas that need and who have the greatest difficulties in paying could justify the expense involved, and that process their heating bills. They say they can no longer fill their could be replicated in other parts of the United Kingdom. oil tanks. Some petrol stations say that buying a five I congratulate the hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth gallon drum is cheaper, but it is not; it is dearer. Pensioners on bringing this matter forward; this has been a very in my constituency, in both rural and urban areas, say important debate at a very important time. that the only way that they can address their heating problems is by wearing extra clothes. It would be interesting to find out how many people have died as a result of the 10.21 am cold this winter. I think that the numbers will be quite Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC): I congratulate the hon. horrific, but I do not have definite evidence. None the Member for Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton) on less, I am certainly aware of a great many people of a securing the debate and the all-party group on the certain age dying because of the cold. off-gas grid on its report. I commend the solutions that the group recommends. Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): The hon. I will not restate many of the statistics that have Gentleman is quite right to talk about the problems already been presented this morning, but I will make caused by the high price of heating oil and LPG. Does just a few points. Four million UK households are off he share the concerns expressed by the APPG that the the mains gas grid and they use a range of other fuels to OFT study was inadequate? For example, it said that heat their homes, including heating oil; gas, as we have almost all the highlands and islands had between four heard; mains electricity; and microgeneration. However, and seven suppliers, which is obviously nonsense. Does they also use solid fuel—coal and wood—and that is a he think that it was over-optimistic about the number of particular issue in constituencies that were previously suppliers, that the market is not working properly and coal mining areas. Also, there are some rural non-coal- that the OFT study should be carried out again? mining areas in my constituency; the point about non- mining areas has already been noted by the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams). Jim Shannon: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his We know that the cost of using heating oil is substantially intervention, and yes I do agree with that. Quite clearly, higher than the cost of using mains gas—about half as the figures mentioned were not true, and that applies to much again as the cost of using mains gas—and the many other parts in the United Kingdom as well. cost of using LPG is about twice as great. However, in This past winter, pensioners living in rural constituencies my area there is limited opportunity for consumers to have experienced extreme weather conditions and have switch their fuel source, an issue referred to by my hon. been unable to provide heating in their homes. The Friend the Member for Angus (Mr Weir). I have heard Government must consider introducing a system in over a number of years that there are continuing suspicions which, in extreme conditions, extra payments are made of what are, in effect, local monopolies, with large to pensioners. companies presenting themselves locally with local names, 15WH Off-gas Grid Households16 APRIL 2013 Off-gas Grid Households 16WH

[Hywel Williams] and that was the way he was coping. I must admit that I scarcely watch TV, but this issue is about being able to for example. I do not know if that continues to be a take part in society in the way that everyone else does. problem, but it certainly has been in the past. There is, therefore, also a difficulty in substituting one supplier Roger Williams: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? for another. Hywel Williams: I hope that the hon. Gentleman will Reference has already been made to the difficulty of forgive me for not giving way, as time is rather short. adopting some of the solutions that have been recommended by the Government, such as getting better You would not want me to wander off the point, insulation. In my constituency, houses typically are of Mr Crausby, but may I note that I saw that particular rubble construction and a large proportion of them are gentleman because he is also going to be paying the pre-1919. The possibility of insulating those houses bedroom tax at £18.40? I have no idea how he will do more effectively is limited, to say the very least. that on £72.40, with bedroom tax at £18.40 and buying LPG at £40 a shot. He has no savings, no job and very Throughout the UK, 42% of rural households are little possibility of moving. not connected to the mains gas, compared with 8% of households in urban areas, but I think that the percentage I will press on to say, very briefly, that households of such houses in some parts of rural parts of Wales is that use oil or LPG as their main source of heating are much higher. From my experience of living on the Llyn more likely to use secondary heating than are other peninsula, which is isolated from the mains in some homes. In Wales, 85% of heating oil consumers use fuels areas, I know that the percentage is very much higher, for secondary heating and most frequently use solid which has a specific consequence for those communities, fuel—that is, they use oil, but they also use coal, or some of which are particularly deprived in the first some use wood. Only 23% of consumers in Wales with place. mains gas heating use other fuels for secondary heating, so mains gas is not an answer. Rural households rely more heavily on oil and LPG Lastly, I refer to the Bill introduced by my hon. to heat their homes, but there are difficulties in using oil Friend the Member for Angus and commend it yet and LPG. I have referred to the problems that I experienced again. It would allow pensioners to be given the winter during the particularly hard weather recently. I have a fuel payment earlier in the year. I would like to see that group of pensioners, all of whom depend on LPG and extended to solid fuel. My hon. Friend’s Bill was deliberately live in an extremely rural area. The lorries carrying the restricted in scope to increase its chances of being fuel could not get up there. I made inquiries about passed, which I hope it is. Again, I press the Minister whether the gas supply was part of emergency planning, and the Government to give it proper consideration. and clearly it was not in any real sense, although the local authority acted very promptly, and I might even On 16 January, I asked the Secretary of State for use the word “heroically”, in getting gas supplies to Energy and Climate Change whether the Government those people around Christmas time. However, much could make winter fuel payments earlier, so that people more attention should be paid to that specific issue. would get more value, or more “bang for the buck” as it were. Interestingly, the Secretary of State said: We have already discussed the fuel poverty that arises from the issue of off-grid gas. We know that fuel poverty “My Department has been encouraging people in many parts of the country who are off grid to buy early, because they can get leads to ill health. I also looked at the statistics. much better deals than if they leave it until later.” Cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases, such That is precisely the point that I was making. He then as asthma, are exacerbated in cold, damp and poorly said: ventilated homes. Again, that is a particular issue in former coal mining areas, where a number of people “Although the extra payments are welcome to those who get still suffer from the effects of their involvement in the them, they are not received by everybody. They do not address the fundamental problem of homes and appliances that waste energy coal industry. Also, in my area, similar effects arise from and money.”—[Official Report, 16 January 2013; Vol. 556, c. 950.] people’s involvement with the slate industry. Well, “hear, hear” I say—that is a very fine point—but I I will put before the House a case that I came across would not want the Secretary of State or the Minister to last Friday. The accepted definition of fuel poverty is use their not being able to do something fundamental as “a household which spends more than 10 per cent of its income an excuse to do nothing at all. on all fuel use and to heat its home to an adequate standard of warmth”, Mr David Crausby (in the Chair): There is time for a which is the definition used by the Department of very short contribution from Alan Reid. Energy and Climate Change. I came across a case last Friday. A gentleman came to see me who was on 10.29 am benefits; I think he gets about £72.40. By the way, he was very precise about the amount of money he gets—down Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): Thank you to the penny, almost—because people on very low incomes very much, Mr Crausby, for calling me to speak. I shall have to be. Out of his £72.40, he was considering buying be very brief. two bottles of LPG, which he thought would cost him I am secretary of the all-party group on the off-gas around £40. Spending that £40 was going to destroy his grid and I thank everyone who contributed to the finances for that particular week, but he was confident group’s report on the issue. I also congratulate my hon. that he could manage, because he had been managing in Friend the Member for Truro and Falmouth (Sarah this way for years. I went through his finances with him Newton) on securing the debate. I spoke in an intervention very briefly and I asked him in passing, “I don’t think about the inadequacies of the OFT report. It is ludicrous you have allowed there for the cost of a TV or a TV that almost the entire highlands and islands area has licence,” and he said, “Oh, the TV’s gone years ago,” between four and seven suppliers. It is clearly a market 17WH Off-gas Grid Households16 APRIL 2013 Off-gas Grid Households 18WH that is not working. I hope that the OFT will conduct estimate and the figure may be much higher. I will not that study again. I also hope that the Government will repeat the list of communities in the constituency of the take on board the illogicality of the gas grid and the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) that are in off-gas grid being dealt with by different regulators. this situation, but I will say that in Northern Ireland Both should be regulated by Ofgem. I hope that the 80% of households are off the grid, largely because Government will put that reform in place. natural gas was introduced there only relatively recently. Although there is a different regulatory and market set 10.30 am up in Northern Ireland, we should pay attention to the efforts to get households on to the gas grid, because, as Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Co-op): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship Williams) and other hon. Members have made clear again, Mr Crausby. previously, this is not just a rural issue; it is an issue in I congratulate the hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth communities that, for some historical reason, have been (Sarah Newton) on securing the debate and on left off the grid. comprehensively discussing the issues arising from the all-party group’s report. I also note the efforts made by The issue is not just one of cost; it also involves the the hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) and time it takes to get some of those customers access to my hon. Friend the Member for North West Durham the grid. I have experienced that in my constituency, (Pat Glass), as co-chairs of that group, in pulling that which is urban and suburban, but has a number of work together. It is a good example of the positive work former coal communities that have not been on the grid that all-party groups—sometimes denigrated for other for exactly those reasons, although they are close to reasons—can do. The hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal places that are. The cost and the time it would take are is present but unable to take part in the debate, given prohibitive. That matter deserves further consideration. her elevated status. Her compensation is perhaps that, due to the vagaries involved with recent ministerial As well as being of concern in Northern Ireland, the changes, she has greater direct interaction with the issue is significant in Scotland, where 21% of households relevant Minister than was the case before Easter. I am are off-grid, and in Wales, where the figure is 19%. Hon. sure she will use that interaction to continue to reiterate Members will be aware that the average dual fuel on-grid to the Minister the concerns expressed this morning by bill has risen by more than £300 in about the past three hon. Members from all parties—five parties, from all years. For those who are off-grid, that problem is even parts of the UK—demonstrating that the issue arises in worse. Consumers using heating oil, LPG or solid fuels many constituencies and in every part of the country. pay considerably more to heat their homes than those Knowing the Minister’s constituency a little from my using mains gas. youth, he will have constituents in rural parts who are also off-grid. Pamela Nash (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab): We have I welcome the new and latest Minister to his role and rightly concentrated on the costs of LPG and heating wish him well in his new, or partly new, responsibilities. oil for heating homes, but many of my off-grid constituents, We look forward to debating and discussing with him a like my hon. Friend’s, depend on electricity to heat their range of issues under the remit of the Department of homes. I would like to highlight the benefits of “Switch Energy and Climate Change. I was going to say that I Together” campaigns to communities that are wholly welcome doing so in the months and years ahead, but dependent on electricity, because, although we want to about six months ago I said that to his predecessor, so it get them on-grid as soon as possible, this helps them in might be presumptuous to look too far ahead. For the the meantime. period in which he and I are in these posts, I look forward to dealing with some of the big energy issues. Tom Greatrex: My hon. Friend makes an important Off-grid gas and off-grid power are significant issues point. We would want to get more consumers on to the that are discussed from time to time. I was a member of grid, but where they are not on it we have to consider the Energy Bill Committee. The hon. Member for Angus what other things can be done. Perhaps the Minister (Mr Weir) mentioned the amendment he tabled to that heard about the power of collective switching this morning Bill. There was frustration—not just his, but among on the “Today” programme, in respect of a group of members of the Committee from all parties—about the councils. A number of groups of councils, and the paucity of the response on why the proposals in the Labour party and others, have engaged in collective amendment could not now be implemented, or even switching programmes, which can have some impact in further explored. Given the hon. Gentleman’s previous helping people to reduce their bills. My hon. Friend is attempts at introducing that amendment, I hope the right that the long-term issue is about trying to get more Minister will bear that matter in mind before we consider communities—some in her constituency are similar to the Bill on Report, as it presents him with an opportunity some in mine, in Lanarkshire—on to the grid. to make progress on that aspect. I am sure that the hon. Member for Angus is right about the prospects for his Hon. Members mentioned the House of Commons private Member’s Bill and I caution him as to the Library figure on the typical cost for households using prospects for ministerial militancy, given that the Prime oil for heating and hot water in a typical three-bedroom Minister’s remarks on energy tariffs have given the new house, which at the beginning of the year was just under Minister—and gave his predecessor—a problem to deal £1,700, compared to about £1,250 for gas. The difference with in that regard. of £450 a year would be difficult to deal with at any Hon. Members have pointed out that some 4 million time and is particularly difficult given the economic UK households are not connected to the mains gas situation that the country and many of our constituents grid. According to the OFT, that is a conservative find themselves in. 19WH Off-gas Grid Households16 APRIL 2013 Off-gas Grid Households 20WH

[Tom Greatrex] 10.41 am

The volatility of the price of heating oil in particular The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation causes off-grid households huge problems. Hon. Members and Skills (Michael Fallon): I join colleagues in welcoming mentioned the winter of 2010-11, when the price of you to the Chair, Mr Crausby, and I thank you for heating oil increased by 55%. High prices coupled with presiding over our proceedings. I, too, congratulate my extreme volatility have resulted in many off-grid households hon. Friend the Member for Truro and Falmouth (Sarah being pushed into fuel poverty. According to Consumer Newton) on introducing this debate on off-gas grid Focus, in Scotland, 59% of those using solid fuel and households. 56% of those using LPG and bottled gas live in fuel Let me tell the hon. Member for Rutherglen and poverty, compared with 24% of those using mains gas. Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex) straight away that although The 24% figure is far too high while 59% is very high we may not agree on everything over the next few and should be a matter of concern. months, we can agree on one thing: we both welcome Measures that the Government could take have been the report recently published by the all-party group, highlighted both in the all-party group’s report and by and I am looking carefully at all its recommendations. hon. Members. We have touched on the winter fuel Such work is a model of how an all-party group can allowance, including the timing of the payments. The contribute to policy making, and I congratulate those hon. Member for Angus commented on that. I hope who participated in it. that, by the time we consider the Energy Bill on Report, the Minister will have looked at the new clause, because Let me say very clearly that the coalition Government it is worthy of more consideration and of action now, believe strongly in the importance of domestic consumers given the response that his ministerial colleague gave in having secure and affordable fuel supplies to heat their Committee. I encourage the Minister to look at that to homes. Like many here today, I remember all too well see whether there is work to be done. the issues in past severe winters, including in 2010, which resulted in increased demand for heating oil and I urge the Minister further to consider regulation of weather conditions impacting on the supplies reaching the off-grid sector. As the hon. Member for Truro and consumers. That is why, under this Government, one of Falmouth remarked, there is not a specific regulator for my predecessors, my hon. Friend the Member for Wealden off-grid operations and Ofgem’s remit essentially extends (Charles Hendry), asked the Office of Fair Trading to only to the on-grid market. The role of the OFT and the bring forward its study on the off-grid energy market. Competition Commission is not comprehensive enough One of the first actions I took last week was to work to deal with the off-grid market. The Government should with colleagues at the Department for Transport to give serious consideration to bringing those issues under relax drivers’ hours for LPG deliveries, to ensure that the umbrella of Ofgem or any successor regulator. households continue, in this ongoing winter, to receive The Minister is aware that his predecessor committed fuel for heat. to a cross-party round table on this issue—I think that Since winter 2010, my Department has worked with it will be held next month—and I invite him to confirm consumer bodies and industry to encourage households that that will still go ahead and that he will be involved. to co-ordinate “buy oil early” campaign messages. The Will he also outline what progress we can expect on that Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has initiative? In addition, will he, on the basis of the worked with the Department for Environment, Food discussions he has had, tell us whether suppliers have and Rural Affairs to provide and promote guidance on made any progress on the recommendations outlined in setting up or joining consumer buying groups. As has the Consumer Focus report on off-grid gas? been pointed out today, such groups can be of real We have heard from the all-party group and Consumer benefit in reducing costs for all consumers and can Focus, and we have heard about the OFT report, although provide environmental benefit through reduced deliveries. it is deficient in some ways, as was highlighted by the By working with other Departments, we try to ensure hon. Member for Argyll and Bute (Mr Reid). We have that we reach the most vulnerable and provide the also heard concerns expressed by Members from all assistance that they need. Measures such as the winter parts of the United Kingdom and almost all the parties fuel payment, the warm home discount and cold weather represented in the House. The Minister, who is in his payments provide real assurance to older and vulnerable early days in the job and his new responsibilities, will people that they can keep warm during the colder therefore be particularly aware of the fact that this is a winter months, because they know they will receive considerable issue. We should not pretend that it was significant help with their bills. In particular, the Department created overnight—I do not think anyone is pretending for Work and Pensions provides winter fuel payments of that—but that does not mean there should not be some £200 for households with someone who has reached impetus behind seeking to address it. women’s state pension age and is under 80, and £300 for If we can have a better regulated system and consider households with someone aged 80 or over. In addition, a range of issues, including winter fuel payments and we have permanently increased the cold weather payment how consumers with gas connections close to them can from £8.50 a week to £25 a week. We also want to be connected to the grid, we can provide some comfort provide immediate assistance with energy bills to those to our constituents and ensure that they get a better in need, and help energy companies find these vulnerable deal on their energy costs—I say “our constituents” people so they can be offered longer-term support. The because the Minister and I will both have constituents warm home discount scheme provides that help. who are affected by the issue, as will all Members who have spoken this morning. I hope the Minister will take that thought away with him as he starts his new role. Mr Weir: Will the Minister give way? 21WH Off-gas Grid Households16 APRIL 2013 Off-gas Grid Households 22WH

Michael Fallon: This four-year scheme was launched that come with the development of the green economy. in April 2011. It requires energy companies to provide We have already seen clear signs of a promising new help with their energy bills to about 2 million low-income market gathering momentum. In little more than a households a year. It is worth £1.1 billion over four years. month after launch, there were 9,200 green deal assessments. There are 1,000 more in the pipeline, showing genuine Mr Weir: Will the Minister give way? interest from consumers. Some householders in older properties, those on benefits or low incomes, and those Michael Fallon: Energy suppliers are required to provide in properties off the gas grid, about whom I was asked, the majority of that support to pensioners on the lowest may also qualify for extra financial assistance from the incomes—a group we know are particularly vulnerable new energy company obligation. That scheme has started to the ill effects of a cold home over winter. well, with millions of pounds’ worth of contracts already Such elderly people often struggle to understand and traded on ECO brokerage alone. complete complicated forms, so most now receive the The energy company obligation runs alongside the discount automatically, without having to claim. That is green deal and has the twin objectives of reducing done through an innovative system of limited data carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty. It is targeted matching between Department for Work and Pensions at those who live in hard-to-treat homes and those who customer records for those on pension credit and the live in low-income and vulnerable households. It is energy companies. One reason we selected electricity made up of three separate obligations, which together bills to receive the discount was so as not to disadvantage are worth about £1.3 billion per year. We expect ECO to those living off the gas grid. This winter alone, more make progress in tackling fuel poverty. Together, the than 1 million pensioners received an automatic affordable warmth and carbon saving communities £130 discount by 31 December 2012, providing them obligations should generate investment worth about with the certainty they needed that they could afford to £500 million a year across England, Scotland and Wales. heat their home over the coldest months. We estimate that if suppliers deliver the most cost-effective We are also taking action to ensure we have in place packages of measures, more than 200,000 low-income the right framework for measuring fuel poverty so that households could be supported each year through the we can continue to target our resources on those who obligation. I am pleased to confirm that there has need the most help. Under the current definition, a already been some ECO delivery on the ground since household is said to be in fuel poverty if it needs to January.About 7,000 referrals have been made to suppliers spend more than 10% of its full income after tax on fuel to receive a minimum package of assistance in England to maintain a satisfactory heating regime. Last year, and Wales. On top of that, almost £100 million of Professor John Hills of the London School of Economics notional bill savings have been traded under the affordable published the first report of his review into fuel poverty warmth obligation through ECO brokerage, and more in England, which the Government commissioned to than 75,000 tonnes of carbon have been traded under take a fresh look at the issue. He highlighted serious the carbon saving communities obligation. flaws in the way in which fuel poverty is measured, with I want now to discuss the potential for extending the the current 10% definition painting a misleading picture gas grid. As to options for off-gas grid consumers who of trends. Unless we can properly understand the problem, want to be connected to the grid, Ofgem is responsible we cannot design effective solutions to address it. for regulating the extension of the grid, and that is a As a result, we made a commitment to develop a matter for the local gas distribution network. However, revised definition of fuel poverty, and we have consulted for vulnerable consumers, Ofgem operates the fuel-poor on proposals that will allow for a more accurate network extension scheme, whereby the large gas measurement of the problem. Under the revised definition, distribution networks are incentivised through price a household will be considered to be in fuel poverty if control arrangements to extend the grid to vulnerable its income is below the poverty line and its energy costs households, recognising that that will reduce their costs. are higher than typical for that household type. Based During the next price control period, which will run on our new understanding of the problem, we promised from April 2013 to 2021, network owners are committed we would look again at all our policies to ensure they to connecting an additional 80,000 homes in fuel poverty effectively support the fuel poor. That will include setting to the gas distribution network. That is in addition to out how we aim to use the low-income, high-energy-cost normal customer requests for gas connections, which definition to identify priority sets of households for are expected to exceed 440,000 over the same period. support through cost-effective measures. Therefore, overall, there are projected to be more than The green deal has been mentioned. It was launched 500,000 new customers on the gas distribution network. on 28 January, and it is our main energy efficiency The promotion and operation of those schemes is a initiative. It aims to play a huge role in upgrading matter for the regulator and the network owners, but I buildings. It is therefore an opportunity to help millions shall watch closely how the network owners meet the of consumers reduce their energy bills. Opening up the target of 80,000 new homes. energy efficiency market will unlock new choice for DECC is promoting alternative low-carbon options consumers and empower small and medium-sized businesses for off-grid consumers through renewable heat premium to enter, grow and innovate, creating new opportunities payments, which can help to reduce costs for consumers while reducing carbon emissions and energy bills. not connected to the gas grid. Those technologies have The green deal is important, but it is not the end of the ability to bring down fuel bills for those using our ambition on energy efficiency. Our overall mission heating oil and LPG, though they will not be suitable must be to connect people with the resources to improve for all off-grid homes. The renewable heat incentive is a efficiency, reduce waste and save money. We want more financial support mechanism to encourage the installation businesses to see the financial and economic benefits of renewable heating technologies to meet our renewable 23WH Off-gas Grid Households16 APRIL 2013 Off-gas Grid Households 24WH

[Michael Fallon] to investigate and enforce decisions to deal with anti- competitive practices in its designated sector. Its remit is targets. The non-domestic element was launched in to regulate the monopoly companies that run the electricity 2011 and provides financial support to commercial, and gas networks. There is no natural or structural industrial, public and not-for-profit and community monopoly for supply and distribution in heating oil or generators of renewable heat for a 20-year period. LPG, so regulation by Ofgem seems less appropriate in this sector than it is in others. The supply of heating oil In September, my Department consulted on the extension or LPG is not covered by the natural gas and electricity of the scheme to the domestic sector. For domestic regulatory regime, because the relevant gas and electricity properties, the lead proposal was for a national scheme legislation principally addressed the issues of setting up to be available to homes both on and off the gas grid, a regulatory regime to ensure that the natural monopolies but targeted specifically at the off-gas grid sector through of the gas pipe network and the electricity transmission the setting of tariff levels. Tariffs would be set to and distribution systems were not exploited. Ofgem compensate households for the difference in lifetime ensures appropriate regulation of gas and electricity costs, including up-front, running, barrier and financing supply, which are licensed activities for reasons that costs, between the renewable technology and currently include the need to balance the systems and the relationship used conventional heating technology, for the median with the natural monopoly networks. Those are not cost off-gas grid installation. On 26 March, we announced issues in heating oil or LPG supply. an extension to the renewable heat premium payment scheme. That will provide grant support for installations The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers is working of renewable heat technologies such as heat pumps, with the OFT to improve self-regulation of the heating biomass boilers and solar thermal, ahead of the launch oil sector. It will publish a code of practice for its of the domestic renewable heat incentive next year. members this year. It has already worked with consumer groups to encourage the early ordering of heating oil We intend to announce the final details of the domestic for winter, and it is working with the OFT and consumer scheme and of expansions to the non-domestic incentive bodies to prepare a new code of practice to mandate its this summer, and to open the schemes for payment from members to engage with consumers on a fair and consistent spring next year. In the interim period, we have provided basis all year round. The federation intends that the the renewable heat premium payment scheme, which code should encourage the implementation of best practice provides grants towards the cost of installing renewable and raise standards in the industry, and I understand heat technologies in domestic properties off the gas that it will shortly be published. We will continue to grid, and for solar installations on or off the grid. The work with the federation, the OFT and consumer bodies first phase of that scheme ran from August 2011 to to ensure that the code meets its goal. March 2012. More than 5,000 installations were delivered to off-gas grid households. A second phase ran from There is still much more to be done, which is why my April 2012 to March 2013; it consisted of another predecessor, the former Minister of State, Department household scheme and a social landlords competition, of Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend plus a community scheme for community groups to test the Member for South Holland and The Deepings the benefits of community level action, such as securing (Mr Hayes), agreed to convene a cross-party discussion bulk buying discounts through facilitating the installation on vulnerable consumers in the off-gas grid market. I of renewable heating systems in their areas. We estimate confirm that I will fulfil that commitment. I look forward that RHPP2 will deliver about 11,000 installations, of to exploring local solutions for heating oil and LPG which approximately 9,000 are currently off the gas supplies with members of the House, industry, consumer grid. In total, about 14,000 off-gas grid installations will organisations and local communities. I intend to use be delivered under the renewable heat premium payment. the meeting next month to explore in detail further key We do not intend to stop there. Last month, we announced issues raised in today’s debate, such as what further a further extension to the scheme, which will continue we can do to identify and support vulnerable off-grid in 2013-14. consumers; the merits of regulation or self-regulation of the off-grid markets for heating oil and LPG; and the Finally, I want to deal with further regulation of the role that parish councils and local authorities can play off-gas grid market. I have heard arguments in favour of in supporting and working with community oil buying more regulation. We must decide whether more regulation groups. The debate has helped to move that work forward is necessary in this area; if it were decided that Ofgem and to shape and refine our policy for an important should become the regulator, primary legislation would group of consumers. I thank all those who contributed, be required, with a transfer of knowledge of the market and repeat my thanks to my hon. Friend the Member from the OFT. Ofgem already has powers to apply the for Truro and Falmouth for introducing a debate on Competition Act 1998 concurrently with the OFT, and this important topic. 25WH 16 APRIL 2013 Pupil Premium 26WH

Pupil Premium family’s circumstances will have rather more to do with it. I hope there might be a solution to that problem in the pipeline. 10.59 am There are still significant numbers of children living in poverty who are simply not picked up by the free Sir Nick Harvey (North Devon) (LD): An estimated school meals measure, and therefore they and their 3.6 million children in the UK live in poverty according schools lose out on the valuable support that the pupil to the Government’s own measure, but recent figures premium could give to them. There are families suffering from the Children’s Society have uncovered that 1.2 million on cripplingly low wages of just above £16,000—those of those children who are of school age do not receive receiving working tax credits—and there are those for free school meals. Notwithstanding the nutritional benefits whom the stigma of claiming free school meals is still that children receive from free school meals, the problem enough to deter them from doing so, although I do not is that free school meals are used as a predominant think the significance of that should be exaggerated. marker for educational attainment. The well known attainment gap at GCSE level is between those who Receipt of free school meals is simply not an accurate receive free school meals and those who do not—36% proxy for poverty, so I question the logic of linking of pupils in receipt of free school meals achieved five or pupil premium funding to free school meals. In many more A* to C grades at GCSE, compared with 63% of constituencies, such as my constituency of North Devon, all other pupils. That is a useful indicator of the inequalities the link is simply not the way to address the underlying in children’s educational achievement. inequalities in children’s attainment relative to their socio-economic background. That is also why the pupil premium, which is undoubtedly one of the proudest achievements of the coalition and Parents who receive income support, income-based of Liberal Democrats within the coalition, follows those jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment and children who receive free school meals. Designed to support allowance, support under the Immigration help pupils who are most in need and to close the and Asylum Act 1999 or the guaranteed element of attainment gap, the pupil premium is available to children state pension credit are eligible to receive free school who are currently eligible for free school meals, who meals, as are parents receiving child tax credit so long as have been eligible in any of the past six years or they are not also receiving working tax credit and have who have been in continuous care for six months. Those an annual gross income of no more than £16,190. criteria are known as “ever 6 FSM.” In its report “Fair and Square,” the Children’s Society found that some 700,000 children living in poverty are Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con): I congratulate my not entitled to receive free school meals, in the majority hon. Friend on securing this debate. Does he agree that, of cases simply because their parents are working. As although the pupil premium is a great first step, we six in 10 children in poverty live in working families, should be looking for a national funding formula that is there is clearly an urgent need to address the situation fair for every child in this country? of those children who do not happen to qualify for free school meals yet grow up in circumstances just as dire as many who do. Sir Nick Harvey: I strongly agree, and I welcome the suggestion from Ministers that they are working towards In my constituency of North Devon, an estimated that objective. I also appreciate that, particularly in the 1,400 children in poverty—47% of whom live below the current financial climate, it cannot be achieved overnight, Government’s own poverty line—are missing out on but it would be a great pity if, during the five years in free school meals not because they are not claiming which the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats form a them but because they are not eligible. North Devon Government together, we do not see at least some has the 30th-lowest wages of all the mainland British tangible progress towards that object. constituencies, and the neighbouring Torridge and West Devon constituency is third in that dire ranking. Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I am hugely grateful Pockets of rural deprivation are commonplace in the to my hon. Friend for giving way, and I congratulate south-west. They are less easy to spot in small rural him on securing this debate. Does he agree that a huge communities isolated from urban centres, and they are injustice is being done to students who are eligible for exacerbated by the high cost of living. Mothers have free school meals? If they go to school, they get free come to my advice surgery to tell me that they will not school meals, but if they go to a further education take up offers of employment because doing so would college, such as mine in Harlow that has 500 poor cost them their free school meals, as they would be in students who would otherwise be eligible, they are low-paid employment and in receipt of working tax denied free school meals. Is that not something we need credit. It does not seem right that, when the Government to reform urgently? are doing everything that they possibly can to incentivise work, hard-working parents in need of help from the Sir Nick Harvey: My hon. Friend makes an interesting state to boost their terribly low incomes are deprived of point. In a minute or two I will address the reforms that help to feed their children. I think are necessary. Happily, the coming of universal The cash value of free school meals is estimated to be credit gives the Government an opportunity to reform £386 a year for a child in secondary school. One can the system. Of course, universal credit has great potential think how the cost will quickly stack up for mothers for considering household income holistically, and I with several children who are exempt from free school would like to believe that, at the end of the process, meals, thanks to their low-paid jobs that entitle them to where a student is studying will have less to do with working tax credit. Barnardo’s has calculated that, for a whether they receive free school meals and that their workless single parent with two children, the cash value 27WH Pupil Premium16 APRIL 2013 Pupil Premium 28WH

[Sir Nick Harvey] sophistication in the pupil premium policy. No one doubts the clear benefits of the extra support that the of their entitlement to free school meals is worth 5% of pupil premium offers, but it is wrong for a significant their income. That money would otherwise be spent on number of children to lose out, while their families paying bills, financing the rising cost of living and, in struggle to stay afloat financially. rural areas such as North Devon, paying for high travel costs over some distance to and from work and possibly What is the solution? Help may be at hand. The even school. introduction of universal credit means that eligibility for free school meals must be revised. The criteria used In summary, free school meals are a blunt measure to define who receives them will no longer exist and the that fails accurately to represent the extent of rural system will have to change. We do not know whether or poverty in areas with traditionally low wages. All that is how free school meals eligibility will be determined with problematic enough in itself, but the fact that the universal credit, but I hope that Ministers will seize this Government have chosen to target the pupil premium at opportunity to improve both the entitlement to free children receiving free school meals makes the implications school meals and distribution of the pupil premium. go even further than just the immediate family situation. The Children’s Society estimates that if all families receiving universal credit were entitled to free school Schools in areas with high rates of low-paid employment meals, registrations would increase to around 2.7 million will receive lower pupil premium entitlements than they with about 900,000 more children being eligible for the need to support children from disadvantaged working pupil premium than at present. In this financial year, families. In Devon, where we already suffer with the six each pupil premium payment is £900, and spreading worst-funded schools in the country—this addresses the same money among more children would dilute the the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for payment, but surely the rationale should be to extend Redditch (Karen Lumley)—that is pushing to the brink the benefits of extra support to the maximum number the capacity of schools to support disadvantaged children. of children who need it. Surely, distributing pupil premium on that basis is widening the attainment gap between rich and poor. The Children’s Society has also calculated that, based The distribution is certainly widening the funding gap on the 2014-15 allocation of some £2.45 billion, a rate because, if areas such as Devon are getting less pupil of £918 for each child receiving the payment could be premium than the national average when, as the second- maintained, and would still be a little higher than this poorest county in the country, it would be expected to year’s figure. I understand why the Government are receive far more than the national average, a bad problem keen to see the headline rate of pupil premium rising, is being made worse, which is a terrible pity when the but there is no point ramping it up if many children objectives of the pupil premium are so laudable and so who should receive that help miss out on it. Linking the widely supported. pupil premium to universal credit would provide a more accurate picture of deprivation, so ensuring the inclusion The linkage of the pupil premium to free schools of low income families and reflecting income relative to meals presents other problems. I have mentioned the household need. That would offer greater sophistication residual, underlying problems of having some of the and a more holistic view of family circumstances. lowest school funding per child in the country. Every pupil in Devon receives £480 less each year for their The flaws of basing the pupil premium on free school education than the national average. In 2012-13, that has meals have not toppled out by accident, and many of us meant an annual loss in the county of some £49 million. saw them coming in advance. When all three political I am not pretending for one moment that that is unique parties started talking about the pupil premium or to Devon, and I am grateful to the F40 school funding something akin to it back in 2008, I immediately received group, which comprises some of the 40 lowest funded a telephone call from Devon county council saying, local authorities, for its work in raising awareness of “For goodness sake, flag up to your colleagues that these issues in political circles and specifically with basing the pupil premium on free school meals will be a Ministers. However, when small rural schools with a complete disaster and it will miss its target.” We are high proportion of children from low income, rural rightly proud that we have introduced the pupil premium, families are not receiving the pupil premium on the but we must take the opportunity of universal credit scale that they could reasonably have expected, the to adjust to whom it is targeted. consequences are felt even more keenly. I hope that I have outlined today the case for change What the pupil premium is spent on is also an important in the distribution of pupil premium. Using free school consideration because it has the potential to exacerbate meals to target the payment excludes some of the the flaws inherent in its link with free school meals. children most in need of help. Some 1,400 children in Schools are rightly given a pretty free rein in how they my constituency alone, and many more throughout the spend the pupil premium allocation, but if they choose country, should not suffer the consequences of this to spend it on individual tuition or personalised support, clumsy and inaccurate measure to define poverty. Schools the gulf between children from poor working families with limited resources in some of the worst-funded and their contemporaries continues to widen even further. areas should not be left to cope with the needs of deprived children who do not happen to meet the A report by the Association of School and College eligibility criteria. If left to continue in its current form, Leaders published early this year also highlighted that it will continue to mask inequalities and worsen the the pupil premium in its current form represents an attainment gap. I appeal to my hon. Friend the Minister all-or-nothing approach to additional funding. The report to find the best way to envelope free school meals into expressed concern about low income families being universal credit and to ensure fairer and more effective ineligible for free school meals and called for greater distribution of pupil premium to all who need it. 29WH Pupil Premium16 APRIL 2013 Pupil Premium 30WH

11.16 am and thus prone to fluctuation from time to time. Nevertheless, can he not see the point made by the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills Children’s Society that, if the Government have an (Matthew Hancock): It is a pleasure, Mr Crausby, to accepted measure of children living in poverty, it is serve under your chairmanship. I congratulate my hon. strange to have free school meals based on measures Friend the Member for North Devon (Sir Nick Harvey) that are so far apart from it that a significant proportion on securing this debate. I discussed the matter with the of those whom the Government deem to be in poverty Minister for Schools yesterday, and my hon. Friend will are not entitled to the meals? know that the two of us have ministerial responsibility for the matter, not least because of the importance of the 16-to-19 question, which is a subset to which my Matthew Hancock: The measure my hon. Friend hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) refers to is one measure of poverty; it is not the measure referred. of poverty. Crucially, however, the link between eligibility The nub of the debate is the right eligibility for the for free school meals and poverty is changing with the pupil premium. There is consensus in the Chamber that universal credit, as he said, and I shall come on to that it is an unalloyed good policy, and I think there would in a second. also be consensus if a member of the Labour party were My hon. Friend set out what I want to put on record: present. There is a good reason for that. The school the link between poverty of income, education or aspiration meals service extends back to the mid-19th century, and and the prediction of a child’s future life chances. The was introduced by charities to ensure that disadvantaged issue is important because disadvantage remains strongly children had the opportunity to eat at least one good associated with poor performance throughout school, a meal a day. Since then, provision has been broadened to fact that provides the central driving mission of the paid-for and Government-funded meals, but the aim reforms to education under this Government. We wish remains of ensuring that families who struggle to afford to close the attainment gap by improving the quality of to pay for school meals are helped to do so, not least education through a range of measures, not least the because healthy meals and good nourishment make it pupil premium; by improving schools through free schools easier for children to concentrate, and help them to be and academies; and by improving the quality of teachers better behaved and more able to learn. going into the profession, not only in schools in well-off The key question of how to support free school meals areas but throughout the country. We in this Chamber and, through that, how to support and decide on allocations agree on that central driver and on the many reforms for the pupil premium is critical. The debate comes at a that are taking place in order to achieve it. The link good time, as universal credit is introduced in pilot between free school meal eligibility and underachievement areas this month and will shortly be in full force. Eligibility is strong. At every national level of educational attainment, for free school meals and therefore the pupil premium is pupils eligible for free school meals are at a lower stage a live issue and the Government have not yet announced than their peers. exactly how that eligibility will match up, so it is a good time to have this debate. Robert Halfon: Does my hon. Friend agree that that We know that income matters, but the measure of also applies to sixth-form students in colleges? Three poverty is important. The relative poverty measures times as many students at colleges are eligible for free that my hon. Friend the Member for North Devon school meals as students in maintained sixth forms. If mentioned do not in isolation provide an accurate picture we are serious about levelling the playing field, should of the experience of poverty in the UK. It is important we not concentrate our resources on those most in need, when talking about eligibility not to compare raw poverty in particular those who go to sixth-form colleges? figures with eligibility because every measure of poverty is imperfect. Poverty based on relative poverty—40% of Mr David Crausby (in the Chair): Order. The Minister median income—is only one way of measuring it. For earlier referred to the absence of Opposition spokesmen, example, the latest figures show that 300,000 children but I understand that “Erskine May” notes that these moved out of poverty, in large part due to a drop in debates are personal to the Minister and the Member, incomes at the top, not least because of taxation policy. so reference to the absence of Front-Bench spokesmen The question of which poverty measures impact on the is not appropriate because they could not speak from ground is therefore critical. An important consideration the Front Bench in any case. is that such measures need to be attuned enough so that financial allocations can be based on them. As a result, receipt of welfare of benefits has been seen as a more Matthew Hancock: I am terribly sorry. I was referring reliable basis for identifying disadvantage, not least not to Front-Bench spokespeople but to any Opposition because it can be proven easily by parents. Over the Members. I take your point, however, Mr Crausby. years, the list of qualifying benefits for free school On colleges, I understand the point made by my hon. meals has increased to ensure that the children who Friend the Member for Harlow, but we need to be most need free school meals are entitled to them. My careful about what we wish for, because schools are not hon. Friend mentioned the change to the “ever 6”formula funded for the provision of free school meals to those so that those entitled to free school meals during the over the age of 16, although they have a legal requirement past six years are eligible for the pupil premium, rather to deliver them. Colleges have the 16-to-19 bursary than only those who are currently entitled. fund to support those most in need, which can pay for anything, at the discretion of those colleges that receive Sir Nick Harvey: The Minister’s point is that there are it, including meals. A requirement on colleges to provide many different measures that could be used, and that free meals to students who are eligible for them—in the relative poverty figure is a percentage of the whole schools, funding is not provided to do that—would 31WH Pupil Premium16 APRIL 2013 Pupil Premium 32WH

[Matthew Hancock] I now turn to the crucial point of the introduction of universal credit. As my hon. Friend the Member for fetter the discretion of those administering the funds North Devon said, the under-registration rate for free provided for bursaries. We therefore need to be careful school meals is remarkably low in Devon, at only 3%. I about how we look at this important question. commend those concerned, such as those working in I understand the point made about the spending on the local authority, for that extremely good rate; in the pupil premium being spread more thinly or, as my Devon, we have identified only about 300 children hon. Friend the Member for North Devon said, diluting eligible for free school meals who do not claim them, it by extending its reach into younger years. We all which is one of the lowest rates in the country. The understand the importance of early years, which is question, however, is what we do when we introduce backed up strongly by the evidence, but we have already universal credit. increased funding to early years education: 20% of Crucially, universal credit includes low-income working two-year-olds now have a commitment of 15 hours families, which is not currently the case in consideration of funded education a week from this September, rising of free school meals, because those on working tax to 40% next September, with the funding increasing to credit are excluded, although they will be included in £760 million per annum in 2014-15. We have a responsibility universal credit. In order to make work pay, universal to primary schools not to dilute their agreed funding. I credit will ensure that reduction by withdrawal of benefits understand the argument, but the question is how best is done in a way that does not stop work paying. The to deliver for early years; our preference is to extend the case of free school meals, put so powerfully by my hon. breadth of the target group reached by the premium in Friend, matters because we have to look at the marginal the age ranges covered. withdrawal rate of all state benefits, and the free school meal is a benefit in kind. We will take that important Sir Nick Harvey: The dilution I was talking about consideration into account. was spreading the premium to a larger number of entitled children, not taking it to a lower age. The universal credit reforms give us the opportunity for such consideration, and it is taking place right now, Matthew Hancock: In either case, the increase in the so my hon. Friend’s speech was extremely timely as well funding over the past couple of years has gone not only as powerfully put. I will ensure that those examining the to broaden the eligibility, for which my hon. Friend is matter see the transcript of the debate in Hansard, and I calling, but to increase the rate. A balance has been am sure that he will make the point directly to other struck between the two, and the premium now reaches Ministers as well, including the Minister for Schools. about a quarter of all pupils, compared with 18% in We have to get things right, because the pupil premium 2011-12. Furthermore, we cannot identify the children is an important policy, and we must ensure that it is concerned unless they have been registered as eligible at fairly distributed and gets to the people who need some point in the previous six years, hence the introduction it most. of the “ever 6” extension and our work to improve take-up, for example with a new online facility for local authorities to contact the Department to find out 11.29 am about eligibility. Sitting suspended. 33WH 16 APRIL 2013 AS-levels and A-levels 34WH

AS-levels and A-levels Council for Qualifications, the take-up of AS and A-levels has shown an upward trajectory since 2003 with more than 500,000 more AS-level certificates awarded and [JIM DOBBIN in the Chair] more than 100,000 more A-level certificates awarded last year. 2.30 pm My schools believe that that stepping-stone approach Jim Dobbin (in the Chair): I wish to point out that, to building on educational attainment with choice, diversity because of a technical problem, the clocks on the wall and flexibility has kept up a love of learning, and for are one hour behind, although the clock on my desk is those who may never have expected to do A-levels or to accurate. go to university it has opened a door. They have also Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): said to me that, instead of forcing specialisation early, It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, keeping options open and enabling a later choice of Mr Dobbin, and to raise a matter of great concern in A-level subjects has kept many pupils in post-16 education schools, colleges and universities throughout the country. when they might otherwise have opted out. I thank my hon. Friends who have provided so much support for this debate. Some are here today, but others Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): I am following could not make it. I initiated this debate on the proposed the hon. Lady’s argument closely. She referred to the changes to AS and A-levels following a letter that I increased uptake of AS and A2-levels since 2003. Will received from the chairman of Hounslow secondary she acknowledge that the average cost to the average head teachers and signed by all secondary head teachers secondary school roughly doubled over that same period in my constituency. They are baffled and concerned to close to £100,000 just on exam entries? about the proposed changes announced earlier this year. Seema Malhotra: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his I am sure we all want the very best education for the intervention, and I will certainly come back to cost, young people of Britain and the highest levels of which has been raised as a concern about the changes. participation and attainment possible for each child. There is a suggestion of possible increased costs for However, I am greatly concerned that the proposals schools trying to provide A-levels alongside AS-levels in announced by the Government in January will be a a way that is not coherent. regressive step, with participation and attainment going I was talking about education reasons. We have seen backwards. Under the proposals, A-levels will be linear increased uptake, and anecdotal evidence suggests that and taken over two years, with students sitting exams at a contribution to the increase in A-levels being attained the end of the course. AS-levels will apparently remain, has been made by AS-levels being a stepping stone. but will be redesigned as a stand-alone qualifications, Those who choose not to go on to A-levels have an option with a slightly confused proposal that they could be to leave at the end of the first year with an advanced delivered over one year or two. AS-levels will not contribute qualification. It has arguably also increased the uptake to A-level grades. of subjects such as maths, which are perceived to be Head teachers in my constituency of Feltham and tougher, because of the option to try a subject and see Heston at Feltham community college, Lampton school, how it develops. St Mark’s Catholic school, Rivers academy, Heston community college, Cranford community college and There is a strong argument for social mobility in other schools throughout Hounslow have written to me keeping the current system. Divorcing AS-levels from in an unprecedented way with their concerns. They say: A-levels is not only a poor education policy, but a poor social policy due to the removal of that stepping stone, “We are baffled and concerned by the proposal to shift the AS level to a standalone qualification. In its present format, the one which often gives confidence to talented pupils from year course leading to a more challenging A2 course enables poorer backgrounds to apply to a more highly selective schools to raise standards. A-level students are more seriously university, helping to widen participation. motivated in year 12 when they know that they are going to be The Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference—the externally examined at the end of the year. In our view we are going to lose that motivation from students if we have to return to organisation representing leading private schools—has internal exams at the end of year 12.” described the proposals as “rushed and incoherent”. My head teachers are not alone. The changes have The Russell Group of leading research universities said been opposed by the 24 Russell Group universities and that it was “not convinced”that the change was necessary, the Association of School and College Leaders, an and that it would make it harder to identify bright organisation that represents more than 80% of school pupils from working-class homes. Even the Conservative heads in public and private schools and which oversees Chairman of the Select Committee on Education, the an estimated 90% of A-level entries. ASCL-affiliated hon. Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart), organisations include the Girls Schools Association and has questioned the proposals, suggesting that some the Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference. In young people could be left behind. addition, the National Association of Head Teachers, Leading universities oppose the Government’s plans the Association of Colleges, the Science Council, which because they will reduce confidence among young people is made up of 39 member bodies, and the Labour party who get good results in year 12 but may not have the have all voiced concerns about the Government’s proposed confidence to go on to apply for the top universities changes to AS and A-levels. after year 13. From my discussions with the education sector, it is clear that concerns about the proposals fall within a Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): I congratulate range of areas. The first is education. Let us be clear my hon. Friend on securing the debate. Is she aware that that AS-levels are a success story. According to the Joint a decision has been made in Wales to retain AS-levels 35WH AS-levels and A-levels16 APRIL 2013 AS-levels and A-levels 36WH

[Kevin Brennan] there is some discussion as to whether that could be, for example, 40/60. With the sector so open and willing to as a stepping stone to A-level? The vice-chancellor of have such a conversation, it is indeed a shame that the Cambridge university wrote to the Welsh Education Government have not shown willingness to work in Minister on 19 March, saying: partnership and with the expertise of those who teach “Your intention to retain AS examinations at the end of year our children, day in and day out. They are seasoned 12 in Wales will put strong Welsh applicants in a good position. professionals who are keen to see our young people Year 12 exams have been shown to be a good predictor of develop a passion for learning and leave our education Cambridge academic success and are taken very seriously by our system as smart young adults prepared for the world selectors.” of work. There is also a great challenge before us on coherence. Seema Malhotra: I welcome that. Cambridge university Education planning needs coherence and some predictability has perhaps been one of the most prominent universities so that standards do not suffer. The Headmasters and to raise concerns vocally at every level. Dr Geoff Parks, Headmistresses Conference called the proposals “rushed director of admissions at Cambridge university, said: and incoherent”. It is concerned that the proposals are “We are worried… that if AS-level disappears, we will lose being driven by a many of the gains in terms of fair admissions and widening participation that we have made in the last decade.” “timetable based on electoral politics rather than principles of sound implementation.” Dr Parks warns: Neil Carberry, the CBI’s director of employment and “We are convinced that a large part of this success derives from skills, said: the confidence engendered in students from ‘non-traditional’ backgrounds when they achieve high examination grades at the “Businesses want more rigorous exams but we’re concerned end of year 12”. that these changes aren’t being linked up with other reforms… We need a more coherent overall system.” Those concerns are shared across the university sector. The Million+ group of universities said that I have had the question of costs raised with me, and perhaps the Government can respond to these points “this will create a two tier system” today. The changes will clearly have a cost on the sector and Universities UK said that it will affect their “ability and have hidden costs for schools. It would be helpful to to widen participation”. know whether the Government have factored in costs Even more worrying is the research evidence provided for schools, whether they expect A-levels to get more by Cambridge university, which the Secretary of State expensive, and whether they expect the overall costs to for Education has chosen to ignore. In a research paper, be higher if schools are providing AS-levels delivered its general admissions research working party said that over one year and two years, and A-levels, and where AS-level grades were easily the best predictors for degree the demand for that is. If providing 16-to-18 education performance, proving to be a becomes more expensive, will extra funding be provided? “sound test verging on excellent” Schools and colleges have raised concerns about the in every subject except maths. I will return to that. proposed speed of change. Many organisations have said that they are extremely concerned that the changes It is worrying that the Secretary of State has chosen are going on in parallel to GCSE changes in such a to emasculate an exam that a top Russell Group university short time and without any real evidence of the need for says provides it with the best way to judge how well a change presented. Will the Minister confirm which state school pupil is likely to do at university, at a time universities are in favour of the changes and of reducing when he says he wants more state school pupils to be opportunity and narrowing the range of post-16 study, successful in applying. Therein lies a paradox that I and will he respond to the challenges raised by the hope we will be able to understand further today. Russell Group and Cambridge university in particular? A further challenge has been put forward by the There is agreement about the need to change on some Government relating to criticisms of structure and quality. fronts. A mature dialogue is taking place on the need to I would like to address that. There have been criticisms reform, and on that, both the education sector and the from the Government that exams do not have rigour. Government always have to be in a mindset of continuous Rightly, concerns have been raised by some universities improvement. My head teachers write, for example: about particular subjects, such as maths, where first-year studies may well have been modified as a result to cater “We accept the move for eliminating retakes at A-level.” for the level of understanding that undergraduates are Prior to January’s oral statement, Ofqual had announced showing. However, I am told that that has been partly its decision to remove the January exams from September due to the selection of modules within the current 2013. framework, and nobody has said that it is due to the Divorcing AS-levels from A-levels is poor education framework itself. There is no reason why we cannot policy, as it is likely to reduce standards and achievement have, and indeed do have, tougher modules and synoptic in education. It will narrow the options available to assessment at the end of A-levels—at the end of someone’s young people and undermine the value of creative A2 year—which requires an understanding of earlier subjects at a time when we should be strengthening levels in order to do the examination. There is a lot of them. Head teachers in Feltham and Heston have told room for improvement if we choose to go down that me how a proposed return to the study of three A-level road, and a wholesale change of the system would not subjects in a very linear and constrained way will almost be required. certainly diminish the provision and position of minority There is a debate, which the sector has told me it is subjects, such as languages and music. For many pupils, open to, about a change to the weighting of AS-levels as the opportunity to study four or five subjects at AS-level part of A-levels. The weighting is currently 50% and broadens their learning and provides a challenge that 37WH AS-levels and A-levels16 APRIL 2013 AS-levels and A-levels 38WH they relish. I heard on Friday in my local area how Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): Thank Hounslow pupils benefit from the breadth of learning you for calling me to speak, Mr Dobbin. It is a pleasure different AS-levels, even if they decide against pursuing to serve under your chairmanship and to take part in certain subjects in year 13 or beyond. this important debate, and I congratulate my hon. Friend My hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, West the Member for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra) Derby (Stephen Twigg) has said that evidence of what on securing it. works should be what informs Government education As a member of the Education Committee, I have policy. That is sound advice that the Government should seen the Government’s ill-thought-through and dogmatic listen to. It is beyond the understanding of my head reforms hit the brick wall of reality too many times to teachers and many professionals why the Government count, so I am not surprised that we are here again are pushing through a universally unwanted change debating a set of proposed reforms that have managed that will take our education system backwards. There is to unite Cambridge university, the CBI and the teaching grave concern that the proposal is based on ministerial unions in opposition to them. I do not know whether opinion and preferences, rather than solid evidence of that is a first, but it is certainly important. the need to change. At a time when we need to ensure that young people Just a few weeks ago, the Secretary of State for get a broad and balanced education to prepare them for Education had the good sense to ditch his ill-thought-out the modern world of work, it is worrying that the proposals to replace GCSEs, after realising that, apart Secretary of State is planning to narrow the education from himself and a few Conservatives who were loyal to available to students. Although students currently have him, no one in the world of teaching supported what he the option to take a subject at AS-level that contrasts was trying to impose on our beleaguered education with their main subjects, the Secretary of State instead system. I was pleased that the Education Committee, wants to shackle pupils to a two-year programme, which which is chaired by the hon. Member for Beverley and would constrain them and their learning at an extremely Holderness (Mr Stuart), a Conservative, could collate formative stage of their development. the evidence and demonstrate to the Secretary of State We know that we must reform our education system, that he needed to back off. but it must be the right reform. Labour supports reforms As an aside, let me say that it would be remiss of me to 14-to-19 education that would deliver a curriculum not to place on record my hope that the Committee’s and qualification system that equipped young people Chairman makes a quick recovery from his skiing injuries with the skills and knowledge to play their part in and can soon continue his work of scrutinising the society and the economy, but these proposals will not Department for Education. I am sure he is watching our achieve that. Labour has commissioned a review of proceedings on the internet as I speak, and he will know 14-19 education to focus on raising aspirations for that our good wishes go to him. those who want to go to university and for the forgotten 50% who do not. Labour plans to introduce a gold-standard There are several problems with the Government’s technical baccalaureate at age 18. As the Government’s proposals. First, the changes will undermine the value proposed changes stand, they will take our education and status of the A-level as a qualification, and it is not system backwards, not forwards. The Government’s just me and other Opposition Members saying that. proposals undermine the value and status of our AS-level According to Cambridge university, the changes will and A-level qualifications. “jeopardise over a decade of progress towards fairer access” I hope that the Government have the courage and wisdom to listen to the experts who oppose their proposed to higher education—quite an indictment for any Secretary reforms. If the Government go that way, the changes of State. Brian Lightman of the Association of School will come into effect on the same day as their changes to and College Leaders has been quoted as saying that his exams at 16. What assessment have the Government organisation is made of the impact of that for schools? What assessment “not convinced by the case for wholesale reform of this exam, has the Minister made of the impact on widening which is a very successful qualification”. participation? Are the Government concerned that a two-tier A-level system will limit aspiration for young It gets worse for the Secretary of State, with the people in deprived areas? How will universities assess Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference calling admissions? The Government claim that AS-levels are the proposals “rushed and incoherent”. not considered, but that is not supported by many universities. What would the Government recommend It is worth re-emphasising some of the points made as future admissions criteria? Would that include GCSEs? by my hon. Friend the Member for Feltham and Heston. However, if they are to be scrapped or reformed, what My single biggest concern about the reforms relates to next? the loss of a system in which students can take four or even five subjects, decide which they wish to take to the I close simply by saying that I and my constituents higher level and ditch the others, while banking the look forward to the Government’s response and to, I learning they have already done. If that opportunity is hope, a change of direction. taken away, we will deprive the student of choice and Sitting suspended for Divisions in the House. bind young people to decisions that they may feel were wrong. That will leave them with the option of completing 3.13 pm work that is no longer of any use to them or, in some On resuming— cases, dropping out and walking away from further education. Surely, no one wants young people to waste Jim Dobbin (in the Chair): The debate may now their precious time and the resources the state has continue until 4.25 pm. I call Alex Cunningham. invested in them. 39WH AS-levels and A-levels16 APRIL 2013 AS-levels and A-levels 40WH

[Alex Cunningham] education, or do they really want to revert to higher education for those from public schools and the most I do not see how creating a two-tier system for those affluent communities, where young people get a much aged 16 to 19 helps to bring about rigour, which is better start in life than they do in inner city wards such supposedly the Education Secretary’s guiding mission. as those in my constituency? I am sure that that is not The director of admissions at Cambridge university is true, but the Secretary of State must realise that just as on record as saying: he got things badly wrong with his planned reform of “We are worried...if AS-level disappears, we will lose many of GCSEs. He has gone down the wrong road with A-levels. the gains in terms of fair admissions and widening participation He has failed to listen to what the professional world is that we have made in the last decade… We are convinced that a saying to him, and it is time for another of his spectacular large part of this success derives from the confidence engendered U-turns before he is caused even more embarrassment. in students from non-traditional backgrounds when they achieve high examination grades at the end of year 12”. Those who benefit from the existing system—particularly 3.20 pm those from non-traditional backgrounds—tend to be Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): It is a pleasure from the lower end of the income scale. It is those to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Dobbin. I students who will be disadvantaged by these reforms— congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Feltham students from deprived areas such as my constituency. I and Heston (Seema Malhotra) on securing the debate. would be interested to hear what assessment has been made of the potential impact of the reforms on widening I shall not speak at length—I am sure hon. Members participation in higher education and whether the Minister will be pleased. I have concerns about the separation of is concerned that a two-tier A-level system will limit AS and A-levels, and about the Government’s proposals, aspiration for young people in deprived areas. but I would refer those issues to the voices of those who know more about those things than I do. I understand There is also concern about which organisations will that in the recent Government consultation 77% of have a role in developing A-levels, with the 1994 Group those who responded were against the proposals. The of universities already feeling excluded. In a briefing 24 Russell Group universities, college and school lecturers, note, its director of research says his group wants and teachers and head teachers are all warning about clarity about the role of the Russell Group in overseeing not only the proposals but the time scale. My concerns A-levels in key subjects. He says: are about the changes, but also their implementation in “Many of the leading Universities in these subjects—including 2015 at the same time as proposed changes to GCSEs some of our members—are not members of the Russell Group, and to the school accountability system. That will put and we believe that in linking excellence with one self-selecting pressure not only on exam boards, teachers and colleges, group of Universities, DfE Ministers are perpetuating a false and damaging misperception of the sector.” but, most importantly, on young people—the students. I hope the Minister will provide that clarity and Like other hon. Members, I am concerned about confirm that development will be inclusive, rather than jeopardising fair access and the progress, however limited, exclusive. that has been made with that, about undermining the progress of the most able students and about risks to Even if these latest ideas were the right ones, there are the integrity of curriculum development from key stage 2 also concerns about timing. Will the Minister tell us up to key stages 4 and 5, and beyond. However, in the what assessment has been made of the impact of bringing short remarks that I will make today, I want to draw on in these reforms side by side with the many other the work of the Select Committee on Education. We so-called radical reforms that the Secretary of State is recently carried out a quite detailed inquiry into what imposing on our schools? Glenys Stacey, the head of happened with the changes to GCSE English in 2012. I Ofqual has criticised the plans on the grounds that the shall not go into the details today, because a report may Government’s proposed timetable is “challenging”—I be published in due course, but I want to take the think she was trying to be kind in her use of word, and opportunity to impress on the Minister the importance I suspect she may have considered more robust language. of learning lessons from what happened. However, she did say that introducing changes to A-levels at the same time as changes to GCSEs will The hon. Member for Bradford East (Mr Ward) “place a considerable burden on schools”, probably made the most useful contribution to the inquiry when he said that we do our young people no and my hon. Friend talked about the need for resources favours when we refuse to listen to the voices of warning. to help schools deal with some of that burden. Those voices were crying out to us long before the Glenys Stacey said the timetable proposed changes in 2012; we simply did not listen. Because they “means that qualifications need to be in schools and colleges by were not what politicians wanted to hear, they were autumn next year.” ignored. We therefore reached the awful situation in I am not sure whether schools, with all the other reforms which hundreds of thousands of young people did being foisted on them by the Government, are in a exactly what they were told they needed to do to get the position to implement a second set of difficult changes qualifications that were so important to them, but in that short time scale. failed to gain what was promised to them. We have seen before the dangers of the Education The proposals have been called rushed and incoherent Secretary going too far and too fast with his reforms, by those whom the Government should listen to. I and I would again urge caution about trying to reinvent accept that there is a need for regular change and the educational wheel. Do the Government intend to reform in the education system—I endorse that view. turn their back on fair admissions and widening We need constant reform and change, not least because, participation? Do they want people from communities whatever we put in place, teachers are very clever and such as mine to get the same opportunities for higher will find a way to game it. The Department must 41WH AS-levels and A-levels16 APRIL 2013 AS-levels and A-levels 42WH constantly move, change and reform. However, we very that example could be replaced by any subject—and at often hear the Secretary of State telling us that he the end of the period of post-16 study going on to study believes in the changes. He talks about his belief, and no it, or a subject that it significantly underpins, at university, one can deny that he has conviction; but such important or indeed going into employment related to it. That is changes should be based not on belief but on evidence, not unusual in my experience of working day in, day and, so far, whether in the debate or in any of the papers out, for 30-odd years, with 16 to 19-year-olds. It has that I have looked at, I have found no sound evidence to been a familiar story since 2000. serve as a basis for the Secretary of State’s proposals. Before 2000, people did not have that flexibility and choice. The curriculum was far less able to get the best 3.24 pm out of young people. The dramatic change brought Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): It is a pleasure to about by Curriculum 2000 allowed youngsters to continue serve under your chairmanship, Mr Dobbin. I congratulate with a broader programme and delay the final specialisation my hon. Friend the Member for Feltham and Heston until the end of year 12. That meant that those advising (Seema Malhotra) on securing this important and timely students could encourage them to take more risks—to debate. stick with physics as well as music alongside their maths Following the remarks of my hon. Friend the Member and geography, keeping their options open longer, or for North West Durham (Pat Glass), the issue in question encouraging them to do a modern foreign language for is how we provide a framework to support schools and another year. What students would chose to focus on at colleges to get the best for our young people. Everyone the end of year 12 was often different from what they would sign up to that aim; the dispute is about how. I might have focused on at the end of year 11. People who want to focus on the Government’s intention to divorce have not worked with 16 to 18-year-olds, as I have for AS-levels from A-levels. Having worked in post-16 education many years, might be surprised at how much young for 30 years, I fear that that would be a very retrograde people mature in their first year of post-16 education, step and would do lasting damage to the education of and how much their focus can change after they have students in key stage 5. I am not surprised that, as my been informed by another year’s study and another hon. Friend said, the Government’s extensive consultation year’s consideration of what they intend to do next. showed that 77% of consultees were against going down The current system allows students to choose four that route. The people who were consulted know what subjects at AS-level before specialising in three at A-level they are talking about. Their responses were driven by or taking all four through to full A-levels. There is a experience and evidence, rather than dogma and belief. significant jump in difficulty from GCSE to A-level, as If the divorce goes ahead, we are likely to return to my hon. Friend the Member for North West Durham the worst aspects of A-levels prior to 2000: a much has indicated, and the AS has assisted students so that narrower curriculum, where a significant number of they can choose a broader range of subjects before students committed to a two-year programme, but came specialising in year 13. Denying students that choice away with nothing. That was a scandal. Since 2000, risks denying them the opportunity to discover a particular there has been much progress in the right direction. aptitude or passion for subject areas in which they That does not mean, as my hon. Friend said, that there previously had less confidence and, as my hon. Friend is no need for continued change and reform; it means the Member for Feltham and Heston has indicated, it is that it needs to happen in a framework of stability if we liable most negatively to affect students from the most are to get the best for our young people from what those disadvantaged backgrounds, who are most likely to be who work in education can provide. less confident. Young people are very fluid in their choices. One of My understanding of the Government’s current plans— the traditional features of our post-16 education compared and they are fluid, rather like a young person’s—is that with that of some of our most successful global competitors although they will allow the content of the AS to be is its narrowness. Asking a young person to focus on within the A-level initially, they intend, once the change just three subjects at A-level means they must specialise is embedded, that A-levels and AS-levels will have distinct early and jettison areas of interest. content, as they did pre-2000. If that is the case, it will be uneconomical for AS-levels to be taught and they Kevin Brennan: I talked yesterday to a teacher whose will wither on the vine, because it will no longer be son, Joseph, went to a state school. Had the current possible to co-teach them in the same class as A-levels. proposals been in place he would have taken English as That is significant, because the pre-2000 history of his AS-level rather than A-level, but he is now studying AS-levels shows they never really got much traction. English at Oxford. That never would have happened if The removal of AS as a stepping-stone qualification the choices had been narrowed, as is suggested, at the will almost certainly reduce the uptake of subjects that age of 16. are regarded as relatively harder at A-level than at GCSE, and I suspect that there will be an impact on Nic Dakin: It is difficult for us to understand how languages and mathematics in particular. Without validation young people are at 16, and how much they are exploring at the stepping stone point, less confident students are their way in the world. That is a good thing, and one of likely to be discouraged from embarking on the A-level. the things that we should do is to provide a framework With validation, there is less risk to the individual, who that helps them to make the right choices. Sometimes, can always bank an AS at the end of one year and focus allowing them a little more choice and flexibility—25% on their other three subjects at A-level. more subjects post-16—enables them to choose differently according to their experience. At 17, they are much Damian Hinds: The hon. Gentleman is, of course, more mature than at 16. People mature at different rates, extremely experienced in and knowledgeable about these too. I am not surprised by the story about someone matters, but does he know of evidence that suggests taking A-level English as the fourth choice—English in that the fourth AS-level tends to be a hard subject 43WH AS-levels and A-levels16 APRIL 2013 AS-levels and A-levels 44WH

[Damian Hinds] Nic Dakin: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and therein lies the real risk. My fear is that we have series rather than one of the subjects that some people would of changes—and divorcing the AS from the A-level is a consider to be less hard? Or is it the opposite? significant one—that will increase student failure and make the UK less ready to compete globally. We will Nic Dakin: For a start, when we are dealing with rue the day if the Government do not think carefully young people, we are dealing with a collection of individual and consider the evidence that is presented to them. For choices. In my experience, as someone who has spent example, David Igoe, chief executive of the Sixth Form a lot of time advising young people and encouraging Colleges Association, wrote to the Secretary of State: them to make choices, if they are focusing on three “Our curriculum leaders, and the clear majority of teaching subjects, languages are often vulnerable to not being professionals and college and school leaders believe that the AS tried. What turns out to be someone’s fourth subject—the qualification should be retained in its current form. We also one they drop down to AS—might not have been their believe AS has the support of a very large number of academics fourth subject when they picked it. We can play around and admission tutors”. with statistics, but what is important is the impact on Of 780,000 A-level entries, 439,000 were in sixth-form the young person at the point of choice, when they colleges, so such people know what they are talking decide on their post-16 programme. Being able to do about. four AS-levels and then either take all four through to The Secretary of State rightly sets great store by the full A-levels or to bank one, increases the flexibility of needs of the Russell Group universities. They are great choice, minimises risk and encourages people to take universities, of which we are rightly proud, but they subjects that would be beneficial to them—mathematics, hardly struggle to recruit or compete. That is a good thing, for instance. but focusing on their needs to the detriment of everyone else’s might not only be flattering—and embarrassing Kevin Brennan: My hon. Friend knows what he is —to them but might be trying to fix a problem that does talking about, and the Association of Colleges backs not exist. Out of more than 300 institutions listed by what he says. In the briefing for this debate the association UCAS, only 24 are Russell Group universities, and all states that those institutions and their students matter to UK plc. “the removal of the AS as a stepping-stone may well reduce the take-up of subjects which are regarded as significantly harder at Damian Hinds: Does the hon. Gentleman recall the A-level than at GCSE,” meetings that he, I, and others in the Chamber attended, in particular, in which we met representatives of some of those universities who did not seem to think that there was a problem that “maths and modern languages.” did not exist?

Damian Hinds: My question was about what the Nic Dakin: I do not recall their outlining a problem evidence was, not the effect. that does exist, and certainly not one that would be solved by the proposal. My hon. Friend the Member for Nic Dakin: The hon. Member for East Hampshire Feltham and Heston has already mentioned the serious (Damian Hinds) is nothing if not persistent in asking concerns of Cambridge university about the impact of questions that it is right and proper to ask and to the change. answer, but evidence in this area is complex, as I hope I have illustrated. Seema Malhotra: I thank my hon. Friend for being When the Secretary of State says that he will divorce extremely generous in giving way again. Does he agree AS-levels from A-levels, but will retain AS-levels because that the Secretary of State’s original claim that the he is “keen to preserve” breadth, he demonstrates that university of Cambridge backed his reform plans backfired he is a master of irony. All the evidence of the past—and when a petition was handed in to his Department, of the present—is that that will do exactly the opposite. signed by 1,600 students and faculty members who were The change will map on to the narrowing of the curriculum saying no to the proposals and disputing the fact that being driven forward by the EBacc in key stage 4, and they had supported him? When students and faculty with the focus on facilitating subjects post-16, it will send the same message, it is a strong message. ensure that the UK moves backwards, to pursue a narrow curriculum prescribed by a nanny-state Government Nic Dakin: My hon. Friend makes the point for me. who know best. The Minister shakes his head, but in Indeed, all those students and staff related to the university reality the proposal is about the imposition of a centralised of Cambridge make the point for her and for themselves. curriculum, compared with the move towards the I think that the Minister is listening today, and I hope personalisation of the curriculum over the past few that it is active listening so that we can get a better years, which takes the individual forward, within a outcome for young people. proper framework, in a direction that drives achievement and progression. It is a personalised curriculum that Kevin Brennan: If my hon. Friend is right that the has been building the success fit for competing in the Secretary of State has claimed that, it is very odd, modern world, and that is what we really need. because Cambridge university, in a letter from Dr Geoff Parks, the director of admissions, wrote to him on Seema Malhotra: Does my hon. Friend agree that a 12 July 2010: narrowing of opportunity would have an impact on the “We are worried…if AS-level disappears we will lose many of life chances of many of our young people? It would, I the gains in terms of fair admissions and widening participation am sure, be unintended, but it would be a consequence that we have made in the last decade.” of the proposed changes. That was in July 2010. 45WH AS-levels and A-levels16 APRIL 2013 AS-levels and A-levels 46WH

Nic Dakin: Cambridge university’s points are very everyone here wants to congratulate her. We will answer much on the record. I am sure that we are all listening want to listen to her voice, because she comes from the and will want to take them into account as policy is sector that is experiencing the post-16 environment. She driven forward. said that the Secretary of State’s Universities UK has drawn attention to the importance “proposed AS-Level and A Level reforms are entirely misguided, of AS-level grades as criteria in the admissions process, and would risk greatly undermining fair access to A Levels, to and stated that that is particularly important for the higher education and to other further education qualifications. most selective institutions and for courses with a large The idea that the Russell Group which represents a small group of very particular universities should be given particular prominence proportion of applicants with very similar predicted in determining the make-up of these qualifications is nonsensical, A-level grades, which is a practical reason for AS-levels and is opposed even by institutions that they represent. When it to remain. It has concerns about the impact on widening comes to these muddled proposals, Michael Gove could really participation, both because without AS-level grades an benefit from a re-sit.” increased emphasis on more subjective measures is likely— Let us hope that he is re-sitting and listening, and that such as predicted grades and school references that he does not hit the rocks. might disadvantage some applicant groups—and because AS-level grades can boost confidence in candidates from low participation backgrounds. I have certainly 3.44 pm seen the impact of grades boosting confidence and aspiration at the end of the first year, so I think that Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): It is a pleasure Universities UK is on to something. It also thinks that to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Dobbin, and to the removal of AS-levels as a stepping stone towards congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Feltham full A-levels may result in students being less likely to and Heston (Seema Malhotra) on securing the debate. take risks with subjects that are perceived to be hard. It You pointed out at the beginning that the clock is an lists sciences, in addition to languages and maths, which hour behind, and it is probably appropriate to our I have already mentioned, so it is on the same page debate on education policy that the clock has been as me. turned back, because that is exactly what is happening My hon. Friend the Member for North West Durham in what we are discussing. [Interruption.] I remind the has said a great deal about the changes to GCSEs and Minister for Schools that the best humour is always to AS and A-levels coming in at the same time in 2015. recycled. My hon. Friend the Member for Stockton North (Alex As someone who sat A-levels, like most people in this Cunningham) drew attention to Glenys Stacey’s letter, room, and who has taught and marked A-levels and set in which she says that that will be an A-level examination syllabus, I could say a lot of “challenging for exam boards and for Ofqual.” things and make many general points about A-levels It will also be challenging for schools, colleges, teachers and their history. Those points include those made and young people themselves. It may well be best for the today about the Government’s reforms, such as the Government to think about the students taking the new speed of change and the political timetable—that was A-level for the first time who, after all, will have done the phrase of the Headmasters and Headmistresses the old GCSE. It is important to see curriculum progression Conference, I think, not mine—that they are being so that one qualification leads to another. Where there driven to. is a dislocation in qualifications, there is a real danger There is the point about not reforming all A-levels at that young people will fall through the gaps, and nobody the same time, which is a ludicrous thing to do. The wishes that to happen. Government should take the time to do it properly and The points about bringing all the changes in at the in all subjects, not have a two-tier approach to reform. same time have been well made. I know, from having led Ofqual has leavened that a little by introducing a few a college for many years, that the need to use resources more subjects, including one of the two subjects that I to prepare new courses, teaching methods and the used to teach at A-level—economics—in which the curriculum is a massive ask of institutions. It is an Minister for Schools has a double first from Cambridge appropriate ask of institutions, but for all that to happen university.They have been added to the list, but nevertheless at exactly the same time would mean that the challenge there is still a two-tier process in the reforms of A-levels, was at its highest. It is what we might wish, but not how which is ludicrous. we would normally plan future programmes to get the There is the fixation on core subjects, and the lack of best out project: this is really a project planning issue. focus in the proposals on those not progressing to I have mentioned most of the things I wished to university. The Government seem to assume that A-levels mention, but I want to come back to the point made by exist only for the purpose of getting into university, my hon. Friend the Member for North West Durham, which is of course a parody of the reality. That may be who alluded to the fact that the hon. Member for the experience of 100% of Ministers, but not the experience Bradford East (Mr Ward) had said that it is important of 100% of youngsters sitting A-levels in the country, to to listen to the siren voices. It is better to listen to them which we might have thought that Ministers would pay when they are there than to hit the rocks, frankly, and I some attention. hope that the Minister and the Government are so There is the elbowing out of non-Russell Group listening. universities. It seems to me that the Government are I will close by quoting Toni Pearce, the newly elected almost trying to create a tier of polytechnics—ironically, president of the National Union of Students. She will since the Conservatives abolished them, they now seem be the first NUS president from a further education to be absolutely determined to have a first division rather than a higher education background, so I am sure red-brick and sandstone university sector and a polytechnic 47WH AS-levels and A-levels16 APRIL 2013 AS-levels and A-levels 48WH

[Kevin Brennan] school references or older GCSE grades. From our experience these are less reliable and would unduly prejudice disadvantaged sector. Why do they not just rename them polytechnics, students who receive less help when applying to university.” if that is the Government’s real intention and what they Hon. Members will not be surprised to hear that that is are about? exactly what the 1994 Group and Universities UK have said. As I pointed out to the Under-Secretary at the There is the silly attitude towards methods of assessment. time, the most trenchant opposition to these proposals It is an absolutely daft attitude to think that all the came from not the Labour party, the National Union of different subjects, knowledge and skills—believe it or Teachers or even from the “The Blob”, as the Secretary not—that are required to pass A-levels can be assessed of State likes to refer to those educationists who study in final examinations. There is the silly interference with these subjects and spend their time doing research into question design by Ministers, which is absolutely ludicrous. education matters, but the admissions tutors in the Anyone who had taught in a classroom for one minute, university of Cambridge. even at A-level, would know that there is a wide range of mixed abilities among students taking A-levels. Getting The Minister will be aware that, as long ago as July them into the exam so that they can show what they 2010, Cambridge university’s director of admissions, know is also important: as well as supplying stretch to Geoff Parks, wrote to the Secretary of State, warning the most able, a way into the examination has to be him that he could lose many gains in terms of fair supplied for many students. admissions and widening participation that had been made in the past decade. He went on to add that it was There are also all the resulting timetabling issues— no coincidence that obviously, none of the Ministers has tried to write or put together a timetable—and the proposals are absolutely “our utilisation of AS scores as a core component of admissions decisions has been accompanied by a noticeable reduction in the ludicrous. Everybody in the profession is telling them number of complaints we have received from schools and colleges that, but they are not listening. I could go on and on, about the fairness of our selection process. The same period has but I want to focus on the points made by my hon. also seen marked improvement in Cambridge examination Friend the Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin), once I performance.” have congratulated my hon. Friends the Member for So it is good for students; good for fair access and good Feltham and Heston, for Stockton North (Alex for Cambridge university, according to the admissions Cunningham) and for North West Durham (Pat Glass) tutors, but what do they know? on their speeches, and congratulated the hon. Member for East Hampshire (Damian Hinds), who did not The Minister will also be aware of the research that venture a speech, but has made some intelligent interjections was undertaken by the Cambridge university general to help us along in the debate. admission research working party, which found that AS-level grades were easily the best predictions for I want to focus on the AS-level. It is only fair at the degree performance, proving to be, as my hon. Friend outset to make it clear that we regard the decision to the Member for Feltham and Heston said, “sound divorce AS-levels from A-levels as one of the least verging on excellent”, and that was in every subject, bar evidence-based, most captious and casually damaging maths, where the sixth term examination paper was decisions that the Secretary of State for Education has better. taken so far. It is therefore only fair clearly to signal to everyone here and to the education world that we will It is not surprising that 40 Cambridge admissions not implement it. We will re-couple AS-levels and A-levels tutors signed a letter to The Daily Telegraph, which was in September 2015, after the next general election. published on 30 January, a week after the announcement was made, calling for the reversal of the decision. In Nobody outside the bunker in Sanctuary buildings their letter, they said: thinks that divorcing AS-levels from A-levels is a good “Good results give students from all backgrounds the confidence idea. I doubt whether even the part-time Minister for to compete for a place at highly selective universities, including Schools—he does not have exams or the curriculum on our own. They reduce reliance upon grade predictions and enable his list of responsibilities but is here today because the schools to hold the line in the face of pressure to raise predicted Under-Secretary of State for Education, the hon. Member grades unrealistically.” for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss), is away on a Anyone who has ever taught in a sixth form or college foreign trip—thinks that it is a good idea, although he will be aware of the pressure from pupils and parents to will tell us that it is because he has to perform his role as raise A-level grade predictions. It is sometimes difficult the Secretary of State’s flexible friend. I cannot really for teachers to hold the line, which might be why those believe that he genuinely thinks that that is the case, but predictions are not always particularly accurate, as the while we have him here, I ask him to listen and to look Government’s own studies have shown. They are again at the decision that has been taken. particularly inaccurate about those from less affluent When the Under-Secretary announced the measure backgrounds or ethnic minorities. Heavy pressure is in the House, she tried to give the impression that she often put on teachers in relation to predicted grades. had support for the divorce. When I pointed out to her With the AS-level, there is no argument. There is a that she did not, she grandstanded, and tried to give the public examination, which is externally assessed, marked impression that she had the support of the Russell and a grade awarded. Group universities. Let me remind Members what the The admissions tutors finished that letter to The group actually said: Daily Telegraph by saying: “The current AS-level provides a useful indicator of progress, “If AS levels disappear, university entry will become less fair.” which is invaluable for university admissions. We worry that without these results universities will have to place more emphasis They were referring to the divorcing of the AS-level on A-level predicted grades—of which more than half are wrong— from the A-level. 49WH AS-levels and A-levels16 APRIL 2013 AS-levels and A-levels 50WH

Nic Dakin: Given that my hon. Friend has stated so overwhelming objection has been to the proposed changes clearly the value of this benchmark, can he see any to GCSEs. I hope that the Minister will reflect on that, reason for getting rid of it? because the Government ultimately took the right decision in that area. Kevin Brennan: Apart from the strange explanations that we get from Ministers about trying to free up some Kevin Brennan: My hon. Friend is right. The Secretary time for people to do other things in year 12, the only of State has had to issue a direction to Ofqual in reason that I have heard is that it relates to the experience relation to this proposal, because everyone thinks that it of the Ministers in the Department and that they want is nonsense, and it was confirmed in parliamentary to go back to the good old days when four out of five of answers to me that he had to issue a direction. On them were in private school doing their A-levels. Perhaps 31 January, I tabled a parliamentary question to ask they think, “It was good enough for me; why shouldn’t what assessment Ministers had made of the recent it be good enough for everyone else?” If that is what Cambridge university admissions research working party they are doing, they are ignoring the evidence. study of AS-level as a predictor, and the Under-Secretary I challenge the Minister today as someone who says of State for Education, the hon. Member for South that he is committed to fairness, who is a Liberal West Norfolk, said that she had “reflected on” the Democrat Minister, who has enjoyed the privilege of a study. So, she had reflected on it and she agreed that fee-paying education and a Cambridge university education AS-levels were and who claims to be committed to social justice. How “a useful aid for university admissions”.—[Official Report, 31 January can he defend this policy in the light of the clear and 2013; Vol. 557, c. 887W.] thoroughly researched evidence that it will result in So the Government agree with everybody that AS-levels university entry becoming less fair? are a “useful aid” for admissions. They know what the research is, and they have reflected on it. Damian Hinds: We must be a little bit careful with this widening participation and access argument. Although it is undeniably true that many more young people have Seema Malhotra: In the spirit of reflection, I was gone to university in the past 10 years, the figures show reflecting myself on the list of organisations that my that the intake of the most selective universities has hon. Friend gave that are opposed to these changes. changed very little by comparison. Of course it is a very Does he agree that it is quite staggering and quite good thing that more young people have gone to those concerning that no real evidence has been put forward universities, but we must not confuse the two things and for this change? say that AS-levels have been a force that has made Cambridge university much more open. Kevin Brennan: I might have found it staggering some time ago; I am afraid that I no longer find it staggering Kevin Brennan: The hon. Gentleman makes my point when the Department for Education proposes major for me. Cambridge has been the university that has changes for which there is no evidence. However, I most used AS-levels to bring about widening access. It should retain my surprise at its happening, because it is can show that it has widened access as a result of them staggering when something is introduced simply because in the past 10 years. If he wants to challenge the the Secretary of State believes—on a whim—that it admissions tutors on the claim that they have successfully ought to happen and when there is no evidence that it widened access through the use of AS-levels, he is free should happen, despite the fact that I am sure that he to do so. They are absolutely clear about it and say that has layers and layers of submissions from his civil if AS-levels disappear, university entry will become less servants that point out the opposition to the proposals. fair. The Minister must answer that point. So far, Ministers But he does not listen to his civil servants; I am afraid have failed to answer it, or to explain why they are that he only listens to his odious special advisers on persisting with the policy. education policy, and that is possibly the reason why the Government are proceeding with this change. In any case, the Government accept that Cambridge is right, and presumably that the Russell Group, the The Minister for Schools has a chance to do what is 1994 Group, Universities UK, the Association of Colleges, right, to go to the Secretary of State and to reflect a the Sixth Form Colleges Association, the National Union little himself on these proposals; he should speak to the of Students, the teachers and head teachers associations Secretary of State and try to make him listen to the and we, God forbid, are right about the usefulness of evidence and see reason. If the Secretary of State will AS-levels. Nevertheless, the Government will proceed not listen to that evidence or to the Minister, perhaps with the damaging and unnecessary divorce of AS-levels the only person that he will listen to is himself, because from A-levels. Like the EBacc certificates, no one supports back in 2010 he made it clear to Ofqual that, to quote the move. The Government quite rightly abandoned from Ofqual’s briefing, he wanted A-levels to serve their their proposals on the EBacc. The Minister might well purpose as have had an influence on that decision. Who knows? It “one of the selection tools used by HE”— happened to coincide with his appointment to the Department. As I said earlier, we will not proceed with that is, by higher education— the divorce of the AS-level from the A-level, and everyone “to identify the most suitable and best students for their courses”. should be aware of that. We know that the AS-level is the best exam tool to serve that purpose; at least, that is what the evidence shows. It Pat Glass: We have had people with huge expertise should be used more, not less, for that purpose and yet coming to us and saying that this is the wrong thing to the Secretary of State is determined to discard it. We do. The only other area where we have seen such an will not discard it, and he should not discard it. 51WH AS-levels and A-levels16 APRIL 2013 AS-levels and A-levels 52WH

Jim Dobbin (in the Chair): Before I call the Minister, I as was pointed out earlier. They need to compare well inform Members who have just joined us that we will with the best qualifications internationally; they need to finish this debate at 4.25 pm. help our young people to compete with students from other countries for university places in the UK and 4.3 pm abroad; they need to give pupils the best possible preparation for further study, teaching the core knowledge and skills The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): It is a that young people need to make the most of an pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Dobbin. undergraduate course; and they need to be—as the hon. I congratulate the hon. Member for Feltham and Member for Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan), the shadow Heston (Seema Malhotra) on securing the debate and Schools Minister, indicated earlier—strong qualifications on putting her case so clearly and in such a measured in their own right, providing test and challenge at the way. I am also pleased that we have had useful and end of the school or college experience. helpful contributions from a number of other Members, Our reforms for 16-to-18 education build on the including members of the Education Committee. reforms that we are making to the national curriculum, A lot of the contributions have pointed out that some secondary accountability and GCSEs. Our proposals in of the proposals that we are discussing are controversial, those areas, which are out for consultation until 1 May, and clearly they are. We are aware of a lot of the are to publish an average point score measure and a feedback that has come in from different organisations. value-added progress measure covering English and Sometimes when Governments go out to consultation mathematics, three of the EBacc subjects and three on particular proposals, they realise that they have additional slots for other subjects that can be academic, made mistakes and they change the proposals. As a arts or vocational qualifications. As the hon. Member number of Members have indicated, we did that on the for Feltham and Heston will know, the progress measure reforms to GCSEs that we had proposed, but I should will be part of the floor standard. Those reforms will say to those Members who have at times today suggested place a strong focus on English and maths while ensuring that popularity is the benchmark for introducing policies that students have a rounded knowledge of sciences, and the ultimate test that there are many other examples languages, humanities and the arts. There will also be a of changes in education and in other Government stronger emphasis on computer science and programming. policy areas where proposals were extremely controversial Our reforms of A-levels are designed to build on that at the time—I am thinking of key stage 2 national tests, strong base. We want to give students a better experience the introduction of Ofsted and sponsored academies—and of post-16 study, ensuring they are studying for rigorous not welcomed by many in the relevant sector when they qualifications that will provide them with the right skills were introduced that have proven to be generally very and knowledge to allow them to progress. Students successful and which are now welcomed. The consensus currently start A-levels in September and then they changes. immediately start preparing for examinations in January. If we wanted an example of what happens when They and their teachers have spent too much time policy is introduced just on the basis of what is popular thinking about exams and re-sitting them, encouraging with the sector, we have Wales to look at. Wales has in some cases a “learn and forget” approach. A student introduced, over time, many policies that were extremely taking A-level maths would need to sit six exams: three popular in the sector, but which have proven, in many papers for their AS-level, and three for their A2. The cases, to do huge damage to the quality of education in old rules allowed multiple re-sitting of those papers, so Wales. That is now widely and internationally recognised. a student might sit some papers in January, and if they wanted to improve their grades they could re-sit them in Pat Glass: Does the Minister accept that although June and again the following year, while sitting and then those controversial reforms that he mentioned, such as re-sitting their A2 papers. In 2010, 74% of maths A-level the introduction of Ofsted and key stage 2 tests, may students re-sat at least one paper. have been unpopular with some people working in education, there was nevertheless a body of evidence to During the past few years, too many students in our support their introduction? Therefore, although they schools system have spent too long preparing for and were perhaps controversial, there was huge evidence taking tests in years 10, 11, 12 and 13. During the past behind them, and they have subsequently proven the decade, we have been in danger of creating an “exam evidence. factory” in our schools, particularly in the last four years of education, rather than creating places of deep Mr Laws: That was not said by many of the opponents learning where teachers and students are given the time of those proposals at the time. Actually, many opponents, and space to develop deep knowledge of subjects, rather including to sponsored academies, continue to maintain than just preparing constantly for public examinations. today that there is no evidence to show the success of That is one of the key reasons why the Government are those policies, so I do not agree with the hon. Lady that making the changes that we are debating today. the issue is as simple as that. The focus that there has been on exams in every one of those final four years of school education can lead to Seema Malhotra: Will the Minister give way? young people failing to deliver and develop that deep understanding of their subject, and to their failing to Mr Laws: If I may, I will make a little progress and make connections between topics. Re-sits have also led then give way to the hon. Lady. I want to ensure that I to too much teaching time being sacrificed for assessment get my speech under way. preparation. Research—hon. Members have said that As the key qualification for progression to university they are keen on it—from Durham university and and as a key end-of-school qualification in and of its Cambridge Assessment suggests that repeated opportunities own right, A-levels have to be robust and to be rigorous, for students to re-sit exams have also risked a form of 53WH AS-levels and A-levels16 APRIL 2013 AS-levels and A-levels 54WH grade inflation. This is why our reforms to A-levels are to them in all universities, including some of the best in so important. Ofqual announced the first stage of the the country. We will ensure that they are supported in reforms last autumn by removing the January exam exploring those options. window, which will reduce the number of re-sits, as the The crucial thing about a strategy for social mobility hon. Member for Feltham and Heston said. through the education system is not to think that we can solve the massive injustices in access to our education Seema Malhotra: The Minister makes some valid system through tweaking the admissions process at age points, which I also referred to, about ways in which we 17 or 18. All the international evidence demonstrates might reform, such as reducing re-sits, which may have that, in an education system with massive gaps between contributed to grade inflation, but does he not agree the outcomes for young people from advantaged and that those changes—those improvements—can take place disadvantaged backgrounds, which are already visible within the current framework and that the de-coupling at ages five, 11 and 16, as we have had in this country for of AS-levels and A-levels is not required to achieve far too long, reducing those gaps through the measures those improvements? that we are taking to intervene in weak schools—including policies such as the pupil premium, for example, which will target more money for the education of disadvantaged Mr Laws: Some of those changes clearly could take youngsters—will help us to make a step change in social place without the additional measures that we are taking, mobility in this country. Those are far more important but we believe, for the reasons that I am giving, and will than the issues that we have been debating today. continue to give, that they would not by themselves go far enough. That is why we announced earlier this year that from 2015 we would return to linear A-levels, with Nic Dakin: I thank the Minister for giving way. I find examinations taking place at the end of the two-year his contribution somewhat naive and a little complacent. course. Linear A-levels will free up time for teachers to I am pleased that he recognises that teachers are doing focus on what teachers do best, which is providing what they do best in helping youngsters learn, but that high-quality teaching, developing their students’ deep is what they are doing now. They do not need changes understanding and love of a subject, and ensuring, to assist them in that job, which they are doing extremely therefore, that the final two years of education are well. about not simply public examinations and test preparation, Will the Minister focus on the key issue that has come but doing what our education system is designed to do, up consistently in this debate—hon. Members agree which is educating young people in these key subjects. with much of what he has already said—which is the significant detrimental effect of AS-levels being divorced from A-levels, which will result if the Government Nic Dakin rose— continue ploughing on with that ill-conceived policy?

Mr Laws: I would like to make more progress and Mr Laws: I will come to the hon. Gentleman’s point then give way to the hon. Gentleman. directly. May I first say, somewhat gently, that it is naive Some have claimed that the introduction of linear and complacent to think that the issue that we are A-levels will have a negative impact on the social mobility discussing—whether universities rely on AS-level grades, agenda. If that was going to be the case, this Government, predicted grades or GCSE grades—has any central role and certainly my party, would have no truck with these to play in challenging the massive inequalities of changes. Creating a more socially mobile society and opportunity in our education system today. It is a tiny education system is crucial. The point that my hon. issue, compared with the huge gaps that are emerging at Friend the Member for East Hampshire (Damian Hinds) ages five, 11 and 16. All the evidence, which hon. made extremely well was that, listening to and talking Members have been urging the Government to use and about the criticisms from some in the education system, pay attention to, demonstrates that our social mobility including from Cambridge university, people would problems are about the inequalities of outcome at those think that we had an ideal system for social mobility ages, not what is happening with university admissions. today in universities such as Cambridge and Oxford. Actually, the proportion of young people from private Seema Malhotra rose— schools and selective state schools in those institutions remains, in our view, unacceptably high. That model is Mr Laws: I will make more progress before giving not delivering social mobility. way again to the hon. Lady. Contrary to the claims I have mentioned, linear A-levels Some critics of the linear A-level have cited a link will allow young people to develop greater intellectual between the introduction of modular A-levels as part of maturity through a two-year course. Some students the Curriculum 2000 reforms, which the hon. Member may not have developed the skills that they need to excel for Cardiff West, the shadow Schools Minister, mentioned in an exam in the first year of their A-level course, earlier, and widening participation in higher education. particularly those who may have had less support at However, the major increase in HE participation took school and home to develop independent study skills. A place in the early 1990s, before the introduction of two-year course will allow all students progressively to modular A-levels in 2000. Universities continue to work develop the skills they need to be successful at university hard to widen participation and ensure they are opening and to demonstrate their abilities through exams at the their doors to students from all backgrounds, and I am end of two years. We will also do more to target confident that they will keep doing so when the new high-achieving sixth formers, in terms of the social linear A-levels are introduced. Indeed, in many cases mobility agenda, to ensure that they are fully aware of they need to do much more to offer those opportunities the higher education opportunities that should be open to young people, particularly from disadvantaged 55WH AS-levels and A-levels16 APRIL 2013 AS-levels and A-levels 56WH

[Mr Laws] could do with more research, he knows that there is powerful research evidence that suggests that AS-level backgrounds. The Government intend to work in is in fact the best predictor of how young people will do partnership with some of the universities, particularly at university. [Interruption.] He can shake his head, but those that have poor rates of access, to try to target his own university’s research suggests that AS-levels are those youngsters who should be gaining access to some the best predictor—far better than GCSEs, and far of our best universities, but are not doing so. better even than university admissions tests. I have the Making the A-level linear does, of course, have research here. I thought he had read it, but obviously he implications—the hon. Gentleman raised this point has not. earlier—for the current AS qualification. My ministerial colleagues and officials have been talking to and working Mr Laws: I repeat the point I have just made: the with school and college leaders and universities to majority of universities do not use AS-levels as the understand precisely the concerns that he set out so main basis for making such decisions. Indeed, we know clearly to ensure that we can address them. that, in some subjects, GCSE results provide a better As we move to fully linear A-levels with exams at the prediction of degree results across all universities than end of the two-year course, the AS-level will remain as a AS results. qualification in its own right. It will continue to be available as a stand-alone qualification to be taught Kevin Brennan: What’s your evidence? over either one year or two years, but the marks from it will obviously no longer count towards the A-level. Mr Laws: I am happy to send the hon. Gentleman the Longer term, our ambition is to develop a brand new evidence. AS qualification that is at the same level of challenge as a full A-level, but for the time being that is for the Seema Malhotra: I thank the Minister for giving way future. again. He says that most universities do not use AS-level From 2015, the AS-level will be decoupled as a stand- results as the main basis, but that does not mean that alone, linear qualification and will remain at the same most do not use them as a key part of their decision level of challenge as existing AS qualifications. That making. Does he not agree that taking away AS-level means that schools and colleges can decide whether to results at that moment would take away something that teach the AS-level over one year or two years. If schools is seen as a vital indicator of how well pupils are doing, and colleges decide to teach the AS in any given subject particularly pupils from state schools or disadvantaged in one year, that would give them the opportunity, backgrounds? which I think the hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) was seeking—it is a valid concern—to co-teach Mr Laws: No, our judgment is that, if we get education the AS and the new A-level together, if that meets the right earlier on, which is the critical stage for delivering needs of the students and if it is a sensible way for those the social mobility that the hon. Lady and I want, it institutions to ensure that they can deliver education for should be perfectly possible for universities to make all young people who want to access both A-levels and such judgments without a loss from the removal of the the AS. AS-level. Some universities may have to adjust how We want to preserve the AS so that students can they handle admissions. A-levels, however, are not simply study a fourth subject in addition to their full A-levels. mechanisms to help universities to sort students. The We know that universities consider the AS a valuable most important priority is to develop A-levels that qualification to provide that breadth, which a number secure the best possible educational outcomes for young of hon. Members mentioned. We also know that some people. Earlier, the shadow Minister said that A-levels universities use the AS in their admissions processes, are not simply to be structured around the needs of although most place more emphasis on GCSE results university access. They form a far wider purpose than and predicted A-level grades, as well as looking at a that. range of other information, including personal statements, It will continue to be as important as ever that academic references and, in some cases, admissions students from all backgrounds have the information tests and interviews. they need to make the right choices about higher education based on teachers’ assessments of their progress, as well Kevin Brennan: Will the Minister give way? as formal examination results. School is the best place to monitor students’ progress and to help them understand Mr Laws: I will make this one point before giving the attainment they are working at and aiming for. way. A-levels must be high quality, and they must change Most universities do not use AS results as the main over time to keep up with world standards. Universities, basis for making those decisions. Indeed, in some subjects the bodies that once set up examination boards themselves, GCSE results can provide a better prediction of degree are not as core a part of the process of qualification results across all universities than AS results. Students development as they once were. A good way for A-levels who have very good GCSE results from schools where to keep up with the challenges of the global marketplace the general pattern is for below-average GCSE attainment in qualifications is to respond to what universities are also have real potential to progress at university. looking for. Independent learning and critical thinking are vital skills that A-levels must continue to develop. Kevin Brennan: If the Minister continues with his We believe that losing touch with universities has proposals, AS-levels will be available for universities to meant that A-levels have not always been a suitable use as evidence in only one subject, instead of all the preparation for those embarking on degrees in some subjects that the young person is studying. Although we subjects. Indeed, many private schools offer different 57WH AS-levels and A-levels 16 APRIL 2013 58WH courses, such as sixth-term examination papers and the Persecution of Christians Cambridge pre-U, for those purposes. A-level reform is vital to ensure that all students, whether in the state sector or the private sector, have the best possible skills 4.25 pm and knowledge to enable them to compete effectively. Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance): I am pleased to That is why the Government are giving universities a have secured this debate on the increasing threat to greater role in the development of A-levels. Awarding freedom of religion in certain parts of the world, which organisations will work with universities to determine is an important issue. Due to time pressure, I apologise the content of the new A-levels, and we are delighted in advance for the fact that I may not be able to accept that the Russell Group will be part of that. We also many interventions. These are issues, however, on which welcome contributions from other universities, as a I have placed significant emphasis during my time in number of hon. Members have indicated. We expect Parliament not only because I believe passionately in that the first new A-levels will be developed for teaching the inherent importance of protecting fundamental human to begin in September 2015, with the first exams to be rights but because the evidence demonstrates that those sat in 2017. Each year, Ofqual will also lead a post- societies that protect and respect fundamental rights qualification review process involving the Russell Group. tend to fare better in their protection of other human We can be confident from the way Ofqual has exercised rights. its functions over the past few years that it will give us In preparation for this debate, I have worked closely the independent and impartial advice that we need with Open Doors, an organisation focusing on freedom to make the right decisions and to develop an A-level for persecuted Christian Churches. I also thank Christian system that is fit for purpose—not just for university Solidarity Worldwide, His Grace, Bishop Angaelos of entry, but for educating young people in the critical the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK, and others years of their lives. who have circulated briefing materials ahead of today’s debate. Although my focus is on the persecution of Christians, it is important to acknowledge that Christians are not unique in facing religious persecution. Indeed, I have previously hosted a debate on the persecution of Baha’is in Iran. Nor are Christians the only group affected when they are marginalised in society or excluded from public life. Rather, everyone suffers from the loss of talent and the undermining of the principles of fair treatment, the rule of law and access to justice. The defence of freedom of religious belief, as defined by article 18 of the universal declaration of human rights, is important not only for Christians but for everyone. In Africa, as a result of the growing influence of Islamic extremism in countries not previously associated with persecution, there has been a marked increase in such activity. That has been most notable in Mali, but it is also increasingly evident in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Niger. Persecution manifests itself in many ways, including violent attacks by Islamic extremist groups, radical Muslims infiltrating politics, business and the judiciary to gain influence to be used against other religions, and extremists filling power vacuums in countries in flux, such as Mali.

Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): The hon. Lady has mentioned Open Doors. Does she agree that all Churches in the UK could usefully have copies of its world watchlist of the 50 countries where Christians are most persecuted? The watchlist is informative, helpful and useful for all Churches.

Naomi Long: I absolutely agree. The watchlist is a helpful aid for those who are interested in this issue. I have previously highlighted the persecution of Christians in countries where they are a minority, such as Sudan and Somalia, and persecution is still perpetuated at both state and community level. The current trend, however, is towards increasing civil unrest by Islamic extremists in countries where Christians are a majority, such as Kenya and Uganda. Small, local footholds have been created where radical Muslims do not tolerate anyone with a different belief system or religion. That 59WH Persecution of Christians16 APRIL 2013 Persecution of Christians 60WH

[Naomi Long] religion as a vital component of freedom of religious belief for fear of a backlash from the Organisation of trend has been most potent in the area of Kenya bordering the Islamic Conference nations are a concern, and I Somalia. The pattern of infiltration and strategic positioning would be interested to hear the Minister’s view on that ultimately makes life impossible for Christian residents. specific matter. How do the Government and the international community Persecution also impacts on the community sphere, respond to that emerging challenge? What support can manifesting itself as restrictions on employment or be offered to national Governments to combat that access to resources. There is evidence that Christian threat to freedom? villagers have been denied access to water wells in Although the Arab spring appeared to offer hope for northern Nigeria, for example, purely by reason of their progressive reform in many countries, it has failed to faith. In Kenya, covert persecution of Christians has deliver on that promise in many cases. In many countries, increased. Speaking of his own experience, one Christian the Arab spring has had disastrous consequences for states: religious freedom and has promoted a major exodus of “The area is already very hostile, but now we are also suffering Christians from the middle east. Already a reality in hidden persecution at our work places. Many of our jobs are in Iraq, the phenomenon is extending to other nations, danger because of fabricated negative reports from our superiors; most notably Egypt and Syria. Although we are all our colleagues at work discriminate against and isolate us—just aware of the wider security and humanitarian crisis in because of our faith.” Syria, there is a very real, but less publicly acknowledged Such persecution has affected teachers, who have threat to Christians. Jihadists have reportedly infiltrated been placed on forced leave or transferred from the the rebel movement, and tens of thousands of Christians region, while other professionals have lost their job, all have fled as a result. As one of the Governments on fabricated charges of incompetence. Those newly involved in both Iraq and Syria, the UK Government posted to the area are monitored, and if perceived to be must recognise that exodus and work with others in the Christians, are then targeted. It is very difficult for the international community to do all they can to protect aggrieved party in such circumstances to seek redress, people of whatever religion who are suffering persecution because of the concealed nature of the persecution. in an already desperate situation. What specific Those who do report unfair treatment encounter a consideration have the Government given to that in marked lack of corroboration for their reports from their wider interventions in those countries? colleagues, often as a result of fear, leading to the dismissal of their complaints. Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Is the hon. Lady I would welcome reassurances from the Minister aware that in Syria there are some 300,000 Christian that, in the face of that more covert and insidious form refugees who refuse to be associated with the Sunni of persecution, the Foreign Office has engaged with opposition or the Assad regime? In other words, they religious groups and national Governments to identify are in a neutral place. Because they are neutral, as such trends and address their impact. It is important Christians, they do not receive the aid or assistance that that international pressure focuses on the right to access they should receive through the Arab nations or the justice for those who are affected. Red Cross. Does she feel that that is an issue for Christians in Syria? They do not get the aid or the Some Governments actively restrict the freedom of financial assistance that they need, because they try to Christians to participate in the national sphere through stay neutral because of their Christian beliefs. the limitation of access to civil society and public life. As hon. Members will be aware, I have previously Naomi Long: I hope that the Minister will be able highlighted the fact that the state is the primary persecutor reflect on that in his response. of religious minorities in Iran. Article 18 specifically protects the freedom collectively to express faith without The nature of persecution is incredibly variable. In interference, but as I have also previously highlighted, it some situations, it will take the form of a “squeeze”, has proved all but impossible to register church buildings with pressure being applied, while in others it is in the and legalise church meetings in Algeria, so that despite form of “smash”, with recourse to violence. However, the appearance of facilitating religious minorities, the either kind represents a denial of article 18 and should effect in reality is to the contrary. be resisted. Recent trends suggest that squeeze pressure, where there is no physical violence, but pressure is Such persecution aims not overtly to ban particular applied to prevent Christians from being able to freely beliefs, but to restrict freedom of religion to a person’s express their beliefs, has increasingly become the main private life. Worryingly, President Morsi of Egypt recently form of abuse. It is much harder to identify and document. said: However, and perhaps as a result, it can be the most “As long as the apostate keeps it to himself...he should not be pernicious and damaging to individuals and families. punished...However, someone who proclaims his apostasy in public, and calls for others to follow suit, is a danger to society...the Life in the family sphere suffers, particularly for those law and the shari’a intervene. who exercise their right to change religion. Hostility from the state or neighbours can place not only the He gave open expression and Government endorsement individual but their family under considerable pressure. to this restrictive practice. That social and religious pressure can occasionally lead Although the rise of radical Islamist groups has to pressure from within the family, with divorce and posed a particular threat to Christians, it is not the only death threats common after conversion. The right to threat. The Government in Eritrea, for example, have change religion is specifically protected by the wording banned all religious groups other than Orthodox, Catholic, of article 18. Reports that within the UN there is a Lutheran and Islamic groups, and other Christian believers reluctance to promote the freedom to change one’s are persecuted, often with the active co-operation of state- 61WH Persecution of Christians16 APRIL 2013 Persecution of Christians 62WH recognised Churches. It is estimated that up to 2,000 Naomi Long: I am afraid not. I have very little time Christians in the country are imprisoned for their faith, and I want to make another point. 31 of whom died in 2012. Attacks on churches are an assault not on an individual Despite the growing prevalence of squeeze persecution faith tradition, but on the rule of law, and, if a line is in the region, many people still suffer acts of violence not held by the Government in addressing that, confidence and aggression. Between November 2011 and October in the state and its ability to uphold the rule of law in 2012, Open Doors recorded 1,201 killings of Christians the face of pressure for all Egyptians will eventually be worldwide, of which 791 happened in Nigeria and 161 diminished. Statements confirming that the state takes in Iraq; 2,121 attacks on Christians, mainly in Nigeria, responsibility for safeguarding freedom and security for India, Syria, Kenya, Indonesia and Egypt; and, during all of its citizens and that it will investigate incidents are the same period, 280 churches or other Christian buildings welcome, but what would be more welcome would be were burned or destroyed. In that context, I want to action by the security forces and police to intervene focus briefly on the plight of Christians in Egypt. during such attacks and ensure that those responsible During the Mubarak regime, the differences between are brought to justice. The Egyptian state must employ Christians and Muslims were often used as part of a its security apparatus and judiciary in a non-discriminatory divide and conquer strategy. However, since that regime manner to protect all Egyptian citizens—Muslims and ended, there has been a resurgence of more radical Christians alike—and preserve their equal rights. Islamist groups and an increase in their representation Finally, I would like briefly to reference the 2012 in high-ranking Government positions from which they edition of the annual human rights and democracy persecute not only Christians, who are the largest religious report recently published by the Foreign and minority in Egypt, but other minority faith groups such Commonwealth Office. I welcome the open as Baha’is and Jews, as well as Muslim minorities such acknowledgement in the report of the growth of violence as Sufis and Shi’ites. against religious communities and the affirmation of Christian communities face bureaucratic hurdles when the right to freedom of belief, including the right to trying to build churches; there is no mechanism to allow share, change and teach others about one’s faith. I also citizens to change their religion to anything other than think that the restatement by the Foreign Secretary that Islam; and representation of Christians in state institutions such rights are not merely western constructs but are and Government bodies is negligible, and, at the highest universal is important and bears repeating. levels, absent. Since the uprising and the subsequent There is concern, however, that the sections on Somalia political and social unrest, Christians have increasingly and Yemen make no mention of religious freedom, witnessed the violation of their freedoms and face intensified implying that this is not a major human rights concern threats to their peace and security. These incidents in those countries, yet in both there is considerable include the burning and attacking of churches, the evidence of the persecution of Christians and, in particular, kidnapping of Christian girls, and attacks on peaceful of converts to Christianity. Similarly, the entries on marches, resulting in the loss of innocent lives. religious freedom for Sudan and Eritrea appear to be In one of the most significant incidents, 28 peaceful weak. Perhaps the Minister will be able to reflect on demonstrators at Maspero were killed in October 2011. those matters in his remarks. Most recently, the Coptic Orthodox patriarchate and In closing, the right to have a faith and to practise the main Christian cathedral in Cairo were attacked by that faith, both in private and in community with mobs and, disturbingly, the police were seen to do little, others, and to change one’s faith and not be disadvantaged if anything, either to stop the violence or to bring those or endangered for reason of one’s beliefs, are basic and responsible to justice. That incident is disturbing, not fundamental human rights that should apply universally. only because it is indicative of the rise in violent attacks These are also rights that, although established in on Christians, but because it demonstrates the continuing international law, remain under threat at national or lack of will shown by the authorities to deliver fair and local level. Where religious freedom is diminished, it is equal treatment under the law, not only to Egypt’s often accompanied by a generally unfavourable approach Christians, but to other minority faith groups. If the to the protection of other human rights and a lack of main cathedral can be attacked with apparent impunity, adherence to the rule of law and equal access to justice it prompts the question: what Church or individual is for all citizens, with wider implications for society. safe? I trust that continued focus on such matters in Parliament, whether through debates like this or through the work Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden) (Con): Having a of the all-party group, will send out a clear message that Coptic church in my constituency, I support absolutely religious persecution will not go unseen or unchallenged the case that the hon. Lady is making for better protection by the international community and that the cause of for Coptic Christians in Egypt. Does she agree that, religious freedom and freedom of conscience will have a following the Arab spring, we must urge the Government strong international advocate in the UK Government. to do all that they can to urge the new constitutions of those states to respect religious freedom? 4.39 pm Naomi Long: I absolutely agree and concur with all The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): I that has been said. It is hugely important that those congratulate the hon. Member for Belfast East (Naomi countries are restructured in a way that will increase Long) on securing the debate. The large attendance by progressive democracy in those nations. Members from all parts of the House for a half-hour Adjournment debate shows that her subject not only is Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): objectively important and significant in how we conduct Will the hon. Lady give way? our international policy in this country, but arouses 63WH Persecution of Christians16 APRIL 2013 Persecution of Christians 64WH

[Mr David Lidington] time in the Security Council. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, we have resisted occasional attempts in the UN powerful and continuing concern in all the political to return to language about defamation of religions, parties represented in the House. I am grateful to her which used to characterise some of the debate. With the for the way in which she presented her case and in agreement of the March 2011 resolution of the Human particular for her generous comments about the Foreign Rights Council, we have been able to move on to more and Commonwealth Office’s recently published human productive discussions of the issue; resolution 16/18 is rights report. not perfect, because it was a compromise to achieve As the hon. Lady said, an increase in persecution is consensus in the UN council, but it included not only a threatening the existence of Christianity in the very focus on combating religious intolerance, but key statements region of its birth, with many people feeling that they about protecting the human rights of minorities and have no choice but to flee to safe havens elsewhere. As promoting pluralism in society. We also continue to the excellent report from Open Doors made clear, violence, support strongly the work of the UN special rapporteur discrimination and systematic persecution threaten Christian on freedom of religion or belief, and we attach great communities in Africa, the middle east and certain importance to seeing his mandate renewed during the other countries around the world. The Government year. share many of the concerns expressed by the hon. Lady and in the Open Doors report. We condemn all instances Rehman Chishti: I thank the hon. Member for Belfast of violence and discrimination against individuals or East (Naomi Long) for securing this important debate. groups on the grounds of their religion, regardless of The Minister talked about the Government looking to the country or faith concerned. As the report rightly the UN and the Human Rights Council to take certain emphasised, our condemnation should extend not solely measures, but the United States has set up the US to the more extreme forms of suffering inflicted upon Commission on International Religious Freedom, which people because of their religion or belief, but to any and looks to set policy by having research done around the all forms of such discrimination. world. Will the United Kingdom be setting up a similar body? I assure hon. Members that we are fully committed to promoting and protecting freedom of religion or belief Mr Lidington: When the Government came to office, in its broadest sense, as defined in article 18 of the we set up a committee on human rights to advise the universal declaration of human rights, which was alluded Foreign Secretary. It brings together experts, including to by the hon. Lady. It is worth reminding ourselves of people who are committed to various religious faiths. It that central passage: provides a coherent and not unwieldy system for giving “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and such advice. It has had an impact on the thinking of the religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or Foreign Secretary and of my ministerial colleagues in belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, the FCO, so we are seeking to attain the same goal as practice, worship and observance.” the United States but have chosen a slightly different means to go about it. I assure the hon. Lady and the House that we take those words seriously. Jim Shannon: In my intervention on the hon. Member I want to respond directly and clearly to two of the for Belfast East (Naomi Long), I referred to the specific central points in the hon. Lady’s speech. The Government’s case of the 300,000 Christians in Syria. Will the Minister position is to condemn laws against so-called apostasy consider contacting the UN refugee agency to put forward and any Government policies anywhere in the world our case that those Christians are not receiving the aid that punish people for changing their religion or belief that they should receive through the UN or the Red voluntarily and freely, because that is at odds with the Cross because they are Christians? They want to be words of the universal declaration. Also, we accept neutral in the Syrian conflict and are persecuted as a completely that, when we talk about religious persecution result. and the human right to the free expression of religion and belief, we are talking about not only the private or Mr Lidington: If I understand the hon. Gentleman domestic sphere but, in our understanding, the freedom rightly, he is saying that the non-governmental organisations, to practice that religion openly and to make manifest including the International Committee of the Red Cross, one’s religious or other belief in the way that one are not providing aid as they ought to be on account of conducts one’s life. the Christian faith of some of the refugees. He is certainly levelling a serious charge. I will look into it Mr Andrew Smith (Oxford East) (Lab): I welcome the and write to him—with copies to the hon. Member for Minister’s commitment. He and the hon. Member for Belfast East and the Library—because I do not want to Belfast East (Naomi Long) rightly referred to the universal talk off the top of my head. declaration, but encouraging co-operation and respect for religious rights is also right there as a purpose of the Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): I congratulate United Nations in article 1 of its charter. Can he tell us the hon. Member for Belfast East (Naomi Long) on what specific steps the Government will be taking at the securing the debate. We have discussed the charter of UN to raise the issue up the international agenda in the the United Nations, but will the Minister join me in way that needs to happen? celebrating the fact that the Commonwealth charter published last year enshrined religious tolerance in articles Mr Lidington: We raise the subject repeatedly in the II and IV? Given the number of Commonwealth countries UN, at the Human Rights Council and in opportunities mentioned by the hon. Lady where issues with religious that we get in the General Assembly and from time to persecution continue, however, does he agree that there 65WH Persecution of Christians16 APRIL 2013 Persecution of Christians 66WH is more to do to ensure that the Commonwealth respects political party, the Freedom and Justice party. When he the spirit and the letter of the charter? went to Egypt again in March, he met the Anglican bishop and representatives of both local and international Mr Lidington: I agree completely that there is more to human rights groups there to hear their concerns and to do. As I hope to have time to explain, we seek to do ask what more the UK could do to support their things multilaterally and in our bilateral relationships activities. with various countries. The hon. Member for Belfast East asked what the Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Is there any link FCO was doing in practical terms and how we monitor between aid and this problem? the trends in religious discrimination. We require our Mr Lidington: Most of our aid is directed not embassies and high commissions around the world to Government to Government, but through non- monitor violations of the right to freedom of religion governmental organisations and charities. The Department or belief. We are clear that that freedom involves not for International Development, as I am sure my hon. only the right to hold personal thoughts, but to manifest Friend knows, has published a set of principles about them individually and collectively.We provide our missions the partnership that exists between DFID and faith overseas with what in the jargon we call a toolkit—a set groups both in the United Kingdom and worldwide. of detailed monitoring criteria—to help staff at our That sets out a number of principles for co-operation in embassies and high commissions to analyse in detail the delivering aid, sometimes through faith groups that are many potential manifestations of discrimination on the really close to the people in greatest need in developing grounds of freedom of religion or belief, including countries, and to ensure that aid is distributed in a way discrimination in access to education and employment, that takes no account of religious belief and is not or other administrative or legal restrictions on groups, affected by discrimination of the sort the House would buildings or individuals. condemn. I shall move on from that general point to some of The hon. Member for Belfast East mentioned Kenya. the countries to which the hon. Lady alluded. I apologise We recognise that there has been an increase in attacks to hon. Members that I will not have time to go through against churches, but I caution the House that although them all, but I will write to her about the other countries the conflict in Somalia has of course a religious dimension, that she mentioned and will place a copy of the letter in it might be argued that what we saw in Kenya was an the Library. attack prompted by political concern at the intervention The hon. Lady spoke particularly about Egypt for of Kenyan troops in Somalia rather than purely sectarian much of her speech. We have been clear that we need to terrorist attacks. It is not only churches that have been speak up in public comments and private conversations attacked, but many secular locations from bus stations with the Egyptian Government about the importance to bars. There has been a spate of grenade and armed of religious toleration and mutual respect. When my attacks in Nairobi suburbs, Mombasa and the north-east noble Friend Baroness Warsi visited Cairo in February, province of Garissa. We are working with the Kenyan she met both Pope Tawadros II, leader of the Coptic authorities to respond effectively to those security challenges Church, and the Sheikh Al-Azhar, Dr Ahmed el-Tayeb, and the threat of terrorism from extremist groups in to discuss minorities in Egypt. Somalia. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and In Syria, we are increasing our support to the Syrian Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member National Coalition and other opposition groups that for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), spoke out are opposed to extremism. We want to support moderate strongly condemning the violent clashes that took place opposition groups to boost their appeal and effectiveness outside St Mark’s Coptic cathedral on 7 April. He also over extremists. We have encouraged opposition groups, commented that freedom of religion and belief is a vital especially the National Coalition, to ensure that their component of a democratic society and that the security policies for a future Syria are genuinely inclusive and forces should act effectively to uphold those freedoms cover the interests of all Syrian minorities, including to express and practise religious belief. My hon. Friend Christians. John Wilkes, the UK special representative went to Egypt in January and discussed our concerns to the Syrian opposition, is in regular touch with the about the protection of minorities, including Christians Syrian Churches and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s and women, when he met the Muslim Brotherhood’s office here. 67WH 16 APRIL 2013 Nursery Funding 68WH

Nursery Funding Sunshine Day nursery in Huntington and Tiddlywinks in Osbaldwick. I must also mention an excellent visit to Polly Anna’s nursery in Haxby. Having met, on several 4.55 pm occasions, the owner of Polly Anna’s, and having talked Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): It is a privilege, at length with the owners of the other three excellent Mr Dobbin, to serve under your chairmanship this nurseries that I mentioned, it is absolutely clear to me afternoon for what I think is the first time. It is also a that the tremendous work that is carried out across privilege to debate the important issue of nursery funding. York’s nurseries—I assume that that is exactly the same As all parents, grandparents, foster carers and indeed across the country—is increasingly under threat as a anyone involved with young children know, child care direct result of funding issues. funding has been a contentious issue for some years. The shortfall in funding is due, first, to the free Indeed, over the past few years, the price of child care entitlement funding provided by the Government. Free has risen by more than twice the rate of inflation, entitlement consists of 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of despite average earnings falling back to 2003 levels. the year and is funded through the dedicated schools As ever, a quick glance at the relevant evidence illustrates grant, with an estimated total spend of £1.9 million a the sheer scale of the problems faced by our nurseries, year. However, there is great disparity across the country not only in my patch in York, but throughout the in how much is spent on child care by individual local country.More than 600,000 children use the 15,000 nurseries authorities, and therein lies a big part of the problem. in the UK, 80% of which are in the private, voluntary and The National Audit Office found that free entitlement independent sector, employing more than 200,000 people. varied from £2.78 to £5.18 an hour, with the national However, occupancy in nurseries has fallen to 71% as average placed at £3.95 by each local authority. My parents continue to struggle to pay their child care costs. constituency receives only £3.38 an hour from the City That in turn leaves nurseries struggling to survive as of York council. I have had many discussions with the local businesses. council about that figure, but sadly, to no avail. One of the main reasons for the continuing rise in With regards to the extension of free entitlement to child care costs is nursery providers having to cross-subsidise disadvantaged two-year-olds, the Department for Education the Government’s free entitlement funding. They do so announced an average funding rate of £5.09 an hour to by increasing the fees they charge to families outside the try and counteract the disparity, but that has unfortunately free hours and to those not eligible for funding. The only led local authorities that were funding more to Government are the biggest procurer of nursery places, immediately reduce their rates in an apparent race but they are, alas, among the worst culprits when it to the bottom. I appreciate that local authorities need comes to paying for the places they procure. The National to be held directly accountable for their decisions, but I Day Nurseries Association is a charity that represents would be grateful for the Minister’s views on local children’s day nurseries throughout the UK, and recently authorities that seek to spend the bare minimum on announced that 84% of nurseries claim that the funding nursery funding. The sad truth of the matter is that they receive does not cover their operational costs. That many child care providers receive low levels of funding is worrying. In fact, the average shortfall for free entitlement for every child under the Government’s free entitlement hours is around £547 per child per year, which is a scheme, which results in nurseries running at a loss. substantial amount in total. Therefore, they have to increase the price of child care It is important to highlight the fact that local nurseries outside the free entitlement hours and of child care for are also local businesses and, like every other business, those to whom the free entitlement is not applicable to they need sufficient cash flow at all times to keep going. make up for the shortfall. They cannot charge at the It is already apparent that the status quo represents a moment for any top-up on those 15 free hours to bring serious problem and is extremely unfair not only for it back to break-even levels. nurseries that are struggling to cover the cost of the The coalition Government know that something has so-called free entitlement, but for families who are to be done about that, which is why the Under-Secretary being forced to pay increased child care prices to subsidise of State for Education, my hon. Friend the hon. Member the Government’s free places. for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss), who has Before I go further, I am sure that all hon. Members responsibility for child care, released her report “More in the Chamber agree that child care is extremely important great childcare” on 29 January. The report sets out her and offers families, especially women, the opportunity plan of action on how the Government will achieve to resume their career after having children, a choice their vision of an exceptional child care market that that is welcomed by some and, unfortunately, a necessity consistently delivers high-quality early years education—a for many. Quality child care can make a significant noble ambition. However, although the report has produced difference to children’s development, instilling many some good ideas on child care funding, it is mainly important qualities such as communication among their concerned with reducing bureaucracy, rather than tackling peers, independence away from their parents, and learning hard financial problems. Changing the staff-to-child to interact positively. ratio is another welcome proposal, and those steps will Sadly however, much of the debate about child care ultimately result in a more efficient and more respected provision focuses on cost, which has had an increasingly early years sector. However, I believe that the proposals negative impact on parents, with many believing that could go further. child care is simply too expensive, ruling out the option Considering that staff costs, on average, are at least of returning to work or building a career. Since my election 70% of the running costs of nurseries, there is real to Parliament in 2010, I have had the privilege of concern that any savings that could be made through visiting a number of local nurseries in my constituency, the staff-to-child ratio will go towards increasing staff such as, to name a few, Little Green Rascals near Elvington, pay and training. To my mind, that is completely 69WH Nursery Funding16 APRIL 2013 Nursery Funding 70WH understandable and the right thing to do. Nurseries would be extended to 15 hours a week and that it would must invest in their staff; by doing so, they are investing reach the most vulnerable families who stand to benefit in their businesses, because the nursery staff are their from it most. business. However, that does not solve the problem of There are still several problems, however, when it child care costs. Currently, only one in three nurseries comes to distributing the free entitlement to the providers. break even, which is a serious problem that is likely to For instance, a lot of fraud and error still exists in the get worse. tax credit system, with £265 million being lost from the However, laying the blame for such a situation at the child care element of working tax credit. Many nurseries door of the coalition Government would be short-sighted. are also not informed if parents are in receipt of the In the past 12 years, the value of free entitlement per child care element of working tax credit, which means hour has increased by approximately 33%, while at the that levels of parental debt are increasing, as the designated same time, minimum wages have increased by at least funding is not passed on. One nursery in my constituency double that. With an industry that has such high staff has told me that its level of bad debt has gone up costs, that lack of funding has been keenly felt, so it is ninefold this year, and sadly for many, that is unsustainable. my hope that today’s debate will conclude with the Consequently, direct funding to the provider could solve Minister proceeding to urge the Government to review a number of problems, and I would be interested in the their current funding sooner rather than later. In an Minister’s views on that. ideal world, that would enable nurseries to stop increasing Overall, the purpose of today’s debate was to raise the price of child care for those outside the free 15 hours the issue of nursery funding with the Minister and and also to children not eligible for the entitlement. hopefully manage to strike a chord. However, I will finish by asking whether the Minister or his colleague I appreciate, however, that the Government cannot will meet me and some local nursery representatives afford to tackle every issue and reduce the vast deficit from York to discuss the issue that they face directly. It simultaneously. I understand the financial situation, the is important that the Department hears directly from struggles of the Government, and the difficult decisions the nurseries that are so affected at the moment—as I that they must make. Nevertheless, I strongly believe say, the purpose of such a meeting would be to discuss that ignoring the problem will only result in the price of the problems surrounding nursery funding. I hope that child care increasing further. It could even be argued through this speech I have managed to convince the that the status quo will adversely affect the wider economy Minister to review the existing funding system and over the longer term. After all, although the Government arrangements from the perspective of the nurseries, in provide significant public funding in recognition of the relation to child care and the long-term sustainability of value of child care, complicated and inefficient funding our nurseries, not only in York, but across the country. mechanisms are often used that result in much of the funding not reaching the providers, and therefore, families are unaware of their entitlement. 5.9 pm On top of that, occupancy in nurseries has fallen to The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): It is a 71%, as parents can no longer afford to keep their pleasure to serve under your chairmanship again, children in early years education for long periods of Mr Dobbin. I apologise for the fact that you have had to time. If local authorities fail to cough up adequate listen to me twice on different subjects this afternoon. funding from central Government, there is a real danger I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for York that nurseries will continue to suffer from under-occupancy, Outer (Julian Sturdy) on securing a debate on such an leading to closures and creating local unemployment. important issue. It is of great relevance not only in his In the two years leading up to September 2011, official constituency, but, as he explained very clearly and ably, figures highlight the fact that more than 700 nurseries throughout the country. He explained concisely and have closed. I fear that the Treasury will lose out over effectively the concerns that providers, including those the long term if it fails to work with the Minister’s in his constituency, have about the funding of early Department to rectify the funding deficit now. education and their determination to ensure that we have a rational funding system that gets adequate amounts I have discussed the idea of more funding for free of money through to the front line to do the vital job entitlement places. However, I have also touched on the that he referred to. possibility of altering the allocation of such funding, I apologise to my hon. Friend for the fact that the which could involve, at little extra cost, the removal of Under-Secretary of State for Education, my hon. Friend local authorities as the middlemen in the funding the Member for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss), entitlement. That is an important point to bear in mind, who leads on child care, is not able to be with us in the because nurseries up and down the country understand debate. She is abroad today. She passes on her apologies that the Government cannot just throw money at the to my hon. Friend the Member for York Outer and has sector. We are living in hard economic times. However, indicated to me that she would be happy to meet him as I have previously stated, I believe that the cost of to discuss these issues with him and anyone he wants to doing nothing will be far greater. bring along from his constituency, so I hope he will take The Government previously introduced reforms to up that opportunity directly. every local authority back in 2011, as it was thought My hon. Friend has raised a number of important that nursery funding was inconsistent and patchy across issues that I should like to deal with directly. Those the country, with too many children, particularly from issues are reflected in many of the recent debates on disadvantaged families, not accessing any or all of their how to ensure high-quality and affordable child care free nursery hours. Consequently, it was announced throughout the country. I am therefore grateful for the that the free entitlement for three and four-year-olds opportunity to deal with the points that he has raised, 71WH Nursery Funding16 APRIL 2013 Nursery Funding 72WH

[Mr David Laws] cases, they do not know what funding decisions local authorities reach—I am talking about many of the which will be of concern to other hon. Members and people in their areas. Given how providers are affected to many people who rely on this industry and who work by those decisions, that cannot be right, so the Government in it. are changing it through the reforms that we have announced. I should like also to outline some of the reforms that Working with a number of provider groups, the we have made and are in the process of making, and the Department now publishes financial benchmarking data further reforms that we plan for free early years annually. Those data show simply and clearly the funding education—some of the other reforms that my hon. decisions taken by local authorities across the country. Friend the Under-Secretary has announced recently. It Importantly, too, the data enable providers to compare is important to locate the reforms within the broader decisions across local areas. A system of effective local vision for child care and early years education as a decision making relies on active local accountability, whole, which was championed so effectively by her in and we are giving providers the information that they the paper entitled “More great childcare”. As my hon. need to exercise that accountability. However, we want Friend the Member for York Outer mentioned, the to go further, and the recent two-year-olds early education Government published that document in January. It funding allocation shows how that might be possible. sets out an ambitious vision for child care and early As my hon. Friend said, the Government are expanding education to ensure that we provide the best start for early education to two-year-olds from lower-income young children and help those parents who want to go households. That starts with the most disadvantaged into employment to have the child care that they need in 20% of two-year-olds, which is about 130,000 children— a flexible and affordable way. The vision is to create a dynamic and thriving child 5.16 pm care sector in which the emphasis is firmly on quality Sitting suspended for a Division in the House. and which draws upon international evidence of what works best. “More great childcare” is clear that, to 5.24 pm achieve that vision, we need a child care profession that On resuming— attracts the best possible staff to work in it and to lead it. Those people should have a passion for what they do, Mr Laws: The Government are expanding early but, importantly, they must also be highly trained and education to two-year-olds, particularly focusing on highly qualified, which has not always been the case. lower-income households. That starts with the most disadvantaged 20% of two-year-olds—about 130,000 We need to give providers the flexibility that they children—in September this year. From September 2014, need to deliver the best for children and, by doing so, it will be extended to 40% of children—260,000 in total. create more affordable, better-quality early education That ambition is matched by significant new investment. and care, which will help children and ensure that National funding to support the initiative will reach parents can feel confident about returning to work. £760 million in 2014-15. The Government also allocated Alongside that, we are working with Ofsted, as my hon. £100 million of capital funding to local authorities in Friend will know, to create a system of regulation and November last year to support delivery of the new inspection that has high expectations of quality and entitlement. That real opportunity for providers will that ensures that the quality improvements that the inject a great deal more money into the child care Government aspire to are delivered on the ground. system. We need to free providers from unnecessary bureaucracy Funding for two-year-olds is not encumbered by the and give them more flexibility to focus on what makes a complexities and historical problems that affect schools difference in improving the impact of early learning on more widely and early years funding. The new two-year-olds children, not least those from disadvantaged backgrounds, entitlement has enabled the Government to put into for whom early intervention is particularly important. practice their ambitions for transparency and simplicity We need to improve the effectiveness of those who work in early education funding. In November last year, the every day with young children to build a stronger, more Government allocated the first £525 million to local professional work force, giving providers greater flexibility authorities for two-year-olds early education in 2013-14. to invest in high-calibre staff, as well as overhauling the For the first time, the Department was able to publish existing early years qualifications. details of how much every local authority is allocated. “More great childcare” also explained how the It could point to an average national hourly rate that Government propose to reform funding for early education. underpinned the allocations. That hourly rate should The high-level objectives are clear: simplification, greater translate into attractive rates for providers locally. The transparency and ensuring that as much funding as national average rate of £5.09 per hour compares favourably possible reaches the front line. The responsibility for with the £4.13 that the Daycare Trust found in its 2012 distributing early education funding rests, of course, child care costs survey, which providers are charging with local authorities, which should know their local parents per hour. In fact, £5.09 still compares favourably child care markets. Most visibly for nurseries, that role to the £4.26 per hour in its recently published 2013 means setting hourly rates through the early years single survey. funding formula. I was interested to hear my hon. Friend say that there My hon. Friend also highlighted a weakness in the was evidence that some local authorities might not be early education funding system—the lack of transparency. funding properly at the full rate. The Government were Some providers have concerns that local authorities do clear that they wanted local authorities to pass on the not always pass on enough of the funding that they new two-year-olds funding in full at the hourly rate. The receive from Government, but, by extension, they find Department does not recognise the problem of local the funding system hard to understand. In too many authorities not passing on the rate in full, but we will 73WH Nursery Funding16 APRIL 2013 Nursery Funding 74WH collect data on the hourly rates and publish them as propose two reforms to how local authorities retain soon as possible, and the point that he made today will funding. First, we propose a new definition specifying reinforce that. It will enable providers and others to see what authorities can and cannot retain funding for. In exactly what rates local authorities are funding at and “More great childcare”, the Government were clear to challenge local authorities where there is a discrepancy that the role of local authorities in early education between the rates that we are funding at nationally and should be refocused on tackling disadvantage to ensure the rates on the ground. If he has any further evidence that all children can experience high-quality early education. on that from his area, we would be delighted to see it. In other areas, the local authority role should be more My hon. Friend explained with great clarity the concern limited. For example, the Government want Ofsted to of many nurseries that local authorities hold back too be the sole arbiter of quality in early years, rather than much of the funding allocated by Government. In replicating the job that local authorities have done in 2012-13, the latest year for which we have data, local the past. authorities retained centrally £160 million out of total Secondly, we are seeking views on percentage limits dedicated schools grant spending of £2.1 billion. That on how much of their early years budget authorities masked great variations, however, with many retaining may retain for those purposes. We will take into account little or nothing. Let me be clear: some central spending fully the views of providers responding to the consultation. by local authorities is important in, and indeed critical The Government also want a simple and clear funding to, delivering the Government’s vision of early education offer, so that nurseries know and understand the funding transforming the life chances of many children. Central that they receive and bureaucracy is kept to an absolute spending is often used to purchase, for example, specialist minimum. We are consulting on proposals to simplify help for providers working with children with special and rationalise the early years single funding formula. educational needs or other additional educational needs From that, I am confident that we will put in place to help them to access early education. Such spending is changes to introduce a simpler and less burdensome frequently welcomed by providers and must continue. system of funding. I have already touched on the Equally, in the current economic climate, we must complexities and historical problems of early education ensure that every penny is being used effectively. For funding for three and four-year-olds. The changes will 2013-14, we introduced, for the first time, the requirement resolve those problems. I hope that my hon. Friend will that local authorities must secure schools forum approval take up the opportunity to meet my hon. Friend the for centrally retained early years spending. That gives Under-Secretary further to develop the points he made power back to local providers, but we want to go so powerfully today. further. Question put and agreed to. As my hon. Friend knows, the Government are consulting on reforming the local authority role in free 5.30 pm early education. In that consultation, the Government Sitting adjourned.

25WS Written Ministerial Statements16 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 26WS

Written Ministerial Applicant A2 Dominion Housing Statements Blackswan Property Bouygues Development Bovis Homes Tuesday 16 April 2013 Broomleigh Regeneration Carillion-Igloo Carpenter Investments CCURV LLP COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Chestnut Homes Clearstorm Climate Energy Homes Private Rented Sector Countryside x 2 Crest Nicholson CS Capital Partners The Minister for Housing (Mr Mark Prisk): Helping Derwentside Homes the construction industry into a sustainable recovery Evenbrook Capital is key to the overall economic recovery of the country. Genesis Housing Association As part of an impressive large-scale housing package, Geronimo the Chancellor increased the build to rent fund from Grainger £200 million to £1 billion in Budget 2013. This will Greenwich Peninsula provide much needed development finance to house builders Housing Solutions and developers building new homes for market rent. Hurst Street Today, I can announce to the House the first projects Inland Homes we will be taking forward. These 45 bids provide strong Keepmoat investment propositions which will move forward for Kier Project Investment competitive clarification and due diligence. We expect YH Residential these projects to receive a share of up to £700 million as Lendlease they go under contract to deliver up to 10,000 new Lovell Partnerships homes. A further bidding round for additional projects LPC Living is expected to open later this year. Mill Group These projects represent a wide range of innovative Mount Anvil models including new delivery partnerships and building Muse Developments design, and will provide a good spread across England, Network Housing Group with around one quarter in London. We will be working Notting Hill Housing with a range of developers and house builders of varying Orbit Homes 2020 sizes. This includes well-established organisations, as Persimmon Homes well as new players. PlaceFirst x 2 For many of the projects we are not taking forward at Plus Dane this stage, advice will be offered by the newly created Quintain Estates expert private rented sector taskforce who will work Regeneration with bidders to support them in refining proposals for Relta future viable investment. The private rented sector expert South Yorkshire Housing Association taskforce is headed by Andrew Stanford, former head Taylor Wimpey of Cluttons Residential. Further team members join the department this month and they include: Julian D’Arcy of Kirkby Capital, a former regional chairman and proprietary partner at Knight Frank. Joanna Embling, a property consultant and chartered surveyor, ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS specialising in urban redevelopment and a former equity partner at Cushman Wakefield. Tracey Hartley, a specialist asset manager for large-scale Correction to Parliamentary Question: Nappy Disposal residential landlord Grainger plc. Dominic Martin, senior analyst at EC Harris and a qualified surveyor. TheParliamentaryUnder-Secretaryof StateforEnvironment, Work continues to get the housing guarantees up and Food and Rural Affairs (Richard Benyon): My written running. Bidding has closed for delivery of the guarantees, answer of 1 February 2013 to question 134856 from my and we will be announcing the arrangements later, in hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (John Glen), May. Further details are available at: Official Report, column 988W, seeking estimates on nappy recycling at Knowaste, contained information https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/improving- that was incorrect on both the number of used nappies the-rented-housing-sector--2/supporting-pages/private- previously sent for recycling at that facility, and the rented-sector. number estimated to be sent in the future. It also therefore Projects being taken forward to competitive clarification incorrectly reported the percentage of nappies processed and due diligence stage: at the Knowaste facility as a proportion of the overall 27WS Written Ministerial Statements16 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 28WS number of nappies thrown away in the UK. The answer Dangerous Dogs was based on information which was available to the Department at the time. Information recently provided to DEFRA by Knowaste The Minister of State, Department for Environment, indicates that 5,920 tonnes of nappies were treated at Food and Rural Affairs (Mr David Heath): On 9 April, Knowaste between 11 September 2011 and 31 March DEFRA published a draft Bill amending the Dangerous 2012. The estimated projected throughput of nappies Dogs Act 1991 for pre-legislative scrutiny by the EFRA between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2013 and 1 April Committee. 2013 and 31 March 2014 is 13,000 tonnes and 26,000 tonnes The proposed amendments to the 1991 Act will extend respectively. These figures were correctly reported in the the law to make it an offence for a dog to be dangerously original answer to the question. out of control in any place, including all private property. The error was due to the figures being calculated The provisions make it explicit that a dog attack on an using an incorrect estimate of the average weight per assistance dog, for example a guide dog for the blind or used nappy. Therefore, based on the correct estimated deaf, will be an aggravated offence. The changes will average weight of 230 grams per used nappy, the average also make clear that the courts should take into account number of nappies processed at Knowaste was 25.7 million the character of the owner or keeper as well as the between 11 September 2011 and 31 March 2012. Using temperament of the dog along with any other circumstances this same estimated weight, the estimated average number when deciding whether a dog poses a danger to public of nappies that will be processed by Knowaste between safety. 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2013 is 56.4 million, and The Government are determined to tackle irresponsible between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014, 113 million. dog ownership and promote more responsible ownership Based on the Nappy Alliance’s 2008 estimate that with a range of measures and proposals. The two clauses around 3 billion nappies are disposed of annually, Knowaste in the draft Bill I have published propose important processed an estimated 0.85% of the UK market between changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and are one 11 September 2011 and 31 March 2012. The estimated element of the Government’s plans to address this issue. percentage of the UK market that will be processed by The Government’s statement on tackling irresponsible Official Report Knowaste between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2013, dog ownership on 6 February 2013, , and 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014, is 1.88% and column 15WS, set out the detail of other areas where we 3.74% respectively. are taking action, including the compulsory microchipping of all dogs in England by 6 April 2016, the provision of a set of flexible powers and tools for police and local authorities to tackle irresponsible dog ownership in the context of antisocial behaviour and work with the Wild Animals in Circuses animal welfare charities to tackle irresponsible advertising of pets on the internet. The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr David Heath): I have today published a draft Wild Animals in Circuses Bill for HOME DEPARTMENT pre-legislative scrutiny. In line with previous ministerial written statements European Arrest Warrants: Data on 1 March 2012, Official Report, column 41WS, and 12 July 2012, Official Report, column 43WS, we are today fulfilling our commitment to publish draft legislation The Secretary of State for the Home Department this parliamentary Session that sets out a ban on the use (Mrs Theresa May): I have been informed by the chair of wild animals in travelling circuses in England. of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) that it Wild animals, for the purposes of the draft Bill, are has identified an error in the way in which the agency defined as any animal belonging to a kind that is not has captured and reported the number of outgoing normally domesticated in Great Britain. (part 3) European arrest warrants (EAW) that have The Government have already introduced the Welfare been issued since 2009-10. The chair of SOCA has of Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (England) assured me that there is no evidence to suggest that this Regulations 2012 to safeguard the welfare of wild animals error in data capture has had any operational impact on still in use in travelling circuses in England. the way in which EAWs have been processed by SOCA, or any other part of the criminal justice system, or The draft Bill makes it an offence for any circus therefore on public protection. operator to use a wild animal in performance or exhibition What it does mean, however, is that some answers to in a travelling circus in England. The Government parliamentary questions, and other reports to Parliament, propose to give circus operators until 1 December 2015 will have been inaccurate and I wanted to make this to remove any wild animals from their circus before the clear to this House at an early opportunity and, reflecting offence comes into force. the seriousness with which I regard this matter, set out This “grace period” is to allow operators of travelling the steps I am taking to ensure that this does not circuses a reasonable period of time to adapt their happen in future. businesses and organise suitable care arrangements for This error in capturing data was identified as a result their wild animals. of processes undertaken by SOCA in moving to a new Copies of the draft Bill are available in the Vote case management system. In order to ensure that any Office. revised figures are completely accurate, I have asked 29WS Written Ministerial Statements16 APRIL 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 30WS

HM chief inspector of constabulary (HMCIC) to undertake study, and that the Department for Work and Pensions an audit not only of data for part 3 (outgoing) cases will make a further investment of up to £38 million in collected since 2009-10 but of data for part 1 (incoming) credit unions to March 2015. This investment will be cases over the same time period, a process which SOCA conditional upon the credit union industry meeting a has already set in train, so that I am in a position to number of agreed milestones for collaboration, correct quickly any misleading information which has modernisation and expansion, and to deliver this expansion been given to Parliament. I want also to test the assurance in a way that makes them financially sustainable. I have been given about operational impact and public protection. We are now able to announce that following a procurement exercise, the contract has been awarded to I have also asked HMCIC to assure me that the new the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd (ABCUL). case information management system (CIMS) will provide accurate data so that this House can, in future, have The high-level objectives are to enable credit unions confidence in the data it is given by my Department in joining the project to: increase access to financial services this area. to at least 500,000 more people on low incomes by March I have agreed with HMCIC that this work will be 2015 and a total of at least 1 million more people by completed as soon as possible and by the middle of March 2019; and to reduce their costs and become May at the latest. I will then update this House with the financially sustainable by March 2015, thus eliminating accurate figures and the necessary assurances about the need for further Government funding of credit the CIMS system. This will include providing a list of unions after that date. The project will provide access to parliamentary questions and other reports where the affordable credit, bank and savings accounts, and save inaccurate information has been provided. consumers up to £1 billion in loan interest repayments by March 2019. WORK AND PENSIONS The feasibility study also showed that at present even the biggest credit unions struggle to meet the operating Credit Unions costs of making small loans to people on lower incomes. Therefore, in addition to our investment in modernisation and expansion, HM Treasury has consulted on raising The Minister of State, Department for Work and the cap on the interest rate that credit unions are Pensions (Steve Webb): The Government have previously permitted to charge on loans from 2% to 3% per month, announced that we will work with credit unions on supporting credit unions to achieve financial sustainability ways in which the future progress of this sector can best and reach a wider range of customers. The consultation be supported. period is now complete and HM Treasury is considering On 27 June 2012, it was announced that the Government the responses received and plan to provide a Government will take forward the findings of the Department for response this summer with any changes on the rate cap Work and Pensions credit union expansion project feasibility coming into effect from April 2014.

1P Petitions16 APRIL 2013 Petitions 2P

Wellingborough, Northamptonshire and the surrounding Petition areas to make representations on the draft document prior to submission of the Local Plan to the Planning Tuesday 16 April 2013 Inspectorate for independent examination. The purpose of the independent examination is set OBSERVATIONS out at section 20 (5) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The role of the Inspector is to assess whether the plan has been prepared in accordance with relevant legal requirements, and whether it is sound. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT For a plan to be found sound it must be positively Development of Greenfield land prepared, justified, legally compliant and consistent (Irchester, Northamptonshire) with national policies. At the Examination stage the local authorities involved will also need to demonstrate TheHumblePetitionof residentsof Irchester,Wellingborough, how it has appropriately considered the views of local Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas, people; and demonstrate that the proposals are based Sheweth, that any proposed residential development on robust evidence. It is the role of the independent on Green Field sites, outside the village boundary policy inspector to assess the soundness of Local Plans, not line, would put a great strain on Irchester’s infrastructure for central Government. and have a huge damaging impact on the local environment. Furthermore, the Secretary of State is aware that an Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable Independent Inspector has been appointed to consider House requests the Secretary of State for Communities an appeal against the refusal of planning permission by and Local Government to urge the Northamptonshire Wellingborough District Council for residential development County Council, the Borough Council of Wellingborough in Irchester. The case is currently being considered by and the Parish Council of Irchester to ensure that no the Planning Inspectorate and in coming to a decision such development takes place. the Inspector will give careful consideration to the And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever planning merits of the case, having regard to existing pray, &c.—[Presented by Mr Peter Bone, Official Report, Local Plan policies, national planning policy and other 19 June 2012; Vol. 546, c. 837.] material considerations. The Inspector will visit the site to familiarise themselves with the location and its [P001098] surroundings. They will weigh all the arguments and Observations from the Secretary of State for Communities evidence presented by the parties very carefully, consider and Local Government; Received 28 March 2013: the likely effect of the proposed development on the North Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit is in surrounding area, and take into account the views of the process of producing a Core Strategy. It is due to the local planning authority and local residents before publish a draft Local Plan for consultation shortly and reaching a decision to allow or dismiss an appeal. While during the consultation period any person may make Planning Inspectors may decide to uphold appeals, this representations on the proposals that it contains (in does not mean that they have disregarded the views of accordance with section 20 (1) of the Town and Country the local authority or local residents—rather that they Planning (Local Planning) Regulations 2012). This stage have attributed different weight to the issues in coming provides the opportunity for the residents of Irchester, to their decision.

175W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 176W

HMRC publishes betting and gaming duty revenue Written Answers to collected in the betting, gaming and lottery bulletin: https://www.uktradeinfo.com/Statistics/Pages/ Questions TaxAndDutyBulletins.aspx Business: Loans Monday 15 April 2013 Toby Perkins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review the potential mis-selling of fixed rate loans through the provision of mis-leading information TREASURY on their breakage costs. [150854] [Continued from Column 174W] Sajid Javid: The Financial Conduct Authority is currently Air Passenger Duty undertaking a review into the mis-selling of interest rate hedging products. The banks concerned have committed Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to completing these reviews within six months. what assessment he has made of the effect of an Debts: Developing Countries increased rate of air passenger duty on tourist revenues to the UK. [150675] Rushanara Ali: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid: I refer the hon. Member to the answer what proportion of expenditure on official development provided on 11 March 2013, Official Report, column assistance he expects to be attributable to debt cancellation 34W. in (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14. [150577] Alcoholic Drinks: Prices Greg Clark: Debt cancelation accounted for 0.72% of official development assistance in 2012 according to Ian Austin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer provisional figures. The Government does not publish what assessment he has made of the effect that a debt relief forecasts as they are estimates and could minimum unit price for alcohol would have on the prejudice the UK’s policy stance to the countries involved. amount of duty paid on alcohol. [150848] Debts: East Africa Sajid Javid: The Government’s consultation on the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol of Rushanara Ali: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 45p has recently closed. The consultation stage impact whether he expects debt cancellation for Sudan and assessment sets out the impacts of a 45p minimum unit Zimbabwe to contribute to official development assistance price—this is available on the Home Office website. expenditure by 2013-14. [150579] The estimate of the impact on Exchequer revenue will be developed further based on the consultation Greg Clark: The Government made provision for feedback. debt relief for both Sudan and Zimbabwe during the 2010 spending review. The Government does not publish Banks: Loans debt relief forecasts as they are estimates and could prejudice the UK’s policy stance to the countries involved. Naomi Long: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of the European Investment Bank Funding For Lending scheme in Northern Ireland. [150832] Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to page 130 of the Office for Budget Greg Clark: The Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) Responsibility publication, Economic and fiscal was launched to boost bank lending to UK households outlook, March 2013, for what reasons the UK’s and non-financial businesses. The UK Government is contribution to the European Investment Bank has committed to help Northern Irish businesses grow and been reclassified for accounting purposes; when that will continue to work hard to support the Northern decision was taken; and who made that decision. Irish economy, including in the area of bank lending. [150665]

Betting Shops: Taxation Greg Clark: The UK’s contribution to the European Investment Bank has not been reclassified for accounting Ian Lavery: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer purposes. In the Economic and Fiscal Outlook, the how much (a) general betting duty, (b) gaming Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is referring to a machine duty, (c) VAT, (d) corporation tax, (e) other change in assumption about the classification of spending taxes and (f) horseracing and greyhound levies were that the reserve would be used to fund. Before autumn paid by operators of licensed betting offices in the 2011 statement 5 December 2012, Official Report, columns financial year. [150407] 871-882, the OBR assumed all of the reserve would be used to fund spending that affects the deficit. However, Sajid Javid: A breakdown of general betting duty, since autumn statement they have correctly assumed machine gaming duty, VAT, corporation tax, other taxes that £1.3 billion of the reserve in 2012-13 is used to fund and horseracing and greyhound levies paid by operators the UK’s contribution to increasing the paid-in capital of licensed betting offices is not available. of the European Investment Bank, as was agreed at 177W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 178W the European Council of 28 and 29 June 2012. This Number, age and gender of underpaid workers. contribution is classified as a financial transaction, and The period and amount of the arrears. does not affect the deficit. The type of work that the worker is doing e.g. time work, The details of this payment were set out in paragraph output, salaried or unmeasured. 2.45 of the 2012 autumn statement document. Amount of any penalty charge. Standard Industry Code relating to the trade of the employer. Gift Aid Whether advice has been provided on record-keeping. Alun Cairns: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Paul Burstow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he has given to reviewing the length how many fines have been imposed for non-compliance of the process for charities to register for Gift Aid to with national minimum wage rules in each of the last reflect modern technologies and fundraising routes. five years; and if he will make a statement. [150720] [150190]

Sajid Javid: Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Mr Gauke: Prior to 6 April 2009, HM Revenue and (HMRC) is launching a new Charities Online service on Customs (HMRC) issued penalty notices to those employers 22 April. This will enable charities to file their Gift Aid who failed to comply, within 28 days, with an enforcement claims online. The service will be extended later this notice. A new enforcement regime, introduced in April year to allow organisations to also apply online to 2009 saw the introduction of automatic penalties for HMRC for recognition for charitable tax purposes. employers who are found to have underpaid their workers. Charities will benefit from an easier process for claiming The numbers of penalty charges made from that date Gift Aid and a reduction in administrative burdens. are in the following table: Gift Aid: Brigg Financial year Number of penalties charged 2009-10 480 Andrew Percy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 2010-11 937 how many charities registered in Brigg and Goole 2011-12 906 constituency have applied for Gift Aid in each of the 2012-13 (to date) 701 last five years; and how much such charities have received through Gift Aid in each such year. [150596] Mortgages: Government Assistance Sajid Javid: HM Revenue and Customs does not separately identify Gift Aid claims by regions of the Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if UK. he will estimate the number of people likely to benefit Amounts of tax repaid to charities in the UK on from the proposed Help to Buy scheme in each (a) donations under Gift Aid are published in Table 10.1 on nation and (b) region; and how many such beneficiaries the HMRC website at: are in each income decile. [150247] http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/charity.htm In 2011-12 a total of £1,076 million (provisional Danny Alexander: Help to Buy: equity loan will help figure) was repaid to UK charities under Gift Aid. up to 74,000 buyers of new build homes over the next three years. The number of people who will benefit in Income Tax each region, and their level of income, is dependent on a number of factors including demand from home-buyers Pamela Nash: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer and developers and property prices. As housing is devolved, what the cost to the public purse was of producing the the Help to Buy: equity loan scheme will only be document, The Exchequer effect of the 50 per cent available in England, although the devolved Administrations additional rate in income tax, published by HM Revenue will receive Barnett consequentials. and Customs in March 2012. [149869] The Help to Buy: mortgage guarantee will be available on mortgages on homes across the UK. Depending on Mr Gauke: At Budget 2011 the Chancellor of the its final design, it will be sufficient to support £130 Exchequer stated that he had asked HM Revenue and billion worth of mortgages, UK-wide. This could benefit Customs to assess the revenue from the 50% additional up to 190,000 households per year. Actual take up will rate of income tax. depend on demand. The cost of analysis of the self-assessment data and consideration of evidence around behavioural response Ann McKechin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer forms part of HMRC’s baseline running costs. what total Barnett consequentials will be awarded to Scotland as a result of his Help to Buy: mortgage Minimum Wage guarantee scheme. [150420]

Paul Burstow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Danny Alexander: The Help to Buy: mortgage guarantee if he will set out each category of data HM Revenue will be available on mortgages on homes across the UK and Customs routinely collects regarding compliance and therefore no Barnett consequentials will apply. with national minimum wage rules. [150719] Ann McKechin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Gauke: In cases of minimum wage non-compliance, whether his proposed Help to Buy: mortgage guarantee HMRC will collect: scheme will apply to England only. [150421] 179W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 180W

Sajid Javid: No. The Help to Buy: mortgage guarantee and from the enhanced Major Projects Authority in line will be available on mortgages on homes across the UK. with Coalition agreement policy on no subsidies for new nuclear power plants. [151078] National Insurance Contributions: Scotland Sajid Javid: The enhanced central cadre of commercial infrastructure specialists announced at Budget 2013 Pamela Nash: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be deployed into public sector bodies, not into what revenue accrued to the Exchequer as a result of private companies. national insurance contributions paid by (a) employers and (b) employees in respect of the employment of a person under 25 years old in Scotland in the latest Part-time Employment: Overseas Students period for which figures are available. [149796] Ian Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Gauke: The estimated amount of class 1 national what estimate he has made of the contribution of insurance contributions paid in Scotland in respect of international students to the UK economy in each of the employment of a person under 25 years old in the last five years. [150869] Scotland was: National insurance contributions paid in Scotland in respect of Sajid Javid: International students contribute to the employment of a person under 25 years old UK economy through both their spending in the UK £ billion and the tuition fees they pay, supporting employment Class 1 Employee NICs Class 1 Employer NICs and the local economy in university towns and increasing export earnings. Exact figures are not available but 2006-07 0.22 0.27 education exports are estimated to contribute more 2007-08 0.25 0.30 than £14 billion to the UK economy each year, and this 2008-09 0.24 0.29 is estimated to increase to over £20 billion by 2020. 2009-10 0.22 0.26 2010-11 0.21 0.24 Poverty: Children Figures for 2011-12 and 2012-13 are not available. Sir Nick Harvey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Estimates are based on a 1% sample of Pay As You (1) how many school-aged children were living in households Earn (PAYE) data. The sample is based on accruals in relative income poverty, measured after housing costs, data; it relies upon P14 forms completed by employers that had household earnings after tax of between (a) at the end of each tax year and may differ from receipts £5,000 and £5,999, (b) £6,000 and £6,999, (c) £7,000 figures that may be available from other sources. and £7,999, (d) £8,000 and £8,999 and (e) £10,000 and £16,190 in the most recent period for which figures are Pamela Nash: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer available; [150249] what the monetary value was of (a) employer and (b) employee national insurance contributions from Scotland (2) how many school-aged children were living in in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012. [149875] households in relative income poverty, measured after housing costs and had a household income for tax Mr Gauke: The estimated amount of class 1 national credit purposes of between (a) £5,000 and £5,999, (b) insurance contributions paid in Scotland is shown in £6,000 and £6,999, (c) £7,000 and £7,999, (d) £8,000 the following table. and £8,999 and (e) £10,000 and £16,190 in the most recent period for which figures are available. [150250] National insurance contributions from Scotland £ billion Esther McVey: I have been asked to reply on behalf Class 1 employee Class 1 employer of the Department for Work and Pensions. NICs NICs The following table shows estimates of the number of 2009-10 3.4 4.4 school-aged children living in relative poverty, after 2010-11 3.4 4.4 housing costs, grouped by household earnings after tax.

Figures for 2011-12 and 2012-13 are not available. Household earnings after tax Estimates are based on a 1% sample of pay-as-you-earn (band) After housing costs (millions) (PAYE) data. The sample is based on accruals data; it Between £5,000 and £5,999 0.1 relies upon P14 forms completed by employers at the Between £6,000 and £6,999 0.1 end of each tax year and may differ from receipts Between £7,000 and £7,999 0.1 figures that may be available from other sources. Between £8,000 and £8,999 0.1 Between £9,000 and £9,999 0.1 Nuclear Power Stations: Finance Between £10,000 and £16,190 0.4

Paul Flynn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Information concerning the number of school-aged with reference to paragraphs 1.96-1.97 of the Red Book, children living in relative poverty grouped by household if he will take steps to ensure private power generation income for tax credit purposes is not available. companies planning to develop nuclear power plants Some technical notes concerning the above table: will have to pay in full at commercial rates for any 1. These statistics are based on households below average assistance provided on infrastructure development by income (HBAI) data sourced from the 2010/11 Family Resources the new cadre of commercial infrastructure specialists survey (FRS). This uses disposable household income, adjusted 181W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 182W using modified OECD equivalisation factors for household size Recruitment and composition, to identify children living in relative poverty—that is children living in households with less than 60% of median contemporary household income. Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 2. However, the households earnings measure (used to group (1) what amount his Department spent on advertising the households/children in relative poverty) is unequivalised, i.e. it job vacancies in each year from 2005 to 2009; [150683] has not been adjusted for household size and composition. Household (2) how much his Department spent on advertising earnings (as used here) are the total household earnings, after tax, job vacancies in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007, (d) 2008 from employment and self-employment. and (e) 2009. [151085] 3. Figures have been presented on a after housing costs basis, where housing costs are deducted from income. Typically, headline relative poverty statistics are presented on a before housing costs Sajid Javid: Figures for spend on advertising job basis, where housing costs are not deducted from income. vacancies between 2005 and 2008 are not available as 4. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore they are not held separately and could be provided only subject to a degree of uncertainty. Small differences should be at disproportionate cost. treated with caution as these will be affected by sampling error Details of spend for recruitment advertising for job and variability in non-response. vacancies are available for the financial year 2008-09 5. For the purpose of this PQ, a school-aged child is defined as and 2009-10 as follows: being aged at least four (and in education) and aged under 16, plus those aged 16 to 19-years old if they are: not married nor in a Spend (£) civil partnership nor living with a partner; and living with parents; and in full-time non-advanced education. 2008-09 1,064,000 6. Full-time non-advanced education is defined as primary 2009-10 1,188,000 (including reception class), state-run special schools (e.g. for children with disabilities and special education needs), middle-deemed It is also worth noting that spending on recruitment primary (state run or assisted), middle-deemed secondary school advertising has reduced significantly since May 2010 (state run or assisted), secondary school (state run or assisted), following the Government’s introduction of the civil non-advanced further education/6th form/tertiary/further education college, Any private/independent school (prep, primary, secondary, service recruitment freeze. I refer my hon. Friend to the City Technology colleges) and home schooling. answer I gave to the hon. Member for Leeds West 7. Numbers of children have been rounded to the nearest (Rachel Reeves) on 30 January 2013, Official Report, hundred thousand children. column 798W. Further related information can be found in the households below average income series published at: Royal Liverpool Hospital http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/hbai/hbai2011/ index.php?page=contents Mrs Ellman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer The 2011/12 edition of households below average when he expects to reach a decision on the rebuilding income is due to be published by the Department of of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital; and if he Work and Pensions in May/June 2013. will make a statement. [150437] Income matters but considering this in isolation fails to properly reflect the reality of child poverty in the UK Danny Alexander: I approved a Draft Appointment today. We want to develop better measures of child Business Case for the proposed new Royal Liverpool poverty which include income but provide a more accurate Hospital on 27 March. This approval, subject to the picture of the reality of child poverty. Our consultation satisfaction of relevant conditions, allows the Royal on how best to measure child poverty closed on the Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS 15 of February. A large volume of responses was received Trust to close competitive dialogue with bidders and to and all of these are being read and analysed to ensure call for final bids. that all important points are captured and used to help Ministers decide on the next steps. Tax Allowances: Video Games

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Public Expenditure: Northern Ireland on what date the video games tax credit, as announced in Budget 2012, will be implemented. [150860] Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the net Mr Gauke: As confirmed at Budget 2013, the video annual difference in the block grant to the Northern games tax relief will be introduced following state aid Ireland Executive as a result of (a) the Budget 2013 approval. The Government is working closely with the and (b) a lowering of the corporation tax rate to 10 per Commission and industry representatives to ensure that cent. [150523] the scheme is implemented as early as possible.

Mr Gauke: As a result of policy decisions announced Taxation: Self-assessment at Budget 2013, the Northern Ireland Executive will benefit from an additional £54 million of spending Robert Halfon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer power over the next two years. (1) what plans he has for changes to the maintenance No assessment has been made of the impact of a 10% and support arrangements for the online self-assessment corporation tax rate in Northern Ireland on the block tax system from 1 July 2013; and if he will make a grant. statement; [149853] 183W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 184W

(2) what risk assessment he has carried out of the HM Revenue and Customs publish National Statistics future stability and reliability of the online self- on the amounts of funds raised by venture capital trusts assessment tax system under the new maintenance and for each year between 1995-96 and 2011-12. support arrangements from 1 July 2013. [149854] http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/vct/table8-6.pdf There are no data available on future trends of investment Mr Gauke: The majority of HMRC’s IT services are in small- and medium-sized enterprises by venture capital outsourced through the ASPIRE Contract with Capgemini, trusts or on the number of jobs that have been created who manage the IT supply chain for the Department. by venture capital trusts. As part of their ongoing value for money activity, Capgemini is making changes to the supplier arrangements for the maintenance and support of the Self Assessment HEALTH system from July 2013. HMRC holds Capgemini to account for the effective delivery of the Self Assessment Accident and Emergency Departments: Greater maintenance and support arrangements as part of that Manchester contract. Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Venture Capital (1) how many patients waited more than four hours for treatment at the Central Manchester Foundation Trust accident and emergency departments at (a) Trafford Heather Wheeler: To ask the Chancellor of the General Hospital and (b) Manchester Royal Infirmary Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of the in each of the last four quarters for which data are amount of funding invested in small and medium-sized available; [149926] enterprises through venture capital trusts since their (2) how many patients waited more than four hours introduction; and what assessment he has made of for treatment at each accident and emergency future trends in such investment; [149697] department in Greater Manchester in each of the last (2) what assessment he has made of the number of four quarters for which data are available. [149927] jobs to be created in small and medium-sized enterprises as a result of venture capital trust funding Anna Soubry: Information showing the number of over the next five years. [149698] patients waiting more than four hours for treatment at accident and emergency (A and E) departments at Mr Gauke: Between 1995-96 and 2011-12 £4.7 billion national health service trusts and foundation trusts was raised by venture capital trusts. At least 70% of all across Greater Manchester, for the last four quarters, is funds raised by venture capital trusts are invested in shown in the following tables. Information is not available small- and medium-sized enterprises. by hospital.

Patients waiting more than four hours for treatment

Q4 2011-12 Q1 2012-13

Trust Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Total Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Total

University Hospital of 1,255 0 0 1,255 1,349 0 0 1,349 South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust

Salford Royal NHS 962 0 0 962 991 0 0 991 Foundation Trust

Bolton NHS 2,521 0 0 2,521 1,054 0 0 1,054 Foundation Trust

Tameside Hospital 726 0 0 726 771 0 0 771 NHS Foundation Trust

Wrightington, Wigan 755 0 0 755 914 0 0 914 and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust

Central Manchester 3,339 5 0 3,344 2,516 8 2 2,526 University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Pennine Acute 2,110 0 72 2,182 2,752 0 89 2,841 Hospitals NHS Trust

Stockport NHS 877 0 0 877 1,498 0 0 1,498 Foundation Trust 185W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 186W

Patients waiting more than four hours for treatment Q2 2012-13 Q3 2012-13 Trust Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Total Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Total

University Hospital of 1,393 0 0 1,393 2,304 0 0 2,304 South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust Salford Royal NHS 822 0 0 822 1,153 0 0 1,153 Foundation Trust Bolton NHS 594 0 0 594 1,155 0 0 1,155 Foundation Trust Tameside Hospital 729 0 0 729 1,098 0 0 1,098 NHS Foundation Trust Wrightington, Wigan 383 0 0 383 476 0 0 476 and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust Central Manchester 2,863 4 1 2,868 3,176 2 0 3,178 University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Pennine Acute 2,416 0 48 2,464 3,274 0 88 3,362 Hospitals NHS Trust Stockport NHS 1,381 0 0 1,381 2,122 0 0 2,122 Foundation Trust Notes: 1. Type 1 A and E department—A consultant-led 24-hour service with full resuscitation facilities and designated accommodation for the reception of A and E patients. 2. Type 2 A and E department—A consultant-led single specialty A and E service (e.g. ophthalmology, dental) with designated accommodation for the reception of patients. 3. Type 3 A and E department—Other type of A and E/minor injury units/walk-in centres, primarily designed for the receiving of A and E patients. Source: Department of Health weekly situation reports.

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Norman Lamb: We are aware there are intermittent supply problems with one strength of Azathioprine John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health tablets due to problems with the supply of the active (1) what the debt to equity ratio is in the funding for ingredient and manufacturing capacity problems. However the new private finance initiative project signed-off by the other strength is freely available. his Department to rebuild Alder Hey Children’s Hospital; and who the funders are for each type of investment; [150441] Brain: Tumours (2) what the state equity stake is in the new private finance initiative project signed-off by his Department Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for to rebuild Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. [150442] Health whether he has met representatives from the charity HeadSmart to discuss how GPs might be better Dr Poulter: The precise gearing (ratio of debt to trained to diagnose the early symptoms of brain equity finance) at financial close for the private finance tumour in children; and if he will make a statement. initiative (PFI) scheme at Alder Hey NHS Foundation [149724] Trust is 88.07:11.93 debt to equity, with debt being provided by M&G and European Investment Bank Dr Poulter: The Secretary of State for Health, my (EIB). Equity is provided by the Acorn consortium right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey (John Laing, Laing O’Rourke and Interserve). (Mr Hunt), has not met representatives from the charity There is no public sector equity stake in the Alder HeadSmart. Hey PFI project. The Government announced details The content and standard of health care training is of a new public private partnership model to replace the the responsibility of the independent regulatory bodies. PFI, Private Finance 2 (PF2), in December 2012 under Through their role as the custodians of quality standards which the public sector should consider acting as a in education and practice, these organisations are committed co-investor on future projects. Given the advanced stage to ensuring high quality patient care delivered by high of procurement of the Alder Hey scheme it was not quality health professionals and that health care appropriate to apply this principle to that specific scheme. professionals are equipped with the knowledge, skills Azathioprine and behaviours required to deal with the problems and conditions they will encounter in practice. Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health From 1 April 2013, Health Education England will what assessment he has made of the adequacy of supply be responsible for promoting high quality education of azathioprine; and if he will make a statement. and training that is responsive to the changing needs of [149929] patients and local communities. 187W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 188W

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department of Health and Department for Health what recent comparative assessment he has Education are considering how this can best be secured made of the UK’s international performance on the through the legislative frameworks for both children diagnosis of childhood brain tumours; and if he will and adults and through non-legislative means. make a statement. [150083] Deloitte Anna Soubry: The Department has made no comparative assessment of the United Kingdom’s international performance on the diagnosis of childhood brain tumours. Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will place in the Library all correspondence ‘Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer’, published between officials in his Department and Deloitte MSC on 12 January 2011, sets out our ambition to bring Limited between 1 January 2010 and 1 May 2010; England’s cancer survival rates in line with the European [150528] average by 2014-15. Research has shown that to match the European average we need to save 5,000 additional (2) if he will list the dates and attendance list of all lives per year. Over 3,000 of the 5,000 lives are expected meetings between officials in his Department and any to be saved by earlier diagnosis of symptomatic cancers. employee of Deloitte MCS Limited between 1 November 2009 and 1 May 2010. [150994] This research also shows that if England’s survival rates were as good as the best in Europe we would save 10,000 additional lives per year. This figure has also Dr Poulter: The information requested could be provided been broken down by tumour site and we estimate that only at disproportionate cost as it is not collected we would save 225 additional lives each year if we centrally. matched the best European survival rate for brain cancer. The Department’s central procurement database shows The Government’s Mandate between the Secretary that Deloitte MSC Ltd did not submit any tenders or of State for Health and the NHS Commissioning Board bids for work contracted by the Department between 1 clearly states our ambition for excellent care for everyone, January 2010 and 1 May 2010 therefore no correspondence regardless of age. It also recognises the need to improve has been recorded between those dates. A search of the access to treatment; the quality of care offered and Department’s centralised correspondence database also health outcomes for all patients, including children. An shows no correspondence was received from Deloitte indicator on ’five year survival from all cancers in MSC Ltd between 1 January 2010 and 1 May 2010. children’ is included in Domain 1 of the NHS Outcomes Framework (preventing premature deaths). This will Dementia help us to measure improvements in survival in children and young people under 15 years. Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the successful bidders for funding Cancer: East Midlands under the recent dementia-friendly environment grants scheme. [150667] Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the Norman Lamb: The Department announced the operation of the East Midlands Cancer Drugs Fund. successful applicants for stage 1 of the £50 million [150541] funding of capital projects to improve care environments for people with dementia. Norman Lamb: The Cancer Drugs Fund has so far The list of successful applicants has been placed in helped over 1,800 patients in the East Midlands strategic the Library. health authority area to access the additional cancer drugs their clinicians recommend. Diabetes The NHS Commissioning Board took on oversight of the Cancer Drugs Fund from 1 April 2013. Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State Care and Support Bill (Draft) for Health when his Department plans to publish the document entitled Best Practice for Commissioning Diabetes Services—An Integrated Care Framework. Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for [149846] Health what assessment he has made of the provision of rights and support for young carers in the draft Care and Support Bill; and if he will make a statement. Anna Soubry: The document entitled ‘Best Practice for Commissioning Diabetes Services—An Integrated [150485] Care Framework’ has been published by NHS Diabetes and was launched at the Diabetes UK Annual Professional Norman Lamb: During public consultation and pre- Conference held in Manchester 13-15 March 2013. legislative scrutiny of the draft Care and Support Bill, a number of concerns have been raised about provision The document can be accessed via the following link: for assessment and support for young carers. www.tinyurl.com/CommissioningDiabetes The Government is clear that children and young people should not undertake inappropriate caring Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health responsibilities or levels of caring that impact adversely when he plans to publish the diabetes action plan. on their ability to learn or thrive. [150292] 189W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 190W

Anna Soubry: I refer the right hon. Member to the Norman Lamb: We welcome the recent report by written answer I gave on 18 March 2013, Official Report, Epilepsy Action on services for people with epilepsy. column 521W, to the hon. Member for Torbay The report was the focal point of an adjournment (Mr Sanders). debate I responded to on 29 January 2013, which provided an opportunity to consider the issues affecting people Endocrinology with epilepsy and the services they receive. At the debate, I reiterated the Government’s commitment to improving Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the quality of care people with epilepsy receive and Health what assessment he has made of the World improving outcomes. Health Organisation and UN Environment Programme Clinical commissioning groups must commission health report entitled State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting services to meet the reasonable requirements of the Chemicals, published on 19 February 2013; whether people for whom they have responsibility, unless the his Department will take steps to carry out the NHS Commissioning Board is under a duty to commission recommendations in the report; and if he will make a services. Local clinicians are best placed to make decisions statement. [150100] on how to address local health needs, including the provision of services for people with epilepsy. Richard Benyon: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural In terms of social care, local authorities are responsible Affairs. for providing or arranging such services for their populations and will provide or arrange such care on the basis of DEFRA co-ordinates cross-Government activity on need rather than on an individual having a particular issues of chemicals with potential endocrine disrupting diagnosis or condition. activity. We have requested an assessment of the report “State As steward of the health and care system, the of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals” Department’s role will be to champion health and wellbeing prepared by the WHO/UNEP from the Hazardous across Government and ensure that the whole system Substances Advisory Committee (HSAC). We will consider works together to meet the needs of communities. the report’s recommendations in light of the views of HSAC and those of internal, cross-Government experts, Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health taking into account the recent Scientific Opinion on the following the incorporation of the new Quality Standards hazard assessment of endocrine disruptors by the European for Epilepsy into the Clinical Commissioning Groups Food Safety Authority’s Scientific Committee. Outcomes Indicator Set, by what mechanisms clinical commissioning groups will be held to account against Epilepsy those standards. [150519]

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Norman Lamb: It is for the NHS Commissioning Health (1) what plans he has to ensure that the Quality Board (NHS England) to make decisions on the Clinical Standards for epilepsy will be included in the Commissioning Group Outcomes Indicator Set, and on Commissioning Group Outcomes Indicator Set; how they hold clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) [150066] to account for their performance. (2) what steps his Department and the NHS Commissioners can use the quality standards to ensure Commissioning Board will take to ensure that the Quality that high-quality care and services are being commissioned Standards for epilepsy are employed by clinical through the contracting process or to incentivise provider commissioning groups before their inclusion in the Clinical performance. Commissioning Group Outcomes Indicator Set. [150067] The CCG Outcomes Indicator Set aims to support CCGs in improving health outcomes by providing Norman Lamb: It is for the NHS Commissioning comparative information on the quality of health services Board to make decisions on the Clinical Commissioning commissioned by CCGs and the associated health Group Outcomes Indicator Set. outcomes—and to support transparency and accountability by making this information available to patients and the The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence public. However, the CCG Outcomes Indicator Set will (NICE) published two epilepsy quality standards on 28 not in itself set thresholds or levels of ambition for February this year and plan to consider potential epilepsy CCGs. indicators for the Clinical Commissioning Group Outcome Indicator Set in April. NICE would then develop these indicators further, Fertility and their independent committee would then make recommendations to the NHS Commissioning Board (now known as NHS England). Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Commissioners can use the quality standards to ensure Health who in the NHS Commissioning Board is that high-quality care and services are being commissioned responsible for overseeing infertility service provision through the contracting process or to incentivise provider in England. [150435] performance. Anna Soubry: NHS England has informed us that Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for oversight of the commissioning of national health service Health if he will consider the recently published report fertility services will be the responsibility of its Medical by Epilepsy Action entitled Critical Time. [150069] Directorate. 191W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 192W

Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome JSNAs and JHWSs while in shadow form. However health and wellbeing boards will continue to develop over the next 12 months. Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what criteria his Department used to To support health and wellbeing boards in undertaking assess affordability when rejecting the advice of the and developing JSNAs and JHWSs, the Department Advisory Group for National Specialised Services on has published statutory guidance which explains the the commissioning of eculizumab for the treatment of duties and powers relating to these. Further supportive atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome; and if he will materials, including advice on good practice will be make a statement; [149828] published from April. (2) what research his Department conducted when Health Services rejecting the Advisory Group for National Specialised Services’ advice that eculizumab should be nationally commissioned for the treatment of atypical hemolytic Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the draft uremic syndrome. [149829] commissioning guidance for consistency of provision of urgent and emergency care produced by his Department; Norman Lamb: Following consideration of advice what plans he has for its adoption; and if he will make a from the Advisory Group for National Specialised Services statement. [150068] (AGNSS) on this issue, we felt we needed further advice on eculizumab’s suitability for direct commissioning Anna Soubry: The Department has not published taking account of its costs, benefits and affordability. draft commissioning guidance for consistency of provision In reaching this decision, Ministers considered the of urgent and emergency care. advice presented by AGNSS, including all the underlying In January this year, the NHS Commissioning Board work on which AGNSS had based its conclusions announced that it is to review the model of urgent and (including, in particular, the Technology Assessment emergency services in England. The review, led by Medical Report commissioned by the NIHR Health Technology Director Sir Bruce Keogh, will set out proposals for the Assessment Programme on AGNSS’s behalf, and produced best way of organising care to meet the needs of patients. by the University of Sheffield’s School of Health and Related Research Technology Assessment Group). The review team will work with clinical commissioning groups to develop a national framework offer to help them ensure high-quality, consistent standards of care Health and Wellbeing Boards across the country.

Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will take steps to ensure that health and Health what steps he is taking to ensure that patient wellbeing boards have an active role in addressing groups will be involved in (a) commissioning decisions rising fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement; made by the clinical commissioning groups and (b) the [149963] design of commissioning policies and service specifications by the National Commissioning Board. [150695] (2) what assessment he has made of the publication by health and wellbeing boards of the joint strategic Dr Poulter: The Health and Social Care Act 2012 will needs assessment and the joint health and wellbeing require clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and the strategies with regard to addressing rising fuel poverty; NHS Commissioning Board (NHS England) to involve and if he will make a statement. [149964] patients and public in all aspects of the commissioning of health services from 1 April 2013. CCGs must set out Norman Lamb: Health and wellbeing boards will use how they will involve people in their planning, and then Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs) and Joint evidence that involvement in their Annual Reports. Health and Wellbeing Strategies (JHWSs) to strategically CCG boards will also have at least two lay members plan local health and care services based on the identified sitting on the Board, to secure strong patient and public needs of local communities and therefore deliver locally voice in their decision making. appropriate services, tailored to local circumstances. It NHS England will shortly issue statutory guidance would not be appropriate for the Department to make for CCGs on how they can promote the involvement of an assessment of, or take steps to mandate the work of patients in decisions about their care and treatment, health and wellbeing boards in relation to JSNAs and and ensure patients and the public are involved in the JHWSs and how these address fuel poverty costs. This planning, development and delivery of health services. would risk undermining the purpose of JSNAs and The Patients and Information Directorate, within JHWSs being objective comprehensive and—importantly NHS England, will be working to empower the patient —locally owned processes for developing evidence-based and public voice, within the commissioning process, priorities for commissioning across local health and through the intelligence it gathers from a comprehensive social care services. Fuel poverty is an important issue programme of patient and staff surveys, real-time patient that health and wellbeing boards may choose to include feedback, and modern customer insight tools and within their JSNA and JHWS process. techniques. NHS England will also be leading programmes Health and wellbeing boards are a new part of the of work to support CCGs and direct commissioners in modernised health and care system. They took on their effective public involvement in health service planning statutory functions from 1 April 2013; and JHWSs were and commissioning decisions, working closely with the not required to be developed until this transition. Many voluntary sector and other agencies such as Healthwatch emerging health and wellbeing boards have been developing and Health and Wellbeing Boards. 193W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 194W

Hip Replacements www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/ Generalsafetyinformationandadvice/Product- specificinformationandadvice/Product- Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health specificinformationandadvice%E2%80%93M%E2%80%93T/ what research his Department (a) has undertaken and Metal-on-metalhipimplants/ (b) evaluated on cobalt and chromium toxicity arising from metal-on-metal hip replacements. [149850] Horses: Slaughterhouses

Norman Lamb: The Department of Health and the Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency whether he has assessed any evidence that horse meat (MHRA) have undertaken the following evaluations of contamination in UK meat products has come from cobalt and chromium toxicity arising from metal-on-metal horses killed in UK abattoirs. [145361] hip replacements. (a) At the request of the MHRA, the Committee on Anna Soubry: As part of the ongoing investigation Mutagenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products into the mislabelling of meat products, the Food Standards and the Environment (COM) reviewed evidence for Agency has conducted an audit of all horse producing genotoxicity arising from biomonitoring studies of abattoirs in the United Kingdom. These visits have individuals who had undergone metal-on-metal hip implicated two meat premises, one in West Yorkshire arthroplasty. The COM published a statement in July and the other in west Wales. Investigations are ongoing. 2006. The link to the COM statement is as follows: Hospital Beds: Greater London www.iacom.org.uk/statements/COM06S1.htm (b) An Expert Advisory Group (EAG) assessed the clinical significance of the findings of the COM with Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) regard to metal-on-metal and metal-on-polyethylene Health what the bed occupancy rate of University (b) (c) hip replacements, in order to put those findings into a College Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital, (d) risk-benefit context so that appropriate practical advice Whittington Hospital and North Middlesex University could be offered both to clinicians and to patients Hospital was between December 2012 and February considering undergoing hip replacement surgery. The 2013. [150984] current version of the EAG report “Advice from the CSD Expert Advisory Group on the biological effects Anna Soubry: The information requested is not currently of metal wear debris generated from hip implants” was available. Bed occupancy data for Quarter 4 of 2012-13, published in March 2010 and a copy of this report has including the average occupancy rate during January, been placed in the Library. February and March 2013, will be published on 23 May 2013 on the NHS England’s website at: (c) In 2008 the MHRA set up another EAG to assess www.england.nhs.uk/statistics the significance of soft, tissue reactions associated with metal-on-metal hip replacements. The. report of this Isosorbide Mononitrate group “Report of the Expert Advisory Group looking at soft tissue reactions associated with metal-on-metal Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health hip replacements” was published in October 2010. This (1) what steps he is taking to increase the supply of document has been placed in the Library. isosorbide mononitrate tablets; and if he will make a statement; [149919] Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what support his Department provides for people with (2) what discussions he has had on sourcing unlicensed cobalt and chromium toxicity arising from metal-on- isosorbide mononitrate from Germany or elsewhere; metal hip replacements. [149851] and if he will make a statement. [149930] Norman Lamb: Isosorbide mononitrate (normal release) Norman Lamb: To support members of the public tablets are currently in short supply due to problems with concerns about metal-on-metal (MOM) toxicity with the availability of the active ingredient. Departmental arising from hip replacements, the latest advice has officials have been in contact with the pharmaceutical been made available on the NHS Choices website at the companies who supply this product about ongoing following link: availability. The chief pharmaceutical officer and the www.nhs.uk/conditions/Hip-replacement/Pages/ interim clinical director for heart disease wrote to health Introduction.aspx care professionals on 14 February to advise them about The guidance includes a ‘question and answer’ section the supply situation and provide clinical and professional on metal-on-metal hip implants. Those with immediate guidance. concerns about their hip replacement should speak to their general practitioner or orthopaedic surgeon. Medicine: Overseas Students On 28 February 2012, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued updated Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for patient management and monitoring advice to surgeons Health what the (a) actual and (b) maximum allowed and doctors recommending that they should monitor proportion is of non-UK European Economic Area patients every year for the lifetime of their MOM hip students at UK medical schools in each cohort. replacements sized 36 millimetres or more. This is so [150586] that any potential complications can be picked up early. More information can be found on the MHRA website Dr Poulter: The Department does not collect the data at the following link: requested. 195W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 196W

Data provided by the Higher Education Funding of £767.02 million in 2011-12 and £784.43 million in Council for England shows that the percentage of students 2012-13. Individual elements of funding are not ring subject to overseas ’other’ fees at medical schools in fenced. England was 7.1% in 2010-11 and 7.8% in 2011-12. The Department for Education has also made funding Currently there is agreement that the total number of of £2,212 million in 2011-12 and £2,297 million in non-European Economic Area students at United Kingdom 2012-13 available through the Early Intervention Grant medical schools should be a maximum of 7.5% of the to local authorities and schools for a wide range of total in each cohort. services for children, young people and families including targeted mental health support in schools. Meetings Mental Health: Young People Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library minutes of all Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for departmental meetings where Sir David Nicholson and Health (1) if he will publish the data collections made Mr Richard Douglas were both present between by his Department concerning children and young people’s 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2010. [150988] mental health; and what assessment he has made of that data; [150007] Dr Poulter: Officials have established that, for the (2) if he will make it his policy to publish an atlas of period referenced, there are no formal records available variation using data collected on (a) adult and (b) of meetings involving both Sir David Nicholson and children and young people’s mental health. [150110] Mr Douglas, other than those already in the public domain. These include a written record of the appearance Norman Lamb: The CAMHS (Child and Adolescent of Sir David Nicholson and Mr Douglas before the Mental Health Services) Minimum Data Set is currently Health Select Committee on 21 January 2010, which in its implementation phase. The data has been specified can be found at: for collection from all national health service organisations www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/ from April 2013. The NHS Information Centre for cmhealth/269/10012101.htm health and social care will make data available to other There was also one departmental board meeting during parties as soon as the data quality and coverage are the period in question, of which summary minutes can sufficient to provide a robust national picture. The be found at: CAMHS Minimum Data Set will be a key driver to achieving better outcomes of care for children by providing, http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130107105354/ http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/ comparative, linked data that can be used to plan and dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/@ps/documents/digitalasset/ commission services. dh_117361.pdf The NHS Atlas of Variation series is intended to support local decision making to increase the value Mental Health Services: Young People which a population receives from the resources spent on their healthcare. It supports the search for unexplained Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for variations, the identification and attention to unwarranted Health what proportion of spending on children and variation, helping clinicians to understand what is going adolescent mental health services has been made through on in their area and where to focus attention to improve the Children and Young People’s Increased Access to the care they provide. Atlases of variation are an important Psychological Therapies programme in the last two way of raising standards and we have therefore agreed with Public Health England that they will update the years. [150108] Atlas for children and young people regularly. It is our intention to discuss the future use of adult mental Norman Lamb: There are two separate funding streams health indicators, their range and availability, with the which are not directly comparable. Firstly, central funding new commissioning organisations. for the Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP IAPT) project has been provided to transform services through training NHS Property Services therapists and service managers in evidence based practice. Funding of up to £56 million has been made available Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for for CYP IAPT. This consists of £8 million per year for Health if he will place in the Library all correspondence four years announced in October 2011, additional between the Shareholder Executive and his Department investment of up to £22 million over the next three that names NHS Property Services Company Ltd. years announced in February 2012, and £2 million for [150524] new handheld computers announced on 15 March 2013. Secondly, provision for Child and Adolescent Mental Dr Poulter: There is no correspondence between the Health Services (CAMHS) is included in both the overall Shareholder Executive and the Department regarding financial allocations made to the national health service NHS Property Services Ltd, but a member of the and in financial allocations made to local authorities Shareholder Executive senior team sits on the Department’s through the Local Government Revenue Support Grant. PCT Estate Programme Board and has supported the Department in the set up of the company. NHS spend on CAMHS was £772.114 million in 2009-10 and £755.807 million in 2010-11. Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for CAMHS funding is included in funding provided to Health what the name is of each senior employee of local authorities for On-going Personal Social Services NHS Property Services Company Ltd. [150594] 197W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 198W

Dr Poulter: Details of the leadership team at NHS Anna Soubry: The reports were commissioned by the Property Services Ltd were published on the company then chief medical officer, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, website, in the November 2012 edition of their ’Landscape’ as part of the wider NHS Next Stage Review. All newsletter, a copy of which has been placed in the departmental expenditure is authorised in line with Library. Four non-executive directors were also appointed existing controls, and audited by the National Audit in March 2013, and a copy of the media release containing Office. their names has also been placed in the Library. Available information about the costs of the Review were set out by the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary NHS: Land of State (Ann Keen), on 10 October 2007, Official Report, columns 672-3W. She said that the total Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for departmental spend so far on staff, patients and public Health which hospital trusts in Greater London have engagement in direct connection with the review was disposed of land since May 2010; what the location is £1.2 million. of each parcel of land disposed of; what information his Department holds of planned land disposals by NHS: Standards hospital trusts in Greater London; and what the location is of each such planned disposal. [150544] Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which civil servants of pay grade (a) SCS1, Dr Poulter: The information is not available in the (b) SCS1A, (c) SCS2, (d) SCS3 and (e) Permanent format requested. Such information as is available has Secretary level received advanced sight of (i) Quality been placed in the Library. Oversight in England by Joint Commission International National health service organisations locally decide published in January 2008, (ii) Achieving the Vision of on how their estate is used, including the disposal of Excellence in Quality, by the Institute of Healthcare land. Improvement published in January 2008 and (iii) Data are not collected on land disposal by the NHS Developing, Disseminating and Assessing Standards in or its location. Data are collected on surplus or potentially the National Health Service by RAND published February surplus land from NHS trusts, including its location, in 2008; [150296] support of the Government’s initiative to accelerate the (2) which Ministers received advanced sight of (a) release of public sector land for development. An extract Quality Oversight in England by Joint Commission of these data has been published and placed in the International published in January 2008, (b) Achieving Library. the Vision of Excellence in Quality by the Institute of The element of these data not published, nor placed Healthcare Improvement published in January 2008 in the Library, relates to sites defined as “sensitive” by and (c) Developing, Disseminating and Assessing the NHS. Subsequently another similar data collection Standards in the National Health Service by RAND was undertaken in October 2012 which is currently published in February 2008. [150297] being analysed and will be published in the near future. Anna Soubry: These reports were used alongside evidence NHS: Redundancy Pay and views from thousands of other people and organisations as a basis for ‘High Quality Care for All’, the final Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for report of the NHS Next Stage Review. We have no Health pursuant to the answer of 14 March 2013, records of there ever having been a pre-determined Official Report, column 361W, on NHS: redundancies, publication date for the review’s contributory material, if he will publish an anonymised list detailing the value nor of when individuals read their copies. of each individual redundancy payment referred to in that Answer. [149876] Nurses: East Midlands

Dr Poulter: We do not hold information on the value Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for of individual exit packages. Health how many (a) district nurses, (b) health visitors, (c) community psychiatric nurses, (d) community matrons NHS: Reorganisation and (e) community learning disability nurses were employed in each primary care trust in the East Midlands in the Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for latest three periods for which figures are available. Health (1) what the cost of the NHS Next Stage Review [149834] was for (a) commissioning reports and other evidence, (b) staff salaries, (c) administration, (d) publication, Dr Poulter: The following tables show numbers of (e) other and (f) in total; [150443] full-time equivalent qualified nursing staff in the East (2) pursuant to the answer of 21 March 2013, Official Midlands Strategic Health Authority (SHA) area by Report, column 794W, on NHS reorganisation, which organisation in each specified area of work as at officials in his Department signed off the expenditure 30 September in 2010, 2011 and 2012. of (a) $162,000 on Quality Oversight in England by Since June 2012, there is an additional Health Visiting Joint Commission International, (b) $319,000 on Achieving Minimum Data Set Collection from SHAs that includes the Vision of Excellence in Quality by the Institute for additional full time equivalent health visitors employed Healthcare Improvement and (c) $170,000 on Developing, by non-national health service organisations, not on the Disseminating and Assessing Standards in the National NHS Electronic Staff Record. As at September 2012, Health Service by RAND; and what the date of the there were 26 additional full-time equivalent health sign-off was in each case. [150549] visitors employed in the East Midlands SHA area. 199W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 200W

Figures for nursing staff employed by primary care The data provided therefore includes numbers for trusts (PCTs) in 2010 are not comparable to those for both PCT and national health service provider organisations subsequent years. Under the Transforming Community in the East Midlands. Services programme, initiated under the previous Administration, most community services and the associated staff transferred from primary care trusts to provider organisations on 1 April 2011.

NHS hospital and community health services: Qualified nursing staff in the East Midlands Strategic Health Authority area by organisation in each specified area of work as at 30 September 2010 Full-time equivalent Of which: All Community specified Community Learning Community Community Health District staff Psychiatry Disabilities Services Matrons visitors nurses

East Midlands 5,646 1,457 218 3,971 140 637 539 Strategic Health Authority area

Bassetlaw PCT 5ET 128 — 1 127 8 15 14 Chesterfield Royal RFS 27 — — 27 — — — Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Derby City PCT 5N7 224 7 — 218 7 42 21 Derby Hospitals RTG0—— 0——— NHS Foundation Trust Derbyshire County 5N6 531 — 24 507 28 120 169 PCT Derbyshire Mental RXM 362 348 13 1 — — — Health Services NHS Trust East Midlands RX9 17 — — 17 — — — Ambulance Service NHS Trust Kettering General RNQ1—— 1——— Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Leicester City PCT 5PC 310 — — 310 19 55 13 Leicestershire 5PA 429 — — 429 — 75 40 County and Rutland PCT Leicestershire RT5 318 283 35 — — — — Partnership NHS Trust Lincolnshire RP7 237 237 — — — — — Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Lincolnshire 5N9 692 8 1 683 24 104 86 Teaching PCT Northampton RNS 23 — 8 15 — 4 — General Hospital NHS Trust Northamptonshire RP1 267 223 33 11 — — — Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Northamptonshire 5PD 556 — — 556 5 91 129 Teaching PCT Nottingham City 5EM 441 16 — 425 20 53 35 PCT Nottingham RX18—— 8——— University Hospitals NHS Trust Nottinghamshire 5N8 622 1 1 620 29 79 31 County Teaching PCT Nottinghamshire RHA 438 334 103 1 — — — Healthcare NHS Trust 201W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 202W

NHS hospital and community health services: Qualified nursing staff in the East Midlands Strategic Health Authority area by organisation in each specified area of work as at 30 September 2010

Full-time equivalent

Of which:

All Community specified Community Learning Community Community Health District staff Psychiatry Disabilities Services Matrons visitors nurses

United RWD5—14——— Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

University RWE9—— 9——— Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

‘—’ = Zero Notes: 1. Community Matrons, Health Visitors and District Nurses work exclusively in the Community Services area of work. This area of work also includes Nurse Consultants, Modern Matrons, Nurse Managers, RSCNs, Other 1st Level Nurses and Other 2nd Level nurses who are not separately identified in this table. 2. Full-time equivalent figures are rounded to the nearest whole number. Data Quality: The Health and Social Care Information Centre seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: Health and Social Care Information Centre Non-Medical Workforce Census.

NHS hospital and community health services: Qualified nursing staff in the East Midlands Strategic Health Authority area by organisation in each specified area of work as at 30 September 2011 Full-time equivalent Of which: All Community specified Community Learning Community Community Health District staff Psychiatry Disabilities Services Matrons visitors nurses

East Midlands 5,243 1,439 224 3,580 130 652 455 Strategic Health Authority area

Bassetlaw PCT 5ET 126 — 2 124 9 12 16 Chesterfield Royal RFS 26 — — 26 — — — Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Derby City PCT 5N7 17 3 — 14 — — — Derby Hospitals RTG28——288—10 NHS Foundation Trust Derbyshire RY8 496 — 26 470 23 119 153 Community Health Services NHS Trust Derbyshire County 5N6 22 — 3 19 — — 1 PCT Derbyshire RXM 418 347 13 59 — 46 — Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust East Midlands RX9 16 — — 16 — — — Ambulance Service NHS Trust Kettering General RNQ1—— 1——— Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Leicester City PCT 5PC 294 — — 294 18 59 9 Leicestershire 5PA 377 — — 377 — 77 29 County and Rutland PCT Leicestershire RT5 342 302 39 — — — — Partnership NHS Trust 203W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 204W

NHS hospital and community health services: Qualified nursing staff in the East Midlands Strategic Health Authority area by organisation in each specified area of work as at 30 September 2011 Full-time equivalent Of which: All Community specified Community Learning Community Community Health District staff Psychiatry Disabilities Services Matrons visitors nurses

Lincolnshire RY5 279 — — 279 6 103 22 Community Health Services NHS Trust Lincolnshire RP7 269 229 6 34 — — — Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Lincolnshire 5N9 349 6 — 344 16 — 59 Teaching PCT Northampton RNS 59 — 8 51 — 1 — General Hospital NHS Trust Northamptonshire RP1 263 222 30 11 — — — Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Northamptonshire 5PD 472 — — 472 1 87 59 Teaching PCT Nottingham City 5EM 365 6 — 359 21 62 44 PCT Nottingham RX1 30 1 — 29 — — 16 University Hospitals NHS Trust Nottinghamshire 5N8 28 — — 28 — — — County Teaching PCT Nottinghamshire RHA 909 324 97 488 29 84 36 Healthcare NHS Trust Sherwood Forest RK5 44 — — 44 — 1 — Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust United RWD4—13——— Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust University RWE10——10——— Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust ‘—’ = Zero Notes: 1. Community Matrons, Health Visitors and District Nurses work exclusively in the Community Services area of work. This area of work also includes Nurse Consultants, Modern Matrons, Nurse Managers, RSCNs, Other 1st Level nurses and Other 2nd Level nurses who are not separately identified in this table. 2. Full-time equivalent figures are rounded to the nearest whole number. Data Quality: The Health and Social Care Information Centre seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: Health and Social Care Information Centre Non-Medical Workforce Census.

NHS hospital and community health services: Qualified nursing staff in the East Midlands Strategic Health Authority area by organisation in each specified area of work as at 30 September 2012 Full-time equivalent Of which: All Community specified Community Learning Community Community Health District staff Psychiatry Disabilities Services Matrons visitors nurses

East Midlands 5,278 1,445 214 3,618 116 707 457 Strategic Health Authority area 205W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 206W

NHS hospital and community health services: Qualified nursing staff in the East Midlands Strategic Health Authority area by organisation in each specified area of work as at 30 September 2012 Full-time equivalent Of which: All Community specified Community Learning Community Community Health District staff Psychiatry Disabilities Services Matrons visitors nurses

Chesterfield Royal RFS 24 — — 24 — — — Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Derby City PCT 5N7 18 3 — 15 — — — Derby Hospitals RTG25——257—11 NHS Foundation Trust Derbyshire RY8 510 — 23 486 25 126 141 Community Health Services NHS Trust Derbyshire County 5N6 20 — 2 18 — 1 — PCT Derbyshire RXM 417 351 13 54 — 47 — Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust East Midlands RX9 26 — — 26 — — — Ambulance Service NHS Trust Leicester City PCT 5PC 6 — — 6 — — — Leicestershire 5PA12——12——— County and Rutland PCT Leicestershire RT5 1,028 288 37 703 16 143 44 Partnership NHS Trust Lincolnshire RY5 611 1 — 610 7 101 89 Community Health Services NHS Trust Lincolnshire RP7 265 227 7 31 — — — Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Lincolnshire 5N9 30 6 — 24 — — — Teaching PCT Northampton RNS 55 — 6 49 — 1 — General Hospital NHS Trust Northamptonshire RP1 695 238 31 426 1 105 60 Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Northamptonshire 5PD 12 — — 12 — — — Teaching PCT Nottingham City 5EM7—— 7—1— PCT Nottingham NR3 359 6 — 353 19 68 43 Citycare Partnership Nottingham RX1 25 — — 25 — — 17 University Hospitals NHS Trust Nottinghamshire 5N8 27 — — 27 — — — County Teaching PCT Nottinghamshire RHA 1,048 326 95 627 42 114 52 Healthcare NHS Trust Sherwood Forest RK5 45 — — 45 — 1 — Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust United RWD4—13——— Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust 207W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 208W

NHS hospital and community health services: Qualified nursing staff in the East Midlands Strategic Health Authority area by organisation in each specified area of work as at 30 September 2012 Full-time equivalent Of which: All Community specified Community Learning Community Community Health District staff Psychiatry Disabilities Services Matrons visitors nurses

University RWE10——10——— Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust ‘—’ = Zero Notes: 1. Community Matrons, Health Visitors and District Nurses work exclusively in the Community Services area of work. This area of work also includes Nurse Consultants, Modern Matrons, Nurse Managers, RSCNs, Other 1st Level nurses and Other 2nd Level nurses who are not separately identified in this table. 2. Since June 2012 there is an additional Health Visiting Minimum Data Set Collection from SHAs that includes additional Health Visitors employed by non-NHS organisations, not on ESR. These figures are provided in a separate table and are only available at SHA level. 3. Full-time equivalent figures are rounded to the nearest whole number. Data Quality: The Health and Social Care Information Centre seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: Health and Social Care Information Centre Non-Medical Workforce Census.

Nurses: Greater London Notes: 1. Full-time equivalent figures are rounded to the nearest whole number. 2. Data Quality: The Health and Social Care Information Centre seeks to minimise Dame Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but for Health how many nurses have been employed by responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing South East London hospitals in each year from the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data 2009-10 to date. [150514] quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed, but unless it is significant at national level, figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: Dr Poulter: The information is not available in the Health and Social Care Information Centre non-medical workforce format requested. Information for nurses, midwives and census. health visitors employed at the trusts responsible for hospitals within South East London hospitals in each year from 2009 to date is shown in the following table. Dame Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State NHS hospital and community health services: qualified nursing, for Health how many nurse assistants have been midwifery and health visiting staff employed by South East London NHS organisations in each specified organisation as at 30 September employed in South East London hospitals in each year each specified year from 2009-10 to date. [150515] Full-time equivalent 2009 2010 2011 2012 Dr Poulter: The information is not available in the Guy’s and St 2,932 3,026 3,543 3,663 format requested. Information for nursing assistants Thomas’ NHS and auxiliary nurses employed at the trusts responsible Foundation Trust for hospitals within South East London as at 30 September from 2009 to date is shown in the following table. King’s College 1,926 2,154 2,263 2,410 Hospital NHS NHS hospital and community health services: nursing assistants/ Foundation auxiliaries employed by South East London NHS organisations as at Trust 30 September each specified year Lewisham 737 802 955 950 Full-time equivalent Healthcare 2009 2010 2011 2012 NHS Trust Oxleas NHS 578 794 1,009 1,016 Guy’s and St 192 23 54 44 Foundation Thomas’ NHS Trust Foundation Trust South London 1,635 1,530 1,472 1,472 and Maudsley King’s College ———— NHS Hospital NHS Foundation Foundation Trust Trust South London 1,866 1,809 1,809 1,745 Lewisham — 1—16 Healthcare Healthcare NHS Trust NHS Trust 209W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 210W

NHS hospital and community health services: nursing assistants/ information on all aspects of the patient journey, which auxiliaries employed by South East London NHS organisations as at can be shared with the health care professionals who 30 September each specified year are responsible for the patient’s care. Full-time equivalent 2009 2010 2011 2012 The pathways include prevention, symptom awareness, referral, diagnosis, staging, treatment, follow up, recurrence Oxleas NHS 300 327 383 360 and advanced disease. The pathway explains what pancreatic Foundation cancer is and how it can be treated and provides advice Trust on the side effects of treatment. A variety of supportive South London 433 508 524 506 care information is also available which covers diet, free and Maudsley NHS prescriptions, getting travel insurance and advice on Foundation living with the disease. Trust The Improving Outcomes in Cancer guidance published South London 22 19 15 15 by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Healthcare (NICE) sets out best practice treatment and support for NHS Trust patients in the provision of care for a range of cancer Notes: 1. Full-time equivalent figures are rounded to the nearest whole types, including pancreatic cancer. number. To support a positive experience of care, the guidance 2. Data Quality: highlights the importance of effective communication, Clinical support to nursing staff also includes other nursing support providing good quality information to patients and staff, health care assistants and other health care support staff in the relevant areas and therefore may explain why some trusts do not supporting access to Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS). have nursing assistants as they may have been coded as other types The role of CNS is especially important in facilitating of nursing support. This is essentially the result of the fact that continuing good communication; contact with a trained individual NHS organisations are ultimately responsible for the way and experienced nurse can reduce patients’ anxiety, in which they code their staff. depression and physical symptoms. The guidance The Health and Social Care Information Centre seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but recommends that cancer patients should have the name responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing and contact number for a particular nurse, and should, the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data whenever possible, see and speak to the same nurse. quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed, but unless it is significant at national level, figures are not The above elements of NICE’S Improving Outcomes changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant guidance will continue to be a feature of all commissioned analyses. cancer services from April 2013. Source: Through the 2010 and 2011-12 National Cancer Patient Health and Social Care Information Centre non-medical workforce census. Experience Surveys, published in August last year, we have continued to monitor patients’ experience of NHS cancer care. Questions within the surveys have covered Pancreatic Cancer important issues such as access to CNS, patient information and effective communication, as well as a range of Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Health other areas key to the delivery of high quality cancer what plans he has to improve the information and care and improved outcomes. advice supplied to nurses providing care and support to The 2011-12 survey recorded the views of over 71,000 pancreatic cancer patients. [150529] cancer patients, including those with pancreatic cancer. 88% of pancreatic cancer patients said their care was Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Health excellent or very good. (1) what steps his Department has taken to benefit Quality Health, the survey provider, has identified from the experience of patients with pancreatic cancer; the responses of pancreatic cancer patients from the [150830] upper gastro-intestinal cancer grouping to enable (2) what steps he is taking to improve communications comparison of their experience against those of other between health care professionals and relatives and cancers. The survey results are helping trusts to identify carers of patients with pancreatic cancer. [150831] areas in cancer care that need improvement locally and to raise standards across the service. Anna Soubry: To improve the information supplied to nurses providing care and support for pancreatic cancer Prostatitis patients, the Department funded the National Cancer Action Team (now part of NHS Improving Quality) to Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health undertake a series of actions to improve the experience (1) how many men were diagnosed with (a) prostatitis of cancer patients. This included developing a national and (b) benign prostatic hyperplasia in each primary advanced communication skills training programme; care trust area in each of the last five years; [150355] developing an assessment and feedback tool to promote better working between cancer teams in trusts and a (2) how many men were diagnosed with (a) quality improvement toolkit for nurses. prostatitis and (b) benign prostatic hyperplasia in each An information prescription provides up-to-date and local authority area in England in each of the last five accurate information from the national health service years; [150364] and from patient organisations. There are over 70 site- (3) how many men were diagnosed with (a) specific information pathways for cancer, including one prostatitis and (b) benign prostatic hyperplasia in each for pancreatic cancer. The Pancreatic Cancer pathway parliamentary constituency in England in each of the on the Information Prescription Service provides last five years. [150365] 211W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 212W

Anna Soubry: I refer the hon. Member to the written 1 The data provided only include admissions for in-patient care for answer I gave him on 20 March 2013, Official Report, self-harm. Any incidences of self-harm that are either not reported to a health care professional or are treated in a primary care setting will column 715W. not be included. 2 A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are Public Expenditure counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year. Cause code—a supplementary code that indicates the nature of any Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health external cause of injury, poisoning or other adverse effects. Only the with reference to the estimated Resource DEL first external cause code which is coded within the episode is counted underspend in financial year 2012-13 of £1.4 billion as in HES. set out in Table 2.5 of the Budget 2013 Red Book 3 Parliamentary constituency of residence—the parliamentary constituency which service areas in his Department received reduced containing the patient’s normal home address. This does not necessarily reflect where the patient was treated as they may have travelled to resources; what the amounts of resource reduction another parliamentary constituency for treatment. This field is only were; and if he will make a statement. [150200] available from 2008-09 onwards. 4 SHA/PCT of residence—the strategic health authority (SHA) or primary care trust (PCT) containing the patient’s normal home Dr Poulter: Table 2.5 of the Budget 2013 Red Book address. This does not necessarily reflect where the patient was treated shows the difference between Budget 2012 plans and as they may have travelled to another SHA/PCT for treatment. latest forecast of expenditure for 2012-13. For the Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for Department of Health, the table shows an estimated health and social care Resource Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) The Department currently funds the Multi-Centre underspend of £1.4 billion against the Budget 2012 Study on Self-harm which collects data on episodes and plans. trends in self-harm. The Multicentre study has had This underspend has arisen mainly because of higher departmental funding of £2 million over five years. than planned surpluses in the national health service Our Suicide Prevention Strategy (September 2012) and underspends on central programme expenditure. recognises those with a history of self-harm may be at The Department has committed to make NHS higher risk of suicide, and the Department will continue organisations’ underspends available to them in future to support high-quality research on suicide, suicide years to help deliver high quality, sustainable health prevention and self-harm through the National Institute services for patients. for Health Research and the Policy Research Programme. This programme will collect and analyse data on suicide The Government is delivering on its commitment to and self-harm; evaluate different forms of risk assessment increase health spending. Health spending in 2012-13 following self-harm; develop guidelines on the management will be 1% higher in real terms than last year (based on of episodes of self-harm where individuals have made Budget forecast). advance decisions on treatment; and develop resources The Department will set out its spending for the year for parents of young people who self-harm. in detail in its annual accounts in the usual way. The suicide prevention strategy is backed by up to £1.5 million for suicide prevention research through the Policy Research Programme including a substantial amount Self-harm: East Midlands of work to look at the issue of self-harm. We will know what awards have been made in spring 2013. We have made it clear that mental and physical health Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for have to be seen as equally important. For suicide prevention, Health what assessment he has made of levels of self-harm this will mean effectively managing the mental health in (a) Ashfield constituency, (b) Nottinghamshire and aspects, as well as any physical injuries, when people (c) the east Midlands; and what steps he is taking to who have self-harmed come to accident and emergency. reduce such incidences of self-harm. [149833] It will also mean having an effective 24-hour response to mental health crises, as well as for physical health. Norman Lamb: The Department has made no assessment of the levels of self-harm in the above named areas. Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust The numbers of finished admission episodes (FAEs)1 with a cause code2 of self-harm for residents of Ashfield Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for constituency3, Nottinghamshire County Primary Care Health how many (a) nurses, (b) doctors and (c) Trust (PCX)4 area and East Midlands Strategic Health surgeons were employed at (i) King’s Mill Hospital and Authority (SHA)4 area, for 2011-12, the most recent (ii) Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust period for which data is available, are shown in the in each of the last four years. [149837] following table: Dr Poulter: Information on numbers of staff employed at individual hospitals is not collected centrally. Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector Numbers of full-time equivalent qualified nursing, Patients resident in: FAEs midwifery and health visiting staff, and medical and dental staff employed at Sherwood Forest Hospitals Ashfield constituency 187 NHS Foundation Trust in each of the last four years, Nottinghamshire County PCT 1,126 for which data is available are shown in the following East Midlands SHA 9,225 table. 213W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 214W

Full- Postholder Date time equivalents Kristen McLeod March 2013 - date At 30 September each Withheld as the incumbent was September 2012 - March 2013 year: 2009 2010 2011 2012 covering the role at Grade 6 Paul Macnaught November 2009 - September 2012 Qualified nursing, 982 1,026 1,080 1,058 Maeve Walsh November 2007 - November 2009 midwifery and health visiting staff Clara Swinson September 2005 - November 2007 All doctors 361 378 375 381 Dominic Hardy June 2003 - September 2005 Of which: Withheld as the incumbent was Pre 2003 - June 2003 covering the role at Grade 6 Doctors within the 95 99 102 100 surgical group Sources: Tattooing Health and Social Care Information Centre Medical and Dental Workforce Census. Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Information Centre Non-Medical Workforce Health (1) if he will bring forward legislative proposals Census. to better regulate the tattoo industry; [150436] Staff (2) if he will take steps to reduce the number of unlicensed tattooists. [150446] Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Anna Soubry: The Secretary of State for Health, my Health what information his Department holds on the right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey names of all staff members, about whom information (Mr Hunt), currently provides local authorities with the is releaseable, employed in Sir David Nicholson’s powers to regulate the hygiene and cleanliness of businesses private office since 2008; what positions each such providing tattooing/semi-permanent skin-colouring, person held; and when the (a) commencement and (b) cosmetic piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis; through termination of their employment was. [150989] the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. Dr Poulter: The Department’s practice is not to release There are no current plans to revise legislation regulating named information on employees below deputy director the tattooing industry in England. (SCS) level. Since 2008, the following individuals have held senior civil service roles in Sir David Nicholson’s Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Private Office: Health how many people have been admitted to hospital with infections due to tattoos in the last three Jo-Anne Wass was seconded from the national health service to the Department as Sir David Nicholson’s chief of staff from years. [150447] 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2012; Anna Soubry: The data collected on causes of hospital Jo Lenaghan was seconded from the NHS to the Department admissions do not allow separate identification of infections as Sir David Nicholson’s chief adviser from 9 October 2006 to 23 August 2010; due to tattoos. Ralph Coulbeck was deputy director—policy advisor from Tourette’s Syndrome 1 April 2011 to 12 August 2012; Lawrence Tallon was deputy director—principal business manager Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State from 24 December 2007 to 7 June 2011; and, for Health what consideration he has given to including Jane Robinson was seconded from the NHS to the Department indicators on the diagnosis and treatment of Tourette’s as deputy director—communication advisor from 4 August syndrome in the remit of the NHS Commissioning 2008 to 17 September 2010. Board; and if he will make a statement. [150318] Since August 2012, the day to day running of Sir Norman Lamb: The mandate to the NHS Commissioning David Nicholson’s departmental private office has been Board sets out the Government’s ambitions for the fulfilled at a more junior grade. health service for the next two years. It includes an objective for the NHS Commissioning Board to make Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for measurable progress towards making the national health Health what the names are of all staff members, about service among the best in Europe at supporting people whom information is releaseable, who worked in each of with ongoing health problems to live healthily and his Department’s Ministerial offices since 2003; what independently, with much better control over the care position each such person held; and when the (a) they receive. commencement and (b) termination of their employment The Mandate will be refreshed annually to ensure it was. [150990] remains relevant and up to date following consultation in line with the requirements set out in the Health and Dr Poulter: The Department’s practice is not to release Social Care Act 2012. The case for adding new objectives named data on employees below senior civil servant will be considered as part of the process for developing (SCS). future mandates. There is only one SCS role in the ministerial private The NHS Commissioning Board is in the process of offices, which is that of the principal private secretary to appointing a new National Clinical Director for chronic the Secretary of State for Health, my right hon. Friend disability and neurological conditions who will provide the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt). Information clinical leadership in determining priorities with key about the postholders from 2003 is given as follows: stakeholders including for people with Tourette’s syndrome. 215W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 216W

Visual Impairment The Department for Communities and Local Government has published guidance to ensure that Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for local authorities understand their existing responsibilities Health what level of social care costs were incurred by in relation to vulnerable groups. (a) vision impairment and sight loss and (b) vision impairment and sight loss caused by age-related Electrical Safety: Inspections macular degeneration by local authority, in each of the last five years for which data are available. [150113] Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Norman Lamb: Data on local authority expenditure Communities and Local Government how many on personal social services for adults is collected and notifications his Department expects to be made through published by the Health and Social Care Information its third party inspection regime; and how many such Centre (HSCIC). certifiers it expects to register. [150346] However, this data is not broken down by specific Mr Foster: We estimate that DIYers, jobbing builders conditions, so the HSCIC is unable to provide the and electricians who are not registered with competent requested information. person self-certification schemes carry out around 60,000 notifiable jobs annually. We expect that the majority of Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for these notifications will move to third party certifiers. Health if his Department will make an assessment of We have made no estimate of the number of registered the economic burden of (a) vision impairment and certifiers. Further details can be found in the relevant sight loss and (b) vision impairment and sight loss impact assessment at: caused by age-related macular degeneration on (i) the NHS and (ii) social care services in each of the last five www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-regulations- part-p-electrical-safety-in-dwellings years for which data are available. [150114]

Dr Poulter: The Department has not made an assessment Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for of the economic burden associated with visual impairment Communities and Local Government what steps his and sight loss. Recent estimates of the costs of blindness Department will take to promote the use of the third and visual impairment are contained in a study party inspection and testing register to those who commissioned by the Royal Institute of Blind People in undertake DIY electrical work. [150347] 20091. 1 Future sight loss UK: The economic impact of partial sight and Mr Foster: The Electrical Safety Council is about to blindness in the UK adult population. June 2009 mount a campaign to raise awareness of electrical safety, which the Department has agreed to support. The campaign will provide an opportunity to encourage those who undertake DIY electrical work to have their COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT work inspected and tested by a third party certifier. It will target DIY retailers as well as consumers and Council Tax: Disability electricians.

Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for and Local Government how many local authorities Communities and Local Government what assessment intend to charge council tax to disabled people following he has made of the effects of his proposed third party the introduction of council tax support in April 2013; inspection and testing regime for notifiable electrical and what reports he has received of the rates which such work on the standard of home electrical installations. local authorities are planning to charge. [147729] [150348]

Brandon Lewis: Information regarding the design of Mr Foster: We do not expect the introduction of third local schemes is not held centrally. party certification to have any significant impact on the Councils already set council tax, collect it and administer standard of home electrical installations. Part P of the the benefit and it makes sense for them to decide the Building Regulations (Electrical safety—Dwellings), which levels of support people should receive with their council was amended on 6 April, calls for all electrical installation tax bills. Councils are best placed to understand local work in homes to follow the rules in the British Standard priorities and to take these local factors into account BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations). However, the when deciding on levels of support. Councils are not proposed third party certification regime should reduce required to report to Government on the detail of their the costs of certification, which may provide a greater local scheme. incentive for DIYersto have their work properly inspected and tested. Councils already have clearly defined responsibilities in relation to equalities groups and their most vulnerable citizens. This includes, for example, through their Empty Property: Yorkshire and the Humber responsibilities under: the Equalities Act 2010, which introduces a duty on local Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities to eliminate discrimination and advance equality; Communities and Local Government how many vacant the Child Poverty Act 2010, which imposes a duty on local and unused homes there are in (a) Brigg and Goole authorities to have regard to and address child poverty; constituency and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber; what the Housing Act 1996, which gives local authorities a duty to plans he has to promote the use of vacant and unused prevent homelessness with special regard to vulnerable groups. homes; and if he will make a statement. [150598] 217W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 218W

Mr Prisk: Data for Brigg and Goole constituency are attacks, public disorder and other national incidents as not collected centrally. The constituency falls within the part of his plans to contract out 999 services. [150632] combined local authority districts of East Riding of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. Brandon Lewis: Assessment of fire service capacity is As outlined in the written ministerial statement of entirely a matter for individual fire and rescue authorities, 18 September 2012, Official Report, column 31-33WS, who are required under the 2012 Fire and Rescue my Department no longer publishes statistics by government National Framework to identify and assess the full office region. range of foreseeable fire and rescue related risks their Statistics on vacant dwellings in each local authority areas face, make provision for prevention and protection are published in the Department’s live table 615 which activities and respond to incidents appropriately. is available at the following link. Previously published figures by region can be found in live tables 611 and John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for 613: Communities and Local Government what the annual https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live- percentage change in total revenue spending power for tables-on-dwelling-stock-including-vacants fire authorities in England was (a) in each year since In addition to £160 million the Government have 2010 and (b) in each year to 2014-15. [150887] already committed to bringing over 11,200 empty homes back into use, a further bidding round to bring a worth Brandon Lewis: The annual percentage change in around £75 million is underway to bring a further 5,000 total revenue spending power for single service fire and empty properties back into use. rescue authorities outside London from 2010-11 are shown as follows. Fire Services Percentage

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11 to 2011-12 2.2 Communities and Local Government (1) what his 2011-12 to 2012-13 0.5 policy is on contracting out core fire and rescue 2012-13 to 2013-14 4.7 services; [150631] 2013-14 to 2014-15 13.3 (2) when he plans to publish details of his proposals 1 Indicative figures only. to allow fire and rescue authorities to outsource As I outlined in my statement of 17 December 2012, services to mutuals or other organisations; [150563] Official Report, columns 69-70WS, there is significant (3) what assessment he has made of legislative scope for fire and rescue authorities to make sensible changes that would be required to (a) create mutuals savings, such as through reforms to flexible staffing and that could deliver fire and rescue services and (b) put crewing arrangements, better procurement, shared services, in place protections against any future privatisation of collaboration with emergency services and other these services; [150574] organisations on service delivery and estates, sickness (4) what assessment he has made of the support or management, sharing of senior staff, locally led mergers otherwise for outsourcing core fire and rescue services and operational collaborations, new fire-fighting technology, amongst (a) firefighters, (b) other fire service staff preventative approaches and working with local businesses. and (c) the public; [150626] (5) what recent discussions he has had with the Chief John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Fire Officers’ Association on proposals to open up Communities and Local Government what the annual delivery of fire and rescue services to other organisations; percentage change in central formula funding grant for [150575] fire authorities in England was in (a) each year since 2010 and (b) each year to 2014-15. [150888] (6) if he will publish details of the dates, agendas and outcomes of meetings (a) he or (b) his officials have held with the Cleveland Fire Authority Chairman over Brandon Lewis: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 21 March 2013, Official Report, columns 767-68W. the last 18 months; [150624] (7) if he will publish details of the dates, agendas and outcomes of meetings (a) he or (b) his officials have Fracking: Planning Permission held with the Cleveland Chief Fire Officer over the last 18 months. [150625] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will consider Brandon Lewis: I and my officials meet with ways to increase the weight to be attached to local representatives from external interest groups, such as referendums by the decison-maker in a planning application fire and rescue authorities, from time to time on a whole or appeal relating to a fracking rig installation. [150411] range of issues and details of meetings are published regularly. My position on mutuals has already been set Nick Boles: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of out in my answers of 5 March 2013, Official Report, 5 February 2013, Official Report, column 127W. The column 931W and 7 March 2013, Official Report, column views of local communities can already be taken into 1121W. account by decision-makers in the determination of planning applications, and the weight to be attached to Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the material planning considerations in those representations Communities and Local Government what assessment should be based on the individual circumstances of the he made of fire service capacity to respond to terrorist application or the appeal. 219W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 220W

Hotels Brandon Lewis: Consultation on the Local Government Finance Settlement for 2013-14 ended on 15 January Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 2013. Representations were received from the mayor of Communities and Local Government what costs his Hartlepool and from officials from Middlesbrough and Department incurred in respect of hotels for (a) staff Stockton-on-Tees councils. and (b) Ministers since May 2010. [135276] Mortgages: Government Assistance Brandon Lewis: Reflecting our responsibilities for local government, housing, planning and communities, Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for the work of the Department involves staff travelling to Communities and Local Government if the extension different parts of the country. As time allows, Ministers to the Government’s FirstBuy scheme announced in also undertake official visits, some of which may require Budget 2013 will apply to part-rent/part-buy properties. overnight accommodation. [150542] However, since May 2010, my Department has taken Mr Prisk: From 1 April, the Government, under a series of steps to increase value for money and deliver Help to Buy, is providing buyers with an equity loan of sensible savings, as reflected by the following table. up to 20% of the cost of a new build property valued up to £600,000. Following implementation we will work Hotel spending Amount (£) with partners, including lenders and housebuilders, to 2009-10 498,471 keep the scheme under review, as we have with other 2010-11 296,333 schemes. 2011-12 215,079 April 2012 - December 2012 154,206 Official Hospitality

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for The breakdown is as follows: Communities and Local Government what costs his Department has incurred in respect of refreshments £ and hospitality for meetings since May 2010. [135281] Ministers Staff Brandon Lewis: I refer the hon. Member to my answer 2010-11 169 296,164 to him of 19 March 2013, Official Report, column 2011-12 528 214,551 625W,outlining how there is now no substantive expenditure April 2012 - 539 153,667 on refreshments for Ministers. December 2012 I also refer the hon. Member to my answer of 19 December 2012, Official Report, column 837W,outlining how we have dramatically reduced expenditure relative Housing: Planning Permission to the last Administration. That latter answer understates the full trajectory of Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the reductions, as 40% of the figure given in that answer Communities and Local Government of the major for April 2012 to October 2012 was delayed billing from housing decisions made in 2012, how many were contrary the previous financial year. to the (a) draft and (b) adopted local development The limited expenditure that we do undertake primarily plan; and if he will make a statement. [150834] relates to the frequent conferences and seminars that my Department holds with representatives from external Mr Prisk: We do not collect data in the form requested organisations. for all individual local authority decisions. For Secretary of State decisions handled by the Planning Inspectorate, Overview and Scrutiny Committees 449 major dwelling decisions were taken in 2012 of which 210 were allowed. An assessment of how many of John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities these decisions were contrary to the draft or adopted and Local Government what guidance is given to local local development plan could be provided only at authorities about the appointment of scrutiny committee disproportionate cost. Planning applications should be chairs where local authorities have a significant number considered on their individual merits, and planning law of councillors who do not belong to the party in overall requires that they must be determined in accordance control. [149785] with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Brandon Lewis: The appointment of scrutiny committee chairs is a local matter for each council to decide.

Local Government Finance: Tees Valley Pay

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations Communities and Local Government what steps he has he has received from (a) council leaders and (b) directly- taken to ensure that contractors providing services to elected mayors in the Tees Valley on the effect of reductions his Department are paying the living wage to all in grants to local authorities from central Government. employees engaged in that particular contract; and if [144958] he will make a statement. [140060] 221W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 222W

Brandon Lewis [holding answer 28 January 2013]: has also transferred £50 million to other Government The Government supports the living wage and encourages Departments. Furthermore it received a reserve claim business to take it up where possible and affordable. of £18 million paid at supplementary estimates. However, the decision on what wages to set is for The Department will set out its spending for the year individual employers and workers. in detail in its annual accounts in the usual way. More broadly, from April 2013, the Government has raised the personal income allowance to £9,440—an income tax cut for 24 million tax payers—which will Sick Leave particularly help those on local incomes. The recent Budget announced the personal allowance will rise again to £10,000 from April 2014. Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many days Property Rights of paid sickness leave per individual member of staff are authorised in his Department on an annual basis. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for [144483] Communities and Local Government whether he plans to introduce any restrictions on the right to light. Brandon Lewis: For the 12 months to December [150680] 2012, a total of 12,315 days were paid as sickness leave. Staff in the Department had a total of 691,563 estimated Nick Boles: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave calendar days of possible attendance hence this represents him on 5 March 2013, Official Report, column 935W. 1.8% of total staff working time. Our absence rate was 6.1 average working days lost per member of staff. This Public Expenditure is lower than the civil service average of 7.6 days and below the private sector average of 7.1 (based on the Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for CIPD20 measure). Communities and Local Government pursuant to the In line with civil service practice, the Department Budget 2013 Red Book, Table 2.5, which capital projects pays individual members of staff for sick leave on the are no longer proceeding as a consequence of the following basis: underspend by his Department in 2012-13; and if he Full pay for any cumulative sick leave up to six months in any will make a statement. [150126] 12 month period, and; Half pay for any cumulative sick leave which exceeds six Brandon Lewis: Table 2.5 of the Budget 2013 Red months but does not exceed 12 months in any four year period. Book shows the difference between Budget 2012 plans Staff exceeding 12 months cumulative sick leave in and Departments’ latest estimates of their full-year any four year period do not receive any sick pay. position. In addition to forecast under spend against final The Department is taking a number of steps to plans, since Budget 2012 the Department surrendered a reduce sick absence: total of £300 million of CDEL at supplementary estimates. A self-test stress indicator tool for staff members, to help their The £300 million represents a net figure of the following line managers identify measures they can put in place to tackle breakdown; -£421 million is available for future years workplace stress. through the Budget Exchange mechanism and switched Intranet information pages to inform staff on ways in which +£42 million from its resource budget to the capital they can maximise their physical and mental health. budget. It has also received +£79 million from other Access to a 24 hour Employee Assistance helpline which offers Government Departments. advice and support on a wide range of issues, including sick The Department will set out its spending for the year absence. in detail in its annual accounts in the usual way. The Department has a short-term sick absence policy which line managers use to support staff back to work and manage down any absences. Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with reference to The Department will be introducing a comprehensive policy the estimated Resource DEL underspend in financial for managing long-term absence. This will significantly improve the management and resolution of such cases. year 2012-13 of £500 million as set out in Table 2.5 of the Budget 2013 Red Book which service areas in his Department received reduced resources; what the amounts Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities of resource reduction were; and if he will make a and Local Government how many days (a) his Department statement. [150199] and (b) each of its non-departmental public bodies has lost to staff sickness in each of the last five years; and Brandon Lewis: Table 2.5 of the Budget 2013 Red what estimate he has made of the cost of such absence Book shows the difference between Budget 2012 plans in each year. [147982] and Departments’ latest estimates of their full-year position. Brandon Lewis: For the 12 months to December In addition to forecast under spend against final 2012, our departmental absence rate was 6.1 average plans, since Budget 2012 the Department surrendered working days lost per member of staff. This is lower £280 million of RDEL at supplementary estimates, of than the civil service average of 7.6 days and below the which £206 million is available for future years through private sector average of 7.1 (based on the CIPD20 the Budget Exchange mechanism and switched £42 measure). The following table provides the detailed million from its resource budget to the capital budget. It figures requested: 223W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 224W

Average working days lost to sickness absence Rating System. Asbestos is one of the risks which is Organisation/12 considered under the Housing Health and Safety Rating month period March March March March March System. ending 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 We do not believe there is a need to require local DCLG 13,835 12,538 11,701 14,334 13,490 authorities to carry out further surveys. Fire Service 2,071 N/A 2,012 1,937 2,340 College Telephone Services Planning 6,798 6,445.5 5,915 5,615 3,829 Inspectorate John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Queen Elizabeth 523 714 295 292 186 Communities and Local Government for each of the II Conference principal access numbers operated by (a) his Department Centre and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible, what Ordnance N/A 10,310 6,439 4,332 N/A Survey revenue has been retained by (i) the telephone provider Notes: for that line and (ii) his Department in each of the last The Fire Service College did not submit figures for March 2009. three years. [149989] Responsibility for Ordnance Survey transferred to BIS in July 2011. Their first return to DCLG was. for the period ending September Brandon Lewis: Each of the principal access numbers 2008 so no March 2008 return is held for them. operated by the Department and its agencies (the Planning The estimated cost of absence in each 12 month Inspectorate and the Homes and Communities Agency) period ending March for the Department is as follows: are 030 numbers. 030 numbers were specifically designed for not-for-profit £ organisations, charities and public sector bodies to offer consumers a single point of contact nationally. Calls March 2008 1,295,569 cost no more than calls to geographic (01 and 02) March 2009 1,255,457 numbers and are included in inclusive minutes and March 2010 1,167,065 discount schemes in the same way. March 2011 1,334,196 March 2012 1,223,402 The Department and its agencies retain no revenue from these numbers. The Department holds no information This compares to the Department’s total pay bill of about the revenue retained by the telephone line providers £109 million a year in 2011-12. for these lines. Figures on absence rates in the Department’s non- John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for departmental public bodies are not held centrally. Figures Communities and Local Government which telephone on the estimated cost of absence in the Department’s lines are operated by (a) his Department and (b) the agencies and non-departmental public bodies are not agencies for which he is responsible for public inquiries held centrally. or other services; what the (i) principal access number The Department is taking a number of steps to and (ii) telephone service provider is for each number; reduce sick absence: and which such lines (A) are free to the caller and (B) A self-test stress indicator tool for staff members, to help their may incur a charge to the caller. [150012] line managers identify measures they can put in place to tackle workplace stress. Brandon Lewis: The Department for Communities Intranet information pages to inform staff on ways in which and Local Government uses a low cost number 030 they can maximise their physical and mental health. 3444 0000 for public inquiries. The telephone service Access to a 24 hour Employee Assistance helpline which offers provider for DCLG is Damovo UK Ltd. advice and support on a wide range of issues, including sick The general inquiries number of the Planning absence. Inspectorate is 0303 444 5000. The telephone service The Department has a short term sick absence policy provider for the Planning Inspectorate is Damovo which line managers use to support staff back to work UK Ltd. and manage down any absences. We will also be introducing The Homes and Communities Agency also has one a comprehensive policy for managing long term absence. principal access number, 0300 1234 500. The telephone This will significantly improve the management and service provider is British Telecommunications plc. resolution of such cases. 030 numbers were specifically designed for not-for-profit organisations, charities and public sector bodies to offer Social Rented Housing: Asbestos consumers a single point of contact nationally. Calls cost no more than calls to geographic (01 and 02) numbers and are included in inclusive minutes and Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for discount schemes in the same way. The Department Communities and Local Government if he will bring retains no revenue from these numbers. forward legislative proposals to require local authorities to carry out asbestos surveys on all of their social Training housing stocks. [150853] Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Prisk: Local authorities are required to ensure Communities and Local Government how many away that their homes meet the Decent Homes standard, days his Department has organised for its own staff including the absence of serious “category 1” hazards since May 2010; and what the (a) purpose and (b) cost as determined under the Housing Health and Safety has been of such away days. [135403] 225W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 226W

Brandon Lewis: Towards the end of 2010, my Department Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for issued new guidance to staff that team away days should Communities and Local Government how many away take place at no or limited cost; this included encouraging days his Department has held since 2010; and what the the use of rooms in the Department or a neighbouring cost was of each such event. [139956] Whitehall Department. This is a significant departure from practices that took place under the last Administration. Brandon Lewis [holding answer 28 January 2013]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Our finance system shows that in 2008-09 and 2009-10, Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) today, PQ the last Administration spent at least £196,585 and 135403. £137,678 respectively on away days. Travellers By contrast, I have placed a table in the Library of the House, which shows how we have reduced spending Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for to £1,492 in 2010-11, £3,318 in 2011-12 and £870 in Communities and Local Government pursuant to the 2012-13. This represents just 1% of the previous answer of 26 February 2013, Official Report, column Administration’s average annual spend, and shows the 383W, on Travellers, (1) if he will list the members of scope for making sensible savings in the public sector. the Ministerial Working Group (a) before and (b) The bulk of this expenditure relates to events where after the Cabinet reshuffle of September 2012; [150617] staff, based around the country, formerly from the (2) whether his Department plans to publish a regional development agencies or the Government office second report in 2013; [150618] for the regions, came together to be briefed on the (3) what progress he has made in respect of the departmental restructuring as part of the abolition of 28 commitments announced in April 2012. [150619] the regional bodies and the transfer of residual functions. These were not ’away days’ as such, but I have included Mr Foster: The progress report by the Ministerial them in the interests of transparency. Working Group on reducing inequalities experienced by Gypsies and Travellers was published in April 2012. In addition to the information in the table, I also refer It includes 28 commitments from across Government the hon. Member to the answer of 13 July 2011, Official that will help mainstream services support Gypsies and Report, column 361W, on the hiring of a burlesque club Travellers. The report also says that the Government commissioned under the last Administration. intends to produce another report once we have had the opportunity to assess progress in delivering against Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for those commitments. We are currently doing so. The Communities and Local Government what costs his Members of the Ministerial Working Group are listed Department has incurred in respect of (a) staff in the progress report, and the list has not formally been training and (b) leadership courses since May 2010. revised since the ministerial reshuffle in September 2012. [135434] However, the Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Brandon Lewis), is now the DCLG ministerial Brandon Lewis: There is a business case for staff to representative and I can confirm that officials from all maintain and build their specialist skills and further the relevant Government Departments are involved in their professional development to help them do their reviewing progress on the Ministerial Working Group jobs better. commitments. The following table, based on information contained in our departmental audited annual accounts for the Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for core department, shows how administrative spending Communities and Local Government what steps his on the category ’training and conferences’ has fallen. It Department is taking to facilitate community involvement also illustrates total staff costs. in the preparation of its Roma Strategy. [150620]

£ Mr Foster: European Union member states agreed Spending on ‘training and Council Conclusions on Roma integration in May 2011, conferences’ Staff costs in which they made commitments to advance the integration of Roma (including Gypsies and Travellers) either through 2009-10 6.2 million 216 million national strategies or through wider social inclusion 2010-11 3.2 million 184 million policies. The Government submitted a report to the 2011-12 408,000 109 million European Commission in March 2012 setting out how we are advancing Roma, Gypsy and Traveller integration We do not hold figures on the total spending on through wider policies for integration and inclusion. leadership courses since May 2010. Officials from the Department for Communities and Local Government meet regularly with Gypsy, Traveller I would add that civil service learning was established and Roma organisations to discuss issues of interest to in April 2011 in response to a wide ranging review of their communities, particularly through the DCLG Gypsy the delivery of training in the civil service. The new and Traveller Liaison Group and the local authority-led model recognises the need for the civil service to get National Roma Network. Items on the agenda of recent better value out of its investment in training, reduce meetings have included updates on developments since duplication in the procurement of learning solutions the May 2011 Council Conclusions and progress made and make greater use of the external market to provide by Government Departments in meeting commitments the training which the civil service requires. made in the April 2012 report of the Ministerial Working These reforms will save taxpayers’ money and improve Group on reducing inequalities experienced by Gypsies the overall quality of training provision. and Travellers. 227W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 228W

Urban Areas unsuccessful in the Portas pilot competition were eligible to apply to become Town Team Partners. A list of Town Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Team Partners can be found on the Department’s website: Communities and Local Government what data his https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/improving-high- Department holds on trends in footfall in town centres streets-and-town-centres over the last 20 years [150334] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Prisk: The Department does not hold any Communities and Local Government what progress he information on the trends in footfall in town centres is making on the interim findings of the Town Team over the last 20 years. pilot. [150428]

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Prisk: Following the Mary Portas review published Communities and Local Government which locations in December 2011, we have been addressing the problems have been successful applicants to the Town Team; and facing the high street. My report of high street progress, how much funding has been granted to such towns which I published on 25 March, describes the work that since the start of the pilot scheme. [150426] has gone on over the past year. It can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-future-of- Mr Prisk: The following 27 town teams in England high-streets successfully applied to become Portas pilots and received But I do recognise that more needs to be done which a total of £2,564,881: is why I have established the Future High Streets Forum. The forum, which had its first meeting on 25 March, Amount builds on the work of the Portas pilots and Town Team Portas pilot awarded (£) Partners and brings together leaders across retail, property, business, academics, third sector, civil society and Ashford, Kent 100,000 government to better understand the competition town Bedford, Bedfordshire 51,260 centres across the country face and to drive forward Bedminster, Bristol 100,000 new ideas and policies to help revive the high street. Berwick, Northumberland 100,000 Full details of the Future High Street Forum can be Braintree, Essex 86,500 found at: Brighton (London Road),West Sussex 86,485 https://www.gov.uk/government/policy-advisory-groups/ Chrisp Street, Roman Road and Watney Markets, 99,000 future-high-streets-forum Tower Hamlets1 Croydon, Greater London 100,000 Dartford, Kent 79,000 Hatfield, Hertfordshire 100,000 WORK AND PENSIONS Leamington (Old Town), Warwickshire 100,000 Airdrie Liskeard, Cornwall 100,000 Liverpool (Lodge Lane), Merseyside 100,000 Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Loughborough, East Midlands 100,000 and Pensions if he will estimate the number of people Lowestoft, Suffolk 100,000 normally resident in Airdrie and Shotts constituency Margate, Kent 100,000 who are employed by his Department. [150582] Market Rasen, Lincolnshire 98,599 Morecombe, Lancashire 100,000 Mr Hoban: The number of people employed by the Nelson, Lancashire 100,000 DWP resident in Airdrie and Shotts constituency is Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland 94,300 271. Rotherham, South Yorkshire 100,000 Children: Maintenance SEE3 (Forest Hill, Kirkdale and Sydenham), Lewisham1 80,000 Stockport, Greater Manchester 100,000 Stockton on Tees, North Yorkshire 92,000 Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Tiverton, Somerset 100,000 Work and Pensions what proportion of Child Support Agency cases with a current positive liability have Waterloo Quarter, Lambeth1 97,737 received payment (a) in full, (b) in part and (c) not at Wolverhampton, West Midlands 100,000 all in the last 12 months for which figures are available. 1 Funded by the Greater London Authority [145615] In addition, 333 town teams out of a potential 393 registered to become a Town Team Partner and now Steve Webb: The following table shows over the last have access to the support package we have provided, four quarters the number of CSA cases where maintenance which includes £10,000 for each town team to help is due, split by how much of the requested maintenance deliver their proposals. Only town teams who were was paid in full, in part or not at all.

Paying in full Paying part Not paying Assessed not charging No. of cases where Quarter Ending: maintenance is due No. % No. % No. % No. %

March 2012 872,900 510,500 58 185,300 21 141,000 16 36,000 4 June 2012 864,600 522,400 60 174,100 20 133,800 15 34,300 4 229W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 230W

Paying in full Paying part Not paying Assessed not charging No. of cases where Quarter Ending: maintenance is due No. % No. % No. % No. %

September 2012 872,800 521,000 60 177,200 20 140,500 16 34,100 4 December 2012 882,200 515,100 58 186,400 21 147,600 17 33,100 4

Cases are classed as having maintenance due if an Cold Weather Payments: Scotland ongoing liability to pay maintenance exists, or if arrears of maintenance exist and payment has been requested. Cases that have a positive liability but no active charging schedule in place are classed as ’assessed not Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work charging’. and Pensions how much his Department spent on cold weather payments in (a) Scotland and (b) Airdrie and Figures may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Shotts constituency in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and how many people in Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Airdrie and Shotts constituency were allocated cold and Pensions how many non-resident parents are weather payments in (i) November 2012, (ii) December currently paying maintenance who have been assessed 2012 and (iii) January 2013. [150573] by the Child Support Agency between 1993 and 2003. [150464]

Steve Webb: In the quarter to December 2012, there Steve Webb: The cold weather payment scheme is were 150,200 non-resident parents with a positive administered at weather station area level. Information maintenance outcome, where their case is assessed under on expenditure and the number of people qualifying for the 1993 scheme or was originally assessed under the cold weather payments is only available for the area 1993 scheme and has now been converted to the 2003 covered by each weather station and not at parliamentary scheme. constituency level. Weather station coverage areas are A case is classed as having a positive maintenance determined by postcode and do not align with constituency outcome if a payment has been received via the collections boundaries. Airdrie and Shotts constituency is covered service in the quarter, or if a maintenance direct by Bishopton, Edinburgh Gogarbank and Salsburgh arrangement is in place. weather stations. These figures do not include off system cases. A Table 1 gives the estimated expenditure on cold weather non-resident parent may be involved in more than one payments in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 in Scotland case, therefore these figures will not match those published as a whole and in respect of triggers at Bishopton, in the Child Support Agency Quarterly Summary of Edinburgh Gogarbank and Salsburgh weather stations. Statistics. There were no triggers at Bishopton and Edinburgh Gogarbank weather stations in 2011-12. Citizens Advice Scotland Table 1: Estimated expenditure on cold weather payments between 2009-10 and 2011-12 John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for Work £ million and Pensions what discussions his Department has had Weather with Citizens Advice Scotland on a dedicated line for station 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 inquiries from citizens advice bureaux. [150547] Bishopton 25.2 24.9 0.0 Mr Hoban: DWP in Scotland has regular dialogue Edinburgh 9.7 7.8 0.0 with Citizens Advice Scotland and shares information Gogarbank and updates in a number of different formats, both at Salsburgh 3.6 3.3 0.5 Scottish and local level with bureau. Escalation contact points have been shared and refreshed again with CAS Scotland 51.1 93.9 1.8 recently. total

Cold Weather Payments: Bassetlaw Table 2 provides the estimated number of recipients of cold weather payments in November 2012, December John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2012 and January at Bishopton, Edinburgh Gogarbank and Pensions for how long the weather station at and Salsburgh weather stations. There were no triggers Waddington has been used for assessing cold weather at Bishopton weather station in this period. payments for people living in the Bassetlaw area. [150650] Table 2: Estimated recipients of cold weather payments between November 2012 and January 2013 Steve Webb: Waddington has been used continuously Weather as a primary station in the scheme since the cold weather station November 2012 December 2012 January 2013 payment scheme began in 1988. In the first few years Bishopton 0 0 0 weather stations were not linked to postcode districts Edinburgh 0 0 73,100 but were instead assigned to individual counties, boroughs, Gogarbank districts and parishes or parts thereof. Salsburgh 0 19,400 19,400 231W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 232W

Notes: The agreements may contain a non-disclosure clause 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our preference which prevents the individual from disclosing or discussing is to answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this case we only have Management Information available. It is the existence, negotiation and terms of the settlement. not quality assured to the same extent as Official/National Statistics. The Department considers whether such clauses are 2. The figures for Scotland only include payments made in respect of appropriate and necessary and always ensures that any weather stations whose coverage areas lie entirely within Scotland. non-disclosure clause allows disclosure for business needs There are some weather station areas whose coverage crosses the and the requirements of law, including accountability England/Scotland border; as we do not know which country these recipients are in, they are excluded from the figures for Scotland. to Parliament. The clause is not aimed at preventing 3. The figures for the Bishopton, Edinburgh Gogarbank and Salsburgh staff from raising or disclosing any concerns regarding weather stations will also cover areas outside Airdrie and Shotts. their employment which they will continue to have a 4. Cold weather payments are made to benefit units rather than to right to do under whistleblowing legislation and the households or individuals. A benefit unit can be a single person or a Department’s Whistleblowing policy. couple and can include children. The recipient volumes given are based on the number of eligible benefit units on 31 October 2012. With regard to the information requested the Department 5. The number of recipients is not equal to the number of payments is not able to provide the information requested as its made. Recipients can receive more than one payment if the weather not collated centrally and could be provided only at station triggers multiple times. disproportionate cost. 6. A cold weather payment of £25 is made when the average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be 0°C or below over seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to an eligible recipient’s Employment and Support Allowance: Airdrie postcode. 7. All expenditure figures have been rounded to the nearest £100,000. All recipient figures have been rounded to the nearest 100. Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Airdrie and Shotts Contingencies Fund constituency were underpaid employment and support allowance as a result of departmental error in each of Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the last three years; and what the total amount of any and Pensions pursuant to his statement of 22 March 2013, such underpayment was. [150467] Official Report, column 64WS, on Contingencies Fund (Advance), for what reasons he is seeking a £506 million Mr Hoban: The information is not available in the advance from the Contingencies Fund. [150483] format requested.

Mr Hoban: The £506 million Contingency Fund Advance Food Banks was required due to the tabling of The Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation and Adjustments) Bill 2012-13 being later than in previous years. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he has made an assessment of The Contingency Fund Advance request was in line the reasons for the increase in referrals to Trussell Trust with normal parliamentary processes as set out in the foodbanks between 2009-10 and 2012-13; and if he will Estimate Guidance (see following link): make a statement. [149165] http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/ estimates_manual_july2011.pdf Mr Hoban: DWP does not collate or hold numbers on the usage of food banks. Disability Living Allowance: Young People Future Jobs Fund: Airdrie Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of young people who are currently in receipt of Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work disability living allowance who will be reassessed for and Pensions how many people received assistance through personal independence payment over the next 12 months the future jobs fund in Airdrie and Shotts constituency as they reach their 16th birthday. [151059] in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) the latest period for which figures are available. [150565] Esther McVey: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Stirling Mr Hoban: The number of starts on placements (Mrs McGuire) on 25 March 2013, Official Report, funded by the future jobs fund in Airdrie and Shotts column 974W. constituency in each calendar year are shown in the following table. Disclosure of Information Calendar year Starts

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2009 20 and Pensions how many civil servants in his Department 2010 210 have been subject to non-disclosure agreements in each 2011 70 year since 2010. [150044] Notes: 1. There were no starts after 2011. Mr Hoban: The Department does not use specific 2. Due to data protection protocols, figures are rounded to the nearest non-disclosure agreements but it uses settlement agreements, 10. compromise agreements and COT3 agreements (settlement 3. There may be a few people who experienced more than one start on a placement funded by the future jobs fund, so the number of people agreements entered into under the auspices of ACAS— starting on a placement may not exactly equal the number of starts. Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) when Source: resolving and settling issues and disputes with staff. DWP LMS opportunities evaluation database August 2011. 233W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 234W

Housing Benefit: Barrow in Furness Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for ability of the private rental market in (a) the UK, (b) Work and Pensions how many people in Barrow and Scotland and (c) Airdrie and Shotts constituency to Furness constituency are in receipt of (a) housing accommodate people who leave the social rented sector benefit and (b) local housing allowance; and what the due to their inability to meet increased costs as a average weekly sum awarded under such benefits is. consequence of the under-occupancy penalty. [150472] [150489] Steve Webb: The information is not available. Claimants affected have a range of possible responses open to Steve Webb: The information requested is in the them, including finding work, taking in a lodger or following table: moving within the social sector. It is not yet known how Housing benefit recipients in Barrow in Furness parliamentary individuals will respond. The Department is commissioning constituency November 2012: Caseload and average amounts paid an independent evaluation of these reforms, which will Total number of Average weekly examine the effects on and responses by social tenants, recipients amount (£) including moves. All housing benefit 6,370 72.07 The private rented sector continues to accommodate recipients housing benefit claimants. Since March 2011, the number Local housing 2,360 74.62 of housing benefit claimants living in the private rented allowance recipients sector has increased by 7%. Notes: 1. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for couple. Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer to the hon. 2. Recipients are as at the second Thursday of the month. 3. Caseloads are rounded to the nearest 10 and average weekly Member for Kingston Upon Hull North of 5 March amounts are rounded to the nearest penny. 2013, Official Report, column 979W,on housing benefit: 4. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct social rented housing, if he will place in the Library the from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly brief and specifications for his early evaluation of the aggregate clerical returns. The data is available monthly from under-occupancy penalty. [150655] November 2008 and November 2012 is the most recent available. Source: Single housing benefit extract (SHBE) Steve Webb: The full specification for the evaluation of the removal of the spare room subsidy is currently Housing Benefit: Scotland being finalised and is a working document which may be adapted, as policy develops and the evaluation progresses. Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work There are no plans to formally publish the specification. and Pensions how many households in Scotland with As a broad indication, the evaluation will include small individuals aged between 25 and 35 received an exemption scale primary research with a range of local authorities, from the shared accommodation rate due to being social landlords, claimants and voluntary organisations clients of agencies in multi-agency public protection across England, Scotland and Wales. arrangements in 2012. [150462] Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has held with the Steve Webb: This information is not available. Minister at the Department for Social Development in the Northern Ireland Executive at Stormont about the Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing under-occupancy penalty. [150923]

Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Steve Webb: The Secretary of State for Work and and Pensions what his policy is on couples with a spare Pensions, the right hon. Member for Chingford and room who legally separate in regard to the under- Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), has not held any occupancy penalty. [149272] recent discussions with the Minister at the Department for Social Development in the Northern Ireland Executive Steve Webb: A couple is entitled to claim housing at Stormont about the removal of the spare room benefit for one bedroom. subsidy. When a couple separates, both members will usually Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Work live in separate accommodation and be subject to the and Pensions how many families will be affected by the size criteria rules as single individuals. under-occupancy penalty in each region of the UK. In the event that they continue to reside in the same [150924] property, the local authority would be required to consider whether they are indeed not living together as husband Steve Webb: This information is available in the equality and wife, or civil partners, but as single individuals. impact assessment: There is no single factor on which the local authority http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/social-sector-housing-under- will base its decision. However, it will take into account occupation-wr2011-ia.pdf (but not limit consideration to) factors such as the Housing Benefit: Wigan existence of a shared household, financial arrangements, and responsibility for children. Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for It is the responsibility of the local authority to make Work and Pensions how many recipients of local a decision based on the individual circumstances of housing allowance in Wigan are under occupying by each case. (a) one and (b) more than one bedroom. [150866] 235W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 236W

Steve Webb: This information is not available. Mr Hoban: Universal Jobmatch is DWP’s online job Local housing allowance is based on the characteristics posting and matching service for jobseekers and employers. of the household and not affected by the number of The use of 070 and 09 premium rate telephone numbers bedrooms in the property occupied. The information is is prohibited within Universal Jobmatch and their use is therefore not needed for the housing benefit claim and blocked automatically by the service. The Universal is not collected by local authorities. Jobmatch terms and conditions must be accepted by employers before they can use the service. By accepting Industrial Health and Safety: Agriculture these, employers agree not to use premium rate and income generating numbers (070 and 09 prefixes) when posting their jobs to the service. Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 20 March The ’’Finding a Job’ area within Gov.UK contains a 2013, Official Report, column 691W, on Agricultural section called ‘Your rights and safety when looking for Wages Board, what the names were of all businesses a job’. This includes advice to jobseekers that some job (a) investigated, (b) sanctioned or (c) prosecuted by adverts have a number to call for more information, the Health and Safety Executive in relation to accidents which may be a premium rate number. There is also a to agricultural workers. [150434] link to the Ofcom site which shows how to identify premium rate numbers and details the costs that can be Mr Hoban: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) incurred when dialling them. does not publish information about all businesses investigated unless formal enforcement action has been Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for taken. Information about businesses who have been the Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the subject of formal enforcement action can be found at: Jobcentre Plus Stricter Benefit Regime. [150444] http://www.hse.gov.uk/enforce/prosecutions.htm Mr Hoban: The Stricter Benefit Regime (SBR) was introduced alongside jobseeker’s allowance back in 1996. Jobcentre Plus The SBR regime was refreshed in 2006 with intensified benchmark targets. We removed benchmarks in April John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011 as we believe there are no right levels for sanctions. Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 6 March However, we continue to collect management information 2013, Official Report, column 1002W, on universal to support the consistent application of the rules across credit, what assessment he has made of the work of the Jobcentre network. SBR has been superseded by a Jobcentre Plus advisers in helping people who lack the new Conditionality and Sanctions regime from 2012 skills or confidence to use online services to develop which uses a graduated sanction to enforce the their digital skills. [149219] conditionality that all jobseeker’s allowance claimants are subject to. There are no targets. Mr Hoban: Although a high percentage of our customers have regular access to the internet, we do understand Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work that some do not have the necessary IT skills to search and Pensions how many Jobcentre employees have or apply for a job online, or use DWP’s other digital been put on performance plan improvement in the last services. 18 months. [150551] For free training and advice customers are often referred to UK Online, Learn Direct or other partners Mr Hoban: The Department does not maintain central in their local area. Alongside this, training and support records of employees who have been placed under is being given to Jobcentre Plus advisers to enable them performance improvement plans. Where such plans were to help people use online services. All Jobcentres now agreed locally as part of day to day line management, a have a dedicated digital champion, whose role is to record would not necessarily have been kept. provide support to staff and customers. We have developed The Department introduced new policies covering a “digital driving licence” to increase the digital skills of performance management and dealing with poor staff, equipping them to be confident in supporting performance in 2012-13. At mid-year (in October 2012), customers to use digital services. Also, we have developed of the 91,365 employees rated, 5,910 were informed that the “jobsearch in a digital age” course specifically for their performance was below standard and would be Jobcentre advisers. This will enable staff to support rated ‘must improve’. Of these, 3,039 were employed in customers in using digital services to look for jobs and Job Centres. developing basic digital skills. Under the Department’s policy, any employee rated We have completed a review of the digital champion ‘must improve’ should have a performance improvement role and the findings will inform how this role develops plan. in the future. The review included assessment of digital champions’ skills and how they support customers in Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work improving their digital skills and confidence. and Pensions how many job centres have public conveniences available for use by benefit claimants and Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Work jobseekers; and what his Department’s policy is on and Pensions if he will take steps to prevent Jobcentre provision of such facilities. [150556] Plus from accepting job advertisements which require the applicant to telephone a premium rate telephone Mr Hoban: In most Jobcentre Plus offices there are number in order to apply; and if he will make a no public toilet facilities, and public access to the staff statement. [150440] toilets is either not allowed or only available at the 237W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 238W discretion of a member of staff. Jobcentres are not if he will (a) estimate the furthest distance a universal required to provide public conveniences for claimants credit claimant will be from an internet access device or jobseekers. Local office staff will consider requests that will be installed in jobcentres and (b) estimate the based on individual need taking into account security number of free community access points that could be and health and safety considerations. used by people in receipt of universal credit in (i) Glasgow North West constituency, (ii) Glasgow, (iii) Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Scotland and (iv) the UK. [150337] and Pensions (1) what performance standards Jobcentre staff are measured against; [150880] Mr Hoban: It is not our intention to carry out such (2) what performance targets (a) Jobcentre advisers an estimate. There are many different ways for claimants and (b) Jobcentre managers are set. [150881] to access the internet. Local libraries and Jobcentres are just two examples of places that claimants could gain Mr Hoban: The Department has two operational free access to the internet. targets for these staff: off flows from benefit and monetary According to the Office of National Statistics 80% of value of fraud and error. Jobcentre advisers and managers households in Great Britain have internet access: agree individual key work objectives with their line http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/rdit2/internet-access--- manager to support these targets. households-and-individuals/2012/stb-internet-access-- households-and-individuals--2012.html Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions who is responsible for ensuring that benefit claimants’ personal details remain confidential Jobcentre Plus: Wigan in cases where staff other than Jobcentre Plus staff are involved in processing claims. [150991] Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what training has been made available Mr Hoban: In accordance with the Data Protection to Jobcentre Plus staff in Wigan to promote understanding Act, the Department will be the data controller in of upcoming benefit reforms. [150992] respect of claims for benefits administered by the Department. In cases where third parties administer Mr Hoban: There are many activities under way to claims on behalf of the Department, those organisations support Jobcentre Plus staff in Wigan in understanding will have the legal status of data processor in accordance the upcoming benefit reforms. This includes general with the Act, and contracts will set out the Department’s awareness presentations for all staff, role specific training, formal requirements for protecting claimants’ personal a range of e-learning packages, team discussions around details. However, in those circumstances, the Department case studies, process walkthroughs, staff forums and will remain as the legal data controller with ultimate interview technique refresher training. responsibility for ensuring that personal details are kept confidential. Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for Jobcentre Plus: Airdrie Work and Pensions what extra (a) resources for staff and computers and (b) access points are being made available to Jobcentre Plus in Wigan. [150993] Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time vacancies were advertised in Jobcentre Plus offices in Mr Hoban: We are currently considering what resources Airdrie and Shotts constituency on the most recent date are required in the staged roll out of universal credit. for which figures are available. [150581] Jobseeker’s Allowance Mr Hoban: The following figures have been sourced from the Universal Jobmatch system and relate to active Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work full time and part time jobs as at 25 March 2013 in the and Pensions if he will list the 50 jobcentres with the towns of Airdrie and Shotts. highest number of applications of sanctions over Airdrie active jobs as at 25 March 2013 jobseeker’s allowance in the last 18 months, by number Number of such applications. [150550] Full-time 51 Part-time 12 Mr Hoban: The information requested is not currently Unknown 4 available. The official statistics published on the tabulation tool contain JSA sanctions and disallowances up to and Shotts active jobs as at 25 March 2013 including 21 October 2012. After this date new regulations Number introduced a regime of fixed period sanctions, which replaced the existing sanction rules and moved claimants Full-time 8 closer to the sanction regime planned for universal Part-time 0 credit in 2013. Unknown 0 We aim to publish the JSA sanctions statistics on this new regime in May 2013, and on a quarterly basis Jobcentre Plus: Internet thereafter. In the light of the recent interest in this area we will publish these statistics at Jobcentre Plus office John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for level. At the same time we aim to publish a complete Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 21 March time series of JSA sanctions to 21 October 2012, at 2013, Official Report, column 753W,on universal credit, Jobcentre Plus office level. 239W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 240W

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Number1 of jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) sanctions applied2 in Great Work and Pensions how many sanctions were issued Britain by Jobcentre Plus district and year of decision3: 1 January to recipients of jobseeker’s allowance in each (a) 2010 to 21 October 2012 3 Jobcentre Plus district and (b) Jobcentre Plus office in Year of decision 2010 2011 2012 each of the last three years. [150671] Hampshire and Isle 14,420 12,640 12,500 Mr Hoban: The information is as follows: of Wight Wessex 9,790 11,610 11,970 (a) Information on how many sanctions were issued West of England and 11,340 10,070 8,950 annually to recipients of jobseeker’s allowance in Great Gloucestershire Britain and each Jobcentre Plus district from 1 January South East Wales 15,810 15,080 15,190 2010 to 21 October 2012 is in the following table. North and Mid 9,810 7,930 7,130 Number1 of jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) sanctions applied2 in Great Wales Britain by Jobcentre Plus district and year of decision3: 1 January South West Wales 11,150 13,790 12,080 2010 to 21 October 2012 Unknown 1,100 1,070 1,040 Year of decision3 1 Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.″-″ denotes nil or negligible. 2010 2011 2012 Some additional disclosure control has been applied. Totals may not sum due to rounding method used. Great Britain 684,030 668,790 680,180 2 Sanctions applied: The number of sanctions applied is the number of Varied4, Fixed Length5 and Entitlement Decision6 referrals where the decision was found against the claimant between 1 January 2010 Jobcentre Plus and 21 October 2012. District 3 Year of decision: The year in which the decision to apply a Birmingham and 22,190 21,500’ 23,140 sanction was made. The year 2012 only includes data up to and Solihull including 21 October, where this is the latest data available. Black Country 18,900 23,130 22,090 4 Varied Length sanctions: A sanction of between one week and 26 weeks is imposed for leaving employment voluntarily without just Staffordshire and 13,660 14,620 16,020 cause, refusing employment without good cause, or losing Shropshire employment through misconduct. The actual period in each case is Mercia 14,670 17,800 19,420 at the discretion of the Adjudication Officer who makes the Derbyshire 12,730 12,860 14,000 decision. Leicestershire and 15,740 17,700 16,810 5 Fixed Length sanctions: A sanction of between one week and 26 Northamptonshire weeks is imposed for refusal, without good cause, to attend an employment programme or carry out a Jobseeker’s Direction. Nottinghamshire, 21,770 21,310 20,940 Payment of benefit continues in full pending the Adjudication Lincolnshire and Officer’s decision on a sanction question. Rutland 6 Entitlement Decisions: These are questions on which entitlement to East Anglia 24,570 23,180 20,260 JSA depends. For example, if there is doubt around whether the Essex 16,660 14,580 17,720 Jobseeker’s agreement (JSAg) is suitable, whether they are actively Bedfordshire and 12,430 14,390 16,020 looking for work or making themselves available for work. In most Hertfordshire cases payment of JSA will be suspended by benefit processing until the doubt is resolved. South London 34,050 31,410 35,610 Source: North London 22,730 21,530 20,850 DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: JSA West London 32,570 29,420 24,190 Sanctions and Disallowance Decisions Statistics Database East London 29,270 26,670 33,720 (b) The information requested is not currently available. Kent 18,220 16,890 18,440 The official statistics published on the Tabulation Durham and Tees 18,050 13,590 12,240 Valley Tool contain JSA sanctions and disallowances up to Northumberland, 21,900 16,290 15,500 and including 21 October 2012. After this date new Tyne and Wear regulations introduced a regime of fixed period sanctions, South Yorkshire 18,850 20,330 24,350 which replaced the existing sanction rules and moved North East 18,020 17,530 21,050 claimants closer to the sanction regime planned for Yorkshire and the universal credit in 2013. Humber We aim to publish the JSA sanctions statistics on this West Yorkshire 25,200 31,290 29,620 new regime in May 2013, and on a quarterly basis Greater Manchester 27,440 23,430 24,210 thereafter. In the light of the recent interest in this area East and West we will publish these statistics at Jobcentre Plus office Cumbria and 26,110 26,320 27,390 level. At the same time we aim to publish a complete Lancashire time series of JSA sanctions to 21 October 2012, at Merseyside 24,820 21,750 22,580 Jobcentre Plus office level. Greater Manchester 21,940 22,250 20,970 Central and Cheshire East and South East 15,830 14,640 18,170 Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 27 February North of Scotland 9,140 9,930 10,330 2013, Official Report, column 555W, on jobseeker’s West of Scotland 14,700 11,610 13,340 allowance, from what date all sanctions for failing to Glasgow, 16,600 17,510 17,550 meet work-related requirements will be notified to claimants Lanarkshire and in writing. [150714] East Dunbartonshire Devon and Cornwall 11,750 10,710 9,680 Mr Hoban: All sanction decisions are notified to Thames Valley 14,150 16,480 12,800 claimants in writing and include details of the claimant’s Surrey and Sussex 15,950 15,940 12,300 rights of reconsideration and appeal. These notifications 241W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 242W are generated from the jobseeker’s allowance payment Mr Hoban: Information on how many jobseeker’s system when the details of the sanction decision are allowance (JSA) claimants received benefit sanctions input into the system and are issued to claimants by (a) in Great Britain, (b) in each parliamentary constituency post. from 1 January 2009 to 31 May 2012 has been placed in the Library. Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Information on (c) how many JSA claimants received and Pensions (1) what guidance he issues on reasonable benefit sanctions through each jobcentre in each of the circumstances for failing to meet a work-related requirement last four years is not currently available. in relation to a claim of jobseeker’s allowance; and if he The official statistics published on the Tabulation will make a statement; [150877] Tool contain JSA sanctions and disallowances up to (2) what guidance his Department issues on reasonable and including 21 October 2012. After this date new grounds for a jobseeker’s allowance claimant failing to regulations introduced a regime of fixed period sanctions, (a) attend an appointment and (b) fulfil their job which replaced the existing sanction rules and moved search requirements. [150886] claimants closer to the sanction regime planned for universal credit in 2013. Mr Hoban: Guidance relating to the reasonable We aim to publish the JSA sanctions statistics on this circumstances for failing to meet a work related requirement, new regime in May 2013, and on a quarterly basis including attending an appointment and fulfilling job thereafter. In the light of the recent interest in this area search requirements, is contained within the Labour we will publish these statistics at Jobcentre Plus office Market Conditions Guide and the Decision Makers level. At the same time we aim to publish a complete Guide. time series of JSA sanctions to 21 October 2012, at The Labour Market Conditions Guide details the Jobcentre Plus office level. specific circumstances that can be accepted by a Jobcentre Adviser for these failures without further consideration Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland by a Decision Maker. The Labour Market Conditions Guide also details those situations, specified in the Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations, where a claimant and Pensions what proportion of sanctions imposed on can be treated as if they had met the requirements. jobseeker’s allowance claimants in Scotland resulted Where cases are referred to a Decision Maker for from the recommendations of Work programme consideration, the Decision Maker’s Guide details the providers between April 2012 and March 2013. [150875] factors that must be taken into account when determining whether or not a claimant had reasonable grounds for Mr Hoban: Statistics on what proportion of fixed their failure. and varied length sanctions imposed on jobseeker’s allowance claimants in Scotland resulted from the Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work recommendations of Work programme providers between and Pensions what steps a jobcentre adviser must take April 2012 and October 2012 can be found at: before stopping the payment of jobseeker’s allowance http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?pageMabtool following failure to attend an appointment. [150884] Guidance for users is available at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf Mr Hoban: If a claimant fails to attend an appointment they have five working days in which to contact the office and provide their reason(s) for not attending. Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of sanctions imposed on In most cases no further action is taken at this point. jobseeker’s allowance claimants in Scotland resulted However, if the claimant concerned has childcare from a failure to meet a work-related requirement responsibilities, at least one attempt is made to contact made by a Work programme provider between April them by telephone and if that is not possible, a letter is 2012 and March 2013. [150876] sent advising them of the five working day limit in which to make contact. Mr Hoban: The information requested is not available. If a claimant does not make contact within the required timeframe, their claim is terminated in accordance Labour Market: North East with the jobseeker’s allowance regulations. If a claimant makes contact within the required Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for timeframe, their explanation for not attending the Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of appointment is obtained and considered, initially by the the labour market in the North East; and if he will jobcentre adviser and if necessary, by a decision maker. make a statement. [150281] If the explanation given is found to be unreasonable, the claimant is notified that their benefit will be sanctioned. Mr Hoban: Official labour market figures are published by the Office for National Statistics. Latest estimates Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work show employment in the north-east up 12,000 in the and Pensions how many and what proportion of jobseeker’s year to November 2012 to January 2013, with ILO allowance claimants received benefit sanctions (a) in unemployment down 12,000 over the same period. The the UK, (b) in each parliamentary constituency and region’s employment rate rose 0.5 percentage points (c) through each jobcentre in each of the last four on the year, to 67.2%, and its unemployment rate fell years; and if he will make a statement. [150978] 0.9 points to 9.8%. 243W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 244W

Claimant count figures (February 2013) show the based). The latest release updates the statistics previously number of people on jobseeker’s allowance in the north-east released on 10 June 2010. The figures are available falling for the fourth consecutive month, down 1,100 to online and can be found here: 92,000, but 600 higher than a year earlier. The latest http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=irb figures for those claiming incapacity or lone parent Estimates of take-up are not available for 2010-11 or benefits show a fall of 10,000 in the year to August 2012 2011-12 nor are they sufficiently robust to present at to 164,000. Geographies below Great Britain. As such estimates are not available for Airdrie and Shotts constituency. Members: Correspondence Recruitment Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his answer of 1 February Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for 2013, Official Report, column 1020W, on Members: Work and Pensions how much his Department spent correspondence, when he intends to provide Mr Tolen on advertising job vacancies in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) with a substantive reply to his letter of 6 December 2007, (d) 2008 and (e) 2009. [150290] 2012. [150927] Mr Hoban: Over the five-year period 2005 to 2009 Mr Hoban: The pensions director, Graeme Wallace, most DWP vacancies were advertised through overall replied to Mr Tolen’s correspondence on behalf of the resourcing packages that included the cost of advertising Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 4 February job vacancies. This cost was not separately itemised and 2013. could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

National Insurance Contributions: Part-time School Meals Employment Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has met the authors of the and Pensions what recent estimate his Department has School Food Plan to discuss its recommendations on made of the number of people working 17 hours per school meals. [150961] week who are paying voluntary Class 3 National Mr Hoban: The Secretary of State for Work and Insurance contributions. [150431] Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford Mr Hoban: The information requested is not available. and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), has not met the authors of the School Food Plan to discuss its Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations recommendations on schools meals. 2010 Sign Language

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of Pensions whether his Department plans to bring forward the number of (a) fatalities and (b) injuries averted by proposals to give statutory protection to British Sign the Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Language (BSL) and to take steps to remove barriers to Regulations 2010 to date. [150715] communication by BSL users in the provision of services, training and employment. [151511] Mr Hoban: No such assessment has been made in these terms. The Health and Safety Executive’s view, Esther McVey: Good accessible services are the best based on their experience, is that these regulations are ways to remove or overcome the barriers deaf people not needed to protect health and safety. face. Existing equality legislation already means employers, service providers and public bodies have to provide Pension Credit services in BSL when it is reasonable to do so and we have no plans to introduce new legislation. Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work The Government supports those wishing to learn and Pensions (1) what estimate he has made of the BSL and therefore extend the pool of BSL interpreters. number of pensioners who did not claim pension credit That is why we provide funds for the training of BSL to which they were entitled in (a) 2010-11 and (b) interpreters. The Government also fully funds BSL 2011-12; [150470] training where it is needed to help unemployed people (2) what estimate he has made of the number of find work. pensioners in (a) Scotland and (b) Airdrie and Shotts Through Access to Work, funding pays for BSL constituency who have not claimed the pension credit Interpreters in the workplace, or at work-related meetings to which they were entitled in the last year. [150471] and conferences.

Steve Webb: The Income Related Benefits: Estimates Social Security Benefits of Take-up report covers Great Britain for the financial year 2009-10. It provides caseload and expenditure Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State estimates of take-up for income support and employment for Work and Pensions if he will consult with Ministers and support allowance (income-related), pension credit, in the devolved Administrations to ensure that benefit housing benefit (including local housing allowance), uptake rates under the welfare reform changes are council tax benefit and jobseeker’s allowance (income- maximised across the UK. [150522] 245W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 246W

Mr Hoban: Welfare reform is a UK issue. In relation We currently check nationality and immigration status to universal credit the complexity of the current benefit of benefit claimants to ensure the benefit is paid properly system makes it expensive and difficult to administer. and to prevent fraud. While this information is used, it This fuels error by administrators and claimants alike is not recorded as part of the payment administrative and reduces benefit take-up as people do not understand systems. their entitlements. Looking forward, the Government is looking at ways Universal credit will be a much simpler system. All to record nationality and immigration status of migrants elements will be assessed in a single claim which will who make a claim to universal credit so that we have remove the need to claim different means-tested benefits more robust information about our claimants. from different agencies. It will be easier for customers to understand their entitlements and easier to administer Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the system. and Pensions what guidance is given to Jobcentre Plus As such the greater simplicity of universal credit is staff on the application of sanctions; and whether that expected to significantly improve the take-up of currently guidance is publicly available. [150871] unclaimed entitlements. Mr Hoban: There is a wealth of guidance available to John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Jobcentre Plus staff on the application of sanctions. and Pensions when he expects to receive the report of The primary guidance products are the Labour Market the reviews of the ways in which claimants make Conditions Guide and the Decision Makers Guide. inquiries about their benefits. [150546] The Labour Market Conditions Guide details the conditions attached to the receipt of jobseeker’s allowance, Mr Hoban: The My Benefits Online (MBOL) service and the actions for advisers to take where they have will allow claimants to access details of their benefit doubts about a claimant meeting any of those conditions. claim, payment date or amount. This guidance is not published. The Decision Makers The service was due to launch in December 2012. Guide details the considerations decision makers must However, because of problems discovered while testing make when determining whether or not a sanction the service, the launch has been delayed. should be applied, and includes details of the appropriate social security legislation and case law. The Decision An additional review is now being carried out with Makers Guide is accessible through the DWP internet Government Digital Services in order to ensure that site: users of the site receive the best possible service. If the outcome of the review is positive, we expect to launch http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/ the new service over the summer. decision-makers-guide/ Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions what training Jobcentre Plus staff receive Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of on the application of sanctions. [150872] reports about the Jobcentre Plus stricter benefit regime; and if he will make a statement. [150669] Mr Hoban: Depending on their job role, staff who deal with sanctions in respect of jobseeker’s allowance Mr Hoban: Jobcentre Advisers do not make the decision receive up to 26 hours of training. to sanction a claimant’s benefit. Advisers simply raise a doubt about the claimant’s entitlement and submit evidence to a decision maker who is independent of the Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work adviser and who reaches a decision based on evidence. and Pensions what the process and timescales are for All claimants have a right to an appeal to an independent notifying a benefit claimant following the application tribunal. So if there was a target regime in Jobcentres, of a sanction. [150883] and there is not, it could not lead to inappropriate sanctions because decisions are made independently of Mr Hoban: The first step in the process is an adviser advisers. in a jobcentre raises a doubt. Decision makers, independent of the adviser assess the evidence. If the decision maker The original Stricter Benefit Regime (SBR) was concludes that a sanction should be applied to a jobseeker’s introduced in 1996 and refreshed in 2006. Until 2011 allowance claimant, they send details of their decision Jobcentres operated benchmark targets for referrals to to the appropriate benefit centre for input into the the independent decision making regime. jobseeker’s allowance payment system. Once a sanction decision has been input into the Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for system, a letter is sent to the claimant the following day Work and Pensions how many non-UK nationals are in by second class post. The letter informs claimants they receipt of (a) jobseeker’s allowance, (b) employment have the right to appeal against the sanction and that and support allowance, (c) child tax credit, (d) carer’s financial support may be available depending on their allowance, (e) income support allowance and (f) circumstances. disability living allowance. [150701]

Mr Hoban: Information on the number of non-UK Social Security Benefits: Appeals nationals in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance, carer’s allowance, income support Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and disability living allowance is not available. Her and Pensions what the appeal process is when a benefit Majesty Revenue and Customs has the responsibility of payment is stopped after a claimant fails to attend an child tax credit. appointment. [150885] 247W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 248W

Mr Hoban: Where benefit entitlement terminates or a the habitual residence test, time limiting how long some benefit award is reduced because of a failure to attend migrants can claim benefits for, and closing loopholes an appointment, the appeals process is as follows. The exploited by some people who have no right to work in decision notification tells the claimant that they can the UK. appeal against the decision. If the claimant wishes to appeal, then he must write to the Department for Work Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions identifying the decision he is appealing and Pensions how many EU nationals resident in the against and giving his reason(s) for disagreeing with it; UK were receiving benefits after three months of he has one month, extendable in certain circumstances residence in each of the last three years, by country of by 12, to make this appeal. original benefit claim. [151007] A decision maker will first consider whether the reason given provides grounds for changing (that is, Mr Hoban: Information the number of EU nationals revising) the decision; if not the appeal will be processed. receiving benefits after three months residence is not This involves the Department providing a written available. response—an explanation of the reasons for the We currently check nationality and immigration status decision—to Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, of benefit claimants to ensure the benefit is paid properly who administer appeal hearings, and the claimant (and and to prevent fraud. While this information is used, it their representative, should they have one). The claimant is not recorded as part of the payment administrative is then given the option of an oral or paper hearing. systems. The decision of the tribunal can be further appealed to Looking forward, the Government is looking at ways the Upper Tribunal on a point of law. to record nationality and immigration status of migrants Social Security Benefits: Disability who make a claim to universal credit so that we have more robust information about our claimants. Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security Benefits: Fraud Work and Pensions if his Department will undertake a cumulative impact assessment of the Welfare Reform Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Act on the lives of disabled people. [151062] and Pensions how many people in (a) Airdrie and Shotts constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) each local Esther McVey: The Government provides impact authority area have been (i) investigated and (ii) prosecuted assessments of policy changes routinely, as required by for benefit fraud in each of the last three years; and the Equality Act. what the total amount was of benefit assessed as We are, however, limited in what can be done on the fraudulently claimed in that period. [150466] cumulative impact of all welfare policy changes on disabled people because of the complexity of the modelling Mr Hoban: This information is not available for the required and amount of detailed information on individuals Airdrie and Shotts constituency or by each local authority and families needed to estimate the interactions of a area. The following table shows the number of investigations number of different policy changes. These policy changes closed by the Department’s Fraud Investigation Service will take place at different times up to 2017/18 on (FIS), the number of prosecutions and the total amount benefit caseloads which are dynamic. We cannot, for of recoverable overpayments identified following FIS example, identify from survey data exactly who will be investigations in Scotland for the last three years. eligible for higher or lower rates of benefit following a new medical assessment, which will collect detailed Recoverable information on individuals that is not available in a Investigations overpayments published survey. closed Prosecutions (£) Due to these kinds of data limitations, neither HMT 2009-10 15,712 434 18,749,104.00 nor the IFS, who have both estimated and published the 2010-11 15,291 514 29,631,590.00 cumulative impact of tax and benefit reform since 2010, 2011-12 15,769 692 25,985,901.00 break down their results separately for the disabled population. The latest assessment of the cumulative Social Security Benefits: Greater London impact of tax and benefit changes under the coalition for the whole population, provided by HMT, is published in Budget 2012. Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 12 March 2013, Social Security Benefits: EU Nationals Official Report, column 205W,on social security benefits: Greater London, how many children he estimates will Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for be affected by the benefit cap in each local authority Work and Pensions whether he plans to bring forward area. [148770] legislative proposals relating to the entitlement to benefits for people from Romania and Bulgaria Steve Webb: A table showing a breakdown of the arriving in the UK from January 2014. [149166] number of children in households that will be affected by the benefit cap in each local authority will be placed Mr Hoban: The Department already has robust rules in the Library. and guidance in place. To further protect the integrity Please note as the benefit cap will be applied through of the British benefits system and ensure it is not abused a phased roll-out from 15 April 2013 and at a national the Prime Minister has announced a number of changes level from 15 July 2013, at present no households have currently in development. These include strengthening been affected by the cap. The figures are consistent with 249W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 250W the impact assessment published on the 16 July 2012. Social Security Benefits: Scotland The figures in the table assume that the situation of these households will go unchanged, and they will not take any steps to either work enough hours to qualify Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work for working tax credit, renegotiate their rent in situ, or and Pensions what recent estimate his Department has find alternative accommodation. The Department is made of the number of people (a) who are not in identifying and writing to all the households who are employment and do not receive jobseeker’s allowance likely to be affected by the cap and we are offering or incapacity benefit and (b) who are not in employment advice and support through Jobcentre Plus, including, and do not receive any Government support in (i) where appropriate, early access to the Work programme Scotland, (ii) Airdrie and Shotts constituency and (iii) before the cap is introduced. North Lanarkshire local authority area. [150583] Please note that household numbers are rounded to the nearest 100. Areas with fewer than 100 households Mr Hoban: The number of people not in employment affected are denoted by ″..″, as additional disclosure in these areas, and the numbers claiming jobseeker’s control has been applied to these areas. For this reason, allowance, incapacity benefits or other out of work figures will not sum to the total number of households benefits, are shown in the table. The benefit figures will affected in the July 2012 impact assessment for the include small numbers who are working part-time work household benefit cap. but retain some eligibility for benefit. Some people who The disregarding of housing costs for those in supported are not in employment—such as full-time students, exempt accommodation announced in the autumn those bringing up a family or early retired—may not be statement can not be allocated geographically therefore eligible for benefits or may choose not to claim. They this has not been removed from the estimates presented may receive support in other ways such as child tax here. credit, child benefit, housing benefit, or state pension.

Incapacity benefit (IB) or Not in employment aged 16 employment and support Jobseeker’s allowance to 641 allowance (ESA)2 (JSA)3 Other out of work benefits4 October 2011 to September 2012 August 2012 August 2012 August 2012

Scotland 993,700 274,440 146,200 100,810 Airdrie and Shotts 18,500 5,660 3,400 2,330 North Lanarkshire 65,500 21,260 12,500 8,210 1 People aged 16 to 64 who do not have a job (unemployed or economically inactive) from the Annual Population Survey (APS). APS data are used for consistency across areas so will not match the latest, more timely, data available for Scotland as a whole. 2 Claimants of incapacity benefit, employment and support allowance or severe disablement allowance from the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Survey data (WPLS). 3 Claimant count data published by the Office for National Statistics, not seasonally adjusted (NSA) figures covering August 2012. More recent claimant count figures are available but would not be comparable with the data on other benefits which are currently available only up to August. 4 Lone parents claiming income support, carers and others on income related benefits from WPLS.

Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work tax benefit non-dependant deductions, (iii) contribution- and Pensions if he will estimate the number of people based employment and support allowance (ESA) and (a) receiving disability living allowance and (b) (iv) youth provision of ESA. [150606] expected to receive the personal independence payment in (i) Airdrie and Shotts constituency, (ii) Scotland and Steve Webb: The information requested regarding (iii) North Lanarkshire. [151504] non-dependent deductions is not currently available, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Esther McVey: The available information on personal Statistics for the number of people receiving contribution independence payment is published in a reassessments based employment support allowance including those and impacts briefing note. This can be found on the aged under 25 is published at Department’s website at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pip-reassessments-and-impacts.pdf Information on current disability living allowance State Retirement Pensions: Females case loads at a parliamentary constituency, regional and local authority level can. also be found on the Department’s website at: Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for http://83.244.183.180/100pc/tabtool.html Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 28 January 2013, Official Report, column 667, if under his pension proposals the 430,000 women in the UK born between Social Security Benefits: Wales 6 April 1952 and 6 July 1953 delay their retirement in order to retire at the same age as a man, they will be Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work treated in the same way and receive the same entitlements and Pensions how many people in (a) Ynys Mon, (b) as a man. [151048] Gwynedd, (c) Conwy, (d) Denbighshire, (e) Flintshire and (f) Wrexham local authority areas are claiming (i) Steve Webb: On 19 March I announced that the housing benefit non-dependant deductions, (ii) council single-tier pension will now be introduced in 2016. This 251W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 252W means that women born on and after 6 April 1953 will Number of out-of-work benefit claimants in Lewisham, Deptford reach their state pension age after the introduction of parliamentary constituency by statistical group and gender: 2010, 2011 the single-tier pension. and 2012, as at August each year Statistical Women (and men) who reach state pension age before group/gender 2010 2011 2012 6 April 2016 will receive a state pension in line with the rules of the current system. All Total 12,250 12,330 11,880 Female 6,250 6,320 6,170 Therefore, women born between 6 April 1953 and Male 6,000 6,010 5,710 5 July 1953 (totalling approximately 85,000) will be covered by the rules of the single-tier system in the same way as a man born the same day. If they decide to defer Jobseekers Total 4,080 4,550 4,350 drawing their state pension until they reach 65, they will allowance be subject to the same deferral rules as a man born the Female 1,410 1,790 1,790 same day and may achieve the same state pension Male 2,680 2,760 2,560 valuation, depending on their national insurance record. Women born between 6 April 1952 and 5 April 1953 Incapacity Total 5,200 5,260 5,290 will be covered by the rules of the current system. benefits Around 85% of the women in this cohort would receive Female 2,220 2,310 2,390 more in lifetime state pension and other benefits by Male 2,980 2,950 2,900 drawing their state pension at their legislated state pension age under the current system than they would if they had a state pension age of 65 and received a single-tier Lone parents Total 2,420 2,040 1,790 pension. If women in this cohort choose to defer until Female 2,300 1,940 1,720 they reach 65, they will be able to increase their state Male 120 100 70 pension entitlement but will still receive a pension based on the rules of the current system. Carers Total 240 240 260 Female 130 130 140 Male 110 110 120 Unemployment Benefits: Foreign Nationals

Other income Total 300 240 200 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work related benefits and Pensions how many non-EU nationals are paid Female 190 160 140 unemployment benefits on the basis that the UK is Male 110 80 60 [150653] their country of residence. Notes: 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum Mr Hoban: Information on the number of non-EU due to rounding. 2. Statistical Group is a hierarchical variable. A person who fits into nationals who are paid unemployment benefits on the more than one category will only appear in the top-most one for basis that the UK is their country of residence is not which they are eligible. available. 3. Out of work benefits which are included in this analysis are: Jobseekers allowance We currently check nationality and immigration status Employment and support allowance of benefit claimants to ensure the benefit is paid properly Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance and to prevent fraud. While this information is used, it Income support is not recorded as part of the payment administrative 4. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment and support allowance systems. (ESA) for new claims from October 2008. 5. Durations shown are the longest claim duration of the benefits of Looking forward, the Government is looking at ways interest. to record nationality and immigration status of migrants 6. The duration of claim reflects the longest out-of-work benefit claim for each person: who make a claim to universal credit so that we have For the Jobseekers statistical group this will be the length of the JSA more robust information about our claimants. claim. For the Lone Parent, Carer, and Others on income-related benefit statistical groups this will be the length of the IS claim. Unemployment Benefits: Greater London For the ESA and incapacity benefits claim this will be the length of the IB/SDA or ESA claim if the person is only claiming that benefit, or the oldest of either the IB/SDA/ESA and IS claim if the person is claiming a combination of these benefits. Dame Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State 7. August 2012 data are the latest available. for Work and Pensions how many people in Lewisham, Source: Deptford constituency have received out-of-work DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: Work and benefits in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 to date; and Pensions Longitudinal Study. what proportion of such people have been the subject Information on how many people in Lewisham, Deptford of sanctions leading to benefit cut-offs by (i) gender, constituency have received out-of-work benefits in (a) (ii) ethnicity and (iii) disability. [150516] 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 to date by ethnicity and disability is not readily available and to provide it would incur Mr Hoban: Statistics on the number of people in disproportionate cost. Lewisham, Deptford constituency who were receiving Information on what proportion of people in Lewisham, out-of-work benefits in 2010-11 and 2011-12 by gender Deptford constituency who received out-of-work benefits is available in the following table: in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011 -12 have been the subject 253W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 254W of sanctions leading to benefit cut-offs is not readily (v) four years, (v) five years and (vi) 10 years at the available and to provide it would incur disproportionate most recent date for which figures are available. cost. [150566] Unemployment Benefits: North Lanarkshire Mr Hoban: The information requested on the number Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work of people in receipt of out-of-work benefits in (a) and Pensions how many people in (a) Airdrie and Airdrie and Shotts constituency and (b) North Lanarkshire Shotts constituency and (b) North Lanarkshire local local authority by duration can be found in the following authority area have been in receipt of out-of-work tables. benefits for (i) one year, (ii) two years, (iii) three years, Latest figures available: August 2012.

Airdrie and Shotts parliamentary constituency Jobseekers Incapacity Other income- Total allowance benefits Lone parents Carers related benefits

All 10,300 3,150 5,660 1,030 360 100 Up to 1 year 4,580 2,200 1,930 300 80 60 1 to 2 years 1,450 720 480 190 60 10 2 to 3 years 680 180 310 150 50 1— 3 to 4 years 410 30 230 110 30 1— 4 to 5 years 260 10 150 70 20 1— 5 to 10 years 820 1— 640 120 60 10 10 years and over 2,110 1— 1,930 90 70 10

North Lanarkshire local authority Jobseekers Incapacity Other income- Total allowance benefits Lone parents Carers related benefits

All 38,050 11,600 21,260 3,580 1,260 360 Up to 1 year 16,790 8,140 7,060 1,070 300 220 1 to 2 years 5,590 2,630 2,050 680 200 20 2 to 3 years 2,470 670 1,170 470 150 20 3 to 4 years 1,430 110 850 360 100 10 4 to 5 years 970 40 600 250 70 10 5 to 10 years 3,230 10 2,540 450 200 30 10 years and over 7,560 1— 6,990 290 230 50 1 Denotes nil or negligible. Notes: 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and totals may not sum due to rounding. 2. Statistical group is a hierarchical variable. A person who fits into more than one category will only appear in the top-most one for which they are eligible. 3. Out-of-work benefits which are included in this analysis are: Jobseekers allowance; Employment and support allowance; Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance; and Income support. 4. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment and support allowance (ESA) for new claims from October 2008. 5. Durations shown are the longest claim duration of the benefits of interest. 6. The duration of claim reflects the longest out-of-work benefit claim for each person. For the jobseekers statistical group, this will be the length of the JSA claim. For the lone parent, carer and others on income-related benefit statistical groups, this will be the length of the IS claim. For the ESA and incapacity benefits claim, this will be the length of the IB/SDA or ESA claim if the person is only claiming that benefit, or the oldest of either the IB/SDA/ESA and IS claim if the person is claiming a combination of these benefits. Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.

Universal Credit (a) DWP has been a supporter of Digital Unite campaigns—such as Spring Online—that have helped encourage older people to get online. John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) DWP staff often arrange support from UK Online centres Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 6 March for jobseekers who need help in getting digital skills. 2013, Official Report, column 1001W,on universal credit, (c) Go On has led campaigns such as Race Online that have what assessment he has made of the performance of his been successful in encouraging people to see the benefits of the Department’s work with (a) Digital Unite, (b) UK Internet and DWP have been a strong supporter of their campaigns. Online and (c) GoOn. [149217] With all three organisations—and other organisations involved in supporting digital inclusion—we understand the importance of their support in our delivery of Mr Hoban: Digital Unite, UK Online and Go On digital services including universal credit. Under the have all got different contributions to make to the Freedom and Flexibility framework, which gives frontline challenge of developing digital skills. staff more autonomy to deliver services tailored to the 255W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 256W needs of their local areas, jobcentre managers can choose Steve Webb: Ministers set out their intentions for the which providers to work with based on their performance future treatment of supported “exempt accommodation” and suitability for local needs; these partnerships are in their announcement to the Work and Pensions Select not centrally managed. Committee on 17 September 2012. A wide range of providers of supported accommodation, Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work including charitable organisations, have expressed their and Pensions what discussions he has had with views about the proposals for reform since then and individuals and organisations on providing funding to ministers and officials have had discussions with a increase public internet access provision prior to the number of them. introduction of universal credit. [149812] John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the telephony and face-to-face Mr Hoban: We are in continuing discussions with a services available for claimants of universal credit will wide range of organisations about online applications assist those unable to access services online to complete for universal credit. forms. [150476] The universal credit local support services framework, produced collaboratively between DWP and local Mr Hoban: Yes, universal credit will provide support authorities, sets out the principles for providing support for those claimants unable to access online services. We through a network of local services, including support recognise that some claimants do not have access to for those who need help with making online applications, computers or will require support to transact online. and invites views from charities and other organisations. Our plans are to provide claimants with support based on needs, either directly or indirectly through third The Department has installed a total of 2167 new parties. internet access devices (IADs) in Jobcentres for those who do not have their own computer, and we will ensure John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for that digital skills are a key part of the support offered to Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of jobseekers to help them back to work. the steps somebody who is blind or partially sighted would need to take to claim universal credit if they are Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work unable to make or manage a claim online. [150501] and Pensions what steps he has taken to increase investment in publicly accessible computers to ensure Mr Hoban: The universal credit online system has that universal credit claimants are able to manage their been built to Web Content Accessibility guidelines including entitlements. [149813] assistive technologies in order for blind claimants to be able to use it. Mr Hoban: We are in continuing discussions with a We will also offer alternative routes; via telephone wide range of organisations about online applications where an agent will complete an online claim form on a for universal credit. claimants behalf or direct assistance in a local office, a local delivery partner or in, exceptional circumstances The universal credit local support services framework, a home visit. produced collaboratively between DWP and local authorities, sets out the principles for providing support The Local Service Support framework will provide through a network of local services, including support an outline of localised support services including getting for those who need help with making online applications, online, managing on a monthly budget and paying rent. and invites views from charities and other organisations. John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department has installed a total of 2167 new Work and Pensions with reference to the local support internet access devices (IADs) in Jobcentres for those services framework issued by his Department, how his who do not have their own computer, and we will ensure Department plans to define the claimants who really that digital skills are a key part of the support offered to need to use telephony and face-to-face services instead jobseekers to help them back to work. of an online process when claiming universal credit. [150578] Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department spent Mr Hoban: We are not seeking to provide a definition on IT development and implementation for universal of which claimants will need to use telephony and credit in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13. face-to-face services instead of an online process when [150358] claiming universal credit. Any attempt to do so would risk some people with needs falling outside of any definitions and thus not receiving the help that they Mr Hoban: I refer the right hon. Member to the reply may need. I gave to his previous question (PQ 147641) on 13 March 2013, Official Report, columns 276-77W. Work Capability Assessment

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what representations he has Work and Pensions what arrangements are in place to received from charitable organisations on the status of allow the reasons behind work capability assessment exempt accommodation under universal credit; and if appeal decisions to be passed to Atos health care he will make a statement. [150429] professionals. [150357] 257W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 258W

Mr Hoban: Feedback from HMCTS in relation to BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Appeals comes in the form of a decision notice which indicates, from a drop down menu, the main reason for Aerospace Technology Institute the Appeal being overturned and it may also include an indication of the ESA descriptors that have changed. Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for This feedback is primarily used by the decision maker Business, Innovation and Skills where the recently who dealt with the Appeal. These decision notices are announced Aerospace Technology Institute will be located. not made available to Atos as the case will have been [149916] actioned by a decision maker and subsequently reconsidered by an independent decision maker at the dispute stage Michael Fallon: No decision has yet been made on prior to the Appeal being heard. the location of the Aerospace Technology Institute. Regular meetings take place between DWP Operational However, as the Aerospace Industrial Strategy explains, Managers and Atos providers where cases can be discussed it will consist of a small core team—probably 30-50 and any trends investigated. staff—primarily seconded from industry and academia. Their role will be to lead on the development of the Regular meetings also take place between Atos and strategy, prioritise areas for work, scope programmes, HMCTS where areas of concern can also be raised and map UK capabilities and assess actions needed to strengthen investigated. them, as necessary. The research and technology activity, to be funded jointly by Government and industry, will Work Programme: Greater London be distributed across the UK benefiting a wide range of companies and universities. Dame Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many residents of Age: Discrimination Lewisham, Deptford constituency have been referred to the Work Programme since its inception; [150518] John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) how many residents of Lewisham, Deptford Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions constituency who have been referred to the Work he has had with (a) trades unions and (b) major Programme since its inception have been placed in a employers on age discrimination in the (i) workplace and (ii) hiring process. [150077] job which generated a job outcome payment. [150517] Jo Swinson: There have been no recent discussions Mr Hoban: Statistics on how many residents of with trade unions or major employers on age discrimination Lewisham, Deptford constituency have been referred to in the workplace or hiring process, however, I met Age the Work programme since its inception to 31 July 2012 UK last September as part of a panel discussion with and how many have been placed in a job which generated employers and representatives of the voluntary sector a job outcome payment can be found at: in the context of our proposals on flexible working. We http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/ intend to look at the impact of the removal of the index.php?page=tabtool default retirement age in 2016 and we will seek views Guidance for users is available at: and issues from all interested parties as part of that. http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf Apprentices

Workfare Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of companies Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for which offer apprenticeships are from the (a) public and Work and Pensions what the total cost to the public (b) private sector. [150404] purse was of historic Court of Appeal cases in respect of Workfare in terms of (a) legal bills and (b) Matthew Hancock: We do not measure a breakdown compensation to claimants affected by judgment; and of the number of Apprenticeship starts in the public how many claimants were affected in each case. [151067] and private sector. Information on the number of Apprenticeship starts Mr Hoban: The Court of Appeal has ruled on one is published in a quarterly Statistical First Release such case, in the case of R. (on the application of Reilly) (SFR), last published on 27 March 2013: v. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2013] http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/Statistics/fe_data_library/ EWCA Civ 66. In this case: Apprenticeships/ (a) The Department’s external legal costs in the Court of Appeal were £19,092.00. Arms Trade: Bahrain (b) No compensation has been paid to claimants affected by the judgment. Parliament has passed the Jobseeker’s (Back to Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Work Schemes) Act 2013, which reverses the effects of the judgment Innovation and Skills whether Air-Vice Marshal Nigel and ensures that the Department for Work and Pensions does not Maddox discussed the sale of military equipment to have to repay benefit to people who were sanctioned for failing to Bahrain during his recent visit to that country. [150709] participate in the relevant schemes without good reason. The case related to two claimants, Mr Wilson and Ms Michael Fallon: In his role of Senior Military Adviser Reilly. The Court of Appeal has not heard any appeals to UK Trade Investment Defence and Security in other like cases. Organisation, Air Vice Marshal Maddox has discussions 259W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 260W about equipment requirements with military personnel Incorporated Dissolved and officials from many countries, including Bahrain. All export licence applications for the export of arms 2003 1,155 271 are assessed on a case by case basis against the Consolidated 2004 805 355 European Union and National Arms Export Licensing 2005 806 446 Criteria depending on the end-use and circumstances 2006 871 437 prevailing at the time of application. 2007 965 507 2008 864 445 Business: Advisory Services 2009 826 974 2010 851 730 Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, 2011 1,065 671 Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to promote 2012 1,037 646 the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and 2013 270 140 Wales business advice service; and if he will make a statement. [R] [150513] Nottinghamshire Michael Fallon: Through the Business in You campaign, 2001 2,402 1,560 my Department works closely with the Institute of 2002 3,577 1,646 Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) 2003 4,551 1,670 in promoting the value of business advice to small 2004 3,405 1,848 businesses and signposting useful sources. We have already 2005 3,430 2,049 featured the service as part of the Business in You 2006 3,703 2,157 campaign through social media and in newsletters to 2007 4,076 2,317 campaign subscribers. We will be promoting the ICAEW 2008 3,617 2,079 Business Advice Service month taking place this June 2009 3,708 4,771 and are currently in discussion with them about the 2010 3,922 3,507 most effective way to do this. 2011 4,552 3,007 2012 4,648 2,995 Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for 2013 1,182 652 Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive (a) orally East midlands and (b) in writing on the advice services to be offered by the proposed Government Business Bank. [150833] 2001 19,697 12,226 2002 29,426 14,348 Michael Fallon: Officials in the Department for Business, 2003 38,066 14,174 Innovation and Skills (BIS) have had discussions with 2004 29,359 15,530 officials in the Northern Ireland Executive about our 2005 31,569 17,086 overall plans for the Business Bank. 2006 34,665 18,835 As part of the work on the Business Bank programme, 2007 39,952 19,989 a more integrated service for high growth and specialist 2008 34,865 17,795 small and medium-sized enterprises in England is planned. 2009 36,302 42,864 As this service is developed in more detail, BIS officials 2010 39,097 31,632 will engage with officials in the devolved Administrations, 2011 43,597 28,494 on how it could link to the devolved Administrations’ 2012 47,135 28,903 own dedicated advice services. 2013 11,659 6,571

Business: East Midlands These figures are estimates because Companies House derives its information from postcode areas, which can Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for cross constituency, county, and regional boundaries. Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of companies with their registered office address in (a) Ashfield constituency, (b) Business: Loans Nottinghamshire and (c) the east Midlands which were (i) newly incorporated and (ii) dissolved in each Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for year since 2001. [149832] Business, Innovation and Skills whether information gathered from the proposed data collection and Michael Fallon: Companies House estimates that the management function of the new Government number of companies with their registered office address Business Bank will be shared with (a) the Scottish in (a) Ashfield constituency, (b) Nottinghamshire, and Government, (b) Scottish Enterprise and (c) COSLA. (c) the east Midlands is as follows: [150478]

Incorporated Dissolved Michael Fallon: The Government will first complete Ashfield constituency the design of the appropriate data management processes 2001 492 250 for the Business Bank, and will then decide what data 2002 688 331 can be shared, subject to data protection laws and regulations. 261W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 262W

Climate Change Our records show that 10 compromise agreements were concluded in the period from 1 January 2010 to Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for date. We are unable to provide the data in individual Business, Innovation and Skills whether the claim that years as this could enable identification of individuals (a) every year since 1998 has been significantly warmer and further potentially breach any agreement the than the temperatures you would expect if there was no Department has reached on confidentiality of individual warming and (b) for the last three decades the rate of circumstances. temperature increase is significant made by the Met Economic Growth: Republic of Ireland Office in a climate science briefing sent to the chief scientific adviser on 8 February 2010 was supported by any statistical time-series analysis. [150533] Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the Michael Fallon: The full statements sent by the Met joint statement made by the Prime Minister and the Office to the chief scientific adviser on 8 February 2010 Taoiseach on 12 March 2012, what progress has been are (a) every year since 1998 has been significantly made on the joint evaluation of the depth of economic warmer than the temperatures you would expect if relations between the UK and Ireland and the opportunities there was no warming (baseline of 1861-1900) and (b) for closer co-operation in support of growth; and if he for the last three decades, the rate of temperature increase will make a statement. [150615] is significant even when uncertainties in the observations are factored in. Michael Fallon: Taking forward the commitment made in the joint statement in March 2012, HM Government These statements are based on analysis of HadCRUT3, and Irish Government jointly commissioned an economic the global temperature dataset compiled by the Met study into the value of the economic relationship between Office and the university of East Anglia’s climatic research the UK and Irish economies. unit. An interim report was delivered in advance of the recent summit in March 2013 between the Prime Minister Copyright and the Taoiseach and the full report is being finalised. As agreed at the latest summit, the study will provide Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for evidence to support ongoing bilateral engagement across Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has a range of policy areas. made of the judgements in the cases of SGAE v Padawan and Stichting de Thuiskopie v Opus and their implications Energy: Yorkshire and the Humber for his proposal contained in the Modernising Copyright document published on 20 December 2012 to introduce Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for a private copying exception without compensation. Business, Innovation and Skills what the value of the [149807] energy sector is to the economy in (a) Brigg and Goole constituency and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber. Jo Swinson: The two cases mentioned were taken into [151041] account when the private copying measure was developed. All of the measures set out in ’Modernising Copyright’ Michael Fallon: The energy sector, defined as electricity, will be implemented in accordance with European and gas, steam and air-conditioning supply, contributed £19.4 international obligations and any relevant court judgments. billion gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy (1.5% of the UK total) in 2010. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for In the Yorkshire and Humber region this industry Business, Innovation and Skills if he will publish any contributed £1.6 billion gross value added, or 1.8% of legal advice he has received on the possibility of total GVA for this area. Estimates of gross value added introducing a follow-on designs exception into UK law. are not available below regional level. [150450] Executives: Pay Jo Swinson: There are no plans to publish such information. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to question 148120, Disclosure of Information what assessment has been made of the High Pay Centre’s recent findings on the trends of top executives’ pay and bonuses. [150645] Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many civil servants in his Jo Swinson: I thank the High Pay Centre for their Department have been subject to non-disclosure agreements important and continuing contribution to the debate on in each year since 2010. [150025] high pay. Their various findings bring greater clarity on the trends in top executives’ pay and call for high Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation earners to engage in the debate about what constitutes a and Skills has interpreted the hon. Member’s reference fair reward. The Government reforms to the governance to ‘non-disclosure agreements’ to mean compromise of directors’ remuneration reporting will encourage agreements between the Department and individual companies and investors to engage more effectively, will members of staff, and CoT3 agreements—an ACAS boost transparency so that what executives are paid is conditional settlement form—resulting from Employment clearer, and will give shareholders more power through Tribunals. binding votes. 263W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 264W

Foreign Investment in UK Table 1: Institutions ranked by percentage share of entrants1 aged 25 or over2, UK domiciled3 full-time first degree entrants, UK higher education institutions, academic year 2011/12 Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, All Percentage aged Innovation and Skills how much business was generated Rank HEI entrants 25 and over (%) for (a) Northern Ireland and (b) UK companies as a result of the Global Investment Conference held in 8 St Georges Hospital 600 23 Medical School London in 2012. [149842] 9 University of East 4,698 22 London Michael Fallon: We expect the benefits of the Global 10 Bishop Grosseteste 606 21 Investment Conference to be spread across all nations University College of the UK, including Northern Ireland. Lincoln The Games were a unique opportunity to promote 11 University College 823 20 Britain as a place to do business, and we expect the Plymouth St Mark and benefits of this opportunity to be delivered both this St John 12 Edinburgh Napier 2,697 20 year and in the years to come, including attracting new University and retaining current foreign direct investment and 13 London Metropolitan 5,515 20 infrastructure investment. University UK Trade and Investment aims to realise £11 billion 14 University of Salford 4,379 20 of business benefits for the UK economy in the next 15 Scottish Agricultural 242 20 four years—part of the Government’s 10 year plan to College realise a wide reaching legacy from the Games. The 16 University of Worcester 2,359 19 £11 billion is expected from outcomes from the British 17 Newman University 634 19 Business Embassy and related events, securing high College value opportunities and investment. 18 University of Greenwich 4,424 19 19 University of 4,202 18 Higher Education: Admissions Wolverhampton 20 Teesside University 2,797 18 All UK HEIs 394,585 10 Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) which 20 universities admitted 1 Covers all students in their first year of study. 2 Age refers to the students’ age at the start of the academic year. the most students (a) aged 25 years or more at the 3 Domicile refers to a student’s permanent or home address prior to point of admission and (b) from black, Asian and entry to their course. minority ethnic backgrounds in the latest period for Note: which figures are available; [149687] Figures are based on a HESA standard registration population and have been rounded up or down to the nearest five, so components may (2) which 20 UK universities admitted the most not sum to totals. students (a) aged 25 years or more at the point of Source: admission and (b) from black, Asian and minority Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student record. ethnic backgrounds in the latest period for which Table 2: Institutions ranked by percentage share of entrants1 from figures are available. [149802] black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds2,UK domiciled3 full-time first degree entrants, UK higher education Mr Willetts: The Higher Education Statistics Agency institutions, academic year 2011/12 (HESA) collects and publishes data on student enrolments Of those at UK higher education institutions (HEIs). with known The 20 UK HEIs with the largest share of entrants Known ethnicity aged 25 or more at the start of the academic year ethnic All BAME 2011/12 are shown in table 1. Rank HEI background entrants (%) The 20 UK HEIs with the largest share of entrants 1 School of 168 170 95 from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds in Pharmacy the academic year 2011/12 are shown in table 2. 2 London 5,467 5,515 69 Metropolitan 1 Table 1: Institutions ranked by percentage share of entrants aged 25 University or over2, UK domiciled3 full-time first degree entrants, UK higher education institutions, academic year 2011/12 3 University of 4,644 4,698 69 East London All Percentage aged Rank HEI entrants 25 and over (%) 4 City University 1,776 1,793 64 5 University of 2,599 2,614 64 1 Glyndwr University 953 38 Bradford 2 University of the 459 37 6 London South 3,219 3,278 62 Highlands and Islands Bank University 3 Birkbeck College 145 34 7 Aston University 1,513 1,525 60 4 London South Bank 3,278 33 8 University of 3,864 3,974 59 University Westminster 5 University Campus 1,397 32 9 Middlesex 4,197 4,280 59 Suffolk University 6 University of the West 3,379 23 10 Brunel 2,884 2,912 55 of Scotland University 7 University of West 2,192 23 11 Queen Mary and 2,806 2,839 55 London Westfield College 265W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 266W

Table 2: Institutions ranked by percentage share of entrants1 from UK domiciled applicants to UCAS by their school or college type black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds2,UK Year of entry domiciled3 full-time first degree entrants, UK higher education School/ institutions, academic year 2011/12 college Of those type: 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 with known Grammar 32,318 33,602 33,305 31,982 21,786 Known ethnicity school ethnic All BAME Higher 1,215 839 842 — — Rank HEI background entrants (%) Education 12 University of 2,176 2,192 54 Independent 42,018 43,848 42,386 38,410 36,068 West London Sixth form 82,477 91,582 91,190 85,148 79,230 13 Kingston 5,283 5,317 52 college University State excl 156,901 170,112 166,030 156,505 118,395 14 London School 686 702 50 Grammar of Economics Other1 85,080 100,478 151,702 187,525 170,936 and Political Total 502,461 544,285 586,821 589,350 544,752 Science 1 Includes applicants (including older applicants) who were not attached 15 University of 4,358 4,424 50 to a specific school or other educational establishment, and who Greenwich applied directly to UCAS via their online application facility. 16 St Georges 597 600 49 Hospital Medical Higher Education: Scotland School 17 University of 263 282 49 Buckingham Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for 18 School of 560 575 48 Business, Innovation and Skills which Scottish higher Oriental and education institutions (a) he and (b) the Minister of African Studies State for Universities have visited since May 2010. 19 University of 4,588 4,691 47 [149681] Hertfordshire 20 University of 3,642 3,668 47 Mr Willetts: I have visited the universities of Edinburgh, Bedfordshire Glasgow, Strathclyde, Dundee, Abertay and Aberdeen All UK HEIs 390,834 394,585 22 since May 2010. 1 Covers all students in their first year of study. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and 2 The ethnicity of the student is on the basis of their own self-assessment. Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince 3 Domicile refers to a student’s permanent or home address prior to entry to their course. Cable), has visited the universities of Glasgow, Stirling, Note: Edinburgh, Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt during the Figures are based on a HESA standard registration population and same period. have been rounded up or down to the nearest five, so components may not sum to totals. Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student record. Business, Innovation and Skills how many and what amount of grants funding were awarded by each UK research council to each university in Scotland in each Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for of the last five years. [149685] Business, Innovation and Skills how many university applications made through UCAS came from students at grammar schools in each of the last five years. Mr Willetts: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Edinburgh South [149688] West (Mr Darling), on 20 December 2012, Official Report, column 866W. Mr Willetts: The information is given in the following table. Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, The classification of each educational establishment Innovation and Skills (1) which Scottish universities can change from cycle to cycle, which can affect year-on-year admitted the highest (a) number and (b) proportion of comparisons. A large number of grammar schools have students from socio-economic classes four to seven in converted to academies since 2010. While these schools each of the last three years; [149795] have retained their selective admissions arrangements (2) how many students (a) aged 25 years or more at they are no longer classified as grammar schools in this the point of admission and (b) from black, Asian and data. Therefore, while the figures show the number of minority ethnic backgrounds were admitted by each applicants from grammar schools has fallen over the Scottish university in each of the last three years; past two years, this is largely as a result of the classification [149800] change. (3) which Scottish universities admitted the most UK domiciled applicants to UCAS by their school or college type students (a) aged 25 years or more at the point of Year of entry admission and (b) from black and minority ethnic School/ backgrounds in each of the last three years. [149801] college type: 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Mr Willetts: Higher education in Scotland is a devolved Academies————36,292 matter. This information should be requested from the Further 102,452 103,824 101,366 89,780 82,045 Scottish Government, or directly from the Higher Education education Statistics Agency (HESA), the body responsible for 267W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 268W collecting information on higher education students at skills priorities of local LEPs. In addition, the Government UK higher education institutions. More information on will encourage LEPs to have a seat on FE colleges’ HESA can be found at governing bodies. http://www.hesa.ac.uk/ Minimum Wage Insolvency Service: Stockton On Tees Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what guidance is provided Business, Innovation and Skills whether consideration by HM Revenue and Customs to employers concerning was given to the top floor of Dunedin House, Stockton- compliance with the requirements of the national minimum on-Tees as a location for the Stockton Insolvency Service wage for workers engaged in episodic work; and if he when the decision to relocate that office was made. will make a statement. [150718] [150935] Jo Swinson: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I Jo Swinson: National Property Controls, as laid down gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Redcar (Ian by the Cabinet Office, ensure that Government Departments Swales) on 12 February 2013, Official Report, column seek to relocate to existing surplus Government Estate 609W. in preference to using commercial leaseholds. The top floor of Dunedin House, Stockton-on-Tees, was not Overseas Trade: Eritrea considered, as it is not on the Government Estate. The space was formerly occupied by Her Majesty’s Revenue Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for and Customs, but was handed back to their private Business, Innovation and Skills what assistance has finance initiative (PFI) providers, Mapeley, in 2009. been given to any UK companies trading with Eritrea in each of the last three years; and if he will make a Land Registry statement. [150986]

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State Michael Fallon: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has no active coverage of Eritrea, but commercial leads has made of the future of HM Land Registry; and if he are posted via the UKTI Business Opportunities Service will make a statement. [150416] and some information is available on the UKTI website. UKTI’s business multiplier stakeholders, such as the Michael Fallon: Land Registry faces significant new Eastern Africa Association, also give advice to companies challenges. I have asked Land Registry to consider where possible. Support from the British ambassador is alternative commercial models that would enable them available where advice or lobbying of the Eritrean better to deliver on their new Business Strategy. If there Government is sought by a UK company. Limited were to be any proposal for a change in the status of the interest has been shown by UK companies in the Eritrean Land Registry, we would embark on a full and careful market in the last three years. consultation. No decision has yet been made. Overseas Trade: South Korea Local Enterprise Partnerships Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department Innovation and Skills how many local enterprise is taking to promote bilateral trade between the UK partnerships have a chair from a (a) local authority and South Korea. [149928] and (b) business. [150402] Michael Fallon: In recognition of the importance of Michael Fallon: Local enterprise partnership (LEP) the bilateral trade relationship between the UK and board membership is a matter for LEPs themselves, South Korea, we have designated South Korea as a although Government does request that LEP chairs high-growth market with an ambitious goal to double and 50% of the LEP board should come from the export trade by 2015. business sector. Currently, all of the 39 local enterprise As a result of the EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement partnerships have a chair from the private sector. which was ratified in July 2011, the UK has already seen a steady increase in exports. Korea is now ranked 16th Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, largest destination for UK goods in 2012. 200 Korean Innovation and Skills how many local enterprise companies have now set up in the UK including Doosan, partnerships have a representative from a further education Samsung, and LG Electronics. college on their main board. [150403] In February 2013 we delivered a week long programme ″Opportunity Korea″ to address knowledge gaps and Michael Fallon: There are currently 14 local enterprise inform British businesses of the opportunities Korea partnerships (LEPs) who have a representative from a has to offer. Over 200 companies participated at events further education college on their main board. in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Last year’s autumn statement 5 December 2012, Official Bristol. Report, columns 871-882, announced that LEPs will be We are also working to establish a Joint Economic given a role setting skills strategies consistent with national and Trade Committee (JETCO) with Korea. Its aim will objectives and chartered status for FE colleges will be to tackle market access issues and creating business reflect the extent to which they take account of the opportunities for both British and Korean businesses. 269W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 270W

In addition to the above a series of trade missions The table shows a summary of the number of full-time and high level visits to South Korea will take place this applicants awarded student support who were domiciled year including a GREAT campaign to showcase trade in England in 2011/12, the latest year for which final and investment and knowledge. data are available. Number of applicants domiciled in England awarded full-time student Postal Services: Northern Ireland support—Academic year 2011/12 Number of applicants Product type (thousand) Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is Maintenance loans 907.2 taking to safeguard universal Royal Mail service in Tuition fee loans 851.4 Northern Ireland. [150951] Maintenance and special support 579.9 grants1 Michael Fallon: The Government is committed to Tuition fee grants2 0.4 securing the future of the universal postal service provided HE grants3 0.3 by Royal Mail, which is so important to our communities, Disabled students allowance (DSA) 451.9 society and the economy. Other targeted support 40.0 Parliament has guaranteed, through the Postal Services Total 1,023.2 Act 2011, the continuation of collection and delivery of 1 Means-tested maintenance grants are available to students entering higher education from 2006/07. letters six days a week throughout the UK at uniform 2 Tuition fee grants are only available to students who began their affordable prices. The Act also gives the postal regulator, study before the 2006/07 academic year, and have not been available Ofcom, a clear statutory duty to secure the provision of to new students since then. the universal postal service and powers to intervene if 3 The Higher Education Grant was a type of maintenance grant. the universal service is at risk. Students who entered in 2004/05 and 2005/06 were eligible for the grant (plus those who delayed entry until 2006/07 and registered in The steps we have taken so far to reform the regulatory advance for a gap year). framework and to support Royal Mail, coupled with 4 Provisional figure. securing access to private capital for the business, are Further information is available in the Student Loans the best way to safeguard the future of the one price Company’s statistical release “Student Support for Higher goes anywhere universal service throughout the United Education in England, academic year 2012/13 (provisional)” Kingdom. http://www.slc.co.uk/media/525907/slcsfr052012.pdf Postal Services: Visual Impairment Figures on the student support products available to students domiciled elsewhere in the UK are available from the respective Administrations. Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much has been spent on the Royal Mail’s articles for the blind service in each of the Telephone Services last five years. [150410]

Michael Fallon: This Government was the first to John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, make free services for the blind one of the minimum Innovation and Skills for each of the principal access requirements of the universal postal service. We did this numbers operated by (a) his Department and (b) the in the Postal Services Act 2011 because of the importance agencies for which he is responsible, what revenue has we attached to these services. been retained by (i) the telephone provider for that line and (ii) his Department in each of the last three years. Provision of this service is an operational matter for [149986] Royal Mail. I have therefore asked their chief executive, Moya Greene, to respond directly to the hon. Member Jo Swinson: No revenue has been retained by BIS for and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of the use of its principal access number. The telephone the House. provider has charged £562.48 for the use of the line over the last three years. Students: Finance I have approached the Chief Executives of the Department’s Executive Agencies (Insolvency Service, Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Companies House, National Measurement Office, Innovation and Skills how many students are currently Intellectual Property Office, UK Space Agency, Ordnance in receipt of (a) grants towards their university fees and Survey, Met Office, Land Registry and the Skills Funding (b) non-repayable bursaries towards their maintenance Agency) and they will respond to the right hon. Member costs. [149689] directly. Letter from Peter Mason, dated 26 March 2013: Mr Willetts: In this academic year 2012/13, eligible I am responding in respect of the National Measurement English domiciled students are able to apply for tuition Office (NMO) to your Parliamentary Question tabled on loans of up to £9,000 (or up to £6,000 at privately 21 March 2013, asking the Secretary of State, Department for funded universities), means tested non-repayable Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) about revenue retained in maintenance grants of up to £3,250, and partly means respect of principal access numbers. tested maintenance loans of up to £5,500. Different NMO does not offer any premium rate telephone numbers to maintenance loan rates are available for students studying the public and therefore no revenue is retained in this respect by in London or living at the parental home. NMO, BIS or the telephone provider (Maintel). 271W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 272W

Letter from Tim Moss, dated 22 March 2013: The Met Office has not retained any revenue from the operation of these lines in each of the last three years and holds no I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary information about whether any revenue has been retained by the Question tabled 21 March 2013, to the Secretary of State for providers of these lines. Business, Innovation and Skills, UIN 149986. I hope this helps. Companies House has only one principal access number, currently 0303 1234500. We cannot comment on what revenue is retained Letter from Dr Vanessa Lawrence CB, dated 9 April by the telephone provider for that line as this is part of the 2013: commercial arrangement between it and the other telephone As Director General and Chief Executive of Ordnance Survey, companies. However, Companies House has not retained any I have been asked to respond to your Parliamentary Question revenue from the use of its principal access number in any of the asking the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, last three years. ″for each of the principal access numbers operated by (a) his Letter from Emma Lord, dated 22 March 2013: Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible, what revenue has been retained by (i) the telephone provider for that Thank you for your question addressed to the Secretary of line and (ii) his Department in each of the last three years″. State for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills asking for each of the principal access numbers operated by (a) Ordnance Survey’s principal access numbers (08456 05 05 05 his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible, (English) and 08456 05 05 04 (Welsh)) are non-geographic basic-rate what revenue has been retained by (i) the telephone provider for services. Our provider, TalkTalk Group PLC, is entitled to receive that line and (ii) his Department in each of the last three years. a small revenue share premium but at the time of writing we have not been able to obtain information from the company on the The UK Space Agency uses the BIS enquiry number for public total revenue retained. Ordnance Survey receives no revenue from calls and therefore information relating to calls for the UK Space these calls. Agency will be included in any figures BIS have provided. I hope this information is helpful. Letter from Kim Thorneywork, dated 4 April 2013: Letter from Dr Richard Judge, dated 9 April 2013: Thank you for your question in asking the Secretary of State The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has for Business, Innovation and Skills, for each of the principal asked me to reply to your question, for each of the principal access numbers operated by his Department and the agencies for access numbers operated by (a) his Department and (b) the which he is responsible, what revenue has been retained by (i) the agencies for which he is responsible, what revenue has been telephone provider for that line and (ii) his Department in each of retained by (i) the telephone provider for that line and (ii) his the last three years. Department in each of the last three years. Please be advised that the Non Geographic telephone numbers The Insolvency Service operates two 0845 numbers, 0845 6029848 used by the Skills Funding Agency are not subject to a revenue and 0845 601 3546. All of the revenue is retained by the telephone sharing agreement; so neither the telephone provider, or the providers for those lines. Agency have retained revenue during the last three years. We do not retain information on what revenue has been Letter from John Alty, dated 25 March 2013: retained by the telephone providers for these lines, and the cost of obtaining the information would be disproportionate. I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled 21 March 2013, to the Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Skills. Business, Innovation and Skills which telephone lines The Intellectual Property Office does not have any premium are operated by (a) his Department and (b) the rate numbers. As such there is no revenue to be retained by the agencies for which he is responsible for public enquiries Office or the provider. or other services; what the (i) principal access number The Intellectual Property Office operates a main contact number and (ii) telephone service provider is for each number; (0300 300 200) this costs no more than a national rate call to an 01 and which such lines (A) are free to the caller and (B) or 02 number and 03 numbers also count towards any inclusive may incur a charge to the caller. [150009] minutes in a phone contract in the same way as 01 and 02 calls. Alternatively, we can be contacted via our switchboard (01633 Jo Swinson: The principal access number for BIS is 81400) at standard rates. 0207 215 5000 and is supplied by Level 3 Communications. Letter from Malcolm Dawson, dated 3 April 2013: Calls to the number are charged at the national rate. I write on behalf of Land Registry in response to Parliamentary I have approached the chief executives of the Question 149986 tabled on 21 March 2013 which asked the Department’s executive agencies (Insolvency Service, following: Companies House, National Measurement Office, To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Intellectual Property Office, UK Space Agency, Ordnance Skills, for each of the principal access numbers operated by (a) his Survey, Met Office, Land Registry and the Skills Funding Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible, what Agency) and they will respond to the hon. Member revenue has been retained by (i) the telephone provider for that directly. line and (ii) his Department in each of the last three years? Letter from Peter Mason, dated 26 March 2013: I can confirm that Land Registry does not have any revenue generating numbers across the department. I am responding in respect of the National Measurement Office (NMO) to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 21 I hope this information is useful. March 2013, asking the Secretary of State, Department for Letter from John Hirst, dated 8 April 2013: Business, Innovation and Skills about telephone lines for public enquiries or other services. I am replying on behalf of the Met Office to your Parliamentary NMO operates telephone lines for its main switchboard and Question tabled on 21 March 2013, UIN 149986 to the Secretary for automated enquiries concerning enforcement. The principal of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. access numbers for these are 020 8943 7272 and 020 8943 7227 The Met Office can be contacted any time of the day or night, respectively, and the telephone service provider for both numbers by telephone, fax, email, and social media, through our Weather is Maintel. NMO does not have any lines which are free to the Desk. The principal access telephone numbers for the Met Office caller and all calls to NMO are chargeable at the standard call Weather Desk are 01392 885680 or 0870 900 0100. charge. 273W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 274W

Letter from Tim Moss, dated 22 March 2013: Letter from John Hirst, dated 8 April 2013: I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary I am replying on behalf of the Met Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled 21 March 2013, to the Secretary of State for Question tabled on 21 March 2013, UIN 150009 to the Secretary Business, Innovation and Skills, UIN 150009. of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. Companies House’s principal access number is 0303 1234500 The public can access the Met Office Weather Desk with and the telephone service provider is Siemens PLC. Callers to this weather related enquiries, any time of the day or night, by line will incur a charge at the equivalent of a national rate call. telephone, fax, email, and social media. To contact the Weather This means that the charge made is dependent on the charges Desk by telephone, the public can choose to call either 01392 incurred by (he customer from their own provider. If their plan is 885680 or 0870 900 0100. These lines are provided by BT, through inclusive of national calls, then calls to Companies House will the Defence Fixed Telecommunications Service contract, and also be inclusive and not incur any additional charges. Cable and Wireless respectively. Callers to the Weather Desk may Letter from Emma Lord, dated 22 March 2013: incur a charge depending on the contract the caller has with their Thank you for your question addressed to the Secretary of telephone service provider, but no charge is made by the Met State for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills Office. asking which telephone lines are operated by (a) his Department In addition, the Met Office ‘Talk to a Forecaster’ service can be and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible for public enquiries accessed through 0870 076 7890. This line is provided by Spoke. or other services; what the (i) principal access number and (ii) Talk to a Forecaster is a commercial service provided by the Met telephone service provider is for each number; and which such Office to its customers and prices are available on the Met Office lines (A) are free to the caller and (B) may incur a charge to the website. Callers to this service may also incur a charge from their caller. telephone service provider. The UK Space Agency uses the BIS public enquiry number for I hope this helps. public enquiries. The access number is 020 7215 5000. The UK Space Agency cannot provide information relating to the provider Letter from Dr VanessaLawrence CB, dated 9 April 2013: and whether the lines incur a charge as this information is held by As Director General and Chief Executive of Ordnance Survey, BIS and would be provided within their return. I have been asked to respond to your Parliamentary Question Letter from Kim Thorneywork, dated 4 April 2013: asking the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Thank you for your question in asking the Secretary of State “which telephone lines are operated by (a) his Department and for Business, Innovation and Skills, which telephone lines are (b) the agencies for which he is responsible for public enquiries or operated by his Department and the agencies for which he is other services; what the (i) principal access number and (ii) responsible for public enquiries or other services; what the (i) telephone service provider is for each number; and which lines (A) principal access number and (ii) telephone service provider is for are free to the caller and (B) may incur a charge to the caller”. each number; and which such lines are free to the caller and may Ordnance Survey has nine 0845 numbers that are available to incur a charge to the caller. the public. The two primary numbers are 08456 05 05 05 (English) Please be advised that the Skills Funding Agency has four and 08456 05 05 04 (Welsh). The remaining seven are used by non-geographic telephone numbers for public enquiries and other customers who require more specialised information; an example services: being the OS OpenData helpline. Skills Funding Agency (main Number)—0845 377 5000 All these lines are provided by TalkTalk Group PLC, and may Professional and Career Providers Helpline—0845 000 0045 incur charges but also may be covered by an inclusive calls (advises callers to re-dial a new number for this service) package. From BT lines the charge is equivalent to a geographic Data Service—0870 267 0001 number but other providers may charge more. Skills Funding Agency (internal) IT Helpdesk—0870 496 1111 I hope this information is helpful. The principal access number is 0845 377 5000 Letter from Dr Richard Judge, dated 8 April 2013: The telephone service provider is Level 3 Communications Ltd. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has All of the non geographic telephone numbers listed above asked me to reply to your question, which telephone lines are incur a charge to the caller. operated by (a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he Letter from John Alty, dated 25 March 2013: is responsible for public enquiries or other services; what the (i) I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office principal access number and (ii) telephone service provider is for to your Parliamentary Question tabled 21 March 2013, to the each number; and which such lines (A) are free to the caller and Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and (B) may incur a charge to the caller. Skills. The Insolvency Service operates the following public enquiry The Intellectual Property Office operates a main contact number lines: (0300 300 200); this costs no more than a national rate call to an Insolvency Enquiry Line 0845 6029848 01 or 02 number and 03 numbers also count towards any inclusive minutes in a phone contract in the same way as 01 and 02 calls. Insolvency Hotline 0845 601 3546 The service is provided via Virgin Media. The telephone lines are operated by BT and they both incur a Letter from Malcolm Dawson, dated 3 April 2013: charge to the caller. I write on behalf of Land Registry in response to Parliamentary Question 150009 tabled on 21 March 2013 which asked the Unemployment: Older People following: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, which telephone lines are operated by (a) his Department John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible for public enquiries Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has or other services; what the (i) principal access number and (ii) made of the number of people over the age of 50 who telephone service provider is for each number; and which such are unemployed in (a) Glasgow North West constituency, lines (A) are free to the caller and (B) may incur a charge to (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK. [150099] the caller Our principal access number for public enquiries is 0844 892 Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the 1111. The service provider for this number is British Telecom. Cabinet Office. Land Registry operates this service on the lowest possible tariff for the customer, lower than the national call rate. Land Registry The information requested falls within the responsibility receives no revenue from this service. of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority I hope this information is useful. to reply. 275W Written Answers15 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 276W

Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: Visits Abroad As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Business for the number of people over Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, the age of 50 who are unemployed in (a) Glasgow North West Innovation and Skills what details of (a) itineraries, constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK (150099). (b) costs and (c) other aspects of overseas visits in The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles unemployment support of trade and investment by Ministers in his statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey Department are published (i) routinely and (ii) on request. (APS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. [150613] However, estimates of unemployment for the requested age band in Glasgow North West constituency and Glasgow are not available Michael Fallon: I refer the hon. Member to the answer due to small sample sizes. I gave to the right hon. Member for Belfast North As an alternative, in table 1, we have provided the number of (Mr Dodds) on 26 March 2013, Official Report, column persons claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) aged 50 years and over for the requested geographies for February 2013. The counts 1068W. of people claiming JSA are those who are claiming benefits for unemployment related purposes. At a UK level the total number of JSA claimants is around two thirds of the total unemployment level. Vocational Training: Young People Table 2 shows the number of people in Scotland and the UK aged 50 and over who were unemployed, according to survey responses, in the 12 month period ending December 2012 from Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, the APS. As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are Innovation and Skills what specific proposals he has to subject to a margin of uncertainty. A guide to the quality of the estimates is given in the tables based on survey results. ensure that young people between the ages of 19 to 24, classified as not in education, employment or training, National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant will benefit from a substantial number of traineeships count are available on the NOMIS website at: when the traineeships scheme is introduced. [150482] http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Matthew Hancock: We intend shortly to set out our Table 1: Number of people aged 50 years and over claiming jobseeker’s allowance, February 2013 approach to the delivery of traineeships. This will build Number on the positive feedback my Departments have received from a wide range of organisations and individuals in Glasgow North West 525 response to the Traineeships Discussion Paper we published Glasgow City 3,820 in January. Scotland 24,450 United Kingdom 266,880 Note: Data rounded to nearest five. Source: Work Experience JobcentrePlus Administrative System Table 2: Number of unemployed people aged 50 years and over, Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for January 2012 to December 20121 Business, Innovation and Skills how many employers Number (thousand) provide (a) work experience placements and (b) Scotland **34 internships to people aged between 19 and 24; and United Kingdom *396 what proportion are in the (i) public and (ii) private 1 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated as an indication of sector. [150401] the quality of the estimates. See Guide to Quality: Guide to Quality: Matthew Hancock: The Department for Business, The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value Innovation and Skills recognises that work experience the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice and internships can provide valuable opportunities for the CV - for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we young people to gain vital experience in the labour would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220. market and we welcome the diverse and numerous Key: opportunities which both public and private employers * 0 = CV <5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered provide. We continue to encourage employers to provide precise ** 5 = CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered work experience and internship opportunities. reasonably precise There are no single legal definitions of work experience *** 10 = CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered or internships, and therefore no definitive comprehensive acceptable **** CV ? 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too data source on overall numbers. So, therefore, the unreliable for practical purposes Government does not hold information about the numbers Source: of work experience opportunities offered in the public Annual Population Survey and private sectors.

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prosecutions were instigated in each region by the Written Answers to Environment Agency in each year since 2008; and how many such prosecutions were successful. [150980] Questions

Richard Benyon: The tables supplied set out the Tuesday 16 April 2013 number and result of prosecutions instigated in each Environment Agency region since 2008. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Environment Agency

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many

Table A: Rod-and-Line Fisheries Prosecutions (ie fishing without a licence or in the closed season) 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Successful Total Successful Total Successful Total Successful Total Successful Total

Anglian 537 543 463 464 330 330 216 217 195 196 Midlands 743 754 490 491 421 425 307 307 568 572 North 609 616 646 648 631 639 449 453 614 616 East North 723 723 450 451 448 450 293 295 278 279 West Southern1 456 469 259 259 245 248 2724 2734 2358 2361 Thames1 1,244 1,281 892 895 657 667 2— 2— 2— 2— South 328 330 117 117 53 54 36 36 130 131 West Wales 308 315 220 220 153 153 78 79 733 742

Table B: All Other Environmental Prosecutions—Including: waste management; water quality; water resources; pollution cases; emissions to air; radioactive substances; breaches of various environmental permits and operating without a permit; flood defence; navigation and non-standard fisheries cases (eg poaching) 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Successful Total Successful Total Successful Total Successful Total Successful Total

Anglian 58 58 54 55 64 64 99 100 79 81 Midlands 118 123 82 88 63 67 77 80 42 43 North 95 97 110 113 121 123 128 128 78 79 East North 68 68 82 84 88 89 91 91 60 61 West Southern1 79 79 60 60 52 52 2120 2120 278 278 Thames1 75 78 49 56 86 89 2— 2— 2— 2— South 99 100 84 84 98 99 83 87 63 67 West Wales 123 124 135 136 71 71 93 93 101 102 1 In 2011 the Environment Agency merged its ’Southern’ and Thames’ regions to form a new ’South East’ region, the data has been merged accordingly. 2 Indicates brace.

EU Grants and Loans Floods: Insurance

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment information his Department provides to people living he has made of the European Commission consultation in flood risk areas on securing fair home insurance on the European School Milk and Fruit and Vegetable premium; [150693] Schemes. [150767] (2) what steps he is taking to ensure that home insurance premiums accurately reflect the risk of flooding. [150932] Mr Heath: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided her with on 7 March 2013, Official Report, Richard Benyon: In collaboration with the National column 1169W,and to the hon. Member for Sittingbourne Flood Forum and industry representatives, DEFRA and Sheppey (Gordon Henderson), on 20 March 2013, published a “Guide to obtaining flood insurance in Official Report, column 706W. high risk areas” in July 2012. 279W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 280W

This will be made available in the Library of the The FSA monitors arrangements to make sure that House. there is adequate provision for local authority sampling The guide provides practical information to householders and analysis as part of an annual process, whereby the living in high flood risk areas that are finding it difficult FSA reports on the UK’s performance in carrying out to find insurance cover. regulatory controls, as set out in the National Control Plan required under the EC Official Feed and Food It provides helpline numbers that will assist householders Regulation 882/2004. to locate flood specialist insurance brokers and the information that may be needed by those brokers. It In addition, the FSA identifies priorities each year also provides tips on how to reduce the impact of for the national co-ordinated food sampling programme, flooding on properties and useful information on key carried out by local authorities funded by the FSA. The organisations responsible for the management of flood priorities take into account consumer and public health risk. protection, are risk and evidence based and intelligence-led. The priorities are published on the FSA’s website. The Environment Agency provides maps on its website which show areas at risk of flooding and information Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for on how that might affect an individual’s insurance. This Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many information is updated quarterly and is available at: reviews of the Public Analyst service have been (a) http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/ commenced and (b) completed by his Department floods/31650.aspx since 2000. [150055] DEFRA has also been working with the Association of British Insurers and others to establish a common Anna Soubry: I have been asked to reply on behalf of methodology for reporting the impact of property-level the Department of Health. protection measures in reducing potential flood damages. Since 2000 there has been one review of the UK We have recently published the resulting template and Public Analyst service undertaken by the Food Standards guidance which will help insurers incorporate that Agency (FSA), working with various stakeholders, in information into their risk assessment and pricing decisions. 2007. This review followed the 1998 Turner Review of This information is available on the Environment Agency’s Public Analyst arrangements in England and Wales and website at the following web address: the parallel 1998 Timbury Review of food-related scientific http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/ services in Scotland and the 1999 Turner and Gorsuch 129526.aspx Review of Public Analyst services in Northern Ireland. Constructive discussions continue between Government Although not directly related to a review of the and the Association of British Insurers and others Public Analyst Service, in 2012 a thorough review of the about the future of flood insurance. We need a solution Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications) Regulations that ensures affordable insurance bills for those at flood 1990 was undertaken by the FSA, in collaboration with risk but does not place unsustainable costs on wider key UK stakeholders, resulting in a full public consultation policyholders and the taxpayer. A range of options are of the options proposed1. The new Food Safety (Sampling on the table and no final decisions have been taken. and Qualifications) (England) Regulations 2013 came into force on 6 April 2013. The Sampling and Qualification I will endeavour to provide a further public update at Regulations stipulate qualifications an individual needs the earliest appropriate opportunity. to possess in order to be appointed as a Public Analyst. 1http://www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/consultations/ Food: Inspections consultations-england/2012/ reviewfoodsafetysampqualregseng Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how frequently Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department undertakes reviews of the available he has made of the suitability of systems of competitive sampling and testing capacity for food standards and tendering for contracts for food hygiene and food standards food hygiene. [150054] public analyst scientific services. [150058]

Anna Soubry: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Anna Soubry: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department of Health. the Department of Health. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is the central Responsibility for the suitability of systems used for competent authority for food safety and has a statutory competitive tendering for contracts for food hygiene function under the Food Standards Art 1999 to protect and food standards public analyst scientific services lies public health and consumers’ other interests in relation with the local authority rather than the Food Standards to food and drink. The majority of food law enforcement Agency. is delegated to local authorities throughout the United Kingdom who carry out checks of all food businesses in River Thames their area to ensure compliance with food safety/traceability and labelling requirements. Local authority food sampling Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for responsibilities are set out in the statutory Food Law Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Code of Practice (separate parallel Codes of Practice he has made of recent changes in navigation charges exist for each of the four UK countries), as part of levied by the Environment Agency on vessels on the which they are required to develop an annual sampling River Thames and the comparative effects of such programme for their area and provide the resources changes on the owners of larger and smaller vessels. necessary to carry it out. [151162] 281W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 282W

Richard Benyon: The recent change in navigation BT; charges levied by the Environment Agency on privately Serco; owned boats on the River Thames followed consultation Azzurri; and with customer representatives. It comprises an increased Cable & Wireless. charge for 2013-14 of 4.6%, in accordance with the three-year charging plan of the consumer price index, Calls to the Poultry Register Helpline will be free from plus 2%. most landlines but mobile phone providers may charge. All other lines will incur a charge to the caller. The effect of this flat rate increase varies with the size of each boat. The charge is levied based on boat area Core DEFRA retain no income from any telephone (length by breadth) so the increase is proportionate to calls received from members of the public. All revenue boat size. is retained by the telephone companies providing the service. We have no knowledge of the service provider’s The Environment Agency has adjusted the price this revenue retention. year for the largest boats. They now pay 40% less than the normal charge for every square metre over 80 square Animal Health, Veterinary Laboratory Agency (AHVLA) metres. The Environment Agency has received positive feedback from customers about it. Owners of smaller Telephone number boats accept the increase, although they do not welcome Poultry Register Helpline 0800 6341112 it. They have stated that they do not want the Environment Register for Disease Alerts 0844 8849888 Agency to adjust the charges to benefit larger boats National Fallen Stock Scheme 0845 0548888 without considering their charges too. Pre 1996 Cattle Movements 0845 6014858 DEFRA is considering transferring the Environment Welfare in Transit Helpline 0845 6038395 Agency navigations to the Canal and River Trust (CRT) TSE Helpline 0845 6011367 subject to affordability and the agreement of the CRT’s AHVLA Disease Outbreak 0844 8844600 trustees. While this is under consideration, it is not Information Line appropriate for the Environment Agency fundamentally PETS Helpline 0870 2411710 to review and change its boat registration regime. This is something CRT would need to review. All AHVLA lines are provided by one of the following companies: Telephone Services BT; Serco; John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) for each of Azzurri; and the principal access numbers operated by (a) his Cable & Wireless. Department and (b) the agencies for which he is AHVLA retain no income from any telephone calls responsible, what revenue has been retained by (i) the received from members of the public. All revenue is telephone provider for that line and (ii) his Department retained by the telephone companies providing the service. in each of the last three years; [149994] We have no knowledge of the service provider’s revenue (2) which telephone lines are operated by (a) his retention. Department and (b) the agencies for which he is Rural Payments Agency (RPA) responsible for public inquiries or other services; what The RPA operates the following telephone lines the (i) principal access number and (ii) telephone designated for public inquiries: service provider is for each number; and which such lines (A) are free to the caller and (B) may incur a Telephone number charge to the caller. [150017] Customer Service Centre (CSC) 0845 6037777 Richard Benyon: The information is as follows: British Cattle Movement 20845 0501234 Service1 Core DEFRA British Cattle Movement 30845 0503456 Core DEFRA operate the following telephone lines Service1 designated for public inquiries: Cattle Tracing System 20845 0111212 Cattle Tracing System 30845 0111213 Telephone number Horticultural Marketing 0845 6073224 Inspectorate DEFRA Helpline 08459 335577 Fraud Line 0800 347347 British Cattle Movement 0845 0501234 External Trade 0191 2265050 Tracing System1 Securities and Guarantees 0118 9531723 British Cattle Movement Service 0845 0503456 4 (Wales)1 Slaughter Schemes 0845 6037777 1 Livestock Identification 0845 0509876 The British Cattle Movement Service telephone numbers are shared Helpline between core DEFRA and the RPA. 2 English. Compulsory Scrapie Flocks 0845 6014858 3 Welsh. Scheme Helpline 4 CSC number. Broiler Directive Registration 0845 6014858 Helpline All RPA’s telephone lines are provided by Cable & 1 The British Cattle Movement Service telephone numbers are Wireless Worldwide. shared between core DEFRA and the RPA. Calls to the Fraud Line will be free from most landlines All core DEFRA lines are provided by one of the but mobile phone providers may charge. All other lines following companies: will incur a charge to the caller. 283W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 284W

The following table provides the RPA’s total revenue The Ministry of Defence holds the following information retention for each of the last three financial years. We on allegations made relating to the possession of indecent have no knowledge of the service provider’s revenue images in Afghanistan over the period 1 November 2009 retention. and 31 December 2012: RPA revenue retention Allegations made by service Financial year £ personnel 2010-11 13,388.72 2009 0 2011-12 15,059.13 2010 1 2012-13 0 2011 1 1 +VAT. 2012 6 Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) Total 8 Fera operates the following telephone lines designated We have no record of any allegations made by civilian for public inquiries: staff in this period.

Telephone number Information held on the above cases indicates the following outcomes: Plant Health Helpdesk 0844 2480071 Two cases were not investigated because the complaint was not Badger Vaccine 0844 2480073 pursued. International Food Safety 0300 1000326 One case was investigated but did not result in that person Training Laboratory (IFSTL) being referred to a prosecuting authority under the Armed Customer Services Group (CSG) 0300 1000330 Forces Act 2006. Government Decontamination 0845 8503513 Five cases are ongoing. Service (GDS) Emergency Government Decontamination 0845 0518486 Service (GDS) General Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

All of these phone lines are provided by alternative John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for networks, and all incur a charge to the caller. Defence how many staff are employed by the Defence No revenue is retained by Fera for these telephone Science and Technology Laboratory in Cumbria; and lines. We have no knowledge of the service provider’s what proportion of those staff are paid at or above the revenue retention. national level of the living wage. [149882]

Written Questions: Government Responses Mr Dunne [holding answer 25 March 2013]: The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory has no Mel Stride: To ask the Secretary of State for staff employed in Cumbria. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he intends to answer question 148171, tabled on 12 March 2013 for answer on 14 March 2013. [150859] Military Aircraft: Helicopters

Mr Heath: I answered the hon. Member’s question Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for on 15 April 2013. Defence what contingency plan is in place to fulfil maritime surveillance roles if Crowsnest is not operational by 2016. [150928] DEFENCE Armed Forces: Sexual Offences Mr Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to my letter to the House of Commons Defence Committee on Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 28 January 2013. A copy of the letter can be found at (1) how many allegations relating to the possession of the following link: indecent images have been made by (a) armed forces http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/ personnel and (b) civilian staff based in Iraq in each defence/130128-Andrew-Robathan-MOD-to-Chair- year since 2005; how many of these have (i) been followup.tif.pdf referred for prosecution and (ii) resulted in a conviction; and if he will make a statement; [137690] MOD Ashchurch (2) how many allegations relating to the possession of indecent images have been made by (a) armed forces personnel and (b) civilian staff based in Afghanistan in Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State each year since 2005; how many of these have (i) been for Defence how much investment there has been in referred for prosecution and (ii) resulted in a conviction; buildings at the Ministry of Defence site at Ashchurch and if he will make a statement. [137691] in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available. [150670] Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has no record of any allegations made by service personnel Mr Francois [holding answer 15 April 2013]: Over the or civilian staff based in Iraq relating to the possession last seven years the investment in Ashchurch is shown of indecent images in the period between the in the following table. This is exclusive of repair and implementation of the Armed Forces Act 2006 on maintenance and minor refurbishment work. Data prior 1 November 2009 and 31 December 2012. to Financial year 2007-08 is not held. 285W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 286W

Mr Robathan: To date, contracts have been awarded Financial year Investment (£ million) with a total value of some £343 million for the provision 2012-13 0 of training infrastructure, synthetic training equipment 2011-12 0 and contractor support to the Atlas training programme 2010-11 0 at RAF Brize Norton. It is estimated that a further 2009-10 0 £77 million will be required to complete and sustain the 2008-09 0.5 training programme until 2030. These sums do not 2007-08 1.7 include RAF personnel costs or the costs of flying the 2006-07 0 Atlas aircraft for training purposes. Rescue Services Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made Sir Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for of the estimated cost of moving the operations carried Defence whether Ministry of Defence police inquiries out at Ashchurch to another base in terms of (a) the into the abandoned search and rescue helicopter cost of physical movement, (b) extra training costs, contract have been completed; and if he will make a (c) redundancy payments and (d) any other costs; and statement. [129926] if he will make a statement. [150723] Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence police investigation Mr Dunne [holding answer 15 April 2013]: The facilities into the search and rescue helicopter contract is currently at Ministry of Defence (MOD) site at Ashchurch are at at an advanced stage. It would, therefore be inappropriate the end of their life and parts of the site can no longer to disclose any information at this time. be used as a result of health and safety requirements. I will write to the right hon. Member when the The facilities would need extensive renewal to continue investigation is completed, with the information requested. to be operational effectively, while the vehicle numbers Substantive answer from Mr Philip Dunne to Sir Alan Beith: that the site supports are reducing as a result of the I undertook to write to you in answer to your Parliamentary strategic defence and security review. Question on 29th November 2012 (Official Report, column 462W) The MOD is therefore reviewing a number of vehicle about the Ministry of Defence Police investigation into the Search and Rescue Helicopter contract. I apologise that it has taken so basing options and has identified opportunities for long to reply. greater efficiency from relocating facilities rather than I can confirm that the Ministry of Defence Police investigation investing in the infrastructure at Ashchurch. The MOD has now ended. The police investigation, which was thorough, will be withdrawing from the site entirely unless retention wide ranging and proportionate, concluded that no further police of a small number of specific buildings proves better action was warranted. value for money. It is too early at this time to provide further details of any associated costs. The MOD has a responsibility to gain the best value PRIME MINISTER for money for the taxpayer and has identified the opportunity that MOD Ashchurch could be made available Electoral Register as development land, contributing to the Government’s aim to make surplus public sector land available for Jim Shannon: To ask the Prime Minister if he will housing, with the potential capacity for up to 2,100 new introduce compulsory electoral registration. [150899] homes. A public consultation has been undertaken so Miss Chloe Smith: I have been asked to reply on that wider views and opinions can be taken into behalf of the Cabinet Office. consideration for any future development. The Government believes that the act of registering Porton Down: Animal Experiments to vote is a civic duty, but does not believe it is appropriate to criminalise people for not registering to vote. Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for The existing criminal offence of not providing Defence pursuant to the answer of the hon. Member information to an electoral registration officer (ERO) for Ludlow of 12 February 2013, Official Report, when required to do so, for example on a household column 634W, on Porton Down: animal experiments, canvass form, will remain under individual electoral what the (a) species and (b) ages of the animals used registration. for experiment at the Defence Science and Technology It is not currently an offence not to be registered in Laboratory Porton Down facility were. [147587] the UK, and this will not change under IER. Mr Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I Under IER, Electoral Registration Officers will be gave on 29 January 2013, Official Report, column 742W, able to issue a civil penalty when individuals fail to to the hon. Member for Portsmouth South (Mr Hancock). make an application when they are required to do so. There is no Home Office requirement to return the This means that if an individual repeatedly refuses to ages of the animals therefore this information is not make an application a registration officer can require recorded. them to make an application to register to vote. Failure to make an application at this stage could lead to a civil RAF Brize Norton penalty being issued. There will be safeguards in place to ensure that only Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for those who refuse repeated invitations can be fined, and Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the registration officers will have to take specific steps to public purse of the Atlas training programme at RAF encourage an application, which we will set out in draft Brize Norton. [150093] secondary legislation, before they can issue a fine. 287W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 288W

Nepal Credit Unions

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Prime Minister whether Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for he has any plans to visit Nepal in an official capacity. Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to develop [151238] credit unions. [144570]

The Prime Minister: Details of my engagements are Steve Webb: On 27 June 2012, it was announced that announced as and when appropriate. the Government will take forward the findings of the Feasibility Study. In particular, DWP have plans to make a further investment in credit unions, subject to a contracting process. Our aim is to support the credit union sector to WORK AND PENSIONS provide financial services for up to 1 million more consumers on lower incomes in a way that will enable Asbestos credit unions to modernise, expand and become financially sustainable. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for I can confirm that we gave details of our preferred Work and Pensions what procedures are in place to supplier to deliver credit union expansion to the bidding check and monitor the presence of asbestos in the organisations on 31 January. Subject to satisfactory workplace. [151424] outcomes to discussions with the preferred supplier, we are likely to be in a position to announce the award of Mr Hoban: The owner, or person responsible for the contract in March. maintenance of a workplace is required to carry out an assessment to determine the presence, location, and Employment and Support Allowance: Scotland condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2012 (SI 2012 No. 632). A plan must then be prepared and Pensions how many fixed length sanctions were and put into effect to manage the risks from any ACMs imposed on employment and support allowance present, including ongoing monitoring of their condition. claimants in Scotland in each month from December 2012 to March 2013. [150874] Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have died from Mr Hoban: The information as requested is not readily lung cancer contracted as a result of exposure to available. asbestos in (a) England and (b) Birmingham in each The sanctions regime for employment support allowance of the last two years. [151425] (ESA) claimants in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG) changed from the beginning of December 2012. Mr Hoban: Lung cancer deaths caused by asbestos DWP is aiming to publish the first set of statistics for are clinically indistinguishable from those caused by the new ESA sanctions regime by August 2013. These other agents such as tobacco smoke, and therefore statistics have been delayed from a May release to allow cannot be directly enumerated. However, it is estimated the new regime to bed-in and to allow sufficient quality that about the same number of lung cancer deaths due assurance. to asbestos occur each year as mesothelioma deaths, for which detailed statistics are available. Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing Statistics for mesothelioma deaths in 2009 and 2010 (the latest two years for which data are available) suggest Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State that there may have been approximately 2000 deaths in for Work and Pensions if he will consider excluding England, and approximately 20 deaths in the Birmingham blind and partially-sighted people from the changes to local authority area, due to asbestos related lung cancer housing benefit eligibility in respect of the spare room in each of these two years. subsidy. [151081]

Computers Steve Webb: We carefully considered whether it would be feasible to develop exemptions for specific groups. However, it was not possible to design exemptions that Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work could be defined precisely enough in legislation to be and Pensions how many (a) desktop computers, (b) simple and efficient to administer. laptop computers and (c) tablet devices his Department Consequently, we have announced the addition of has purchased in the last two years. [151349] £25 million to the Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) budget from 2013-14. This is specifically intended Mr Hoban: The Department for Work and Pensions to support disabled people living in significantly adapted has contractual arrangements under which it leases accommodation, including people who are blind or desktop and laptop devices from its IT suppliers. partially-sighted. However, the Department purchased 23 laptops, eight The measure will however be monitored and evaluated desktop computers and 20 Tablets during 2012-13 for over a two-year period from April 2013. Initial findings pilots and trial purposes to meet non-standard technical will be available in 2014 and the final report will be and/or operational needs. released in late 2015. 289W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 290W

Jobcentre Plus Steve Webb: We estimate that out of 11.7 million pensioners 0.5 million were living on an income of John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for below 40% contemporary household income, after housing Work and Pensions how many Jobcentre Plus facilities costs, in 2010-11. there are in (a) Glasgow North West constituency, (b) This estimate is based on Households Below Average Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK. [151581] Income (HBAI) data sourced from the 2010-11 Family Resources Survey (FRS). This is the most recent data Mr Hoban: The information is as follows: source available. (a) Glasgow North West constituency is served by two Jobcentres. The estimate uses disposable household income, adjusted There are (b) 14 serving Glasgow, (c) 94 serving Scotland and (d) 772 covering Great Britain. using modified OECD equivalisation factors for household size and composition, to identify those with less than Jobseeker’s Allowance 40% median contemporary household income. Figures have been presented on an After Housing Cost basis. Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore Work and Pensions whether jobseeker’s allowance claimants subject to a degree of uncertainty. Numbers of pensioners will experience a loss of benefit payments if they do not have been rounded to the nearest 100,000. accept an offer of employment on a zero hours contract. [151484] Personal Independence Payment Mr Hoban: Jobseeker’s allowance claimants cannot face sanctions for turning down the offer of a zero John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for hours contract. Work and Pensions pursuant to the contribution by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland Pensions of 13 November 2012, Official Report, column 75WH, on personal independence payment, Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work what steps he has taken to increase the number of and Pensions (1) how many fixed length sanctions of mental and cognitive champions in (a) Scotland and (a) high, (b) medium and (c) low level were imposed (b) the UK. [151380] on jobseeker’s allowance claimants in Scotland in each month from October 2012 to March 2013; [150873] Esther McVey: The contracts between the Department (2) what proportion of jobseeker’s allowance claimants for Work and Pensions and the personal independence in Scotland were referred to the stricter benefit regime payment assessment providers, Atos and Capita, stipulate in each month from October 2012 to March 2013; that they must provide mental function champions to [150882] give advice and support to health professionals on (3) how many sanctions were applied to jobseeker’s health conditions and disabilities affecting mental, cognitive, allowance claimants by each jobcentre in Scotland in intellectual and behavioural function. These mental each month from October 2012 to February 2013. functional champions will be for the PIP contract and [150879] will therefore be in addition to the mental function champions currently in post in Scotland and the rest of Mr Hoban: The information requested is not currently the UK to provide advice to health care professionals available. conducting work capability assessments. The official statistics published on the Tabulation Tool contain JSA sanctions and disallowances up to John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State and including 21 October 2012. After this date, new for Work and Pensions what steps he will take to regulations introduced a regime of fixed period sanctions, hold assessors to account in the event that personal which replaced the existing sanction rules and moved independence payment applicants were given an incorrect, claimants closer to the sanction regime planned for poor assessment resulting in them receiving an inappropriate universal credit in 2013. recommendation. [151517] We aim to publish the statistics on this new regime in May 2013 and on a quarterly basis thereafter. Esther McVey: All personal independence payment health professionals must go through a comprehensive Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work training programme and pass an assessment of competence and Pensions how many people in Scotland applied for before they can carry out assessments. In addition, they a hardship payment due to being sanctioned in each must be approved by the Department’s chief medical month from April 2012 to March 2013. [150878] adviser. A programme of audit will confirm individual health professionals continue to meet these standards. Mr Hoban: Data on hardship payments at this geographical level are unavailable. Where a health professional’s advice is of poor quality and could result in an incorrect decision, the case will Pensioners: Poverty fail the audit activity. Where assessors fall below the required standards and do not improve, processes are in Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for place to revoke their approval to carry out assessments. Work and Pensions if he will estimate how many In addition, assessment providers must confirm to a pensioners were living on an income of below 40 per rigorous set of performance measures regarding the cent of median household earnings in each year since quality of advice. If the provider fails to deliver against 2010. [151488] these measures, agreed service credits will be applied. 291W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 292W

Ultimately the Department has the right to terminate the final set of official statistics relating to the previous the contract if there is sustained underperformance in a sanctions regime, due for publication in February 2013, range of areas. was cancelled. The Department is aiming to publish the first set of Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for statistics for the new ESA sanctions regime by August Work and Pensions with reference to the contribution 2013 alongside a revised historical series and a working to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for paper explaining the differences between the methodologies. Work and Pensions, of 16 November 2011, House These statistics have been delayed from a May release to of Lords, Official Report, column GC263, what allow the new regime to bed-in and to allow sufficient assessment his Department has made of whether (a) quality assurance of the new methodology. Atos and (b) Capita is providing sufficient training in (i) mental, intellectual and cognitive impairments and Telephone Services (ii) autistic spectrum disorders for health professionals who will be carrying out the assessment for the personal independence payment. [151576] Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 19 March 2013, Official Report, column 658W,on telephone services, Esther McVey: The health professionals who will be whether a UK landline number beginning with 01, 02 or carrying out the assessments for personal independence 03 is publicly available as an alternative to the 0800 and payment will have a broad training in disability analysis, 0845 numbers in use by his Department and the agencies as well as training in specific conditions. This will for which he is responsible. [151632] include training in mental, intellectual and cognitive impairments, and autistic spectrum disorders. The Department for Work and Pensions has reviewed Atos’ Mr Hoban: The Department does not have any UK training materials and is content with them. The landline number beginning with 01, 02 or 03 that are Department is currently reviewing Capita’s training publicly available as an alternative to the 0800 and 0845 materials. numbers. The Department’s numbering policy is kept under Social Security Benefits: Halton review, taking account of any changes to the cost of calling 0845 numbers. Depending on the service provider and the specific contract or call plan in place, many Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work callers would currently pay more to contact the DWP if and Pensions how many people resident in Halton 0845 services were replaced with 03 numbers. As a constituency have had their benefit sanctioned in each result, any change to the policy will need careful month since April 2012. [150926] consideration. The DWP has responded to Ofcom’s proposals for Mr Hoban: The information as requested is not readily the 0845 number range and we await their final report, available for jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) and income which is due in April 2013. Once received, we will assess support lone parent (ISLP) claimants to 21 October the impact on the costs of calls to our 0800 and 0845 2012 and to provide it would incur disproportionate numbers. For information, the proposals do not include cost. any requirement for organisations to replace 0845 numbers. The official statistics published on the tabulation tool More information on the consultation, including the contain JSA sanctions and disallowances up to and DWP’s response, is available via Ofcom’s website: including 21 October 2012. After this date, new regulations www.ofcom.org.uk introduced a regime of fixed period sanctions, which replaced the existing sanction rules and moved claimants closer to the sanction regime planned for universal credit in 2013. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER We aim to publish the statistics on this new regime in May 2013 and on a quarterly basis thereafter. Lobbying The information as requested is also not readily available for employment support allowance (ESA) Caroline Lucas: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister claimants. pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2013, Official The sanctions regime for ESA claimants in the work- Report, column 1057W, on lobbying, if he will provide related activity group (WRAG) changed from the beginning an estimate of the amount of time he will need to of December 2012. As a result of the changes to the continue to consider the evidence submitted on the regime, the Department reviewed its methodology for proposed statutory register of lobbyists; what the reasons publishing ESA sanctions official statistics to ensure the are for the time taken to consider the evidence thus far; publication remains relevant while also seeking to maintain and when he plans to publish the Government’s views. a consistent time series. [151512] In comparing methodologies to produce statistics relating to the previous sanctions regime with the new Miss Chloe Smith: As the response to the Government’s regime, an error was discovered, leading to double consultation showed, introducing a Statutory Register counting of some sanctions. For this reason, departmental of Lobbyists is a complex issue, and it is vitally important statisticians decided to suspend publication of ESA that we take the time to get it right. We will publish our sanctions statistics based on the current method. Therefore proposals in due course. 293W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 294W

TREASURY Disclosure of Information

Charities Jon Trickett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants in his Department have been Philip Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer subject to non-disclosure agreements in each year since how the contribution of charities is accounted for in 2010. [150042] GDP figures. [150096] Sajid Javid: The Treasury has used a small number of Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the compromise agreements that have contained confidentiality Cabinet Office. clauses since 2010. The breakdown of use of these is as The information requested falls within the responsibility follows: of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Compromise agreements Letter from Glen Watson, dated April 2013: containing confidentiality clauses As Director General for the Office for National Statistics 2010 1— (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question 2011 1— asking the Chancellor for the Exchequer how the contribution of 2012 1— charities is accounted for in GDP figures. (150096) 2013 0 The economic activity of charities is included within the Not 1 Fewer than 5 for Profit Institutions Serving Households sector of National Accounts (known as NPISH). Charities are the largest component It is the Treasury’s policy not to release full details of the NPISH sector; other components include trade unions, relating to numbers of staff fewer than five. HM Treasury political parties, religious organisations, friendly and mutual societies is a small department and most staff are based in a and higher and further education institutions (including universities). single building. We consider therefore that disclosing The contribution of charities is included in the NPISH final such information would give rise to a risk that named consumption expenditure figures which are included in the expenditure individuals might be readily identified. measure of GDP. The latest growth figures for NPISH within Any confidentiality clause regarding the existence, GDP can be seen in the tables in appendix B of the Second Estimate of GDP, Q4 2012. negotiation and terms of the settlement agreement is qualified and will have referred to certain exceptions Corporation Tax: Scotland including where disclosures are required bylaw. Legal advice is sought on the wording of confidentiality clauses Pamela Nash: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in each instance. how many companies based in Scotland paid corporation Income Tax tax at the (a) main rate and (b) small profits rate in the most recent period for which figures are available. Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if [150243] he will estimate the number of people with taxable Mr Gauke: The answer is given in terms of the incomes of £1 million per annum in each parliamentary number of companies registered in Scotland who paid constituency. [150246] corporation tax in the financial year 2010-11. This may Mr Gauke: Numbers of UK taxpayers with total be different from the location where the companies’ income of £1 million and over are published in Table activity takes place. This is the latest information available. 2.5 ‘Income tax liabilities, by income range, 2010-11 to For accounting periods ending in 2010-11: 2012-13’ available on the HMRC website at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/tax-statistics/table2-5.pdf Number of companies to the nearest 100 These estimates are based on Survey of Personal Small profits Incomes (SPI) data for 2010-11. rate Marginal rate Main rate A breakdown of these figures is not published. Scotland 51,200 2,400 2,200 Regional breakdowns of taxpayer numbers by marginal Notes: rate of tax, gender and age are available in Table 2.2 1. Small Profits Rate = 21% and Main Rate 28%. 2. For the purpose of allocating a company to Scotland, the postcode ‘Number of individual income taxpayers by marginal of the company’s registered office has been used. This may not relate rate, gender and age, by country and region’: to where all of a company’s activity takes place. It will also not reflect http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/tax-statistics/table2-2.pdf all companies that carry on activities in Scotland. 3. For the purpose of this analysis, HMRC define the terms as Poverty: Children follows: (a) CT liabilities are considered to be accrued in the financial year of the end date of the company’s accounting period, (b) Small Profits Rate: Since April 2010, the lower rate of corporation tax has Jim Sheridan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer been called the Small Profits Rate (SPR) rather than Small Companies’ what recent discussions he has had with child poverty Rate (SCR). This makes clear that it is the size of the profits, rather charities on the effects of Budget 2013 on the number of than the size of the company, which determines the tax rate to be children in poverty. [150317] applied, (c) Marginal Relief: This can be claimed by companies with taxable profits between the lower and upper limits, to enable a smooth transition between the small profits rate and the main rate of CT. (d) Sajid Javid: Treasury Ministers engage with a wide Main Rate: The rate of corporation tax paid by companies with variety of organisations in the public and private sectors, profits above the lower limit. Companies with profits between the as part of the process of policy development and delivery. lower and upper limit are taxed at main rate but can usually claim The Treasury publishes a list of ministerial meetings Marginal Relief. 4. Figures are based on companies only and exclude unincorporated with external organisations. This is available online at: businesses. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100. http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/minister_hospitality.htm 295W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 296W

Budget 2013 took action to support families and rating under the annual appraisal process may be entitled make the tax and welfare system fairer: including further to a one-off non-consolidated performance bonus. increasing the income tax personal allowance to take Qualifying for such a rating requires evidence of having 2.7 million people on low incomes out of tax altogether exceeded objectives and performance/behavioural and cancelling the increase in fuel duty planned for expectations throughout the 12-month appraisal period. September 2013. Payment amounts are determined by grade and for the The Government believes looking at income in isolation 2011-12 reporting year were as follows: Band A: £1,500; is not a helpful measure to track progress towards its Band B: £1,400; Band C: £1,300; and Band D: £1,200. target of eradicating child poverty. My Department has two non-departmental public This is why we consulted on better measures of child bodies—the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission poverty in November 2012. The consultation closed in and the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland; and February, we are currently considering more than 250 one advisory non-departmental public body—the Boundary responses to the consultation and will publish our response Commission for Northern Ireland. As such bodies are in the summer. independent of Government, my hon. Friend may wish to write to the Commissions direct on these matters: VAT: Veterinary Services ALB Status Contact details Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Parades Commission Executive Info@paradescommission. what estimate he has made of the level of revenue for Northern Ireland NDPB org accrued to the Exchequer as a result of VAT on veterinary Northern Ireland Executive [email protected] bills in the latest period for which figures are available. Human Rights NDPB [150078] Commission Boundary Advisory [email protected] Mr Gauke: No estimate has been made of the level of Commission for NDPB revenue accrued to the Exchequer as a result of VAT on Northern Ireland veterinary bills.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL NORTHERN IRELAND Fireworks: Lancashire Pay Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Attorney-General Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern how many prosecutions relating to the misuse of Ireland what criteria are used in (a) her Department fireworks were brought in (a) Pendle constituency and and (b) each public body for which she is responsible to (b) Lancashire in each of the last five years. [151229] determine which officials receive bonus payments. [151138] The Solicitor-General: The records held by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) identify the number of offences, Mike Penning: Staff employed by my Department are in which a prosecution commenced and reached a first on Ministry of Justice (MOJ) terms and conditions of hearing in magistrates courts, rather than the number of service. The Department, therefore, operates the MOJ cases or defendants prosecuted. A single defendant may Reward and Recognition Scheme in which there are two be prosecuted for multiple offences. categories of award: to qualify for the first there must Offences relating to the misuse of fireworks can be be evidence of sustained excellent contribution over a prosecuted under section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875 period of not less than six months, with evidence of (throw or light a firework in a highway, street or public continuous working at that level. Awards in this category place), Regulation 7 of the Fireworks Regulations 2004 can attract payments of between £100 and £500. To (breach a fireworks curfew), section 131 and section 161 qualify for the second category, there must be evidence of Highways Act 1980 (discharge a firework within 50 of an exceptional contribution relating to a one-off foot of a public highway), section 28 of the Town and project or task that is finite in nature. Such awards are Police Clauses Act 1847 (throw a firework in the street) in the form of a one-off, non-consolidated and non- and section 2 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991 pensionable payment of up to £100 which is subject to (throw a missile onto a football pitch or adjacent area). tax and insurance. The following table shows, in each of the last five In addition, and again in line with MOJ terms and years, the number of offences charged in Lancashire for conditions, a member of staff who warrants an outstanding the misuse of fireworks:

Number 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Explosives Act 1875 (80) Throw fireworks in highway/street/ 01000 public place Explosives Act 1875 (80) Fire fireworks in a street 0 1000 Fireworks Regulations 2004(7(1)) Use adult firework during night hours 2 0000 Football (Offences) Act 1991 (2 and Throw a missile onto a football playing 12300 5) area 297W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 298W

Number 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Football (Offences) Act 1991 (2 and Throw missile at area adjacent to 00001 5) pitch Highways Act 1980 (161(2)(b)) Discharge firework within 50 feet of 00101 highway Town Police Clauses Act 1847 (28) Throw firework in the street 0 0200

Crown Prosecution Service data are not recorded on Biofuels the basis of constituency areas but on the basis of 42 geographically separate police force areas. Police force Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for area boundaries are not necessarily coterminous with Transport (1) what steps he is taking to encourage a constituency boundaries. It is not therefore possible to sustainable domestic biodiesel industry in the UK; ascertain, from the central record of offences data held [151177] by the CPS, the constituency area in which the offences (2) what steps he is taking to discourage the import were committed. of ethanol for use as a transport fuel. [151178] Some misuse of fireworks offences can be dealt with by the police by way of a penalty notice for disorder Norman Baker: The Renewable Transport Fuel offering the opportunity for an offender to discharge Obligation (RTFO) was introduced in 2008 as a scheme any liability by paying a penalty on the spot thus to reduce carbon emissions and promote the supply of avoiding an appearance at or other method of disposal. sustainable biofuels. The volume of biofuel supplied in These figures should therefore not be considered complete the UK has increased from 1,284 million litres in its first or indicative of the number of offences of misusing year (2008/09) to 1,635 million litres in obligation year 4 fireworks in the area. (2011/12). Amendments to the RTFO in December 2011 ensured Recruitment that only biofuels meeting mandatory sustainability criteria are eligible for Renewable Transport Fuel Certificates Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Attorney-General how (RTFCs) and provided extra support to waste-derived much the Law Officers’ Departments spent on advertising biofuels through the award of two RTFCs per litre of job vacancies in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007, (d) 2008 waste-derived biofuel. This recognises that waste-derived and (e) 2009. [150287] biofuel feedstocks tend to have both higher greenhouse gas savings and less risk of indirect effects. Since December 2011 data reported to the RTFO Administrator suggests The Solicitor-General: The information requested is that more than 85% of biodiesel made from UK feedstock contained in the following table: has been produced from waste and eligible for double Spending on advertising job vacancies by financial year certificates. £ Later this year we will assess the available data and Department 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 other evidence regarding the impact of the changes Treasury 125,611 132,891 152,617 136,694 27,748 made to the RTFO in December 2011. We will consider Solicitor’s what, if any, amendments are needed to the RTFO on Department1 the basis of that evidence. Serious Fraud 42,236 51,259 94,851 60,025 12,199 With regard to imports of ethanol, I refer the hon. Office Member to my answer to her of 17 December 2012, Crown 356,845 517,298 338,525 413,814 254,290 Official Report, columns 542-3W. Prosecution Service Bus Services: Northern Ireland 1 TSol data include expenditure incurred by the Attorney-General’s Office and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate. Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive on its review of bus operator TRANSPORT licensing with respect to the treatment of community transport under EU regulations; and if he will make a Bicycles: Hire Services statement. [150614] Norman Baker: Department for Transport Ministers David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for have not had any discussions with Northern Ireland Transport what plans he has to support public cycle hire Ministers about the Northern Ireland Executive’s review schemes outside of London. [150627] of bus operator licensing.

Norman Baker: We are already supporting cycle hire Driving: Licensing schemes through both the £600 million Local Sustainable Transport Fund and the £14.5 million fund made available Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for to Train Operating Companies to improve cycle facilities Transport if he will hold discussions with the (a) at stations. Ministry of Justice and (b) Association of Chief Police 299W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 300W

Officers to work with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing £000 Agency to provide 24-hour cover to enable the suspension with immediate effect of the licence of a 2003-04(b) 121,763 driver deemed incapable of driving; and if he will make 2002-03(b) 117,218 a statement. [150562] 2001-02(c) 107,017 2000-01(b) 99,130 Stephen Hammond: Following representations made 1999-2000 91,494 by the hon. Gentleman, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Note: Agency (DVLA) worked closely with the Association All figures are taken from the published main estimates on the HM of Chief Police Officers to speed up the revocation of Treasury website, with the exception of: a driving licence where vision problems have been (a) taken from the published winter supplementaries, also available on demonstrated. the website. (b) taken from the published spring supplementaries, also available on The police now notify DVLA through a priority the website. electronic mail facility and the licence revocation notices (c) In 2001-02, the MCA was not shown as a separate agency within are being issued with 24 hours of receipt of the notification. the published main estimate or supplementaries. This figure is taken Police notifications of other medical conditions are also from the MCA’s internally allocated budget. fast tracked for immediate consideration. Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions Insurance Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Transport (1) if he will publish on his Department’s what outcomes were agreed at the insurance industry website advice to motorists and repairers on the meeting held on Monday 25 March 2013; and how any removal of factory-fitted diesel particulate filters from such outcomes will be taken forward. [151482] vehicles; [151239] (2) how many enquiries from motorists and repairers Stephen Hammond: The Government intend to issue his Department has received on the removal or absence a Green Paper later in the spring looking at a range of of factory-fitted diesel particulate filters in the last options for improving the safety of newly-qualified 12 months for which figures are available. [151377] drivers and hold a further industry meeting following publication of that paper. Stephen Hammond: The Department and its agencies M6: Heysham have received approximately 240 inquiries on the removal of particulate filters over the last 12 months. David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for This topic is one of a very large number on which the Transport what assessment he has made of the likely Department regularly provides advice to businesses and effects on the local economy of the new M6 Heysham to the public. The Department’s officials have been link road. [151659] asked to ensure that suitable advice is available on the Government website. Norman Baker: Lancashire county council, the scheme’s promoter, will shortly be submitting a bid for full (final) Railways: North West approval which will contain an assessment of the effects on the local economy of the new M6 Heysham link road. This will be considered along with other information John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for before a decision on the scheme is taken. Transport pursuant to the statement of 26 March 2013, Official Report, columns 1487-99, on rail franchising, if Maritime and Coastguard Agency he will ensure that the franchise extensions for the TransPennine and Northern franchises will be John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for negotiated on the basis of at least maintaining the Transport what the budget was for the Maritime and current level of service on the Manchester Airport to Coastguard Agency in each year since its creation. Lancaster to Barrow-in-Furness route. [151049] [151570] Mr Simon Burns: The Secretary of State for Transport Stephen Hammond: The budget for the Maritime and has a duty to secure the best deal for both the passenger Coastguard Agency, for each year where information is and the tax payer when negotiating with the incumbent readily available, is shown in the following table. operators. Taking in to consideration value for money and affordability; the primary aim is to ensure that £000 passengers are not adversely impacted and that current service levels are protected as far as possible. 2012-13 162,254 2011-12(a) 159,057 2010-11 143,687 Rescue Services: Cumbria 2009-10(b) 145,242 2008-09(a) 137,430 John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007-08(b) 140,087 Transport what assessment he has made of the effect 2006-07(b) 130,526 on response times to emergencies in Cumbrian 2005-06(b) 127,309 mountains or coastline of the withdrawal of air-sea 2004-05(b) 125,236 rescue helicopters from RAF Boulmer. [151000] 301W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 302W

Stephen Hammond: I refer the hon. Member to the (3) whether she has made an assessment of the Assurance Review of Search and Rescue Helicopter potential effectiveness of asking members of the public Basing. This document is available on the DFT website. to report non-compliant retailers in order to enforce a https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-search-and- minimum unit price for alcohol. [150847] rescue-helicopter-service Road Signs and Markings Mr Jeremy Browne: We have considered compliance and monitoring as part of the impact assessment (IA) process for alcohol minimum unit pricing. This IA also Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport considered the impact on sales of different types of if his Department will consider including on matrix alcohol and the impact on the alcohol industry including signs displaying information about poor visibility an large, medium and small retailers. instruction to drivers to use headlights; and if he will make a statement. [151565] The pre-consultation IA on alcohol minimum unit pricing is placed in the House Library and can be Stephen Hammond: The Highways Agency is in the accessed at: process of updating its variable signs and signals policy http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/ to make additional variable message sign legends available consultations/alcohol-consultation/ia-minimum-unit- to cover the use of headlights in circumstances where pricing?view=Binary adverse weather reduces visibility. The consultation has now closed and we will be Roads: Accidents .publishing a response in due course.

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Asylum: Pregnant Women pursuant to answer of 19 March 2013, Official Report, column 574W,on deaths: accidents: road, what assessment Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for he has made of the reasons for the increase in deaths of the Home Department (1) what recent discussions she (a) main roads and (b) B roads in 2010-11. [151410] has had with the Secretary of State for Health on the dispersal of pregnant women seeking asylum; and what Stephen Hammond: I refer the hon. Member to the assessment she has made of whether the policy on written answer from the then Under-Secretary of State dispersal represents an efficient use of NHS resources; for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Hemel [151318] Hempstead (Mike Penning), on 9 July 2012, Official Report, columns 73-74W. (2) what recent assessment she has made of the practice of dispersing pregnant women seeking asylum; Additional information is available on pages 5-6 of and what steps she has taken to ensure the welfare of Reported Road Casualties Great Britain 2011: Overview such women. [151321] and trends in reported road casualties, which is available at: Mr Harper: There have been no discussions at ministerial https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ level. Officials have discussed the issue. attachment_data/file/9274/rrcgb2011-01.pdf The policy on providing accommodation to pregnant Silverdale Station asylum seekers is regularly reviewed in consultation with refugee and maternity groups that have an interest David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for in the issue. The majority of pregnant asylum seekers Transport if he will provide funding to increase rail who become homeless are placed in an “Initial services to Silverdale station in Lancashire. [151662] Accommodation Centre”, where there are medical staff on site. An assessment is then made of their individual Mr Simon Burns: Under current plans, stakeholders circumstances and suitable longer term (“dispersal”) will have an opportunity to consult with the Department accommodation identified. The longer term on passenger services ahead of the Northern and accommodation is generally provided outside London Transpennine Express refranchising planned for February and the south-east of England, but each case is considered 2016. In the short term, it is for train operators and individually and exceptions are made where appropriate. local stakeholders to determine if there is a business No specific assessment has been made of the impact case that justifies making additional calls at Silverdale. of the policy on NHS resources. However, part of the overall rationale for the dispersal policy is to relieve the pressure on public services in London and the south-east. HOME DEPARTMENT Alcoholic Drinks: Prices Crime Prevention: Drugs

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment she has made Home Department whether the What Works Centre for of the effect that a minimum unit price for alcohol Crime Reduction will be studying evidence relating to would have on sales of different types of alcohol; drugs policy. [151497] [150845] (2) what assessment she has made of the effect that a Mr Jeremy Browne: The What Works Centre for minimum unit price for alcohol would have on the Crime Reduction will review robust evidence of the profits of (a) large retailers and (b) small and impact of crime reduction interventions, which may medium-sized retailers; [150846] include interventions to tackle drug misuse. 303W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 304W

Demonstrations to the United Kingdom within Immigration Statistics. The data on removals and voluntary departures by type Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for the are available in the latest release, Immigration Statistics: Home Department whether she has made a public October-December 2012, tables rv.03 and rv.03.q from response to the concerns recently raised by the UN the Library of the House and from GOV.UK on the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful statistics web pages at: assembly and of association, with regards to the use by https://www.gov.uk/government/ private companies of civil injunctions, under the Protection publications?departmentspercent5Bpercent5D=home- from Harassment Act 1997, to stop peaceful protests; office&publication_filter_option=statistics and what her assessment is of those concerns. [149967] Disclosure of Information Mrs Grant: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. The Government have not responded to the preliminary Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for the conclusions and recommendations regarding the use of Home Department how many civil servants in her civil injunctions made in the press statement issued by Department have been subject to non-disclosure agreements the United Nations Special Rapporteur, Maina Kiai, on in each year since 2010. [150036] 23 January 2013 at the end of his 10 day official visit to the United Kingdom to assess the situation of the James Brokenshire: We have taken “non-disclosure freedoms of peaceful assembly and association in the agreements” to mean compromise agreements between United Kingdom. the Department and individuals members of staff. The Government remains committed to the European These agreements may contain a non-disclosure clause Convention on Human Rights and to ensuring these which prevents the individual from disclosing or discussing rights continue to be enshrined in UK law, including the the existence, negotiation and terms of the settlement. rights to’ freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, The Home Office always considers whether such clauses and will carefully consider Mr Kiai’s final report when are appropriate and necessary and always ensures that it is published. non-disclosure clauses allow disclosure for business needs and the requirements of law, including accountability Deportation: EU Nationals to Parliament. Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for The following number of civil servants in the Home the Home Department how many EU nationals were Office signed settlement agreements, compromise deported from the UK in each of the last five years. agreements which contain a non-disclosure clause, in [151155] the last three years: Mr Harper: The following table provides the total Number number of enforced removals for nationals of the rest of 2010 3 the EU, in each year from 2008 to 2012: 2011 3 1 Enforced removals for nationals of the EU , 2008-12 2012 6 2,3 Enforced removals 2013 0 2008 642 Total 12 2009 768 2010 963 The HR Litigation team has records of compromise 20114 1,293 agreements from 2010 for UK Border Agency and 20124 1,726 Border Force, from October 2010 for Home Office HQ 1 Nationals of the rest of the EU consists of 26 countries: Austria, and from April 2011 for the Identity and Passport Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Service (IPS); the latter two dates are when the HR Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Litigation team took over litigation work for these Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of business areas. No central records are held for Home Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Office HQ and IPS before this time and for other Home 2 Enforced removals are where it has been established that a person has breached UK immigration laws and has no valid leave to remain Office agencies and non-departmental public bodies. within the United Kingdom. 3 Removals are recorded on the system as at the dates on which the Domestic Violence data extracts were taken. 4 Provisional figures. Figures may be revised later due to data cleansing exercises that take place after the extracts are taken. David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Deportations contribute to published enforced removals Home Department whether her Department has statistics which are either following a criminal conviction conducted research on any relationship between rates (foreign national offenders) or when it is judged that a of domestic violence and (a) the enactment of the person’s removal from the UK is conducive to the smoking ban and (b) changes in licensing legislation to public good; the deportation order prohibits the person allow longer drinking hours. [151660] returning to the UK until such time as it may be revoked. It is not possible to separately identify deportations Mr Jeremy Browne: The Home Office has not conducted from enforced removals. any research on the relationship between rates of domestic The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual violence and the enactment of the smoking ban, or on statistics on the number of persons removed or departed the relationship between domestic violence and changes voluntarily from the UK and on persons refused entry in alcohol licensing legislation. 305W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 306W

Drugs: Misuse Non-EU spouse marriage visa application processing times, January 2011 to December 2012 Despatch date Average processing time (days) Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment she has made April to June 32 of the recommendations made by the UK Drug Policy July to September 34 Commission in its report, How to Make Drug Policy October to December 26 Better; and if she will make a statement; [150647] (2) what assessment she has made of the 2012 recommendations made on page 42 of the UK Drug January to March 28 Policy Commission report, How to Make Drug Policy April to June 35 Better, published in December 2012 for analysing and July to September 53 disseminating evidence and for research co-ordination October to December 66 and formal scrutiny of policy. [150929] Notes: 1. All figures quoted have been derived from management information Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government remains committed and are therefore provisional and subject to change. This information to using the best available evidence. In addition to the has not been quality assured under National Statistics protocols. advice provided by the Advisory Council on the Misuse 2. Figures relate to main applicants and dependants. of Drugs (ACMD), we liaise with relevant research 3. Figures relate to non-EU spouse marriage visa applications despatched between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2012. councils to encourage the funding of new research. 4. Processing time is based on external customer service working days. Individual Government Departments take responsibility 5. Data generated on 3 April 2013. for gathering the evidence needed to inform their policies, The service standards for settlement visas are to drawing on the specific expertise from within the decide 95% of applications within 12 weeks of the Departments and from outside. This work is brought application date, and 100% within 24 weeks. Marriage together through the cross-government Drug Strategy applications make up the majority of settlement applications Research Group. that are considered out-of-country. Our approach is working. Drug usage remains at its The immigration rules relating to marriage applications lowest level since measurement began in 1996 and people changed in July 2012. This caused a larger than expected going into treatment today are more likely to free spike in applications, which resulted in the increase in themselves from dependency than ever before. average waiting times in the table. Service standards will The Government has agreed to undertake an be achieved again by the summer. The Home Office international study to examine different approaches to publishes performance against service standards routinely, drug policy in other countries, including Portugal, and as part of its commitment to transparency. The next we are committed to evaluating the long-term effectiveness publication is due for release on 23 May 2013 and will and value for money of the Drug Strategy 2010. cover the period January to March 2013. Entry Clearances G4S Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether commission-based pay Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for the counts towards the calculation of income for the Home Department how many people were employed purpose of assessing eligibility to sponsor a partner’s on zero-hours contracts by G4S during the London visa application. [151246] 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games. [151325]

Mr Harper: Under paragraph 18(b) of appendix FM-SE James Brokenshire: The contract for venue security to the immigration rules, commission-based pay from was between the London Organising Committee for the employment can be counted as income towards the Olympic Games and G4S. The Home Office does not minimum income threshold requirement in a partner hold information about the number of people employed visa application. by G4S for the 2012 Games on zero-hours contracts.

Entry Clearances: Married People Immigrants: English Language

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average waiting time for Home Department what English language training will processing initial decisions on marriage visas for non be made available to leave to remain applicants after EU spouses was in each quarter of 2011 and 2012. 28 October 2013. [151498] [150865] Mr Harper: From 28 October 2013, applicants for Mr Harper [holding answer 15 April 2013]: The indefinite leave to remain in the UK or naturalisation as information you have requested is shown in the following British citizens will be required to pass the Life in the table: UK test and have an intermediate level English language Non-EU spouse marriage visa application processing times, January speaking and listening qualification. Details of the 2011 to December 2012 acceptable qualifications are contained in the Statement Despatch date Average processing time (days) of Intent “Knowledge of language and life in the UK for settlement and naturalisation”, which was published 2011 on 8 April 2013 and is available in the House Library January to March 37 and at: 307W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 308W

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/knowledge-of- Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Scheme language-and-life-in-the-uk-for-settlement-and- naturalisation-statement-of-intent John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the There is a wide range of English language tuition Home Department what the (a) first and (b) last date already available within the UK from private and public for employment in the UK is for the 2013 seasonal sector providers. There are no plans to provide additional agricultural workers scheme. [151274] government-funded tuition. Mr Harper: The first date for employment of a Offences Against Children participant in the 2013 seasonal agricultural workers’ scheme was 1 January 2013 and the last date for issuing Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the a card to a participant is 31 December 2013. Home Department if she will provide guidance to chief constables on the investigation and prosecution of John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the adults who entice vulnerable young people with the Home Department how many visa overstays there were provision of drugs and the aim of sexual exploitation; for participants in the seasonal agricultural workers and if she will make a statement. [151479] scheme in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [151276]

Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government action plan on Mr Harper: None. Since 1 January 2008, the seasonal child sexual exploitation (CSE) includes a number of agricultural workers’ scheme has only been open to measures to protect children at risk and prosecute nationals of Bulgaria and Romania. Romanian and perpetrators of CSE. As part of this work, the Association Bulgarian nationals do not require a visa or permission, of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) are developing guidance under the immigration rules, to enter or remain in the to improve investigation of CSE to tackle offending UK. Therefore, participants in the scheme who remain behaviour. This is delivered through professional in the UK beyond the expiry of their work card are not investigation, effective identification and targeting of considered to be visa overstayers. perpetrators (including potential perpetrators) and robust offender management. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Furthermore, the Crown Prosecution Service are working Home Department how many seasonal agricultural jointly with ACPO to produce one overarching and workers scheme places have been registered for 2013; agreed approach to investigation and prosecution of how many such registrations are made for (a) sexual offences to be applicable in all police forces. Bulgarians, (b) Romanians, (c) Ukrainians, (d) Moldovans and (e) other nationalities; and how many of the total number of vacancies have been advertised Pay in job centres. [151513]

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Harper: The seasonal agricultural workers scheme Home Department what criteria are used in (a) her (SAWS) allows farmers and growers in the UK to Department and (b) each public body for which she is recruit low-skilled workers from Romania and Bulgaria responsible to determine which officials receive bonus to do short-term agricultural work and from 1 January payments. [151135] 2008, it has only been open to nationals of Bulgaria and Romania. The annual quota for 2013 is 21,250 places. James Brokenshire: There are two types of reward Nationality figures for 2013 are not yet published. schemes giving officials access to non-consolidated There is no requirement for operators to advertise vacancies performance payments: one-off non-consolidated end- in the job centre prior to issuing work cards. of-year performance-related payments and in-year special one-off non- consolidated payments. Staff One-off non-consolidated end-of-year performance- related payments are warded to individuals below the Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the senior civil service who have made an exceptional Home Department how many staff were employed by contribution throughout the year. This is linked to the her Department in each of the last five years; and at annual appraisal process. what grade or pay band such staff were appointed. Special in-year non-consolidated payments can be [142788] paid to staff below the senior civil service at any time during the year for outstanding achievement on a particular Mr Harper: The number of paid civil servants (full-time project, piece of work or in specific difficult circumstances. equivalent (FTE)) at each grade on 31 December of These are made following line manager recommendation each year between 2008 and 2012 is provided for the and are approved at senior management level. Home Office in the following table: The Home Office, its agencies and public bodies all Civil servant headcount (full-time equivalent) in the Home Office operate reward schemes giving access to non-consolidated December 2008 to December 2012 by current grade performance payments based on the above criteria. Home Office Headcount (FTE) Arrangements for senior civil servants pay and bonuses Grade are determined centrally by the Cabinet Office, following equivalency 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 recommendations from the independent Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB). The Department adheres to Cabinet 1. AA 2,198.14 2,178.19 2,140.71 1,705.28 1,515.51 Office guidelines in determining the criteria used for 2. AO 6,296.17 6,104.00 7,089.34 6,355.14 5,791.94 payment of one-off non-consolidated performance awards. 3. EO 8,554.24 8,672.09 10,517.64 9,341.77 9,532.72 309W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 310W

Civil servant headcount (full-time equivalent) in the Home Office James Brokenshire: The Home Office and its agencies December 2008 to December 2012 by current grade do not operate any UK landline numbers beginning Home with 01, 02 or 03 as an alternative to the 0800, 0845 and Office Headcount (FTE) 0870 numbers in use by the Department. Grade equivalency 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

4. HEO 3,592.41 3,799.99 4,042.26 3,706.39 3,661.99 5. SEO 1,863.22 2,090.60 2,206.97 1,967.25 2,135.14 CABINET OFFICE 6. G7 941.41 1,120.03 1,167.95 1,121.34 1,296.39 7. G6 372:32 458.05 462.73 437.88 476.86 Disclosure of Information 8. SCS 210.73 234.01 209.98 208.56 212.76 9. Not 1.00 3.00 — — 1.00 Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet known Office how many civil servants in his Department have Total 24,029.64 24,659.95 27,837.59 24,843.61 24,624.30 been subject to non-disclosure agreements in each year Notes: since 2010. [150026] 1. Extract dates: 1 January for each of the years included. 2. Periods covered: data are based on current, paid staff as at 31 December for each year. Grade equivalency refers to the grade of Mr Maude: We have taken “non-disclosure agreements” the employee as at 31 December 2012. to mean compromise agreements between the Department 3. Employee coverage: figures given are headcount (full-time and individual members of staff. equivalent) for all current paid civil servants. 4. Transparency agenda considerations: the definition of employee These agreements may contain a non-disclosure clause coverage is consistent with that used in the Department’s Workforce which prevents the individual from disclosing or discussing Management Information monthly return to Cabinet Office and the the existence, negotiation and terms of the settlement. Quarterly Public Sector. As was the case under the previous administration, 5. Organisational coverage: data provided include Home Office Headquarters and the executive agencies. For December 2008 to the Cabinet Office always considers whether such clauses December 2010 the executive agencies included are the UK Border are appropriate and necessary and always ensures that Agency (UKBA), Identity and Passport Service (IPS) and Criminal non-disclosure clauses allow disclosure for business needs Records Bureau (CRB). It should be noted that in April 2010 and the requirements of law, including accountability around 4,500 HM Revenue and Customs detection employees joined to Parliament. UKBA in a machinery of government change. Data for December 2011 and December 2012 additionally include the National Fraud In the last three years five civil servants in the Cabinet Authority and the Government Equalities Office (part of Home Office signed compromise agreements which contain a Office Headquarters). Data for December 2012 to date exclude CRB non-disclosure clause. employees who moved from the core Home Office to the Disclosure and Barring Service in December 2012. Source: Employment: Lancashire Data View—the Home Office’s single source of Office for National Statistics compliant monthly snapshot corporate Human Resources Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet data. Office what proportion of mothers aged between 16 and 19 were in (a) education, (b) employment and (c) Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the training in (i) Pendle constituency and (ii) Lancashire in Home Department how many days of work were carried each of the last 10 years. [151241] out by officials in (a) her Department and (b) each of its agencies and non-departmental public bodies on Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the average in each of the last five years; and what the total responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have salary cost was of officials in each year. [151109] asked the authority to reply. Letter from Glen Watson, dated April 2013: James Brokenshire: Although full-time staff have a As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I contract to work 225 days per year, the information on have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the average days worked in each of the last five years the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of mothers cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate aged between 16 and 19 were in (a) education, (b) employment and (c) training in (i) Pendle constituency and (ii) Lancashire in costs. each of the last 10 years. 151241 The total salary costs for the last five years for the It is not possible to provide reliable estimates on the proportion Home Office, its agencies and non-departmental public of mothers aged between 16 and 19 who were in education, bodies can be found in the annual accounts published employment or training for the Lancashire authority area, or on the official-documents.gov.uk website. below, due to small sample sizes. Lung Cancer Telephone Services Steve McCabe: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people have been diagnosed with lung Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for the cancer as a result of asbestos in their workplace in (a) Home Department pursuant to the answer of 19 March England and (b) Birmingham in each of the last two 2013, Official Report, columns 582-3W, on telephone years. [151423] services, whether a UK landline number beginning with 01, 02 or 03 is publicly available as an alternative to the Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the 0800, 0845 and 0870 numbers in use by her Department responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have and the agencies for which she is responsible. [151630] asked the authority to reply. 311W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 312W

Letter from Glen Watson, dated April 2013: by ONS and is the prime source of long-term international migration data for the UK providing estimates of both inflows As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I and outflows. have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many people have been diagnosed with lung cancer as a result of In January 2012 new questions were added to the IPS to ask asbestos in their workplace in (a) England and (b) Birmingham in emigrants what their main reason for migrating was when they each of the last two years. [151423] originally immigrated to the UK. The first provisional data from Exposure to asbestos is associated with a relatively rare type of these new questions will be published on 29 August 2013, referring cancer called mesothelioma. Although in most cases, mesothelioma to migration flows for 2012. This publication will consist of a arises in the pleura, the membrane around the lungs, this is a table of emigration flows by original reason for migrating to the different disease to lung cancer. It is not possible to determine UK, categorised by broad citizenship groups. ONS has plans to where exposure to asbestos occurred, for example from the workplace, publish an additional table on 28 November (based on final data) from the information collated in the national cancer registration showing original reason for migration by year of arrival to the dataset. UK. This publication will also include a short analytical report that will provide further detail by reasons for migrating to the The latest available figures for newly diagnosed cases of cancer UK, including study. (incidence) are for the year 2010. Table 1 provides the number of newly diagnosed cases of mesothelioma in England and in Birmingham Unitary Authority, for each of the years 2009 to 2010. Prostate Cancer: Lancashire According to the Health & Safety Executive, while nearly all mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos, a small Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet number of cases occur in people with no history of exposure. There is evidence to suggest that these ’spontaneous mesotheliomas’ Office how many men in (a) Pendle constituency and comprise up to 5 per cent of total cases. Further information can (b) Lancashire died from advanced prostate cancer in be found at: each of the last five years. [151244] http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/mesothelioma/ index.htm Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the It is not possible to exclude spontaneous mesotheliomas from responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have the figures provided. asked the authority to reply. The latest published figures on cancer incidence in England are available on the National Statistics website at: Letter from Glen Watson, dated April 2013: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/cancer-statistics- As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I registrations--england--series-mb1-/index.html have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many men in (a) Pendle constituency (b) Lancashire died from advanced Table 1. Registrations of newly diagnosed cases of mesothelioma1, prostate cancer in each of the last five years. (151244) persons in England and Birmingham unitary authority2, 2009-103 Table 1 provides the number of deaths where prostate cancer Number was the underlying cause of death, in Pendle parliamentary Area 2009 2010 constituency and Lancashire county, for deaths registered between 2007 and 2011 (the latest year available). England 2,245 2,211 Birmingham UA 23 19 Internationally accepted guidance from the World Health 1 Mesothelioma is coded as C45 in (he International Classification of Organisation requires any conditions that contributed directly to Diseases. Tenth Revision (ICD-10). a death to be recorded on the death certificate. In cases where a 2 Based on boundaries as of February 2013. cancer is deemed to have contributed to a death, medical practitioners 3 Newly diagnosed cases registered in each calendar year. and coroners are not required to specify whether the cancer was advanced at the time of death. Overseas Students The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each year by sex, age and underlying cause (including cancer), are published annually on the ONS website at: Mr Frank Field: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when he expects enough data to have been collected www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all- to allow analysis of student migration patterns following releases.html?definition=tcm%3A77-27475 the addition of a new question to the International Table 1. Number of deaths where the underlying cause was prostate Passenger Survey in 2012 asking passengers leaving the cancer, Pendle parliamentary constituency and Lancashire county, UK their reasons for initially coming to the country. deaths registered between 2007 and 20111,2,3 [150408] Area 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Lancashire 167 204 182 214 213 Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the county responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Pendle 14 11 10 12 14 asked the authority to reply. constituency 1 Underlying cause of death was defined using the International Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2013: Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (fCD-10) code C6I (Malignant As Director General for the Office for National Statistics neoplasm of prostate). It has been assumed that where prostate (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question cancer was judged to be the underlying cause of death, it can be asking the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she considered ‘advanced’. expects enough data to have been collected to allow analysis of 2 Figures are based on boundaries correct as at February 2013 and student migration patterns following the addition of a new question exclude non-residents. 3 to the International Passenger Survey in 2012 asking passengers Figures show deaths registered, rather than deaths occurring, in a leaving the UK their reasons for initially coming to the country. calendar year. Further information on registration delays for a range [150408] of causes, including prostate cancer, can be found on the ONS website: ONS produces estimates of Long-Term International Migration www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/health-and-life- (LTIM), primarily based on the International Passenger Survey events/impact-of-registration-delays-on-mortality-statistics/ (IPS). The IPS is a continuous voluntary sample survey conducted index.html 313W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 314W

Recruitment Longstanding constitutional conventions prevent judges from commenting on the merits, meaning or likely Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet effect of provisions in any Bill or other prospective Office (1) what amount (a) his Department and (b) legislation. This prevents a judge’s impartiality from the Prime Minister’s Office spent on advertising job being called into question in the event of subsequently vacancies in each year from 2005 to 2009; [150684] being asked to apply or interpret those provisions in a case in court, and is a crucial aspect of judicial (2) how much his Department spent on advertising independence. job vacancies in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007, (d) 2008 and (e) 2009. [151083] Judges may, however, comment on the practical operation or technical aspects of legislation, reflecting the judiciary’s Mr Maude: The Prime Minister’s Office is an integral interest in the effective administration of justice and part of Cabinet Office. jointly held responsibility for the operation of Courts and Tribunals. Judges may also comment on the merit Since the last general election, my Department has of legislation which affects the independence of the helped drive savings for the taxpayer from across central judiciary. Government of over £12 billion. In the past there were no central controls over Law of Property Act 1925 recruitment. On 25 May 2010 the Government announced a freeze on ail recruitment other than those specially exempted by a ministerial decision. Since then my George Eustice: To ask the Secretary of State for Department has spent £21,537 advertising vacancies. Justice what recent assessment his Department has made of trends in the number of receivers appointed In the period 2005-09, the Department spent the under the Law of Property Act 1925. [149150] following sums on advertising recruitment: Mrs Grant: The Ministry of Justice has not made any £ recent assessment of trends in the number of receivers 2005-06 195,032 appointed by mortgagees under powers conferred either 2006-07 398,296 by the express terms of the relevant mortgages or by the 2007-08 226,853 Law of Property Act 1925. Such appointments do not 2008-09 273,148 have to be registered with or notified to the Ministry of Justice or any other third party. Information about them is therefore not centrally collated.

JUSTICE Meetings

HM Courts and Tribunals Service: Cumbria Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) on which occasions Ministers in his Department John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for met with representatives of (a) G4S, (b) Serco, (c) Justice how many staff are employed by HM Courts Sodexo, (d) MTC/Amey, (e) A4E and (f) Working and Tribunals Service in Cumbria; and what Links between 12 May 2010 and 3 September 2012; proportion of those are paid at or above the relevant [150835] level of the living wage. [150997] (2) on which occasions since 4 September 2012 each Minister in his Department has met a representative or Mrs Grant: 102 staff were employed by Her Majesty’s representatives of (a) G4S, (b) Serco, (c) Sodexo, (d) Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) in Cumbria as MTC/Amey, (e) A4E and (f) Working Links; [150530] of 31 January 2013. (3) on which occasions Ministers in his Department All HMCTS staff in Cumbria are paid at or above met representatives of (a) the Prison Officers Association, the relevant level of the living wage. (b) the Prison Governors Association, (c) NAPO, (d) UNISON and (e) PCS between 12 May 2010 and Judiciary 3 September 2012; [150837] (4) on which occasions since 4 September 2012 Ministers Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for in his Department have met a representative of Justice which full-time members of the judiciary have representatives of (a) the Prison Officers Association, carried out any functions in relation to review or (b) the Prison Governors Association, (c) NAPO, (d) reform of legislation, in any capacity other than as a UNISON and (e) Public and Commercial Services member of an official body or inquiry, since May 2010; Union. [150532] and what role they held in each such case. [150056] Mrs Grant: All ministerial meetings with external Mrs Grant: Though not necessarily falling in to the organisations are published on the Ministry of Justice’s category of carrying out ’any functions in relation to website at: review or reform of legislation’, the Government do http://www.justice.gov.uk/information-access-rights/ occasionally seek the views of the Lord Chief Justice transparency-data/ministry-of-justice-officials-gifts,- and other senior judges on relevant legislation, in line hospitality,-travel-and-meetings-with-external-organisations with the conventions set out below. Judges may also be Meetings for the period October to December 2012 asked for their views in line with these conventions are due to be published shortly; the remainder will be should they appear before Parliamentary Committees. published in due course. 315W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 316W

Offenders: Fines 1 Inclusive of all Social Security Child Support Benefit Appeals in Great Britain

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Solicitors: Fees and Charges Justice what assessment his Department has made of the effect of court imposed fines on the housing security of offenders in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for (c) 2011-12. [148441] Justice if he will make it his policy to refund in full to local authorities the retrospective demand for repaying Mrs Grant: Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service of search fees to solicitors which had been charged (HMCTS) has no way of assessing the effect of court under the nationally prescribed system set up by his imposed fines on housing security. Department. [150558] The information HMCTS holds on offenders is provided Mrs Grant: The Government is committed to ensuring by the prosecuting authorities, the offenders themselves that all new burdens on local authorities are properly and by using the tracing tools HMCTS has at its assessed and fully funded by the relevant Department. disposal such as the Experian credit reference agency and the Department for Work and Pensions customer The fee prescribed by the previous Government for a information system. The means form which defendants personal search of the local land charges register in are asked to complete asks them to provide details of England was revoked in August 2010 because it was expenditure on rent or mortgage but as many defendants inconsistent with the Environmental Information do not provide financial means information to the court Regulations 2004. As a result the relevant Government HMCTS does not know what amounts they are paying Departments paid an additional grant to all local authorities for housing. in England in March 2011 in respect of the new burden of potential claims for restitution of fees paid for this HMCTS takes the issue of fine enforcement very search since from January 2005. seriously and is working to ensure that clamping down on fine defaulters is a continued priority nationwide. The Departments have confirmed to the Local HMCTS are always looking at ways to improve the Government Association that if compelling new evidence collection of fines. As a part of the future strategy becomes available they would be willing to re-open the HMCTS will be considering numerous ways in which relevant element of the new burdens assessment. performance can be improved, this could include offender Guidance to Government Departments on the New profiling. Burdens Doctrine published by the Department for Communities and Local Government is available at: Redundancy https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-burdens- doctrine-guidance-for-government-departments Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many staff in his Department were made Vetting redundant in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; and at what cost in each such year. [151069] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will investigate reports of blacklisting by Mrs Grant: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the Consulting Association of environmental campaigners the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete with no link to construction companies. [150681] Wishart) on 14 January 2013, Official Report, columns 555-56W. Mrs Grant: Blacklisting of individuals is likely to represent a breach in the use of their personal data Social Security Benefits: Appeals under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA). The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for independent regulatory body responsible for enforcing Justice what the average amount of time was between the DPA in the UK. In 2008, the ICO began an investigation the submission and hearing of a welfare appeal in the into the Consulting Association which uncovered a Social Entitlement Chamber in the last 12 months for blacklist of construction workers used by construction which figures are available. [149825] companies. In 2009, the company and the blacklist were closed down and Ian Kerr, the founder of the list, was Mrs Grant: The Social Entitlement Chamber, fined £5,000 for failing to notify as a data controller administered by HM Courts and Tribunals Service under the DPA. The ICO also issued enforcement notices (HMCTS), comprises three jurisdictions. These are Asylum against companies proven to have used and supplied and Support, Criminal Injuries Compensation and Social information to the list demanding that they stop the Security and Child Support (SSCS). practice. Since April 2010, the ICO has had the power This question has been interpreted as referring only to issue a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) of up to to SSCS, which hears appeals on decisions made by the £500,000 for serious breaches of the data protection Department for Work and Pensions, Her Majesty’s principles in the DPA. Details of CMPs issued by the Revenue and Customs and local authorities on a range ICO can be found on its website at the following link: of benefits and credits. http://www.ico.org.uk/enforcement/fines In the period October 2011 to September 2012 (the It would be inappropriate for the Government to most recent 12-month period for which statistics have comment on the ICO’s handling of any particular case. been published) the average waiting time from receipt in That said, I understand that the ICO found no evidence HMCTS to hearing was 20 weeks1, down from 22 weeks whatsoever that any blacklists existed in other industries, in the period October 2010 to September 2011. or that the number of individuals blacklisted went 317W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 318W beyond those in the files secured. However, any evidence has been published). HMCTS continues to work hard of blacklisting since the original investigation should be at a national level to increase the capacity of the SSCS supplied to the ICO so that they can decide whether Tribunal and reduce waiting times. Measures in place there are grounds for an investigation. Additionally, any include ongoing recruitment of additional judges and individual can check whether they may have been on the medically qualified members and the review and continuous Consulting Association blacklist by contacting the ICO’s improvement of administrative processes both internally fast track service helpline on 0303 123 1113 between 9 and between HMCTS and DWP. am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. All of this is having a positive effect. The total number of disposals has increased significantly from Wills 279,000 in 2009-10 to 380,000 in 2010-11, and 433,600 appeals in 2011-12 and, as the table shows, the average David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for waiting time has fallen nationally from 22.9 weeks in Justice what discussions he has had with the Solicitors 2011-12 to 17.4 weeks in April to December 2012. Regulation Authority about solicitors or other legal professionals writing themselves into legacies in wills. [150479] BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Mrs Grant: I have not had any discussions with the Solicitors Regulation Authority about solicitors or other Beko legal professionals writing themselves into legacies in wills. Will writing is not a reserved legal activity under Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Legal Services Act 2007, although The Lord Chancellor Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking and Secretary of State for Justice, my right hon. Friend to ensure the recall of Beko cookers with defects the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), is causing them to produce carbon monoxide. [151653] currently considering a recommendation by the Legal Services Board that it should be brought within this Jo Swinson: The Government has set out the legal defined group of activities. More generally, solicitors framework through the general product safety regulations. and other legal professionals are subject to the professional It is the legal responsibility of the company making standards of their regulator in all their conduct. A unsafe products available to take appropriate measures solicitor instructed to draft a will on terms that provide to protect the public. Normal procedure, which is being for him or her to be a beneficiary should be alert to the followed in this case, is that the company works with possibility of a conflict of interest and ensure that their local authority Trading Standards service to take proper standards of client service are observed. appropriate agreed action. The general product safety Work Capability Assessment: Appeals regulations provide Trading Standards with powers to require recalls of products when necessary, including imposing specific requirements, and for the company to Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for take any other action as Trading Standards consider Justice what the average waiting time was for an appeal appropriate and proportionate to the risk. Ultimately, (a) (b) of a work capability assessment in 2010, 2011, the onus is on a company to work effectively with (c) (d) [150433] 2012 and 2013 to date. Trading Standards to protect consumers.

Mrs Grant: The First-tier Tribunal—Social Security Business: Loans and Child Support (SSCS), administered by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), hears appeals against Department for Work and Pensions decisions on entitlement Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for to employment and support allowance (ESA) (decisions Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has in which the work capability assessment is a key factor) had either orally or in writing with (a) the Scottish rather than appeals against work capability assessment Government and (b) Scottish Enterprise regarding decisions themselves. the advice services to be offered by the proposed Government Business Bank. [150480] The following table shows the average waiting time in weeks from receipt of an ESA appeal at HMCTS to Michael Fallon [holding answer 15 April 2013]: The disposal in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11, (c) 2011-12 and Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, (d) April to December 2012 (the latest period for which the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), figures are available). has not had any such discussions. Employment and support allowance appeals BIS Officials have had discussions with officials in Average waiting times in weeks the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise about 2009-10 12.6 our overall plans for the Business Bank. 2010-11 19.4 2011-12 22.9 Higher Education: Admissions April to December 2012 17.4 Note: Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for The above data is taken from management information. Business, Innovation and Skills (a) how many and (b) These figures reflect the fact that the number of what proportion of state-educated students from each appeals received by the SSCS Tribunal has risen significantly local authority area who achieved A-level grades of (i) from 229,100 in 2007-08 to 453,719 between January AAA and above and (ii) BBB and above went to each and December 2012 (the latest period for which information university in each of the last three years. [150332] 319W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 320W

Mr Willetts: The information is not readily available Pay at the level of detail required and could only be produced by complex extraction and analysis of a large volume of Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for matched data which would incur disproportionate cost. Business, Innovation and Skills what criteria are used The Higher Education Funding Council for England in (a) his Department and (b) each public body for (HEFCE) has produced the following estimates at a which he is responsible to determine which officials national level. receive bonus payments. [151124] Estimated numbers and proportions of maintained schools A level students from England who progressed to Higher Education by age 19 Jo Swinson: An element of the BIS overall pay award in 2009/10 UK Higher Education Institutions and English Further for staff below the senior civil service (SCS) is allocated Education Colleges to non-consolidated, non-pensionable pay related to Alevel performance. The money allocated to performance awards results Number entered HE1 Percentage entered HE is subject to annual affordability considerations and the AAA 18,555 96 eligibility criteria and amounts are subject to annual BBB 6,020 91 negotiations with our Trade Unions. There are two 1 Numbers are rounded to the nearest 5. types of award: Source: 1. In-year awards that recognise exceptional contributions to Matched data from the DFE National Pupil Database, the HESA business performance and ways of working made by individuals Student Record and Data Services Individualised Student Record, or teams. For example, demonstrating exceptional flexibility, openness using HEFCE linking methodology or innovation; delivery of particularly demanding tasks in exceptional The UCAS end of cycle report 2012 explains that circumstances and notable examples of excellent customer service; acceptance rates for applicants who achieve AAA, AAB, 2. Annual performance awards that reward staff based on their ABB or BBB are high, around 90%. performance rating in their annual appraisal. http://www.ucas.ac.uk/documents/ These non-consolidated, non pensionable pay awards, End_of_Cycle_Report_12_12_2012.pdf are used to drive high performance and have to be earned each year against pre-determined targets and do not add to future pay bills. The payments made for both Higher Education: Scotland types of award are entirely related to staff performance. Performance awards for the senior civil service (SCS) Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for are part of the pay system across the whole SCS, and Business, Innovation and Skills how many applications are used to reward high performance sustained throughout to Scottish universities made through UCAS came the year, based on judgments and about how well an from students at non-selective state schools in each of individual has performed relative to their peers. The the last five years. [150463] performance-related pay scheme is designed to help drive high performance and support better public service Mr Willetts: Higher education in Scotland is a devolved delivery. Performance awards are non-consolidated and matter. This information should be requested from the non-pensionable and do not add to future paybill costs. Scottish Government, or directly from the Universities The percentage of the pay bill set aside for performance- and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), the body related awards for the SCS is based on recommendations responsible for processing applications to full-time from the independent senior salaries review body. In undergraduate courses at institutions in the UK. More year awards are not paid to senior civil servants. information about UCAS can be found at: This Department does not hold centrally the information www.ucas.com you request concerning its non-departmental public bodies and it could be provided only at disproportionate New Businesses: Young People cost.

Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Post Offices Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to increase the number of young entrepreneurs in the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, UK. [150925] Innovation and Skills what the name, location and parliamentary constituency is of each Crown post office Michael Fallon: The Government is encouraging an listed for closure. [151219] entrepreneurial mindset and building ambition in young people through activities in schools, colleges and universities; Jo Swinson: It is crucial that Post Office Ltd continues such as supporting the “Inspiring the Future” initiative, to take steps to eradicate the losses made in its Crown which encourages people from all sectors and professions network, currently around £40 million a year. The proposals to work with state schools and colleges to help young to franchise 70 post office branches currently part of people achieve their potential. As part of this initiative the Crown network should not be misconstrued as we are recruiting 2,500 volunteer enterprise champions closures. Post Office Ltd is committed to maintaining a to go into schools to talk about their businesses, career network of at least 11,500 branches, and to meet the choices and the education routes they took, sharing the strict access criteria that see, for example, over 90% of insights and experiences which can encourage young the UK population living within one mile of a post people to turn their enterprise dreams into reality. We office outlet. Where a Crown branch is franchised, are also supporting the establishment of student enterprise service will be maintained in that community, and the societies in all universities and most further education overall sustainability of the national network will be colleges in England. strengthened. 321W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 322W

The precise details of the Crown branches impacted postgraduate research degree supervision to £240 million, by these proposals are an operational matter for Post and in addition Research Councils will invest £340 Office Ltd. I have therefore asked Paula Vennells, the million in postgraduate research provision. The support chief executive officer of Post Office Ltd, to respond from Research Councils includes provision for stipends directly to the hon. Member and a copy of her reply will for postgraduate research students. be placed in the Libraries of the House. BIS also supports Professional and Career Development Post Offices: Photographs Loans (PCDLs) provided by Barclays and the Co-operative Bank. PCDLs are deferred-repayment bank loans of up to £10,000 for up to two years study, usually repaid over Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for period of one to five years. Postgraduate taught courses Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what assessment his account for almost 90% of the 8,000 loans each year. Department has made of the number of Cogent photographic systems that will need to be removed as In addition, BIS and the Northern Ireland part of the planned retail partnerships of 70 Crown Administration are providing support for up to 500 students to undertake specific aerospace related MSc post offices; [151373] programmes at UK universities for academic year 2013/14 (2) what assessment his Department has made of the through to 2015/16. £3 million funding from Government effect of the installation of Cogent photographic will be matched by industry. The Aerospace MSc Bursary equipment to deal with driving licence applications on Scheme aims to generate more aerospace MSc qualified waiting times in post offices; [151374] professionals to work in the sector; and to up-skill the (3) how many of the Crown post offices that are existing UK aerospace workforce in key areas of technology being targeted for retail partnership have Cogent for the future. photographic equipment installed. [151375] Public Expenditure Jo Swinson: It is crucial that Post Office Ltd continues to take steps to eradicate the losses made in its Crown network, currently around £40 million a year. The proposals Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for to franchise 70 post office branches that are currently Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the part of the Crown network is an important part of Post estimated Resource DEL underspend in financial year Office Ltd’s commercial strategy, which is supported by 2012-13 of £600 million as set out in Table 2.5 of the Government. The Crown network continues to be heavily Budget 2013 Red Book which service areas in his loss making, and threatens the long-term sustainability Department received reduced resources; what the of the national Post Office network. Post Office Ltd’s amounts of resource reduction were; and if he will proposals to maintain services through franchise make a statement. [150198] arrangements with carefully selected retailers following a local public consultation are a vital step towards a Jo Swinson: Table 2.5 of the Budget 2013 Red Book financially sustainable future for the Post Office network shows the difference between Budget 2012 plans and and its customers. Department’s latest estimates of their full-year position. However, the precise information requested is an The Department surrendered c.£420 million of RDEL operational matter for Post Office Ltd. I have therefore at supplementary estimates, of which c.£350 million is asked Paula Vennells, the chief executive officer of Post available for future years through the Budget Exchange Office Ltd, to respond directly to the hon. Member and mechanism. It has also transferred a net c.£60 million a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of the to other Government Departments. The Department House. will set out its final underspend position when year-end figures are available as part of its annual accounts in the Postgraduate Education usual way. The c.£350 million roll-forward was the result of Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State improvements in BIS’s financial forecasting and for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what support his management that allowed BIS to identify underspends Department provides to postgraduate students; [150912] at an earlier stage than would usually be the case and (2) what sources of funding his Department makes then maximise the use of this funding in the following available to postgraduate students. [150913] year to help deliver better outcomes.

Mr Willetts: Postgraduate research and taught training Students: Loans is important both to individuals and to developing higher level skills for the economy. The Government Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for provides funding to support eligible individuals undertaking Business, Innovation and Skills what the policy of the postgraduate qualifications. Student Loans Company is on the provision of course The Higher Education Funding Council for England specific software for students with specific learning (HEFCE) provides funding to higher education institutions disabilities. [150850] (HEIs) in England to meet some of the costs incurred by HEIs of teaching students on taught postgraduate Mr Willetts: The Government provides substantial courses and of supervising students in the first three financial help through disabled students’ allowances years of a postgraduate research degree programme. (DSAs) for English-domiciled students with a disability In 2012-13, HEFCE has maintained the allocation or long-term health condition, including specific learning for taught postgraduate provision at £135 million, similar difficulties. DSAs are provided in respect of the extra to levels for 2011-12. HEFCE has increased support for costs a student may incur as a direct result of their 323W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 324W disability, so as to enable them to participate in higher COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT education on an equal basis to their peers. DSAs cover a range of support, including assistive software. Enterprise Zones In England, before receiving any support through DSA, eligible students are required to attend a DSA Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for study needs assessment with an independent assessor Communities and Local Government how many new who will consider and recommend any additional jobs have been created in each enterprise zone since equipment and support that the student might need to their inception. [149089] enable them to study on their course. Students with specific learning difficulties may receive funding for Mr Prisk: Over 1,700 new jobs have been created appropriate software where they have an additional across all 24 enterprise zones in England since they need for this in comparison with students on the same opened for business in April 2012. Further details on course. individual enterprise zone performance can be obtained from the relevant zones. Training

Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Homelessness: City of Westminster Business, Innovation and Skills how many away days his Department held in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007, Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities (d) 2008 and (e) 2009; and what the cost was of each and Local Government (1) what explanation Westminster such event. [151194] City Council has given to his Department for not providing a statistical return detailing the number of Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation homeless families with children in bed and breakfast and Skills (BIS) was created on 5 June 2009 via a merger accommodation on 31 December 2012; [150974] of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory (2) what explanation Westminster City Council has Reform (BERR) and the Department of Innovation, given to his Department for not giving a statistical Universities and Skills (DIUS) which ceased to exist return detailing the number of homeless households from that date. placed outside the borough on 30 September 2012. We do not hold training records centrally and to [150975] collate this information would incur disproportionate cost. Mr Prisk [holding answer 15 April 2013]: The Department is in correspondence with Westminster city Training: Older People council about the completion of its quarterly (PIE) John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for homelessness returns. I understand this is an IT issue Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his relating to a change in IT systems. Department is taking to provide training for over-50s to increase their employability in (a) Glasgow North Homelessness: Greater London West constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK. [150256] Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what steps the Housing Matthew Hancock: Further education and skills is a Minister agreed to take following his meeting on devolved matter and, as such, I can reply only in respect 4 December 2012 with those local authorities most of England. FE colleges and providers have a single severely affected by the rising number of homeless Adult Skills Budget providing them with the flexibility people in London; [150976] to respond to local learner and employer needs. The (2) if he will be holding a follow-up to his meeting on Government is continuing to fund basic English and 4 December 2012 on the rising number of homeless maths courses for adults. Fully funded, targeted training people in London with those representing the local is available for people on jobseeker’s allowance and authorities most severely affected. [150977] employment and support allowance in the Work Related Activity Group (and will also be available for universal Mr Prisk [holding answer 15 April 2013]: A copy of credit claimants) from day one of their claim, where the note of the Homelessness Roundtable held on they have had a skills need identified and the training 4 December 2012 has been placed in the Library of the will help them get into work. At the discretion of the House. college or training provider fully funded training can be offered to people on other benefits, provided that they We know that just 20 local authority districts account have sufficient funds to do so and that they can demonstrate for well over 80% of families housed in bed and breakfast that the training is being provided to help individuals over six weeks. I will be asking my officials to work enter or return to work. closely with those authorities that have the highest rates to understand how this practice might be addressed. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) also helps to fund Community Learning through I have also met with representatives of London councils the £210 million pa Community Learning budget, which to discuss the use of bed and breakfast accommodation offers a broad range of courses that bring together and the placement of households outside the receiving adults of different ages and backgrounds to acquire local authority district. new skills. In 2010/11 the BIS Community Learning As the hon. Member is already aware, on the 23 March budget supported 340,700 people aged over 45, which we published for the first time, a list of all those local represented approx 49% of all learners participating in authorities who have used bed and breakfast for families BIS-funded community learning courses. for longer than six weeks. 325W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 326W

Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing Mr Swire: Our embassy in Rangoon raised this matter with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), tasked Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for with investigating all allegations of forced labour in Communities and Local Government what steps are Burma. The ILO had not previously heard of this being taken in Nottinghamshire to ensure that housing specific allegation. We continue to monitor its investigation. associations have enough properties to allocate to We welcome the agreement between the Burmese people wishing to downgrade to smaller sized Government and the ILO to establish a complaints properties in order to avoid paying the spare room mechanism to investigate forced labour cases, which subsidy; and if he will make a statement. [149258] was referenced by TomasQuintana, UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Burma, in his report to the UN Mr Prisk: We expect many tenants affected by the Human Rights Council in March 2013. removal of the spare room subsidy will decide to stay in their existing home and make up the difference in rent which is not met by housing benefit by finding work, or Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for taking in a lodger. Where social tenants decide to move Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he to a smaller property, we have made it easier for them has received of the restrictions on Muslim villagers’ do so through changes to the allocation rules in the freedom of movement in Northern Rakhine State in Localism Act 2011 and the introduction of HomeSwap Burma. [151553] Direct. We are investing £19.5 billion of public and private Mr Swire: We continue to receive reports from the funding to build 170,000 new affordable homes by 2015. UN and non-governmental organisations, including Human Councils and housing associations should be working Rights Watch, that detail discrimination and human closely together to identify the type of provision that rights abuses faced by the Rohingya in Rakhine State. will most appropriately meet locally identified needs, Rohingya communities continue to face restrictions, including the needs of existing tenants seeking to downsize including of their freedom of movement, owing to their to smaller accommodation. lack of citizenship rights. The British Government has strongly and consistently lobbied on this issue, and we In addition, at Budget we are doubling the Affordable continue to do so at the highest levels. Homes Guarantee Programme funding to £450 million to support a further 30,000 new affordable homes. I am the only EU Minister to have visited Rakhine State, having been there in December 2012, where I Local Government: Liverpool lobbied the Burmese Government and local authorities to ensure that they guaranteed the security of all John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities communities and looked for a longer term solution to and Local Government pursuant to the answer of the question of citizenship for the Rohingya. While 5 March 2013, Official Report, column 907W, on City there, I was able to visit a Muslim community in Sittwe Deals, which projects and programmes in the Liverpool whose movements were seriously restricted. Our City Council region his Department plans to fund; and ambassador in Rangoon has frequently visited Rakhine how much it plans to allocate to each. [149545] State, most recently in February. Our chargé d’affaires most recently lobbied the Burmese Minister for Mr Prisk: DCLG has agreed to provide £75 million Immigration, with responsibility for Rakhine State, on of funding as part of the Liverpool City Deal on the 8 April, raising with him questions around the long-term basis of an economic development programme business plans for the resettlement and reintegration of the displaced case submitted by Liverpool city council. communities in Rakhine State. The objectives of the Liverpool City Deal Economic Development Programme are to: Colombia exploit Liverpool’s national and international profile and make the most of the vitality of its citizens; enhance Liverpool’s infrastructure, links and distinctive sense Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for and quality of place; Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment encourage business creation, growth and productivity; he has made of the level of sexual violence in Colombia; raise demand for a skilled and educated work force, helping and what recent discussions he has had with the UN residents to reach their full potential; and Secretary General’s Special Representative on Sexual improve the quality, range and choice of housing. Violence in Conflict about sexual violence in Colombia. It will be for Liverpool to allocate resources to individual [151093] projects from this fund in line with the delivery of the outcomes set out in the business case. Mr Swire: The Colombian Government has recognised combating sexual violence as a priority issue and in September launched a National Public Policy for Gender Equality, covering issues such as increased women’s FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE participation in political decisions and better services Burma for survivors of sexual violence. Our embassy is working with the Prosecutor-General’s office to improve investigation Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for procedures and increase awareness of the services available Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his to survivors. Department has received of the use of forced labour by Many cases of sexual violence are still in the initial Light Infantry Brigade 115 of the Burmese Army in pre-trial stages of investigation. However, there have Chin State, Burma. [151148] been high profile prosecutions, including of Lieutenant 327W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 328W

Raul Munoz, who was sentenced to 60 years in prison Mr Swire: The Government regularly raises human for the rape of two girls and the murder of one of the rights concerns with India, including cases of sexual girls and her two brothers. violence and discrimination, both bilaterally and through We are working closely with the UN Secretary General’s the EU-India Human Rights Dialogue. Special Representative on sexual violence in conflict, During my visit to India on 21-22 March, I also but are not in discussion with her about the situation in discussed the issue of sexual violence and discrimination Colombia at present. We will review this as necessary with Indian human rights organisations. I have not to and will continue to monitor the situation of sexual date discussed the new Criminal Law Bill with my violence in Colombia. Indian counterpart.

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Macedonia Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration his Department has given to including Colombia as a Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for priority country in the preventing sexual violence initiative; Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans and what assistance the Government is providing to to visit Macedonia. [151181] prevent sexual violence in Colombia and improve access to justice for victims. [151094] Mr Lidington: Neither the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Mr Swire: Colombia is not currently a priority country Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), for the deployment of UK experts as part of the preventing nor I currently have firm plans to visit Macedonia. sexual violence initiative (PSVI). Resources are limited The Government continues to support Macedonia’s and we have not been able to focus on every country EU accession and to provide assistance to its ongoing where sexual violence is a problem. However, the PSVI reform effort through, among other things, training and team and our embassy in Bogota will continue to monitor expertise sharing. areas of conflict, and if the situation in Colombia deteriorates, we would review this prioritisation. In the Nepal meantime, officials are looking into how the PSVI objectives can be incorporated into our existing human Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for rights work in Colombia. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions The embassy is currently working with the Prosecutor- he has had with the authorities in Nepal regarding the General’s office to improve investigations into sexual trial of Colonel Kumar Lama. [151236] violence outside armed conflict, and to raise awareness of support services available for survivors. The embassy Mr Swire: The Prime Minister has written to His is also encouraging civil society organisations to put Excellency Dr Bhattarai, the Prime Minister of Nepal, forward proposals for projects to protect women’s rights to say that this case is now a matter for the UK courts. and tackle sexual violence, which is one of our human He reiterated that Britain has an obligation under the rights priorities for 2013. The embassy will continue to UN convention against torture to investigate allegations monitor the situation of sexual violence in Colombia. of torture and my right hon. Friend made assurances that Colonel Lama would receive a fair trial and would Disclosure of Information enjoy full access to consular support from the Nepalese embassy. Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many civil Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether officials servants in his Department have been subject to in his Department have had discussions about marking non-disclosure agreements in each year since 2010. the bicentenary of diplomatic relations with Nepal in [150033] March 2016. [151237] Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mr Swire: Nepal is an old and valued friend to (FCO) has settled fewer than five cases using compromise Britain and we will certainly look to mark this important agreements containing confidentiality clauses (non- occasion. I have had discussions with the Nepalese disclosure agreements), in each year since 2010 for ambassador, about how best to use the bicentenary to UK-based FCO staff working in both the UK and at both celebrate and strengthen our relationship. No decision our overseas posts. For reasons of confidentiality the has yet been made but officials will continue to consider FCO does not disclose more detailed information when our plans and discuss these with the Nepalese authorities. overall numbers amount to fewer than five. This is in line with Cabinet Office guidance. Visits Abroad

India Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many overseas visits Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for have been made by Ministers of his Department to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions support trade and investment in each year since 2010. he has had with his Indian counterpart on the [150350] criminalisation and inclusion of rape committed by a man on his wife when she is over 15 years of age in the Mr Swire: The Government are fully committed to new Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013 recently supporting trade and investment. The Foreign and passed by that country’s parliament. [151403] Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) Charter for Business 329W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 330W sets out how the FCO supports UK business overseas Redundancy Payments and how the FCO is working to help deliver success for the UK’s economy. Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Foreign Office Ministers have a varied programme how much the NHS has spent on redundancy when they travel overseas. To collate all the information payments since May 2010. [150763] for the period since 2010 would be possible only at disproportionate cost. Dr Poulter: The national health service has spent However, to give a flavour of the level of engagement £793 million on all exit packages between April 2010 by Ministers, there have been 49 countries visited between and March 2012 (the latest date for which figures are January and March 2013 which have involved a programme available) of which £333.7 million was on compulsory supporting trade and investment work. This number redundancy payments. includes all Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers, including my noble Friend, the Minister of State for Health Services: Bulgarian and Romanian Migrants Trade and Investment, Lord Green. Details of all overseas visits undertaken by Ministers Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for are published on a quarterly basis on the GOV.UK Health what discussions he has had with the European website. Commission on limiting access to health services for https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministerial- Bulgarian and Romanian migrants from January 2014. quarterly-returns-hospitality-gifts-overseas-travel-and- [150770] meetings-with-external-organisations The information includes the name, date, destination, Dr Poulter: We have not discussed this subject with purpose of the visit and cost by each Minister. the European Commission. The Minister for Employment, my hon. Friend the Member for Fareham (Mr Hoban), had a constructive discussion on the benefit measures outlined in the HEALTH Prime Minister’s speech on immigration with Laszlo Andor from the Commission on 25 March 2013. NHS Reorganisations We will be consulting on proposals for national health service access this summer. We will discuss with the Commission any which might impact on European 19. Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Economic Area citizens. Health how many NHS staff have been made redundant and subsequently re-employed by NHS organisations since May 2010. [150782] ABP Food Group

Dr Poulter: The number of people made redundant Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for in the national health service since 1 May 2010 and Health how many ABP Food Group meat cutting since re-employed in the NHS up to 31 December 2012 plants have trading standards or Food Standards is estimated to be 2,275.1 Agency officials visited since 16 January 2013. [150474] 1 This estimate is based on staff recorded on the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) Data Warehouse as having a reason for leaving as Anna Soubry: The following visits have been carried either voluntary or compulsory redundancy between 1 May 2010 out at ABP Food Group meat cutting plants in Great and 30 September 2012, and who have a subsequent record on Britain by either local authority enforcement officers or the ESR Data Warehouse up to 31 December 2012. Food Standards Agency (FSA) since 16 January 2013: Note: The ESR Data Warehouse is a monthly snapshot of the live ESR Number of visits conducted since system. This is the HR and payroll system that covers all NHS Type of Inspection 16 January 2013 employees other than those working in General Practice, Unannounced Visits by FSA 1 Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Food Business Operator Audit 5 Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. by FSA Local Authority Inspection 1 Health Care: York and North Yorkshire Alzheimer’s Disease 21. Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to alleviate Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for the effect on health care funding in York and North Health what assessment he has made of the UK taking Yorkshire of an ageing population. [150784] part in human clinical trials on the use of bexarotene to treat severe stages of Alzheimer’s. [150084] Mr Jeremy Hunt: Age is the main driver of an individual’s need for health care, as reflected in recent Dr Poulter: There are no current international funding formulae. multicentre clinical trials of the use of bexarotene to While this is for the NHS Commissioning Board treat severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease. A small (NHS England), our Mandate to them makes clear that clinical study is now being set up in the United States equal access for equal need should be at the heart of to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bexarotene in their approach to allocating resources locally. patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. 331W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 332W

The Department’s National Institute for Health The European Medicines Agency has recently announced Research welcomes funding applications for research a further European Union-wide review of the risks and into any aspect of human health, including treatment benefits of co-cyprindiol based on concerns in France of dementia. These applications are subject to peer about the well-known risk of venous thromboembolism review and judged in open competition, with awards and concern about off-label use in contraception. The being made on the basis of the scientific quality of the available data will be carefully evaluated and we will proposals made. ensure that any action necessary is taken promptly in the UK. Bisphenol A Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of whether baby bottles procured and used for medical purposes and Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Health subject to Medical Devices Regulations but not covered what discussions he has had with his counterparts by The Plastic Materials and Articles in Contact with in the devolved administrations on the collation of Food (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 could data on (a) the number of children diagnosed with contain the chemical bisphenol A (BPA); what assessment congenital diaphragmatic hernia, (b) the survival rates he has made of the circumstances in which such a bottle of such children and (c) the cost of their specialist containing BPA could be regarded as safe; what recent care. [150604] assessment he has made of reports on early exposure to BPA and its effects on babies in intensive care; and if he Dr Poulter: No such discussions have been held. will make a statement. [150203] There are no known interventions to prevent congenital diaphragmatic hernia. This condition is specified in the Norman Lamb: Feeding bottles or similar products list of structural abnormalities that are included in the indicated for use by the manufacturer to deliver a anomaly screening scan at 20 weeks that is offered to all medicine or a controlled quantity of milk for babies women during antenatal care. needing a strict control of intake for medical reasons, are subject to the Medical Devices Regulations which Data on this condition are not held centrally by the implement the EC Medical Devices Directive into Department, but are collected and published by the United Kingdom law. The directive which governs the British Isles Network of Congenital Anomaly Registers safety and performance of medical devices being (BINOCAR). Data are available for the following five placed on the market in the European Union requires English regional congenital anomaly registers—Berkshire that the manufacturer assess and demonstrate that any and Buckinghamshire (CAROBB), East Midlands and risks are outweighed by the medical benefits. South Yorkshire (EMSYCAR), Northern region (NorCAS), South West region (SWCAR), and Wessex The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory (WANDA). They cover 32% of the births in England. Agency is the competent authority for medical devices in the UK. It is aware of the World Health Organisation report on endocrine disrupting chemicals, Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Health including Bisphenol A (BPA) as well as other past what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of reviews on the use of BPA in medical devices which the treatment of children diagnosed with congenital have determined that the benefits they offer outweigh diaphragmatic hernia. [150605] any risks. In addition the European Commission has already asked the European Scientific Committee on Dr Poulter: The information requested is not available Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks to look at as the cost to the national health service of the treatment the use of BPA in medical devices. Their report is of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is not separately awaited and will indicate if more specific controls reported to the Department. should be considered for European medical devices legislation. Defibrillators Co-cyprindiol Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to have defibrillators Health what assessment he has made of the safety of provided in all public buildings; and if he will make a co-cyprindiol tablets; and if he will take steps to statement. [150561] withdraw them from use. [150906] Anna Soubry: The majority of cardiac arrests, possibly, Norman Lamb: In the United Kingdom the safety of as many as 80%, happen outside hospital and occur in co-cyprindiol has been reviewed by the Commission on the home. Therefore, to improve survival rates, more Human Medicines (previously the Committee on people need to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation Safety of Medicines) or its Expert Advisory Group on (CPR). The Cardiovascular Disease outcomes strategy Medicines for Women’s Health four times in recent published earlier this month highlighted this and the years. Product information for co-cyprindiol has been need for the wider availability of defibrillators. The updated to ensure the information provided to NHS Commissioning Board will work with the prescribes and women is up-to-date and clearly reflects Resuscitation Council, the British Heart Foundation the available data. Prescribers have been kept informed and others to promote mapping/registration of defibrillators of new advice through the Medicines and Healthcare and to consider ways of increasing the numbers trained products Regulatory Agency’s safety bulletin. in both CPR and use of defibrillators. 333W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 334W

Dementia SHA name 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for North East Strategic 70 95 114 94 105 Health if he will institute a UK-wide dementia strategy. Health Authority North West 233 252 265 238 249 [150907] Strategic Health Authority Norman Lamb: Health care outside of England is a Yorkshire and the 166 187 163 250 277 matter for the Devolved Administrations, therefore the Humber Strategic Department will not institute a United Kingdom wide Health Authority dementia strategy. East Midlands 225 214 216 230 187 Strategic Health Authority Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health West Midlands 213 258 214 231 284 what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the Strategic Health Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Governments to Authority increase dementia screening and to better deliver support East of England 334 265 290 308 291 services. [150908] Strategic Health Authority Norman Lamb: The Department has not had discussions London Strategic 283 279 224 315 312 and does not advocate screening for dementia. Health Authority South East Coast 181 163 190 199 193 Professor Alistair Burns and departmental officials Strategic Health will shortly be meeting representatives from all the Authority Devolved Administrations to ensure that they are able South Central 143 154 138 166 195 to be kept fully up to date of all aspects of the Prime Strategic Health Minister’s challenge on dementia, and also to share Authority good practice between different countries in the United South West Strategic 266 330 362 339 313 Kingdom. Health Authority

Dental Services: Foreign Nationals Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to encourage Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the appropriate prescription of insulin pumps. [150857] Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of dental treatment for overseas visitors in each Anna Soubry: The Department’s NHS Outcomes Framework and Mandate outline the improvements in of the last five years. [150585] health and healthcare that we envisage the national health service achieving. This includes enhancing the Anna Soubry: This information is not held centrally. quality of life for people with long-term conditions through the provision of high quality, efficient, and fair Diabetes services. It is for NHS England to ensure commissioners and Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for providers make insulin pumps available for those people Health what recent discussions he has had with clinicians with diabetes that meet the criteria recommended by the and others about those indicators relating to diabetes National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, as which should be proposed to the NHS Commissioning well as ensuring the relevant structured patient education Board; and if he will make a statement. [150088] is provided to support people newly diagnosed with diabetes and at appropriate points in their life as their Anna Soubry: NHS England is responsible for the condition progresses. Clinical Commissioning Group Outcomes Indicator Set (CCG Outcomes Indicator Set). Following Diabetes: Peterborough recommendations from NICE and engagement with clinicians and other stakeholders the CCG Outcomes Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Indicator Set for 2013-14 was published on the NHS Health what steps he is taking to ensure that the nine CB website at: key care processes set out by the National Institute for www.england.nhs.uk/ccg-ois/ Health and Clinical Excellence in respect of diabetes are being followed in Peterborough constituency; and if The set includes a number of indicators relating to he will make a statement. [150103] diabetes. Anna Soubry: In 2001, the National Institute for Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Clinical Excellence outlined nine care processes Health how many diabetes-related amputations have that people with diabetes should receive annually to taken place in each strategic health authority area in monitor risk of developing complications and reduce each of the last five years. [150840] risk of further deterioration. The nine care processes are: HbA1c (a measurement of residual glucose), body Anna Soubry: Information on diabetes-related mass index, blood pressure, urine albumin creatinine amputations that have taken place in each strategic ratio, blood tests for creatinine (to assess kidney function) health authority (SHA) for the years 2007-08 to 2011-12 and cholesterol, eye examinations, foot examinations is shown in the following table: and assessment of smoking status. It is the responsibility 335W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 336W of the local national health service to deliver the nine In addition, the FSA identifies priorities each year diabetes care processes and, from 1 April 2013, this will for the national co-ordinated food sampling programme, be monitored by NHS England. carried out by local authorities funded by the FSA. The priorities take into account consumer and public health Disclosure of Information protection, are risk and evidence based and intelligence-led. The priorities are published on the FSA’s website. Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many civil servants in his Department have been Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for subject to non-disclosure agreements in each year since Health what recent assessment he has made of the systems in place to ensure comprehensive food hygiene 2010. [150035] and food standard control and testing. [150053] Dr Poulter: No civil servants have been subject to non-disclosure agreements since 2010. However, all civil Anna Soubry: Local authorities provide annual returns servants on appointment are bound by the Official to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on their food law Secrets Act 1989 and confidentiality under this Act enforcement activities including any sampling undertaken continues even when they leave Crown employment. and the results of testing carried out. These data are analysed to provide national statistics and to examine emerging trends, which in turn are used to inform the Food: Inspections agency’s programme of audits of local authorities. An annual report containing the annual data, an Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for analysis of trends over the previous three years and Health how many local authorities have delivered no details of the agency’s audit of local authorities is data on (a) food standards and (b) food hygiene in submitted to the FSA board for assessment. The latest each year since 2007. [150005] report, covering the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012, was discussed at the November 2012 board meeting Anna Soubry: The Food Standards Agency moved to and is available at: an electronic data collection system from 2008-09. To enable them to prepare for implementation of this new www.food.gov.uk system, local authorities were given a moratorium on via the following the links: providing an annual data return in 2007-08. About Us; The number of local authorities that delivered no How we work; , data in each year from 2008-09 are: Our Board;

Reporting year Food standards Food hygiene Open Board meetings; Board meetings 2012; 2008-09 16 18 13 November 2012 ‘Agenda and papers’; and 2009-10 1 0 2010-11 0 0 Local Authority Enforcement Monitoring System (LAEMS) Report ‘FSA 12 November 2006’. 2011-12 0 0 Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of Health what power the Food Standards Agency possesses people suitably qualified to carry out food hygiene and to require food sampling. [150006] food standards testing; and what assessment he has made of whether that number is adequate. [150057] Anna Soubry: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is the central competent authority for food safety and has Anna Soubry: The 2011-12 data provided to the Food a statutory function under the Food Standards Art Standards Agency by local authorities indicated that 1999 to protect public health and consumers’ other the following number of professional full-time equivalent interests in relation to food and drink. The majority of (FTE) staff were engaged in United Kingdom food law food law enforcement is delegated to local authorities enforcement and, as such, would be suitably qualified throughout the United Kingdom who carry out checks to carry out food sampling: of all food businesses in their area to ensure compliance with food safety/traceability and labelling requirements. Food hygiene: 1,870 Local authority food sampling responsibilities are set Food standards: 840 out in the statutory Food Law Code of Practice (separate The Food Standards Agency would assess and, where parallel Codes of Practice exist for each of the four UK appropriate, make recommendations about the adequacy countries), as part of which they are required to develop of the number of qualified staff when auditing individual an annual sampling programme for their area and provide local authorities. the resources necessary to carry it out. The latest figures available for food examiners and The FSA monitors arrangements to make sure that public analysts employed in the UK are: there is adequate provision for local authority sampling Food examiners (food hygiene testing): 57 and analysis as part of an annual process, whereby the FSA reports on the UK’s performance in carrying out Public analysts (food standards testing): 31 regulatory controls, as set out in the National Control These figures relate to Official Control Laboratories, Plan required under the EC Official Feed and Food there are other commercial laboratories that are qualified Regulation 882/2004. to carry out food testing. 337W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 338W

The current system has been adequate to cope under Health Services: Foreign Nationals the high workloads of samples sent for analysis during the horsemeat incident. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what official in each NHS trust is designated as Health how many food samples were taken in (a) responsible for identifying, charging and recovering 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13 to date for (i) food hygiene costs from overseas visitors. [150564] and (ii) food standards purposes. [150059] Anna Soubry: The Department does not hold this Anna Soubry: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is information, but has issued guidance that strongly involved in a range of food sampling carried out each recommends that national health service trusts have a year under a range of national and European Union designated person to oversee implementation of the food legislation. The various areas of testing and number NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2011, of samples taken are set out in the annual reports of the as amended. This person is often referred to as an Implementation of the UK National Control Plan since Overseas Visitors Manager. 2007. The FSA also commissions regular surveys of foods Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for to help to protect and inform consumers by alerting the Health (1) what estimate he has made of the cost to the agency to potential food safety issues. The surveys help NHS of treating non-EU visitors that was not to judge the effectiveness of regulation and inform recovered in each of the last 10 years; [150889] negotiations with the European Commission, monitor trends and assess risks. These surveys can also be found (2) what estimate his Department has made of the on the FSA website. number of foreign nationals not entitled to free NHS care who have been detained in the UK for failing to Local authorities report on food sampling activity in pay for treatment given to them by the NHS in each of their annual food law enforcement monitoring returns the last 10 years; [150890] to the FSA. In 2011-12, the total number of samples taken by local authorities across the United Kingdom (3) what estimate his Department has made of the was 78,653 and 92,181 analyses were carried out on number of overseas visitors not entitled to free NHS these samples. The total sample figure cannot be split care who have been treated by the NHS and have left between food hygiene (FH) and food standards (FS) the UK without paying for that treatment in each of issues as an individual sample may be subjected to tests the last 10 years. [150892] for both. The breakdown by analyses is shown in the following table. Anna Soubry: The Department does not hold this information. Number The Department is not able to make a reliable estimate Microbiological contamination 55,546 of the cost to the national health service of treating (FH) non-European Union visitors that was not recovered Other contamination (FH/FS) 4,432 because the NHS does not currently have robust enough Composition (FS) 18,219 systems in place to identify every overseas patient who Labelling and Presentation (FS) 11,879 should pay for hospital treatment. Where they are identified Others (FH/FS) 2,105 it is estimated that approximately 50% do not pay for that treatment. Data on 2012-13 food sampling activity by local The Department has recently concluded a major authorities is not currently available. review of the rules and procedures on charging visitors General Practitioners and migrants for NHS care and will shortly consult on plans to extend charging to some visitors and temporary Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for residents and on improving how the NHS can identify, Health what plans his Department has to make charge and recover charges where they should apply. salaried and partnership working more attractive to recently qualified GPs than locum employment or emigration. [150118] Hospitals: Food

Dr Poulter: The vast majority of general practitioner Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for (GP) practices run as private businesses and it is entirely Health what steps he is taking to ensure that there is up to the partners of each practice to determine whether sufficient fruit in the diet of patients on wards. [150895] to invite a new partner to join, or what terms and conditions they offer to employ a salaried GP. It is then a matter for individual GPs to decide whether they seek Dr Poulter: National health service organisations are to join a practice as a partner, salaried GP or to be responsible for developing their own food policies, but employed as a locum. all are expected to comply with the Care Quality The latest annual earnings before tax figures, for Commission’s ‘Essential standards of Quality and Safety’. 2010-11, for GP contractors was £107,700, some four New patient-led assessments of the care environment times the average United Kingdom annual salary, while (PLACE) began on 1 April 2013, and include hospital salaried GPs earned £57,900 (or around £70,000 on a food and drink. These wide ranging assessments include whole time equivalent basis). Earnings figures for GPs a question to establish whether hospitals ensure that employed as locums are not separately identified. fresh fruit is available at all times. 339W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 340W

NHS organisations are also encouraged to comply A count of finished admission episodes1 with a primary or secondary with Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering diagnosis2 of acute renal failure and acute kidney injury3 according to whether they were alive or dead4 at the end of the hospital spell5 for Services, which recommends increasing fruit and vegetable 2011-12 consumption. Status of patients at end of spell Primary or Hospitals: Hydration secondary diagnosis Alive Dead Unknown.

Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Acute renal 114,495 36,501 456 how many NHS hospitals have a hydration policy for failure their wards. [150252] Acute Kidney 1,116 62 2 Injury Norman Lamb: This information is not collected or 1 An FAE is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant held centrally.However, all providers of regulated activities, within one health care provider. FAEs are counted against the year including hospitals, are required by law to have policies in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not in place that protect people from the risks of dehydration. represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year. It is for health and social care providers to develop local 2 The number of episodes where this diagnosis was recorded in any hydration policies and there are a number of best practice of the 20 (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) resources available to help providers to do this. primary and secondary diagnosis fields in a hospital episode statistics (HES) record. Each episode is only counted once, even if Hospitals: Waiting Lists the diagnosis is recorded in more than one diagnosis field of the record. 3 Acute Renal Failure/Acute Kidney Injury ICD10 codes Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for N17.0 Acute renal failure with tubular necrosis Health how many elective operations have been cancelled N17.1 Acute renal failure with acute cortical necrosis N17.2 Acute renal failure with medullary necrosis for non-clinical reasons over the last 12 months; and if N17.8 Other acute renal failure he will make a statement. [151066] N17.9 Acute renal failure, unspecified O90.4 Postpartum acute renal failure Anna Soubry: The information collected by the S37.0 Injury of kidney Department is shown in the following table: 4 HES data cannot be used to determine the cause of death of a patient while in hospital. Deaths may be analysed by the main diagnosis for which the patient was being treated but this may not be March June September December the underlying cause of death. For example, a patient admitted for a Quarter ending 2012 2012 2012 2012 hernia operation (with a primary diagnosis of hernia) may die from an unrelated heart attack. The Office for National Statistics collects Elective operations 16,719 14,113 13,122 16,211 information on the cause of death, wherever it occurs, based on the cancelled for non- death certificate and should be the source of data for analyses on clinical reasons on cause of death. or after the day of 5 This field contains a code which defines the circumstances under admission which a patient left hospital. For the majority of patients, this is Source: when they are discharged by the consultant. This field is only Department of Health Quarterly Monitoring of Cancelled Elective completed for the last episode in a spell. Operations Alive: Discharged on clinical advice or with clinical consent In Vitro Fertilisation Self discharged, or discharged by a relative or advocate Discharged by a mental health review tribunal, the Home Secretary or a court Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Dead: Health what steps his Department plans to take to Died allow progress with the mitochondrial transfer IVF Baby was still born technique following the Human Fertilisation and Unknown: Embryology Authority consultation findings. [150638] Not known: a validation error. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Anna Soubry: We will carefully consider the advice Information Centre. Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English that we received on 28 March from the Human Fertilisation NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector. and Embryology Authority and will respond in due course. Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the recommendations made in the Kidneys: Diseases report Acute Kidney Injury: Adding Insult to Injury published in 2009 by the National Confidential Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death have been what estimate he has made of the mortality rate of addressed. [151060] hospital patients with acute kidney injury in the most recent period for which figures are available. [150253] Anna Soubry: The report “AcuteKidney Injury: Adding Insult to Injury”, published in 2009 by the National Anna Soubry: This information is not available in the Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death format requested. Information concerning the number (NCPOD), made a number of recommendations to of finished admission episodes (FAEs) with a primary improve the clinical care of people with acute kidney or secondary diagnosis of acute renal failure and acute injury (AKI). In response to the report; the Department kidney injury according to whether they were alive or asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical dead at the end of the hospital spell for 2011-12 is Excellence to provide definitive clinical guidance in this shown in the following table. area. The NCPOD recommendations have informed 341W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 342W the development of the guidance, the draft of which is quality of the clinical data that is being submitted currently out for consultation until 29 April 2013 and through the Mental Health Minimum Data Set, as well can be viewed on the NICE website as the costing of the new currencies before a national www.nice.org.uk tariff can be considered. NHS England and Monitor by typing ‘acute kidney injury into the search bar’. It is are responsible for agreeing the scope of the tariff and anticipated that the final guidance will be published in the pricing of the tariff from 1 April 2013. It will be for August 2013. these organisations to decide how quickly to move to a national tariff for mental health services. More generally, since the publication of the NCPOD report, the Department has undertaken a range of However, mental health providers and commissioners actions to support improved care for people with AKI. are moving forward on the implementation of payment These have included developing multiprofessional e-learning by results (PbR) for mental health services. In the PbR packages for fluid management and AKI prevention; guidance for 2013-14 the Department asked providers establishing regional networks for AKI to support integrated and commissioners to start to use some of the quality care for AKI patients and to share expertise and resources; and outcome measures set out in the guidance and to working with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges review performance against these on a regular basis. to develop a multiprofessional skills and competency Further work over the next year on these indicators programme for fluid management; and establishing an aims to mandate the use of a key set of indicators in the AKI delivery group with the key stakeholders in acute future. care. Choice of provider for mental health services for NHS Kidney Care (NHS KC), the kidney diseases those people referred to a secondary care mental health improvement body, launched the Hydration Matters provider will commence in April 2014. Guidance to campaign in June 2012 to highlight the importance of support the implementation of this policy is currently good fluid management in order to improve care for being developed. acutely unwell patients and reduce the risk of kidney damage. Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures will be used by his Department Between August 2012 and January 2013, NHS KC to assess whether the NHS is delivering parity of also piloted an audit of stage 3 AKI (kidney failure) esteem for mental health with physical health; and if he incidence and outcomes at 47 NHS trusts. The publication will make a statement. [150910] of comparative information will allow organisations to benchmark their performance against one another and Norman Lamb: The mandate to the NHS Commissioning to identify and share good practice. We anticipate the Board (known as NHS England) sets out the Government’s audit findings will be made available in May 2013. ambitions for the health service for the next two years. In November 2012, with the support of NHS KC, the It includes an objective for the NHS England to put Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh convened a mental health on a par with physical health, and close United Kingdom wide meeting at which a consensus the health gap between people with mental health problems statement on how to improve the diagnosis and and the population as a whole. The objective sets out management of AKI was agreed. The statement can be the progress we expect to see by March 2015. read on the Royal College of Physicians website We have asked NHS England for its proposed response www.rcpe.ac.uk to the mandate, and we will assess whether NHS England by typing ’acute kidney injury consensus statement’ is meeting the objective of putting mental health on a into the search bar. par with physical health by its practical actions, by whether its overall programme of work demonstrates Mental Health Services that commitment, as well as progress on the relevant outcome measures in the NHS outcomes framework, Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for and the delivery of other mental health commitments in Health (1) what progress has been made by the the mandate. National Quality and Outcomes Group in developing a range of quality indicators and outcome measures to Mental Health Services: Young People assess the performance of services provided by mental health trusts; [150909] Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (2) what assessment he has made of the effect of what assessment he has made of the potential effects delays in introducing a national tariff for mental health on children and adolescent mental health services of services in 2013-14 on improving choice and the quality reductions in funding to local authorities for those of care for patients with mental health conditions; services by the Department for Communities and [150911] Local Government; and if he will make a statement. (3) what progress he has made on developing a [150639] national tariff for mental health services; and if he will make a statement. [150917] Norman Lamb: Provision for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is included in both Norman Lamb: The introduction of a national tariff the overall financial allocations made to the national for mental health services has not been delayed. 2013-14 health service and in financial allocations made to local was previously identified as the first possible year that a authorities through the Local Government Revenue national tariff could be introduced for mental health Support Grant. All current social care grants, including services, if the evidence supported it. The Department the old CAMHS grant, were rolled into the Local has concluded that there is still a need to improve the Government Revenue Support Grant (LGRSG) for the 343W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 344W spending review period 2011-15. The LGRSG is the circumstances, which might include specific support on main route by which local authorities receive the majority key areas such as quality, finance, business planning of their funding for local public service delivery/and is and governance. issued via the Department for Communities and Local Government. George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for CAMHS funding is included in funding provided for Health (1) what assessment he has made of whether On-going Personal Social Services. The funding for all any NHS trusts are at risk of budget reductions Department of Health revenue grants has been maintained resulting from financial problems of neighbouring and will rise in line with inflation over the spending trusts in 2012-13; [150399] review period (£767.02 million in 2011-12, £784.43 million (2) which NHS trusts’ budgets have been reduced as in 2012-13, £804.98 million in 2013-14 and £826.31 a result of financial problems of neighbouring NHS million in 2014-15 for On-going Personal Social Services). trusts. [150400] Individual elements of funding are not ring-fenced. It is for commissioners to decide how to use the resources Anna Soubry: National health service trusts receive available to them to best meet the needs of their local income from commissioners as reimbursement for services populations. provided to their local populations. They may also The Department for Education has also made funding increase their income through a range of activities available through the Early Intervention Grant to local including attracting new patients to elective care. They authorities and schools for a wide range of services for should not be at risk of budget reductions as a result of children, young people and families including targeted financial problems in neighbouring trusts. mental health support in schools. This grant is due to finish at the end of the financial year. From April 2013, NHS: Health this funding is being moved and the majority will be paid as part of the Dedicated Schools Grant as part of John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health changes to give schools greater flexibility to respond to for what reasons staff health and well-being was not the individual needs of their pupils. included in the NHS Commissioning Board’s Neither the Revenue Support Grant or Early Intervention document, Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients Grant include ring fenced elements for CAMHS or 2013-14. [150499] anything else. This provides flexibility to local authorities and enables them to act more strategically and target Dr Poulter: NHS England has advised that ‘Everyone investment early, where it will have the greatest impact. Counts: Planning for Patients 2013-14’ sets out the planning framework for national health service commissioners. It is focused on improving outcomes NHS: Finance and delivering the rights and pledges under the NHS Constitution within available resources. In doing so it George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for sets out the expectations that all staff follow the values Health (1) how many NHS trusts went into set out in the NHS constitution and also within Compassion administration in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) in Practice, the chief nursing officer’s new vision and 2012-13; [150326] strategy. This includes six areas of action which include (2) what estimate he has made of the number of improving staff experience. NHS trusts at risk of going into administration in NHS organisations, who are responsible for the health 2013-14; [150327] and well-being of their staff, continue to be supported (3) what steps he is taking to prevent NHS trusts by NHS Employers through a programme of work going into administration. [150328] monitored under its contract with the Department. This programme includes: Anna Soubry: South London Healthcare is the only the identification, production, promotion and mobilisation of national health service trust that has been placed into good practice; the Trust Special Administrator’s regime. The Secretary supporting 60 trusts to develop improvement plans for reducing of State appointed a Trust Special Administrator in sickness absence and improving staff health and well-being (now extended to another 45 trusts); July 2012. On 31 January 2013, the Secretary of State for Health announced his decision regarding the future developing performance in parts of the NHS with particular challenges (e.g. ambulance services/mental health trusts); and of the trust in order to secure a sustainable future for its services. supporting the development of occupational health services. The NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS TDA) NHS: Innovation is responsible for overseeing the performance management and governance of NHS trusts, including helping trusts to achieve foundation trust status. Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the next set of high impact innovations The NHS TDA is not formally considering the will be identified as part of the Innovation, Health and application of the Trust Special Administrator’s regime Wealth implementation programme. [150063] for any other NHS trusts at present. However, this remains an option where needed to secure the provision Dr Poulter: NHS England is currently considering of sustainable services. which innovations may constitute the next set of High The NHS TDA will support NHS trusts in improving Impact Innovations that will be a Prequalification Gateway the quality and sustainability of their services for patients. for Commissioning for Quality and Innovation payments It may take a range of bespoke steps depending on the in 2014. 345W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 346W

A catalogue of potential innovations aligned to the Nurses: Training five domains of the NHS Outcomes Framework was launched at the Innovation EXPO 2013. Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for This catalogue lists a collection of ideas gathered as Health what estimate he has made of the effect of his part of ongoing horizon scanning, aimed at identifying planned NHS funding reforms on the number of emerging innovative thinking in healthcare that may applications for nursing degrees in the (a) short and have the potential to form future programmes of work. (b) long term. [150964] A copy has been placed in the Library and is available on the following website: Dr Poulter: Reform of the funding of education and https://innovault.innovation.nhs.uk/pg/dashboard training is designed to provide commissioners of education programmes with the levers to improve the quality of national health service funded education and training, NHS: Physiotherapy including nursing degrees. We would expect this to result in higher quality education and training which will make the programmes more attractive to applicants. John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations his Department has received on access and provision of physiotherapy services for Obesity NHS staff. [150494] Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Dr Poulter: The Department has received representations what assessment he has made of the recommendation on access and provision of physiotherapy services for of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges’ report NHS staff from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Measuring in: the medical profession’s prescription for “Fit enough for Patients? An audit of workplace health the nation’s obesity crisis, published in 2013, to and wellbeing services for NHS staff” (published 13 increase funding for weight management services; and March 2013) is their review of how much progress has if he will implement that report’s recommendation that been made in implementing the Boorman recommendations the Quality and Outcomes Framework be adjusted to from his report on NHS Health and Wellbeing published provide incentives to GPs to refer patients to weight in 2009. management services. [151012]

Anna Soubry: We have noted this report from the NHS: Sick Leave Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. ‘Healthy Lives, Healthy People: A call to action on obesity in England’, published in October 2011, sets out the Government’s John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health approach to tackling obesity in the new public health (1) what plans his Department has to reduce staff and NHS systems and the role of key partners, which sickness absence rates in the NHS; [150495] includes the medical profession, business and other (2) what plans his Department has to review the Government Departments. implementation of the recommendations of the NHS Local authorities are responsible for commissioning Health and Well-being Final Report, published in weight management services. We have set up a new body November 2009. [150498] for public health, Public Health England, to support local authorities in their public health responsibilities, Dr Poulter: The Department commissioned NHS including the identification and spread of good practice. Employers to support the national health service in The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence improving staff health and well-being to help reduce is responsible for reviewing the evidence and making sickness absence by encouraging trusts to implement recommendations on new indicators for the Quality five high impact changes (HICs) developed following and Outcomes Framework to the negotiating parties to the NHS Health and Well-being final report. The five the General Medical Services Contract. HICs are: developing local evidence-based improvement plans; with strong visible leadership; supported by improved A copy of ‘Acall to action’ has already been placed in management capability; with access to better, local, the Library. high-quality accredited occupational health services; where staff are, encouraged and enabled to take more Ophthalmic Services responsibility for their health. The current workplan includes: the identification, Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for production, promotion and mobilisation of good practice; Health how many hospital outpatient appointments supporting the 60 most challenged NHS organisations were recorded for people with a primary or secondary that could release the biggest cash savings, with a further diagnosis of (a) an ophthalmological condition, (b) 45 being added; developing performance in parts of the age-related macular degeneration and (c) wet age- NHS with particular challenges (e.g. ambulance services, related macular degeneration, by primary care trust, in mental health trusts) and supporting the development each of the last five years for which data are available. of occupational health services. [150111] Implementing the five HICs is a matter for individual NHS organisations. The Department has been monitoring Dr Poulter: Tables which record the number of out- progress through regular contractual reviews of the patient attendances for ophthalmic conditions and a support being provided to the NHS by NHS Employers. count of out-patient attendances where the patient had 347W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 348W a primary or secondary diagnosis of macular degeneration Radiotherapy by primary care trust (PCT) for the years specified have been placed in the Library. Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health It is not possible to differentiate between wet and dry (1) pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2013, Official age-related macular degeneration due to the coding Report, column 248W, on Radiotherapy, which UK used. cancer centres delivering Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) are working with the UK SABR Consortium to create the national dataset; [150703] Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) if he will request the UK Stereotactic Ablative Health how many hospital admissions were recorded Radiotherapy Consortium to make its new guidelines for patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of on cancers of the lung, liver and prostate publicly (a) an ophthalmological condition, (b) age-related available; [150705] macular degeneration and (c) wet age-related macular degeneration by primary care trust in each of the last (3) who chairs the UK Stereotactic Ablative five years for which data are available. [150112] Radiotherapy (SABR) Consortium; and what experience that person has in delivering SABR to cancers of the prostate, head and neck, kidney, pancreas, liver and Dr Poulter: Tables which record the number of finished spine; [150706] admission episodes where the patient was seen under an (4) which officials from his Department sit on the ophthalmology treatment speciality and a count of UK Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy Consortium; finished admission episodes where the patient had a and for what reasons the Consortium only meets twice primary or secondary diagnosis of macular degeneration yearly. [150707] by primary care trust (PCT) for the years specified have been placed in the Library. Anna Soubry: The United Kingdom Stereotactic Ablative It is not possible to differentiate between wet and dry Radiotherapy Consortium is a national health service age-related macular degeneration due to the coding group allied to the Royal College of Radiologists, and used. has no formal link to the Department. Queries about the group, its membership and the frequency with which it meets should be addressed to its Chair, Dr Matthew Organs: Donors Hatton, at the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. As set out the previous answer on 13 March 2013, Official Report, column 249W,the consortium has advised Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the Department that it will make the guidance that it what his Department’s policy is on the use of organs has developed more widely available in due course. donated to the NHS being given to fee-paying patients from overseas. [151013] Sepsis

Anna Soubry: The offering process for organs donated Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in the United Kingdom is specified in NHS Directions (1) which Minister in his Department is responsible for given to NHS Blood and Transplant by the Secretary of the performance of the NHS in the (a) diagnosis and State, specifically in paragraph four of the NHS Blood (b) treatment of sepsis; [150608] and Transplant (2005) Directions and associated guidance. (2) what his Department’s policy is on measures to All organs donated in the UK are first offered to ensure that (a) diagnosis of and (b) death from sepsis national health service-entitled patients based on clinical is accurately recorded by NHS trusts; and if he will need. This means people who are ordinarily resident in make a statement. [150609] the UK; that is people who are lawfully living in the UK voluntarily and for settled purpose as part of their Dr Poulter: As Under-Secretary of State for Health, I regular order of their life. It may also include certain am the Minister responsible for the diagnosis and treatment persons who are entitled under European Union law of sepsis, in terms of patient safety. The Under-Secretary and residents of non-European Union countries with of State, my right hon. and noble Friend, Earl Howe, is whom the UK has bilateral health agreements. the Minister responsible for national health service performance matters. Only if the organs are rejected by all designated The recording of data related to sepsis by national transplant units for NHS-entitled patients are organs health service trusts has to comply with World Health then offered to non-NHS entitled patients. Organisation (WHO) coding. The WHO changed the Once entitlement is established and the organ allocated, terminology used in January 2010, to refer to sepsis arrangements may be made for the actual surgery to be rather than septicaemia and the Office for National undertaken on a private basis. The Buggins review Statistics (ONS) reports will, in future, show sepsis ‘Allocation of Organs to Non-UK EU Residents’, published under their categories, rather than septicaemia. This in July 2009, found no evidence that people having their should enable a more accurate reflection of the position. transplant as a private patient were allocated an organ In relation to the collection of data itself, although more quickly. ONS use mandatory death certification to develop data Donated organs save lives and, while priority is given on mortality, the description of the cause of death is a to NHS entitled patients, when there is no such patient matter for local clinical judgment. As part of the Death for an organ the use of it for a non-NHS entitled patient Certification Reforms, the Department will be consulting is allowed in order to save a life and avoid the organ shortly on new guidance to doctors for completing being wasted. Medical Certificates of Cause of Death. 349W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 350W

Officials are exploring with the Academy of Medical service provider is for each number; and which such Royal Colleges and Health Education England how lines (A) are free to the caller and (B) may incur a best to strengthen arrangements for sepsis training and charge to the caller. [150019] give greater prominence to the importance of early detection and treatment of sepsis. Dr Poulter: The following table shows the principal access numbers and service providers for the phone Suicide services managed or promoted on behalf of the Department of Health’s Communication Division as of 27 March Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2013. what discussions he has held with the devolved Administrations on suicide prevention. [150949] Campaign or service Number Service provider Carers Direct 0808 802 0202 SERCO Norman Lamb: The Government is working with the Change4Life 0300 123 4567 SERCO devolved Administrations to share evidence on suicide Drinkline 0800 917 8282 SERCO prevention and effective interventions. A five nations European Health 0300 330 1350 NHS Business official level joint working forum facilitates the sharing Insurance Card Services Authority of best practice between the nations and enhances Frank 0800 776600 SERCO co-operation on mutually beneficial areas of work. Healthy Start 0845 607 6823 SERCO Health Visitor 0300 123 1023 SERCO Tamoxifen Recruitment NHS Careers 0345 60 60 655 SERCO Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Sexual health Line 0800 567123 SERCO Health whether tamoxifen is available UK-wide for the Smokefree 0800 169 0169 SERCO treatment of cancer. [150894] Worth Thinking 0800 28 29 30 SERCO About Norman Lamb: Tamoxifen is licensed for the treatment of breast cancer in the United Kingdom. We are unable to say what a caller may or may not be In England, clinicians can prescribe any product, charged as it depends on their own phone service supplier. including any unlicensed product, subject to their primary The Department uses 080, 03 and 0845 numbers which care organisation agreeing funding, if they feel it is can often be called free depending on the supplier. clinically appropriate for an individual patient after The Department’s new Executive agency, Public Health discussing the potential risks and taking into account England, took over responsibility for a number of these the patient’s medical history. In these circumstances, phone services on 1 April 2013. the clinician is expected to retain clinical responsibility The principal access number for the Department’s for the patient while prescribing the medicine. executive Agency, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, is a standard issued telephone number, Telephone Services 0203 0806000. As such the caller will receive standard call charges dependant on how the caller has placed the John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health call, ie via standard telephone or mobile. The agency for each of the principal access numbers operated by does not operate Freephone numbers; thus the caller (a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he will always incur a charge. is responsible, what revenue has been retained by (i) the The Department has a number of arm’s length bodies telephone provider for that line and (ii) his Department and national programmes eg NHS Employers. Information in each of the last three years. [149996] about telephone services for these bodies is not held centrally and cannot be provided except at disproportionate Dr Poulter: As of 27 March 2013 the principal access cost. numbers operated by the Communication Division of the Department of Health and the Department’s Executive Transverse Myelitis agency, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, do not retain revenue either for the telephone Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for provider, the Department or the agency. This has been Health what consideration his Department has given to the case for at least the last three years. providing funding for research into transverse myelitis; The Department’s new Executive agency, Public Health and what estimate he has made of how many people England, took over responsibility for a number of these are affected by that condition. [150838] phone services on 1 April 2013. The Department has a number of arm’s length bodies Norman Lamb: We have made no estimation of the and national programmes eg NHS Employers. Information number of people affected by transverse myelitis. about telephone services for these bodies is not held The Department’s National Institute for Health Research centrally and cannot be provided except at disproportionate (NIHR) welcomes funding applications for research cost. into any aspect of human health, including transverse myelitis. These applications are subject to peer review John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and judged in open competition, with awards being which telephone lines are operated by (a) his made on the basis of the scientific quality of the proposals Department and (b) the agencies for which he is made. An application has been made to the NIHR responsible for public enquiries or other services; what Health Technology Assessment programme for a trial the (i) principal access number and (ii) telephone of intravenous immunoglobulin versus standard therapy 351W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 352W for the treatment of transverse myelitis in adults and Gregory Barker: We recognise that there are a number children, and this has been recommended for funding of investors keen to see the immediate full implementation subject to contract. of the RHI. However, we are equally aware of the importance of ensuring that we get the design of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS domestic RHI right—if we do not, the effect on investor Foundation Trust confidence could be far more damaging. We must design and deliver a scheme that offers sustainable support and delivers renewable heat in the most cost-effective way, John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for learning from our experience of other schemes and Health when he expects his Department to begin from the evidence stakeholders provided through the engagement with stakeholders on the terms of inquiry consultation process. into the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust. [150999] The extension of the renewable heat premium payment (RHPP) scheme and the continuing dialogue we are Dr Poulter: The inquiry into previous failings in having with stakeholders in the sector are intended to maternity and neonatal services at the University Hospitals mitigate some of the risk of reduced investor confidence. of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust is independent We remain committed to providing a long-term incentive of the Government. The Department is supportive of for deployment of renewable heat installations in the efforts by the local NHS to ensure the investigation is domestic sector. We are continuing to make progress fully transparent, independent and impartial. This includes towards finalising the details of the domestic RHI as the recent appointment of an independent chairmen, quickly as possible, and we intend to announce those Dr Bill Kirkup CBE, to chair the inquiry. Terms of details this summer, and open the scheme for payments reference for the inquiry are a matter for the chair. from spring 2014.

Staff ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Computers and Climate Change how many days of work were carried out by officials in (a) his Department and (b) each of its agencies and non-departmental public Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy bodies on average in each of the last five years; and and Climate Change how many (a) desktop computers, what the total salary cost was of officials in each year. (b) laptop computers and (c) tablet devices his Department [151105] has purchased in the last two years. [151334]

Gregory Barker: In the last two years, DECC have Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and purchased the following: Climate Change (DECC) was created in October 2008. Therefore there is no data available prior to that date. Number All civil servants employed by (a) DECC and (b) its non-departmental bodies for which it is responsible, are (a) Desktop computers 207 expected, on average, to attend for 220 working days per (b) Laptop computers 280 year. This figure excludes weekends, public and privilege (c) Tablet devices 13 leave and annual leave. The total salary costs for civil servants employed by Recruitment DECC are shown in the following table.

Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Total salary cost (£000) Energy and Climate Change what amount his 2008-09 55,664 Department spent on advertising job vacancies in each 2009-10 62,746 year from 2005 to 2009. [150686] 2010-11 70,695 2011-12 76,665 Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change was created in October 2008, therefore expenditure details can only be provided relating to the The annual resource accounts for each of the non- period October 2008 to March 2009. departmental bodies for which DECC is responsible are shown in the following table. The expenditure for this period was £17,000. Hyperlink to annual resource Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Organisation accounts Civil Nuclear Police Authority http://www.cnpa.police.uk/ Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for publications Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has Coal Authority http://coal.decc.gov.uk/en/coal/ made of the effect on investor confidence in the cms/publications/annual_report/ domestic renewable heating sector of the Government’s annual_report.aspx decision to delay introduction of the renewable heat Committee on Climate Change http://www.theccc.org.uk/ ?s=annual+accounts incentive; and if he will make a statement. [151617] 353W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 354W

Mr Duncan: I regularly discuss with the Commissioner Hyperlink to annual resource Organisation accounts General of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) a range of issues including the education of young Nuclear Decommissioning http://www.nda.gov.uk/ refugees in its care. Authority documents/search- results.cfm?renderforprint= Between 2011 and 2015, the UK’s contribution to 0&renderelements=&fieldnames= UNRWA’sgeneral fund will provide, among other things, &rendercontrolidlist=&c7153t1f6= education for over 36,000 refugees a year. The UK has 0&c7153t1f4=0&c7153t1f5=0& also provided support for construction of 12 new schools c7153t1f3=0.91&c7153t1f2=0& in Gaza, supporting at least 24,000 children to attend c7153t1fl=0 school one of which I opened on the 9 April. We The total salary costs shown in the resource accounts provide funding in a way that supports better long term for DECC and the non-departmental bodies for which planning by UNRWAand drives improvements in services it is responsible, in the tables above, include additional and value for money. work carried out through overtime costs.

Wind Power: Lyme Bay Computers

Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for and Climate Change what consideration he has given International Development how many (a) desktop to the use of any part of Lyme Bay as an offshore wind computers, (b) laptop computers and (c) tablet farm; and if he will make a statement. [151156] devices her Department has purchased in the last two years. [151341] Gregory Barker: The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Kingston Mr Duncan: The numbers of desktop computers, and Surbiton (Mr Davey), has given no consideration laptop computers and tablet devices purchased by DFID to the use of Lyme Bay as a possible location for an in the last two years are shown in the following table. offshore wind farm. If such a development proposal is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate it will fall to the Type of computer Number purchased Department in due course to consider the Planning Inspectorate’s recommendation alongside all other Desktop 1215 representations received. Laptop 2811 Tablet 1

The majority of the computers were purchased in the CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT last six months as part of an upgrade of the Department’s technology to replace existing laptops and desktops that were four and eight years old respectively. Computers

Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Developing Countries: Police Culture, Media and Sport how many (a) desktop computers, (b) laptop computers and (c) tablet devices her Department has purchased in the last two Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many police training years. [151330] projects were funded by her Department in 2012-13; Hugh Robertson: The following table sets out how how much funding was given to each project; and if she many desktop computers, laptop computers and tablet will make a statement [151222] devices the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has purchased in the last two years. Mr Duncan: DFID’s support to police training tends to be part of wider, multi-annual security and justice Type of computer Number bought in last two years programmes. DFID does not currently fund any projects purely dedicated to police training and disaggregated Desktop computer 1 data on funding for police training is therefore not Laptop computer 0 available. Tablets (Ipads) 16 DFID spent £27 million on security sector management and reform in 2011-12, which includes support for policing. Funding data for 2012-13 is not yet available.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Developing Countries: Politics and Government Asylum: Education Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many governance International Development what recent discussions she projects were funded by her Department as ODA has had with the UN Relief and Works Agency on the spending in 2012-13; and how much each such project education of young refugees in its care. [150310] cost. [151635] 355W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 356W

Lynne Featherstone: The project database within the need in Syria in addition to refugees and host communities Department’s website at: in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq. The UK is calling http://projects.dfid.gov.uk/ on all parties to the conflict to reach an agreement that provides full information including total planned project allows humanitarian workers full, unfettered humanitarian budget and spend to date by sector of all of the projects access without interference or threat of violence. currently operational, completed and planned. This DFID continues to support the UN-led response in shows that 424 projects currently operational currently Syria and the region and is encouraging the UN to plan contribute towards governance-related activities. for a sustainable long-term humanitarian response. DFID continues to develop its strategy for meeting humanitarian Public Expenditure needs. Telephone Services Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development with reference to the John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for estimated Resource DEL underspend in financial year International Development for each of the principal 2012-13 of £500 million as set out in Table 2.5 of the access numbers operated by (a) her Department and Budget 2013 Red Book which service areas in her (b) the non-departmental public body for which she is Department received reduced resources; what the responsible, what revenue has been retained by (i) the amounts of resource reduction were; and if she will telephone provider for that line and (ii) her make a statement. [150196] Department in each of the last three years. [149998]

Justine Greening: Table 2.5 of the Budget 2013 Red Mr Duncan: No revenue has been retained by DFID Book shows the difference between Budget 2012 plans for the principal access numbers operated by the and Department’s latest estimates of their full-year Department and its non-departmental public bodies. position. The revenue retained by the telephone provider is a The Department will set out its spending for the year matter for the provider and not for the Department. in detail in its annual accounts in the usual way. DFID pays an annual fee to Level 3 Communications for provision of the 0845 number used for the Public Rwanda Enquiry Point and are not charged for the number of calls received by that number. John Mann: Toask the Secretary of State for International Visits Abroad Development which post-genocide reconciliation projects her Department supported in Rwanda in 2012; and which such projects her Department plans to support in Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for 2014-15. [151272] International Development what her Department’s budget was for overseas travel for officials and Ministers in Lynne Featherstone: In 2012, the UK supported the 2012-13. [151361] Public Policy Information Monitoring and Advocacy (PPIMA) project which encourages community Mr Duncan: In 2012-13 DFID spent £11.25 million dialogue and advocacy. The project aims to deliver on travel. This total includes both domestic and overseas improved services and to strengthen social cohesion travel and includes travel expenditure by Ministers and and reconciliation. officials. In the coming period, in addition to supporting a The Department’s chart of accounts does not distinguish second phase of PPIMA, we will support the Aegis between overseas and domestic travel. Trust to deliver a Genocide research and reconciliation programme, and a Kigali based think tank, the Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace, to deliver a project EDUCATION focusing on building peace through research, dialogue and strategic advocacy. Through an Innovation for Academies Education fund, we will also fund ‘I-Witness in Rwanda’, an innovative peace-building project that uses technology Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for to encourage empathy for disadvantaged and vulnerable Education if he will publish the rates of pay for academy groups. brokers. [149520]

Syria Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 18 March 2013]: In May 2012, the Department published information on Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for contractors whose contracts were worth over £58,200 International Development what further assistance she per annum and this information can be found on the plans to provide to aid Syrian civilians. [150276] Department’s website at: http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/ Justine Greening: The UK is a leading donor to the departmentalinformation/transparency/a00209502/tax- humanitarian response in Syria and the region. Following arrangements our announcement at the pledging conference in Kuwait, Academy brokers are listed as Education Advisers. the UK’s total funding for Syria and the region to date Information to cover the remainder of the year 2012/13 is £139.5 million. UK funding is assisting people in for academy brokers is in the following table. 357W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 358W

A B C D E F G H I J(a) J(b) K L M

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — 1yr 0 700 799 per day N Supply of adviser service <2yrs education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme.

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — 1yr 0 700 799 per day N Supply of adviser service <2yrs education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme.

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — 1yr 0 600 699 per day N Supply of adviser service <2yrs education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme.

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — 1yr 0 500 599 per day N Supply of adviser service <2yrs education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme.

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — 1yr 0 500 599 per day N Supply of adviser service <2yrs education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme.

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — <1yr 0 700 799 per day N Supply of adviser service education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme.

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — 1yr 0 400 499 per day N Supply of adviser service <2yrs education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme.

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — 1yr 0 600 699 per day N Supply of adviser service <2yrs education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme.

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — 1yr 0 500 599 per day N Supply of adviser service <2yrs education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme.

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — 1yr 0 600 699 per day N Supply of adviser service <2yrs education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme.

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — 1yr 0 500 599 per day N Supply of adviser service <2yrs education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme.

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — 1yr 0 500 599 per day N Supply of adviser service <2yrs education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme.

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — 1yr 0 600 699 per day N Supply of adviser service <2yrs education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme. 359W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 360W

A B C D E F G H I J(a) J(b) K L M

DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — <1 yr 0 600 699 per day N Supply of adviser service education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme. DFE DFE Education Other Personal — — <1 yr 0 500 599 per day N Supply of adviser service education company advice for the Dept’s Academies programme. DFE DFE Education Other Employment Veredus 1— 2yrs 2 700 799 per day N Supply of adviser business <3yrs education advice for the Dept’s Academies programme. DFE DFE Education Other Employment Veredus 1— 9yrs 2 800 899 per day N Supply of adviser business <10yrs education advice for the Dept’s Academies programme. DFE DFE Education Other Employment Veredus 1— 6yrs 2 800 899 per day N Supply of adviser business <7yrs education advice for the Dept’s Academies programme. DFE DFE Education Other Employment Veredus 1— <1yr 0 600 699 per day N Supply of adviser business education advice for the Dept’s Academies programme. DFE DFE Education Other Employment Veredus 1— 4yrs 2 700 799 per day N Supply of adviser Business <5yrs education advice for the Dept’s Academies programme. DFE DFE Education Other Employment Veredus 1— 2yrs 2 700 799 per day N Supply of adviser business <3yrs education advice for the Dept’s Academies programme. DFE DFE Education Other Employment Veredus 1— 2yrs 2 700 799 per day N Supply of adviser Business <3yrs education advice for the Dept’s Academies programme. DFE DFE Education Other Employment Veredus 1— 4yrs 2 700 799 per day N Supply of adviser business <5yrs education advice for the Dept’s Academies programme. 1 18 King William Street, London, EC4N 7HE Key: A = Sponsor Department. B = Organisation. C = Job title. D = Specialism. E = Contractual chain, i.e. type of organisation that payments are being made to. F = Name of company, business or other entity to which payments are made. G = Address of company, business or other entity to which payments are made. H = Engagement length category. Shows the current continuous engagement period, including any contract renewals. I = Number of contract renewals. J(a) = Total cost of engaging the individual with a range: Lower bound (excludes VAT). J(b) = Total cost of engaging the individual with a range: Upper bound (excludes VAT). K = Payment methods. L = Has the contract been ended and/or the individual brought onto payroll since 31January? Y/N. M = Additional comments.

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Elizabeth Truss: There have been six formal written Education how many complaints have been made to his complaints made to the Department on the conduct of Department about the conduct of academy brokers. named academy brokers in the last 12 months. [149522] 361W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 362W

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Quality, and as our plans are developed further I will be Education into which groups school academies are considering if the charter could now play a useful role organised; and who the designated accountancy officer in helping to raise expectations and drive improvements. is for each such group. [149791]

Child Minding Elizabeth Truss: Academies can operate alone as a single academy trust or as part of a group of academies in a multi-academy trust (one academy trust with Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for responsibility for more than one academy). Single academies Education what estimate he has made of the number of can also be part of an over-arching umbrella trust or childminders active in (a) England and Wales, (b) collaborative agreement. Suffolk and (c) Bury St Edmunds constituency in each The funding agreement requires each academy trust quarter of each of the last three years. [148087] to appoint an Accounting Officer. The Academies Financial Handbook requires each academy trust to designate a Elizabeth Truss: This question is a matter for Ofsted. named individual as its Accounting Officer. The Accounting HM Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has written Officer should usually be the senior executive of the to the hon. Member, and a copy of his response has academy trust and in most cases this will be the Principal been placed in the House Libraries. The response covers or for multi-trusts, the Chief Executive. the information requested for England only, as this is where the Secretary of State for Education, my right Adoption hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), responsibility lies.

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which local authorities have signed up to the Education Adopters Charter to date. [149820] Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Timpson [holding answer 25 March 2013]: The Education if he plans to require all schools to publish Department does not routinely collect information about their policies for building the character of their pupils. the Adopters Charter but in July 2012 the British [148449] Association for Adoption and Fostering, at the Department’s request, conducted an online survey into Elizabeth Truss: The Department has no plans to use of the Charter. Of the 52 agencies that responded 23 require all schools to publish their policies for building had implemented the Charter and another 24 planned the character of their pupils. to do so within the following year. Section 78 of the Education Act 2002 requires the school curriculum to be balanced and broadly based Cabinet Committees and: to prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life; and to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for It is for schools to determine how they do this through Education what proportion of meetings of the Home the teaching of their curriculum and in other ways. Affairs Cabinet Committee he has attended in the last 12 months. [146723] Free School Meals Elizabeth Truss: The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), prioritises attendance at Cabinet Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Committees. Information about the proceedings of Cabinet Education what proportion of children in (a) Suffolk, Committees is not routinely disclosed. (b) Bury St Edmunds constituency and (c) England were eligible for free school meals in (i) primary schools and (ii) secondary schools in each of the last three Care Homes years. [148090]

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws: Information on the number and percentage Education which local authorities have signed up to the of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free Care Homes Charter to date. [149821] school meals is shown in the following tables. Information on the number of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals as at January Mr Timpson [holding answer 25 March 2013]: The 2012 is published in the Statistical First Release ’Schools, draft charter for children and young people living in Pupils and their Characteristics: January 2012’ available children’s homes developed last year was not in the at: event issued. This was in the light of the decision to launch an urgent programme of work to review the http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/datasets/ quality of provision being delivered in children’s homes. a00209478/schl-pupil-charac-jan-2012 I announced on 5 February the key actions being taken Copies of this report will be placed in the House in response to the report of the Expert Group on Libraries. 363W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 364W

State-funded primary and state-funded secondary schools1,2,3: Number and percentage of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals—January each year: 2010 to 2012—England, Suffolk local authority and Bury St Edmunds parliamentary constituency 2010 State-funded primary schools1,2 State-funded secondary schools1,3 No. of pupils % of pupils No. of pupils % of pupils knowntobe knowntobe known to be knowntobe eligible for and eligible for and eligible for and eligible for and claiming free claiming free claiming free claiming free No.onroll4,5 school meals4,5 school meals No. on roll4,5 school meals4,5 school meals

England 3,831,475 709,370 18.5 2,864,345 441,145 15.4

Suffolk 40,121 5,040 12.6 46,024 4,665 10.1

Bury St Edmunds constituency 5,546 481 8.7 9,615 632 6.6

2011 State-funded primary schools1,2 State-funded secondary schools1,3 No. of pupils % of pupils No. of pupils % of pupils knowntobe knowntobe known to be knowntobe eligible for and eligible for and eligible for and eligible for and claiming free claiming free claiming free claiming free No.onroll4,5 school meals4,5 school meals No. on roll4,5 school meals4,5 school meals

England 3,866,885 741,315 19.2 2,837,825 450,275 15.9

Suffolk 41,952 5,612 13.4 44,207 4,423 10.0

Bury St Edmunds constituency 5,629 547 9.7 9,449 687 7.3

2012 State-funded primary schools1,2 State-funded secondary schools1,3 No. of pupils % of pupils No. of pupils % of pupils knowntobe knowntobe known to be knowntobe eligible for and eligible for and eligible for and eligible for and claiming free claiming free claiming free claiming free No.onroll4,5 school meals4,5 school meals No. on roll4,5 school meals4,5 school meals

England 3,941,625 759,040 19.3 2,809,815 449,485 16.0

Suffolk 46,464 6,335 13.6 41,474 4,057 9.8

Bury St Edmunds constituency 6,020 569 9.5 9,303 699 7.5 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes all primary academies, including free schools. 3 Includes city technology colleges and all secondary academies, including free schools. 4 Includes pupils who are sole or dual main registrations. Includes boarders. 5 Pupils who have full-time attendance and are aged 15 or under, or pupils who have part time attendance and are aged between five and 15. Note: National numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. Source: School Census

Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State awarded to universal credit recipients for free school for Education whether he plans to automatically enrol meals is spent on school meals. [150941] eligible students for free school meals. [148748] Mr Laws: The Government’s intention is that free Mr Laws: The Department has no plans to enrol school meals will continue to be provided by schools as eligible students automatically for free school meals. a meal in kind under universal credit. We are, however, considering options to promote GCSE wider use of the eligibility checking service by local authorities so that they can improve their application processes, encouraging more parents to apply online. Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many and what proportion of pupils Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education without statements of special educational needs who what steps he plans to take to ensure that money were (a) eligible and (b) not eligible for free school 365W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 366W meals and who attended mainstream schools that were given in the following table. Information for earlier not academies, achieved 5 A* to C grades including years could be provided only at disproportionate cost. English and mathematics but excluding equivalents is The drop in the number of pupils in 2011/12 is the result each year since 2003. [148523] of the larger proportion of pupils attending academies, who are excluded from this table. Mr Laws [holding answer 18 March 2013]: The requested information for the academic year 2007/08 to 2011/12 is

Achievements at GCSE for pupils1 without a statement of SEN at the end of key stage 4 by free school meal eligibility, 2007/08 to 2011/12 (revised)2, England, state-funded mainstream schools excluding academies Pupils known to be eligible for free All other pupils3 All pupils4 school meals Achieving 5+ A*-C Achieving 5+ A*-C Achieving 5+ A*-C grades excluding grades excluding grades excluding equivalents including equivalents including equivalents including English and English and mathematics English and mathematics mathematics GCSEs GCSEs GCSEs Pupils without a Number of Number of Number of statement of eligible eligible eligible SEN5 pupils Number Percentage pupils Number Percentage pupils Number Percentage

2007/08 65,693 15,258 23.2 497,738 255,863 51.4 563,431 271,121 48.1 2008/09 63,813 16,133 25.3 473,195 252.990 53.5 537,008 269,123 50.1 2009/10 63,780 17,884 28.0 461i450 261.333 56.6 525,230 279,217 53.2 2010/11 62,862 19,095 30.4 438,077 258.765 59.1 500,939 277,860 55.5 2011/12 51,645 15,555 30.1 312,827 174,504 55.8 364,472 190,059 52.1 1 Pupils at the end of key stage 4 in each academic year. 2 Figures for 2007/08 to 2010/11 are based on final data, 2011/12 figures are based on revised data. 3 Includes pupils not eligible for free school meals and for whom free school meal eligibility was unclassified or could not be determined. 4 Includes pupils for whom free school meal eligibility or SEN provision could not be determined. 5 Includes pupils with no identified SEN, SEN pupils without a statement (classified as School Action or School Action plus) and unclassified pupils. Source: National pupil database (2007/08 to 2010/11) and key stage 4 attainment data (2011/12).

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Elizabeth Truss: Details of the Department’s Ministers’ Education how many and what proportion of pupils in meetings with external organisations from May 2010 to each school achieved an A* to C grade in both English September 2012 have been published on our website and mathematics GCSE excluding equivalents in each and data.gov.uk. Details of meetings for February 2013 year since 1997. [150138] will be collated as part of the information for the first quarter of this year and published as soon as possible. Mr Laws [holding answer 26 March 2013]: The information requested for 2005/06 to 2011/12 academic Overtime years has been placed in the House Libraries. Information for other years could be provided only at disproportionate Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for cost as this measure was only routinely produced from Education what the average cost in overtime payments the 2009/10 academic year onwards. was per member of staff in his ministerial private office in the most recent year for which figures are available. Home Education [150496]

Elizabeth Truss: Average expenditure on overtime for Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education the private ministerial office of the Secretary of State what proportion of children in (a) Barnsley Central for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for constituency, (b) South Yorkshire and (c) England Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), in the last financial year were home-educated in the academic year (i) 2010-11 (from 1 March 2012 to 28 February 2013) was £4,956 and (ii) 2011-12 in (A) Foundation Stage, (B) Key per official. Stage 1, (C) Key Stage 2, (D) Key Stage 3 and (E) Key Stage 4. [149904] Priority School Building Programme: Sandwell Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 25 March 2013]: Information on the numbers and ages of home educated Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for children is not collected by the Department for Education. Education when he expects school improvement works to commence on (a) Phoenix Collegiate Academy, (b) Hall Green Primary School and (c) Harvills Hawthorn Official Engagements Primary School under his Department’s Priority School Building programme in Sandwell; if he will Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education inform those schools of his Department’s timetable for what his official engagements were on 12 February works under the programme; and if he will make a 2013. [150497] statement. [150168] 367W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 368W

Mr Laws [holding answer 26 March 2013]: Engagement The Department will set out its spending for the year work will start with Phoenix Collegiate Academy, Hall in detail in its annual accounts in the usual way. Green Primary School and Harvills Hawthorn Primary School between July and September 2013. The Education Pupils: Bullying Funding Agency (EFA) sent a letter to the schools on 20 July 2012 to inform them of this schedule and to Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for confirm that an EFA project director will contact each Education how many incidents of (a) bullying between of the schools to organise an initial meeting during that pupils and (b) verbal and physical abuse of school time period. staff by pupils were recorded in schools in (i) Suffolk, (ii) Bury St Edmunds constituency and (iii) England in each of the last three years. [148099] Public Expenditure Elizabeth Truss: Information is not available in the form requested. Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education with reference to the estimated Resource The Department collects information on the reasons DEL underspend in financial year 2012-13 of £1 billion pupils are excluded from school. This includes exclusions as set out in Table 2.5 of the Budget 2013 Red Book relating to bullying, to physical assault against an adult which service areas in his Department received reduced and to verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an resources; what the amounts of resource reduction adult. were; and if he will make a statement. [150194] Information on the number of permanent and fixed period exclusions by reason for the years 2008/09 to Elizabeth Truss: Table 2.5 of the Budget 2013 Red 2010/11 is given in the tables. Book shows the difference between Budget 2012 plans The latest published information on permanent and and the Department’s latest estimates of its full-year fixed period exclusions is available in the ’Permanent position. and Fixed Period Exclusions from Schools in England In addition to forecast underspend against final plans, 2010/11’ Statistical First Release at: since Budget 2012 the Department has surrendered http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ £612 million of RDEL at the supplementary estimate, a00211337/ of which £612 million is available for future years A copy of the release will be placed in the House through the Budget Exchange mechanism. Library.

State-funded primary, state-funded secondary and special schools1,2,3,4: number of permanent exclusions and fixed period exclusions by reason 2008/09 to 2010/11, England Permanent exclusions Bullying Verbal abuse/threatening behaviour Physical assault against an adult against an adult 2008/095 2009/105 2010/11 2008/095 2009/105 2010/11 2008/095 2009/105 2010/11

England 50 50 60 710 630 510 730 580 570 Suffolk local 00x1797678 authority Bury St 000xx000x Edmunds constituency

Fixed period exclusions (pupils can be excluded more than once) Bullying Verbal abuse/ threatening behaviour Physical assault against an adult against an adult 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11

England 5,140 5,100 4,800 78,350 69,190 65,170 17,200 16,370 16,790 Suffolk local 74 51 49 1,460 1,154 770 216 221 206 authority Bury St Edmunds 10 11 19 257 153 162 31 37 32 constituency x = less than 5 exclusions. 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes primary academies. 3 Includes city technology colleges and secondary academies (including all-through academies). 4 Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. 5 Figures relating to permanent exclusions at national and local authority level are based on incomplete pupil-level data and include some estimation for missing data. Constituency level figures are as reported without estimation. Note: National figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source: School Census 369W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 370W

Pupils: Disadvantaged In the financial year 2012-13, eligibility for the Pupil Premium was extended to include those eligible for Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for FSM at any point in the last six years. This had the Education how many children in Kingston upon Hull effect of increasing the number of pupils in Kingston North constituency qualify for the pupil premium; and upon Hull North constituency eligible for the Deprivation how much has been transferred to each school in Premium or Service Child Premium to 4,680, attracting Kingston upon Hull North under the pupil premium in £2.906 million. each of the last two financial years. [147487] In 2013-14, total Pupil Premium funding will rise from £1.25 billion to £1.875 billion per year. This will Mr Laws [holding answer 12 March 2013]: The Pupil enable the level of funding for the Deprivation and Premium was introduced in April 2011. Pupil Premium Looked After Child Premium to increase to £900 per funding is provided to schools which have on roll pupils pupil and the Service Child Premium to increase to known to be eligible for free school meals (the Deprivation £300 per pupil. Final allocations for 2013-14 are not yet Premium); children in care who have been continuously available. Illustrative Pupil Premium allocations using looked after for at least six months (the Looked After January 2012 pupil numbers show that Kingston upon Child Premium); and children whose parents are serving Hull North constituency will receive approximately £4.196 in the armed forces (the Service Child Premium). million of Pupil Premium funding in 2013-14 for 4,680 In the financial year 2011-12, 3,340 pupils attending eligible pupils. Final allocations for 2013-14 based on schools in Kingston upon Hull North constituency area 2013 pupil numbers will be published in the autumn. were eligible for the Deprivation Premium or Service Child Premium, attracting £1.623 million. It is not A breakdown of Kingston upon Hull North constituency possible to identify, at constituency level, the number of school allocations for the financial years 2011-12, 2012-13 pupils eligible for the Looked After Child Premium or and illustrative allocations for 2013-14 are provided in the number of pupils eligible for the Deprivation Premium Annex A. in Alternative Provision settings.

Annex A: State-funded primary, secondary and special schools, and pupil referral units1, 2, 3, 4: Number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in 2011/128, 9 Deprivation pupil premium6 Number of Percentage Allocation pupils of pupils for the eligible for eligible for deprivation the the pupil deprivation deprivation premium Local School Number on pupil pupil 2011/127 URN Parly const LA authority Estab name roll5 premium premium (£)

132026 Kingston 810 Kingston 1103 Ashwell **** upon Hull upon Hull, Pupil North City of Referral Unit 117713 Kingston 810 Kingston 2002 Appleton 256 50 19.5 24,400 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 133597 Kingston 810 Kingston 2003 The Parks 247 155 62.8 75,640 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117716 Kingston 810 Kingston 2040 Stepney 204 80 39.2 39,040 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117717 Kingston 810 Kingston 2045 Bricknell 625 66 10.6 32,208 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117773 Kingston 810 Kingston 2162 Endike 250 127 50.8 61,976 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117792 Kingston 810 Kingston 2200 The Green 433 284 65.6 138,592 upon Hull upon Hull, Way North City of Primary School 117795 Kingston 810 Kingston 2279 Parkstone 331 56 16.9 27,328 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117796 Kingston 810 Kingston 2280 Hall Road 211 111 52.6 54,168 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117808 Kingston 810 Kingston 2493 Thorpepark 314 206 65.6 100,528 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 371W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 372W

Annex A: State-funded primary, secondary and special schools, and pupil referral units1, 2, 3, 4: Number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in 2011/128, 9 Deprivation pupil premium6 Number of Percentage Allocation pupils of pupils for the eligible for eligible for deprivation the the pupil deprivation deprivation premium Local School Number on pupil pupil 2011/127 URN Parly const LA authority Estab name roll5 premium premium (£)

117816 Kingston 810 Kingston 2647 Sidmouth 190 63 33.2 30,744 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117822 Kingston 810 Kingston 2684 Thoresby 354 80 22.6 39,040 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117898 Kingston 810 Kingston 2822 Cleeve 327 179 54.7 87,352 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117901 Kingston 810 Kingston 2861 Biggin Hill 432 189 43.8 92,232 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117904 Kingston 810 Kingston 2868 Highlands 358 192 53.6 93,696 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117913 Kingston 810 Kingston 2884 Broadacre 294 74 25.2 36,112 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117929 Kingston 810 Kingston 2902 Bude Park 214 94 43.9 45,872 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 118031 Kingston 810 Kingston 3302 Newland 208 51 24.5 24,888 upon Hull upon Hull, St John North City of CofE Primary School 118046 Kingston 810 Kingston 3400 Endsleigh 263 26 9.9 12,688 upon Hull upon Hull, Holy North City of Child RC Primary School 118047 Kingston 810 Kingston 3404 Holy 175 86.8 49.6 42,358 upon Hull upon Hull, Name RC North City of Primary School 118049 Kingston 810 Kingston 3460 St 206 15 7.3 7,320 upon Hull upon Hull, Vincent’s North City of RC Primary School 118050 Kingston 810 Kingston 3500 St 188 48 25.5 23,424 upon Hull upon Hull, Nicholas’ North City of Primary School 118051 Kingston 810 Kingston 3506 St 538 56 10.4 27,328 upon Hull upon Hull, Andrew’s North City of Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School 118052 Kingston 810 Kingston 3508 St Mary 279 63 22.6 30,744 upon Hull upon Hull, Queen of North City of Martyrs RC Primary School 131918 Kingston 810 Kingston 4004 Kingswood 797 239 30.0 116,632 upon Hull upon Hull, College of North City of Arts 118070 Kingston 810 Kingston 4030 Newland 850 249 29.3 121,512 upon Hull upon Hull, School for North City of Girls 373W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 374W

Annex A: State-funded primary, secondary and special schools, and pupil referral units1, 2, 3, 4: Number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in 2011/128, 9 Deprivation pupil premium6 Number of Percentage Allocation pupils of pupils for the eligible for eligible for deprivation the the pupil deprivation deprivation premium Local School Number on pupil pupil 2011/127 URN Parly const LA authority Estab name roll5 premium premium (£)

118103 Kingston 810 Kingston 4113 Kelvin 972 180 18.5 87,840 upon Hull upon Hull, Hall North City of School 118117 Kingston 810 Kingston 4626 St Mary’s 1258 209 16.6 101,992 upon Hull upon Hull, College North City of 118138 Kingston 810 Kingston 7000 Northcott **** upon Hull upon Hull, School North City of 118139 Kingston 810 Kingston 7006 Frederick **** upon Hull upon Hull, Holmes North City of School 118140 Kingston 810 Kingston 7007 Oakfield **** upon Hull upon Hull, North City of Notes: x = Less than five pupils or a percentage based on less than five pupils or an allocation amount based on less than five pupils. * = Allocations for these schools are not included as they are either a maintained special school or PRU. The premium for these establishments is held with the local authority (please see the conditions of grant). 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes primary academies. 3 Includes city technology colleges and secondary academies. 4 Includes maintained special schools, excludes general hospital schools and non-maintained special schools. 5 Full-time equivalent (FTE) pupils in year groups R-11 (where national curriculum year groups do not apply pupils aged four to 15). For all those aged five and over includes sole or dual main registrations only. In pupil referral units, FTE pupils aged four (all registration types) and headcount of pupils aged five to 15 (sole or dual main registrations as well as pupils who are registered with other providers and further education colleges). 6 Full-time equivalent (FTE) number of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals in year groups R-11, (where national curriculum year groups do not apply pupils aged four to 15). For all those aged five and over includes sole or dual main registrations only. In pupil referral units, FTE pupils aged four (all registration types) and headcount of pupils aged five to 15 (sole or dual main registrations as well as pupils who are registered with other providers and further education colleges) known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals. 7 Each FSM eligible pupil will attract £488 through the pupil premium. For pupils in maintained primary and secondary schools funding will be passed to schools via the local authorities. Academies will receive funding from the YPLA. For pupils in maintained special schools and PRU’s funding will be allocated to local authorities to decide whether to pass on funding to the education setting or to hold back funding to manage centrally for the benefit of those pupils it has responsibility for. 8 It is not possible to determine the number of parliamentary constituency pupils recorded on the Alternative Provision census or recorded as looked-after children as they are both local authority returns, and not an establishment level return. Therefore, this figure will be lower then the corresponding figure on the local authority table. 9 The number of service children are not provided at school level due to data protection issues. State-funded primary, secondary, special schools and pupil referral units1, 2, 3, 4: Number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in 2012-138, 9, 10 Deprivation pupil premium6 Number of Percentage pupils of pupils Deprivation eligible for eligible for pupil the the premium deprivation deprivation allocation Parly Local School Number pupil pupil for 2012- URN Const LA authority Estab name on roll5 premium premium 137 (£)

132026 Kingston 810 Kingston 1103 Ashwell **** upon Hull upon Hull, Pupil North City of Referral Unit 117713 Kingston 810 Kingston 2002 Appleton 275 78 28.4 48,594 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 133597 Kingston 810 Kingston 2003 The Parks 247 188 76.1 117,124 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117716 Kingston 810 Kingston 2040 Stepney 216 111 51.4 69,153 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117717 Kingston 810 Kingston 2045 Bricknell 629 102 16.2 63,546 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 375W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 376W

State-funded primary, secondary, special schools and pupil referral units1, 2, 3, 4: Number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in 2012-138, 9, 10 Deprivation pupil premium6 Number of Percentage pupils of pupils Deprivation eligible for eligible for pupil the the premium deprivation deprivation allocation Parly Local School Number pupil pupil for 2012- URN Const LA authority Estab name on roll5 premium premium 137 (£)

117773 Kingston 810 Kingston 2162 Endike 282 172 61.0 107,156 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117792 Kingston 810 Kingston 2200 The Green 440 333 75.7 207,459 upon Hull upon Hull, Way North City of Primary School 117795 Kingston 810 Kingston 2279 Parkstone 323 64 19.8 39,872 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117796 Kingston 810 Kingston 2280 Hall Road 248 161 64.9 100,303 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117808 Kingston 810 Kingston 2493 Thorpepark 316 242 76.6 150,766 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117816 Kingston 810 Kingston 2647 Sidmouth 195 70 35.9 43,610 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117822 Kingston 810 Kingston 2684 Thoresby 361 113 31.3 70,399 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117898 Kingston 810 Kingston 2822 Cleeve 346 236 68.2 147,028 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117901 Kingston 810 Kingston 2861 Biggin Hill 466 293 62.9 182,539 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117904 Kingston 810 Kingston 2868 Highlands 359 246 68.5 153,258 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117913 Kingston 810 Kingston 2884 Broadacre 292 96 32.9 59,808 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117929 Kingston 810 Kingston 2902 Bude Park 205 128 62.4 79,744 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 118031 Kingston 810 Kingston 3302 Newland St 231 77 33.3 47,971 upon Hull upon Hull, John CofE North City of Primary School 118046 Kingston 810 Kingston 3400 Endsleigh 275 40 14.5 24,920 upon Hull upon Hull, Holy Child North City of RC Primary School 118047 Kingston 810 Kingston 3404 Holy Name 187 117 62.6 72,891 upon Hull upon Hull, RC North City of Primary School 118049 Kingston 810 Kingston 3460 St 209 27 12.9 16,821 upon Hull upon Hull, Vincent’s North City of RC Primary School 118050 Kingston 810 Kingston 3500 St 201 70 34.8 43,610 upon Hull upon Hull, Nicholas’ North City of Primary School 377W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 378W

State-funded primary, secondary, special schools and pupil referral units1, 2, 3, 4: Number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in 2012-138, 9, 10 Deprivation pupil premium6 Number of Percentage pupils of pupils Deprivation eligible for eligible for pupil the the premium deprivation deprivation allocation Parly Local School Number pupil pupil for 2012- URN Const LA authority Estab name on roll5 premium premium 137 (£)

118051 Kingston 810 Kingston 3506 St 550 72 13.1 44,856 upon Hull upon Hull, Andrew’s North City of Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School 118052 Kingston 810 Kingston 3508 St Mary 291 85 29.2 52,955 upon Hull upon Hull, Queen of North City of Martyrs RC Primary School 131918 Kingston 810 Kingston 4004 Kingswood 750 390 52.0 242,970 upon Hull upon Hull, College of North City of Arts 118070 Kingston 810 Kingston 4030 Newland 802 372 46.4 231,756 upon Hull upon Hull, School for North City of Girls 118103 Kingston 810 Kingston 4113 Kelvin Hall 1,056 334 31.6 208,082 upon Hull upon Hull, School North City of 118117 Kingston 810 Kingston 4626 St Mary’s 1,270 306 24.1 190,638 upon Hull upon Hull, College North City of 118138 Kingston 810 Kingston 7000 Northcott **** upon Hull upon Hull, School North City of 118139 Kingston 810 Kingston 7006 Frederick **** upon Hull upon Hull, Holmes North City of School 118140 Kingston 810 Kingston 7007 Oakfield **** upon Hull upon Hull, North City of Notes: x = Schools with less than five pupils or a percentage based on less than five pupils or an allocation amount based on less than five pupils have had their figures suppressed for data protection. * = Allocations for these schools are not included as they are either a state-funded special school or pupil referral unit (PRU). The premium for these establishments may be held with the local authority (please see the conditions of grant). 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes primary academies (including free schools) as recorded on the January 2012 census. This does not reflect any academies newly opened since census day. 3 Includes city technology colleges and secondary academies (including free schools) as recorded on the January 2012 census. This does not reflect any academies newly opened since census day. 4 Includes local authority maintained special schools, general hospital schools and special academies (including free schools). This does not reflect any academies newly opened since census day and does not include non-maintained special schools. 5 Full-time equivalent (FTE) number of pupils aged four and over as at 31 August 2011 in reception to year 11 (where national curriculum year groups do not apply and pupils in general hospital schools, includes pupils aged four to 15) as recorded on the January 2012 School and Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) Census. FTEs are calculated on the same basis as the Dedicated Schools Grant. 6 Full-time equivalent (FTE) number of pupils aged four and over as at 31 August 2011 in Reception to Year 11 (where national curriculum year groups do not apply pupils aged four to 15) as recorded on the January 2012 School and PRU Census who are known to have been eligible for free school meals (FSM) in the previous six years (FSM eligibility in the previous six years will be determined by those pupils recorded on the January 2012 School, AP and PRU Census who were recorded as known to be eligible for FSM on any of the censuses (School, PRU and AP censuses) since summer 2006, known as Ever 6). FTEs are calculated on the same basis as the Dedicated Schools Grant. 7 Each Ever 6 eligible pupil will attract £623 through the pupil premium. For pupils in maintained primary and secondary schools funding will be passed to schools via the local authorities. Academies will receive funding from the Education Funding Agency (EFA). For pupils in maintained special schools and PRUs funding will be allocated to local authorities to decide whether to pass on funding to the education setting or to hold back funding to manage centrally for the benefit of those pupils it has responsibility for. 8 The number of eligible looked-after children and FSM pupils recorded on the Alternative Provision Census are not included in school level tables (although are eligible for the pupil premium) as they are taken from local authority returns. 9 The number of service children are not provided at school level due to data protection issues 10 Using data from January 2012 and FSM history on all School Censuses since 2006, known as Ever 6. 379W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 380W

State-funded primary, secondary, special schools and pupil referral units1, 2, 3, 4: Illustrative number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in 2013-148, 9, 10, 11 Deprivation pupil premium6 Number of Percentage pupils of pupils Illustrative eligible for eligible for deprivation the the pupil deprivation deprivation premium pupil pupil allocation Parly Local School Number on premium premium for 2013- URN Const LA authority Estab name roll5 2012-13 2012-13 147 (£)

132026 Kingston 810 Kingston 1103 Ashwell **** upon Hull upon Hull, Pupil North City of Referral Unit 117713 Kingston 810 Kingston 2002 Appleton 275 78 28.4 70,200 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 133597 Kingston 810 Kingston 2003 The Parks 247 188 76.1 169,200 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117716 Kingston 810 Kingston 2040 Stepney 216 111 51.4 99,900 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117717 Kingston 810 Kingston 2045 Bricknell 629 102 16.2 91,800 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117773 Kingston 810 Kingston 2162 Endike 282 172 61.0 154,800 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117792 Kingston 810 Kingston 2200 The Green 440 333 75.7 299,700 upon Hull upon Hull, Way North City of Primary School 117795 Kingston 810 Kingston 2279 Parkstone 323 64 19.8 £57,600 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117796 Kingston 810 Kingston 2280 Hall Road 248 161 64.9 144,900 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117808 Kingston 810 Kingston 2493 Thorpepark 316 242 76.6 217,800 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117816 Kingston 810 Kingston 2647 Sidmouth 195 70 35.9 63,000 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117822 Kingston 810 Kingston 2684 Thoresby 361 113 31.3 101,700 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117898 Kingston 810 Kingston 2822 Cleeve 346 236 68.2 212,400 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117901 Kingston 810 Kingston 2861 Biggin Hill 466 293 62.9 263,700 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117904 Kingston 810 Kingston 2868 Highlands 359 246 68.5 221,400 upon Hull Upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117913 Kingston 810 Kingston 2884 Broadacre 292 96 32.9 86,400 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 117929 Kingston 810 Kingston 2902 Bude Park 205 128 62.4 115,200 upon Hull upon Hull, Primary North City of School 118031 Kingston 810 Kingston 3302 Newland St 231 77 33.3 69,300 upon Hull upon Hull, John CofE North City of Primary School 381W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 382W

State-funded primary, secondary, special schools and pupil referral units1, 2, 3, 4: Illustrative number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in 2013-148, 9, 10, 11

Deprivation pupil premium6

Number of Percentage pupils of pupils Illustrative eligible for eligible for deprivation the the pupil deprivation deprivation premium pupil pupil allocation Parly Local School Number on premium premium for 2013- URN Const LA authority Estab name roll5 2012-13 2012-13 147 (£)

118046 Kingston 810 Kingston 3400 Endsleigh 275 40 14.6 36,000 upon Hull upon Hull, Holy North City of Child RC Primary School

118047 Kingston 810 Kingston 3404 Holy 187 117 62.6 105,300 upon Hull upon Hull, Name RC North City of Primary School

118049 Kingston 810 Kingston 3460 St 209 27 12.9 24,300 upon Hull upon Hull, Vincent’s North City of RC Primary School

118050 Kingston 810 Kingston 3500 St 201 70 34.8 63,000 upon Hull upon Hull, Nicholas’ North City of Primary School

118051 Kingston 810 Kingston 3506 St 550 72 13.1 64,800 upon Hull upon Hull, Andrew’s North City of Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

118052 Kingston 810 Kingston 3508 St Mary 291 85 29.2 76,500 upon Hull upon Hull, Queen of North City of Martyrs RC Primary School

131918 Kingston 810 Kingston 4004 Kingswood 750 390 52.0 351,000 upon Hull upon Hull, College of North City of Arts

118070 Kingston 810 Kingston 4030 Newland 802 372 46.4 334,800 upon Hull upon Hull, School for North City of Girls

118103 Kingston 810 Kingston 4113 Kelvin 1,056 334 31.6 300,600 upon Hull upon Hull, Hall North City of School

118117 Kingston 810 Kingston 4626 St Mary’s 1,270 306 24.1 275,400 upon Hull upon Hull, College North City of

118138 Kingston 810 Kingston 7000 Northcott **** upon Hull upon Hull, School North City of

118139 Kingston 810 Kingston 7006 Frederick **** upon Hull upon Hull, Holmes North City of School 383W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 384W

State-funded primary, secondary, special schools and pupil referral units1, 2, 3, 4: Illustrative number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in 2013-148, 9, 10, 11 Deprivation pupil premium6 Number of Percentage pupils of pupils Illustrative eligible for eligible for deprivation the the pupil deprivation deprivation premium pupil pupil allocation Parly Local School Number on premium premium for 2013- URN Const LA authority Estab name roll5 2012-13 2012-13 147 (£)

118140 Kingston 810 Kingston 7007 Oakfield **** upon Hull upon Hull, North City of Notes: x = Schools with less than five pupils or a percentage based on less than five pupils or an allocation amount based on less than five pupils have had their figures suppressed for data protection. * = Allocations for these schools are not included as they are either a state-funded special school or pupil referral unit (PRU). The premium for these establishments may be held with the local authority (please see the conditions of grant). 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes primary academies (including free schools) as recorded on the January 2012 census. This does not reflect any academies newly opened since census day. 3 Includes city technology colleges and secondary academies (including free schools) as recorded on the January 2012 census. This does not reflect any academies newly opened since census day. 4 Includes local authority maintained special schools, general hospital schools and special academies (including free schools). This does not reflect any academies newly opened since census day and does not include non-maintained special schools. 5 Full-time equivalent (FTE) number of pupils aged four and over as at 31 August 2011 in reception to year 11 (where national curriculum year groups do not apply and pupils in general hospital schools, includes pupils aged four to 15) as recorded on the January 2012 School and Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) Census. FTEs are calculated on the same basis as the Dedicated Schools Grant. 6 Full-time equivalent (FTE) number of pupils aged four and over as at 31 August 2011 in reception to year 11 (where national curriculum year groups do not apply pupils aged four to 15) as recorded on the January 2012 School and PRU Census who are known to have been eligible for free school meals (FSM) in the previous six years (FSM eligibility in the previous six years will be determined by those pupils recorded on the January 2012 School, AP and PRU Census who were recorded as known to be eligible for FSM on any of the censuses (School, PRU and AP censuses) since summer 2006, known as Ever 6). FTEs are calculated on the same basis as the Dedicated Schools Grant. 7 Each Ever 6 eligible pupil will attract £900 through the pupil premium. For pupils in maintained primary and secondary schools funding will be passed to schools via the local authorities. Academies will receive funding from the Education Funding Agency (EFA). For pupils in maintained special schools and PRUs funding will be allocated to local authorities to decide whether to pass on funding to the education setting or to hold back funding to manage centrally for the benefit of those pupils it has responsibility for. 8 The number of eligible looked-after children and FSM pupils recorded on the Alternative Provision Census are not included in school level tables (although they are eligible for the pupil premium) as they are taken from local authority returns. 9 The number of service children are not provided at school level due to data protection issues. 10 Using data from January 2012 and FSM history on all School Censuses since summer 2006, known as Ever 6. 11 These figures are for illustrative purposes only. Final 2013-14 allocations will be based on pupils on roll in January 2013 and FSM history on all pupil level censuses since summer 2007.

Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for identify, at constituency level, the number of pupils Education how much schools in (a) Suffolk, (b) Bury eligible for the Looked After Child Premium or the St Edmunds constituency and (c) England received in number of pupils eligible for the Deprivation Premium funding from the pupil premium in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) in Alternative Provision settings. 2011-12; and how much such schools are expected to In the financial year 2012-13, eligibility for the Pupil receive in 2012-13. [148101] Premium was extended to include those eligible for FSM at any point in the past six years. Mr Laws: The Pupil Premium was introduced in April 2011. Pupil Premium funding is provided to schools In the financial year 2012-13, 1,924,920 pupils in which have oh roll pupils known to be eligible for free England were eligible for the Deprivation, Looked After school meals (the Deprivation Premium); children in Child and Service Child Premium attracting £1.180 care who have been continuously looked after for at billion. least six months (the Looked After Child Premium); In the financial year 2012-13, 20,250 pupils in Suffolk and children whose parents are serving in the armed local authority were eligible for the Deprivation, Looked forces (the Service Child Premium). After Child and Service Child Premium, attracting £12.021 In the financial year 2011-12, 1,303,180 pupils in million. England were eligible for the, Deprivation, Looked In the financial year 2012-13, 2,780 pupils attending After Child and Service Child Premium attracting £622.973 schools in Bury St Edmunds constituency area were million. eligible for the Deprivation Premium or Service Child In the financial year 2011-12, 12,160 pupils in Suffolk Premium, attracting £1,577,000. local authority were eligible for the Deprivation, Looked In 2013-14, total Pupil Premium funding will rise to After Child and Service Child Premium, attracting £5.548 £1.875 billion per year. This will enable the level of million. funding for the Deprivation and Looked After Child In the financial year 2011-12, 1,650 pupils attending Premium to increase to £900 per pupil and the Service schools in Bury St Edmunds constituency area were Child Premium to increase to £300 per pupil. Final eligible for the Deprivation Premium or Service Child allocations for 2013-14 are not yet available. Illustrative Premium, attracting £703,000. It is not possible to Pupil Premium allocations using January 2012 pupil 385W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 386W numbers show that Suffolk local authority will receive Sick Leave approximately £17.269 million, while Bury St Edmunds constituency will receive approximately £2.253 million Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for of Pupil Premium funding in 2013-14. Final allocations Education how many days (a) his Department and (b) for 2013-14 based on 2013 pupil numbers will be published each of its non-departmental public bodies has lost to in the autumn. staff sickness in each of the last five years; and what estimate he has made of the cost of such absence in Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for each year. [147985] Education how many (a) schools and (b) pupils have participated in the pupil premium in (i) Brigg and Goole constituency and (ii) Yorkshire and the Humber Elizabeth Truss: The Department’s latest figures for in the latest period for which figures are available. sickness absence (December 2012) show 4.5 average [150158] working days lost (AWDL) per staff year, down from 8.7 AWDL in December 2009. Notional costs of absence Mr Laws [holding answer 26 March 2013]: The Pupil in 2012 amounted to circa £1.9 million, equalling Premium was introduced in April 2011. Pupil Premium approximately 1.4% of the Department’s total paybill funding is provided to schools which have on roll pupils costs. The Department’s level of sickness absence is known to be eligible for free school meals (the Deprivation significantly lower than civil service averages (7.6 AWDL Premium); children in care who have been continuously per staff year), and a private sector average of 5.7 days looked after for at least six months (the Looked After per person according to the CIPD and 5.9 days per Child Premium); and children whose parents are serving person according to the CBI. Figures for AWDL in the in the armed forces (the Service Child Premium). last five years are set out in the following table: In the financial year 2012-13, 49 schools in the Brigg Headcount (DFE and agencies) and Goole parliamentary constituency attracted Pupil AWDL Premium funding. This amounted to £1.38 million Pupil 2008 7.4 Premium funding in respect of 2,240 pupils eligible for 2009 8.7 the Deprivation Premium or Service Child Premium. It 2010 6.1 is not possible to identify, at constituency level, the 2011 4.7 number of pupils eligible for the Looked After Child Premium or the number of pupils eligible for the 2012 4.5 Deprivation Premium in Alternative Provision settings. The Department does not have data for non- In the financial year 2012-13, 2,245 schools in Yorkshire departmental public bodies. and Humber attracted £126.372 million Pupil Premium funding in respect of 205,550 pupils eligible for the Teachers: Industrial Disputes Deprivation Premium, Service Child Premium or Looked After Child Pupil Premium. The Pupil Premium will increase from £623 in 2012-13 Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State to £900 per pupil in 2013-14 and the Service Premium for Education what discussions he (a) has recently had will increase from £250 to £300 per pupil. Figures from and (b) intends to hold with the National Union of the January 2013 school census which are used to Teachers and NASUWT to negotiate an agreement. determine the allocations for 2013-14 are not yet available. [149320] Illustrative allocations, based on numbers of pupils eligible for the Deprivation Premium or Service Child Mr Laws [holding answer 21 March 2013]: We remain Premium in 2012, suggest that Brigg and Goole fully committed to seeking a resolution to the current parliamentary constituency will attract around £1.991 disputes with the NUT and the NASUWT. We have met million Pupil Premium funding in 2013-14. Illustrative frequently with both unions to discuss their concerns allocations based on numbers of pupils eligible for the and will continue to do so. The Secretary of State for Deprivation Premium, Service Child Premium or Looked Education, the right hon. Member for Surrey Heath After Child Premium in 2012, suggest that Yorkshire (Michael Gove), and the Minister of State for Schools and Humber will attract around £182.284 million Pupil have met with the NUT 13 times and with the NASUWT Premium funding in 2013-14. Final allocations for 2013-14 22 times since the general election. The Secretary of based on 2013 pupil numbers will be published later this State wrote to the NUT and NASUWT on 28 March year. explaining that, although he is happy to discuss any issue with them, the Government’s direction of travel Schools: Defibrillators on changes to teachers’ pension and pay arrangements is now fixed. Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his policy is on having defibrillators in Teachers: Training all schools. [139044] John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws [holding answer 24 January 2013]: There is Education pursuant to the answer of 20 March 2013, currently no requirement on schools to have a defibrillator Official Report, column 724W, on teacher training, if on school premises. It is a matter for individual school he will require initial teacher training providers to determination as to whether they choose to have a report to his Department the number of non-UK defibrillator and to arrange for suitable training of the students who (a) are eligible for and (b) takeupa school workforce in its use. training bursary award. [150299] 387W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 388W

Mr Laws: Data requirements to inform teacher supply Telephone Services policy development are kept under regular review. However there is currently no operational need to collect information John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for on the number of non-UK students who (a) are eligible Education for each of the principal access numbers for and (b) taking up a training bursary award. operated by (a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible, what revenue has been retained by (i) the telephone provider for that line and John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for (ii) his Department in each of the last three years. Education pursuant to the answer of 20 March 2013, [149992] Official Report , column 724W, on teacher training, Elizabeth Truss: A survey of telephone lines in the what data initial teacher training providers are required Department and its agencies confirmed that no revenue to report to his Department about students eligible for has been retained by the telephone providers or the a training bursary award. [150300] Department in the last three years. John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws: Currently initial teacher training (ITT) Education which telephone lines are operated by (a) providers are required to submit data about all trainees his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is enrolled on ITT programmes each year in October. This responsible for public enquiries or other services; what data comprises information about: the training provider; the (i) principal access number and (ii) telephone the trainee (including their name, characteristics, service provider is for each number; and which such qualifications on entry, degree class and subject where lines (A) are free to the caller and (B) may incur a applicable) and the training programme (including subject, charge to the caller. [150015] phase and level of training). Elizabeth Truss: No central list of departmental and This data is used to inform recruitment and assure agency telephone lines is maintained, but following a funding. A summary of the data is published annually survey across the Department and its agencies we can in the DFE school workforce statistics. provide the following.

Name of helpline Number Telephone service provider Charges to the customer

National DFE Telephone inquiry 0370 000 2288 BT See note line and switchboard DFE Publications orderline 0845 60 222 60 BT 3.7p per minute from BT landline (charges may vary dependent on network) 25p per minute from a mobile (charges may vary dependant on network) Contact A Family Telephone 0808 808 3555 CMT (Corporate Management See note Helpline Telecom) Ltd Coram Children’s Legal Centre 0808 802 0008 BT See note Telephone Helpline Family Rights Group Telephone 0808 801 0366 Call Handling See note Helpline Family Lives (formerly Parentline 0808 800 2222 BT See note Plus) Telephone Helpline Gingerbread Telephone Helpline 0808 802 0925 BT See note Young Minds Telephone Helpline 0808 802 5544 Call Handling See note Fosterline 0800 040 7675 Charterhouse See note Teacher Information Line 0800 389 2500 BT See note Return to Teaching 0800 085 0971 BT See note Teacher Inquiry Line/QTS Line 0300 7900 225 BT See note Examinations Administration 0300 100 0100 Maintel See note Line Education Funding Agency 0800 121 8989 BT See note Learner Support—Student Helpline Education Funding Agency 0845 600 7979 BT See note Learner Support—Provider Helpline National College helpdesk 0845 609 0009 BT See note STA National Curriculum 0300 303 3013 Maintel See note Assessment line STA Order Line 0300 303 3015 Maintel See note STA Modified Tests helpline 0300 303 3019 Maintel See note Governorline 0800 072 2181 BT See note National Gateway for Adoption 0300 222 0022 BT See note (operating as First4Adoption) 389W Written Answers16 APRIL 2013 Written Answers 390W

Note: Ofcom definition of costs: 03 numbers Calls cost no more than calls to geographic numbers (01 or 02) and must be included in inclusive minutes and discount schemes in the same way. Calls from landlines are typically charged between 2p and 10p per minute; calls from mobiles typically cost between 10p and 40p per minute. Calls from landlines and mobiles are included in free call packages. 0800 and 0808 numbers Calls are normally free of charge from landlines but charges may apply from mobile phones. However, the operator must make an announcement before the call is connected telling the caller that they will be charged (the announcement does not state the exact charge). Calls from mobiles typically cost up to 31 p per minute. 0845 numbers Calls are typically charged at between 1p and 10.5p per minute depending on the time of day for landline customers, and often include a call set-up fee. Calls from mobile phones generally cost between 12p and 41p per minute.’

Written Questions Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answers of 12 February 2013, Official Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Report, column 649W and 11 March 2013, Official Education whether answers to parliamentary questions Report, column 12W,on written questions, what discussions from Ministers within his Department are ever subject Ministers of his Department had on the guidance issued; to wider ministerial consultation before being signed by what training Ministers in his Department have received the answering Minister. [150130] on written questions; and if he will make a statement. [150132] Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 25 March 2013]: It is often the case that an answer will be seen by more than Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 26 March 2013]: one Minister. In particular, this occurs when a Commons Ministers in this Department have not discussed the question falls within a Lords Minister’s policy Cabinet Office guidance about how websites are referenced responsibilities, or when a Lords question falls within a in written PQ answers, although officials have. All Ministers Commons Minister’s responsibilities. It may also happen receive information about the handling of parliamentary when a PQ answer crosses more than one Minister’s business as part of their induction to the Department, responsibilities. This is to ensure members receive the and all Ministers comply with the Ministerial Code most accurate and up-to-date reply. with respect to their duties to Parliament.

ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH ...... 147 HEALTH—continued Cancer ...... 148 Muscle-Wasting Conditions...... 157 Cancer ...... 159 Radiotherapy ...... 147 Cardiovascular Disease...... 150 Rheumatoid Arthritis ...... 160 Dementia ...... 152 Royal Lancaster Infirmary...... 161 Early Intervention...... 153 Tobacco Product Packaging...... 155 Hospices ...... 158 Topical Questions ...... 162 Hospital Services: Trafford ...... 159 Kettering General Hospital...... 161 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ...... 25WS HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 28WS Private Rented Sector...... 25WS European Arrest Warrants: Data ...... 28WS

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 26WS Correction to Parliamentary Question: Nappy Disposal.. 26WS Dangerous Dogs ...... 28WS WORK AND PENSIONS...... 29WS Wild Animals in Circuses...... 27WS Credit Unions ...... 29WS PETITION

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT...... 1P Development of Greenfield land (Irchester, Northamptonshire)...... 1P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 15 April 2013—[Continued.]

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 258W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Aerospace Technology Institute...... 258W Work Experience...... 276W Age: Discrimination...... 258W Apprentices...... 258W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT...... 215W Arms Trade: Bahrain ...... 258W Council Tax: Disability ...... 215W Business: Advisory Services ...... 259W Electrical Safety: Inspections ...... 216W Business: East Midlands ...... 259W Empty Property: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 216W Business: Loans ...... 260W Fire Services...... 217W Climate Change ...... 261W Fracking: Planning Permission ...... 218W Copyright ...... 261W Hotels ...... 219W Disclosure of Information ...... 261W Housing: Planning Permission ...... 219W Economic Growth: Republic of Ireland...... 262W Local Government Finance: Tees Valley...... 219W Energy: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 262W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 220W Executives: Pay ...... 262W Official Hospitality ...... 220W Foreign Investment in UK ...... 263W Overview and Scrutiny Committees ...... 220W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 263W Pay...... 220W Higher Education: Scotland...... 266W Property Rights...... 221W Insolvency Service: Stockton On Tees...... 267W Public Expenditure ...... 221W Land Registry ...... 267W Sick Leave...... 222W Local Enterprise Partnerships...... 267W Social Rented Housing: Asbestos...... 223W Minimum Wage ...... 268W Telephone Services...... 224W Overseas Trade: Eritrea...... 268W Training ...... 224W Overseas Trade: South Korea...... 268W Travellers...... 226W Postal Services: Northern Ireland ...... 269W Urban Areas ...... 227W Postal Services: Visual Impairment ...... 269W Students: Finance ...... 269W HEALTH ...... 184W Telephone Services...... 270W Accident and Emergency Departments: Greater Unemployment: Older People...... 274W Manchester ...... 184W Visits Abroad...... 276W Alder Hey Children’s Hospital ...... 185W Vocational Training: Young People...... 276W Azathioprine...... 185W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued TREASURY—continued Brain: Tumours...... 186W Public Expenditure: Northern Ireland ...... 181W Cancer: East Midlands...... 187W Recruitment ...... 182W Care and Support Bill (Draft)...... 187W Royal Liverpool Hospital...... 182W Deloitte...... 188W Tax Allowances: Video Games...... 182W Dementia ...... 188W Taxation: Self-assessment...... 182W Diabetes...... 188W Venture Capital...... 183W Endocrinology ...... 189W Epilepsy ...... 189W WORK AND PENSIONS...... 228W Fertility...... 190W Airdrie ...... 228W Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome ...... 191W Children: Maintenance ...... 228W Health and Wellbeing Boards ...... 191W Citizens Advice Scotland ...... 229W Health Services ...... 192W Cold Weather Payments: Bassetlaw...... 229W Hip Replacements...... 193W Cold Weather Payments: Scotland ...... 230W Horses: Slaughterhouses ...... 194W Contingencies Fund...... 231W Hospital Beds: Greater London...... 194W Disability Living Allowance: Young People ...... 231W Isosorbide Mononitrate ...... 194W Disclosure of Information ...... 231W Medicine: Overseas Students ...... 194W Employment and Support Allowance: Airdrie ...... 232W Meetings ...... 195W Food Banks...... 232W Mental Health Services: Young People ...... 195W Future Jobs Fund: Airdrie ...... 232W Mental Health: Young People...... 196W Housing Benefit: Barrow in Furness ...... 233W NHS: Land ...... 197W Housing Benefit: Scotland ...... 233W NHS Property Services ...... 196W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 233W NHS: Redundancy Pay ...... 197W Housing Benefit: Wigan...... 234W NHS: Reorganisation...... 197W Industrial Health and Safety: Agriculture...... 235W NHS: Standards...... 198W Jobcentre Plus...... 235W Nurses: East Midlands...... 198W Jobcentre Plus: Airdrie...... 237W Nurses: Greater London ...... 207W Jobcentre Plus: Internet ...... 237W Pancreatic Cancer ...... 209W Jobcentre Plus: Wigan...... 238W Prostatitis...... 210W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 238W Public Expenditure ...... 211W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland...... 242W Self-harm: East Midlands ...... 211W Labour Market: North East...... 242W Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust...... 212W Members: Correspondence ...... 243W Staff ...... 213W National Insurance Contributions: Part-time Tattooing ...... 214W Employment...... 243W Tourette’s Syndrome ...... 214W Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations Visual Impairment ...... 215W 2010...... 243W Pension Credit ...... 243W Recruitment ...... 244W TREASURY...... 175W School Meals ...... 244W Air Passenger Duty ...... 175W Sign Language ...... 244W Alcoholic Drinks: Prices ...... 175W Social Security Benefits...... 244W Banks: Loans ...... 175W Social Security Benefits: Appeals ...... 246W Betting Shops: Taxation...... 175W Social Security Benefits: Disability...... 247W Business: Loans ...... 176W Social Security Benefits: EU Nationals ...... 247W Debts: Developing Countries...... 176W Social Security Benefits: Fraud ...... 248W Debts: East Africa ...... 176W Social Security Benefits: Greater London ...... 248W European Investment Bank...... 176W Social Security Benefits: Scotland...... 250W Gift Aid ...... 177W Social Security Benefits: Wales...... 249W Gift Aid: Brigg...... 177W State Retirement Pensions: Females...... 250W Income Tax...... 177W Unemployment Benefits: Foreign Nationals ...... 251W Minimum Wage ...... 177W Unemployment Benefits: Greater London ...... 251W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 178W Unemployment Benefits: North Lanarkshire...... 253W National Insurance Contributions: Scotland ...... 179W Universal Credit...... 253W Nuclear Power Stations: Finance ...... 179W Work Capability Assessment...... 256W Part-time Employment: Overseas Students ...... 180W Work Programme: Greater London ...... 257W Poverty: Children...... 180W Workfare...... 257W WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 296W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Fireworks: Lancashire...... 296W Public Expenditure ...... 322W Recruitment ...... 297W Students: Loans ...... 322W Training ...... 323W Training: Older People ...... 323W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 318W Beko...... 318W Business: Loans ...... 318W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 318W CABINET OFFICE ...... 310W Higher Education: Scotland...... 319W Disclosure of Information ...... 310W New Businesses: Young People ...... 319W Employment: Lancashire ...... 310W Pay...... 320W Lung Cancer ...... 310W Post Offices ...... 320W Overseas Students...... 311W Post Offices: Photographs ...... 321W Prostate Cancer: Lancashire ...... 312W Postgraduate Education...... 321W Recruitment ...... 313W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ...... 324W HEALTH—continued Enterprise Zones...... 324W Dental Services: Foreign Nationals ...... 333W Homelessness: City of Westminster ...... 324W Diabetes...... 333W Homelessness: Greater London ...... 324W Diabetes: Peterborough...... 334W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 325W Disclosure of Information ...... 335W Local Government: Liverpool...... 325W Food: Inspections ...... 335W General Practitioners...... 337W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 353W Health Care: York and North Yorkshire ...... 329W Computers ...... 353W Health Services: Bulgarian and Romanian Migrants ...... 330W Health Services: Foreign Nationals ...... 338W DEFENCE ...... 283W Hospitals: Food ...... 338W Armed Forces: Sexual Offences...... 283W Hospitals: Hydration ...... 339W Defence Science and Technology Laboratory...... 284W Hospitals: Waiting Lists...... 339W Military Aircraft: Helicopters ...... 284W In Vitro Fertilisation ...... 339W MOD Ashchurch ...... 284W Kidneys: Diseases ...... 339W Porton Down: Animal Experiments...... 285W Mental Health Services...... 341W RAF Brize Norton...... 285W Mental Health Services: Young People ...... 342W Rescue Services ...... 286W NHS: Finance...... 343W NHS: Health...... 344W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER...... 292W NHS: Innovation ...... 344W Lobbying ...... 292W NHS: Physiotherapy ...... 345W NHS Reorganisations ...... 329W NHS: Sick Leave...... 345W EDUCATION...... 356W Nurses: Training ...... 346W Academies ...... 356W Obesity...... 346W Adoption ...... 361W Ophthalmic Services ...... 346W Cabinet Committees ...... 361W Organs: Donors ...... 347W Care Homes...... 361W Radiotherapy ...... 348W Child Minding ...... 362W Redundancy Payments...... 330W Education ...... 362W Sepsis ...... 348W Free School Meals ...... 362W Suicide ...... 349W GCSE ...... 364W Tamoxifen...... 349W Home Education...... 365W Telephone Services...... 349W Official Engagements ...... 365W Transverse Myelitis ...... 350W Overtime...... 366W University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Priority School Building Programme: Sandwell ...... 366W Foundation Trust ...... 351W Public Expenditure ...... 367W Pupils: Bullying...... 368W Pupils: Disadvantaged ...... 369W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 301W Schools: Defibrillators ...... 385W Alcoholic Drinks: Prices ...... 301W Sick Leave...... 386W Asylum: Pregnant Women ...... 302W Teachers: Industrial Disputes...... 386W Crime Prevention: Drugs ...... 302W Teachers: Training...... 386W Demonstrations ...... 303W Telephone Services...... 388W Deportation: EU Nationals ...... 303W Written Questions ...... 389W Disclosure of Information ...... 304W Domestic Violence ...... 304W Drugs: Misuse...... 305W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 351W Entry Clearances...... 305W Computers ...... 351W Entry Clearances: Married People ...... 305W Recruitment ...... 351W G4S...... 306W Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme ...... 351W Immigrants: English Language ...... 306W Staff ...... 352W Offences Against Children ...... 307W Wind Power: Lyme Bay...... 353W Pay...... 307W Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Scheme...... 308W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 277W Staff ...... 308W Environment Agency ...... 277W Telephone Services...... 309W EU Grants and Loans ...... 277W Floods: Insurance ...... 278W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ...... 353W Food: Inspections ...... 279W Asylum: Education ...... 353W River Thames...... 280W Computers ...... 354W Telephone Services...... 281W Developing Countries: Police...... 354W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 283W Developing Countries: Politics and Government ...... 354W Public Expenditure ...... 355W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ...... 325W Rwanda...... 355W Burma...... 325W Syria ...... 355W Colombia...... 326W Telephone Services...... 356W Disclosure of Information ...... 327W Visits Abroad...... 356W India ...... 327W Macedonia...... 328W JUSTICE ...... 313W Nepal ...... 328W HM Courts and Tribunals Service: Cumbria ...... 313W Visits Abroad...... 328W Judiciary ...... 313W Law of Property Act 1925...... 314W HEALTH ...... 329W Meetings ...... 314W ABP Food Group ...... 330W Offenders: Fines...... 315W Alzheimer’s Disease...... 330W Redundancy...... 315W Bisphenol A...... 331W Social Security Benefits: Appeals ...... 315W Co-cyprindiol...... 331W Solicitors: Fees and Charges ...... 316W Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia...... 332W Vetting ...... 316W Defibrillators ...... 332W Wills...... 317W Dementia ...... 333W Work Capability Assessment: Appeals ...... 317W Col. No. Col. No. NORTHERN IRELAND...... 295W TREASURY...... 293W Pay...... 295W Charities ...... 293W Corporation Tax: Scotland ...... 293W PRIME MINISTER ...... 286W Disclosure of Information ...... 294W Electoral Register...... 286W Income Tax...... 294W Nepal ...... 287W Poverty: Children...... 294W VAT: Veterinary Services...... 295W TRANSPORT...... 297W Bicycles: Hire Services...... 297W WORK AND PENSIONS...... 287W Biofuels...... 298W Asbestos ...... 287W Bus Services: Northern Ireland ...... 298W Computers ...... 287W Driving: Licensing ...... 298W Credit Unions ...... 288W Insurance ...... 299W Employment and Support Allowance: Scotland...... 288W M6: Heysham ...... 299W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 288W Maritime and Coastguard Agency...... 299W Jobcentre Plus...... 289W Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions ...... 300W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 289W Railways: North West ...... 300W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland...... 289W Rescue Services: Cumbria ...... 300W Pensioners: Poverty...... 289W Road Signs and Markings...... 301W Personal Independence Payment...... 290W Roads: Accidents ...... 301W Social Security Benefits: Halton...... 291W Silverdale Station...... 301W Telephone Services...... 292W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Tuesday 23 April 2013

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PRICES AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES DAILY PARTS Single copies: Commons, £5; Lords, £4. Annual subscriptions: Commons, £865; Lords, £600. LORDS VOLUME INDEX obtainable on standing order only. Details available on request. BOUND VOLUMES OF DEBATES are issued periodically during the session. Single copies: Commons, £105; Lords, £60 (£100 for a two-volume edition). Standing orders will be accepted. THE INDEX to each Bound Volumeof House of Commons Debates is published separately at £9·00 and can be supplied to standing order. All prices are inclusive of postage Volume 561 Tuesday No. 140 16 April 2013

CONTENTS

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 147] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Health

Abortion Statistics [Col. 169] Motion for leave to bring in Bill—(Fiona Bruce)—agreed to Bill presented, and read the First time

Growth and Infrastructure Bill [Col. 172] Programme motion (No. 3)—(Karen Bradley)—agreed to Lords amendments considered

Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill [Col. 210] Programme motion (No. 3)—(Mr Randall)—on a Division, agreed to Lords amendments considered

Defamation Bill [Col. 265] Programme motion (No. 2)—(Mr Swayne)—on a Division, agreed to Lords amendments considered

Groceries Code Adjudicator [Col. 288] Programme motion (No. 4)—(Mr Syms)—agreed to

Draft Voting Eligibility (Prisoners) Bill (Joint Committee) [Col. 294] Motion—(Mr Lansley) Amendment—(Mr Chope) Motion agreed to

Sittings of the House (Wednesday 17 April) [Col. 304] Motion—(Mr Lansley)—on a Division, agreed to

Sergei Magnitsky Case: Visa Restrictions [Col. 321] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Off-gas Grid Households [Col. 1WH] Pupil Premium [Col. 25WH] AS-levels and A-levels [Col. 33WH] Persecution of Christians [Col. 58WH] Nursery Funding [Col. 67WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 25WS]

Petition [Col. 1P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 175W] [see index inside back page]