Monday Volume 551 22 October 2012 No. 53

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 22 October 2012

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2012 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 679 22 OCTOBER 2012 680

Mr Hammond: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. He is House of Commons absolutely right. As we build our Army reserve to a level of trained strength of 30,000, it will be essential that we Monday 22 October 2012 capture the skills of regular Army leavers, not just to help us with the numbers but because of the resilience The House met at half-past Two o’clock that they will give to reserve forces. I promise him that that is what we will do. PRAYERS Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Following Labour’s [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] lead, employers such as John Lewis and O2 will guarantee to interview veterans applying for jobs. Will the Minister Oral Answers to Questions introduce this scheme to all public sector employers? Mr Hammond: One of the tasks that we have asked Lord Ashcroft to undertake is a discussion across DEFENCE Government and the wider public sector to see what more we can do to ensure that service leavers have the The Secretary of State was asked— very best opportunities in relation not only to employment Service Leavers (Support) but access to benefits and social housing—all the other things that they need. I assure the hon. Gentleman that 1. Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): What from my knowledge of Lord Ashcroft I am sure he will recent assessment he has made of the support given to do this extremely thoroughly. service leavers when re-entering civilian life. [123711] The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): My right Providing transitional support to service leavers is a hon. Friend knows very well, not least from the excellent high priority. Those who have completed a minimum report produced by the Under-Secretary of State for duration in the armed forces are offered a framework of Defence, my hon. Friend the Member for South West support services. Of those who make use of this framework, Wiltshire (Dr Murrison), that one of the biggest problems over 90% of those seeking work find employment within facing returning servicemen is mental health problems, six months of leaving the armed forces. However, we not only when they first get back but for very many believe we can do more, and I announced in September years thereafter. What extra steps can the Secretary of the appointment of Lord Ashcroft as the Prime Minister’s State take to make sure that we alleviate the worst special representative for veterans’ transition. He has a effects of these mental disturbances? long-standing interest in the armed forces and a track record of support for veterans’ charities. He will review Mr Hammond: As my hon. Friend will know, the the support available to service leavers making the excellent report produced by my hon. Friend the Under- transition to civilian life and make recommendations Secretary is being taken forward by the Government. for improving that support and for better co-ordination We will continue to work closely with the Department across Government and with service charities. We look of Health and others to look at how best we can forward to receiving his recommendations in due course. implement the remaining recommendations in that report. Hazel Blears: I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that reply. Over the next two years, 9,000 brave men Mr Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire) (Lab): May I and women who have put their lives on the line for our congratulate the new ministerial team who have found country will be coming home from Afghanistan. They their places on the Front Bench today? It is only a will need help to find a home and retrain to find a job, shame that that comes at the expense of their dedicated and support for their families. At the moment, they are and highly effective predecessors, who deserve the thanks often pushed from pillar to post around local authorities. of everyone in all parts of the House. If there were a veterans champion in each local authority Many of our armed forces are currently being made who could co-ordinate those services, they could make redundant. One of the worries is that the Ministry of the system work effectively for those veterans coming Defence seems to be trying to save money by sacking home. Will the Secretary of State consider the campaign experienced people very close to their full pension for veterans champions in each local authority area and entitlement. I have been contacted by angry and give it his support? disappointed family members who feel very let down by this approach. Will the Secretary of State confirm that Mr Hammond: The right hon. Lady is absolutely in future rounds of service redundancies he will take right that local authorities are a vital part of this into account proximity to pension qualification when equation. I am pleased to be able to tell her that more deciding whom to make redundant? than 150 local authorities so far have signed up to the community covenant. I will certainly make her specific Mr Hammond: I am extremely grateful to the right point to Lord Ashcroft and ask him to consider it very hon. Gentleman for his generous comments on the carefully in his deliberations. retiring ministerial team, and I am sure that he will Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Will my right hon. appreciate that my new Front-Bench colleagues will Friend assure me that maximum effort is being put into give him an equally hard time in future. trying to recruit to the reserve Army people who have As the right hon. Gentleman knows, proximity to been well trained in the armed forces but are leaving, so pension point is not and cannot be a determining factor that we do not lose their expertise? in selection for redundancy. Wherever we set the bar—we 681 Oral Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Oral Answers 682 have made some reductions in the immediate pension shareholding issues experienced by BAE and its associates? point for those being made redundant—some people Does he not understand that this has caused a lot of will, unfortunately, fall just short of it and it is inevitable unease among them? that they will feel a sense of injustice. The legal advice that I have received is that it would not be appropriate—we Mr Hammond: I am not quite sure what the hon. would be subject to challenge—if we used proximity to Gentleman means by saying that I did not take account pension point as a criterion in redundancy selection. of shareholding issues. The Government made it clear that we understood the reasons why the companies were Mr Murphy: There will be disappointment at that attracted to a possible merger and that we were willing answer, not least in the pension justice for troops campaign, to listen to the arguments for it, subject to setting out one of whose high-profile supporters is Sergeant Lee clear red lines about the UK’s national interest with Nolan, who served our country in Iraq, Bosnia and regard to national security, our technology base and Kosovo, and who was sacked just 72 hours before protecting jobs. It subsequently became clear that the qualifying for his full pension. So disgusted is he that he UK’s red lines could not be satisfied while simultaneously has returned all six of his medals to Downing street in satisfying those of the French and German Governments. protest. Will the Secretary of State at least enter into It also became clear—I think that this is the point of the all-party talks, with the aim of guaranteeing that no hon. Gentleman’s question—that not all the shareholders one currently serving in Afghanistan will be affected in on either side of the transaction were satisfied that it this way? It is simply wrong and not good enough for made sense. someone who has served our country bravely and for many years in Iraq, Afghanistan or any other theatre to Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): I strongly be sacked so close to qualifying for their full pension support my right hon. Friend’s red lines, but I put it to entitlement. him that the palpable failure of BAE’s business model— which, basically, focused only on defence—and the Mr Hammond: Before the right hon. Gentleman climbs shortcomings in its current management should not be any further on his high horse, I remind him that we are allowed to drive us into an unsatisfactory situation, and having to make reductions in the size of our armed that, such is the value of the assets that it controls, we forces to deal with the legacy that we inherited from the may in the long run have to take a less than entirely Labour party. Nobody who is serving on operations or hands-off approach to the company. who is on post-operational leave is eligible for selection for redundancy. The right hon. Gentleman knows that Mr Hammond: As my hon. Friend would expect, the we are deeply sympathetic with regard to those very Ministry of Defence has a close working relationship difficult cases in which people missed their immediate with BAE Systems as our largest supplier. The company pension point by a very short period, but I assure him has a substantial order book, a profitable business and that the legal advice is unambiguous on the issue. strong cash flow, and it will continue to operate as an independent British business. Clearly, it will face challenges Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Con): Will the Secretary as its principal customers shrink their budgets, and it of State join me in congratulating the Newark Patriotic will need to adapt its business model for the future. Fund, particularly Mrs Sue Gray and Mrs Karen Grayson, for its work? It is tireless, splendid and could very easily Veterans (Support) be copied by hon. Members, so could I encourage him to encourage them? 4. Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Mr Hammond: I can honestly say that I have not Work and Pensions on steps to ensure that seriously come across the Newark Patriotic Fund, but I have no wounded war veterans will receive a minimum of doubt that my hon. Friend will acquaint me with it £130 per week towards the cost of care and living. intimately in the near future. I look forward to disseminating [123714] its good intentions. The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark BAE Systems/EADS Merger Francois): The Defence Secretary has regular discussions with his Cabinet colleagues regarding the support provided 3. Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): to those who have been seriously wounded while serving What discussions he has had on the proposed merger of in the armed forces. The matter has also been discussed BAE Systems and EADS. [123713] by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Armed Forces Covenant. Work on minimum payments is at an early The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): stage, but Ministry of Defence officials continue to I was involved in a number of discussions regarding the work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions possible merger of BAE Systems and EADS, as proposed to develop the support that we provide to service personnel by the companies themselves, prior to their mutual and veterans. decision to end negotiations on 10 October. Julie Hilling: There seems to be a little hope in the Mr Cunningham: I first pay tribute to the former Minister’s answer. Will he say what is being done now Minister with responsibility for procurement. When we about veterans who have already lost their disability had problems and needed meetings to resolve difficulties, living allowance? My constituent Aaron Moon lost his he was one of the very first to arrange such meetings. leg in Afghanistan and had more than six months We never had a problem. Having said that, why did without disability living allowance. Surely that is not the Secretary of State not take into consideration the the right way to treat our wounded heroes. 683 Oral Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Oral Answers 684

Mr Francois: I hope that we can offer the hon. Lady At that stage, the Prime Minister’s message clearly had some good news. When the personal independence payment not filtered through to Ministers at the Department for comes in, anyone will be able to apply for it. However, Work and Pensions. Will the Minister clarify how far seriously injured service personnel and ex-service personnel back the policy that he has announced today will apply? will instead be able to apply for a separate payment, which will guarantee that they will not be worse off Mr Francois: It was an enjoyable trip, but what goes than under disability living allowance. Under that payment, on tour stays on tour. they will not be subject to periodic reassessment, as PIP As I have already tried to explain, there will be a recipients will be. The separate payment, which is known special payment called the AFIP, which we hope will be as the armed forces independence payment, or AFIP, able to address the bulk of these issues. The hon. Lady will be available to those in receipt of an award from the will know from her interest in the field that the second armed forces compensation scheme at tariff levels 1 to principle of the armed forces covenant is special treatment 8, or with an entitlement to a guaranteed income payment where appropriate, especially for the injured or bereaved. of 50% or higher. We hope that the AFIP will play into that and be an example of the second principle of the covenant in 11. [123722] Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): Does action. the Minister share my concern that multiple amputee UK soldiers are not receiving the Genium X2 product, Nuclear Fleet which is generally accredited as the best available in the prosthetics field and is used by the US? Will he agree to 5. David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): Whether meet triple amputee Rifleman Jack Otter, who is my his Department has undertaken any preparations for constituent, to understand the difficulties and worries the removal of the nuclear fleet from HMNB Clyde in that such people have? the event of Scottish independence. [123715]

Mr Francois: I understand that my hon. Friend’s The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Andrew Question was further down the Order Paper, but has Robathan): The UK Government are confident that been grouped with another Question. However, using the people of Scotland will choose to remain part of the the principles of military flexibility, I will attempt to be United Kingdom, and we are not making plans for fleet of foot. Scottish independence. We therefore have no plan for the strategic nuclear deterrent to be relocated from its I am familiar with the issue that my hon. Friend current home at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde. raises. The Ministry of Defence has made considerable investments at Headley Court to provide a world-class David Mowat: The Minister will be aware that last service for those with prosthetics. I was present when week the Scottish National party decided that an His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales opened the new independent Scotland would join NATO, availing itself £17 million Jubilee rehabilitation wing, which was paid of the nuclear umbrella. It then voted to evict the UK for by the Ministry of Defence. The Secretary of State deterrent from the Clyde. Replicating that facility would has recently announced a further £5 million of investment. cost millions and take many years. Is that a coherent I am familiar with the case of my hon. Friend’s constituent policy or a hypocritical rant? and will agree to meet him. However, I must enter the caveat that I am not qualified as a doctor and that I will Mr Robathan: I have to say that that question is best have to take clinical advice on what decision it would be addressed to the SNP,but unfortunately no SNP Members best to take following the meeting. are here to answer it at the moment. It is almost incredible that a country might wish to join NATO but Mr Speaker: I have known the right hon. Gentleman then say that NATO’s assets and armaments would not for 27 years and he is often right, but on this occasion be allowed to be stationed in that country or pass he is half right. The hon. Member for Enfield North through it. (Nick de Bois) does have a Question lower down the Order Paper. That played a part in my choosing to call Anas Sarwar (Glasgow Central) (Lab): The Minister him now. It is Question 11, as the right hon. Gentleman has noted that there is no SNP presence in the House will correctly discern, but it has not been grouped with today. The hon. Member for Moray (Angus Robertson) any other Question. said, “Who dares wins,” but SNP Members do not dare turn up to engage in the debate. Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab/Co-op): I Does the Minister agree that it smacks of a contradiction welcome the Minister to his post. Having travelled with for the SNP to say that it wants to join an international him and his colleague, the Under-Secretary of State for alliance and promote co-operation with NATO, and at Defence, the hon. hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr Dunne), the very same time say that it wants to leave a Union all the way to Stanley last year, I can say that an 18-hour that best serves the defence of Scotland? journey is useful in fostering cross-party co-operation. I welcome the Minister’s comments today because, Mr Robathan: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, despite the Prime Minister’s assurances on the personal because I entirely agree. That is an interesting dilemma independence payment, in a letter to me dated 30 September that members of the SNP will have to sort out among the then Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, themselves. the right hon. Member for Basingstoke (Maria Miller), who had responsibility for disabled people, wrote: Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): We “we are working with the MOD to establish if it would be should not be too hard on SNP Members. I am sure possible to avoid severely injured veterans undergoing multiple that pressing engagements in their constituencies have reassessments”. prevented them from attending Defence questions. 685 Oral Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Oral Answers 686

Does my right hon. Friend agree that we can share Mr Robathan: There have been no discussions with respect for those who are opposed to nuclear weapons the UK Government or, as far as I am aware, with any in principle, but that we can share only incomprehension other NATO member. As I said earlier, I think it at those who say they are opposed to nuclear weapons incredible that NATO would accept in the alliance a in principle and then want to join an alliance that is country that would not allow the various weapons used based on nuclear deterrence? by NATO to be stationed in or pass through it.

Mr Robathan: I am grateful to the right hon. and Type 26 Combat Ship learned Gentleman, and I do agree with him. If I may, I shall quote from The Guardian—not always my favourite 6. Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): What reading. It stated this morning: the timetable is for the production of the Type 26 “After losing Friday’s vote, rebels inside the party now want combat ship. [123716] him”— the First Minister— The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Dunne): The Type 26 global combat ship “to prove that NATO would allow a non-nuclear Scotland to join programme is still in its assessment phase, and the the alliance.” timetable for the build programme of the ships will be That is a very good point. determined at the main gate investment decision, currently scheduled for the middle of the decade. Build will Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): commence to meet the current planning assumption of The hon. Member for Warrington South (David Mowat) the first ship entering service as soon as possible after is exactly right. What we witnessed at the SNP conference 2020. at the end of last week was double standards—the shelter of the NATO umbrella, but the removal of Penny Mordaunt: When the carrier work ends there Trident. will be more than 200,000 tonnes of warship in Portsmouth dockyard, and 1,000 extra sailors—numbers not seen in Has the Minister heard that the Scottish Government my city since the 1950s. There will then be a two-year are establishing a defence department or section? What gap before work starts on the Type 26. Rather than pay formal approaches have Ministers had from the Scottish more to stretch out those contracts to cover that gap Government, or from that dedicated department, about and retain sovereign capability, would it be a better use the removal of the nuclear fleet from an independent of funds to build some much-needed ocean patrol vessels? Scotland? The SNP talks about that a lot, but have Would, and when might, the Minister consider such an there been any approaches? option?

Mr Robathan: This is an unusual outbreak of consensus Mr Dunne: As my hon. Friend knows, the Ministry of throughout the Chamber, and I welcome what the hon. Defence has a terms of business agreement with BAE Gentleman says. I believe that the Scottish Government Systems Maritime Naval Ships. That agreement commits have a Minister for Veteran Affairs, who shares the hon. the company to maintain warship design and build Gentleman’s surname, but if I am honest I am not quite capability, and elements of support covering all complex sure what he does. We have had no contact from the service warships in the UK. The Government continue Scottish Government about a department of defence. to work with BAE Systems on the utilisation of shipbuilding We remain committed to the United Kingdom, and I capability once work on the current carrier programme am glad to say that there is agreement pretty much is complete. As my hon. Friend knows, Corvette offshore throughout the Chamber on the need to continue the UK. patrol vessels are currently under construction by BAE Systems in Portsmouth for the royal navy of Oman. Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his well deserved promotion. Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): I welcome Will we continue with the UK’s Trident ballistic missile the Minister to his new position. As he will know, there nuclear deterrent irrespective of the outcome of the is a long and proud record on the Clyde of building Scottish vote? warships for the British Navy, and a complex ship for the British Navy has never been built in a foreign country. Will the contract for the Type 26 ships contain Mr Robathan: I thank my hon. Friend for his a clause for the event of a vote for an independent congratulations. Current Government policy is to continue Scotland in 2014? with the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent based on Trident. Should the Scots vote for independence—God Mr Dunne: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind forbid!—we would need to review the situation, but the words. As my right hon. Friend the Minister for the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent remains our policy, Armed Forces said, the Government are not currently and I see that proceeding into the future. planning on the basis that the Scottish people will vote in favour of independence in a referendum. The hon. Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): I Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) is right to say echo the sentiment that we should not be too hard on that the UK has not built a complex warship outside its SNP Members who are not in the Chamber—after all, shores since the second world war, and I believe that the we want to keep them in this place. Is the Minister only times it did so during the first and second world aware of any discussions that SNP Ministers have held wars were in then colonial territories for local use. The about their plans to remove the deterrent with either the Government remain committed to using UK industry United States or other NATO members? to build UK warships. 687 Oral Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Oral Answers 688

In the unlikely event that Scotland should decide to middle east but for the wider region, so I am glad to separate from the UK, the Scottish defence industry hear the Secretary of State confirm that our main thrust would be eligible to bid only for contracts placed by a is diplomacy. Although we are enormously worried future Scottish Government or competed outside the about Iran’s intentions, I hope he can tell the House that UK, or placed by the UK or other Governments. That we will do everything we can to avoid any military is because, as the hon. Gentleman knows, many UK dimension. defence contracts are exempted from procurement rules for reasons of national security. Mr Hammond: The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. Because of the strategic position occupied by Iran Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): The and the vital nature of the strait of Hormuz to the Prime Minister told the House last Wednesday that the world’s economy—oil supplies transit that waterway—any Type 26 programme is “fully funded”. How many Type 26 action, or even suggestion of action, will be deeply combat ships are fully funded, and when can we expect destabilising and debilitating. We remain committed to to see them in service? the process of engagement with our European allies and others, which includes the use of economic and Mr Dunne: The hon. Gentleman needs to be aware financial sanctions to bring pressure to bear on the that the programme is currently in its assessment phase. Iranian regime. There is very significant evidence, A decision on main gate assumption is due to be taken particularly the declining value of the Iranian currency, in a few years’ time, and the build programme will roll to suggest that such sanctions are beginning to have an forward from that point. The Government have made effect and to cause fracture within the Iranian leadership. some assumptions in the equipment plan, which we will publish shortly, and the hon. Gentleman will be able to Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): I commend my glean more information from that once it is available. right hon. Friend and the Government for the policy they are pursuing towards Iran. Will he continue to Iran ensure that the policy serves to divide the Iranian Government from their people and does not inadvertently 7. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): How many unite them? UK service personnel are based in the Gulf; and whether reserves are earmarked for deployment to the Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend makes a good point Gulf in the event of military action against Iran. and is absolutely right. I have quizzed many of our [123717] allies in the Gulf who have an intimate knowledge of what is going on in Iran on the ground. We do not want The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): those sanctions to unite the Iranian people with their Just under 2,000 UK military personnel in the Gulf oppressive regime; we want to wake the Iranian people region are serving on current operations, of whom the up to the cost of this madcap dash for nuclear capability. majority are royal naval personnel. Reserves could be made available to support the full range of military 16. [123727] Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) activity in any operation. The decision to employ reserves (Lab): Does the Secretary of State agree with the Israeli is taken by Ministers and subject to a 28-day notice Prime Minister that the international community must period for individuals. draw a “clear red line” over Iran’s nuclear programme? The UK, together with the international community, If so, where would that be? remains committed to a negotiated diplomatic solution with Iran on its nuclear ambitions. The Government are Mr Hammond: The Israeli Government have their pursuing a strategy of pressure and engagement to own well known position on the issue. The UK Government persuade Iran to negotiate seriously, and to allay the believe that engagement and continuous ratcheted pressure legitimate concerns of the international community. on the Iranian regime is the best way to proceed. We However, we have made it clear that if Iran makes the have also made it very clear to the Israelis and others wrong choice, all options remain on the table. that we do not believe that a pre-emptive military strike is the right way to proceed or the best way to resolve the Mr Hollobone: What assessment has been made both situation. of the conventional capability of the Iranian armed forces, and of the ability of Her Majesty’s armed forces Advertising Spend to overcome the particular challenges of an armed conflict in that theatre? 8. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): How much his Department expects to spend on advertising Mr Hammond: The Iranian armed forces have a in 2012-13. [123719] significant capability. We do not, at the moment, advocate a military solution to this crisis. We advocate a solution The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Andrew based on pressure and engagement, and on persuading Robathan): Nearly all advertising expenditure by the the Iranians to engage with the legitimate concerns of Ministry of Defence is to attract and recruit the best the international community. Should the situation evolve, personnel for the armed forces. In the current financial it is certain that, if the UK took part in any action, it year, the MOD has to date had approval from the would do so as part of an international coalition. Cabinet Office efficiency and reform group to spend £12 million on recruitment marketing operations to Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): The fund general service recruitment activities. A further ramifications of any military action against Iran are £18 million was approved for specific recruitment marketing enormously unpredictable, not only for our forces in the campaigns to address pinch points. The efficiency and 689 Oral Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Oral Answers 690 reform group is due to decide soon whether to grant a of Private Wroe and his colleague in 3 York, Sergeant further request for £250,000 for marketing operations Gareth Thursby. I know that the thoughts of the whole and just under £3 million for pinch point campaigns. House will be with their families and friends. Further requests may arise during the course of the We continue to work with our ISAF and Afghan year. Like all Departments, the MOD seeks to minimise partners to reduce the risk to an absolute minimum, but the cost of advertising. Spending has, for example, been I am clear that we will not allow these cowardly attacks reduced from nearly £60 million in 2009-10. to deter us from our strategy or our commitment to the mission in Afghanistan. I am sure that all hon. Members Mr Bone: I thank the Minister for that full response. will join me in congratulating the people of Kirklees It does seem a little strange that we are spending money and Huddersfield on turning out in strength to demonstrate on advertising for the Army at the same time as we are their support for the units of the armed forces that are making members of the armed forces redundant. On particularly connected with those communities. the surface, it looks strange: would the Minister comment? Mr Robathan: I know that my hon. Friend has a George Eustice: As long ago as 2006 I saw on a visit personal interest in the armed forces as his son is a to Afghanistan some of the excellent work our forces Chinook pilot who is still flying—I pay tribute to him. were doing to train the Afghan army. Given that six His son could probably explain that one needs a constant years later we still appear to have more work to do, how flow of recruits into the armed forces as otherwise one confident is my right hon. Friend that the transition of ends up with an age gap. That has happened in the security responsibility to Afghan forces will be completed past—I recall it happening in the 1970s, under the by 2014? Labour Government of Wilson-Callaghan—so one must continue to recruit, otherwise one ends up with a great Mr Hammond: Commanders on the ground are confident gap in skills and ages that is very difficult to fill. A that it will be completed by 2014. Yes, we still have more constant age structure is needed throughout the armed work to do, because Afghan security forces have been forces. expanding dramatically since the time six years ago to which my hon. Friend refers. Afghan forces are taking Afghan National Security Forces more initiatives on their own. They are planning their operations, leading on almost all operations and acting 9. Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): What alone or as the primary force on many of them. They plans he has for the future involvement of UK troops have recently started to conduct much more sophisticated in the mentoring and training of the Afghan National operations—for example, flying raids using night vision Security Forces. [123720] goggles. This is a very important step for them and we 12. George Eustice (Camborne and Redruth) (Con): are very confident that by the end of 2014 Afghan What plans he has for the future involvement of UK national security forces will be capable of containing troops in the mentoring and training of the Afghan the insurgency as ISAF forces withdraw. National Security Forces. [123723] Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): Families who The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): suffer bereavement or veterans who suffer injury in UK forces will continue to mentor and train the Afghan Afghanistan know that when they return local authorities army and police as they progressively assume responsibility currently have the power completely to exempt war for security operations over the next two years. The disablement pension and war widow’s pensions when Government are clear that our support to Afghanistan means-testing for council tax benefit. Does the Secretary will endure long after the end of our combat operations of State agree that under the new system local authorities in 2014. That is in our national interests and in line with should continue to ensure that the full disregard is given the long-term commitment made by the international for those benefits in England and Wales? community at the Chicago summit in May. NATO is currently working to refine the detail of its Mr Hammond: I agree with the hon. Gentleman in training, advisory and assistance mission in Afghanistan principle, and will look into his specific question, although after 2014, but the UK has already committed to lead I doubt whether we have the power to direct local the new Afghan national army officer academy near authorities in Wales. I suspect that is a matter for the Kabul, which is under construction. Welsh Assembly Government, and I know that he will take it up with the relevant authorities. Jason McCartney: One of my constituents, Private Thomas Wroe, who was just 18, went to the aid of an Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): The RAF Afghan policeman last month but was murdered in a tactical medical team provides the only consultant-led, cowardly way. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that blue-light rescue service across ISAF.It is highly regarded, during the draw-down our troops are protected as much giving those whom it rescues and treats a 25% greater as possible from these green on blue attacks? Will he chance of survival. Will he ensure that at least a basic also join me in praising the hundreds of people from capability is passed on to the Afghan national security Kirklees and Huddersfield who turned out last Thursday forces, so that they too will have the confidence of to pay tribute on the homecoming of Corunna Company, knowing that they have rescue services that can support 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment? them?

Mr Hammond: I know that every Member will join Mr Hammond: I cannot give the hon. Lady any me in condemning these attacks and those who perpetrate specific assurances about the form of continuing enablement them in the strongest possible terms. We were all deeply post-2014, but I can assure her that ISAF commanders shocked by the cowardly act that resulted in the death are acutely aware of the effect on Afghan morale of 691 Oral Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Oral Answers 692 having high-quality medical support services available. Will he therefore take this opportunity to apologise to One issue that will be addressed over the next two years the House and the Royal Fusiliers for the actions of one will be how best to deliver that in a way that is sustainable of his fellow Ministers last week, who wrongly sought post-2014. to exclude those brave men from the Public Gallery?

Sir Nick Harvey (North Devon) (LD): When my Mr Francois: I do not believe that my right hon. right hon. Friend made his welcome comments last Friend attempted to do that. The hon. Gentleman’s first week about reducing the number of British troops in point was addressed directly in an earlier answer by my Afghanistan next year, was he signalling a change from right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. I agree that we the agreement at the Lisbon NATO summit of “in should endeavour to do the best for our service men and together, out together”? Or will he confirm that decisions women when they leave the service—it is part of the will continue to be taken with our key allies, most armed forces covenant—and on that I can offer the notably the US, which is a little preoccupied at the hon. Gentleman some specific good news and one moment? How soon does he expect the US to make the direct example: BT is set to bolster its current work decisions, and will those not be all-important? force by recruiting 250 further engineers from service personnel already committed to leaving the armed forces. Mr Hammond: I can reassure my hon. Friend that That will make a total of 1,000 people whom BT has there is no change in policy. Over the last couple of taken on under that heading, and we welcome that. weeks, I have been able to pass on the rather good news that commanders in theatre now believe, given the situation on the ground and the role that Afghan security Martin Horwood: Given the worrying statistics on the forces are increasingly playing, that it should be possible problems faced by ex-service people in gaining employment, to achieve a further significant drawn-down in forces would Ministers be interested to hear that 1 Rifles before the end of 2013. I can assure him, however, that is working with Omega Resource Group from my the principle of “in together, out together” remains. constituency in developing veteran-specific employment ISAF will take these decisions together, and I expect programmes? Is that something they would like to hear them to be made once the new US Administration is more about, and should it be considered in Lord Ashcroft’s formed early in the new year. review? Veterans (Support) Mr Francois: I would indeed be interested to hear more about that, as I am sure will be Lord Ashcroft. I 10. Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): know for a fact that, for instance, the Rifles have been What recent discussions he has had with ministerial working on projects to help seriously wounded colleagues on increasing support for veterans in finding ex-servicemen to engage in archaeology. A number have work. [123721] gone on to study archaeology or have applied to study it in further or higher education as a result of that initiative. 15. Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): What The Rifles have an active programme in this regard, and support his Department is providing for veterans we commend them for it. seeking employment; and if he will make a statement. [123726] Service Personnel Children

The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark Francois): With permission, I shall answer these questions 13. Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): together as I understand that they have actually been What steps the Government are taking to extend grouped. support in education for the children of current and former service personnel. [123724] The MOD regularly meets the Department for Education, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Department for Work and Pensions and 14. Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): What steps others regarding initiatives to assist service leavers in the Government are taking to extend support in making a successful transition to civilian life. Prior to education for the children of current and former leaving, all service personnel are entitled to some form service personnel. [123725] of resettlement assistance, consisting of time, money and training, according to length of service. Those who The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark serve six years or more, and all those medically discharged, Francois): The Ministry of Defence and other Departments regardless of how long served, are entitled to the full have made important changes in service children’s education. resettlement programme, which includes a three-day We have introduced the service pupil premium, and we career transition workshop, the use of a career consultant, have extended it to children of military personnel who a job-finding service, retraining time and a retraining have died in service and to eligible service children grant. whose parents have left the armed forces. In addition, the MOD introduced the support fund for state schools Jack Dromey: To leave the armed forces is to lose a with service children. The new schools admissions code way of life. Does the Minister not accept that we have a now enables infant schools in England to treat the triple obligation to our heroes—never to short-change children of UK service personnel as a permitted exception them by making them redundant within days of their to class size regulations. That means that infant schools enjoying a full pension; always to ensure that they get may admit service children and increase the class size the support necessary to re-enter civilian life; and, to more than 30 if they feel they have the resources to crucially, to honour their past service to this country? do so. 693 Oral Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Oral Answers 694

Rehman Chishti: Will the Minister join me in welcoming benefit of a balanced budget to build on, we now need the community covenant recently agreed in my constituency to focus on the future, and in particular on building the in Medway, which has been supported by well over trust and confidence of the people who make up defence. 50 local companies? Mrs Moon: Small and medium enterprises such as Mr Francois: I most certainly will. As the Secretary of Aircraft Maintenance Support Services in my Bridgend State has already said, more than 150 local authorities constituency provide invaluable support and enablement have signed the community covenant, and we are now to combat troops. They send their employees out to on track to get to 200. They are coming in fast, which ensure that equipment is available for troops to use gives us the nice problem of tracking them as they come outside the bases. Does the Secretary of State agree that in. If I can give my hon. Friend another example of we owe a huge debt of thanks to those private sector how the scheme works in practice, Oxfordshire county companies that ensure that our troops are appropriately council has amended its admissions procedures so that equipped to take part in active service? service personnel who apply to move their children into an Oxfordshire school before they move to Oxfordshire Mr Hammond: I absolutely agree. I always make the can use a British Forces Post Office number on the point clearly that there are three legs to our defence: the application form. That might sound like a small thing, armed forces, regular and reserve; the civilians who but prior to the change service personnel could not support them; and the contractors—the hundreds of apply for a school place until they had moved into an thousands of people working in the defence and defence area. Allowing service personnel to apply in advance of support industries who provide and maintain equipment their children moving to an area materially affects their so that our troops can do their job. family’s quality of life. I commend Oxfordshire county council for its initiative and I hope others will copy it. T3. [123738] Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): Given the outstanding contribution of our reserves to Mr Marcus Jones: I welcome the recent announcements the armed forces, will the Minister please update the made by the Minister, which clearly demonstrate that House on the progress of the Green Paper? this Government are doing their bit to honour the military covenant. Can my right hon. Friend say what Mr Hammond: The Green Paper on our plans for the steps are being taken to help those children who have reserves is expected to be published around the end of been bereaved to go on to higher education? this month or early next month.

Mr Francois: Yes, I can. The coalition programme for Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): I, too, government included an undertaking to provide welcome the new Front-Bench team. Two and half “university and further education scholarships for…children of years into this Government, there is a hiatus in the Service” decision making on Defence Equipment and Support. personnel Ministers’ views seem to ebb and flow, and indecision is “who have been killed on active duty since 1990”. rampant. We need clarity, so when exactly will the Minister set out plans for a Government-owned The aim is to provide a head start in life, enabling contractor-operated body—a GoCo—or whatever other bereaved service children to obtain higher education body he intends to bring forward? qualifications. The education scholarship scheme was launched on 8 April 2011 and, where the criteria are met, provides further education and university scholarships The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the children of servicemen and women who died (Mr Philip Dunne): The hon. Lady talks about a hiatus. while serving in Her Majesty’s armed forces. There were 13 years during which the previous Administration made no attempt to transform procurement within the Ministry of Defence, but this Government Topical Questions are determined to make procurement efficient and effective so that our armed forces can be given the right equipment at the right time and at the right cost. In July, my right T1. [123736] Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced an If he will make a statement on his departmental investigation into the GoCo route, narrowing the options responsibilities. for Defence Equipment and Support. A value-for-money exercise is nearing completion, and we expect to make a The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): decision before the end of the year on whether to move My departmental responsibilities are to ensure that our forward. country is properly defended, now and in the future, through delivery of the military tasks for which the T4. [123739] Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): What MOD is mandated. My first priority is and will remain progress is being made on moving bases from Germany the success of the operation in Afghanistan. The Ministry to the United Kingdom, and to Stafford? of Defence has also embarked on a major project of transformation to ensure the behavioural change needed The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Andrew to maintain the budget in balance and deliver the equipment Robathan): My hon. Friend might know that the programme, so that our armed forces can be confident 1st Armoured Division’s signal regiment, based at Herford, of being properly equipped and trained. With many of and the 16th Signal Regiment, based at Elmpt, will the most difficult decisions needed to put our defences move to Beacon barracks in Stafford in the second half on a sustainable basis having been taken, and with the of 2015. A competition is under way between four 695 Oral Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Oral Answers 696 bidders to develop the main site, and we hope to let a The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark contract for that development in the summer of next Francois): Yes, we do indeed welcome the support of year. businesses for the defence discount scheme, which will offer servicemen, veterans and servicemen’s families a T2. [123737] Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) number of discounts in a range of high street businesses (Lab): There is a degree of confusion over what across the country. People may already register for the happened in last Thursday’s debate, so may I ask the scheme now, but we hope within the next few months to Secretary of State to confirm that the Minister for the progress the scheme by giving them a card bearing their Armed Forces approached the Speaker’s Chair about name, which will make it easier to prove their membership the conduct of Fusiliers in the Public Gallery? when they enter one of the participating companies. We believe this will be valuable to the people concerned, Mr Robathan: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for and we commend those businesses that are participating letting me set the record straight. I have the greatest in the scheme. respect for ex-service personnel, including the Fusiliers who were in the Chamber last week. By the way, I do not think that the hon. Lady was in the Chamber that Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab): The 2012 armed day, so she does not speak with great effect, does she? forces continuous attitudes survey provides some very Furthermore, I believe that anybody should be allowed concerning information, particularly in respect of the to watch our proceedings from the Gallery, because that Army. Only 52% of soldiers are satisfied with service is an important part of our democratic process. May I life; the trend of declining morale has continued, with finally say that what she alleges is entirely untrue? only 18% reporting high morale across the Army; and only 33% of soldiers questioned felt valued. Does the T5. [123740] David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): I Secretary of State share my concern at these figures, shall be pleased to be wearing the Queen’s Jubilee medal and, if he does, what is he going to do about them? for service to the police on Remembrance Sunday this year, but that service pales into insignificance compared Mr Philip Hammond: Yes, of course we are concerned with the service given by the Arctic convoy veterans. about morale in the Army, which I have previously Should not the Government recognise—or allow the described as “fragile”. We have been through a period Russian Government to recognise—their heroic role in of enormous change—budget retrenchment, necessary defeating national socialism? redundancies, reorganisation and rebasing. What we can do now is try to get this process completed as The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence quickly as possible, so we can return to some certainty (Dr Andrew Murrison): I thank my hon. Friend for his whereby people are able to plan their personal futures. question; he has taken a long-standing interest in these As I said just a few moments ago, we have the challenge matters. I should also like to add my strong thanks to of starting to rebuild the trust and confidence of people those who served in that particularly unpleasant theatre in the armed forces around the armed forces of the during the second world war. He will know that, earlier future. I am confident that, despite being smaller, our this year, Sir John Holmes began to undertake an future armed forces will be highly capable, valued and independent review of the rules applying to military very well respected. medals and that, on 17 July, he reported his findings, which appeared in the form of a written ministerial statement. Further work has been commissioned by the T8. [123744] Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) Prime Minister, including a re-examination of issues (Con): Will the Secretary of State clarify whether the that have been the subject of past campaigns, such as United Kingdom has shared intelligence on locations the Arctic convoy medal. The outcome of Sir John’s with the United States leading to drone strikes in further work is expected by the end of the year. Pakistan? If so, will he explain the legal justification for sharing such information? T6. [123741] Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): Last Thursday, the House voted to oppose the Mr Hammond: We do not discuss in this Chamber disbandment of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment matters relating to intelligence. I can tell my hon. Friend of Fusiliers. Will the Government now have the that there is a need for effective action in the Pakistani humility to accept that Commons decision? tribal areas and that there is a need for that action to be owned by the Pakistanis. The United States operates in Mr Robathan: May I say that we had an excellent Afghanistan under a different basis of law from the one debate? I have to say that I found myself in a minority under which we operate. I can assure my hon. Friend of one when it came to speeches defending the and the House that everything we do complies with the Government’s position. We had an excellent debate and law under which we operate. we listened carefully to what was said, but I do not think that, at the moment, it is the House’s intention for a vote in such a debate to be binding upon the Government. Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): One of my constituents served on the Arctic convoys during the T7. [123742] Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) second world war. Like many others, he has been advised (Con): Does my right hon. Friend agree that support not to accept a medal offered by the Russian Government. across society for the work of our brave servicemen and I was heartened by the Minister saying that this matter women in keeping our country safe is ever more widely would be reconsidered and a decision taken by the end recognised? Will he welcome the support of businesses of the year. May I ask him to reflect on the fact that for the new defence discount scheme and encourage other British Commonwealth countries—Australia, New more businesses to get involved in it? Zealand, Canada—have advised that this medal can be 697 Oral Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Oral Answers 698 accepted and that it is hardly surprising the offer was Olympic security, does he have similar doubts about the not made earlier when there was a communist Government outsourcing of procurement at Defence Equipment and in Russia? Support, which is based in my constituency?

Dr Murrison: Sir John Holmes, in his excellent review published in July this year, accepted all the principal Mr Hammond: I think that my hon. Friend is referring parts of the rules that go behind or underpin medalling to comments about the security arrangements for the in this country. We have to accept that the integrity of Olympic games. Let me say this: there are things that our medalling system is peerless. Nevertheless, Sir John are best done in the sector, and there are things that are will report further towards the end of the year on the better done in the private sector. Our proposals for DE rules that apply to medalling and will deal specifically and S are an attempt to get the best of both worlds by with the Arctic convoy and various other circumstances. bringing in private sector management expertise to work alongside highly skilled civilian and military professionals T9. [123745] Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): who have specialist knowledge about military procurement. Following the failure of the talks between EADS and BAE Systems, will the Government tell us about any Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I am grateful to more promising avenues for European defence the Prime Minister for coming into the Chamber to co-operation that they are pursuing? hear my question. Mr Philip Hammond: It is not for the Government to The Secretary of State will now be aware that the pursue arrangements for the future of BAES, EADS or Defence Committee has written about the future of any other company, but we will of course listen carefully Garrison Radio, in the context of local radio not just at with an open mind to any proposals brought to us by Colchester but at Catterick. Will a statement be made any of these companies. Where we hold a golden share—a today about preventing the British Forces Broadcasting veto share—we will allow any such transactions to Service from snuffing out local Garrison Radio services? proceed only where the United Kingdom’s vital national interests can be protected. Mr Francois: On behalf of the Prime Minister, I Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire) (Con): When does thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind comments. my right hon. Friend expect the National Audit Office’s I am aware of the issue involving the BFBS and assessment of the affordability of the defence equipment Garrison Radio. I understand that Garrison Radio programme to be published? tendered for the work initially, but that unfortunately its tender was not entirely successful. I believe that the Mr Hammond: Shortly. Future Forces Broadcasting Service will be able to provide a perfectly adequate service, but if the hon. Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con): Given Gentleman—who I know represents a valuable garrison—is the Secretary of State’s past comments about the failure still dissatisfied, I shall be willing to meet him personally of the private sector to fulfil its obligations in regard to to discuss the matter. 699 22 OCTOBER 2012 European Council 700

European Council framework for rescuing banks—that are needed to break the dangerous link in the eurozone between sovereign debt problems and the stability of eurozone banks. But 3.31 pm because not all countries outside the eurozone—like The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): With Britain—will want to join such a banking union, it is permission, Mr Speaker, I shall make a statement on also essential that the unity and integrity of the single last week’s European Council. market is fully respected. The organisation that currently ensures a level playing field for banking within the The European Union faces important choices in the single market is the European Banking Authority. We coming months in order to meet tough economic challenges need to make sure that it will continue to function and deal with problems in the eurozone. There were no properly, ensuring fair and effective decision making. landmark decisions at this Council, but there was some This, again, is specifically recognised in the conclusions. limited progress on both issues. More broadly, as eurozone countries take steps to deepen As I have said, we are in a global economic race, and their economic and monetary union—as they will—it is all European economies need to become more competitive. important that we secure, as I did, an explicit commitment That means taking steps such as expanding their private in the conclusions that the final report and road map in sectors, reforming welfare and improving education. In December will include “concrete proposals” to ensure terms of action at European Union level, we believe that the integrity of the single market is respected. that it means lifting the burdens on businesses, completing Finally, the next Council in November will discuss the single market, and taking forward trade deals with the financial framework for Europe between 2014 and the biggest economies and the fastest-growing countries 2020. We have not put in place tough settlements in and regions in the world. I have consistently promoted Britain in order to go to Brussels and sign up to big those solutions, and at the Council we made some increases in European spending. I do not believe that progress. German voters want that any more than British voters, On deregulation, I joined others to secure a new and that is why our Governments have led the argument agreement that specifically refers to withdrawing legislative in Europe for fiscal restraint, so I put down a marker proposals from Brussels that stifle our businesses. Of that we need a rigorous settlement. As the letter signed course, we now need to see specific actions, but it is in December 2010 by a number of European leaders worth noting that the conclusions refer to the said, given the tough spending settlements that all member “intention to withdraw a number of pending proposals and to states have had to pursue in their own countries, identify possible areas where the regulatory burden could be “payment appropriations should increase, at most, by no more lightened”. than inflation over the next financial perspectives”. On completion of the single market, as I reported in On foreign affairs, the Council, led by Britain, once June, there is now a proper plan with dates and actions again discussed further restrictive measures on the Syrian for completing the market in energy, services and digital, regime, and made clear to Iran that we will increase the but once again it is important for that to be followed pressure if there is no progress on the nuclear dossier. through in order to secure jobs and growth. Making our economies competitive, dealing with On trade, the Council agreed on an ambitious agenda uncertainty in the eurozone, keeping the EU budget to create 2 million jobs across Europe. That includes under proper control, and making sure the EU speaks completing free trade deals with Canada and Singapore with a strong and united voice on the key international in the coming months, and starting negotiations with challenges: this is our agenda, and I commend this the United States next year on a comprehensive transatlantic statement to the House. trade and investment agreement. We made some new progress on launching negotiations with Japan “in the 3.36 pm coming months.”That deal alone could increase European Union GDP by ¤42 billion. Edward Miliband (Doncaster North) (Lab): I thank Let me now turn to the eurozone. Britain is not in the the Prime Minister for his statement and associate eurozone and we will not be joining the eurozone, but it myself entirely with the summit’s conclusions in particular is in our national interest for the uncertainty surrounding on Iran and Syria. The dangers of the civil war in Syria the eurozone to end. I have argued for some time that a spilling over into the wider region are now all too working eurozone needs a working banking union. It is apparent, and we strongly support the EU playing its one of the features that a successful single currency part to seek to prevent this from happening. needs. Obviously you do not need a banking union The backdrop to this summit is that across Europe because you have a single market; you need it because there is low or no growth. I am afraid on this fundamental you have a single currency—so Britain should not, and issue the Prime Minister has yet again returned from a will not, be part of that banking union. European summit with nothing to offer. So, first, can he Britain’s banks will be supervised by the Bank of tell us whether he had any responses to the proposals on England, not by the European Central Bank, and British the immediate growth crisis facing Europe that he took taxpayers will not be guaranteeing or rescuing eurozone to the summit? Europe urgently needs co-ordinated banks, but we do need eurozone members to get on with action to boost demand, with those countries with the forming a banking union. At the Council, I joined those scope to do so taking action, but yet again there was who were arguing for progress to be made on the plan nothing from the summit. that had been announced in June. To put it simply, I Secondly, on the single market—which the Prime believe that it is not enough to have a banking union Minister makes great play of—he admitted that this that is stripped of the very elements—such as mutualised summit simply reaffirmed what was agreed in June, but deposit guarantees, a common fiscal backstop and a will he agree that the situation is actually slightly different 701 European Council22 OCTOBER 2012 European Council 702

[Edward Miliband] reality is that the Prime Minister has lost control of his party on Europe. We have a Prime Minister who is from then? On energy, will he confirm that the conclusions outside the room looking in at Britain’s empty seat at were exactly the same as the Council’s conclusions the table. There is one thing that our allies in Europe 18 months ago? On digital, they sounded familiar to and the British people can agree on—his Government me, too, and there is a reason: they were exactly the are a shambles and it is Britain that suffers. same as they were in October 2011—a year ago. So when he said at his summit press conference, with The Prime Minister: I am sure that there was a characteristic humility: question in there somewhere. Frankly, I am not going to “Who is driving that agenda”— take any lectures on Europe from a party that gave up on energy, on digital— part of Britain’s rebate and got nothing in return; that gave up the social chapter and got nothing in return; “which has made so much progress this year? It’s Britain”, and that joined the EU bail-out fund and got absolutely what did he mean by that, because there has been no nothing in return. It is this Government who introduced progress over the last year? the referendum lock, who got us out of the bail-out Thirdly, on banking, there are big issues facing financial mechanism and who will always stand up for Britain in services as others move towards a banking union, but Europe. the summit conclusions are vague at this stage. So can I think that the right hon. Gentleman did ask a the Prime Minister clarify for us what his key demands question somewhere at the beginning: what did Britain are in relation to the crucial issue of voting rights, as bring to Europe’s growth crisis? We brought, last week, banking union goes ahead? Can he tell us what specific falling unemployment, falling inflation and a million safeguards he will be seeking, and can he tell us how he more people in work. He asks what we want in terms of will be building support for his position among our banking union safeguards. We want single market allies—using his enormous popularity, which he has safeguards, but I note that he had absolutely nothing built up over the past two-and-a-half years? positive to suggest on any of these agendas at all. That takes me to the real problem the Prime Minister The right hon. Gentleman talks about Britain’s influence faced at this summit. At home last week, he was starring in Europe. The single market in digital, in energy and in in his own version of “The Thick of It”. In Europe he services is a British agenda that we are driving forward. was offering another chapter in his handbook of “How He says that there has been no progress. There were to Lose Friends and Influence”. This is what Finland’s never, under his Government, dates and specific actions Europe Minister said—[Interruption.] Those on the for completing these markets, but there are now. Oil Government Benches do not like to hear about their sanctions on Iran is a British agenda that we have lack of influence in Europe. This is what Finland’s succeeded in driving forward; pressure on Syria and Europe Minister said at the summit: support for the Arab spring countries is a British agenda; “Britain is…putting itself in the margins...the boat is pulling and trade deals with the US and with Japan, not just away and one of our best friends is somehow saying ‘bye bye’ and with Canada and Singapore, is a British agenda. there’s not really that much we can do about it.” What else did we get from the right hon. Gentleman? [Interruption.] Some on the Government Benches are He talked about what I was doing at the European saying, “Hear, hear,” about leaving Europe; there is the Council, but it is worth remembering that when I was problem for the Prime Minister. there he was, of course, preparing for his great trade That is not the French or the Germans talking—it is union sponsored march. I thought that the House might Finland. Even the Prime Minister cannot be glorying in welcome an update on how the sponsored walk went: fisticuffs with Finland. It is the land of the Helsinki Unite union—£6 million; Unison—£3.2 million; and accords, reindeer and the Moomins. Its Europe Minister the GMB—£3.2 million. That is what he was doing—calling is an anglophile; he is one of Britain’s friends. The for general strikes and disruption—when we are fighting Prime Minister does not seem to realise that all his for Britain. bluster about fighting for Britain is meaningless if he alienates our natural supporters. Will he confirm that Sir Peter Tapsell (Louth and Horncastle) (Con): When he really has become the guy who goes to Europe and the Prime Minister made it admirably clear to Chancellor picks a fight in an empty room? That is just as well, Merkel that Britain would not permit the European because he normally finds himself in an empty room. Banking Authority or the European Central Bank to The Prime Minister was asked about his isolation, have any control or oversight of the Bank of England, and this is what he had to say: what was her response? “We are actually a very, very important and influential player…right there in the vanguard.” The Prime Minister: The point I would make to Chancellor Merkel—we do not actually fundamentally If he thinks that, the problem is not that he is isolated, it disagree about this—is that the single currency needs a is that he is completely deluded about the arguments banking union. At the heart of that banking union will going on in Europe. Last October, he said: be the ECB, with a new role as a banking regulator. But “This is not the time to argue about walking away”.—[Official clearly as this country is not in the single currency our Report, 24 October 2011; Vol. 534, c. 27.] banking regulator will continue to be the Bank of But that is exactly what his Cabinet is now doing. England, and there will not be any question of the ECB [Interruption.] The Education Secretary has chosen to having a say over the Bank of England—that is not the walk away from this statement, but the Eurosceptic situation. Strangely enough, in a way the challenge is to beauty contest has begun, with the Education Secretary, persuade countries of the eurozone to go far enough in the party chairman and others joining the fray. The having a banking union that will help to break the link 703 European Council22 OCTOBER 2012 European Council 704 between banks that are in difficulty and sovereigns that United Kingdom—and the European Union and to put are in difficulty. Just as we have a solid banking union that new settlement to fresh consent. That is what should for our single currency in the United Kingdom, they happen. I think that the idea of an in/out referendum is need a solid banking union for their single currency in wrong, because I neither support the status quo nor the eurozone. think that leaving is the right answer.

Kate Hoey (Vauxhall) (Lab): Did the Prime Minister Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): I warmly make it clear—by the way, his use of “United Kingdom” welcome the Prime Minister’s wish to have a new settlement versus “Britain” is improving, but it is not yet good with the European Union and encourage him to negotiate enough—to the other European leaders that we would just that. Is not our veto over a six-year budget perspective not contribute towards any of the millions of pounds for which the others want a huge expansion of spending that the European Commission wishes to spend to tell the opportunity to negotiate that new settlement? every European Union citizen how wonderful the EU The Prime Minister: The point about the European is? Is that not a ridiculous waste of money? budget is that we need to maximise our negotiation leverage on that specific issue, as we are part of this The Prime Minister: I am very grateful to the hon. union and we want it to have a sustainable budget. As I Lady for her school report and I shall continue to try to wrote in the letter of 18 December 2010, improve on my use of “United Kingdom” rather than “payment appropriations should increase, at most, by no more anything else. On the issue of what the European than inflation over the next financial perspectives”—[Interruption.] Commission and European Union spend, as we get into this budget debate we should still look at the 6% of the The shadow Chancellor asks from a sedentary position money spent on the EU’s central costs and the fact that, what our leverage is, and it is very simple. The decision as I said at the weekend, some 16% of Commission must be agreed by unanimity. Tony Blair, when he sat in officials are paid more than ¤100,000 a year. Okay, 6% that seat, gave up our rebate without any need, but we is a small percentage of the total but it is still meaningful will not do that. in getting a good budget deal. Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Were there any discussions, either at the summit or in the margins, Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I commend my right about the acute immigration crisis facing Greece? As hon. Friend and the Financial Secretary for so far the Prime Minister knows, last year 100,000 illegal complying with the European scrutiny rules on these migrants crossed from Turkey to Greece. This year, banking proposals. Now my Committee has been able 100,000 Syrians have moved into Turkey. Would the to recommend them for debate, and an early debate at Prime Minister be prepared to contribute to additional that. However, given the reported advice of the Council’s rapid border intervention team—RABIT—forces on legal adviser and the inherent impact of the proposals the border between Greece and Turkey to try to ease on our national interest, will he veto the proposals, not that crisis? least because the proposed voting changes would expose the City of London to qualified majority voting, which The Prime Minister: The Greek Prime Minister, attending would be very damaging to it? his first European Council, raised that issue, which is clearly putting pressure on Greece. As the right hon. The Prime Minister: The European Union is going Gentleman knows, the British Government’s position is about this change to banking union through a treaty that we should continue to support the organisations base that requires unanimity, so Britain has a full part that deal with these issues, such as Frontex. If there is in the discussions; but I do not want us to veto proposals pressure for more resources, we can consider that. We for a banking union for the eurozone because I think should always bear in mind, however, that when it the eurozone needs a banking union. We should be comes to migration into Europe it is the countries of the putting our negotiating heft, as it were, towards ensuring north, including Britain, that face the greatest pressure that those of us remaining outside the banking union from asylum claims. have proper safeguards. Let me make one last point: I am sure that my hon. Friend knows that a lot of Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): Since the financial services regulation in the European Union is Government have raised the possibility of opting out of already done by qualified majority voting. the European arrest warrant, which is vital for tackling human trafficking, organised crime and terrorism, did Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): If a referendum any of our European partners at the summit express the were held tomorrow, the Prime Minister would be in my worry that Euroscepticism might make the UK go soft camp in voting to stay in the European Union. According on crime? to one of Lord Rothermere’s organs, the Secretary of The Prime Minister: No one mentioned that to me, no. State for Education said that if there were a referendum today on whether the UK should cut its ties with Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Has the Prime Brussels, he would vote to leave. What is the Cabinet Minister not realised yet why those others in Europe do position? Is it that of the Secretary of State, who is an not take very much notice of what he has to say? Does out-er, or that of the Prime Minister, who, like me, is he not realise that they work it out that this Prime an in-er? Minister is being constantly undermined by the antics of his Chancellor of the Exchequer, the ex-Chief Whip, The Prime Minister: I hate to disappoint the right Boris Johnson—it goes on for ever? This heir to Blair hon. Gentleman, but we are not having an in-or-out has suddenly become like John Major all over again. referendum on the European Union tomorrow. I want us to achieve a new settlement between Britain—the The Prime Minister rose— 705 European Council22 OCTOBER 2012 European Council 706

Mr Speaker: Order. I know the Prime Minister will Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): On completing the reply with very specific and focused reference to the single European market in energy and digitalisation, deliberations of the European Council. there has been no change. Is that what the Prime Minister considers progress? The Prime Minister: Those are all subjects that were not discussed in any great depth at the European Council. The Prime Minister: I think the hon. Gentleman is wrong, in that for the first time there is a series of Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): I am actions and dates that have to be completed by a specific sorry not to be able to follow the humorous line that we time. If he reads the growth pact, it is all set out in huge had from the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr Skinner), detail. In previous Council conclusions, there have just but in the unanimous negotiations required for a European been warm words, rather than the dates and the actions, banking union, will the Prime Minister try and repatriate and that will make a difference. powers that are currently subject to qualified majority voting? Conor Burns (Bournemouth West) (Con): My right hon. Friend will be aware that the biggest issue confronting The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend asks an important families in Britain and across the European Union is question. We need to see how the banking union proposals the cost of living, with rising fuel and food prices and develop. We do not yet know whether it will be a full-on utility bills. In that context, he will have the strong banking union or a restricted banking union. We do not support of Government Members in making it clear to know for certain the treaty base that will be pursued. If our European partners that large increases in the EU it is pursued on a basis of unanimity, it is absolutely key budget would be utterly unacceptable to the British to make sure we safeguard the single market. I am very people. conscious of the fact, sitting round that table, that I am responsible for 40% of the European Union’s financial The Prime Minister: I am very grateful for my hon. services industry. That, I think, must be our focus Friend’s support. If anything, since December, when during these negotiations. Chancellor Merkel and the French, Finnish and Dutch leaders all signed the letter, along with me, the debt Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) situation—the deficit situation—has got worse, and so (Lab): Could the Prime Minister clarify whether he the pressure to make sure that we deliver a sensible intends to opt in or out, or out and back into the settlement for the European budget has got even greater. European arrest warrant, bearing in mind that it was That is why we will be sticking to our guns. recently used to bring Jeremy Forrest, the maths teacher who disappeared with Megan Stammers, back to the Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Did the EU UK? deserve the Nobel peace prize?

The Prime Minister: This issue has been discussed at The Prime Minister: There is a case for saying that the great length by the Home Secretary, who set out in great institutions that Europe put in place after the second detail in the House of Commons recently that we are world war—and I would include NATO as well as the minded to exercise the opt-out that the previous European Union—have played a role in making sure Government put in place, but there are safeguards that that we settle our problems around conference tables we want to seek for the arrest warrant. rather than on the fields of Flanders. To that extent, yes, I think that it is right. [Interruption.] Someone Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): says, “Why not go?” We already have three of the five Does my right hon. Friend share my concern that the European Presidents going to Oslo to collect this prize, development of a eurozone banking union demonstrates and I suggested that alongside them should be 27 how the UK is increasingly finding itself in the worst of schoolchildren —one from each country. all possible worlds—bound and directed by a qualified majority that is solid in the eurozone? May I remind Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): I welcome him that we already have a European Banking Authority my right hon. Friend’s statement. When there is a which is based in London and operates by qualified danger of eurozone members taking a common position majority vote? or, indeed, being required to do so, as is the case with the European Central Bank regulation, is it not absolutely The Prime Minister: I go a certain way with my hon. essential that he stands up for Britain’s interests and Friend, but the point is that the proposals for banking insists on the safeguards that we need to protect our union have to be agreed by unanimity, so that is an position in the face of a Europe that is increasingly important safeguard for Britain. But I do not think it divided between eurozone and non-eurozone countries? would be in our interests to stop the eurozone putting in place something that a single currency needs in order to The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend has absolutely function. Our economy is suffering today because of hit the nail on the head. We want the eurozone banking uncertainty in the eurozone. Those high interest rates in to go ahead, but there are dangers, because if the ECB Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal affect us too, and they members voted en bloc in the European Banking Authority, need action, including a banking union. We in the they would automatically have qualified majority voting— United Kingdom have a single currency—the pound that is the problem. That is why the conclusions of the sterling—and we are going to keep it. It works—and it summit include these words: works partly because we have a banking union. The “An acceptable and balanced solution is needed regarding countries of the eurozone need one too, so blocking it changes to voting modalities and decisions under the European just for the sake of it does not make sense. Banking Authority…Regulation.” 707 European Council22 OCTOBER 2012 European Council 708

That is very important conclusions language that we know what they are up to in Europe. They are members fought quite a battle to secure. My point is that I do not of the European Socialists party, whose president is a want to veto the banking union, but unless this problem Bulgarian who opposes gay pride marches. They have is properly sorted—and Britain has a totally legitimate also signed up to scrapping the UK rebate—that is your argument about why it needs to be sorted—we cannot official policy—and to increasing substantially the EU allow it to go ahead. budget and introducing new EU taxes. They are your mates and that is your policy. Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): The Prime Minister has said before that he brings something significant Mr Speaker: Order. I remind the House and the to the EU growth party. Can he inform the House what Prime Minister that I do not have any policy on these it is? matters, so I would be very grateful if he did not involve me in this exchange. Secondly, I gently and politely The Prime Minister: Among the most important things make the point that we are here to talk about the that Europe can do for growth are trade deals with the policies of the Government. fastest growing parts of the world, completing the single market, and deregulating and cutting costs. All those Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Talking about mates, are the agendas that Britain is driving forward and which parties from Latvia did the Prime Minister meet having greater success with than we have had for many at the Council? years. The Prime Minister: I can certainly give a list of Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (LD): people I did not meet—the parties of the European On maximising British influence within Europe, in the Socialists party, which include the Polish communists, early days of this Administration the Foreign Secretary whom the Opposition sit alongside. They also sit alongside gave voice to the aim and ambition of seeing more UK Romanian holocaust deniers, and, as I have said, the citizens secure positions within the European Commission. party’s Bulgarian president opposes gay pride marches. Can the Prime Minister give us an update as to how that I will not refer to your mates again, Mr Speaker; they strategy is working? are the hon. Gentleman’s mates.

The Prime Minister: We are making some progress on Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The whole this issue. I discussed it specifically with Martin Schulz, country will be grateful for what the Prime Minister has the President of the European Parliament, who wants done, especially because he has said, if I have understood to see more British people involved in the Commission. him correctly, that when he is returned as Prime Minister, I do not believe that it is to do with issues about pay; without the pesky Liberal Democrats in coalition, he as I pointed out, Commission officials are rather will renegotiate with the European Union and put a better paid than members of our own Foreign and referendum to the people in which they can vote yes for Commonwealth Office. However, we are looking at all the renegotiation or no to come out. the potential barriers to make sure that Britain is punching its weight in the Commission and elsewhere. The Prime Minister: As I was at the European Council meeting, I am afraid that I missed my hon. Friend’s Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): As the Prime Minister 60th birthday. I am extremely sorry about that, but I said goodbye to his Chief Whip, did it occur to him that hope that he and Mrs Bone got my belated card. he might have some difficulty persuading the rest of I think that Europe is changing. The deepening of the Europe to listen to what he was saying if he could not eurozone, which will inevitably happen as a result of the even convince his own Back Benchers? problems of the single currency, will open up opportunities for a different and better settlement between countries The Prime Minister: This, obviously, was all discussed such as Britain and the European Union. We should at great length at the European Council in all sorts of pursue that. I have said that we should have both forums. I am delighted to welcome the new Chief Whip, strategic and tactical patience, because the priority right who is in his place and is already doing a great job. now is dealing with the problems of the eurozone and the firefighting that has to take place, but I think it will Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): be possible to draw up that new settlement and then, as Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Leader of the I have said, seek fresh consent for that settlement. Opposition’s remarks show how completely hopeless he would be at negotiating anything with the EU since he Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): On the subject has no policies and his only strategy is to be best mates of how to win friends and influence people, there were with them? Does he also agree that it will be essential, 15 Heads of State present at a European People’s Party with European banking union, that we put in place meeting on Thursday night. Having walked away from safeguards against any financial transactions tax for that group, how many heads of nations did the Prime British banks? Minister seek to influence at his dinner later the same evening? The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes a good point. Do we know where the leader of the Labour The Prime Minister: I did not have a dinner that party stands on the EU fiscal treaty? We do not know. evening, so the hon. Gentleman’s question was wrong. Do we know where he stands on the financial transactions [Interruption.] The dinner was all 27 Heads of State tax? We have not got a clue. Do we know what he would and Heads of Government, and I can inform him that it do about the banking union? We have absolutely no started at 6 o’clock and went on until 3 am. I remind the idea. The Opposition have no positive message, but I hon. Gentleman that, when it comes to mates, he has to 709 European Council22 OCTOBER 2012 European Council 710

[The Prime Minister] The Prime Minister: I have explained the position on a referendum. I do not think that an in/out referendum explain why his mates want to scrap the UK rebate, is the answer. The vast majority of the British people increase the EU budget and introduce new EU taxes. If want us to be in Europe, but to have a better deal in they are your dinner companions, I would rather not Europe. That is what we stand for. turn up. Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Did the Prime Minister Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): So, the discuss his plans for an EU referendum at the European Prime Minister wants to renegotiate our membership of Council? He may find an in/out referendum undesirable, the EU and put the new terms to a referendum. However, but I find his in/in referendum equally unacceptable. will that be an in/in referendum or will a no vote end Only an in/out referendum will do for the British people Britain’s membership of the EU? and it would be very much in the Prime Minister’s best interests if he stopped resisting it. The Prime Minister: We are getting slightly ahead of ourselves. We need to use the development of the European The Prime Minister: I agree with my hon. Friend Union to seek a fresh settlement. There must then be about many things, but on this one we do not agree. The fresh consent for the fresh settlement. There is time to problem with an in/out referendum is that it would put elapse before that can happen because of the immediate two options to the British people, which I do not think firefighting in the European Union, and we can go on really complies with what people want. Many people, discussing it between now and the next election. me included, are not satisfied with the status quo, which is why the “in” option is not acceptable; but many people—also like me—do not want us to leave altogether, Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): We have because of the importance of the single market to heard a lot today about protecting British interests, but Britain, a trading nation, so they do not want to be out. will the Prime Minister set out how he expects to That is why I think that an in/out referendum is not the protect those interests from being harmed by closer right answer. European fiscal integration, when he did not even guarantee us a seat at the table for the negotiations? Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): Even before the budget negotiations have begun, the Prime Minister has threatened to veto them. Does that not say volumes The Prime Minister: My view is that it is inevitable about even his lack of confidence in his own powers of that the eurozone countries will have to integrate further. persuasion? As a country that is not a member of the eurozone, we must recognise that if those countries are to have a The Prime Minister: What I have done before these working single currency, they will have to make some budget negotiations is work together with other European changes. I therefore do not think that it would be right leaders to set out what I think is acceptable. In the letter to stand in the way of everything that they need to do to that we published on 18 December 2010, we said that build a currency that works. However, as that goes “payment appropriations should increase, at most, by no more ahead, it is important that we safeguard our interests as than inflation over the next financial perspectives.” a member of the European Union and, as I have said, In these negotiations we are dealing with taxpayers’ seek a better settlement for the future. money and we are already a massive net contributor to the European Union. It is right to set out your position Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Has my right hon. and stick to it, knowing that you have a veto if you need Friend had the opportunity to see today’s edition of Le to use it. Figaro? Its front page declares that punitive taxation George Eustice (Camborne and Redruth) (Con): May has killed the little attractiveness that remained for I commend the Prime Minister’s decision to stick to his Paris as a financial centre against the City of London. guns and show consistency over the budget by insisting Will my right hon. Friend continue to be a champion on a real-terms freeze? Does he agree that we will never for London? drive reform in the EU if we continue to give it a blank cheque and allow it to spend whatever it likes? The Prime Minister: I have not seen that front page, but given all the other front pages that there have been The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is absolutely recently, I think that I should go away and read it at right. Even if there is tough control over the European once. It is important that Britain remains attractive for budget, as I say there should be, there is plenty of room investment, business, enterprise and start-ups. We are in to ensure that the cohesion countries receive the support a global race—a competition—and that gives us a head that they need as their economies develop, to crack start. down on the administrative central costs, and to continue to reform the common agricultural policy and reduce the agriculture budget, which still makes up about a Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): What third of EU spending. There is plenty that can be done advice did the Prime Minister seek from the Education to get more money out of what is already spent and to Secretary and the third of the Cabinet whose policy it is use it more wisely. to withdraw from the European Union before he attended the Council? Is it not the case that if we became the new Mr Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley) (Lab): Surely the Norway or Switzerland and had their policies, we would Prime Minister must be aware that the vast majority of still be net contributors to the EU budget, but have little his Back Benchers are clamouring for a referendum. say over how it was spent, and we would still be bound Why does he not get the money from Ashcroft to pay by the rules of the single market, but have no influence for it? He gives them millions. over what those rules said? 711 European Council22 OCTOBER 2012 European Council 712

The Prime Minister: I always listen carefully to all my that I would push hard for a free trade agreement with Cabinet colleagues, especially the Education Secretary. Japan. We have got a change in the language of the However, the Leader of the Opposition has to answer conclusions to talk about starting the negotiations in the question himself. The shadow Defence Secretary the coming months. However, it is hard work pushing has said that it is time for a referendum. Is that Labour and driving that agenda, because many countries would policy or not? rather not see that happen. We think it is good for Britain. One of our selling points is being the most open Edward Miliband indicated dissent. trading economy in Europe, and we need to keep that up.

The Prime Minister: No, it is not. Well, the right hon. Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): The Prime Minister Gentleman has clarified one thing this afternoon. That has said a lot about mates this afternoon. Was there any is very good. discussion about the relations between the EU and Russia? Russia’s activities, or intransigence, on Syria Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): Does the Prime have made the situation immensely worse there and Minister agree that the best way to protect British infected the situation in the Lebanon. If there was any interests is to strengthen the single market? By doing so, such discussion, can he explain why his mates—not just we might find some allies who are interested in a competitive the members of Putin’s party but his own Conservative and powerful single market monitored, ironically, by Members of Parliament and two Conservative peers—voted the European Commission. against the resolution at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe condemning Russia’s human The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is entirely right. rights activities? In today’s European Union, it is not just the northern countries—the Dutch, the Danes and the British—that The Prime Minister: I am afraid we did not get the are fighting for the single market. Italy is now run by apology that we were waiting for. We will have to be Mario Monti, who is very pro completing the single very patient. market; the Spanish, under Mariano Rajoy, support the I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman is wrong on a single market; and the former Baltic states in the east of key detail. The Conservative representatives at the Council Europe back this agenda. The balance within the European did vote for the report to which he refers. Council has shifted more in favour of single-market and competitive measures, which is good news for Britain. Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): I very much congratulate my right hon. Friend on his work on expanding trade Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab/Co-op): with non-EU countries, but does he share my concern The Prime Minister says that he wants a freeze on the about the EU’s procrastination on completing free trade EU budget. Does he think his chances of achieving that agreements with countries such as Canada and Singapore? are greater when he is in the room negotiating or after he has stormed out in a huff? The Prime Minister: Good progress is being made on Canada and Singapore, and I believe that as the conclusions The Prime Minister: I have never stormed out of any of the Council say, the negotiations will be completed European negotiations, but what I have done is that “in the coming months”. The bigger challenges will be when a treaty was on the table that was not in British getting properly started on Japan and the US, which, as interests, I vetoed it. two of the world’s biggest economies, have the greatest When it comes to the future financing framework, I potential of all. have studied very closely what the last Labour Prime Minister who went through the process did, in 2005. To Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): start with, he said, “I’m not going to sign up to this new The Government are committed to resisting the transfer financial framework, because it means losing the British of any further powers to Europe. Given that money is rebate.” But then they gave him a bit of pressure, and he power, will my right hon. Friend commit to resisting completely backed down and gave up almost half the any attempts to increase the size of the EU budget and rebate. In return, he got a promise of a discussion on therefore the UK contribution to it? reforming the common agricultural policy, and that discussion never even properly happened. The Prime Minister: We are one of the countries in Europe that stand up for fiscal discipline and restrictions Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): Motor on the EU budget. I remind my hon. Friend that the manufacturers such as Honda will be very pleased to annual budget negotiations are carried out under qualified hear that progress is being made on negotiations with majority voting. Last year we achieved a real-terms Japan. Does my right hon. Friend agree that only freeze in the European budget, and the year before we through Britain’s positive engagement in and continuing did not. Discussions and negotiations are under way for membership of the EU will we negotiate effective and the 2013 budget, but the multi-year framework, which comprehensive trade agreements? will control the budgets between 2014 and 2020, requires unanimity. That is where we can insist on the greatest The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is entirely right. possible discipline. If Britain was not at the table, I do not believe a free trade agreement would have much chance at all. There Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): On are countries alongside us that are in favour of it, but that point, will the Prime Minister assure the House we are probably one of the most enthusiastic. I met the that he will get the toughest possible deal, particularly Japanese equivalent of the CBI last week at No. 10 on farming policy, given the poor deal for farmers from Downing street with the Business Secretary, and I said the revisiting of the Fontainebleau agreement and the 713 European Council22 OCTOBER 2012 European Council 714

[Miss Anne McIntosh] The Prime Minister: I would say to my hon. Friend’s constituents, as I would say to everybody, that I think review of the budget rebate? We need to ensure that our Britain benefits from having a positive and strong farmers, who are already greening our economy, get the relationship with our European allies and partners. We best possible financial outcome for the next six years. are a trading nation and have been throughout our history. Some 50% of our exports go to European The Prime Minister: Obviously we will look carefully countries and we need not only those markets to be at this issue and at how it will affect our farmers. As my open, but to have a say in how the rules of those hon. Friend knows, the last Government basically disapplied markets are written. That is in Britain’s interest. As the the rebate from the spending on cohesion countries, European Union changes, and particularly as the eurozone which had some perverse effects as far as our farmers becomes a tighter bloc with its own banking and fiscal are concerned. What matters is that we do a good deal union, the relationship between those outside the single for Britain in the round, including our farmers. currency and those inside is clearly going to change. We as a country should be thinking about how we can Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con): As the maximise the interests of the United Kingdom as that Prime Minister will know, I wrote to him over the happens. weekend about the European Parliament’s extraordinary two-seat operation between Strasbourg and Brussels, Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): The German which costs over £1 billion of taxpayers’ money and Chancellor, Angela Merkel, is reported to have said that emits 100,000 tonnes of CO . Does he agree that the 2 there is little point in holding the next EU summit if so-called Strasbourg circus is an enormous waste of Britain wields its veto on the budget. Does my right resources, and at the next Council of Ministers meeting hon. Friend agree that there is also little point in holding in November will he push for an end to the farce, as in a summit if all the countries of Europe voluntarily our coalition agreement? surrender their vetoes? Is it not right to negotiate with The Prime Minister: I am grateful to my hon. Friend our competitors from a position of strength, and use for raising that issue. It has long been our position that the tools of influence rather than the tools of effluence that system should cease and that we should have one favoured by the Leader of the Opposition? seat for the European Parliament, and we continue to make that point. The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes an important point. We obviously need an agreement over time about Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con): Labour the future funding of the European Union, and it Members of the European Parliament want my constituents makes sense to have a discussion about that. I am very to pay more taxes so that the European Union can clear about where that discussion needs to lead, and my spend more of our money. Will my right hon. Friend view on that is not going to change. If we can come to assure the House that such crackpot ideas from the an agreement in November, so be it, and if we cannot, Labour party will be kicked into touch? so be it—happy to talk, but not happy to spend a lot of money. The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and Labour Members who say that that is not the Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): The French case clearly have not read the policy document of the press are today criticising their own Government, and European Socialists party to which they belong, which talking about a financial exile because of punitive tax calls for scrapping the UK rebate, increasing the budget, rates. Does the Prime Minister agree that it would be a and imposing new EU taxes. That is what the Labour good idea for Labour Front Benchers to take out a Members’ group stands for. subscription for some of the French press, so that they understand how significantly poor punitive tax rates are Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): On the subject for the economy? of influence within the EU, does my right hon. Friend agree that quite a number of countries in the eurozone The Prime Minister: That is an absolutely excellent might benefit from talking to a country that has generated suggestion. Labour Front Benchers also ought to consider 1 million private sector jobs over the past three or four the effect of a financial transactions tax, because that years? will be pushed ahead by some EU members. It would be The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes an important a great mistake to start piling on extra taxes—[Interruption.] point: there is a big range across Europe in how effectively “Is that our policy?” I have no idea what the policy is of our labour markets function, and if we look at the right hon. Member for Morley and Outwood (Ed unemployment rates—particularly youth unemployment— Balls). The real problem is that neither does he. we see that the contrast between some of the best performing countries such as Holland, and the worst Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): One area such as Spain and Italy, is very marked. The UK is not, that has been missed in the Punch and Judy show that I am afraid, among the best performing countries, but we have seen in the Chamber is the impact on foreign we should aim to be. affairs. The Prime Minister spoke about additional measures on Syria. What additional measures is he John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): Many of my constituents planning? tell me that they wish to see the future of this country far less closely tied to that of continental Europe, but The Prime Minister: A very successful Foreign Affairs they are increasingly cynical about how that will take Council met before the European Union Council. As I shape. Will the Prime Minister reassure my constituents have said, the language on Iran was very tough—if that he will lead us in the right direction? there was not movement on the nuclear issue, the sanctions 715 European Council22 OCTOBER 2012 European Council 716 would be tightened up; and the language and conclusions Business Secretary would not be doing their duty if they on Syria were about further steps to put restrictions on did not speak up and point out some of the dangers of the regime. Whether in discussing Syria or Iran, or not having reasonable outcomes on those issues, but my indeed EU relationships with countries such as India hon. Friend is absolutely right that many other industries and China, Britain is making a lot of the policy and a benefit from being members of the EU and from ensuring lot of the approaches. that we are writing fair rules for the single market.

Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): All EU members Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): My constituents are having to take cuts in their spending domestically. will be horrified at any suggestion to increase the EU When possible, can we insist that further payments budget or the UK’s contribution to it at a time of such from this country to the EU should be proportionate to austerity here. I can assure my right hon. Friend that the cuts we are taking domestically? the vast majority of my constituents want him to stick to his guns on the multi-year settlement, to get a good The Prime Minister: This is an ingenious idea that deal for the UK, and to do what is best for the UK. Will others are also pursuing. It is a complex picture, because he assure my constituents that they will be pleased with Britain is one of the few net contributor nations. We the outcome when the time comes? need to look at the starting point. We are the second largest net contributor, which is why our rebate and our The Prime Minister: I can certainly give my hon. tough position on that policy is completely justified. Friend the assurance that we will stick to our position on that. I cannot tell him when a deal will be done—it Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): The Prime does not have to be done this November. The important Minister is being accused of being an isolationist, when, point is that the British position about not wanting in fact, we do not need to be part of the banking union real-terms increases will maintain, whether the deal is discussions because we are never going to enter the done in 2012, 2013, 2014 or at any point in future. That currency. Will he confirm that, on a lot of other points, is the key thing that everyone needs to know. we are at the heart of the discussion, including on keeping the European budget down? Mr Speaker: The moment has arrived for the good doctor. The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes an extremely intelligent point. The creation of the single currency has Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Thank created a different dynamic in Europe. Inevitably, if you, Mr Speaker. Can the eurozone have a banking countries are not in and do not want to join the single union that works without that leading to economic and currency, they will not be involved in every single discussion political union too? about the future of the single currency. That is what has created different pathways in the European Union. We The Prime Minister: I think that the short answer to must be mature about and accept that fact, and think, that question is no. Over time, the more there is a “Now we know it, how can we best protect and defend banking union and a fiscal union, the tighter the political the British interest in the EU?” She makes a very union will be drawn, because—for instance—German important point. voters having to stand behind Greek deposits, or French voters having to pay for the restructuring of a Spanish David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): Much of bank are deeply political questions. In my view, as the the discussion this afternoon has been on the need to eurozone deepens its commitments, as is inevitable for a protect our banking industry from regulation. For the working single currency, there will be pressures for avoidance of doubt, will the Prime Minister confirm further political union, and for further treaties and that all our other exporting industries, such as treaty changes. That is why I believe it is possible for pharmaceuticals, energy and oil, will be given the same Britain to seek a new settlement and seek fresh consent respect in our negotiating position? on that settlement, but we have to show some patience, because right now the issue in Europe is how to firefight The Prime Minister: Of course—my hon. Friend the problems of the eurozone—get down interest rates makes an important point. I am not saying that we and get the eurozone economy moving—rather than should stand up just for financial services and not for thinking through all of the consequences of banking other industries. The industries he mentions are extremely union and fiscal union in the way that my hon. Friend important. However, we account for around 40% of the suggests. EU’s financial services, so it is an important industry. I am not a mercantilist, but it is one industry segment in Mr Speaker: I thank the Prime Minister and all which we have a substantial positive trade balance with colleagues for their succinctness, which enabled all 49 Back the EU. A British Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary or Benchers to contribute in well under an hour. 717 22 OCTOBER 2012 Points of Order 718

Points of Order “I refer the hon. Member to my letter to the right hon. and learned Member for Camberwell and Peckham (Ms Harman), of 18 October 2012. A copy has been placed in the Library of the 4.25 pm House.”—[Official Report, 19 October 2012; Vol. 551, c. 449W.] Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): On a point of order, Leaving aside the fact that it is dodgy to refer hon. Mr Speaker. The Prime Minister said that I was wrong Members to a letter that is not available to them, which when I asserted that there had been no progress in has been deprecated by successive Speakers in the past, completing the single market in energy and digital. the only supposed answer that one could possibly conceive However, his statement says that between June and there being in that letter to my right hon. Friend is: October there was no progress—the statements are “I am, however, happy to respond to your questions in full. As exactly the same. That shows clearly that I was right and you know, I set up the Leveson Inquiry. I have co-operated fully he was wrong. with the inquiry and given them all the material that they have asked for.” Mr Speaker: I think that is a matter of debate. The That is not in any shape or form an answer to any of the hon. Gentleman has clearly satisfied himself of his own five questions I have tabled. It does not even pretend position, which I am sure will be reassuring to all his to be an answer to me—it is meant to be an answer to friends and family. The point is on the record, but it is somebody else. not a matter for the Chair. Can you please confirm, Mr Speaker, that it is an important principle of this House that Ministers have Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): On a point of order, to reply to hon. Members? They cannot have hissy fits Mr Speaker. It is a shame that the Prime Minister has and decide who they are going to reply to and who they scurried out of the Chamber. Successive Speakers have are not going to reply to. Every single Member of this made it clear that no Minister, including a Prime Minister, House has to be answered properly and fully. can opt out of parliamentary scrutiny and that answers to written parliamentary questions have to be timely Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for and substantive. his point of order. Let me say at the outset that I stand Last week, as I am sure you are aware, I tabled five by every word of my response to the hon. Gentleman parliamentary questions for named day answer on Friday last Thursday. In responding to his point of order then, regarding the secret e-mails and texts between the Prime I said that questions should receive a substantive answer, Minister, Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson, which a and that also reflects the resolution on ministerial Downing street official has described as salacious and accountability that is set out on pages 201 and 202 of deeply embarrassing for the Prime Minister, and the “Erskine May”. I believe that the hon. Gentleman has deliberate attempt by No. 10 to cover up their existence. been advised how he may follow up his questions, and I Following your ruling last Thursday, the Prime Minister will study both the present exchange and the further “replied” last Friday afternoon. The answer said: exchange. I will leave the matter there for the moment. 719 22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 720

Hillsborough of the inquest and the imposition of a 3.15 pm cut-off of evidence meant that a false picture was presented 4.29 pm and accepted as fact. The panel’s report makes it clear that South Yorkshire The Secretary of State for the Home Department police in the last couple of years have set an example in (Mrs Theresa May): I beg to move, terms of the process of disclosure to the panel. However, That this House has considered the matter of the Hillsborough its findings about South Yorkshire police in 1989 are Independent Panel Report. stark. The panel’s report lays bare the reaction of the The Hillsborough independent panel published its police in attempting to shift blame for the disaster on to report on 12 September. Alongside the report, it launched the fans. Lord Justice Taylor’s report into Hillsborough an archive consisting of hundreds of thousands of found that the disaster’s main cause was pages of records. The report and the archive reveal the “the failure of police control”. truth about the Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath. What the panel has uncovered is shocking and disturbing, Inadequate crowd management and poor provision of and it was right for my right hon. Friend the Prime turnstiles led to an unmanageable crush outside the Minister, having read the report, to apologise to the ground. Taylor found that the police were right to families of the victims. In addition to that apology, respond by opening exit gate C but wrong to fail to however, there must be accountability. The bereaved consider where fans entering through that gate would families deserve a proper response to what is a go next. Most went straight ahead, down a tunnel comprehensive report. So today I want to set out the marked “Standing”, into the already-full central pens. shape of that response and how we can, in the words of Failure to block that tunnel was, according to Lord some of the families, move from truth to justice. Taylor’s report, Before I do so, however, I want to remind the House “a blunder of the first magnitude”. of some of the panel’s findings. First, it found that the The police, however, attempted to create a different safety of the crowd entering Hillsborough’s Leppings story—one in which drunken Liverpool fans arrived in Lane terrace was “compromised at every level”. The their thousands at the last minute and caused the disaster. capacity of the terrace had been significantly over- Their late arrival, it was claimed, overwhelmed the calculated, meaning that hundreds more tickets were police. Officers presented unfounded stories of vile sold than the area could safely accommodate. Crush behaviour to the press. The intention, according to the barriers were lower than set out in safety rules. Their panel, was to layout was also inadequate. The small number of turnstiles “develop and publicise a version of events that focused on…allegations meant that delays were always likely at a capacity match. of drunkenness, ticketlessness and violence”. There were three times more people per turnstile at In seeking to make its case, South Yorkshire police went Leppings Lane than at the opposite end of the ground. so far as to vet the written statements made by its Previous instances of crushing had not been recognised officers. Once vetted, changes were made. The panel or acted on. Lessons had not been learned. When the found that 164 statements were altered significantly. Of disaster happened, neither the police nor the ambulance those, 116 were amended so as to remove content that service properly activated their major incident procedure, was unfavourable to the police, including on its lack of which meant that command and control roles were not leadership. properly filled. The panel found “repeated evidence of failures in leadership and emergency response Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): At the coordination”. meeting of the Select Committee on Home Affairs last There was no systematic triage of casualties and a lack Tuesday, the present chief constable of South Yorkshire of basic equipment. None of this takes away from the police was asked whether he accepted without qualification heroic work of spectators and individual members of the panel’s report. He said yes. the emergency services who fought to save lives, but the panel is clear that a swifter, better-equipped and better- Mrs May: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his focused emergency response could have saved more intervention. He is absolutely right: the current chief people. constable has accepted what was in the report The original inquests heard that the victims of unconditionally. That is an important step for South Hillsborough suffered traumatic asphyxia leading to Yorkshire police, but obviously we have to look at what unconsciousness within seconds and death within a few the report says about South Yorkshire police. minutes, but the detailed medical analysis produced by the panel tells a different story. The panel considered Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): Is not part of that there was definite evidence in 41 cases, and possibly the problem that there is currently limited, timid and in a further 17 others, that those who died did so after weak sanction for any tampering by police officers with having survived for a longer period. In these cases, their statements and witness statements? This is not the only condition was potentially recoverable, and they might case in the news today where witness statements and have survived had there been a more effective emergency statements by officers have been tampered with. Clearly response. It is difficult to imagine how the families of the currently sanction is not strong enough, because if those who died must feel hearing that fact after 23 years. it was, perhaps we would have fewer incidents of this The truth, however hard to bear, should not have kind. taken so long to be told. The panel’s report shows that the coroner at the original inquest acted on the medical Mrs May: My hon. Friend raises an important point. advice of pathologists and after seeking the views of I am coming on to talk about the investigations that will colleagues, but it also shows very clearly that the structure take place into the actions of South Yorkshire police, 721 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 722

[Mrs May] In addition to the question about the IPCC’s powers in the investigation, it is also important to recognise and obviously the issue that he has raised—the sanctions—is that, in the case of Hillsborough, a number of individuals rightly something that should be considered alongside and organisations other than the police or ex-police those investigations. officers will be investigated. We need to ensure that all Let me return to the actions of the police. Perhaps these investigations are robust and properly co-ordinated, even more shockingly, the panel also found evidence and that other investigations do not in any way compromise showing that officers carried out police national computer the independence of the IPCC. An important part of checks on those who had died. The panel said this was that will be to ensure that any police officers who are done in an attempt involved in any investigations are not from South Yorkshire “to impugn the reputations of the deceased”. police, now or in the past. The whole House will want to join me in thanking the I am also very clear that, as we go through this Bishop of Liverpool and all members of the panel for process and decide on the next steps, it is important that their thorough and revealing report. The panel’s report the families should be consulted at every stage and that was shocking and disturbing, and the families of the our proposals should be discussed with them. victims must have found its contents harrowing. But although it is painful and will make many people angry, Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): I wrote to the Prime the report brings the full truth of Hillsborough into the Minister recently about how this investigation was to be light of day. The truth that some families have long taken forward, and received a response from one of the known or suspected is now clear for all to see and to Home Secretary’s Ministers. Will all the information respect. I believe my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and documentation relating to any future decisions be spoke for all of us in the House when he apologised to made available for public scrutiny? the families of the 96 for what he called the “double injustice” that they have suffered: first, the injustice of Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman makes an important the appalling events and the indefensible wait to get to point. We will obviously need to see what material will the truth; and secondly, the injustice of what he called be required for the investigations, and what material the “denigration of the deceased”—the suggestion that might be used as evidence in any charges and prosecutions those who died were somehow responsible for their own that are brought. I will certainly look at the issue that he deaths and for those of their friends and fellow fans. has raised about continuing transparency, which I recognise But after the truth must come justice; and after the has been important in relation to the documents that apology, accountability. So let me set out for the House have been released so far. Perhaps I can come back to what is happening now. The Independent Police Complaints him on that point. Commission has announced an investigation into the panel’s findings. The investigation will cover potential criminality and misconduct in respect of police officers, Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and both serving and retired. It will be thorough and wide- Hillsborough) (Lab): May I return to the question of ranging. As I have previously said, I remain committed resourcing that was raised by the Chair of the Home to ensuring that the IPCC has all the powers and Affairs Committee, my right hon. Friend the Member resources it needs to carry out its investigations thoroughly, for Leicester East (Keith Vaz)? A number of agencies, transparently and exhaustively. The Government are including local government and the police, will be involved already looking at what additional powers the IPCC as a consequence of the inquest, and many other operations will need, which includes proposals to require current will need to be undertaken that will require substantial and ex-police officers who may be witness to a crime to resourcing. Can we have an assurance that those costs attend an interview, and whether this might require will be met centrally, rather than in a way that could fast-track legislation. I therefore welcome what the shadow affect the operation of other services to people in the Home Secretary set out at the weekend about the communities affected? opportunity for us to sit down and discuss the proposals, and to see whether fast-track legislation is the right way Mrs May: I hear what the right hon. Gentleman is forward—I think my office has already been in touch saying, and I understand his concern that other services with hers to try to get a suitable date in mind. should not suffer as a result of any requirements being placed on such organisations. I cannot give a commitment Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): As the Home Secretary across the board at this stage. We are talking to the probably knows, the South Yorkshire chief constable IPCC about the resources that it will need, and my right wrote to me on Friday to say that he has sent a list of hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health will be 1,444 names of former and serving officers of South looking at the implications for any health bodies that Yorkshire police to the IPCC. That is a huge number of are involved. We want to ensure that the investigations names—more than we expected. Has the IPCC approached are as thorough and exhaustive as possible, and we her to ask for additional resources, bearing in mind that would not wish to put any barriers in the way of that it already has a large workload? It is important that we happening, but a significant number of bodies will be deal with the resources issue right at the start. involved, and we have to look at the matter very carefully. Mrs May: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for Specifically in regard to the IPCC, we are already making that extremely valid point. The number of having discussions about any requirements that it might names sent by the chief constable of South Yorkshire have. makes clear the enormity of the issue. The Home Office is in discussion with the IPCC about the resources that Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): The Home Secretary it might need to ensure that it can conduct the investigation has said that we are moving towards a point of as thoroughly and exhaustively as we would all wish. accountability, and she has mentioned the police. Before 723 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 724 she completes her contribution to the debate, will she as a whole, nothing was done, and nobody responded to list the other public and private bodies to which we that view. This happened, I think, because there was an might wish accountability to be applied? acceptance of the story that had been put about. As I said, that was the second injustice to the families that Mrs May: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of the Prime Minister mentioned. They had to suffer not State for Health will certainly be covering a number of only not seeing brought to light what they believed was those bodies in his closing remarks this evening. As I the truth about what had happened to their loved ones have already mentioned, there were issues around the and friends, but the injustice of being told that it was operation of the ambulance service, for example. Further those individuals’ own fault. That is absolutely shameful. public sector bodies might be involved. Those who are looking at the report are determining which bodies need to be investigated, and the list is currently being compiled. John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): Does I can, however, commit that we will provide a list for the the Home Secretary agree that our system is at times House at an appropriate point in due course, so that vulnerable to cover-ups, and that we need to look at the everyone is able to see all the bodies that are involved. processes to try to make sure that we have no more of them? Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): Will my right hon. Friend tell us whether there will be a process whereby the investigation can look into those Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. I who, although not involved in the services that she has assume that in the course of these investigations, some mentioned, added to or fuelled the salacious rumours issues of that sort will be raised and we will need to look that were going around? I am thinking in particular of at them. I shall say a little more later about the accountability the local MP at the time. Could such matters be looked of the police. into, or would they be a matter for a private prosecution Moving on to deal with further investigations, the by the families? Director of Public Prosecutions has initiated a review of the panel’s findings. His review will inform a decision Mrs May: I am absolutely clear that the various as to whether there are grounds to pursue prosecution investigations—I shall come on to other aspects of of any of the parties identified in the report. If the DPP investigation—will look at the totality of the report and decides that further investigation is necessary, I will its findings, and will identify any cases where there has ensure that this can be carried out swiftly and thoroughly. been a suggestion of criminality; and if there has been In the case of police officers, it is likely that the IPCC such a suggestion, it will be properly investigated. will pick up the investigative role. If the DPP finds that Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): With the a broader investigation is necessary, we will appoint a families’ hopes dashed on so many occasions, does it senior experienced investigator—entirely independent not shame us as the mother of all Parliaments that it and unconnected to these events—to operate an has taken 23 years for the families to get to this stage investigation team within the new National Crime Agency. where at least the truth is out, but justice is still to be The bereaved families have long considered the original done? inquest to have been inadequate, and the Hillsborough independent panel has pointed to significant flaws. My Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman is right, but I think right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General has that the issue goes wider than that. Going back to the studied the panel’s report in detail and looked at the remarks that the Prime Minister made in his statement, disclosed material and the previous requests for new the problem for the families was that a sort of collective inquests that were declined by his predecessors. He has view came to be held across the country—that the fans confirmed that he will apply to the High Court for the had been responsible. We can discuss how that came original inquest to be quashed and a new one ordered. about—it is quite clear in the report how it was fuelled by certain newspaper reports—but everybody came to Right hon. and hon. Members will know that it is for accept that view and not to question it. It is to the great the High Court and not for Government to make the honour of the hon. Gentleman and a number of other final decision, and that we must be careful not to Opposition Members, and to the families themselves, pre-judge the Court’s consideration. Should the Court that they held fast to their belief through those 23 years. agree a new inquest, I have asked the chairman of the I hope that they can now take some comfort in the fact Hillsborough independent panel, the Bishop of Liverpool, that the truth is out there. That double injustice has to work with the new chief coroner to ensure that come to the surface and people have recognised it. arrangements are put in place in which the families are central, and to ensure that the new inquest is run in a Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): The Home way that reflects the dignity and respect that the families Secretary said that it became the collective view of have themselves so consistently demonstrated. I have everybody across the country that this was the fans’ also asked the Bishop of Liverpool to act as my adviser fault, but let me be clear that that is completely and more generally on Hillsborough-related matters, and he utterly incorrect. Many people across the country were has agreed to do so. very clear that it was not the fans’ fault, and very few people from my background were surprised to find that the former Prime Minister, the police and certain Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): At the original newspapers were in cahoots. inquest the families had to cover their own costs, including the costs of attending. Can the Home Secretary comment Mrs May: I recognise that there will have been individuals, at this stage on whether the costs of the families’ perhaps in certain parts of the country, who took a involvement in future inquests might be borne by the different view. What happened was that, collectively or public purse? 725 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 726

Mrs May: That point has been raised with me directly meetings are taking place with representatives this week by families and by representatives of families and survivors, to consider a number of options for how that co-ordination and my officials are looking into it now. can take place. We are looking at all those options, and I As I said earlier, my right hon. Friend the Secretary assure him that the option that was raised then will be of State for Health will say more about the role of in the mix. We must ensure that we get what is right, and health professionals and emergency health services in what the families can have confidence in. respect of Hillsborough when he closes the debate. I I take immensely seriously the report’s implications know that, like me, he has met representatives of the for public confidence in the integrity of the police. Hillsborough families, and has taken a close interest in Police officers in this country police with the consent of the work of the panel. I also know that, with his their fellow citizens, but they can only do that if they responsibilities for the health service, he shares my have the trust of their fellow citizens. The actions of determination to ensure that proper action is taken officers, especially senior officers, at Hillsborough and when individuals or institutions are found to be at fault. immediately following the disaster strike at the heart of The Government’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor that trust. There are also wider problems that give cause Dame Sally Davies, has already written to the Royal for concern in relation to the integrity of the police. In College of Pathologists, the College of Emergency Medicine recent weeks we have seen a constable and a chief and the General Medical Council drawing their attention constable dismissed for gross misconduct, and a number to the panel’s work and asking them to consider its of senior officers across the country are currently under implications. The Department of Health has also drawn investigation for misconduct. Lord Justice Leveson will the panel’s report to the attention of the General Medical report shortly on the findings of his inquiry, and Operations Council, which will be considering whether there is a Elveden and Weeting continue to uncover the involvement need to investigate any currently practising doctors. of individual police officers and police staff in the activities of News International. This all generates a The chief executive of the NHS, Sir David Nicholson, level of public concern and loss of confidence in the has written to the chief executives of ambulance services police that is damaging to the reputation of the vast and hospitals that provide emergency care to ensure majority of decent, hard-working police officers, and that they are aware of the panel’s findings. Last week, therefore to their ability to police with consent. given the panel’s findings in relation to the alteration of statements in the ambulance service, the Department of Our programme of police reform includes a new Health asked the Health and Care Professions Council, college of policing, which will work to improve police which regulates ambulance paramedics, to consider whether leadership and professional standards. Police and crime any actions taken by currently serving ambulance staff commissioners, elected next month, will bring greater might merit further investigation. transparency and local accountability to policing. Her I was steadfast in my support for the panel, and I am Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary is becoming more equally steadfast in my determination that the processes independent. I have also already said that I am prepared that are now taking shape must be pursued with all to give extra resources and new powers to the IPCC. the rigour that the panel showed in its work. I have set out the action being taken by the Independent Police Mark Pritchard: I am grateful to the Home Secretary Complaints Commission, the Director of Public for giving way a second time; she is being most generous. Prosecutions, the Attorney-General and others, but it is I am sure she agrees that the governing coalition does clear that that action will require a co-ordinated approach. not have a monopoly of wisdom on legislation and Representatives of the IPCC, the DPP and the Attorney- good ideas as to how this country can be better governed, General are already in contact and working together, so will she remain open-minded about the shadow and I can give a commitment that, as part of my Home Secretary’s recently announced plans to replace ongoing role as the Government’s lead minister for the IPCC with a new police standards authority? A lot Hillsborough, I will ensure that a fully co-ordinated of people think the IPCC is not fit for purpose. It will approach is adopted. I have met representatives of the be very busy over the coming months, and it is right that bereaved families and survivors, and I will ensure that we stick with it and support it, but will she be open-minded they are consulted further about the arrangements. about the possibility of bringing in a Bill to establish a new police standards authority before the next election? Keith Vaz: I am grateful to the Home Secretary for giving way a second time. As she knows, the families Mrs May: I am always willing to be open-minded on came to see the Select Committee last Tuesday, and I a number of such matters. The IPCC is under new am glad that she was able to see them on Thursday. chairmanship, and I think Dame Anne Owers has done They suggested that the DPP should have oversight of an excellent job in the limited time she has been at the all the different agencies. I know that the Home Secretary IPCC in showing its genuine independence and her will be the lead Minister and that Stephen Rimmer will desire to make sure the organisation has all the powers be the responsible official in her Department, but does and resources it needs to be able to do the job it she not think that a single person should co-ordinate all currently has to do in conducting a number of investigations, the various agencies? There is a possibility that things but I have outlined a number of changes that I believe might get lost in various different places otherwise. I am will bring greater accountability to the police. All those merely seeking the Home Secretary’s view on what is changes will make a positive difference in terms of best. public confidence in the integrity of the police, but I will return to the House by the new year with fuller proposals Mrs May: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for to ensure that the police operate to the highest ethical raising that point, which I discussed with representatives standards and that the public can have full confidence of the families when they came to see me. A number of in police integrity. 727 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 728

I would like to end by paying tribute to the families of and Hope for Hillsborough the truth would have remained the 96 and all those who have supported them over the hidden. They kept fighting when others would have many years. Their persistence and indomitability, driven given up, they kept calling for the truth to come out by love for those they have lost, is an inspiration. They when others turned their backs and they kept standing have fought for justice, and not warm words, but I when others fell. We must pay tribute to all of them, would like to place on the record my respect for them and we must also pay tribute to the Bishop of Liverpool, all the same, and I offer them this commitment: the the Right Rev. James Jones, and his team of experts for Government will do everything in their power to support setting out in black and white what the evidence shows. them in moving from truth to justice. I pay tribute to the Liverpool Echo, which has kept the campaign going for so long, and may I pay tribute 4.57 pm to the local MPs, who have fought so hard to support the families? I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham), whose work in (Lab): I welcome the Home Secretary’s opening speech, government led to the setting up of the Hillsborough the personal attention that I know she has given to this panel and who has continued to pursue this issue from extremely important issue, and the stance she has taken. the Opposition Benches. I pay tribute to my hon. Friends I agree with her and join her in respect of the apology the Members for Garston and Halewood (Maria Eagle), that is owed to the families for the 23 years they have for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram) and for Halton waited and been denied both truth and justice and also (Derek Twigg), and to all the other Merseyside MPs in recognising the deep distress caused by the disturbing who have been so determined in standing up for their facts found in the Hillsborough independent panel report, constituents; I know that many from across the Back which shocked the country and this House. Benches and the Front Benches will be speaking in the What was set out in its pages was a shocking failure debate, but some will not be able to speak from the Front to keep people safe. They were failures that spanned Bench today, including my right hon. Friend the Member nearly three decades: the failure to improve the safety for Delyn (Mr Hanson), whose constituents were also of the ground in the years before Hillsborough; the failure affected on that day. to learn from previous crowd problems; the failure to I welcome the words from the Home Secretary today organise crowd safety before the match; the failure because I believe that there is agreement right across to deliver crowd safety during the match; the failure to this House about the importance of both action and close the tunnel once the gate was opened; the failure to accountability. Although the Hillsborough panel was help fans in the crush speedily; the failure to be honest set up before the election, she and the Prime Minister about what happened and to investigate what happened; have supported it since and they have supported its a failure to get to the truth; and a failure to provide conclusions. We are keen to work with the Government justice. That is a long list of failures, which have caused on the next steps, because disclosure and truth are not untold sorrow and anguish, and which underpin the enough—the families have made it clear that they need tragic death of 96 people. justice. The panel’s report refers to the following quote: A long list, too, of untruths have now finally been “The whole point of justice consists precisely in our providing exposed: the untruths about the fans, about late arrivals for others through humanity what we provide for our own family at the match, about drinking, and about the actions of through affection.” the emergency services. There is also a story of injustice: That journey is not over. So today we have the opportunity an inquest that failed to give every family a truthful to debate and reflect on the details of the panel’s report, account of how and why their loved one died; a failure and the Home Secretary set out powerfully this afternoon to hold anyone to account, either through the criminal some of the most important conclusions it reached. courts or through disciplinary procedures; a systematic cover-up; and a campaign of misinformation that maligned I also want to make some points about the next steps, innocent people. and how we make sure that the system does not fail again and that truth and justice are delivered now. As the Prime Minister said on the day the report was Today, the three next steps have been announced. We published, Hillsborough was heard about the Attorney-General’s welcome decision “one of the greatest peacetime tragedies of the last century”.—[Official that he will be applying for fresh inquests into the Report, 12 September 2012; Vol. 550, c. 283.] deaths of the 96; the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Ninety-six people died but it could have avoided. That decision to review the evidence with a view to criminal alone should have made it even more important to get prosecutions; and the Independent Police Complaints to the truth and justice, and it makes it even more Commission’s investigation into police conduct surrounding sobering and shocking that there has been a failure to Hillsborough, which could cover both criminal and do so for 23 years. All the institutions that are supposed disciplinary issues. As I understand it, the Home Secretary to pursue truth and justice—that are supposed to provide has today told us that if the DPP decides that a criminal checks and balances in a democracy—failed to do so investigation will be pursued, a special investigative over Hillsborough: the police; the courts; the police team will be established to take that forward. watchdogs; the justice system; the press; and democratic institutions. They all failed to deliver truth or justice for Alec Shelbrooke: I am sure that the right hon. Lady, a 23 years. fellow West Yorkshire MP, shares my concerns that the It is therefore with humility that we must all pay chief constable of West Yorkshire is being investigated tribute to the families of the 96 victims, who fought for by the IPCC, not least for having tried to influence the 23 years for the truth and are still fighting now for police authority not to refer this matter on. Does she justice, because without the efforts of the Hillsborough agree that in order for the public to have faith in this Family Support Group, the Hillsborough Justice Campaign investigation, he should be suspended? 729 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 730

Yvette Cooper: The hon. Gentleman raises a serous declare a major incident on the day and more. The issue about the chief constable of West Yorkshire, who, second concern the cover-up, the potential perversion as he rightly says, has been referred to the IPCC on a of the course of justice and misconduct events. series of accounts—for things that happened at the time I want to dwell on the second group of issues for a of Hillsborough, for things that happened subsequently moment. The purpose and role of the police are to and for the things that have happened most recently. protect people and to pursue truth without fear or The hon. Gentleman will know that the Home Secretary favour, wherever it might take them, in the interests of and I are both constrained from commenting on an justice. The panel’s report shows that at Hillsborough individual case when due legal process is under way, but the police failed to keep people safe, that they distorted it is extremely important that the case is properly investigated and buried the truth, and that justice was betrayed. The and, later on in my speech, I shall return to some of the panel’s report was devastating in its exposure of what issues it raises. happened in South Yorkshire police, with 164 statements Given the failure of previous investigations to reach taken from the officers on the day identified for substantive either the truth or justice, it is vital that action is now amendment, of which 116 were changed. A series of timely and effective and I welcome the Home Secretary’s statements that revealed the lack of leadership from statement that every step must include detailed consultation senior officers as the crisis built were all deleted and so, with the families. too, were statements about normal practice on closing Let me make a few points about the inquest. Clearly, the tunnel once the gate was opened. everyone is keen for a new inquest to be reopened as Pressure was applied to police officers to change their soon as possible although we recognise, of course, that statements, too. PC Michael Walpole, in a letter to Lord the proper legal processes must be pursued and that the Justice Stuart-Smith’s scrutiny report, said about the Attorney-General has 450,000 documents to consider. doctoring of police statements: Given how long the families have already waited, I hope “I must say that I wished my final statement to be the exact that the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office can copy of the original recollection…However, since I (like most consider together whether any additional support must others) was suffering from post traumatic stress and depression, I be provided for the Attorney-General’s Office so that it agreed to the deletions to my final statement under the conditions can complete that in as timely a manner as possible. I was placed under. My personal view is that a police officer Clearly, the process must start as soon as is practical. I should be able to freely make an honest and truthful statement of hope, too, that the families will be listened to on the facts and opinion and it was an injustice for statements to have been ‘doctored’ to suit the management of the South Yorkshire importance of holding the inquest not in Sheffield but Police.” in the north-west. That is an extremely serious statement. The panel’s report was clear that the coroner’s decision to implement a 3.15 cut-off was flawed and that some People will have seen—the hon. Member for The people survived for a significant period beyond that Wrekin (Mark Pritchard) referred to them—the separate time. The report also found, tragically, that a swifter, allegations that have emerged this morning about statements better focused and properly equipped response would being changed in relation to Orgreave, where it appears have had the potential to save more lives. The emergency that a separate investigation will be needed into what response after 3.15 has never been challenged and it happened. It is important that the matter is fully pursued must be now. for the sake of justice over Hillsborough and also to ensure that these events do not cast a shadow over the Other concerns about the inquest that have long been important work that the police do each day and to ensure raised by the families emerge clearly from the panel’s that wider public confidence in policing is maintained. report: the way it was structured; the continued credence given to the unfounded claims about drinking and The Home Secretary rightly referred to the approach alcohol levels; the reliance on altered police witness taken by the current South Yorkshire chief constable, statements rather than on the original testimony of both in full disclosure to the panel and in accepting the officers; and much more besides. Clearly, it is important conclusions of the panel’s report. It is important for that a reopened inquest is not confined to considering the sake of policing today that we take seriously what the events that took place after 3.15 and there must be a happened 23 years ago. proper answer for every one of the 96 families about what happened to their loved ones. That means that the Mark Pritchard: Does the shadow Home Secretary families will need legal representation, too, and I hope, agree that to restore public trust in the police, whatever given the exceptional circumstances, that the Home the IPCC says, there should be criminal prosecutions Secretary and the Ministry of Justice will ensure that where there is enough evidence that is beyond all reasonable that happens directly so that the families do not need to doubt? We are all subject to the same law, whether go through further hassle and uncertainty with the Members of Parliament or police officers, both serving Legal Services Commission. and retired. Would she share my concern if the IPCC, Let me turn to the criminal investigation. The IPCC having found something, allowed police forces to conduct has already identified two kinds of potential criminal or their own internal disciplinary inquiries, which so often misconduct issues based on the disclosures in the report. rely on the balance of probabilities—of course, the The first concern what happened at Hillsborough on threshold is lower—and so often see police officers go 15 April 1989 and the events that led up to it, as well as into a well-remunerated and happy retirement while the the potential culpability of individuals and institutions victims still do not have justice? for the deaths, which will mean reconsidering those unheeded warnings, the safety standards, the lack of an Yvette Cooper: I agree that if there is evidence of updated safety certificate, the planning, the operational criminal wrongdoing, there must be prosecutions. It is decisions, the failure to close the tunnel, the failure to right that those decisions about prosecutions are made 731 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 732 independently, not by Parliament obviously, but by the Keith Vaz: My right hon. Friend and the Home Director of Public Prosecutions. It is right that there Secretary have both made eloquent speeches. It is heartening should be criminal accountability for what happened. to see Parliament at one on this very important issue. The hon. Gentleman is right, too, that we must ensure When the families came to give evidence to the Home that the disciplinary procedures are subject to a proper Affairs Committee, they talked about the need for process because there may also be cases where, even if co-ordination. My right hon. Friend has pointed to the there may not be criminal misconduct, disciplinary problems with some of the powers of the IPCC. There proceedings should be pursued. I take the opportunity may be a case for a special prosecutor—an individual to welcome his support for the idea of replacing the who can draw all the strands together. It has been IPCC with a strengthened police standards authority. suggested that it should be the DPP, but I think that he Such reforms are important for police confidence in the will be too busy to do something of this kind. Does my future. right hon. Friend agree that we will lose the initiative if The panel’s report shows clearly the misleading, false we do not have a single point of co-ordination? The and deeply hurtful information that was disseminated Home Secretary has the powers to do this; let us use by members of South Yorkshire police—false claims them. that were propagated by members of the police that fans had broken into the stadium, a claim that was reported Yvette Cooper: I agree with my right hon. Friend in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, and further about the importance of co-ordination and the value of allegations of drunkenness, ticketless fans and fans having a special prosecutor in these circumstances. It arriving late, which were promoted by unnamed officers might be helpful if Ministers said a bit more about and were shown to be false by the work of the panel. whether there is any concern about how long it will take The question now is how disciplinary and criminal for the DPP to decide whether further criminal prosecutions investigations should be pursued into what happened will be pursued given that a special prosecutor and a on the day and afterwards. It is essential that everything special investigative team may not be established until possible is done to remove further obstacles in the way after that decision has been taken. In other words, what of justice and to ensure that the families are consulted. resources does the DPP need in the meantime in order It is vital that they have confidence in this process. to take the decision about criminal prosecutions? The IPCC is beginning investigations now, and there is a It is clear that the investigation cannot be carried out question about how long these will take to get going. solely by the IPCC, which has neither the powers nor the resources to do so. Although I agree with the Home Mr Anderson: In many years of representing people, Secretary that the new chair is doing a very good job particularly in the public services, in some very serious and has a strong background, this investigation is far internal disciplinary procedures, it was always the norm beyond the scale of anything that the IPCC has done that when someone was accused of potential serious before. It will also require powers that the IPCC does misconduct they were suspended. Has anyone been not have. For example, evidence will need to be taken suspended from the police service? If not, who has the from large numbers of serving and retired police officers, power to do that if it is seen to be the right thing to do? and also from police staff, former police legal advisers, former civil servants, even MPs and maybe even journalists. Yvette Cooper: There are legal processes in place that However, the IPCC does not have the powers to do that. allow police authorities to take decisions about the Although it can pursue officers where it has good suspensions of police officers. As my hon. Friend will reason to believe that they have committed a criminal recognise, in taking these decisions it is clearly important offence, if it is seeking witness statements or pursuing that legal processes are followed. In the past, there have disciplinary offences, its powers are much more limited. been suspensions in a series of such cases. The IPCC itself has told the Home Affairs Committee that “where police officers refuse to attend for interview, IPCC investigators The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve): Let me can only seek the information they need through the submission clarify this point. If the Director of Public Prosecutions of written questions to officers via their solicitors or other representatives. Not only can this seriously undermine public considered that he lacked resources in order to carry confidence in IPCC investigations, it can also impact on the out his co-ordinating function, he could come and raise overall effectiveness and timeliness of investigations.” it with me as the superintending Minister. The position In many cases the IPCC cannot compel civilians at all. at the moment is that no such approach has been made, but if it were required, of course he could do that. My view is that we will need a new framework in future. I welcome the Home Secretary’s commitment to Yvette Cooper: I welcome that clarification. The interest look further at the issue and bring it back to this House. of the families and the public in this lies in having a The IPCC was a huge step forward from the old Police properly co-ordinated investigation. We do not want to Complaints Authority, and it has done some important have a separate IPCC investigation and a parallel criminal work on individual cases, but it is simply not strong investigation but a single, co-ordinated investigation. enough to provide the safeguards and standards for good policing that we need. That is why I have asked Mrs May: Perhaps I can clarify the situation. There is Lord Stevens’ commission to consider drawing up a the IPCC investigation and there is also the investigation new police standards authority to replace it. by the DPP that is taking place. If the DPP believes that In the meantime, however, we need answers on a wider investigation is necessary, the Home Office will Hillsborough. The Home Secretary said that a range of make resources available under the ambit of the incoming possibilities is being discussed in the mix on how this National Crime Agency for an investigator who is could be taken forward and that she is discussing it with completely separate and has no connection whatever the families. Clearly, that is important. with these issues. We would expect to put the co-ordination 733 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 734

[Mrs May] serious misconduct, or who have breached the great trust put in the office of constable, to retire on full pension role in place fairly soon, because this is also about without any further investigation or sanction. Given making sure that things get done. For example, we must that 23 years have passed since Hillsborough, this is a ensure that if it looks as though there is a delay in any particularly sensitive concern. Many officers have already part of the investigation, then somebody, or a group of retired and many more may do so before these investigations people, can press the body concerned, whether it be the are concluded. Will the Home Secretary consider the IPCC, the DPP or individuals, to get on with the job. issue carefully? An investigation must be done fully and properly to uncover the truth and bring about justice, but we also Alec Shelbrooke: The right hon. Lady may not know need to make sure that it is not going to drag on and on, the answer, but will she try to clarify something about because the families do not deserve that. retiring police officers for me? The current chief constable of West Yorkshire police had retired from the police Yvette Cooper: I welcome the Home Secretary’s and taken his full pension, which was suspended when clarification. First, the co-ordination is very welcome. he came back as chief constable of West Yorkshire Secondly, however, should the Director of Public police. Is he classed as retired or as serving? This is an Prosecutions decide that prosecutions should be pursued— important point for the investigation. there seems to be strong support in the House for him to do so, although it is clearly an independent decision for him—would that result in a single investigative team Yvette Cooper: I hope that the Home Secretary will involving the police and the Independent Police Complaints be able to respond to the hon. Gentleman’s important Commission, or would there continue to be, in effect, point. The wider issue applies to a whole series of cases. two parallel investigations by the IPCC and criminal If officers have taken early retirement or retired at the investigators? That would raise concerns, given the fact normal age, further investigations or sanctions should that the IPCC can pursue both criminal and disciplinary be considered if there was serious misconduct while investigations. they were in office. The issue is complex, but I will happily discuss it further with the Home Secretary to I urge the Home Secretary to consider, as part of her make sure that justice is not denied in the case of role in the co-ordination process, having a single team, Hillsborough as a result of long-standing arrangements with full police investigative powers and led by a special for disciplinary and misconduct procedures, and to prosecutor, for the criminal investigation, and for it make sure that people can, even after 23 years, still be to consist of police officers from a range of different held to account. forces, perhaps under the auspices of the National Crime Agency. The role played by the West Midlands Finally, this journey is not over. We owe it to the police in the original investigation was clearly a problem families to ensure that they can now get truth and and the panel’s report raised considerable concerns. justice. We must reflect on how this could have happened; Drawing police officers from a series of different forces why the attempts to reach the truth and justice failed so would give the investigation greater authority. many times; why the Liverpool fans and their families were not taken seriously by the justice system for so We are keen to explore with the Home Secretary long; and why the systems that were designed to help whether additional powers could be granted to the IPCC people and to provide safeguards against injustice—the —perhaps through emergency legislation—so that it can courts, the coroners, the police, the police watchdogs, pursue disciplinary action as well as criminal investigations. the free press and our democratic institutions—did not I welcome the contact that her office made this morning get to the truth for 23 years. What do we need to do now to ensure that we can speedily take those discussions to strengthen those checks and balances and to remove forward. We are interested in supporting emergency the obstacles to justice? Most importantly, how can we legislation to enable the IPCC to compel witnesses and ensure that this cannot happen again? No one should access third-party data. have to wait 23 years to find out the truth about what Thirdly, although a special prosecutor is welcome, happened to a loved one. No one should have to fight the Government will be aware that there have also been this hard to get justice for a child, a husband or a failings over Hillsborough at the Crown Prosecution relative they have lost. Service in the past, so some additional oversight may be The Hillsborough panel report is so powerful because needed. it has exposed the truth and brought it out from the Fourthly, I welcome the points that Government shadows and into the light of day. The Bishop of Front-Bench representatives have made about resources. Liverpool has said that The IPCC has said that a substantial amount of work is “if the truth of any situation is unearthed and laid bare then the required initially to scope the investigation, including truth will shed light and show the direction forward. And it will identifying the resources required. It is, therefore, likely have the power of pressure.” to be many months before officers are contacted by The truth has shed light on Hillsborough and the direction the investigation team. Any further delay would be of is clear, but the journey is not over. Now we must ensure considerable concern. I hope that the Home Secretary that the pressure of truth leads to justice. and others can provide reassurance about the availability of those resources. My final point on the disciplinary investigations is Several hon. Members rose— that the IPCC has noted that retired police officers are not liable for any misconduct sanction. That is obviously Mr Speaker: Order. Understandably, there is intense very troubling for the public in many cases, because it interest in this debate. In recognition of that, I have had makes it possible for police officers who have committed to impose a time limit of 10 minutes on each Back-Bench 735 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 736 contribution. I emphasise to the House that, depending and the facts of what happened to Kevin were recounted on progress, that time limit might, during the course of in the House in an Adjournment debate as far back as the debate, need to be reviewed. 1994. What happened to Kevin, and to so many others, has not been a secret, yet only last month, with the Prime Minister’s statement and the publication of the 5.26 pm independent panel’s report, was the truth finally accepted. Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): The atmosphere that enveloped the Chamber when the Prime Minister Steve Rotheram: I spoke today to Anne Williams, made his statement to the House last month will stay who is not well enough to be here but will be watching with me for the rest of my life. That atmosphere was the proceedings on the television. Is it not testament to echoed across the country as the truth of what happened a mother’s love that somebody would continue their at Hillsborough was revealed. fight despite the fact that, time after time, the legal To learn that the lives of 41 people might have been doors were slammed in that woman’s face? She went as saved and to discover that those responsible sought to far as the European Court and was turned down. Is that manipulate the truth to conceal their own guilt and shift not a national disgrace? the blame on to the innocent victims of the day made this one of the greatest scandals in our history. The Stephen Mosley: I spoke to Mrs Williams on Friday failures, flaws, corruption and deceit of those who were and she passed on her regards and thanks to Members culpable have been laid bare for all to see. Most importantly, such as the hon. Gentleman and the right hon. Member the reputation, honour and persistence of those who for Leigh (Andy Burnham), who have done so much to sought the truth for so long have been vindicated. ensure that we have got to where we are now. I am Reading through the panel’s report, it is difficult to grateful for the fact that the truth is now out there, and identify which of the many failings caused the most as the hon. Gentleman says, it is a total disgrace that it harm: the cavalier attitude towards health and safety at has taken so long. the stadium, which had no safety certificate and a We now know that witness statements were altered in terrible record of near misses at big matches in previous the weeks and months after the tragedy. Last week, the years; the complete absence of leadership, communication Independent Police Complaints Commission launched and responsibility among those who were supposedly in an investigation into the process of amendments undertaken charge on the day; or the perpetuation of lies by those by South Yorkshire police. In addition, the IPCC said self-serving individuals in senior positions of authority that the role of West Midlands police would be examined who tried to absolve themselves of responsibility. Each as part of its investigations, and it is that role that I wish of those revelations, and the many others that the to address. report highlighted, were truly shocking to discover. We As I said, at 3.37 pm Kevin Williams was being owe the members of the panel a huge debt of gratitude resuscitated by an off-duty police officer, PC Derek for their diligence and hard work, and for the clarity Bruder. PC Bruder had seen Kevin moving his head and with which they presented their findings. being sick, so he went over to help. He saw an ambulance Looking around the Chamber, I can see many right and tried to stop it so that Kevin could receive medical hon. and hon. Members who fought long and hard to attention. PC Bruder provided an official statement ensure that the truth about Hillsborough was brought shortly afterwards, along with a second statement four to the public’s attention. What many of us cannot months later. understand is why it has taken so long. Although there PC Bruder was then visited at his home on 3 May 1990 is much in the panel’s report that has been revealed and by a West Midlands detective inspector to take a further published for the first time, there is a huge amount that statement. PC Bruder was told that the video footage has been known about for a long time, but that has been had been studied and that the ambulance to which he ignored, dismissed or ridiculed over the course of the referred in his statement was not in the ground in the 23 years. time, so he must be mistaken. He stuck to his evidence A case in point, where information and evidence have and told the detective inspector that he would be available clearly been ignored, is that of my constituent’s son, to give evidence at the inquest. But PC Bruder was not Kevin Williams. As with all 96 victims, the inquest into called to give evidence at the inquest. Instead, Detective his death ruled that Kevin died at or before 3.15 pm, yet Inspector Sawers said at Kevin’s inquest that PC Bruder video evidence showed Kevin being lifted out of pen 3 was mistaken about the ambulance; mistaken about at 3.28 pm and resuscitated on the pitch by PC Michael taking a pulse from Kevin; and also mistaken about Craighill. At 3.31 pm Kevin was carried across the pitch seeing him be sick. It is worth noting that, contrary to by, among others, an off-duty fire officer, Mr Tony the evidence given at the inquest, video and photographic O’Keefe, who stated that Kevin was still alive. At 3.37 pm, evidence was available, along with a statement from the Kevin was resuscitated by an off-duty police officer, assistant driver of the ambulance in question, Mr Tony PC Derek Bruder, who testified that Kevin was still Edwards, confirming PC Bruder’s testimony that an alive. Finally, Special WPC Debra Martin found Kevin’s ambulance passed them at 3.37 pm. His evidence was pulse, picked him up in her arms and watched and correct all along and should not have been ignored and listened as he opened his eyes, spoke the word “Mum” dismissed at the initial inquest. and then died just before 4 o’clock. Another example of the inappropriate actions of There has never really been any doubt about what West Midlands police relates to the special constable happened to Kevin Williams. The eyewitness accounts who held Kevin in her arms as he passed away shortly on the day were unequivocal: Kevin was still alive just before 4 pm. Special WPC Debra Martin’s original before 4 pm. The evidence has been presented to three statement, made within weeks of the disaster, described previous Attorneys-General on three separate occasions, finding Kevin’s pulse, resuscitating him, hearing him 737 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 738

[Stephen Mosley] A number of hon. Members have been considering how we can move this issue forward, and one cross-party call for his mother and holding him as he died just idea is to set up a Hillsborough disaster all-party group before 4 pm. However, a few months later Miss Martin that will allow us to discuss various matters that will was visited at her home by West Midlands police officers. continue to arise, and meet relevant people and bodies— In total, she was visited on four separate occasions by including, of course, the families—to see how the process senior police officers whose aim was to convince her is progressing. I hope that that group can be set up that her original statement was mistaken and that Kevin within the next few weeks. was not alive when she treated him. Considerable pressure Before I get to the main thrust of my comments, I was put on Miss Martin to ratify the amended statement, wish to record my admiration for and thanks to the and I understand that she was even told that she could families that have campaigned over these 23 years. They not have looked after Kevin because she was not at have been brave, dogged and persistent and have never Hillsborough. She was accused of standing by and doing given up seeking truth and justice for their loved ones. nothing as people died; she was told she was making the They have, quite frankly, been magnificent. A leading whole thing up. In the end, she succumbed to pressure role over the years was played by a constituent of mine, and signed the second statement without reading it. In Eddie Spearritt, who sadly died earlier this year and did that second statement, everything that referred to signs not see this report. He lost his son, Adam, and was of life in Kevin was gone, and there was no reference himself in intensive care and unconscious, although he to a pulse or to him saying, “Mum”. Miss Martin has survived. I will return later in my remarks to some of stated on numerous occasions that she stands by her the issues that the Spearritt family have raised with me. original statement and that she was bullied by senior police The fact that Mr Spearritt survived is particularly pertinent officers to sign the second, inaccurate statement. with regard to arguments about the 3.15 pm cut-off that we have heard previously and today. Alec Shelbrooke: Does my hon. Friend agree that I speak as someone who was in the stadium on the Miss Martin was not bullied, but rather the course of day of the disaster. If someone from another planet had justice was perverted? come to earth at some point in the years after Hillsborough, they would not have believed it if they were told that, Stephen Mosley: This is my reading of the situation. prior to the match, Liverpool football club raised concerns Miss Martin is very clear about what happened; I heard that it was not given the Kop end to accommodate its her talking about it on the radio just last week. She was larger support; that extra tickets were given to Nottingham terribly bullied and found herself in an awful situation. Forest, which had smaller support; and that there had Although the conduct of West Midlands police is not been a significant crush incident in 1981 and problems detailed in the independent panel’s report, it must be between then and 1989, but nothing significant was seriously called into question, and the actions of the done and Hillsborough continued to be used as a venue. police thoroughly investigated in the IPCC inquiry. They would not have believed that the police had decided The Hillsborough independent panel has done a fantastic they wanted to put side fencing on the terracing as job not only in overseeing the full disclosure of information, segregation and requested that the turnstiles should be but also, importantly, by adding to public understanding altered to direct supporters into the correct pens, but about what happened. To ensure that we finally complete Sheffield Wednesday rejected the suggestion on the the quest for justice, two more tasks must be undertaken. basis of cost. They would not have believed that the First, where responsibility has been neglected and evidence ground did not have a valid safety certificate, and that either altered or deliberately ignored, prosecutions must an experienced commander, Superintendent Mole, was follow. Secondly, the Attorney-General must deliver on replaced 21 days before the match. We do not know to his promise to ask the High Court for new inquests into this day, and neither did the panel ascertain, why that the 96 deaths. Previous inquests have been shown to be happened. The panel said that it was a “significant false, and they must be quashed in law. The circumstances development”. We therefore do not yet have all the truth. surrounding Hillsborough have remained clouded in Someone coming to this planet would not have believed the minds of many for more than 23 years. People did that there had been a 30% cut in the number of police not understand what happened, but now they do. After officers in the Leppings Lane end, which was the most 23 years, the truth has finally been revealed and it is difficult area to police; that the police were not stopping time for justice. people to check their tickets and did not organise queues as they had done in previous years; that the police lost control outside the ground; that communications between 5.37 pm police officers in the command posts inside and outside Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): I welcome the report the ground were, to say the least, chaotic; that the police which sets out, once and for all, the real truth that many opened an outside gate and did not block off the tunnel of us have known from the start, and I congratulate to pens 3 and 4; and that the officer in charge of the the panel on its work. I was closely involved with the operation ignored what was happening in front in his Hillsborough family support group during long negotiations own eyes—supporters were in serious trouble, being with the previous Labour Government about setting up crushed, and, as we know, dying. He then lies about the independent panel, and I know that many people what happened, and police officers engage in a co-ordinated put huge amounts of work into the process. Two people campaign to blame the fans—in other words, they who had an input but would not normally be mentioned organise a conspiracy to put the blame on the fans and are Mario Dunn, then the Home Secretary’s special away from themselves. adviser, and Ken Sutton, who led the civil service team Someone coming to this planet would not have believed and did a tremendous amount of hard work to get us to the appalling and inadequate emergency response—senior where we are today. ambulance management did not take control. They 739 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 740 would not have believed that the whole justice system The book continues: failed the families and survivors, and that no one to this “In his opinion it now needed handling as delicately as a date has been prosecuted or faced justice. They would ticking bomb. Seeking out MacKenzie, he confided his fears. not have believed that scandalous situation possible. Of ‘We’ve got to be really careful with this stuff…These are only course, we knew a lot of that in the years after 1989, allegations’”. including during the debate in 1998, but nothing was The front page that was eventually published was obviously done until the independent panel report. a real concern for staff at The Sun at the time: For the first time in 23 years, I have read the match “As MacKenzie’s layout was seen by more and more people a programme from that day. Next to a picture of the collective shudder ran through the office. There was an instant Leppings Lane end is the following comment: “a perfect gut feeling that that it was a terrible mistake. The trouble was that venue”. It states: nobody seemed able to do anything about it. By now MacKenzie’s dominance was so total there was nobody left in the organisation “As you look around Hillsborough you will appreciate why it who could rein him in”. has been regarded for so long as the perfect venue for all kinds of important matches”. That is worth mentioning, as Mr MacKenzie has said it was the police’s fault and they owed him an apology. The programme mentions altering and improving the Clearly, he had lots of information and advice, but he Kop end—Sheffield Wednesday did not, of course, ignored it and ran the statements he did. improve the Leppings Lane end—and preparation prior to the match, which it says was of paramount importance. The 1998 debate said many of the things that we On opposing the then Government’s identity scheme, know to be true today, especially about the 3.15 pm the Sheffield Wednesday chairman says that cut-off, and the police statements that my hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood (Maria Eagle) “the hooligan problem inside football stadiums is virtually eradicated”, and I saw and raised in the debate. The Stuart Smith and yet we, as Liverpool fans, were accused of being report said that there was no reason to reconsider those hooligans on that day. That man was in charge of points, and that needs looking at. Dr Ed Walker was Sheffield Wednesday football club, and he made those one of the doctors who treated people on that day, and comments in the programme on the day, which says a he raised the possibility of people surviving after that lot about the mindset that existed at that time. time, but he was ignored. Here is another interesting insight into the club and What happened on that day is a scandal and a disgrace. its attitude. Following the 1981 crushing incident, when the police allowed a number of supporters on to the 5.47 pm track around the perimeter fence, Mr McGhee, the same chairman of Sheffield Wednesday football club, John Pugh (Southport) (LD): I welcome the Home argued that the police action was completely unnecessary Secretary’s statement, praise the panel for its work and and made the ground look untidy. He considered that express my profound respect for the Hillsborough families. that might prevent Hillsborough hosting future semi-finals. Despite successive reports, it is unlikely that everyone I wish it had. will agree on every detail of the awful events of 15 April Assistant Chief Constable Goslin insisted that, due 1989. Each person, depending on how they were placed to the crushing on the terraces, there had been a “real and why they were there, will have their own slightly chance of fatalities” to which, astonishingly, Mr McGee different perspective, but I am sure that they would all replied: agree on one thing. No one, whether supporter, player, steward, policeman, or council or FA official, whether “Bollocks—no one would have been killed!”— partly responsible or utterly blameless, would not if I hope that is parliamentary language, Mr Deputy Speaker; they could go back in time do absolutely everything it is in the report. However, we now know different. We they could to prevent something like from this happening. need to continue to explore the issue of the ground. That is because the victims, as we know now, were not I mentioned the Spearritt family, who wrote to me ticketless or drunken or badly behaved, but those to and made the point about ensuring that the investigations whom all owed a duty of care. It simply should not have are fully resourced. They are also concerned about the happened, and we now know that, for a whole range of position of the chief constable, Norman Bettison, which different reasons, it could have been prevented from clearly needs proper scrutiny, and the time it will take to happening. bring to justice those who should face it. The families When the story was told, people saw different things have waited a long time already of course. Other families and offered different explanations, and obviously some have raised issues about the cost of the inquest and had a different agenda other than simply to get the facts associated issues, and the siting of the new inquest— out in the open. The South Yorkshire police, for example, presuming that one is held—in Liverpool. That is a were aware from the start that potential civil and criminal matter for others to decide, but I hope that it will take liability was an issue, and they got the lawyers in. What place close to Liverpool if not in the city. shocked me most reading the report was the tampering Constituents have also raised with me the issue of with the evidence of their own officers and their apparent Kelvin MacKenzie, who has tried to claim that he was complicity with misrepresentation in the media. The misinformed by the police. In fact, the book “Stick It tampering was of a very formal kind; we have heard Up YourPunter!: The Uncut Story of the Sun Newspaper” some horrific examples, but it was more institutional by Chippindale and Horrie says that the chief reporter than that. They drew explicitly and openly on an unclear at the time distinction that they made between opinion and fact, and then eliminated, with the knowledge of the West “did not like the look of some of” Midlands police and the assistance of their lawyers, a the copy that he had been given, although the stream of inconvenient statements they had had from “agencies whose names were on it were reliable”. their own officers, including the plentiful references to 741 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 742

[John Pugh] I, like my hon. Friends the Members for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela Smith) and the Member for “panic”, “chaos” and “disorganisation”. They were all Sheffield South East (Mr Betts), have been a lifelong eliminated as “just opinion”. They even changed evidence supporter of Sheffield Wednesday. As such, I want to of “non-existent” radio communication to “hard to say that the hearts of the people of Sheffield are, as hear”radio communication. In other words, they engaged then, with the people of Merseyside and the families. in an organised rewrite or editing of history. It was a On that terrible afternoon, kindness shone through the clear institutional strategy. Admittedly, officers signed darkness: people took families and individuals into the amended scripts, but it would have been hard to their homes around the ground, used telephones in a insist on the re-inclusion of items that criticised their day when mobile telephones were not available, ran superiors and police performance, once they had been people back to Merseyside, where appropriate, and did eliminated higher up—not exactly a smart career move. their best to indicate a humanity that I hope we will also I do not believe that the world is peopled by saints remember. and sinners—as we have all learned, there are many The debate has so far been of the highest order, and shades of grey—and I dare say that some in South I want only to say one or two things that might add to Yorkshire police thought they were doing the right it. I commenced representing Brightside in 1987. At the thing. Many of us have met a lot of people involved on time, I did not hear from any thinking human being that day. I think, for example, of Norman Bettison, who genuinely believed that the deceased had anything then chief constable for Merseyside, with whom many to do with the events of that afternoon. How could they of us are acquainted in other contexts. Everyone needs have anything to do with it, given that they were in the a fair hearing, and there has to be a huge moral gulf ground well in advance of 3 pm and so at the front of between someone putting a good gloss on their own the dreadful pens that existed at the time? As I said two actions and those of their police force, and incriminating months ago, the tales that were made up and the way others, particularly those who can no longer defend the so-called facts were reiterated demonstrated that we themselves. That has to be reflected in any subsequent could only really rely on truth and justice being revealed judgment. when we had absolute transparency. Today, that is more Let us consider this: it took very little time for South possible, given mobile technology and the way everything Yorkshire police’s version of events to be established, is recorded—we have seen that in recent days—and that broadcast and embedded in the public mind; it took is a good thing, but it can only really work if there is a 23 years for the families to do the same, and without change of heart from the top down. their efforts the truth would be lost to history. As my I want to refer to the three elements of the case—the hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Yardley (John events of the day, the cover-up and the inquest. I was Hemming) said, that tells us something about this country. not in the ground on the day, but I visited Northern It tells us that there is a huge inequality, not of wealth, General hospital the following morning and talked to but of power—power to get a fair press, power to get those with minor injuries and to some of the parents. I information, power to get justice—and that raises big was impressed by what the hon. Member for City of questions for Parliament. In this case, Parliament has Chester (Stephen Mosley) said about Kevin’s mother, been the last resort of the powerless, but we cannot be Anne, whom I heard on the radio a week last Friday, content with a world in which power is so badly and showing the most enormous dignity, having demonstrated unequally distributed. the most enormous courage in pursuing this matter Liverpool people have a reputation for being stroppy—I and having coped with what she has had to live with do not know why—and for looking askance at the ever since. I do not know whether the inquest will bring world. We do not need to go back many generations in any kind of peace, but it will certainly bring greater any Liverpool family to come across an engrained truth. vein of grim Irish or Welsh fatalism and the belief that I understand that such an inquest has incredibly the world is not a fair place. The Hillsborough families difficult barriers to overcome. The bar was set extremely have shown that that is not something we need put up high by those who took the civil case 12 years ago, and with. the Stuart-Smith inquiry set the bar at a height that makes it difficult, 23 years on, to achieve the kind of 5.52 pm justice that those in the Gallery today rightly seek. What is absolutely sure, however, is that the cover-up Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and must be revealed if we are to prevent such a thing from Hillsborough) (Lab): First, I want to reiterate what I happening again. It is about culture and perception. said on 12 September, when the report was published, The fact that on the day 116 officers wrote down what and commend the tenacity, drive and sheer breathtaking they believed had taken place but had their testimony commitment of the families for what they have achieved altered is a testament to their efforts to tell the truth. with the support of politicians of differing parties and, The scandal was that senior management in South in particular, my colleagues from Merseyside and my Yorkshire police and the West Midlands force—the right hon. Friend—a friend outside, as well as inside, latter has also been tellingly referred to this afternoon— the House—the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham). I overrode their decency and honesty. That is the lesson also commend the Bishop of Liverpool and the panel, for us. The issue is about how senior management, not who have shown that it is sometimes better not to have a those at the bottom, should be pursued. I believe that judicially-led inquiry. We might learn from that. I also 100 members of the 1989 force are still in place. I hope want to reiterate what has been said about Ken Sutton that their experiences in respect of senior management and the secretariat, who were absolutely superb and had will be listened to and that they will not be made to feel the most enormous job in getting to the kind of truth that they are being pursued. Otherwise, we will get the that was not seen and available elsewhere. wrong conclusion by pursuing the wrong people. 743 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 744

As with the organisation and supervision on that should also take it for granted that the state will deliver tragic afternoon and as with the cover-up, the inquest, justice and treat us fairly if we obey and abide by the which, of course, turned out to be a scandal, was based law. Through the publication of this report, we have on presumption and a particular perception of the fans. seen how spectacularly the state failed in those commitments I say that regardless of what Bert McGee, with whom I to protect the victims of Hillsborough. The report also am glad to say my relations were nil, might have written shows how the organs of the state colluded to deny the in the programme that afternoon. As the MP covering families justice for their loved ones. The families have the stadium, I never repeated any of the garbage told to now got the truth, but in doing so they have reminded the then MP for Sheffield Hallam, Sir Irvine Patnick. I us that the establishment is fallible. That is a very believe that the perception had arisen out of the previous uncomfortable truth. years—out of what had happened at Ibrox, Heysel and I am pleased to follow the right hon. Member for Birmingham, where two people were killed, and the Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett). hysteria around the situation with fans. Action by the Some of the things I will say follow on from the points Taylor committee was taken on the back of that. Here is he made. I was born and bred in Hillsborough, and a thought: the Taylor committee, which got to part of I lived a mere stone’s throw away from the stadium. I the truth, came out with recommendations that were remember that day very clearly, not least because friends more about dealing with fans than they were about the and family were there, as stewards, spectators and police outcome or the truth and justice of what happened at officers on duty. I should also advise the House that Hillsborough in April 1989. We have to ensure, in I was employed at South Yorkshire police in 1992. It is detection and investigation in future, that that never from that perspective that I would like to make a few happens again—that we do not have a police force or comments. inquiries that build on existing perception, but that we South Yorkshire police has rightly been condemned genuinely try to get to what happened. for its failings as part of the tragedy, but it says a lot We have a challenge before us, because the truth is about Trevor Hicks that when the report was published virtually out. The families are near to getting some sort and South Yorkshire police was criticised, he immediately of peace and settlement, if that is possible. The Parliament chose to pay tribute to the individual members of South that we stand in today is revealing and opening up what Yorkshire police who had behaved honourably and has been covered up for 23 years, but to go forward we supported the victims. I draw attention to the comments need to be able to pick up some of the issues around of my hon. Friend the Member for City of Chester future transparency and strong outside investigation. (Stephen Mosley), who identified some of the officers My right hon. Friend the shadow Home Secretary who did exactly that. Although today is rightly about referred to this issue. I was the one who set up the the victims of the tragedy and how we ensure that the Independent Police Complaints Commission, because same thing never happens again, I want to take a few its predecessor, the Police Complaints Authority, was moments of the House’s time to pay tribute to all totally and utterly inadequate. I would like us to strengthen the police officers of South Yorkshire who behaved the IPCC immediately, because waiting to legislate on professionally and honourably, but who are being unfairly something new would not be the answer. Therefore, we maligned as a result of the criticism of the force. They should by all means provide greater powers, but this is should continue to feel proud of the contribution they also about process, as well as culture and enforcement. make to keeping our communities safe. It should also be The top-down examples that I have referred to are remembered that, as it was a football game, a number of about changing the way we operate our police service. the officers on duty were special constables, giving their This is also about what happened with the other emergency time as volunteers. services—not least the ambulance service—which led to Over the years, a number of police officers have the terrible tragedy of those who might have been saved shared with me their perspectives of what happened. being left on that afternoon. Without exception, they have all recognised the failings We are, 23 years later, trying to put right a wrong that of South Yorkshire police and, as highlighted by the is part of our history. We are trying to do so without right hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside and undermining the morale and the feeling of service of Hillsborough, the failings by the senior leadership on those in the police and emergency services in South the day and subsequently. Those present on the day all Yorkshire, who I have to care about because they are the report that there was chaos and a complete breakdown ones who are serving my constituency and those of my of leadership. What happened on the day was exacerbated hon. Friends. They need to know that, while we are by a failure of the leadership to acknowledge what had getting to the truth and providing justice and accountability gone wrong, which can have been motivated only by a for the past, we are also mindful of their lives and their desire to protect the name of the force and individual work, and that is why— officers. That is completely unacceptable. I hope that the inquiries by the IPCC will find those who were Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. culpable and take appropriate action. When I joined South Yorkshire police in 1992, I 6.2 pm joined an organisation that was traumatised by the effects of the Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath. Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): As Members As a consequence, the force had a mission to improve of Parliament, we all have to deal on a daily basis with confidence in the service and to improve performance. the consequences of what happens when the state fails. To achieve that, a corporate affairs unit was established Thankfully, there are mercifully few occasions when the under Chief Superintendent Norman Bettison. Much state fails as badly as it did the victims of the Hillsborough has been made of his role in the disaster and subsequently, disaster. We should all be able to take it for granted that and the unit, which he supervised, has been the focus of the state will make every endeavour to keep us safe. We discussion in the House before. It will be mentioned in 745 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 746

[Jackie Doyle-Price] her own experience and putting what we have heard over the past few days and weeks into the context of this debate, too, but I should advise the House that as overall policing. I also want to pay tribute to the Home well as dealing with the aftermath of Hillsborough the Secretary and the shadow Home Secretary. They both unit dealt with much wider issues and was responsible made outstanding speeches today, and they showed the for some significant changes in procedure and performance House at its very best. The Government have reacted in the force. and, frankly, they have not put a foot wrong following The IPCC will obviously get to the bottom of where the publication of the independent panel’s report. I am the wrongdoing took place. I do not think we should grateful to the Home Secretary for the way in which she prejudge the outcome of those inquiries, but if systemic has given her personal attention to this issue, knowing wrongdoing is found, senior officers cannot distance that, as Home Secretary, she has a lot of things to do. It themselves from it. I was particularly disappointed that, is one of the toughest jobs, if not the toughest job, in immediately following publication of the report, the the Government, but she has given this matter the former chief constable of South Yorkshire police, Richard necessary quality time. Wells, who succeeded Peter Wright—he is no longer The thoughts that the shadow Home Secretary, my with us and therefore no longer able to account for his right hon. Friend the Member for Normanton, Pontefract role in these events—announced that, with regret, he and Castleford (Yvette Cooper), has expressed today on had accepted the account of events given to him by how to reconstruct the system for the future, and in officers, which was that particular on the way in which we should develop the “statements had been looked at for criminal justice purposes and Independent Police Complaints Commission, are very emotional, non-evidential material had been removed.” welcome. I saw today a desire from those on both Front It is just not good enough for any officer in a senior Benches to work together to ensure that, as the Home position to distance themselves from things that happened Secretary said, from truth we shall get justice. on their watch. Leadership means setting the style and The Home Secretary and the shadow Home Secretary tone of an organisation, and it means taking responsibility were present at the police bravery awards last Thursday, when things go wrong. Whether it was a systemic attempt and I heard them both praise the British police as the at rewriting events or the activity of individual over-zealous finest in the world. That does not, however, take away officers, it is still not good enough for senior officers at from the fact of this damning report by the independent the time to say that they did not know what was panel into what happened 23 years ago. I want to pay happening. They ought to have known. They are tribute to Members on both sides of the House for the responsible, and we do not pay them healthy salaries so way in which they have prosecuted the cause of the that they can abdicate responsibility when things go families, who have struggled so hard in very difficult wrong. It now falls to the IPCC to identify where circumstances to get justice. misconduct took place and who was culpable, but it Today, I want to concentrate on the future, because should not have taken this long, and we should not have there is a danger that, despite all the good will and all to rely on regulators and inquiries to get to the truth. the work being done by the various agencies, we could We need to instil in public servants an emphasis on lose track of precisely how we are going to arrive at a doing the right thing and on placing that ahead of conclusion on this subject. I want to refer to the evidence protecting their reputations. The truth will out in the end. given by David Compton, the South Yorkshire chief I cannot finish without addressing the untruths that constable, when he appeared before the Home Affairs were published in The Sun and which did so much to set Select Committee last Tuesday. We are not holding the tone in which the circumstances of the disaster another inquiry into Hillsborough. We have had the came to be viewed. I was horrified to learn that the definitive inquiry. All that the Committee wishes to do source of that material was a former Member of this is monitor on a regular basis what is happening, just as House. Although it is recorded that the account was we have done with Operation Weeting, which was set up given by a police officer, his statement as published also following the phone hacking scandal. We will therefore records that another officer told him to take what he call back the chief constable and the families on a had heard with a pinch of salt. It is extremely regrettable four-monthly basis to ensure that things are going in the that that advice was not heeded. As a result, an untrue right direction. We are not holding an inquiry. account of events relating to the behaviour of fans was The chief constable gave excellent evidence. He was allowed to be perpetuated. It is that account which has forthright and transparent, and he promised that he denied them justice for so long. All of us in this House would write to the IPCC by last Friday with the names should never forget our role as community leaders; nor of the officers who were involved in some way in what should we forget the respect that our comments command. happened at Hillsborough. As I said earlier, the names We should never repeat anything unless we can be of 1,444 officers have now been sent to the IPCC, of satisfied that it is the truth. In this context, careless talk whom 304 are still serving in the South Yorkshire force. has impeded justice. It immediately becomes clear, given the number of It has taken an unacceptably long time for the victims’ names involved, that there will be a problem with resources. families to get the truth, but I am massively inspired by I welcome what the Home Secretary has said about that their fight, and I hope that the fresh inquests and the today, but she should not wait for the IPCC to come to investigations afforded by this report will give them the see her. A meeting should be convened pretty quickly to closure that they need from this awful tragedy. ask the IPCC what it needs, and to give it those resources. I am watching the Home Secretary’s face as I speak, and 6.9 pm I am sure that she has already fixed such a meeting. We Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): It is a pleasure to often say in the House, “If they need the resources, they follow the hon. Member for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price), should come and ask for them”, but we should go to the who made an eloquent and balanced speech drawing on IPCC and offer it what it needs. 747 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 748

We also received evidence last week from the families order to discuss these issues. We should give the IPCC themselves. Many of their names have already appeared the opportunity to make a judgment on Norman Bettison’s in parliamentary reports, including those of Trevor case. I know what the families feel, and I have heard Hicks, Jenny Hicks, Margaret Aspinall and Sheila Coleman. what he has said today. They all came and gave evidence to us, alongside Lord We should also look at the whole way in which Falconer, who is advising the Hillsborough families. policing operates at the moment. There are a lot of They were concerned about co-ordination and they different cases going on. My hon. Friend the Member suggested that the Director of Public Prosecutions should for Bassetlaw (John Mann) has raised some questions in have overall superintendence of the various agencies. the press today, and I know that he will raise them in However, I am not absolutely convinced that it would Parliament when he speaks. The fact is that we need to be the best course of action to place this matter into the look at the new policing landscape. The Government hands of the DPP, another very busy senior official. are right to try to change it with the creation of the I favour the idea of appointing a special prosecutor National Crime Agency and the new college. All these to look into all these cases and to act as a co-ordination issues need to be addressed. I am not convinced that we point, because it is really important that we wrap this should reform the IPCC in the middle of these negotiations, up in the personality of one person. I put the idea to the but we can clearly take on board what the shadow Home Secretary right at the start that this could perhaps Home Secretary has said about giving it additional be done by Tom Winsor, the new chief inspector of powers so that it can complete these investigations constabulary. This is a role for the inspectorate. It properly. should not be about police officers investigating police The Select Committee is conducting an inquiry into officers; it should involve someone completely new coming the IPCC, and tomorrow we shall see Marie Rigg, the into the system to look into it. I do not know whether mother of Sean Rigg. For years, she has felt that his he has the resources to do that. There are a number of case was not properly dealt with by the IPCC, so the other people who could take on the task. I would also Hillsborough families are not alone in criticising the like to throw in the name of Denis O’Connor. He has organisation. We want to hold a proper inquiry and give just stood down from the role of chief inspector of proper recommendations to the Home Office, taking on constabulary, and would therefore be unburdened by board what the shadow Home Secretary and others day-to-day management duties. We need a figure with have said. At the end of the day, according to the experience who can command respect and who can families, the only way to get closure will be for people to bring all the various agencies together. be prosecuted for what happened. Who those people I am glad that the Home Secretary said that she are, Parliament does not know at this moment. All that would hold meetings this week. It is really important we can do is ensure that we have a good, robust process that we take on board what the families say, and that we so that justice can finally be done. try to cut through the bureaucracy that will inevitably result from all the agencies trying to do their very best 6.19 pm by those families, and by the stated views of Members Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): I should on both sides of the House, as I am sure they will do. I like to start by praising the families who fought on and hope that we can reach a conclusion quickly. on for 23 years to get to where we are today. I want to I am glad that the Home Secretary was able to see the talk to the public about the impact of what we are Hillsborough families. They had contacted her office discussing. Football is a great joiner of people. Since I before they came to appear before the Committee, but have come to this place, I have developed an excellent they said that they had not received a definitive reply. I friendly relationship with the hon. Member representing was therefore pleased that she was able to meet them at Liverpool, Wavertree—[HON.MEMBERS: “Walton.”] That such short notice. It is they who have been driving this is a good start: I mean the hon. Member for Liverpool, whole issue over the past 23 years, and we should put Walton (Steve Rotheram). That relationship comes down them right at the centre of what we are seeking to do. to the bond that people gather from being football fans. We all have our views and opinions but, at the end of Although we sit on totally opposite sides of the political the day, it is the families who should turn to Parliament divide, we get on exceptionally well through our love of and say, “We need closure, and this is how we are going football. Football binds many people together. My sister to get it.” is an Arsenal fan whereas my brother-in-law is a Liverpool The hon. Member for Elmet and Rothwell (Alec fan, and they live in Sheffield. Quite where on the Shelbrooke) mentioned Norman Bettison earlier. I was football spectrum my niece and nephew will end up surprised recently to be rung up by The Times newspaper remains to be seen, but what about the prospect of their and to be told that, 23 years ago, I had been to a going to a football match—something that binds together briefing meeting held by the police officers who had people who love the game—13 years from now, when policed Hillsborough, and that I had left the meeting they will be 16 and 14, and a terrible incident occurring? before the end. The press asked me why I had done that, Some people might dismiss this debate as having and I had to tell them that I cannot remember what I gone on too long or believe that these matters should did last week, and that I certainly cannot remember not have been dug up again. There are people who have what I did 23 years ago. I can only imagine the detail of made such comments, but I ask them how they would the reports of such meetings, if Norman Bettison was feel if a family member—a niece or nephew, say, if they able to write in his report that Keith Vaz had left a do not have children—lost their life going to one of the meeting early, as though that suggested something pejorative events that so many people in this country go to, watch, about the way in which the meeting had been conducted. enjoy and love, and were then effectively told that it Officers in the South Yorkshire police force were clearly was all their fault anyway? What if they then saw an keeping detailed notes on what Members of Parliament establishment war against them, which is effectively were doing in the meetings that they had organised in what has happened over 23 years? 749 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 750

[Alec Shelbrooke] that comes out from the IPCC, they must be absolutely 100% convinced that no undue influence was brought I came into politics because, I am sure like many on that process. Frankly, that is the accusation being people, I wanted to defend people who need to be levelled against it. With someone involved in the spoken up for. I have a big thing about bullies; I hate investigation who has effectively been charged with them, yet I see them in so many aspects of life, using involvement in a cover-up now having to face a new their position to bully others. As my hon. Friend the charge of trying to influence the police authority, their Member for City of Chester (Stephen Mosley) said in position must be untenable if the public are to have his excellent speech, people were bullied into changing faith in the report that comes out. their statements. All that came about because people I emphasise again that I am not saying whether Sir had made a mistake. The police made mistakes, but Norman Bettison is guilty or innocent, as that is what instead of standing up and admitting the terrible mistakes an investigation is for. What I am saying is that for the that they made that day, they tried to push the blame on public to have faith in any report that is produced, he to those who had no reason whatever to have that blame should either be suspended or, if a mechanism cannot put upon them. I think that every single person in this be found, offer his own suspension from duty. He should country needs to think about that and about the events not take retirement. I have heard Sir Norman’s warm they go to enjoy together as a family. They should think words: about how they would feel if a disastrous event took “Recent weeks have caused me to reflect on what is best for the place and they were blamed for what had happened. future of policing in West Yorkshire, and I have now decided to I remember being at school when this event happened—I set a firm date for my retirement. I hope”, was 13—and hearing some of the comments made the he said, that his departure next day about what The Sun had said. Even in south- “will enable the Independent Police Complaints Commission to east England, school children and others were very fully investigate allegations that have been raised about my integrity.” uncomfortable about the newspaper coverage. Many I disagree. I do not think he should take early retirement. people went into shock—this was more than a general I think that his early retirement date should be held sense of shock—about what had happened. I remember until we get to the end of an investigation so that he can reading the Sunday newspapers along with my parents be held to account in respect of his current role. the next day, and I clearly recall seeing a picture of somebody being crushed up against the fence. It had a deep impact on me. The following day a newspaper Mr Frank Field: Will not the things that the hon. came out with “The Truth” plastered across it, and Gentleman has said today make it more difficult to hold some accusations were made. Let us remember what the chief constable to account? they were. It was claimed that people, including children, were drunk. It was said that people were pickpocketing Alec Shelbrooke: I am sorry, I did not quite catch the dead, urinating on dead bodies and attacking police that. officers. If that was true, why was nobody arrested, as there were plenty of police there? There were plenty of Mr Field: Might not the hon. Gentleman’s wish for television cameras there, too, recording all the events, somebody to be held to account be made that much but no arrests were made and no evidence ever came more difficult to achieve by the contribution he has just forward. made? This leads me on to my comments about the chief constable of West Yorkshire, Norman Bettison. I am Alec Shelbrooke: I would hope not. My point is that if not standing here today to say that Sir Norman Bettison he suspended himself and removed himself from any is guilty of any crime. I am not saying that, but what I investigation, the public could have faith in any report am saying is that he edited, as he was asked to do, the that is produced. I did not level the new charge—that he video footage of what went on that day. I think that tried to interfere with West Yorkshire policy authority— over 60 hours of footage was brought down to 30 minutes. against him; it was the IPCC that levelled that charge. Subsequently, questions have been raised about whether After 23 years, the public must have faith in any report pressure was applied by people such as Norman Bettison that is brought out. when he was the chief constable to get police officers to change their statements. I know that many more speeches Mr Anderson: Is it not a fact that in the vast majority today will address that issue directly. of employment cases, where an issue is raised or accusations are made against a worker—and this man is a worker—that When I look at the press release from the West worker would almost certainly be suspended, regardless Yorkshire policy authority, I see that the authority of what they had to say about the allegations? If the committee referred the matter to the chair of the special allegations were made, they would be suspended, committee, whose role was particularly in order to prevent any interference with “to oversee all conduct matters involving chief officer ranks, any records or paperwork. That would happen to virtually including the Chief Constable.” anybody in this country, so why should it not happen to The second press release stated that that committee this man? “will decide whether any conduct matters or public complaints about the Chief Constable should be recorded and whether any Alec Shelbrooke: I am most grateful for the hon. matters should also be referred to the IPCC as a result.” Gentleman’s intervention. He will have heard me intervene One charge that the IPCC is looking into is that Sir Norman on the shadow Home Secretary earlier. Her answer tried to influence that committee not to refer him. That made it very clear that she and the Home Secretary did may or may not be true, but that is one of the charges not have the ability to be involved, which is why I said brought. If the public are to have faith in any report that if there is a mechanism whereby the person in 751 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 752 question can offer himself for suspension, that is what been let down, and we owe it to them to ensure that we should happen. I want to make it absolutely clear that I do everything possible to ensure that they finally get the am not casting judgment on him; what I am saying is justice they deserve. that this House, the public, the victims and their families I want to record my thanks to the Bishop of Liverpool need to know that when this process is finished, no and the members of his panel for the forensic work that more questions will be left unanswered. There should they did on the report. It is testimony to the bishop’s be no more theories about whether someone influenced efforts that the Home Secretary confirmed today that a report; only then can peace be brought to those she wished to retain him as an adviser on all matters families. They must know that the full truth is out there; connected with Hillsborough. I pay tribute to my right those found to responsible must face up to the consequences; hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) and we must close this dreadful, shameful chapter in and my hon. Friend the Member for Garston and our country’s history. Halewood (Maria Eagle) for the work that they did Finally, I want to make a point about what my hon. when in government. They called for the release of Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) documentation, and set up the independent panel. I said. I simply cannot understand how such an experienced also pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for politician as the then Member of Parliament for Sheffield, Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram), who has been a Hallam was able to go to journalists and report as fact powerful and passionate advocate for justice for the rumours about which he had been told. I am thinking victims of Hillsborough. I am sure that we shall hear particularly of what appears on page 351 of the report, him speak movingly later this evening. to which my hon. Friend referred: I welcome the Government’s decision to set aside “‘Some of the supporters were pissed out of their minds. They time for the debate. I also welcome the Home Secretary’s were pissing on us while we were pulling the dead and injured announcement that, if the Attorney-General approves, out…they were swearing at us kicking and punching us and a special prosecutor will be appointed to examine the hampering our work’. One seated showed me the marks of the possibility of criminal charges. That will be an unusual kicks on his left trouser leg and the marks on his skin.” step, but it is clearly necessary given the nature of the The report goes on to mention what fans were said to tragedy, the extent of the cover-up, the pain that too have yelled about what they would do with a girl who many have suffered over two decades, and the many was naked. An off-duty sergeant is said to have given agencies that are implicated. this information to the then Member of Parliament. We I support the calls from my right hon. Friend the also read on page 351 that Member for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford “‘senior officers advised Mr Patnick to take what he had heard (Yvette Cooper), the shadow Home Secretary, for the ‘with a pinch of salt’.” introduction of new powers to compel police officers to Those accusations should make every one of us angry. give evidence to the Independent Police Complaints I am angry, and I cannot imagine what the families Commission’s inquiry into Hillsborough. I also welcome must feel about the fact that a Member of this House the Attorney-General’s decision to make an application fed those allegations to the newspapers, and into the to the High Court for new inquests to take place, and general stream of information that was going around join other Members in asking him to ensure that the the country, when a senior police officer had told him to process is completed as quickly as possible. New inquests take them with a pinch of salt. are vital if the wrongs of the past are to be righted. At the end of the process, those who are found to Although the original coroner’s report returned a verdict have deliberately peddled that story must be prosecuted of accidental death, the independent panel’s report for defamation of character, because that is what it was: clearly shows that the deaths of 96 innocent people that besmirching the names of the dead was a defamation of day were anything but accidental. That verdict must be character. It is not good enough, and I hope that we overturned. shall never see a repeat of it in the House. I also hope The deaths and suffering of the survivors were a that one outcome will be that we all remember—this result of systematic failures by football authorities, the was pointed out by my hon. Friend the Member for police and the emergency services before, during and Thurrock—that we, as politicians, are in a very powerful after what happened on that tragic day, 15 April 1989. It position. Our words matter, and we must never peddle was clear before the game that the stadium was not a rumours and, consequently, untruths. safe venue. The independent panel’s report shows that the risks were already known before 1989, and that the 6.31 pm crush was therefore avoidable. The ground did not have Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): an up-to-date safety certificate, and problems with Many Members on both sides of the House have made congestion at the Leppings Lane end had already occurred impassioned speeches, and many have presented arguments during the 1981 and 1987 FA cup semi-finals. There had that I wish to present as well. I shall therefore use my been actual crushing during the 1988 semi-final the year brief contribution to reinforce some of their points, as before, but little action had been taken as a result. well as adding some of my own. Although some work had been done between 1981 and Let me begin by adding my voice to the tributes that 1987, it was not sufficient to ensure that the ground met other Members have paid to the families of the 96 victims. minimum safety standards. The fact that the ground The publication of the independent panel’s report lays was used for such a high-profile match, without an bare the double injustice that they have suffered for far up-to-date safety certificate, shows a complete lack of too long, and is a major step forward in their search for concern for fan safety. truth and justice. However, as all of us who are taking On the match day itself, key safety procedures were part in the debate well know, the report represents not not followed. There was a failure to recognise that the the end of that struggle, but merely the beginning of a turnstiles were inadequate, or to foresee the problems new chapter. For 23 years the families and survivors have that would be caused by not sealing off the tunnel 753 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 754

[Luciana Berger] happen again. Sadly, however, there are other cover-ups going on at the moment. The Hillsborough independent leading to the central pens. The response in the immediate panel report states: aftermath of the crush was appalling. A general failure “The disclosed documents show that the bereaved families met on the part of the emergency services to recognise what a series of obstacles in their search for justice.” was happening was compounded by the failure to execute The hon. Member for City of Chester (Stephen Mosley) major incident plans correctly. Those mistakes cost lives. highlighted a case going all the way through to the Afterwards, a concerted and shameful cover-up of European Court of Human Rights and the truth not those mistakes began with the blaming of innocent coming out. We must learn from Hillsborough, and victims. Hundreds of police statements were doctored from other cover-ups, and work to get greater transparency and amended. The original coroner’s report set an so that such cover-ups never happen again. arbitrary 3.15 pm cut-off time; the only reason for that On Friday, my Family Justice (Transparency, seems to have been a desire to excuse the failings of the Accountability and Cost of Living) Bill will receive its emergency services. The blood alcohol levels of those Second Reading. It should, perhaps, be re-titled the who had been killed—even children—were checked without “No more cover-ups Bill”. In the case of Hillsborough, consent. There was collusion between senior figures in there was a cover-up. There was also pressure placed on the police force, the political sphere and the media to police officers not to complain. In the case of Jimmy perpetrate a campaign to smear the fans and innocent Savile, there was a cover-up, too. There was also pressure victims. Despite the finding of the Taylor inquiry that placed on people not to complain—ironically, by banning the police were at fault, not a single officer responsible them from watching the TV and withdrawing other for the conduct of the police that day has been disciplined privileges. or prosecuted. Those failings, and what in some cases appear to be As a country, we do little to support whistleblowers. specific acts of criminality, need to be investigated and Clause 7(2) of my private Member’s Bill aims to stop exposed in more detail than is allowed by the time people threatening others to stop them complaining. afforded to me, or even to today’s debate. That leaves Only last week, I received a report from a fellow Member the question of who is best placed to conduct such about one of her constituents being threatened. investigations. As my hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood said in the House on the day Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I the report was published, this cover-up, the lies, and the know the hon. Gentleman wants to discuss his Bill, but failure to bring prosecutions show a complete failing on he knows that we are not doing so today. He also knows the part of our legal system. Securing justice for the how important Hillsborough is, and how many people families of the victims must of course be our immediate are present who are very concerned about the events priority, but once that process is complete, we must also that took place there. I therefore ask him to speak to the consider the wider failings of our legal system. The fact subject in hand, rather than drifting on to the topic of that a public inquiry, a judicial inquiry, and the coroner’s his Bill, which I know he has a keen interest in. inquest in the 1980s and 1990s failed to establish the truth of what happened at Hillsborough is deeply disturbing, John Hemming: I take that point, Mr Deputy Speaker. and such a situation must never be repeated. My concern is that we have other cover-ups going on, I think that it is clear from the report, and from and I would have thought that it is in order to discuss today’s debate, that a number of things need to happen. them and how to prevent them. I will not refer to my First, the Attorney-General should submit his promised Bill, however. application for new inquests as soon as possible. Secondly, In England, it is even possible to get a court order if that application is successful, it is crucial for the that stops a complaint being made. The Hillsborough inquests to be held in Liverpool, for the costs to be case went as far as the House of Lords and involved borne by central Government rather than by any local inquests, inquiries and judicial reviews, but the truth did authority, and—most important—for no legal costs to not come out until there was an independent panel. be borne by the families. The Home Secretary said this My own view is that we need to be willing to look at afternoon that her Department was looking into that, cover-up allegations by establishing committees of inquiry and I hope that its response will be favourable. Thirdly, in Parliament. However, there are other things that a special prosecutor needs to be appointed and given could be done to improve the accountability of public the powers to conduct a full inquiry—including powers officials. Judicial review proceedings are used to deal to question the police—in order to determine what with the accountability of public officials, and they criminal charges can and should be brought. were used in dealing with Hillsborough. The General What happened at Hillsborough 23 years ago was a Medical Council is also subject to judicial review. However, terrible tragedy that could have been prevented. It has public bodies have very deep pockets, and there are been made worse by a shameful cover-up by parts of the cost risks for ordinary individuals if the costs of such very institutions that are meant to protect us. Now that a process are not covered by public funding. If cost we have the truth, we all have a duty to the 96 victims, limitations on judicial review are not set at an early their families and the survivors to secure justice and stage, ordinary people cannot take on the system—the ensure that nothing like this ever happens again. GMC, perhaps, or a local council planning decision, or a coroner as in the Hillsborough case. 6.40 pm In the case of Hillsborough, judicial review did not John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): The provide an adequate system of scrutiny; that was made hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Berger) clear in paragraph 2.9.100 of the report. One of the concludes by rightly saying nothing like this must ever difficulties with criminal prosecutions and regulatory 755 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 756 actions is that all the processes are somewhat remote 6.47 pm from the people affected. At paragraph 2.9.114 Terri Sefton Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): is reported as stating, My hon. Friend the Member for Halton (Derek Twigg) “none of the questions that she had wanted answered had been listed a number of authorities, from the football club answered.” that is based at Hillsborough through to the media, We need greater transparency and accountability. We that, to say the least, made mistakes, crass errors or know, for example, that the Slovak Republic has identified whatever one wants to call them. When dealing with the 40 cases in the English courts involving 89 children issues the report highlights, the one point it is impossible where it does not think the legally correct decision has to get one’s head around is the motives of those people been taken, yet they have gone through our system who were involved in this complex series of mistakes. without any challenge. To me, that is a serious criticism We can, perhaps, understand that the club was desirous of the system. of the revenue coming in from hosting such a prestigious The system also has an automatic cover-up in that game, but the subsequent actions of a number of senior the media in the UK are prevented from discussing people in the police, the emergency services and the details of what has been going on. Even academic media lead us to the conclusion that their motives were researchers are banned from looking at these secret completely scurrilous. cases, to see if the decisions are sensible. More recently, Two of the 41 victims who, it appears, lived beyond it has become clear that one of the people involved in 3.15 pm were my constituents, and another of my the Haut de la Garenne scandal was Jimmy Savile. constituents also died. Let me quote the comments of Hillsborough happened in 1989, and the Savile issues the brother of one of those constituents. Nick Delaney’s arose many years ago. However, the US— brother, James, died, and he said in response to a local press inquiry about the Attorney-General’s report: Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab): On a point of “I’m over the moon. It’s great news. I didn’t expect it to be as quick. I just hope they push it through now. People need to trust order, Mr Deputy Speaker. As you are well aware, the the police again”. motion on the Order Paper relates specifically to Hillsborough. Time is at a premium, and many Members That is very true. want to speak about those events. Is the hon. Member The difficulty we face is that because of the complex for Birmingham, Yardley (John Hemming) not creeping interaction of all these issues, we know that we cannot out of order here? promise the Hillsborough victims’ families any form of instant justice. We are going down the right path and, as long as Members in this House continue to work together Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Iamaware in a collegiate manner, I am hopeful that we will get that we are drifting from the topic under discussion. I somewhere towards achieving justice for the victims have brought the hon. Gentleman back to the subject and their families. being debated once before, and I am sure he does want to speak about Hillsborough, and that is what he will do The coroner’s court has been mentioned. I am hopeful for the rest of his speech. that there will be a fresh coroners hearing, and I certainly think it would be totally inappropriate for that to be in Sheffield. I am open-minded as to where else it should John Hemming: I do want to speak about Hillsborough, be; somewhere else in the north-west may be appropriate. but there are similar cases that go before the Europe There is a school of thought that says Liverpool may courts. Unless we solve the systemic problems and not be the best place to hold it, but somewhere else in ensure that cover-ups do not continue, there will be the north-west where the court would be accessible to further cover-ups. I am sure the Hillsborough families the victims’ families might be considered as an appropriate wish to see the system changed so that such situations venue. do not happen again. I will not mention any of the I want to deal briefly with the issues associated with other relevant examples at present, but, over time, we the media. The Home Secretary used a phrase to which must look at them, because, as the Minister accepted we all ought to listen: “after the apology, accountability.” earlier, the system is very vulnerable to cover-ups. That comment applies particularly to people such as Kelvin MacKenzie. It is mission critical that we re-establish Steve Rotheram: I cannot speak for all Hillsborough —somehow—confidence in the media. As with the police, families, but the Hillsborough families I know would the media must have the confidence of the people in the absolutely agree that there should be no more cover-ups. country. I want to refer to what he said, where he said he However, they have fought for 23 years for the opportunity got it from and what others have said. to come to this House and hear politicians speak about Kelvin MacKenzie has, apparently, asked South the Hillsborough independent panel report, and I think Yorkshire police to apologise to him for the “vilification” the hon. Gentleman is drifting far from that topic. he has received. That seems extraordinary because, as the Home Secretary said, after the apology comes the John Hemming: It is interesting how many Members accountability and he was the accountable person in are taking on the role of the Speaker today. I accept the that newsroom. A police spokesman has said that hon. Gentleman’s point, however. “Mr MacKenzie was responsible for the particular headline he Let me return to the comments in my prepared speech: chose to run with.” it is to be hoped that the report of the Hillsborough Irrespective of one source that he got, just as the police independent panel will provide closure for the families. need to follow every line of inquiry, so should a respectable They need justice, and they have now got to the truth. journalist. He is now seeking to pass the blame on to his Parliament needs to learn from this and stop the culture source and he claims to have been of cover-up. There must be no more cover-ups. “deeply affected by the affair”. 757 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 758

[Andrew Miller] and joking while they were looking after the crowd. He shared with his listeners his disbelief that police officers Interestingly, former Sun reporter Harry Arnold has could be laughing and joking such a short time after now broken his long silence. He apparently wrote a that tragedy. substantial part of the story and was “aghast” when he I am thankful that many of the contributing factors saw the headline “The Truth”. The book that my hon. that led to the events on 15 April 1989 have led to Friend the Member for Halton quoted from clearly says reform. Notably, standing has been removed at matches, that that was the feeling within the newsroom. After and more rigorous health and safety policies at football the apology comes accountability, so I hope that every grounds and comprehensive crowd management policies outlet for Mr MacKenzie’s work reflects on that statement have been implemented. What we used to go through in before hiring him again, because he has done a huge the 1970s bears no resemblance to what we find at the disservice to justice by reinforcing the mistakes made on modern game. However, we now know that many of that day. these issues had been highlighted in the lead-up to the The mistakes are covered in great detail, graphic disaster, as the hon. Member for Halton highlighted in detail, horrendous detail in the report, and I, too, praise his excellent speech. The revelation that at the same the work of the Bishop of Liverpool and his team. I match a year previously there had also been a crush at also want to put on the record my thanks to the Home the Leppings Lane end must make us ask exactly how Secretary and the Attorney-General for following through and why lessons were not learned. Crowds of men, the work started by my right hon. Friend the Member women and children went into the pens at Leppings for Leigh (Andy Burnham) when he was a Minister. Lane when the authorities knew full well that their lives The fact that this has brought the House together in were at risk. pursuit of justice will, I hope, lead us to create a culture The failures of the police, the stadium management where events such as these can never happen again in and the other emergency services are clear. There is this country. That will never bring back the victims of responsibility, and it was avoided through a systematic the Hillsborough tragedy, but I hope that it will be a abuse of power. The report found that 164 statements legacy from which the whole country can benefit. were significantly amended and criticism of police actions was removed in 116 of them. Blame was deliberately 6.54 pm placed on the victims. Vicious and wholly untrue allegations Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): I welcome this were passed to and published by the media. Those report, and I pay tribute to the right hon. Member for allegations, it has finally been revealed, were the reported Leigh (Andy Burnham) and the hon. Members for conversation between South Yorkshire police and the Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram)and for Halton then Member for Sheffield Hallam. The public, sections (Derek Twigg) for all they have done over many, many of the media and Parliament were deliberately misled. years. This tragic event has finally received the independent We have to ask why West Midlands police were used as scrutiny it deserves, and I thank the Bishop of Liverpool an independent police force to investigate South Yorkshire for his forensic and exhaustive report, and my right police, given that a few years earlier, in the early 1980s, hon. Friend the Home Secretary and my right hon. and their serious crime squad had been investigated and learned Friend the Attorney-General for their commitment found guilty of corruption. I hope and believe that to justice. some senior officers from that force will be held to account. The report’s findings have confirmed what witnesses and the families of the victims have always maintained: The conclusion of the coroner’s inquest and the the allegations of drunkenness, ticketlessness and violence practices used, once again, seemed to seek to deflect were deliberately and maliciously spread by the police, blame from the police on to the victims. The checking the authorities and elements of the media. It is difficult, of children’s blood-alcohol levels served no purpose looking back now, to understand the culture and attitudes whatsoever, except to reinforce perceptions of lawless towards football fans in the 1970s and 1980s. As a drunkenness. As a proud father who takes his children Manchester United fan who attended matches during to football matches, I can only imagine the distress that this period, I know that a small minority of people gave this must have caused those families. The conclusion the beautiful game a bad reputation. The distrust with that by 3.15 pm no one could have been saved failed to which football fans were viewed gave some individual take into account the individual circumstances of each members of the authorities a smokescreen behind which victim’s death and sought to suggest a powerlessness on they could hide. The fans who visited that fateful day, behalf of the authorities to reduce the death toll, as was who included the hon. Members for Liverpool, Walton well mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for City and for Halton, were, it was implied, architects of their of Chester (Stephen Mosley). We must wait for a new own demise. inquest before definitive conclusions can be made, but I recall the days in 1989 when I visited Old Trafford the report’s findings suggest that lives could and should and the hostile and somewhat aggressive attitude of have been saved, and that makes my blood run cold. the police that we encountered when we arrived at the It has been a long, long fight for the truth to be made ground for a game. I am amused when I think of the public, but I believe that justice will be done. I welcome people I used to go there with and the positions they the Attorney-General’s commitment, I welcome the now occupy in modern society—perhaps we wish we Independent Police Complaints Commission’s decision had known then what we know now, as we might not to investigate wrongdoing by the police, and I welcome have been so compliant. I also remember BBC Radio 5’s The Sun’s front page story, “The real truth”. We have an Alan Green mentioning that he went to a Sheffield opportunity to do right by the families of the victims, United game a few days after the Hillsborough disaster the 96 themselves and all football fans, past, present and saw members of the South Yorkshire police laughing and future. 759 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 760

7pm and either ensure that all the documents relating to Hillsborough are published or give the reasons why they Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab): I welcome the were not provided. opportunity to speak and to raise with the Home Secretary and Home Office Ministers many of the questions West Throughout the coverage of the Hillsborough tragedy, Lancashire constituents have asked me since the publication the focus on South Yorkshire police, the Government’s of the Hillsborough independent panel’s report. actions and the complicity of sections of the national media and those who perpetuated the lies that were Amazingly, it is 12 months since I and many hon. told has been considerable. However, the Football Members in the Chamber today stood in this place and Association appears largely to have disappeared below asked for the disclosure and publication of all documents the radar, but it chose the venue that led to the events relating to Hillsborough. That day we called for the truth unfolding that day and allowed the game to take place and now we have it, but the fight for justice continues in a venue without the appropriate safety certificates. and will do so until it is secured. Gandhi said: There is no question about the culpability of the “Truth never damages a cause that is just.” Football Association in the entire fiasco, but it has been Liverpool people were never frightened of the truth, so, distinctly quiet in recent months apart from its attempt as we move on to the next stage, I am reminded that to apologise immediately following the publication of Benjamin Disraeli said that the report. My constituents have asked when the FA “justice is truth in action.”—[Official Report, 11 February 1851; will be held to account by the various investigations and Vol. 114, c. 412.] inquiries. Will it come within the scope of the criminal It is that action that we now welcome, and we seek investigation? assurances that the process will be seen through to the I have also been asked whether the coroner and his very end, delivering justice. collusion with South Yorkshire police will be included I join other hon. Members in welcoming the Attorney- in the criminal investigation. Given the historical problems General’s announcement that the original inquests into of crowd safety at Hillsborough, why were 100 fewer the 96 deaths will be quashed; the Independent Police police officers on duty in 1989 than at the 1988 FA cup Complaints Commission’s investigation; the Director semi-final at the same ground? There were actually for Public Prosecutions’ inquiry; and the comments fewer officers there than in 1987. Many of my constituents made by the Home Secretary today. Those are certainly would also wholeheartedly applaud any action against steps in the right direction and are welcomed as progress Sir Norman Bettison for his role in Hillsborough. There towards justice, but I believe the depth of the cover-up are certainly precedents for reconsidering and potentially and how it spread throughout the institutions of the removing his knighthood. police, Government and the media demand that everybody Constituents have also asked what action can be be required to give evidence, whether they are retired or taken against those sections of the media that were serving police officers or even insurance companies. complicit in perpetuating the lies. Let us be clear that There can be no place to hide for anyone when it comes that did not happen just in the immediate aftermath of to one of the darkest events in modern British history. the Hillsborough disaster. The Taylor report exonerated Before I move on to the specific questions and issues Liverpool fans from any blame, but the lies about that raised with me, I want to put on record my gratitude day at Hillsborough in 1989 were continually repeated. and respect, and that of my constituents, for the members Only the publication of the independent panel’s report of the Hillsborough independent panel and their excellent has stopped the lies being told and I would welcome the work in bringing the truth about Hillsborough into the Home Secretary’s guidance on that. public domain. In particular, like so many of my hon. The experience of Hillsborough is a watershed in the Friends, I want to mention the chairmanship of the political, social and legal landscape of Britain. Much is Right Rev. James Jones, the Bishop of Liverpool. A still to be resolved. I had the great privilege of attending constituent who came to my advice surgery described the vigil at St George’s hall on 12 September following Bishop James as “the shepherd”. Everyone associated the publication of the report—an emotional day for so with the panel felt the warmth of his guidance, his care many people. As I stood on the steps outside the hall, and his truthfulness and, like a shepherd, Bishop James the sense of sadness and vindication after 23 years was looked after his flock and led them to the safety of the palpable. It will live for a long time with anyone who truth. was there. I look forward to a similar day when it can On the issues my constituents have raised with me be said that justice has finally been done for the 96. A and the questions on which I hope Ministers can shed considerable amount has been said and written about some light, with all the documents now in the public Hillsborough, yet for us all the silence of the 96 will domain, my constituents have had the opportunity to remain for ever the strongest and most powerful statement. search through them and have brought to my attention concerns about missing documents. One constituent 7.8 pm gave a witness statement to West Midlands police and was visited twice by officers and shown videos of Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): It is both Hillsborough, but his statement does not appear in the a sadness and a pleasure to contribute to the debate. I documents provided to the independent panel. That thank the panel for its diligent work in pulling together situation is very strange, given that he obtained a copy all the evidence and finally laying bare the truth that has of his statement in 2004. He tells me that other people now been shared with the world, and I thank the right are in the same position. It appears that not all the hon. Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham), who managed statements have been provided to the panel and I would finally to persuade his Government, quite rightly, to be grateful if the Home Secretary could look into that start the inquiry. I also thank the hon. Member for matter, find out what has happened to those statements, Garston and Halewood (Maria Eagle) for her diligent 761 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 762

[Dr Thérèse Coffey] those officers retired on medical grounds, it was decided not to pursue justice. I know that there was a private work going through the papers in the Library and using prosecution, which did not end as we may all have her legal mind to ensure that work on the issue kept wanted, but I still hope that such people will be brought going. to justice. Just over a year ago, on 17 October, the hon. Member One of the things I would like to say to the people for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram) made his who have kept the fight going is “Please, have a little tremendous contribution to the Backbench Business more patience.” That may seem a terrible thing to say Committee debate, when we got to debate Hillsborough after 23 years, but people were patient for the unveiling in this House for the first time in a very long time. Not of all the terrible things that came out in the Hillsborough long afterwards, a colleague said to me, “I know that’s independent panel report. Although we can say freely in all very powerful, but I don’t understand why it’s still an the House what we believe, it is important that we allow issue. The Taylor report said it.” Indeed, the Taylor justice to come to its full term and that the IPCC or the report said it. In many people’s minds it may not have special prosecutor, if that is deemed appropriate later, is gone far enough, but it laid the blame firmly at the feet brought into play. One of the things that I hope those of South Yorkshire police. To give credit to the Hillsborough outside the Chamber will recognise is that we know that independent panel, it has been able to show the scale of Parliament has let people down in the past, but there is the cover-up. unanimity here today that Parliament is definitely on I spoke quite emotionally in the Chamber when the their side and we will not let people get away with it. Prime Minister read his statement last month, and today I have already said that I am still sick, angry and incredulous at the cover-up. The families of the victims, 7.14 pm their friends and those who have been keeping the campaign alive for 23 years may be sick, angry and Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): Ten minutes incredulous today, but they are vindicated in the campaign is nowhere near enough to do justice to a campaign that that they have been pursuing. I have been involved with for 23 years, and to a 395-page report presented to the House that shocked a nation. It I want to thank the Attorney-General. I appreciate has taken 8,591 days to get here, but we finally have that he is a man of great legal diligence and wants to go what the families and the people of my great city have through the paperwork, but the announcement that he known all along: the undeniable truth. made in the written ministerial statement was welcome— that he would be applying not just for one inquest to be I did not dare dream that one day I would be in the set aside, but for all 96 to be set aside, so that the many House of Commons to hear a British Prime Minister inquests that were restrictive in nature could be put apologise to the families of the Hillsborough disaster. aside. I also thank the Home Secretary and the Secretary Not only did that happen, but the Prime Minister of State for Health for their continuing diligence on offered a double apology. I never thought an Attorney- this matter. General would ever apply to the High Court for fresh inquests into the deaths of 96 men, women and children, I will not relay again all the different issues, but I have but just last week in this very Chamber, that is what was been trying to put myself in the mind of the former announced. And I could never have imagined that the Member of the House, to whom my hon. Friends the police and other organisations and individuals would Members for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) and for ever face the full weight of the law for their lies and Elmet and Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke) have already deceit, but we now know from what the IPCC and the referred. No Liverpool fan will ever forget the tragic DPP have said that there is the probability that criminal events that happened in another country, in Heysel, just charges will be brought against those really responsible a few years earlier, when other football fans were resentful for both the tragedy itself and the cover-up that followed. at what had happened because all teams were banned from European football as a consequence of what happened Let us remind ourselves of that corruption in more that night. I do not want to read out again the statement detail. The report suggests that police statements relating to which my hon. Friends referred, but I will always to the Hillsborough disaster struggle to understand how someone could repeat a few “underwent an unprecedented process of review and alteration”. days later the smear of somebody who implied that The report outlines a process of intimidation, manipulation Liverpool fans were sexually abusing a dead person, and coercion from senior officers to their juniors less and indeed were going to go further than that. I realise than 24 hours after the disaster, and the report finally that that person cannot be in the House to defend reveals the names and rank of the officers involved in himself today and I know that he has expressed his the disaster, with their actions. regret. There was clearly an “us versus them” mentality in It was made clear today that two forms of investigation the police before the match, and this mentality did not are needed—one into what actually happened on the change as the disaster unfolded before their very eyes, day, and one into the potential cover-up. Of course it and it certainly did not change after the disaster. When will be for a court of law to make that decision. Since does human nature override orders given by senior the last time we discussed the matter, a school friend has officers? Why did humanity not replace duty? Was it contacted me by e-mail to say that he did not go into the not the duty of the police to ensure fans’ safety? stadium that day because he saw the police officers opening the gate, he saw what was going on and he walked away—and thank God he did. I hope that such Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Although evidence will be put to people, even though they may much has been said about the enormous failings of the now be quite elderly. As we heard earlier, when one of police, what about the other organisations? 763 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 764

Steve Rotheram: We now know that the police were Irving Patnick MP.Fancy that, Mr Deputy Speaker—lies not the only ones who were at fault on that day. Six conjured up through collusion between the press, the agencies were also involved in the cover-up. I will try to police and certain politicians. cover them in the limited time available. It was said on the day that the Hillsborough independent The ambulance service was engaged in despicable panel report was published that there were 97 victims of alterations to statements. We always knew that the the Hillsborough disaster. The families, the survivors police were involved, but the ambulance service was at it and the people of our great city were tarnished and too. Many, many parts of the Hillsborough independent branded guilty of the deaths of 96 of their own. The panel report are harrowing for the families and the reputational damage has been incalculable. But one survivors, but none more so than the news that numerous thing is for sure—the 97th victim of Hillsborough was fans were alive after the arbitrary 3.15 pm cut-off point, certainly not Kelvin MacKenzie; how dare he claim his and with proper emergency care they could and probably victim status? The police were able to make such rapid would have been saved. progress in their conspiracy because they were aided by ready henchmen such as MacKenzie who poisoned the Next, there was Sheffield Wednesday football club. atmosphere around Hillsborough. It will be interesting As the report says, following the 1981 crush, to see whether any charges of criminal liability are placed “there was a breakdown in the relationship” at his door. between Sheffield Wednesday and South Yorkshire police. I am grateful to the Home Secretary and the Attorney- The two major partners in match-day safety had a General, and I appreciate their efforts and commitment fractious relationship at best. What is more, Sheffield to upholding the law and the pursuit of justice in this Wednesday, a club that was promoting Hillsborough as case. However, I urge the Attorney-General to complete a modern ground, fit to host major football games, his application as quickly as possible so that fresh failed in its first duty to ensure that it had a suitably safe inquests can be launched almost immediately. All agencies stadium. involved in subsequent investigations have made it clear By now the failings of Sheffield city council are well that the inquests can happen in parallel alongside known. The council allowed a major football stadium investigations into potential prosecutions, and there is in its city to operate outside the law. The report is therefore no need for a delay. South Yorkshire police absolutely clear that the way the council undertook safety have billed the taxpayer for a considerable amount of inspections was totally and utterly inept and it failed legal advice over the past 23 years as they sought to to ensure that an appropriate safety certificate was in cover up their actions and the actions of senior officers. place. Given how badly this country has let the families down, As Kenny Dalglish wrote in his weekend column in it should be for the state to ensure that any costs of The Mirror, the Football Association fresh inquests are met by central Government funds. The first investigation, which is being led by the “knew that Hillsborough did not have a safety certificate and yet they were still adamant the game had to be played at the stadium. Director of Public Prosecutions, is looking at whether manslaughter charges can be brought against South If they had not insisted that the game was played there...the Yorkshire police, Sheffield Wednesday football club, fans that died would still be alive”. the Football Association, Eastwood—the engineering The FA must now face the full force of the law for the company—and Sheffield city council. Any manslaughter deadly decisions that it made at that time. charges may be corporate or individual, depending on Hansard of 17 April 1989 makes for particularly the DPP’s findings, and may relate to the actions of interesting reading. It was clear even then that there those agencies before the disaster. The second investigation, were those in this place who were seeking to shift the which is totally separate from the first, will be carried blame for the disaster on to the fans—no one more out the IPCC. This investigation will focus on the ignorant of the facts than Irving Patnick, the then Tory conduct of the police after the disaster and will decide if MP for Sheffield, Hallam, who asked the Home Secretary charges for perverting the course of justice or malfeasance to in public office can be brought against certain individuals. “examine…the part that alcohol played in the disaster”.—[Official It is vital for the families and for the justice process Report, 17 April 1989; Vol. 151, c. 29.] that three things now happen with these investigations. Why—on what basis—did he ask that question? First, they must be co-ordinated; there is no point in having two investigations covering the same ground. It Mr George Howarth: In view of the recent revelations is the wish of the families that there be a figurehead for about Irving Patnick, does my hon. Friend agree that subsequent investigations. The IPCC and DPP should this calls into question any honours that were bestowed work together effectively and efficiently so that decisions on him? over future prosecutions may be made within months, not years. Secondly, both investigations must be well resourced. Thirdly, the investigations must be carried Steve Rotheram: If there were ever a job for the out in reasonable time. The families have had to wait Honours Forfeiture Committee, surely the scrapping of 23 years already. As my right hon. Friend the Member Patnick’s knighthood would be it. for Leigh (Andy Burnham) has said, The report reveals for the first time that it was a “What you have achieved, your dignity in the face of provocation, Sheffield-based news agency, White’s, that claimed that setbacks and defeat will forever inspire any parent fighting for the fans had verbally and physically abused the police their child.” and urinated on them as they attended to the stricken, He was absolutely right. and had stolen from the dead and dying. That came At Hillsborough on that fateful day, we witnessed after three days of conversations between White’s, senior one of the greatest moments of spontaneous human police officers, the Police Federation spokesman, and ingenuity in peacetime. Heroes who were labelled drunken 765 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 766

[Steve Rotheram] group. It is from Mr John Barry, who says that he was at Hillsborough and saw the disaster unfold. He sent it to louts and who were apparently “unemployable” came me with a covering letter in 2009, and has recently given together in a time of uncertainty, panic and immense me permission to make it public. It says: “At the time”, fear to try desperately to save others by creating makeshift in 1989, stretchers from advertising hoardings and by working “I was doing a part-time MBA at Sheffield Business School. One to save the dying while the professionals did little or of my fellow students was a middle ranking police officer with nothing. South Yorkshire Police…Some weeks after the game and after I This report means that half our campaign has concluded, had been interviewed by West Midlands Police, we were in a pub after our weekly evening class. He told me that he had been asked and our gratitude must be conveyed for the work of by his senior officers to put together the South Yorkshire Police Bishop James and the independent panel, but the fight evidence for the forthcoming inquiry. He said that ‘we are trying for justice continues. The lies are now attributable to the to concoct a story that all the Liverpool fans were drunk and we liars. Whether or not the reported 41 or 58 could have were afraid that they were going to break down the gates, so we been saved, the reality is that 96 should have been saved. decided to open them’. I was quite astounded that he had shared We will never give up until there is justice for the 96. this information with me, knowing that I had been very close to the scene of the disaster and had been greatly affected by it. We didn’t discuss it further.” 7.26 pm Mr Barry confirmed to me in the covering letter in Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): I was, 2009 that the middle-ranking police officer to whom he with my right hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy refers is Norman Bettison. He has agreed to swear a Burnham), one of the two Ministers in the previous statement to that effect and I have put him in touch with Government whose initiative led to the establishment of the families’ solicitors. Here we have an account of a the Hillsborough independent panel. I believed then contemporaneous conversation in which Norman Bettison that after years of campaigning and the seeming exhaustion boasts that he is engaged in a South Yorkshire police of all legal avenues, only transparency and full publication plot to fit up the Liverpool fans and deflect blame from of all documents could reveal the truth to the world. The the force. That is indeed what happened subsequently, people of Merseyside always knew the truth of Hillsborough. so what Sir Norman denies in public he boasts about in Hillsborough is something that I have campaigned on private conversations. since I was first elected in 1997. As a lawyer by trade, I Sir Norman Bettison has given inconsistent accounts am dismayed to see the utter failure of the legal system publicly over the years about what his role was. In late to right the wrongs and the smears of Hillsborough. 1998, when he was appointed chief constable of Merseyside, Only Taylor’s interim report partially succeeded. All the he accepted that he was a member of what the Hillsborough other legal proceedings—from the inquests to the civil independent panel report calls the Wain unit. In a written actions, the contribution proceedings, the judicial reviews, statement, he said: the criminal investigations, the disciplinary investigations, “The unit was tasked with looking at what had happened on the Stuart-Smith scrutiny, and the private prosecutions— the day of the disaster…The unit also liaised with and passed failed. The Hillsborough independent panel has succeeded. information to WM police who were undertaking the formal and It has enabled the incontrovertible truth of what happened independent investigation into the disaster…After the immediate on the day and subsequently to be spread beyond work of the unit was complete, I was given a specific role to Merseyside. monitor the public inquiry and the inquest and brief the Chief It took a wholly novel and non-legalistic process to Constable on progress.” break down the failings of past legal attempts to get the On 13 September 2012, the day after the panel’s truth on record. I commend the great work of Bishop report was published, Norman Bettison immediately James Jones and the panel members. I congratulate my put out a statement exonerating himself and restating right hon. Friend the Member for Leigh, as well as Lord two of the Hillsborough smears that were part of the Michael Wills, whose role has been unremarked but was black propaganda campaign I referred to in 1998, namely crucial, our current Home Secretary, who enabled the that fan behaviour made the police’s job more difficult panel’s work to be finished when it could have been and that Liverpool fans arrived late at the ground and halted by the new Government, and the Prime Minister, caused a surge at the Leppings Lane end. In the 2012 who quickly grasped the import of the panel’s findings statement, he said about his role: and has said that justice must follow on from truth. “Shortly after the conclusion of the Taylor Inquiry, I was Accountability, especially for the black propaganda posted to other duties. I had nothing further to do with the campaign, matters very much to this House. Those who subsequent Coroners Inquests and proceedings.” ordered and orchestrated that campaign have had many That is completely different from what he said in 1998 years of impunity to enjoy their burgeoning careers. about having a special task reporting to the chief constable One of the people I named in this House in 1998 as until after the inquests. being involved in orchestrating it is Sir Norman Bettison, It is my belief that Norman Bettison has always currently chief constable of West Yorkshire police but known more than he has admitted to publicly. I met him at the time a chief inspector, then superintendent, in one to one in my parliamentary office in late 1998 at the South Yorkshire police. I should make it clear that he request of Sir David Henshaw, the then clerk to the has always denied any involvement in the “dirty tricks Merseyside police authority, following the understandable campaign”, as Trevor Hicks has somewhat mildly dubbed furore that erupted when Norman Bettison was appointed it—the black propaganda campaign, I call it—in public chief constable of Merseyside. At that meeting, he let statements. slip the liability split agreed in the contribution proceedings I have here a letter from which I would like to read an —in other words, the percentage of the blame that extract. It was written in 1998 to Ann Adlington, then a South Yorkshire police would accept for the disaster solicitor working for the Hillsborough family support when paying out damages. That was very sensitive 767 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 768 information from South Yorkshire police’s point of The families want a point of contact in order to be able view and it was never made public; it was a requirement to be kept informed about how things are going. The of the settlements that it be kept secret. Bishop of Liverpool may be a good person to fulfil that I knew what percentage of the blame each defendant role, given that he continues to advise the right hon. had agreed to accept, because as a trainee solicitor at Lady and is well trusted by the families. Brian Thompson and Partners I had had legally privileged Twenty-three years is far too long for anybody to access to some of my principal’s Hillsborough files. My wait for justice. I hope that, through the efforts that we principal was on the Hillsborough steering committee can all make and the House’s unity on the need for of lawyers, dealing with civil litigation on behalf of something to be done to get to the bottom of this, and some families. Only someone who was at the heart of soon, we can make sure that justice does not take as dealing with Hillsborough from the South Yorkshire long as it has taken to establish the truth. police side would have known what percentage of the blame they accepted, and Norman Bettison knew that 7.36 pm information. Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): I first pay The Hillsborough independent panel report itself tribute to the families of the 96 who have campaigned suggests that Norman Bettison had a much wider role with dignity over the past 23 years for truth and justice. than he has admitted. He was present and took notes at I also want to put on the record my admiration for the five-hour meeting between senior officers and the Liverpool fans and football fans from around the world South Yorkshire police legal team on 26 April 1989, at who have supported the campaign from day one, especially which it was decided that officers would write their own Everton fans who, despite being our major rivals, have statements instead of having them taken. That would stood by the Hillsborough families and supported them not have been usual practice. every inch of the way. I thank them for their efforts. Norman Bettison compiled and introduced a video I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for for South Yorkshire police, which was shown on 3 October Halton (Derek Twigg), who has been the point of 1989 to Michael Shersby MP, who represented the contact between the families and MPs since the campaign interests of the Police Federation in Parliament, and started. I also pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the which tried to emphasise aspects of the disaster that Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) and my hon. Friend deflected blame from the police. He also brought it to the Member for Garston and Halewood (Maria Eagle), Westminster and showed it to more MPs, in an attempt who took on all comers to make sure that all the files to undermine Taylor’s findings that South Yorkshire were released and that the truth came out. I pay a police were to blame for the disaster. special tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Norman Bettison was involved in what looks like a Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram), who has already crude attempt to smear and discredit Lord Justice Taylor, said how he has been campaigning on this issue for as reported by The Independent on Sunday on 16 September many years both in the House and elsewhere, and to his 2012, which led to the then chief constable of South predecessors and many other MPs, both past and present, Yorkshire police, Peter Wright, travelling to see the who have campaigned on the issue for a very long time. Director of Public Prosecutions to suggest that Taylor I associate myself with the comments that have been should be charged with perverting the course of justice. made so far, especially by the Front-Bench representatives, He also received daily reports of how well the smears who have been very positive. I am glad that Parliament were being received by the coroner at the inquests—the is standing firm and together to make sure that there is means by which police sought to undermine Taylor’s truth and justice on this occasion. report and achieve historical revisionism. I very much I also want to take this opportunity to remember my welcome the Independent Police Complaints Commission old friend, David Hawley. He was a childhood friend investigation into his role. and we met by chance after 20 years and arranged to I want to raise one other issue. This House and the have a drink. Unfortunately, I did not take that offer up country were shocked by the extent to which police quickly enough—I should have done so much quicker—and statements were interfered with and changed by South two weeks later he died at Hillsborough. I can only Yorkshire police. I believe that there may have been a hope that his wife and family take some comfort from similar issue regarding West Midlands police pressurising recent events and that they can at least get some peace. survivors who were witnesses into changing statements Much has been said about who is to blame for the to support the South Yorkshire police account of events. disaster. We know that many individuals and organisations The hon. Member for City of Chester (Stephen Mosley) are to blame, but we also know that the fans were not to has referred to West Midlands police pressurising police blame. We need to do a number of things today. I hope officers about their statements. I have seen one such that the Secretary of State will make it clear that the example. I have heard from survivors who gave statements Government will pay the costs of all the coroners’ that they were never told whether they were passed to inquiries, past and present, for the families. The inquiries the Taylor inquiry or the coroner and that they have should be arranged as quickly as possible and, given been denied copies when they have sought them. I am this week’s exposé by The Independent on Sunday,we pleased that the IPCC has decided to investigate the need a separate investigation into the role of the Crown role of West Midlands police in that regard. Prosecution Service. We also need to see whether some The families want swift criminal investigations that of the legal files held by the Yorkshire police and their do not overlap and are not sequential. I know that the lawyers can be released, so that we can see exactly what Home Secretary understands that and wants to do her went on between them. best in that respect. The families deserve to be properly I want to concentrate on why it took so long for the resourced after 23 years of having to raise their own truth to come out. We know that as soon as the tragedy money, and I know that she is also thinking about that. occurred the authorities decided to carry out a cover-up 769 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 770

[Mr Dave Watts] Kelvin MacKenzie now claims that he was misled. However, he said before the National Heritage Committee to protect themselves. They found willing partners in that he did not stand by the claims that he made at the the national media. The cover-up included the police, time. I hope that hon. Members remember that. He other emergency services, the football authorities, Sheffield went away from the Select Committee saying, until a city council, Government Departments, the CPS and couple of weeks ago, that the false allegations were possibly others. They were all successful in the cover-up absolutely true and repeated them on a regular basis. for many years. They decided to blame the fans, not He and The Sun obviously will not support my view of themselves. how the media dealt with this matter. They will point out that some northern journalists work for their Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): My hon. newspapers. I am sure that that is true, but most of Friend said that Sheffield city council was involved in a them have been away from their northern roots for too cover-up. I hope that he will reconsider that, because long and have become part of the London-centric I have seen no evidence that anyone at Sheffield city establishment. I find it incredible that any human being council partook in any cover-up. could write such inaccurate, shabby and hurtful stories, or that they could continue to repeat them until only weeks ago. Mr Watts: I am not making any accusations against The national media, including the BBC, are still members of Sheffield city council, but there was certainly employing this man. That says an awful lot about what no certificate. I do not know what role Sheffield city is wrong with our media and the lack of standards that council officials played, but I would have thought that they maintain. I cannot believe that anyone could justify they would have had to make some comments. If that employing such a man. We need a media that will ground was not safe, the game should not have gone investigate the establishment and hold it to account; ahead. that will do the job that they are supposed to do, instead As I have said, I do not want to make individual of dealing with tittle-tattle and sex stories; and that will accusations against members of the emergency services. protect the public from the establishment and cover-ups None of us knows how we would react when faced with like the one that we have talked about today. the crisis with which they were faced. I do not know how I would have acted as an individual policeman or 7.44 pm member of the ambulance service, so it would be wrong for us to pass judgment, given the situation that they Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): found themselves in and the poor leadership that existed. This debate is another milestone in the 23-year struggle Many issues regarding the disaster need to be addressed. to force the authorities to face up to the truth of why We need full, independent, transparent, open, fact-based 96 people died, hundreds more were injured and thousands investigations that are carried out professionally, for a traumatised as a consequence of the Hillsborough disaster change. —a disaster that was wholly preventable. The unique work of the Hillsborough independent There are other issues that I would like to address. panel has exposed the horror of what happened and has Why did the establishment and the media not expose made it impossible for the authorities to continue their the cover-up before now? I believe that in-built prejudices deception in hiding the truth. The painstaking work of about the north-west, about football fans and, especially, the bishop and his team has transformed the public about Liverpool led them to protect the establishment understanding of what happened for ever, and I commend and to not worry too much about the 96 who found them. themselves in that position. It is clear to me that the London-based media and establishment believed that The vindictive lie that the victims were responsible all football fans were potential hooligans, who deserved for their own deaths is laid bare for all to see. It was what they got. They believed the police, the emergency always based on prejudice and lies, and the denial of services, the establishment and the football authorities culpability from those who were responsible. It was without question. They took the view that they were perpetuated by a long-standing cover-up. The Taylor right and that football fans were wrong. I believe that report came close to exposing the truth, but nobody all Liverpool people and fans were seen as trouble wanted to listen and the authorities joined forces to makers and, in some cases, thieves and thugs. hide the truth from the public. I suggest that anyone who does not believe that The question is where we go from here and what account reads the book, “Stick It Up Your Punter: The should happen now. It is essential that the dynamic is Rise and Fall of the Sun”, which goes through the maintained. We must move with urgency from exposure conversations that went on in the media and parts of of the truth to accountability, and due process is required. the establishment in some detail. After the tragedy, the I welcome the statements of the Attorney-General, the London-based media and establishment were ready to Home Secretary and shadow Ministers. I warmly welcome pounce, led by The Sun and its editor, Kelvin MacKenzie. the actions that the Attorney-General and the Home Once The Sun had ignored the facts, its editor could do Secretary have begun. My comments will concentrate what he wanted. He could not wait to put the knife in. on what needs to be done now. Apparently, the first headline that MacKenzie came up It is essential that the cases that may now be brought with was, “You Scum”. That was later replaced with, are fast-tracked. It has been suggested that there should “The Truth”. What does that tell us about editors and be a special prosecutor to enable that to happen. I newspapers? They are happy to publish anything that support that proposal. If there is a special prosecutor, fits their political and personal prejudices. Kelvin sufficient resources must be made available to make MacKenzie fits that stereotype perfectly. swift action possible and there must be no financial cost 771 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 772 to the victims’ families. The scope of the investigations 7.52 pm and possible prosecutions should be wide and there Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): should be no restrictions. The role of the CPS in the I apologise to the House for the fact that I had to leave wake of the disaster and the subsequent inquiry by for a meeting earlier. West Yorkshire police should be examined closely. I welcome this opportunity to speak from the Back It is essential that there is parliamentary oversight of Benches on an issue of great importance to my constituents, what happens from now on to ensure that the momentum and I join colleagues from all parties in paying tribute is maintained and that any problems are identified and to the Hillsborough independent panel for its work. In resolved. I was interested to hear the comments of the particular, I pay tribute to the Bishop of Liverpool for Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee on how the the leadership that he has shown, and I welcome the Committee might follow this up. I have confidence that Home Secretary’s announcement that she has appointed the Home Secretary will want to follow up what happens. him as her adviser on the matter. It is also important that Parliament is kept informed of The Home Secretary described the report as “disturbing” developments across the range of activities and actions, and “painful”, and my right hon. Friend the shadow so that we know what progress is made and so that any Home Secretary spoke about the shocking failure to problems are identified and resolved swiftly. There must keep people safe. I join colleagues in thanking my right be no more hiding of the truth, and the public and hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) Parliament must not be prevented from knowing exactly and my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle) what is happening. for their work in government, which ensured that the I welcome the Attorney-General’s decision to apply long-overdue panel was set up and the process set in to the High Court for new inquests. I also welcome the train. I thank my constituency neighbour, my hon. statements made by the Home Secretary on how that Friend the Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve can be taken forward. The Attorney-General has stated Rotheram), who has shown remarkable leadership on clearly that he must listen to the representations of the issue since his election to the House two and a half individual bereaved families on their cases and on what years ago, and my hon. Friend the Member for Halton should happen. That must be done, because due process (Derek Twigg), who, as has been said, has acted as a is an essential part of justice. However, action should be point of liaison between Members of Parliament and as swift as possible, and there must not be any more the families. undue delays. The accidental death verdicts must be When we had our debate a year ago I said that, unlike quashed, but how long will that process take? Resources some colleagues, I did not have a connection with must be made available to expedite it. Liverpool in 1989. Listening to speeches in both that debate and today’s, I have been struck by what has been New inquests are absolutely essential, and they will said by those who were there and those who lost friends confirm the absurdity of the damaging and always or family members. I cannot say any of those things, unjustified decision taken by the coroner to impose a but I can say that I speak on behalf of my constituents 3.15 pm cut-off point. New inquests will unlock the in West Derby, in the great city of Liverpool, many of door to exposing the horrendous inadequacy of the whom were there on that day and some of whom lost emergency services’ response to this major disaster, as friends, family members and loved ones. well as the orchestrated cover-up that followed. After After last year’s debate and the Prime Minister’s all, thanks to the work of the Hillsborough panel and statement to the House last month, I was struck by the the unprecedented disclosures made to it, we now know response of my constituents and people in Liverpool that more than 160 statements were altered to cover up more widely and across Merseyside. There was real culpability for what happened. If required, the law appreciation of the seriousness of both occasions. All should be changed to enable the IPCC to question all too often we hear the relevance of Parliament and those involved at the time and consider actions against politics to people’s everyday lives called into question, organisations, as well as individuals, where necessary. but what stood out in the responses that I had from my The campaigners have fought for 23 years to bring us constituents was that people saw a really relevant response to this point, but Parliament, too, has had a role in by Parliament, the Government and the Opposition listening to the sustained and strong representations of Front Benchers on both those occasions. That is an the bereaved and the traumatised. Through the then important point—the cross-party nature of the debate, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, my and the Government’s decision to continue the work that right hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham), started under the previous Government, are commendable. and my hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Today’s debate gives us an opportunity to say so. Halewood (Maria Eagle), Parliament set up the The Home Secretary described the report’s references Hillsborough inquiry, and the Government of the day to the behaviour of South Yorkshire police as “stark”, enabled unprecedented access to documents so that the which is absolutely right. The report is stark. The truth Hillsborough panel could consider all the information is now clear for all of us to see, and we pay tribute to available, including information that had been hidden those who have spent 23 years campaigning for it. The from public view and would not normally have been Prime Minister spoke in his statement last month about available for many years, if ever. Parliament must now a double injustice that now needs to be corrected. I, too, ensure that we move swiftly from exposure of the truth commend the IPCC and the Director of Public Prosecutions to accountability for what happened. The 96 and their for opening fresh investigations into the appalling failings families, and all those who have suffered, deserve no that occurred on 15 April 1989, and both the Home less. I know that Parliament is determined to pursue the Secretary and the shadow Home Secretary spoke at the matter, and tonight’s debate must help to make that a beginning of today’s debate about the importance of a reality. co-ordinated approach. I echo that. 773 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 774

[Stephen Twigg] and unifying message to my constituents, and I hope we can ensure that we move forward efficiently, building on As colleagues have, I welcome the Attorney-General’s the brilliant work of the Bishop of Liverpool and the announcement last week that he would apply to the independent panel. High Court to have the inquest into the 96 who died at Hillsborough overturned. I hope the Attorney-General will move as quickly as possible to proceed with that 8pm action and that, as my right hon. Friend the shadow Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): Let me begin Home Secretary said, he will have all the resources of by thanking the Bishop of Liverpool and each member government behind him so that the matter can be of the Hillsborough independent panel. Their diligence moved forward as quickly as possible. and clarity has made clear what was hidden and unjust. I echo what Members have said throughout the debate The report has made the shocking and the painful about the importance of the families being fully engaged bearable, because although it is horrendous to read, we at every stage. I pay tribute to all the families and the now have the truth. We are all so very grateful to the various support groups and campaigning organisations— panel. the Hillsborough Family Support Group, the Hillsborough Just over a year ago, here in this House, the Hillsborough Justice Campaign and Hope for Hillsborough—whose families and the campaign for justice made history. combined efforts over a 23-and-a-half-year period have Having fought a 23-year campaign to see their loved got us to where we are today. ones exonerated, when it seemed that full disclosure by One of my constituents, Steven Kelly, whose brother the Government might be at risk, they did not give up. Michael died at Hillsborough, plays an active role in the With thousands and thousands of voices, they told us Hillsborough Justice Campaign doing his best to offer that this was the issue that must be heard. support and advice to people affected by the disaster. I The House has often been seen as an exclusive place. spoke to him in advance of the debate about the issues A sign in the Public Gallery has words to the effect of, that should be raised today. Like a lot of other people in “No clapping. No making a scene”. People are supposed Liverpool who were affected by Hillsborough in 1989, to watch in silence and show no emotion. As I know, Steven trained to become a counsellor so that he could if someone already feels like an outsider, this House help others who were affected as they battled through can be a difficult place to come to. But when the their grief. Steven and the many others who want to Hillsborough families needed Parliament’s help to get help need assistance in their counselling work from paid full disclosure, they broke down barriers that had been professionals, and in the current climate of austerity it in place for centuries which said that only the Government is more difficult for Liverpool council and the voluntary or Her Majesty’s Opposition could call a debate here. sector to provide that support. Steven has asked me to Theirs was the first public campaign with enough draw to the attention of the Government and the House signatures to reach the threshold needed for a Backbench the vital importance of support for people for whom Business debate. Tens of thousands of people signed old wounds have been reopened by the revelations in the the e-petition, and just one year later we have the truly Hillsborough report. Let us take that work forward on open and frank report that we asked for then. We have a cross-party basis, in the spirit of our debates. the truth. The Home Secretary spoke about trust and the I also pay tribute to all those journalists—print and importance of integrity in the police. This morning, broadcast—who undertook the serious responsibility another constituent not connected with today’s debate of helping the public understand what is contained in visited me. He is a serving police officer in the Merseyside the report. To those journalists—they know who they police force, and he spoke passionately as a Liverpudlian are—who saw the pain suffered by those who lost a about what had happened in 1989, but he also spoke loved one but could not grieve properly, and who listened passionately, as a committed police officer, about how to those who were in Sheffield on that day and never got different the police of 2012 are from the police of 1989. over it, I say this, “Your words helped to tell that story. He expressed a concern that I have heard others express, Over the past few weeks, your words have made the which is that trust in the police as a whole could be awful contents of the panel’s report understood. Your undermined by what has been revealed. Nobody in the words made sure that those who had been ignored were House wants that. finally heard, and for that I will never stop thanking you.” Delivery on justice and accountability is, first and foremost, vital for the families and the memory of the Now that we have the truth, I am hopeful that we 96, and all those who have campaigned for justice in are turning towards justice. I associate myself with the Liverpool and beyond. Building on the Home Secretary’s remarks made by my hon. Friend the Member for earlier remarks, delivering on justice and accountability Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Berger), and other hon. will ensure greater confidence in the police, not only in Members, on the process that we now want to see. Last South Yorkshire, but in the rest of the country. This is week, the Attorney-General said that he is preparing his an opportunity, and like other hon. Members who have application to the High Court, and he stated: spoken in the debate, I know this is an incredibly “I want the application that is made to be as persuasive as it powerful and emotional issue in the city of Liverpool, can be.”—[Official Report, 16 October 2012; Vol. 551, c. 9WS.] and beyond. We have an enormous and long overdue I understand that he is now doing a significant amount responsibility to build on the truth that was revealed in of work to make that case, and I hope he will not mind the panel’s report, so that out of that truth can come me briefly drawing the attention of the House to two justice and accountability. I commend the Home Secretary crucial points of evidence. The first concerns the 3.15 pm and the shadow Home Secretary on the way they have cut-off point in the inquest, and the second relates to conducted this debate today. It sends out a powerful prosecutions arising from the alteration of police statements. 775 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 776

Chapter 10 of the panel’s report covers the 3.15 pm not backslide on efforts to improve mental health care. cut-off point in great detail. In brief, the reason for that I hope the Government will reflect on the lessons in the relates to information provided in chapter 5, which report, and look not only at what happened but at how covers medical evidence. The coroner judged that all our response to disasters can, and should, be better. 96 people who died on 15 April 1989 died the same way, The state can at times be so concerned with its and stated that liabilities that it forgets about the relationship of trust “all who died had suffered fatal and irreversible injuries by that and care that must exist between people and the time.” Government. It forgets what power it has to condemn The report provides evidence that calls that claim into people to a life of disbelieving what they saw with their question, stating that own eves, and feeling all the time like a perpetrator “some people who were partially asphyxiated survived, while when in fact they were a victim. We know that there others did not. It is highly likely that what happened to these were people so wronged and so afflicted by distress that individuals after 3.15 pm was significant in determining that they were deeply affected. Added to the grief of losing outcome.” 96 precious, special people, is the silent distress of those That is a vital finding. who blamed themselves. On altered statements, as the House heard on 8 May 1998, I hope that all parts of Government and the state Lord Justice Stuart-Smith was aware of have changed. When a crisis occurs, the state should be “the fact that some of the original statements made by individual there to protect the vulnerable and offer help in times of police officers had been edited by solicitors acting for South need. If there is no respect for the dignity of those Yorkshire police.”—[Official Report, 8 May 1998; Vol. 311, affected or grieving, we risk a secondary crisis and, in c. 944.] the end, a collapse in trust. I say to all hon. Members That leads to a question that the shadow Attorney-General, that I hope we can shape our Government, our police my hon. Friend the Member for Islington South and forces and ourselves to be better than that now and in Finsbury (Emily Thornberry), asked the Director of the future. Much has changed since 1989, but perhaps Public Prosecutions: faced with that information, why still not enough. did the Crown Prosecution Service and the Director of Let my closing words be about love. This issue is very Public Prosecutions act as they did? difficult, and I have previously found it hard to get my Let me quote my hon. Friend the Member for Halton words out, so I hope the House will forgive me if, in (Derek Twigg) from that debate in 1998: paying tribute to all those who have fought for justice, “I condemn the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions and to the families of the 96, I borrow the words of not to prosecute Duckenfield, the chief constable and others. I another McGovern. Jimmy McGovern, the talented understand that the view of the DPP is that there is insufficient playwright, spoke at the Hillsborough memorial service evidence. We do not know why that is the case because the DPP at Anfield in 2011. He told us what the campaign for cannot publish the reason…That does not help me”.—[Official justice had been all about. He told the families of the Report, 8 May 1998; Vol. 311, c. 963.] 96 what they had shown. Their campaign is, as he said, All these years later, my hon. Friend must have his “A wonderful demonstration of enduring love.” answer. Justice for the 96. In addition to the key question of why we have not seen prosecutions earlier, and other vital points raised 8.9 pm by colleagues, I want to alert the Government and the House to something that I take to be one of the most Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab): The Home important lessons in this report. At the heart of the Secretary, my right hon. Friend the shadow Home Hillsborough disaster were a couple of horrendous Secretary and several hon. Members have paid tribute decisions taken by police officers in charge on the day. to the determination and dignity with which the families Against a background of disrespect for fans, and a and survivors have pursued their cause over so many cavalier attitude to safety, they made the wrong choices years. I add my voice to theirs. with horrific consequences. Despite the magnitude of There are two good reasons why the families pursued the disaster, the response could have been very different. their cause—there are many more, but I shall isolate The agents of the state could have looked after the two. First, they did so because had those in positions of families and treated them with kindness—not blood-alcohol responsibility on that day—not only the police—carried tests and allegations, but proper respect for the deceased; out their duties properly, they could have helped to not the so-termed “black propaganda unit”, but honesty avoid the disaster; and, secondly, because of the cruel and frankness; not the hesitation and, in the end, refusal and baseless allegation that the fans themselves were to admit liability, but a proper, early apology. responsible for what happened. Often, because it was It is clear from the report that people acting on behalf not always easy to articulate what justice would amount of the state responded to the primary horrific crisis by to, too many were either unable, or in some cases adding a second. Untold damage is done to the relationship unwilling, to comprehend the voice of the families. between people and their Government when the actions Before the independent panel got to work, there were of the state are, in effect, a second disaster. What was a lot of strands to the story of what happened. Among the impact of that secondary crisis? Unnecessary further other things, we knew—because of the Taylor report—that distress felt by a great number of people over many the principal reason for what happened was the failure years. There is also the unspoken impact on those who of South Yorkshire police to manage the event properly. took their own lives following the disaster. We also knew—I saw this first hand—that the so-called Mental illness can affect any of us and it should have mini-inquests were a cruel travesty that seemed interested no stigma attached to it. We must improve our care for only in undermining the characters of the 96 people who people after extremely traumatic events, and we must died. Moreover, that was compounded by the 3.15 pm 777 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 778

[Mr George Howarth] A different outcome could unlock the door for other action against bodies and individuals who either failed cut-off point decision, which effectively served to insulate to carry out their responsibilities or tried to cover up the authorities from any responsibility for anything that what happened before, during and following that fatal happened after that time. We also knew that parts of football fixture. The recent Independent Police Complaints the media, and most shamefully The Sun newspaper, Commission statement is, in addition, a welcome step in had grotesquely misrepresented and twisted events in that direction, as is what the Home Secretary has said such a way as to paint those who lost their lives and the today. I know she will listen and I hope she takes note of survivors as partly the architects of their own misfortune. the many points that have been made on resources, The survivors were also painted as bearing the responsibility keeping the House informed and, most importantly of for those who so tragically lost their lives. I recently all, keeping the families abreast of what is happening. watched the Jimmy McGovern drama to which my hon. One small point that has not so far been raised with Friend the Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) the Home Secretary is this: I hope that anybody who referred in her emotional speech. It powerfully illustrated claims they are too ill to give evidence will be rigorously how, on top of the trauma of being present and surviving, tested—some will make such a claim, and some serving some felt that the finger of suspicion, despite everything, police officers of the time are getting on. I hope it will including the Taylor inquiry, was still being pointed in not be taken as read if they get a doctor’s note saying their direction. That ghost had not been firmly been they are too ill to give evidence. That needs to be exorcised. independently tested, because it is all too easy in such What the independent panel managed to achieve—by cases—it is a cop out. I hope she takes that point on so doing, it did a great service to truth—was to weave board. all those strands together into a coherent and damning Once or twice in each generation, we have a debt of narrative. In my view, the report shows convincingly honour placed on us. What happened at Hillsborough is how the strands combine to form a distinct and discernible a stain on all of us. I hope we can now redeem that debt pattern. Two unambiguous conclusions among others of honour. can now be accepted with absolute confidence by all fair-minded people. First, there is no foundation whatever 8.18 pm to the victims-as-cause theory that, we now know, was scandalously orchestrated by South Yorkshire police to Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): such grotesque effect. I am not normally a conspiracy I begin my short contribution by acknowledging the theorist, but in this case there clearly was a conspiracy. I work of the panel, and in particularly the Bishop of know from comments that constituents and others have Liverpool, as all hon. Members have done, and I pay made to me that the conspiracy shakes the very foundations tribute to the families. On Friday, I spoke to the BBC of their belief in institutions that they have always about a constituent who lost her boy on the island of respected. Kos 21 years ago. I said that it is impossible to understand what it is like to lose a child. All hon. Members must As somebody recently pointed out to me, had there acknowledge that if they have not lost a loved one or a been a fire at a theatre or classical music concert, child in tragic circumstances, it is impossible to understand nobody would ever have tried to blame those attending it, but we can understand and be amazed by the strength for having had a gin and tonic or glass of wine during and courage of the families over the past 23 years, and the interval. The fact that so many people were at least acknowledge that, without their campaign, we would tacitly prepared to accept or even half accept that not be where we are today. The House has acknowledged version of events speaks to a more general and regrettable that fully. aspect of our society: the implicit prejudice many have towards football fans and working-class culture. I should refer first to the culture that informed the management of football in 1989. It was, of course, a Secondly, the report’s conclusions call into question culture that encouraged the characterisation of football the means available to investigate major disasters. As we fans as heavy-drinking hooligans. My right hon. Friend have heard, the Taylor inquiry got it right, but provided the Member for Knowsley (Mr Howarth) pointed out, no real pointer as to how those responsible could be rightly, that having a drink before or at a football match held to account. Because of the prejudiced assumption does not make someone a hooligan or mean that they on which the inquest was based, the inquest system was have done anything wrong. The stereotype was far from deeply flawed to the extent that it was both grossly being true. The vast majority of fans, even if they do offensive and cruelly ineffective. As the Prime Minister have a drink, are genuine fans and law-abiding citizens. has said, the approach taken by the independent panel—I Even then, many fans going to football matches were join others in praising the work of the Bishop of Liverpool part of families—dads taking sons, dads taking daughters, and the panel—might serve as a model for the future, mums and dads taking their children. That is something should that ever sadly prove to be necessary. that we should always remember. Finally, the question of what happens next must be Nevertheless, the stereotype of the hooligan was very addressed. As many have said, we know the truth, but powerful, and it underpinned an approach by the authorities what about securing justice and accountability? As I that led to fans being treated as something less than have said previously, the key action will be to hold fresh human. It had three tragic consequences at Hillsborough. inquests. I have described on previous occasions what One was the erection of the barriers, way before 1989, was wrong with the so-called mini-inquests, and I will to prevent fans from going on to the pitch. The second not repeat what has already been said, but I welcome was the crush itself, which was thought at first by the the Attorney-General’s statement of last week. I hope police to be the result of hooliganism. When the crush the courts take note of the strength of feeling and of the occurred, the police thought that it was hooligans kicking strength of evidence in favour of holding fresh inquests. off. The final consequence was the vilification of fans 779 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 780 by South Yorkshire police, the direct consequence of an perfect in how it functions—no club is—but progress all too easy assumption that any trouble at a football has been made, and that should be put on the record in match is down to the behaviour of the fans. the context of this debate. Justice has to be delivered, and I welcome the referrals We have to address the injustices of the past, but we to the IPCC and the involvement of Keir Starmer in must also recognise progress. More than anything else, the ongoing investigations. As my right hon. Friend the we need lessons relating to accountability and transparency shadow Home Secretary said earlier, the investigation is arising from Hillsborough to be learnt and applied. I in two parts. We have the events leading up to the therefore welcome the commitment from the Home disaster and the cover-up in what happened afterwards. Secretary to bring forward proposals in the new year, We have to have a thorough investigation and, if there is and I look forward to being able to examine them. I clear evidence of criminal wrongdoing, charges have to welcome the consensus that appears to be growing on be laid and those accused should answer those charges this issue across the House. My right hon. Friend the in court. shadow Home Secretary made it clear that the House will work collaboratively to ensure that we learn the The cover-up was especially shocking because it was lessons and move forward on the key fundamental issue so deliberate and led to the vilification of the fans for all of police accountability and transparency. There is no these years. The investigation of South Yorkshire police other guarantee for public confidence in policing other and the cover-up has to take place in the context—there than the ability to see what is going on within the police, is no point in avoiding it—of the screening tonight of a and the knowledge that they are doing their job properly programme about a cover-up and the changing of and with integrity. Transparency is the only means by statements about an earlier event in south Yorkshire. It which we can properly guarantee that that is the case. is clear that there was a culture, and we need to ensure that there is a thorough and rigorous investigation of More than anything else, I look forward to moving that culture in relation to both Hillsborough and any on with justice delivered and with our progress towards other aspect of policing in the 1980s, so that we can the highest ethical standards in policing hastened by defend the integrity and standards of British policing in what we have learned from Hillsborough. I look forward the long term. If we are to continue to have policing by to that in the name of all those who died so needlessly consent, we have to get to the bottom of what was that day, in the name of a sport that is enjoyed by happening to policing in the 1980s. I suspect that it was millions but which needs to be enjoyed safely, and in the not just a problem in the South Yorkshire police and name of the absolute need for policing that we know we that the problem went beyond that force—we already can trust. know that Hillsborough also involved the West Midlands force. Several hon. Members rose— I have been clear about the need for rigorous criminal Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. inquiries with no holds barred in getting to the bottom Seven Members still wish to participate in this debate, of what went wrong, but it is also important to recognise and we have an hour before the winding-up speeches that the South Yorkshire force is very different now. It will start. I am therefore changing the time limit for has moved forward. It is not perfect by any means—far speeches in the hope that all of those Members will be from it, as recent events have shown—but it is important able to speak. The new limit will be eight minutes. to remember that it has made progress under two former chief constables, Richard Wells and Med Hughes, and 8.28 pm we now have David Crompton. It was Med Hughes who, readily and without question, agreed to release the Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): I am pleased, South Yorkshire police archives for the purposes of the Madam Deputy Speaker, to have eight minutes. panel’s work. We need to acknowledge that, and we also I brought together the families in Birkenhead most need to remember that football policing in Sheffield has affected by Hillsborough, and they asked me to relay improved radically in recent years. Police officers in certain messages. This I willingly do. They will have charge of policing at Hillsborough and at Bramall Lane been following this debate and, therefore, will know that have to be accredited and trained, and anyone taking many of their questions have already been put, and they command at Hillsborough has to have significant experience, will be anxiously awaiting the Health Secretary’s reply. especially when taking charge of a big match such as a My guess is that they will also have noticed how generous local derby. I need to say that for the sake not just of we have been in throwing a spotlight on other organisations South Yorkshire police, but for police morale across the and their responsibilities for the horrors that we have country, as my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, described and which were described in the independent West Derby (Stephen Twigg) said earlier. If the public report. First of all, then, those families wish me to are to continue to have confidence in the ability of the record their thanks for the work that the bishop and the South Yorkshire police force to protect our streets, we panel did in breaking this open. have to say now, publicly, that it is different from the As we have shone the searchlight on other organisations, force that was functioning in 1989. heroes have emerged. Those organisations are not totally Equally, Sheffield Wednesday football club is a different without something to be said for them. We should also club. Bert McGee went a long time ago. It has a different shine a light on Parliament. I am surrounded by a structure now. In fact, the previous club was dissolved number of heroes who, during those long 23 years, did and we have a new club with new personnel and new not lose faith but continued to raise the issue. When we people in charge. The chairman and those new people are liberally condemning other public and private did not hesitate to release their documentation to the organisations, however, I must add that we do not come panel so that it could be as thorough as possible in out smelling of roses ourselves. Some of those in Birkenhead reaching its conclusions. Sheffield Wednesday is not most affected by Hillsborough are dead. They did not 781 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 782

[Mr Frank Field] that we have truth, what is the road map to justice and how do we get accountability? The plea I make, through live to see the results of the independent inquiry. All of him to the Home Secretary, is this. Tomorrow she will them are 23 years older and many are now quite elderly. have another crisis, and the day after she will have So time is of the essence for them. another. It is crucial that there should be somebody Before I pursue that last point, I wish to put three who is now accountable for ensuring that the truth that questions not so far raised specifically in this debate. has been established in the independent inquiry is followed First, in a previous debate, my hon. Friend the Member by justice and accountability. I do not doubt for a for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela Smith) said moment the Home Secretary’s good will or her wish to that Sheffield was not a suitable place to hold the see that through herself; I think it will be very difficult inquest. The families might well say the same. They are for her to do so. That task has to be delegated. That mindful, however, that although two thirds of the families person needs to be named and we need to support them affected are in Merseyside, there are many in Scotland in taking truth, which has at last come home, to the and the south, and, in an extraordinary act of generosity, stage of justice and, even more importantly, accountability. they have asked me to say that Liverpool might not be 8.35 pm the most ideal place to hold the inquest, because a minority of other families will wish to come from other John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): In paying tribute to parts of the country. They ask that their needs are also the families for their campaign, I want to thank them borne in mind. for something additional: empowering people across Secondly, given the tale of horrors we have heard the country. One of the things we will find in future from the independent inquiry and in our debates, the months and years is that a lot of people now feel families want to know who will run the inquest. A large empowered to take on the establishment, be it the state number of people set in authority over us have not done or whoever else. That is a change. I certainly do not terribly well, so why should the families trust the next intend to use my time to go through all the major issues person? The Home Secretary partly answered my third that people have been bringing to me, but Hillsborough question when she said that she would give us some idea and the campaign of the families has been cited as the of the scope of the next stage of the inquiry. As their reason for doing so—to quote one person: “I wish I’d Member of Parliament, I have listened to this debate had the courage to speak out before.” We are going to and have the advantage of representing what I guess is see more people speaking out about more things. That their opinion so far. We have heard many phrases. As is part of the legacy that we will see, because the one family member said, truth has at last come home, campaign has had such an effect. but, as the Home Secretary said, that must be followed I will list one of those issues, however, because the by justice and accountability. To be honest, though, I do revelations today—about an hour ago on the BBC—of not know what the next steps will be. We know that what happened at Orgreave would without question not there has been an application to set the inquests apart, have come out without the Hillsborough campaign in but I do not know how we will ensure that truth is the last year. The two are directly linked, because what followed by justice, and I am not sure what steps will be happened at Orgreave was a comparable cover-up of taken to ensure that those people who should be held statements made by the police. One of the police accountable are held accountable. constables—now retired—has been prepared to speak I make this plea: it is a question of urgency. People out, spelling out exactly what happened and who did have waited 23 years. People have died waiting for this what. I salute his courage in doing so, but the culture report and debate, and time is of the essence for many that came out of what happened in the aftermath of family members still alive. Although they are still alive, Orgreave—done by the same police force and the same part of them died with those events 23 years ago, and chief constable, albeit in co-operation with other police they wish to see truth followed by justice, not in any forces as well—was a prelude to what happened in the vengeful sense but because they believe it is important. cover-up over Hillsborough just five years later. We They believe that those who were in authority should need to learn the lessons from that. stand accountable. One of those lessons is about the need for people to If I may say so, however, the issue for Parliament feel confident in speaking out from the inside about extends even beyond Hillsborough. The latter has thrown what is going on. I hope that everyone has read or will up a terrible divide in this country between those who read the police statements, which are easily accessible are done to and those who do the doing. There is a huge and now in the public domain. I think I am the only MP crisis of confidence in the people set in authority over in this debate speaking from Nottinghamshire. I have a us. Hillsborough could go some way to healing a divide lot of Nottingham Forest supporters in my constituency, that, if I may say so, is far bigger even than that faced by and as I said in the last debate, it could quite easily, by those who suffered the terrible horrors and blight of fluke or coincidence, have been Nottingham Forest Hillsborough. Let us think of Hillsborough as an X-ray, supporters at the other end. as the barium meal going through the system. It shows There are two statements that I would like to pick up some terrible weakness in our country, where many out—I will quote from them—because they are quite people feel that they are done to, where it is terribly extraordinary. It is not just the Liverpool fans who were difficult for them to be heard, where it is nigh on reviled, but the Nottingham Forest fans. The lie and the impossible for justice to follow through when truth is myth in the police statement about Liverpool fans urinating established and where those who have taken money to was in fact a lie about Nottingham Forest fans urinating be accountable do not accept that accountability. down from the stands on to other Nottingham Forest I hope that when the Secretary of State for Health fans. Strangely, it was never reported anywhere in sums up he will give my constituents who will be following Nottinghamshire and there were no complaints about this debate some clarity on those two key issues. Now it. It is a lie—not a statement altered, but a lie. 783 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 784

Last night I read another statement by an officer, 8.43 pm who was promoted immediately afterwards, as many were, who claimed—the timing would have been approximately Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): I am greatly humbled around 3.40 pm—that he saw 100 Liverpool fans charge and privileged to participate in this debate tonight. across the pitch towards the Kop. He said that he then I stand firmly behind the families and friends of the saw fights in all the stands. That is besmirching not only 96 Hillsborough victims. Their search for justice, the Liverpool fans but the Nottingham Forest fans. transparency and the truth should be an example to There were no such fights in the stands. us all. Like many other people, I was delighted to hear the My constituent, Val Yates, was on the pitch trying recent statements from the Prime Minister and, last to save lives at the time. I asked her last night what I week, from the Attorney-General. Many of the comments should say today. Her answer contained some language in the reports raise a number of important questions. that was not quite parliamentary, so I will cut to the The Prime Minister said many things of which other chase. She told me to say thank you to the Notts Forest people—the vast majority of people, including the families fans, because they were coming on to the pitch and of those who died and their friends, along with politicians trying to save the lives of the dying. That is what was of all parties—were unaware. That concerns me greatly, going on, yet that police constable stated that he saw as I have had constituents saying to me, “If you knew something else happening at the time. This is part of that, why did you not do anything about it?” We need to what needs to be prosecuted further: deliberate, calculated, learn a whole range of lessons. obscene lies. The nation as a whole was stunned to hear some of Val also told me to “Go for ’em”. Well, I will go for the revelations—and rightly so. We were stunned that one that has not yet been named: Hammond Suddards 164 witness statements on an issue as serious as what solicitors. Oh, of course, apparently we cannot attack happened at Hillsborough were tampered with by the solicitors, as they are representing their clients, but police. Even more appalling is the fact that if people looking at the report, they are clear instigators in changing had done their jobs properly within the proper time the statements and are probably the people who rewrote limits, 41 and perhaps as many as 58 people might have the statements. Hammond Suddards, the great big firm survived the Hillsborough disaster. of solicitors in Yorkshire, needs to go in front of the Law Society to be fully investigated, and held to account The truth is that this tragedy, this disaster could and for what it did in perpetrating these lies. should have been wholly avoided. My hon. Friends the Members for Halton (Derek Twigg) and for Liverpool, I do not have time to go into the current state of Wavertree (Luciana Berger) mentioned previous examples disaster planning, but the Government need to ask of problems at Hillsborough. We heard of semi-finals whether such an occurrence could happen again. I where it was traditional that thousands, perhaps even would like them to look precisely at the rights of families 50,000, people would turn up to watch a game at in disasters, and at whether the Government are Hillsborough. The personal experience at Hillsborough making the right decisions to ensure that the rights of I want to mention arose when Sheffield Wednesday families are being properly looked after and that they played Newcastle United in a league game. We turned will be in future, if, heaven help us, another disaster up as normal, but we could not get into the ground. occurs. That is a fundamental lesson to be learned from And what happened? The gates were opened, we were this. hurled into Hillsborough like cattle and forced through The Government also need to look at the current the tunnel at the Leppings Lane end. People were configuration of emergency planning. Let me quote climbing the perimeter fences to get over and climbing from a disaster planning meeting that was held in South up to the upper stand. Yorkshire two weeks ago: People panicked, yet there was no operational support “The public will be horrified, but they won’t find out”. from the police. I was pushed back against the wall—and That comment related to the fact that ambulance capacity I am a fairly big sort of guy—only to feel a policeman’s in the county is currently running at 98% to 99%. That forearm across my windpipe. I was told to stop pushing, means that, in the event of another Hillsborough, but people could not move. This was a league game at ambulances would have to be taken off emergency calls Sheffield Wednesday. I was evicted from the stadium. to go to it. They cannot rely on the north midlands for Supporters were terrified: there was utter chaos and no help, because the reconfiguration of services last week control. The police approach at that time was to treat cut the number of ambulances available there. This is supporters like animals. There was no regard whatever a fundamental issue. Disaster planning is not being for the safety or health of anyone. Frankly, it was appalling. incorporated into changes in the ambulance services. Such incidents must have been documented. We should Indeed, from what I can see, the services have not even have learned from incidents like this. No one has ever been consulted. mentioned to me this league game with Newcastle, but I Let me turn to football safety certificates. Everyone was there. Why was this not looked at? Why, for goodness’ thinks that stadiums are safe now, but they are not. A sake, was Sheffield Wednesday granted a safety certificate? mathematical model, based on perfect evacuation using It beggars belief. I do not want to criticise anyone, as I perfect communication, is used to determine the issue am not sure what the right body to grant such a certificate of a safety certificate. That needs to be looked at, as was, but my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, does stewarding. At the moment, the stewarding situation Walton (Steve Rotheram) mentioned a number of agencies. is a huge mish-mash from one ground to another. They were collectively culpable, in my view. Finally—Patnick, the MP who lied. Who told him, and Let me focus now on the actions—or perhaps the will he have the courage to say who told him to spread inactions—of the South Yorkshire police. They have his lies that week about Hillsborough? been there before. The current chief constable admits 785 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 786

[Ian Lavery] survived and all their families; and that, in doing so, we will set up a series of rigorous, transparent processes to that there was a “Life on Mars” culture whereby police ensure that that happens, that sufficient resources—of constables could do as they wished. This was not a all kinds—are put in place to facilitate the process, that “Life on Mars” culture; this was culture in Sheffield and we in this House are constantly updated on progress, culture in Liverpool—in the UK in 1989. Like millions and that we can reconvene, at short notice, if we think of others, I was utterly bewildered to hear that 164 witness that we are falling behind on these commitments.” I statements had been altered. This was the UK; this was hope that every Member in the House can agree with Great Britain, not a flash cop series from across the those words, and I hope that they will give some succour Atlantic. to those who are listening to the debate, because that is In the time that I have got left, I want to make some the job that we have taken on tonight. stark comparisons regarding police actions in South We have heard a lot about the truth leading to justice. Yorkshire during the 1980s. I shall refer simply to the I am happy that we have arrived at some of the truth miners’ strike. This was not the first time the police had about the “what”—about what happened—but what been involved in a corrupt cover-up. As they say in about the next stage? We have to work out the “why” the force, “They have got previous.” My hon. Friend the and the “who”: in particular, we must identify the Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann) mentioned the guilty. We do need justice, but what are the definitions battle of Orgreave. On that occasion, the BBC reversed of “justice”? One is what had actually happened in the attack involving the “Conformity to truth, fact, or sound reason”. miners and the South Yorkshire police. In 1985, 93 miners Another is went to Sheffield crown court, but the trial collapsed “The upholding of what is just, especially fair treatment and 16 weeks later because it had become clear that the due reward in accordance with honour, standards or law.” police evidence was unreliable. Since then, as with What we have heard over the past 23 years is a negation Hillsborough, hundreds of statements have been examined, of justice. and there have been dozens of examples of the use of exactly the same phrases. As with Hillsborough, police I agree with much of what was said by my hon. officers were instructed to describe scenes that they had Friends the Members for Bassetlaw (John Mann) and not seen or even experienced, and as with Hillsborough for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery) about the role of the police, officers readily admitted that statements had been narrated and that of the South Yorkshire police in particular. I to them. was at Orgreave in June 1984, and I was one of those who believed that on that day the police had decided to The common denominator is South Yorkshire police get their retaliation in first. I was not surprised by that, and cover-ups. It appears that the policing of the 1980s and I was also not surprised to observe, when I went to needs close scrutiny, although in many senses it is too matches in the 1970s and 1980s, that the police adopted late for the 96. Every person involved in the cover-up the same attitude in the football stadium. The truth was deserves the full wrath of the law. I cannot even imagine that the police decided that because some people, either the pain, suffering and despair experienced by the families. on a picket line or at a football game, might decide to We expect our police to be honest, regardless of rank, behave like animals, the best thing to do was to treat and we expect them to be people on whom we can rely. everybody as if they were animals. We need to see what The families want a cohesive, co-ordinated investigation. happened at that time through that prism. It was not a There cannot continue to be one lengthy investigation surprise that Hillsborough happened, because we expected after another, and it is important for such investigations to be treated in the way that I have described and, even to be resourced properly. more worryingly, we accepted that we would be treated Let me say, as a miner and a former president of the in that way. We cannot lay the blame entirely on the National Union of Mineworkers, that my ultimate aim police, however. We need to clarify the role of Sheffield is to call for a full inquiry into the actions of the South city council, too. I take on board what Sheffield Members Yorkshire police during the miners’ strike. However, have said about the council having done the right things, today is for the victims of Hillsborough, and justice for but the report says the safety advisory committee carried the 96. out inadequate and poorly recorded inspections. I cannot think of another scenario in which an organisation that 8.51 pm is refused a safety certificate just goes ahead with business Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): When thinking as normal; that is unheard of. about the debate, I tried to work out what we were really In the report, Sheffield Wednesday football club is trying to achieve. Are we part of the process of investigation? accused of having limiting costs as its primary concern, I do not think that we are. Are we part of the process of while the police’s primary concern was dealing with scrutiny? Of course: that is a job that we do every day in public disorder. Their primary concerns were not the the House. Are we part of the process of interrogation? safety of the men and women in the ground, but keeping Obviously we should be part of that as well, on a costs down and preventing disorder. regular basis. Officially, however, as a result of the The Football Association has a lot to answer for, too. mechanisms of the House, we are here to confirm Why did it decide to continue using that ground for “That this House has considered the matter of the Hillsborough such matches? I am also surprised and dismayed by the Independent Panel Report.” role of the ambulance service, which I have worked with I am not criticising the Government, because I know for many years. It has a lot to answer for as well. that that is how we conduct our business here, but I My hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw was right think that we should really be discussing a motion to say that the solicitors’ actions need to be scrutinised. along these lines: “That this House will do everything in They went to the police and said to them, “You need to its power to deliver justice to those who died, those who go back to your officers and get them to ‘reconsider and 787 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 788 qualify their statements.’” They were clearly part and take place in Sheffield, and I think that the Government parcel of changing the record of ordinary policemen ought to fund the cost of it. I support the further who had been on duty that day. investigations by the Independent Police Complaints What are we in Parliament going to do? I was pleased Commission and the Director of Public Prosecutions. I to hear the Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee, think what they will do is concentrate on the key issues: my right hon. Friend the Member for Leicester East the failure of police control and monitoring on the day, (Keith Vaz), say that the Committee will set up a process which is what Lord Justice Taylor found many years whereby it can be continually updated by the people on ago; the subsequent evidence coming out of the panel the ground. Members of Parliament have got to keep that there was an attempt at a cover-up, including on the case, too. We have to keep asking parliamentary changes to statements; and whether, as a result of those questions and urgent questions if we have concerns, and issues, criminal prosecutions or charges of misconduct we need to keep asking for statements. should follow. We Back Benchers should consider setting up an I support the comment of my hon. Friend the Member all-party group, because such groups can ask people to for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela Smith) that come and tell us what is going on, and tell us whether although the police actions on the day were at the heart things are moving in the right direction. As my hon. of this problem, the South Yorkshire police force is now Friend the Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) a different organisation with a different culture. It is said, we should recognise the role played by the Backbench important that, as local Members, we support it in Business Committee in getting us to where we are today, trying to maintain the trust and confidence of local too. We Back Benchers must take on this responsibility people in its day-to-day policing activities. As she mentioned, now as well. We should be able to raise matters of Sheffield Wednesday football club is also a new organisation concern regularly, and to tackle any obstacles that get with new ownership. in the way of the good people of Liverpool achieving I agree with the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton justice. (Steve Rotheram) that there were failings, and he rightly We must ensure there is no chance for us in this identifies them and the panel draws people’s attention House to say, “Nowt to do with me, guv.” We are now to them. However, Lord Justice Taylor also dealt with the state; whether we like it or not, we inherit the shame the issue of breakdown between police and club, and of 1989. We are the establishment, so it falls to us to paragraph 166 of the interim report stated: redeem this House for the total failure of the past. It is “What is clear, however, is that de facto the police at Hillsborough up to us to act properly and get a quarter of a century had accepted responsibility for control of the pens at the Leppings of wrongdoing put right. No one should get away with Lane end.” what happened in 1989, including politicians in this That is the key issue—the control and responsibility House, regardless of whether they are retired, have were with the police and they failed absolutely on the moved on to another place or are still Members of the day. Commons. If any Members of this House have failed in their duty, they should stand up and account for what In terms of Sheffield city council, I am pleased that they did. We must make sure we hold their feet to the the panel found absolutely no new evidence or information fire, so that truth and justice can be achieved. that had not been available to Lord Justice Taylor. As leader of the council at the time, I made it clear to all its In many ways, what happened was a failure of the officers that they were expected to co-operate thoroughly state. It was state-sponsored failure, because most of with Taylor’s investigations and inquiries, and to provide the bodies responsible for what took place on that day all evidence and information—clearly, they did that. were agents of the state—they were public servants, Again, as has been identified, including by Taylor, there whom we look to to do the job of taking care of the were failures by the advisory panel and as a result of the people we are proud to represent. We must make sure non-issuing of a safety certificate. I shall discuss that in everyone involved in what happened is called to face up a moment. to their failings. When matters such as Hillsborough arise, one of the We must place all this in the context of what football things that annoys me most is people telling me, “It’s what like at the time. As a football fan, I went to every time to move on.” What they really mean is, “You need away ground. I had been to all 92 clubs—to every to forget the debate you’ve just had; you need to bury ground in the country—at one point. My hon. Friend this issue and let it lie.” I thank God that the great the Member for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery) said that he people of Liverpool have blown that kidology mentality had been at an incident at Sheffield Wednesday where out of the water. What we should be doing is making there had been crushing and nobody seemed to act. I progress, and working with the people who have suffered, went to many grounds where there was crushing and so we do our bit to make sure justice is not just a word, problems, and so did other football fans. That was but is a fact. accepted as commonplace at the time; it was accepted that that was what happened at football matches. Of 8.59 pm course it is wrong that that should have been the case, but that is what happened. Lord Justice Taylor said: Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): I apologise to the House and to hon. Members for being late, but I “there have been many other occasions when overcrowding has led, at various grounds round the country, to a genuine apprehension was chairing a Select Committee and I did let Mr Speaker of impending disaster through crushing, averted only by good know. fortune… So, although the operational errors on 15 April were It is important that we get to the truth—the families special to one ground and one day, the lack of precautions against have waited for far too long. I support the calls for a overcrowding was not unique. I do not believe that sufficient new inquest; clearly, the 3.15 pm cut-off was arbitrary safety measures were being applied at all other grounds.” and wrong. I do not believe that that inquest should This was a problem of football generally. 789 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 790

[Mr Clive Betts] “However, it was not suggested that the choice of venue was causative of this disaster. The only basis on which that could be Of course I am devastated that the disaster happened said would be that, because of its layout, the Leppings Lane end at my football club, but I do not believe it was down to a was incapable of being successfully policed for this semi-final. I do not believe that to be so.” number of individuals believing the ground to be unsafe and carrying on regardless. The horrible truth is that He is saying that despite all the failings—those of the Hillsborough was generally regarded as a safe ground, council, of the club and of others—the key issue was which was why it was selected, although it proved not to that the ground could have been operated safely on that have been so in the event. Of course there should have day but for a failure of police control. Along with the been a safety certificate—there is no excuse for the issues considered by the panel, that brings us back to failure to provide it—but the evidence was that one was the key questions: why have people not been held being prepared, which would actually have justified the accountable for those failings, why was there an attempt arrangements of the ground as they were. at a cover-up afterwards and how will we deal with the issues to ensure justice for the families? They are the key One of the fundamental problems that Taylor’s report points and if we focus on them and on the responsibilities identified was that although the Safety of Sports Grounds and actions, we will, I hope, get to the truth. Act 1975 and the green guide, which clubs, local authorities and the police were meant to follow, required an overall The question of timing is important and I hope that capacity for a ground, there was no mandatory requirement we can make arrangements so that all the necessary for individual parts of the ground to have a special evidence can be taken account of properly and quickly. capacity limit—that simply was not a requirement. Twenty-three years is an awfully long time, so we ought Furthermore, even if there was a capacity for individual to ensure that the final conclusions come as quickly as parts of the ground, there was no requirement—this was possible. a crucial problem at Hillsborough—to have mechanisms, Several hon. Members rose— electronic or otherwise, to count people into each individual pen. I went to football grounds all around the country Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. and I found that, generally speaking, people went through Unusually, Members of Parliament have come in under a turnstile at one end of the ground and there was no time, so I am in the very happy position of being able counting mechanism for any individual part of that end. to tell the last two Back-Bench speakers that they will now have 10 minutes each in reward for their patience. Steve Rotheram: My hon. Friend points out that Mr Esterson, you will have 10 minutes and will be many grounds were unsafe, but we are talking specifically followed by Mr Blomfield, who will also have 10 minutes. about the Hillsborough independent panel’s report. We will then start the wind-ups. Paragraph 1.54 on page 32 talks about “serious crushing at the FA Cup Semi-Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers” 9.8 pm in the semi-final in 1981. If lessons had been learned by Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): You are most the authorities at that time, there would not have been a kind, as always, Madam Deputy Speaker. Hillsborough disaster in 1989. The families and their supporters deserve huge credit for how they have stuck to their guns and for the Mr Betts: The problem was that the crushing at that dignity, restraint and perseverance with which they have time was regarded as due to the lateral movement of the continued their fight in the face of a catalogue of crowds at the Leppings Lane end, so lateral barriers smears from the press and cover-ups by the establishment. were put in place in response to that incident. They Ninety-six people went to watch a football match and created the pens that caused the problem and that is the died, but their families have been treated as if their issue. The lateral barriers were a safety measure that loved ones were criminals. That has now stopped, thankfully, proved to be a failure. and the Government have started the process of setting Lord Justice Taylor stated—this confirms what the the record straight. panel said—that the lack of counting mechanisms for Fifteen-year-old Kevin Williams, 17-year-old Steven individual parts of the Leppings Lane end meant that Robinson, 18-year-old Gary Jones and 18-year-old the responsibility rested with the police to see whether Christopher Devonside were among the 18 victims from the pens were overfilling. The problem was that on the the borough of Sefton. Their families have told me that occasion of the Hillsborough disaster the police did not they want new inquests and that they want those responsible see the pens overfilling and opened the gates, which led to be prosecuted. Christopher’s father, Barry, was at the to more people going into the central pen. They then match and saw what happened to the victims as he sat in did not respond to the further overcrowding. That was the stand while his son was in the Leppings Lane end what Lord Justice Taylor found and I do not think any with a friend. Barry was given the run-around on the different evidence was given to the panel. There was a day by the police. We now have confirmation that this complete failure of the system. Of course there should was while the cover-up was starting and senior police have been counting mechanisms, but grounds across the officers were desperately trying to agree a story blaming country did not have them at that time. It was the the victims for their own deaths. Barry also attended the police’s responsibility to monitor the crowd and take inquests. He told me what happened when the results precautionary action and they failed on that occasion. were announced. In front of Barry and other family Lord Justice Taylor’s interim report was comprehensive. members, the police celebrated the accidental death He said that it was the police’s responsibility to control verdict. In his words, “Crates of wine and beer were and monitor the crowd. They failed in that respect, as brought into an adjacent room where about 20 senior he identifies in chapter 10. In chapter 17, he discusses police officers toasted their success with the coroner.” the choice of Hillsborough as a ground and states: As he said to me, “How’s that for impartiality?” 791 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 792

The way that the inquests were carried out, the way evidence that at least 41 of the victims may still have that the evidence was ignored, the way that witnesses been alive at 3.15 pm, and that number may be higher. were intimidated and the way that police evidence was The decision to have a cut-off at 3.15 pm has meant that altered—all this showed that a cover-up was being evidence about the emergency response has not been carried out, part of a massive miscarriage of justice, fully examined. Only 11% of the evidence was considered alongside an arbitrary decision by the coroner that all by the coroner. As the independent panel says in chapter 4: must have been dead or beyond saving by 3.15 pm. No “The emergency response to the Hillsborough disaster has not wonder, then, that Barry Devonside and the other families previously been fully examined, because of the assumption that have always maintained that the inquests did not tell the outcome for those who died was irretrievably fixed long before them how or why their loved ones died, and that it they could have been helped.” protected those responsible for their deaths. A new inquest would allow a new coroner to consider Other Members of the House have addressed the key all the evidence and to decide why the 96 died. A issues which come from the independent panel’s report. different verdict would show that the victims died as a I add my congratulations to the panel on the work that result of the failings of the police and other authorities. it has done, and to colleagues in the House who have worked to help the families reach the position that they Derek Twigg: My hon. Friend has made some important are in today. The Prime Minister gave a full apology in points about where blame lies. I agree with my hon. his statement last month, and the Home Secretary and Friend the Member for Sheffield South East (Mr Betts), Attorney-General have done everything that has been for whom I have immense respect, that the police were asked of them. For that this Government deserve praise. overwhelmingly to blame. However, as I said in my Previous Governments have failed the families and we speech, Sheffield Wednesday football club also needs to need to ensure that no more time is lost. It is not be held to account. The key thing was that the radial possible to make up for lost time, but it is possible to fences were put in. It was envisaged that there would be minimise future delay. access via direct turnstiles and dedicated facilities, but The report of the independent panel highlights what this was not pursued. The report says that there was went wrong before the event, on the day and in the “no way of knowing accurately how many fans were in each immediate aftermath, and in the days, months and area.” years after. Much of the evidence in the report is not That is a very important point that needs to be examined new, of course, but the report has set it out in a way further. which allows calls for new inquests to be addressed and for prosecutions to be considered. The report makes the Bill Esterson: My hon. Friend has worked incredibly simple point that the policing of football matches was hard with the families over very many years, as have regarded as a matter of control. Public safety was other hon. Members. He is quite right that that key completely ignored. Anyone attending a football match finding of the report needs to be properly examined. It at the time knew only too well that we were regarded shows the difference between the Sheffield Wednesday with suspicion at best and outright hostility at worst by ground, where the recommendation was not deployed, many of those supposed to be there to keep us safe. The and other grounds where there could possibly have been culture of watching football meant that Hillsborough problems. was an accident waiting to happen. I attended the 1987 semi-final at Hillsborough. I was Mr Blunkett: There is no doubt that culpability existed, in the Leppings Lane end. My hon. Friend the Member as was acknowledged by the £1.5 million that was put for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery) described his experience of into the fund by Sheffield Wednesday at the time, but attending a match with Newcastle in the same location we are now trying to distinguish between the terrible and in the same end. When we left that ground, we felt events that happened then and the changes that were that we were lucky to escape without serious injury or made on the back of them, which have benefited footballers, death. The same thing happened in 1981 and 1988, yet fans and communities as a whole. the lessons learned were not applied in full. Some would argue that the behaviour of the police meant that this Bill Esterson: My right hon. Friend is of course right. was no accident, but that is no doubt something for the This is about what can be done now to put the injustice special prosecutor to consider when he or she looks at right. the evidence. As the report makes clear, the disaster A different verdict would show that the victims died could have happened at any one of a number of matches as a result of the failings of the police and would at last in previous years or at a number of other football allow the families the official recognition of how and grounds. why their loved ones died. The Home Secretary has The Attorney-General has already announced that announced the potential appointment of an independent he will apply to the High Court for fresh inquests into prosecutor so that any criminal prosecutions do not the deaths of all 96 victims. Gaining new inquests is the drag on any longer than necessary. This is the least that top priority for the families. At the original inquests the can be done after the 23-year wait by the families. The coroner decided that all victims must have been dead independent prosecutor will explore possible criminal by 3.15 pm, despite evidence that many were still alive, charges—whether manslaughter relating to the original including 15-year-old Kevin Williams, whose mum Anne tragedy or conspiracy to pervert the course of justice has worked so hard to have the verdict overturned. The following the exposé of the cover-up. Consideration by fact that the Attorney-General is convinced that he can a new coroner of all the evidence will at last allow for succeed in having the verdicts overturned in the courts examination to take place of what did and did not this time shows how right Anne and the other families happen after 3.15 pm. It appears that the CPS and the have been all along. The independent panel has found DPP did not consider the evidence of what happened 793 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 794

[Bill Esterson] strike was handled. It is not just the South Yorkshire police force who were caught up in that. We need to after 3.15 pm when they decided not to prosecute. That remember that the Government at the time deliberately evidence needs to be considered by the prosecutor and drafted police from other parts of the country into will be relevant to the cover-up that started on the South Yorkshire police to ensure, as many people in our day and continued over the months and years that mining communities saw it, that the rule of law could be followed. abandoned. One of the lessons of this terrible story is The lack of impartiality, the cover-up, and the discrediting the danger of any part of the state feeling that it is of witnesses—all this will be addressed and overcome beyond the law and accountability. by new inquests with proper involvement and support Just as we should distinguish between the force of for the families. I reiterate my earlier request to the today and the South Yorkshire police of the past, we Home Secretary that the families are given full financial should also distinguish, as the hon. Member for Thurrock support at new inquests, because that is only right in (Jackie Doyle-Price) has done, between the role of individual making sure that justice is done this time round. An policemen and women and the leadership of the force at independent prosecutor will, I hope, achieve the same that time. It is deeply unfortunate that, following the level of justice when it comes to holding those responsible publication of the independent panel’s report, some in to account. Again, it is welcome that the families will the press highlighted the fact that 195 officers on duty have all the involvement that is needed in any inquiries at Hillsborough were still working for South Yorkshire of a criminal nature. police, the implication being—this was not implied in All MPs who represent the families have pledged to the report—that they were somehow not fit to do so. We continue to fight alongside them until new coroners’ need to acknowledge that what went wrong at Hillsborough verdicts are delivered and until all those responsible was a catastrophic failure of leadership, both at the stadium for the deaths of the 96 and the cover-up that followed on the day and in the handling of events afterwards, are held to account for what they have done. That is and that ordinary policemen and women at Hillsborough the least we should do, and I am sure that it is what we were also let down by that leadership. Many of them will do. went above and beyond the high standards that we expect of our police officers in their immediate response 9.19 pm to the tragedy on the day. Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): One of the I have two examples of that. PC Keith Marsh was a challenges of speaking at this stage of the debate is that uniformed PC outside the Leppings Lane entrance on so many hon. Members have made powerful and moving the day of the disaster and, on arriving at the fences contributions. I do not want to repeat them, but I do there, he immediately joined the rescue efforts. He was want to make a couple of points, because, as a Sheffielder, able to get near the gate and drag a young boy, Lee I have always felt a sense of collective shame about the Nicol, free from the crush. When he checked for a pulse, fact that this appalling tragedy took place in our city, he was unable to find one and immediately began and that justice seemed such a distant prospect for so attempts to resuscitate Lee. It was clear that without very long and was frustrated by our local police force. oxygen or professional medical treatment, Lee was going to die. PC Marsh carried him to an ambulance and I join the tributes that have been made to the Liverpool stayed with him to go to the Northern general hospital, families, whose courage and determination to see the still performing CPR. Eventually, he managed to get a truth are an example to us all in this House and beyond. response, but he was ultimately unsuccessful in saving As my hon. Friend the Member for Halton (Derek Lee. Lee’s family were so grateful to Keith for his efforts Twigg) said, and as a number of hon. Members have that he was invited to be a pallbearer at their son’s repeated, it is simply a scandal that it has taken us funeral. Keith retired from the force as a detective 23 years to get to this point. Having done so, however, it sergeant, but has now returned as a member of support is vital that truth is followed by justice and that all those staff at Attercliffe police station. responsible for both the disaster and the subsequent cover-up are held fully to account. PC Fiona Nichol was deployed on the trackside at I welcome the fact that in her opening remarks the the Leppings Lane end on the day of the disaster. She Home Secretary drew a distinction between the South recognised the crushing and described seeing the terror Yorkshire police of 1989 and the organisation of today. on people’s faces as she opened a gate. Her first instinct I am pleased that, under Med Hughes, the South Yorkshire was to protect a group of scouts who were in one of the police of today, as my hon. Friend the Member for pens. She reacted quickly and began to pull people out. Penistone and Stocksbridge (Angela Smith) pointed Climbing up the fence, she pulled the body of a young out, played a leading role in helping to uncover the boy out of the crush and began to give CPR, but sadly truth, just as the force of the past played such a role in without success. She gave further assistance to other hiding it. victims, giving CPR and pulling people out of the crowd. We have to recognise what different times those were and what a different culture existed in the police. As a On the 20th anniversary of the disaster, Fiona met number of hon. Members have pointed out, it was not David Gillooley, a Liverpool fan who was 26 at the time just about an attitude towards football fans. As some of of the disaster. He told her: the later contributions have highlighted, many of us saw “I saw you pull people out. I saw you pull big fellas out. And a culture in much of the police whereby they seemed you kept pulling and pulling and pulling, and it got to the point to be above the law in areas such as Sheffield, south where I could feel less pressure. Now, without a shadow of a Yorkshire and the mining communities in our part of doubt, that’s down to you.” the country, and that that culture was almost encouraged Fiona is another of the 195 officers who are still serving. by the then Government in the way in which the miners’ She is now based in a response team in Barnsley. 795 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 796

Officers like those two were described as heroes by outstanding support. Tonight, I pay particular tribute Trevor Hicks of the Hillsborough Family Support Group. to Professor Phil Scraton. Of this I am sure: the full It is important that, when we bring those responsible truth about Hillsborough would never have been known to justice, we do not tarnish the reputation or damage were it not for his meticulous efforts over many years, the morale of those who do not deserve it. Through turning over stones that others had walked past. Professor accountability, we must strengthen confidence and trust Scraton has done a huge service not just to the Hillsborough in policing, not only in south Yorkshire, but across the families but to this country, and I hope the House will country. join me in acknowledging it tonight. 9.26 pm What is striking about the panel’s report is its thoroughness and the sheer comprehensiveness and Andy Burnham (Leigh) (Lab): A year has passed since quality of the painstaking researching that underpins it, our last Hillsborough debate. That year has brought carried out by the research team at Queen’s university, momentous events that many people thought they would Belfast. I hope that the Government will consider that not live to see. The truth has finally been established—more approach, with the emphasis on disclosure, not adversarial difficult to take, not less, for the passage of time, as the argument, a model for resolving other contested issues Home Secretary said. The tragedy was entirely foreseeable arising from our past. —it could and should have been prevented. Lives should have been saved. There was a campaign of vilification There can be no doubt of the incredible emotional with no justification. impact that the panel’s work has already had on the people most directly affected by the tragedy. As my hon. Those truths have been told only because of the sheer Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Rosie Cooper) love of mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters—a love said, to be in Liverpool on the night of 12 September that would not let them give in, a love that provided this year was to see a collective weight lifted from so strength when hope was lost and provided dignity in the many shoulders, which I will never forget. face of provocation. Those truths were also told because of the people of a city that truly understands what I do not think we have begun fully to appreciate the solidarity and loyalty means, who locked arms around scale of the suffering and loss, the true human cost of these families—red and blue together—and supported the tragedy, and the devastating psychological impact them for every step on the hardest road imaginable. At on survivors. From the midst of the most harrowing last, the entire country can see what Liverpool has lived scenes imaginable—truly, hell on earth—thousands of with for 23 years. Parliament, too, has finally woken up them were simply left to drift home from Hillsborough, to the full horror of Hillsborough. to try to make sense of what they had seen without We have heard many powerful speeches this evening counselling or support. Even worse, they were left to from both sides of the House. We have heard from my read in the days that followed that they were in some hon. Friends the Members for Halton (Derek Twigg), way to blame for what had happened. People talk to me for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram) and for Garston of the lost souls that are scattered throughout the and Halewood (Maria Eagle), who have done so much communities of Merseyside, the north-west and beyond, to help the campaign, and from my hon. Friend the haunted by what they saw and never the same again. Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) and my Tonight I think about them as we finally put right this right hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Brightside terrible wrong. Does the Health Secretary agree that and Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett). On the other side of never again should people suffering trauma and shock the House, we have heard from the hon. Member for on such a scale be left without the counselling and Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price), who spoke from her support that they need for their mental health? Will he personal experience, and from the hon. Member for give serious thought to the point made by my hon. Elmet and Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke). What is clear Friend the Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Stephen from those outstanding speeches is that, rather than the Twigg) about support for such services on the ground closure that people glibly talk of, the report has opened now? questions of the most profound kind for the institutions In making this speech tonight, I think of my constituent of our country, our Parliament and our society. As the Stephen Whittle, who on the morning of 15 April 1989 debate comes to a close, I want to set out clearly what gave his ticket to a friend who never came home, and I believe those questions are. Before I do so, I want to who just over a year ago took his own life, leaving speak for the Opposition in adding to the tributes that everything he had to the Hillsborough families. Recent we have heard. events will have been unbearably painful for Stephen’s In the Church’s history, it is hard to think of a better family, but I hope they will take some comfort from the example of one of its leading members fulfilling the fact that the campaign that he cared about has finally functions of his office with more distinction or doing a prevailed. greater service for the city and people under his direct Tonight, I also want to mention Carl Brown, 19 when pastoral care. Right Rev. James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, he died at Hillsborough, not from Liverpool but a has brought light to people who for 23 years have been Leigh lad—a reminder that this tragedy affected everyone trapped in the blackest of tunnels, but he has done everywhere. It was a national tragedy, and we must all more. Through his leadership, he has shown the relevance work to bring accountability and justice. of the Church to Britain today. Through him, the Church I pay tribute again this evening to the Prime Minister has succeeded where the state had failed, in bringing for the way he responded to the panel’s report, the tone truth and the beginnings of reconciliation to a tragedy that he set and the events that he has set in train ever arising from a divided Britain. since. I thank the Home Secretary for her speech today, We thank all the members of the panel for what they her leadership and the personal commitment that she have done, and we thank the secretariat, under the has shown to achieving justice for the 96. If I may, leadership of Ken Sutton and Ann Ridley, for its I want to leave two points with her this evening. 797 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 798

[Andy Burnham] Like my hon. Friend the Member for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery), I remember my experiences at Hillsborough, First, we welcome what the Home Secretary said and it angers me to remember that, when I stood with about the co-ordination of the criminal process and my younger brother and my dad on the Leppings Lane investigation. It is important that we have clear leadership terrace in January 1988 for an FA cup third-round of the whole process, supported by a well resourced, game, throughout the whole second half I was not professionally led, integrated investigation, not a series watching the match but the backs of their heads. I did of parallel and unco-ordinated investigations. I hope not let them out of my sight because I feared for their she will continue to update the House on those important safety in the unbearable conditions of those central points. pens. There was a feeling that the football club had Secondly, these are of course complicated matters taken our money but could not be sure of our safety, that will take time to resolve, but the families have having failed to take essential legal steps. It makes me waited long enough. I urge the Government to ensure angry to think of that and the thousands of people who that public bodies and individuals conducting further were put at risk. work keep that thought in the front of their minds when That is why I found it hard in September to see a carrying out their duties. response from football that was stunning in its inadequacy The impact of the panel’s report has already been and left people wondering whether the football organisations immense, but the full enormity of what it reveals has will ever face up to their responsibilities. In their initial not yet sunk in. It shakes our faith in the very foundations statements, neither the Football Association nor Sheffield of our society, and in the organisations that exist to Wednesday football club offered one single word of protect us and see that justice is done. If we are to learn apology to the families. On Thursday 13 September, from the report, those institutions must face up to the FA had to issue a second statement when that was fundamental questions, and in the time remaining to me pointed out, and Sheffield Wednesday convened an this evening I wish to identify five areas of concern. emergency meeting on 11 September to rewrite a draft statement that contained no word of apology. That says I will start with football, because of all the organisations it all, and as far as I can establish, the FA has not yet in the frame, I believe that the football organisations had a meeting to consider the panel’s report and its have the furthest to go in facing up to their implications for the game’s governing body. responsibilities—in fact, I do not think they have ever The hirer of Hillsborough and the ground’s owner really started to do that in 23 years. The Hillsborough both had a duty of care and a basic responsibility to independent panel presents football with failings of the ensure that a semi-final venue had an up-to-date safety first order. A decade of warnings, starting with the 1981 certificate. Their failure to do that was, in my view, FA cup semi-final, was not acted on. A ground known grossly negligent, as was the failure to act on warnings to be unsafe was made dangerous by modifications that and complaints. That is why the families, rightly, cannot were not recorded in the safety certificate. In short, as accept that the disaster was accidental, and why football my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Walton must be forced to face up to its responsibilities in the (Steve Rotheram) said, it was a ground operating outside inquiries to come. the law. Secondly, I will consider the media, but I will balance What possible explanation can the club offer for my remarks by mentioning some exceptions. In the failing to ensure the safety of people who paid money run-up to the 20th anniversary of the disaster, an article to enter Hillsborough, and why did the FA choose a by the outstanding investigative journalist, David Conn, ground for one of the biggest games of the season that, prompted me to start thinking about setting up the as my hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire disclosure process, and led me, together with my hon. said, was not certified as safe? Neither Sheffield Wednesday Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood, to nor the FA has ever answered those questions. What are make the first public call for an inquiry. we to make of the revelation in the panel’s report that The Mirror can take pride in its efforts supporting the the FA received complaints about the 1988 semi-final families, the Liverpool Echo has given unwavering support, between the same two teams, one of which warned in and ITV’s commissioning of Jimmy McGovern’s stark terms that the ground was “a death trap”? Were Hillsborough drama kept the story alive, but all that is those complaints acted on? Not only does it seem that overshadowed by the incalculable damage caused by nothing was done, but the guardian of the game in this the most hurtful lies imaginable printed as truth at an country chose to bring the same fixture with the same entire city’s moment of greatest grief. It was not just teams back to the same ground the following year, The Sun newspaper, appalling as it was, but many other prompting the question of whether the game’s governing newspapers. Why has the media industry never truly body believed that it had any responsibility to listen to faced up to its moral failings on Hillsborough and the supporters, act on their complaints or ensure their pain it caused people? Why did it not realise its own safety and welfare. It is hard to conclude that it did. wrongdoing or propose proper redress to the families? For years, people were coming away from Hillsborough Why, 20 years on, are bereaved families still facing with tales of panic and distress. Is there any other part outrageous intrusions into their grief? of our national life in which we would tolerate thousands Why did The Sun think it appropriate, some years on, of people going to a leisure venue and routinely coming to travel to Liverpool to make an offer to the families to away with injuries, broken bones, stories of frightening pay for and build a sports centre and to give an apology breathlessness, and authorities that do nothing about it? only on the condition that the families accept the apology It reveals an unpleasant mentality that still pervades in full? The families did not owe The Sun anything. parts of the football industry, and a casual disregard for What does it say about the ethics of the media industry the paying customer. Costs were cut to the bone and that an apology was presented to the families on those safety was sacrificed on the altar of crowd control. terms? 799 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 800

It is clear to me that Hillsborough was a forerunner Every Member of this House should read chapter 12 of of more recent events under the consideration of Lord the panel’s report and ask how it ever happened that a Leveson—an early warning of an out-of-control media propaganda campaign to impugn ordinary citizens of that was not acted on. I urge Lord Leveson to call the this country got a platform in the rooms of this Parliament Hillsborough families before he concludes his inquiry. I and how, beyond a few stray voices at the meeting, the ask him to ask this fundamental question: how did the alarm bells were not ringing throughout this place. media leave this story alone when pursuing so many We talk proudly of the mother of all parliaments, other trivial causes with much greater ferocity when the and of the reputation of British justice, but this adversarial amended statements were in the public domain for so tradition in politics and the law, in which two versions long? That was a professional failure to focus on what of the truth battle it out, allows on occasion the wrong really matters and to give the proper redress that the version of “the truth” to win and it is often the version families deserve. with the greater connections to power. For the Hillsborough Thirdly, on the coroner service, I have two simple independent panel report we can pick up the same questions. How could it ever have allowed a situation in threads as we find in the Saville inquiry into Bloody which a parent finds out for the first time on 12 September Sunday and as we have heard in the Leveson inquiry. 2012 what happened to their child on 15 April 1989? All three reveal a country where the powerful and the What assurance will it provide that never again will connected hold the cards, where the concerns of ordinary we see the denial of fundamental parental rights for people were dismissed—a country with an unaccountable 23 years? establishment that at times colludes in its own self-interest Fourthly, on the police service, I recognise the force and self-protection. of the point made by my right hon. Friend the Member Hillsborough is a story of an abuse of power, of class for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough that the officers and of unequal access to justice. I do not want to live in on the ground were also let down by their seniors. a country where that can ever happen again, where However, we will watch how the police service responds ordinary people can ever be treated in this way again. to the report, which will affect public confidence. I That is why I want this to be a watershed moment when make this simple statement: the service must not allow this generation of politicians, this Parliament, truly retirement to be a route to avoid full public accountability, learns the lessons of Hillsborough and builds a country as the hon. Member for Elmet and Rothwell said. To where power is properly shared, where it does not take allow it to do so would damage public confidence in the 23 years for ordinary people to overturn injustice and service, as would a situation in which the council tax where news organisations cannot ride roughshod over payers of Merseyside pay for the pensions of people people at their lowest ebb. Let us work together for who are found to have acted improperly. greater powers to hold the police to account; let us bring We learn in the panel’s report of a campaign orchestrated proper redress for people damaged by an out of control from the very top—it was ordered by the chief constable press and implement Lord Leveson’s recommendations; of the force—and of the shocking revelation that his and let us make more changes that connect Parliament officers were to have a “free hand” in preparing a “rock with people, never forgetting that it was the public who solid story” to exonerate the force and blame the fans. forced Hillsborough back on to the Floor of this House That is prima facie evidence of a failure of policing of a a year ago. This must be a humbling moment for this terrible kind—self-protection over public protection. proud Parliament, but in honour of the 96, let us make it a moment of change. In responding to the panel’s report, we must not make the mistake of thinking that it was a one-off, exceptional, isolated event. David Conn was the first to 9.46 pm draw the parallel with Orgreave, which a number of The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): hon. Members have mentioned, and which has featured This has been a powerful debate that has shown Parliament today on the main BBC news for the first time in many at its best, but also caused us to look into the mirror years. There are echoes of the Hillsborough story in the and reflect on our own failings. I would like to start by Orgreave story—statements amended; an institutional adding my own condolences to the families of the effort to shift blame. It is uncomfortable, but what has victims of that terrible day 23 years ago. I have been been revealed goes far deeper than many people would privileged to meet some of the families, including Anne like to believe. The temptation will be to box Hillsborough Williams, Margaret Aspinall and Trevor Hicks. They off as isolated, but that cannot happen. The cultural were among the most moving and heartrending meetings problem must be addressed. I have ever had as a Minister. I would like to reiterate That brings me—fifthly and finally—to the questions to them my unreserved apology for some of my early for this Parliament and this House of Commons. We comments about the events of that terrible day, and are good at asking questions of others, but this one is thank them for their quiet dignity in the face of so much for us. How did we let an injustice on this scale stand for misunderstanding by those in authority, including me. so long? Ultimately, the failings are ours. The panel’s That so many people lost their loved ones that day— report is an invitation to us to ask the most searching children, parents, brothers and sisters, friends and questions of ourselves. We failed to legislate for public partners—is a national tragedy. That they themselves accountability. We allowed a culture of cover-up. An were blamed for the deaths, that people covered up the entire English city was crying foul, rightly saying that truth and that so much that could and should have been there had been a great injustice, but their voices were done to save people’s lives was not, is a matter of huge not heard here in this House. No political party did shame for our country. We cannot know whether our enough to help them and, worse, we have a political actions now will help bring closure to the bereaved class that looked down on Liverpool. I am left wondering families, but it is incumbent on all of us to do it right whether this could ever have happened to another city. this time. 801 Hillsborough22 OCTOBER 2012 Hillsborough 802

[Mr Jeremy Hunt] apology for my misunderstanding of the events at Hillsborough. Today, I would like to take this opportunity, My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has outlined on behalf of the NHS, to make a sincere apology to the the facts as highlighted by the report of the Hillsborough families, friend and loved ones of the victims of the 96. independent panel in relation to the police. I should like I am deeply sorry for the part that the NHS played in to do the same as regards the response of the ambulance their grief, both at the time and in any attempt to service on the day and the subsequent actions of conceal those failings in the 23 years since. pathologists and the coroner. The ambulance service in south Yorkshire and across The panel found significant failings in the response the country is very different today from how it was in and actions of the South Yorkshire Metropolitan 1989. We have learned valuable lessons from major ambulance service. Ambulance staff at the stadium incidents such as Hillsborough, but also more recently were slow to respond and to realise that a major incident from the 7/7 bombings, the floods in 2007 and the was unfolding, despite being close to where the crush Cumbria shootings in 2010. In 1989, ambulance services was taking place. Poor communication between the were predominantly about first aid and transporting emergency services led to delay, misunderstanding and, people to hospital. Only around 10% of ambulance importantly, a failure fully to implement the major crews were qualified paramedics able directly to intervene incident plan. The result was a lack of leadership and at the scene of an emergency. Today, the service is co-ordination by senior officers and that resources, characterised by a highly skilled and qualified work including the emergency foot team with essential medical force. Around 60% of staff are paramedics. equipment, were not deployed. This clear failure continued Although the events of that day happened almost a for at least 45 minutes after fans were released from the quarter of a century ago and although the ambulance pens. There was no systematic assessment of the condition service has changed significantly since then, we should of the victims, and there was a lack of basic equipment, not and will not assume that the failings of 1989 have much of which, again through poor communication, been fully rectified in 2012. I am totally committed to remained in ambulances parked outside the ground. making certain that any and all steps are taken to ensure A number of doctors and nurses happened to be in that any failings brought to light by the panel’s work are the ground at the time as spectators. Their accounts, dealt with promptly and satisfactorily. critical of the lack of leadership, co-ordination, triage The chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, has and equipment, were vigorously refuted at the time by written to the Royal College of Pathologists, drawing its South Yorkshire metropolitan ambulance service. Sadly, attention to the panel’s report and inviting it to reflect they were an accurate portrayal of what happened that on what lessons might be learned by pathologists practising day. There is also evidence that a number of written today. In addition, Sir David Nicholson, chief executive statements were altered. In a number of cases, they of the NHS, has written to ambulance trusts, acute deflected criticisms and emphasised the efficiency of hospital trusts and strategic health authorities again the ambulance service response. asking them to consider what further lessons might be The Hillsborough independent panel also re-examined learned from the report that would improve NHS services. the evidence around the cause of death. In most cases, I would like now to mention some of the extremely post mortem results stated that the cause of death was moving speeches that we have heard this evening. I traumatic asphyxia, with the assumption made by the apologise if I do not get round to mentioning all of coroner that unconsciousness would have taken place them because of the time constraints, but let me say first within seconds and death within three to four minutes. that we have seen a debate this evening that has shown As a result, it was repeatedly asserted by the coroner, by this House at its very best. I want to pay particular the High Court in the judicial review and by Lord tribute to the right hon. Member for Leigh (Andy Justice Stuart-Smith’s scrutiny that, by the time those Burnham) for his campaigning. It is true to say that who died had been removed from the pens, death would without his decision, with the support of the hon. have been irreversible. Member for Garston and Halewood (Maria Eagle), we I regret to inform the House that the panel found would not be here today and justice would not have clear evidence in at least 41 cases that that was not the been done. He deserves huge credit for that. case. The post mortem reports found that 28 people did We heard an extremely moving speech from my hon. not have traumatic asphyxia with obstruction of blood Friend the Member for City of Chester (Stephen Mosley), circulation and would have taken much longer to die. who talked about the appalling failing of West Midlands There was also separate evidence that in 31 cases the police and the agony that the family of Kevin Williams heart and lungs had continued to function after the went through. The hon. Member for Halton (Derek crush, and, in 16 cases, for a prolonged period. However, Twigg) talked about the fact that he was in the stadium these people would have remained vulnerable to a further on the day. The hon. Member for Southport (John Pugh) incident brought on by something as simple as being talked about his shock at the elimination of inconvenient placed on their back, which would further have obstructed witness statements by South Yorkshire police, describing their airway. It is not possible to say with certainty them as opinion and not fact. whether anyone could or would have survived under The right hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside and different circumstances, but it is highly likely that what Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett) talked about the kindness happened to them after 3.15 pm played a significant of the people of Sheffield to the people of Liverpool part in whether they survived. and about how it is important, if we are going to have a The Hillsborough independent report raised those culture of transparency, that it needs to come right and other clear failings by the NHS at the time—failings from the very top. My hon. Friend the Member for that might have contributed to the loss of as many as Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) talked about how she 41 lives. I have, in the past, made my own personal was born and bred and Hillsborough, living only a 803 Hillsborough 22 OCTOBER 2012 804 stone’s throw away, and paid an important tribute to the many people’s confidence in the very foundations of the members of South Yorkshire police force who behaved state. The hon. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge professionally and honourably. The right hon. Member (Angela Smith) said that, for all of us, it is impossible to for Leicester East (Keith Vaz) talked about the huge understand what it is like to lose a child. She said that workload faced by the IPCC, and highlighted the issue we must remember the law-abiding fans and the fact of ensuring that it has adequate resources. My hon. that the image of a hooligan was a stereotype that led to Friend the Member for Elmet and Rothwell (Alec many of the problems that we are dealing with today. Shelbrooke) talked about the power of football to bring Then we heard powerful contributions by the right people together and about the importance that everyone hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) and the hon. should be accountable for their actions, no matter whether Members for Bassetlaw (John Mann), for Wansbeck they are serving or not. (Ian Lavery), for Blaydon (Mr Anderson), for Sheffield The hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana South East (Mr Betts), for Sefton Central (Bill Esterson) Berger) talked about her support for the shadow Home and for Sheffield Central (Paul Blomfield), although I Secretary’s desire for the IPCC to have powers to compel am sorry that I do not have time to reference them all in police officers to give evidence—something that we detail. have said we are happy to talk to the shadow Home I want to conclude by saying that, as the Prime Secretary about. The hon. Member for Birmingham, Minister has said, the Hillsborough families have been Yardley (John Hemming) talked about the need to the victims of a double injustice: first, through the change the law to stop cover-ups. The hon. Member for events themselves, the failure of the state to protect Ellesmere Port and Neston (Andrew Miller) talked their loved ones, and their interminable wait for the about the need for The Sun and Kelvin MacKenzie to truth; and, secondly, through the injustice of the denigration be accountable for their actions, and about the need for of the deceased and the way in which everything that the investigation to be carried out quickly. happened that day was portrayed as being somehow My hon. Friend the Member for Weaver Vale (Graham their own fault. The Liverpool fans were not the cause Evans) talked about his concern for the families and of the disaster, and it is clear, as the report states, that victims. The hon. Member for West Lancashire (Rosie “a swifter, more appropriate, better focused and properly equipped Cooper) questioned whether all statements had been response had the potential to save more lives”. disclosed to the panel. If she has any details of any missing documents, I would ask her to let us know, so 10 pm that we can ask officials to look into that. She also Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9(3)). asked whether the Football Association was subject to investigation. I can confirm that the actions of the Mr Speaker: Order. I have not put the Question, football authorities are within the scope of the review of because the motion has lapsed. I have listened with the Director of Public Prosecutions. great respect to what the Secretary of State has said, My hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal and I think that those attending to our debate can take (Dr Coffey) spoke movingly as a football fan about the it that the House has considered the matter of the need to resolve this matter with decency and urgency. Hillsborough independent panel report. I thank the The hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram), Secretary of State and all colleagues for taking part in whose campaigning on this issue is second to none, the debate. talked about the question of when human nature should override the orders given by a senior officer. The hon. Business without Debate Member for St Helens North (Mr Watts) asked why the establishment and media did not expose the cover-up and, again, talked about the role of The Sun. DELEGATED LEGISLATION The hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs Ellman) Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing talked, as many Members did, about the importance of Order No. 118(6)), speed and parliamentary oversight. I can assure her that Parliament will be kept fully informed of the progress LICENCES AND LICENSING of the investigations. The hon. Member for Liverpool, That the draft Late Night Levy (Application and Administration) West Derby (Stephen Twigg) talked about the response Regulations 2012, which were laid before this House on 4 July, be of constituents to the way in which Parliament has approved.—(Nicky Morgan.) responded to this issue following the Prime Minister’s Question agreed to. statement. I agree—and the Government agree—on the importance of ongoing support for families. The hon. Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) ADMINISTRATION talked movingly about the achievements of campaigners Ordered, for justice for the Hillsborough victims. The right hon. That Mr Mark Francois be discharged from the Administration Member for Knowsley (Mr Howarth) talked about the Committee and Mr Desmond Swayne be added.—(Geoffrey Clifton- conspiring that has happened and how that shakes Brown, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) 805 22 OCTOBER 2012 Educational Funding Gap 806

Educational Funding Gap about the strains and stresses placed on her family as a result of the funding gap to which I have referred. She Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House writes as follows: do now adjourn.—(Nicky Morgan.) “Our son is 16 years old and has autism. He attends college just 3 days a week. We are paying £120 p/w for private day service Mr Speaker: Order. In thanking everyone who has provision on the other two days. This has been necessary to ease taken part in, or witnessed, this evening’s debate, may I the extremely high levels of anxiety and stress for our son and appeal to right hon. and hon. Members who, unaccountably, ourselves as parents and to provide” might be leaving the Chamber and not wishing to stay her son to hear the hon. Member for New Forest East (Dr Lewis), “with continuing development of his personal, social and to do so quickly and quietly, affording the hon. Gentleman communication skills.” the same courtesy that they would wish to be extended This mother goes on to make a very important point: to them in similar circumstances? “Adolescence and transition to further education, is a particularly difficult time for a young person with autism or any disability…Our 10 pm son cannot be left unsupervised to structure and manage his own daily activities, hence the alternative was for myself to give up Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): It is a work and be his ‘buddy’ for those two days each week” pleasure to have secured this important debate on the when there is no further education available for him. educational funding gap for 16 to 18-year-olds with “This is far from ideal as, aged 16, he does not want to be special needs. I well remember, back in 2008—a date constantly shadowed by his mother and also having spent a that will feature rather less auspiciously later in my summer holiday this way, the sheer exhaustion and strain has remarks—going to Crewe and Nantwich to campaign already resulted in breakdown in family relations. I am extremely in the by-election that resulted in the election of my concerned about the impact the cuts are having on families with hon. Friend the Member for Crewe and Nantwich disabled young people. I run a parent support group and am (Mr Timpson), now the Under-Secretary of State for deeply saddened by the despair I see on parents faces”. Education, to this House. It is a great pleasure to That is from the coal face, as it were. congratulate him on achieving ministerial office. I understand that this is the first Adjournment debate to Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): I which he has replied, and I am sure that he will want to congratulate my hon. Friend—and his constituency give me as positive a response as possible to the requests neighbour—on securing this debate. He could have read that I intend to make. from the sort of letter I have received from many of my I am going to focus on two specific areas. The first is constituents. Does he not believe that this policy is very the educational funding gap for 16 to 18-year-olds with short-sighted because the actual cost to the public purse special needs. The second, which is indirectly related to of not enabling these young adults to reach their full that, is the funding of what are known as enrichment potential will be much more in the longer term? courses at further education colleges for people in that age range and for those who are somewhat older. The Dr Lewis: Absolutely. This is one of those classic two issues arise as a result of similar causes. I have cases where we are in danger of falling between two forewarned those in the Minister’s office of what I am stools. There is education funding up to the age of 16 about to say, and they have seen the material to which I and then adult social funding from the age of 18, but if shall refer. something goes terribly wrong in that two-year gap, the cost—in terms of both human suffering and additional This material has been supplied to me by a splendid support from the state resulting from the fallout of organisation called SCARF, which is in the New Forest. something going wrong at that time—will be colossal. SCARF stands for Supporting special Children and My hon. Friend is absolutely right. their Relatives and Friends. I pay particular tribute to Sarah Newman, Cathy Cook and Pam Tibbles, among The summary of the position is put forward, as I others, who were present at a meeting of the organisation mentioned earlier, in SCARF’s submission to the Education with me and my right hon. Friend the Member for New Select Committee. It describes the overall situation as Forest West (Mr Swayne). I know that my right hon. follows: Friend would like to join me in participating in the “Education funding has been repeatedly cut in recent years”. debate tonight, but he is now governed by that particular Apparently, this started in 2008, but it happened again form of omertà known as the silence of the Whips—or, in 2010 and then in 2011. As a result, in present circumstances, perhaps we should say the “Further Education colleges can only offer 3 days a week of silence that most Whips generally observe. education to these young people. In addition, Social Services I have learned about these problems first hand from day-care is not available, except in the most extreme cases, until SCARF; I have learned of the views of the principal of these young people turn 18 and are classed as adults. Consequently, Totton college in New Forest East via SCARF; and I many parents/carers are left to provide the care themselves for have learned of the views of the principal of Brockenhurst their young person on 2 weekdays every week…these young people end up stuck at home with their parent/carer, quickly college, also in New Forest East, directly. I have also becoming challenging and disruptive…the end result is a crisis been sent briefings by a number of charities, including which then requires significant support from health and social the National Autistic Society, Ambitious about Autism services.” and the special needs charity Contact a Family. SCARF wants a guarantee that all young people with I want to talk about the parents’ experiences, some of special needs or disabilities—I believe that LDD is which will be drawn from SCARF’s recent submission shorthand for “learning difficulties and disabilities”—should to the Education Select Committee, but I shall refer first have “the right to full-time education for 5 days a week to one from a constituent who wrote to me recently up to at least the age of 18.” 807 Educational Funding Gap22 OCTOBER 2012 Educational Funding Gap 808

As I said in response to the intervention from my or not the course will ever get them into work. If the hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth North (Penny answer is no in each case, the funding has disappeared, Mordaunt), I recognise that it may be necessary for with the consequences I have described. more than one department to be involved. It is possible I began by saying what a pleasure it was to see my that those in the education department will say “We hon. Friend the Member for Crewe and Nantwich at simply cannot carry the funding burden for the whole of the Dispatch Box, and I hope for the far greater pleasure that period.” Given that this used to be primarily the of hearing him say what the Government intend to do responsibility of the education department, if the education to bridge this damaging gap in order to help both young department is going to shuffle off that responsibility, it people between the ages of 16 and 18 and people like surely has a duty to find another department—perhaps Jessica, who in their adult years cannot hope to enter one connected with social services—that will take the the world of work, but can still derive much personal responsibility on. satisfaction and advantage from having one day a week As SCARF observes in its submission, at a further education college. “since September 2008, our local FE colleges have had their I am sure the Minister will want to tell the House funding repeatedly cut”. about the Bill on the reform of provision for children It gives a number of examples of the way in which that and young people with special educational needs, which can affect families. I shall not go into them in detail, I believe we will be considering next year. The national because time does not allow me to, but one parent says special needs charity to which I referred earlier, Contact that her son a Family, has given great support to SCARF’s campaign, absconded without warning one freezing winter afternoon” and welcomes the draft provisions published last month and was knocked down by a car, while another talks of as far as they go, but it is deeply anxious that they do the danger of her son’s lighting fires around the home not guarantee a right to full-time education to those and the fact that he needs active supervision all the with learning difficulties and disabilities right up to the time. Some parents have to give up their jobs, while age of 18. Can the Minister assure us tonight that if his others strain to find the money to pay people to be the Department is unable single-handedly to fill the gap buddies or supervisors of their children on those two between these ages, it will work with other Departments days off. so that, between them, we avoid this problem of falling There is no doubt that what was previously a relatively between two stools and we reinstate the situation that seamless five days a week of provision from childhood used to apply before 2008 and has progressively—or to adulthood is no longer available. The explanation, as regressively, I should say—deteriorated since then and I understand it, is this. Following the introduction of that we return to the position in which, one way or foundation learning qualifications, the basis was changed another, people have five days a week of support between from generic or broad learning aims to education that the ages of 16 and 18? would lead to the achievement of specific qualifications. That is fine for people who are not learning-disadvantaged 10.17 pm or disabled, but it obviously has a huge negative impact The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education on that category who are. There was also a reduction in (Mr Edward Timpson): I begin by thanking my hon. what is called “entitlement funding” from 117 hours to Friend the Member for New Forest East (Dr Lewis) for only 30 hours a year, and a restriction excluding what welcoming me to my new role and, I think, for reminding are known as “enrichment” activities from the process. me of those heady days of 2008 in Crewe and Nantwich. Such activities are not designed to lead to the world of More importantly for the purposes of the debate, I work, but are designed simply to give greater quality to thank him for bringing before the House the important the life of a learning-disabled person. question of funding for students aged between 16 and That brings me to my second topic, which is the 18 with learning difficulties and disabilities, and in question of people who are in an older age category but particular those who are being educated in our further who were previously able to take part in free enrichment education colleges. As I have frequently heard my hon. courses on one day a week at local further education Friend speak in this House, it comes as no surprise to colleges. Let me give the example—with permission—of me that he argues this case clearly and with passion on my constituent Jessica Snell. She is the daughter of the behalf of his constituents who are the parents of just retired principal of Brockenhurst college. He writes: such young learners. He has brought home the very real “Jessica…is 38 years old and has Down’s syndrome. She lives issues that they face in getting the best education for with her parents and attends a local day centre for 3 days a week. their children. For some time she has attended her local college for one day a week and has gained significantly in her life and social skills. Although I am still relatively new in my post as Until 2010 the college was able to draw down funding and remit Minister in the Department for Education, I have already any fees. This year, she must pay £840 for one day a week for become aware of the responsibility that rests with me 30 weeks and has no additional income beyond her SDLA” for these young people. My Department has already set —severe disability living allowance— out our commitment in our May 2012 document “Support “benefit from which she can pay. Her programme is not work and aspiration: A new approach to special educational related but she has opted for cooking, drama and craft, all of needs and disability—progress and next steps.” That which add to her independent living skills and enjoyment of life. approach follows on from the proposals in the earlier College also gives her the opportunity to meet and mix with a Green Paper. Our proposals, which we have drawn up vibrant community of young people.” into draft legislation that is currently being scrutinised, Just as the 16 to 18-year-olds faced a tighter restriction are designed to move away from the disjointed, labyrinthine as to whether or not they were going to get qualifications and label-focused current system my hon. Friend described at the end of the process, so the older severe learning- to a more seamless, supported and outcomes-focused disabled person faces a tighter restriction as to whether system. In doing so, we seek to offer real hope for young 809 Educational Funding Gap22 OCTOBER 2012 Educational Funding Gap 810

[Mr Edward Timpson] token, it is essential that the provision on offer in these colleges is right for each individual. Nor is it true that people with learning difficulties and disabilities, and all FE colleges have looked at the overall funding available to help them meet their desires and aspirations, in the to them from their local authority and decided to same way that other young people can. reduce the length of courses they offer to their students; The pressures are particularly acute at periods of many have worked together to find innovative solutions. transition, such as when people move from primary For example, Luton local authority has funded a “broker” into secondary education and then from compulsory to put together programmes for its young people with education into further or higher education. The concern highest needs, combining education, health and social for parents, as has been so eloquently expressed by my care as appropriate. It has generated new types of day hon. Friend, is whether their children are getting the provision with very high support functions, taking on a level of education and support they need, and whether new role as a commissioner of services. Neighbouring appropriate funding is available to make sure that that Hertfordshire has operated with two “brokers” since happens. Although his constituents point to this concern 2006, but is now attempting to merge the role into as having begun in the 2008-09 academic year for the personal adviser roles. Both Hertfordshire and Luton colleges in his area, which my right hon. Friend the were part of an original east of England regional initiative Member for New Forest West (Mr Swayne) also represents, Improving Choice, which developed a “person-centred” we know that it is a concern in other parts of the approach, aiming to increase availability and access to country as well. It is, of course, right that parents expect support for study within their local area. to receive an appropriate level of provision for their Under the current funding approach, the provision children’s needs, and so it is right that local authorities that young people with learning difficulties and disabilities and colleges work closely with parents and the young receive will depend on what the local authority has set people themselves to ensure that their needs are being out in the learning difficulty assessment drawn up for properly met at all times. them. This is designed to identify the young person’s My Department funds local authorities to make provision educational needs, and describe the provision that will and support available for young people with learning be made available to them that will be suitable and difficulties and disabilities in a way that allows for five appropriate to their needs. A local authority should not days a week learning where that is appropriate. The be drawing up a learning difficulty assessment that funding behind that has not declined, and we are not recommends a three-day-a-week course in a local FE changing the overall funding for schools and high-needs college where that would not be appropriate to the pupils and students aged up to 25. The amount we young person’s needs. allocate for these children and young people through additional learning support—a key feature—has increased Dr Julian Lewis: It seems to me that the Minister is year on year. The amount of high-level additional learning saying that things ought to be sorted out between the support we make available for 16 to 24-year-olds has, in local authority and the college. Brockenhurst college, to fact, increased by more than a quarter in the past two which I referred, is regarded a beacon college and both years, from £97 million in 2010-11 to £124.9 million in Mike Snell, a parent and former principal, and Di Roberts, 2012-13. Additional funding has been made available the present principal, have been awarded the CBE for from the learners with learning difficulties and disabilities their efforts, but with the best will in the world they placement budget for students with high levels of learning cannot bridge the gap by themselves. I know that Hampshire difficulty and/or disability placed in FE colleges. That county council—I am sure that my hon. Friend will has also increased by a quarter, from £24.8 million to agree that it is highly competent—is doing its best to £35 million in the same time period. help but it cannot bridge the gap caused by the restriction I know from a visit I made last week to Hereward in the definition of available funding that I described. college in Coventry that the one thing that most young people aged 16 to 18 want is to have, as far as possible, Mr Timpson: Of course we are concerned when provision the same opportunities and life chances as the rest of is not being met in any individual situation and I will be their peer group. For some young people, who may have happy, as always, to look more closely at the circumstances learning difficulties and/or disabilities but are quite mentioned by my hon. Friend. If a child has an identified capable of undertaking unsupervised independent study need that is not being met through the learning difficulty on their own, a course involving three days a week of assessment, that shows exactly why we need the reforms supervised learning in an FE college will be wholly we will introduce in primary legislation next year. appropriate to their needs. However, for others—this touches on the case that my hon. Friend the Member The information set out in a learning difficulty assessment for New Forest East cited—it will simply not be enough, is covered by statutory guidance, but the guidance does particularly for those with more profound or limiting not prescribe in close detail what can and cannot be disabilities. So where it is clear that a young person included in each and every case. would have difficulty managing their learning in a three- day-a-week setting with periods of unsupervised study, Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): I congratulate the we would expect a programme to be offered over a hon. Member for New Forest East (Dr Lewis) on securing longer period each week. That would and should be the debate. The Government’s direction of travel is that accompanied by additional support for learning, the more post-16 funding will come through local authorities funding for which I have set out, and support outside as part of the seamless approach, which is to be welcomed formal lessons, to be provided as appropriate. in many ways. How will he ensure that local authorities Of course, it is not the business of government to tell have the right capacity to do that job, which they have autonomous FE colleges how to arrange the courses not done hitherto? In cases where many local authorities they provide or how to set their timetables. By the same have to work with one college, how will he ensure that 811 Educational Funding Gap22 OCTOBER 2012 Educational Funding Gap 812 there is a co-ordinated rather than fragmented approach I do not cover every point he has raised, I will be happy on behalf of the young people who will all attend the to write to him in more detail to ensure that he has a full same college? and considered reply. Access to FE provision for adults with learning difficulties is rightly the responsibility of Mr Timpson: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and raising the important question of how to get the most Skills, but it is clear to me that there are issues of real out of the available resources. We are under no illusions concern here that my hon. Friend has helpfully raised. about the tight economic situation which means we The Government prioritise funding where its impact is have to find more from less. That is why the reforms we greatest on outcomes, and maximising that is part of will introduce in the new year will focus on joint the Government’s agenda to support people into commissioning between education and health so that employment. We fully fund units and qualifications for we can try to pool our resources more effectively; on unemployed people in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance putting a local offer on the table so that parents can see and employment support allowance, depending on what close up what services are available to them and get as they need to help them enter and stay in work. In much accountability as possible from the local authority 2012-13 we are investing over £3.8 billion for more than and health services; and on ensuring that we identify as 3 million adult training places through the Skills Funding early as possible the needs of each individual child. Agency. That will mean that the necessary work can be done as I hear the concerns that my hon. Friend raises in early as possible, preventing unnecessary work in the relation to specific funding streams to support enrichment future that could have been avoided if provision had and further qualifications. There have been some changes been offered earlier. Those are all reasons why the to the way that they have been calculated, and that may reforms, which I shall explain in more detail in the three have had an impact on some individual college budgets. minutes I have left, will make an important contribution I will be able to provide him with a fuller picture of the to a more effective child and young person-centred effect that that has had. I hope also to provide him with system. some reassurance that we understand the importance of Our proposed special educational needs reforms will learning not just educationally, but from a nurturing improve the situation for this group of young people in perspective for all young people. That is very much at general. More specifically, our proposed new education, the forefront of the reforms that we will be taking health and care plans will focus much more on the through the House in the coming months. needs and aspirations of the young person and will be I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this drawn up in consultation with them. It is important to extremely important issue, and I look forward to being note that following an assessment of the young person’s able to provide him with a fuller reply in due course that needs and negotiation with them and their parents, the sets out all the issues that he has raised. plans will set out their education, health and social care needs not up to the age of 16 or 18 but up to the age of Question put and agreed to. 25. That is a new statutory protection for young adults in further education. Let me move quickly on to the second issue raised 10.30 pm by my hon. Friend the Member for New Forest East. If House adjourned.

163WH 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 164WH (Glenfield) Now, what does ECMO mean? It stands for Westminster Hall “extracorporeal membrane oxygenation”, and it is a highly technical, very clever and hugely successful medical Monday 22 October 2012 means of recovering people who have both severe heart problems and severe respiratory problems. It might interest you to know, Mr Hollobone, that the only [MR PHILIP HOLLOBONE in the Chair] survivor of the house fire in Prestatyn at the weekend—the father of the household—is alive today only as a consequence of his being transported to the Glenfield BACKBENCH BUSINESS ECMO unit, where he is under the treatment of Mr Giles Peek, one of the consultants there. Children’s Cardiac Surgery (Glenfield) I am happy to report that, despite my absence from the battlefield, two other hon. Members from Leicestershire, 4.30 pm my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Nicky Sir Edward Garnier (Harborough) (Con): I beg to Morgan) and the hon. Member for Leicester West (Liz move, Kendall), have been at the forefront of the campaign to That this House has considered the e-petition from Adam bring this matter to the attention of the Government Tansey relating to children’s cardiac surgery at the East Midlands and the wider public. That is not to say that my hon. Congenital Heart Centre at Glenfield, Leicester. Friends the Members for North West Leicestershire Mr Hollobone, I welcome you to our proceedings and (Andrew Bridgen) and for Bosworth (David Tredinnick) thank the Backbench Business Committee for agreeing have not played their part, nor that the Minister for the to the debate this afternoon. Parliament can respond to Armed Forces, my right hon. Friend the Member for issues of public concern quickly.More than 100,000 names South Leicestershire (Mr Robathan), and the Minister —I think that the total is about 103,000 at the last at the Department for International Development, my count—appear on the e-petition that I have referred to. right hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr Duncan)—colleagues who, unlike me, continue in The new Secretary of State for Health has responded Government—have not been working below the radar. in short order to the facts presented to him, and I thank Nor do I mean to suggest that my right hon. Friend the him for that. In a letter sent by him today to the various Member for Charnwood (Mr Dorrell), the Chairman of councils that referred the Glenfield decision to him, he the Health Committee, has been a mere spectator—of says that the Independent Reconfiguration Panel will course, he has not. All of us have been doing our best to now conduct a full review of the decision by the Safe ensure that the case for Glenfield is heard in the right and Sustainable review. That is most certainly to be quarters. That is also true of the right hon. Member for welcomed. However, he also says that the IRP will not Leicester East (Keith Vaz) and the hon. Member for consider the decision taken by his predecessor, my right Leicester South (Jonathan Ashworth); despite their being hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire respectively the Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee (Mr Lansley), to remove ECMO from Glenfield, as that and an Opposition Whip, they have played their part in decision was not taken by the joint committee of primary this campaign. care trusts; I will say what ECMO means in a moment. That last statement is illogical and certainly difficult We have an abundance of parliamentary talent in to understand; we are surely entitled to assume that the Leicestershire, but if any praise is due, it is due to my last Secretary of State made his decision on the basis of hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough and the hon. the recommendations from the Safe and Sustainable Member for Leicester West, who have led the cross-party review. We need to find out, as an urgent priority, campaign—I stress that it is a cross-party campaign—to whether the new Secretary of State can reverse the ensure that the case we are here to make has been, and decision on ECMO. As I am sure contributors to this continues to be, waged so effectively. The hon. Member debate will demonstrate, it would be sensible for him to for Leicester West is the constituency MP for Glenfield, do that and I look forward to receiving confirmation but she is also the shadow Minister for Health, so she from my hon. Friend the Minister that that is going to has a double reason for taking an interest in today’s happen. Cardiac services and an ECMO facility go proceedings. It goes without saying that she has been hand in hand. We know that; I am sure that the Department working very hard for her constituents, both human for Health knows that; and I look forward to hearing in and institutional, in this regard, but she has been doing due course from my hon. Friend that she knows it, too. so in co-operation with my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough, who is now a Government Whip; my I have had some intermittent contact over the years departure from the Government has been more than with the campaigners supporting the case for Glenfield’s compensated for by my hon. Friend’s promotion. ECMO and children’s cardiac units and I have visited the hospital on many occasions as the MP for Harborough, However, by convention and practice that means that which is in south-east Leicestershire—most recently, my hon. Friend is no longer able to speak in Parliament, when the additional facilities funded by the Thomas either here in Westminster Hall or in the main Chamber Cook travel company’s charitable foundation were formally of the House of Commons. Nevertheless, she is in her opened in May this year. However, owing to the time place this afternoon and I know that she will continue, and other constraints imposed on me as Her Majesty’s as we all will, to support vigorously the medical and Solicitor-General, a position I held until last month, I ancillary staff at the Glenfield hospital and the patients have not been able to follow the development of the and their families who benefit from the services provided issues surrounding the Government’s reconfiguration by those doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators of children’s heart services with as much attention to and the many others connected to that great hospital, detail as I might have wished. some of whom are with us in Westminster Hall today. 165WH Children’s Cardiac Surgery 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 166WH (Glenfield) (Glenfield) [Sir Edward Garnier] It is proposed that the number of cardiac centres in England be reduced from 11 to seven, and thus they will My constituents Dr Sanjiv Nichani, the senior consultant all be working at full capacity. Can the Minister ensure paediatrician at the Glenfield hospital, who specialises that in the event of a superbug outbreak, for example, in children’s heart care, and Mr Giles Peek, the director as happened at the Belfast neonatal unit this year, or of of the paediatric and adult ECMO programme and a a fire, as happened at Birmingham hospital in 2010 and cardiothoracic consultant surgeon, have travelled here in Leicester in 2011, or of any other catastrophic event today to hear the debate and to speak to the Minister in one of the cardiac units under consideration, that the afterwards, all being well. remaining six will be able to cope with the pressure without endangering the lives of the critically ill children Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Con): May I express my and babies in their care? support for the comments of my hon. and learned Glenfield already takes patients not just from Friend? As you, Mr Hollobone, and he both know, Leicestershire but from across the east midlands, as my Newark has all sorts of problems with health care at the hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Patrick Mercer) moment. Glenfield hospital is crucial to my constituency. has just demonstrated. It also receives patients from I particularly draw the attention of my hon. and learned Birmingham, Southampton, Northern Ireland and Friend to the comments by Mrs Pamela Durney, who elsewhere in the United Kingdom—and even from owes so much to this crucial hospital for her children’s Scandinavia and mainland Europe. health. The Safe and Sustainable cardiac review for children Sir Edward Garnier: I am grateful to my hon. Friend in England has been under way for more than three and for that intervention. His support demonstrates that the a half years. It proposes that the Glenfield unit be issue is not only a Leicestershire issue but one that closed and its patients and neonatal and paediatric affects patients from right across the east midlands and, ECMO services be transferred to Birmingham. The I would suggest, from well beyond the east midlands. Minister and the Secretary of State are, we now know, to revisit the medical and economic evidence that the Before my hon. Friend the Minister feels a little review board has considered, but I look to them to surrounded, may I thank her for being here to respond make a different, better and more logical decision, to the debate? I also congratulate her, although she based on the evidence that is there for all to see. must be bored of hearing congratulations, on this first step in what will be a long and successful ministerial Four available options emerged from the review, and career; I say that not as a question but as a statement of they were predicated not so much on the cost of providing fact, and on that basis I am sure that we have won the children’s cardiac services—albeit that cost must play a case. I have no doubt that her response to this debate significant part—as on their sustainability in the future. will act as an accelerant to her progress and provide I will not, for reasons of time, list the options or their great hope to those of us who want to see the Glenfield components, but option A suggested that there should hospital’s ability to save lives continue. be seven surgical centres: at Glenfield, at Freeman hospital in Newcastle, at Alder Hey children’s hospital Let me read out part of a letter from some members in Liverpool, at Birmingham children’s hospital, at Bristol of staff at the Glenfield hospital: royal hospital and at the two centres in London, each “As members of the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre with four surgeons looking after a minimum of 400 children team, we feel that we have a responsibility to our patients to every year. ensure that we make clear our intentions with regards to the implementation of the recommendation of the safe and sustainable Following the public consultation between 1 March review. We are not in a position to leave our homes and families, and 1 July this year, option A received the greatest to move to Birmingham to work. As a team of (predominantly) support. The consultation was the largest ever public women, we are (predominantly) second wage earners, with husbands, consultation within the national health service, with children and homes. The toll of this review on both our work and more than 75,000 respondents; nevertheless, that number home lives has been immense. It has created uncertainty and is much smaller than the number of people who signed confusion, as well as intense anxiety. The repeated mantra of the review team that it will all be ok ‘with the help of the EMCHC the e-petition that provoked this debate. Option A was team’ is meaningless in that we have not even been consulted. supported by six of the 10 health regions in England. It Unfortunately, we have been placed in a position where to refuse is, at £22 million, the least expensive option—the next to relocate is openly criticized as being obstructive by the review. cheapest costs £44 million—and it has the added advantage This is not the case. Our patients remain our priority within our of ensuring shorter travelling distances for families. working life, yet we have a responsibility to our families which, when push comes to shove, will over ride this.” None of the four options is perfect or ideal, but the option that includes Glenfield satisfies many of the They go on: objective criteria that one would expect of a good “This letter is in no way representing a threat. It is an open solution—not least in respect of Glenfield’s nationally expression of our concerns, over another assumption made by the commissioned ECMO services. Given today’s letter from review team, and which places us in a position where we are forced to choose between our patients and our families. We are a the Secretary of State, it is in that regard that our group of dedicated professionals, who have worked hard to attention now needs to focus. Glenfield provides both achieve the excellence that we have done. Our patients deserve the cardiac and respiratory ECMO. Its national ECMO best, and we fear that the recommendations will not give them centre has been in operation since 1991, and it treats that, and we will be unable to be there to support them.” babies, children and adults from across the country and In my view, that letter speaks for them all—from abroad. doctors through to cleaners—and I hope that the Secretary ECMO is an invasive life-support system, which can of State will not forget the work that employees of the be used on patients with severe respiratory or cardiac national health service do at the Glenfield unit when he failure. It consists of removing blood from a patient, comes to decide how best to proceed. taking steps to prevent clots from forming in the blood, 167WH Children’s Cardiac Surgery 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 168WH (Glenfield) (Glenfield) adding oxygen to the blood and pumping it artificially In advancing the case for Glenfield, I do not need to to support the lungs. There is an increased chance of denigrate the facilities and expertise of other hospitals. survival of half as much again when a patient is treated I see the right hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne in an ECMO centre rather than in a conventional East (Mr Brown) in the Chamber along with my hon. intensive care unit. The Glenfield ECMO unit has the Friend the Member for Solihull (Lorely Burt), who no best results in the world, has more expertise and success doubt represents the interests of the Birmingham children’s than any other ECMO unit in the country and is the hospital. In advancing the case for the retention of the only such unit in the country to provide mobile ECMO. internationally acclaimed ECMO centre in Glenfield, I We have four national centres for ECMO, and the ideal do not need to undermine the good work and dedication scenario would be to maintain ECMO services in their of cardiac and thoracic specialists elsewhere. I do not current locations. want to do that, and I would not have the time, even if I There is the fact that Glenfield’s ECMO unit was thought it a proper or sensible thing to do. It just so applauded by the national health service during the happens that Birmingham children’s hospital regularly H1N1 crisis and that Glenfield’s ECMO survival rates refers patients to Glenfield. Why? Because unlike are 20% higher than the United Kingdom average. Birmingham, which currently conducts only cardiac Kenneth Palmer, director of the ECMO unit of the ECMO, Glenfield does both cardiac and respiratory Karolinska university hospital in Stockholm and an ECMO. international expert on ECMO treatment, wrote to my right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire, Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): I fully endorse my hon. the former Health Secretary, on 7 July, on learning and learned Friend’s comments about Glenfield. Indeed, about the proposal to shut the Glenfield unit: one of my youngest constituents, Yvie Beards, would probably not be here today were it not for Glenfield. “You will take over 20 years of experience from one of the However, does my hon. and learned Friend not agree world’s...best ECMO units and throw it away...to rebuild it in another place...You cannot move a unit, you can just destroy it that the type of expertise that we have in Leicester and rebuild it with many years of decreasing survival rates and should be replicated in other parts of the United Kingdom? increasing morbidity”. Although the Birmingham children’s hospital has one Mr Jim Fortenberry, paediatrician-in-chief of children’s of the best child treatment centres, it could perhaps also health care in Atlanta, Georgia, also wrote to my right contribute to that same level of care for children and hon. Friend on 6 July: others in the west midlands. “Glenfield has one of the finest ECMO programmes in the Sir Edward Garnier: I am sure that my hon. Friend is world and was the source of the recent CESAR trial, a landmark right, but we do not replicate what goes on in Glenfield study that helped sort out the benefits of adult ECMO...The impact on care of attempting to move out this program in toto to by closing down Glenfield. If she and I are right about another location would be devastating. ECMO is not merely the this, we need more Glenfields, not one fewer. We certainly equipment, but the incredible collective expertise and institutional do not need Glenfield itself to be closed. memory of its entire team”. Glenfield has this year opened a paediatric intensive Glenfield has, over the years, built up a team of more care unit—a PICU—which will also become unviable than 80 ECMO specialists. as a result of losing paediatric cardiac surgery. Currently, Dr Thomas Müller, ECMO co-ordinator at the university 71% of those in the PICU are cardiac patients, so medical centre in Regensburg, Germany, wrote to my closing it down will no doubt affect the non-cardiac right hon. Friend on 9 July: patients whom the unit treats. The loss of the ECMO service would also make the adult ECMO unit unviable. “Glenfield Hospital has won an excellent reputation for their As of 18 October, option A is supported, on the e-petition, expertise in paediatric and adult ECMO treatment and is deemed to be one of the world’s leading centres. The knowledge and by about 103,000 signatories. experience of the staff in Glenfield probably is unmirrored in The Guardian, not necessarily a newspaper that a Europe and the US. To my knowledge, Glenfield treats the largest Conservative Member of Parliament leaps to quote number of patients with severe cardiac and respiratory failure from, pointed out on 28 April 2010: with ECMO worldwide...centres with less expertise certainly will “There has been a wealth of clinical evidence for many years experience a higher mortality. Therefore, in the interest of best that specialist clinical services, such as stroke, trauma and heart patient care the decision to close down the most experienced surgery, should be concentrated in fewer centres… Survival and centre of the UK is difficult to comprehend for somebody from recovery rates would improve markedly with many lives saved.” abroad.” The ECMO unit at Glenfield works: it helps children Dr Leslie Hamilton, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the survive and, as we just learned from the Prestatyn case, Freeman hospital in Newcastle, has also acknowledged it helps adults survive. The medical evidence shows that that there is a risk in moving ECMO services from the ECMO unit works, and now it is up to the Secretary Glenfield. of State to understand that and let both the unit and the Glenfield currently performs about 100 ECMO children it treats survive. procedures a year, which accounts for 80% of the current neonatal and paediatric activity in England and Wales. 4.50 pm As I have mentioned, Glenfield also takes patients from other countries, including Scotland, Sweden, Finland Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): It is a and Ireland. The mortality rate at Glenfield is 20%, pleasure to speak in this debate under your chairmanship, compared with 34% in the rest of the United Kingdom. Mr Hollobone. Two additional surgeons have expressed an interest in I pay tribute to the hon. and learned Member for going to work there. The centre is a popular place to Harborough (Sir Edward Garnier) for securing this work and can be made more “sustainable”—to use the debate, and I am grateful to the Backbench Business jargon—with more surgeons and space. Committee for allowing us to hold it this afternoon. 169WH Children’s Cardiac Surgery 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 170WH (Glenfield) (Glenfield) [Jonathan Ashworth] the end of February next year. Notwithstanding that welcome announcement, I want to make a number of The hon. and learned Gentleman, who is one of my points on which I hope the Minister can provide parliamentary neighbours, spoke with typical eloquence, clarification. as is his wont, and I for one am disappointed that he no On demand and capacity—I appreciate some of these longer graces the Government Front Bench. The Front points might be for the review committee, but it is Bench’s loss is the Back Bench’s gain, and I thought important to get them on the record—genuine questions that he spoke extremely well. I apologise in advance if I have been raised about the assumptions on demand and echo many of his points, but that indicates the cross-party the capacity on offer at Birmingham that the joint support for the campaign. Although we are perhaps committee of primary care trusts used. As I understand blessed in not having any Liberal Members in the east it, the national projections used by the review assume midlands, I am sure that, if we did, they, too, would that demand will be flat, yet the most up-to-date data support the campaign. show demand increasing, because birth rates in the east As I am sure that the Minister, who represents an east midlands and west midlands are well above national midlands seat, is aware, this issue has caused considerable averages. The projections of population trends used by concern, not only in my Leicester South constituency the review team were based on data from 2006-07. but across the east midlands region. It is no surprise to Using those data would suggest a relatively stable work those of us who have been involved in the campaign load rising to 3,990 cases in 2025, but, if the latest data that the e-petition has hit 100,000 signatures, and I pay on population expectations from the Office for National tribute to Adam Tansey, the father of Albert Tansey, Statistics are used, the projected rise in surgical case who set up the e-petition. loads hits 5,422 in 2025. Questions have also been There has been widespread opposition to the proposals raised about the likely patient flows, with clinicians from the Safe and Sustainable review and how they suggesting that Sheffield and Doncaster have indicated affect Leicester. The review recommended the closing of a preference for Birmingham rather than Newcastle. the children’s heart unit and the associated moving Given that extra surgery work, the movement of the of Leicester’s world-class extracorporeal membrane ECMO provision, the increased population projections oxygenation service to Birmingham. Local people have for the whole midlands and the worries about increased campaigned vigorously against the proposal, and I pay patient flows from south Yorkshire, I would be grateful particular tribute to Ms Robyn Lotto—a constituent of to the Minister if she let us know whether the Department mine who has magnificently led much of the local is confident that Birmingham has the capacity to meet campaigning in recent weeks. We should also pay tribute what is clearly set to be considerably increased demand. to Glenfield’s staff, who are very concerned, as the hon. and learned Gentleman indicated when he read out the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health circular that we were all sent. (Anna Soubry): The hon. Gentleman knows, of course, that the Independent Reconfiguration Panel will no Many organisations in Leicester and beyond have doubt consider all his points. As he knows, from the spoken out. The vice-chancellor of Leicester university, outset, this has been an independent process decided by Sir Bob Burgess, said: clinicians. In those circumstances, I am sure that he will “Glenfield is a leading international heart hospital where make it clear that I am in no position to answer any of excellent clinical care takes place within a context of internationally his points, which must be addressed by the IRP.Does he significant research. I would therefore ask that the proposal to move the Glenfield services be reconsidered and this valuable agree with me on that? facility retained for people of our region.” Jonathan Ashworth: The Minister makes an important The Bishop of Leicester, who I see observing us, said: point. None the less, I still think that, even if it is not “It is not…clear that the movement to Birmingham will be appropriate for her to respond, as I suggested might be straight forward… In fact I fear that the movement of these the case, this is an appropriate forum to put some of services will be harmful to the nation as a whole”. those points on the record, and I will continue to do so. As I have mentioned, politicians from all parties have I entirely understand her position. come together on this campaign. Politicians on the I have a couple of points on Leicester’s paediatric Labour-dominated Leicester city council are working cardiac intensive care unit, which the hon. and learned alongside politicians on the Conservative-dominated Member for Harborough mentioned. There is concern Leicestershire county council and on what I assume is about how the decision will affect the wider paediatric the Conservative-dominated Lincolnshire county council, cardiac intensive care on offer in Leicester, with the and they have all expressed their concern. potential closure of the unit at Glenfield increasing MPs on both sides of the Chamber are speaking up, pressure on the other Leicester hospitals and, more and, as the hon. and learned Gentleman did, I pay generally, reducing the supply of paediatric intensive tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester care across the east midlands and placing more demand West (Liz Kendall), who in many ways has spearheaded on Birmingham. Again, that is an important point. If the campaign from our side with her usual pizzazz, and the Minister cannot respond, I hope that the committee to the hon. Member for Loughborough (Nicky Morgan), at least will take it into account. who cannot speak in this debate because she is a I want to focus on the ECMO service, as the hon. and Government Whip—fortunately for me, Opposition Whips learned Gentleman did and as I suspect many other can speak—but who I am sure would speak if parliamentary hon. Members will, too. As I said at the outset, I convention allowed. entirely welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement I am, of course, pleased that the Secretary of State this morning, but—I will quote from the letter, as the for Health has today announced that the independent hon. and learned Gentleman did—I am disappointed committee will conduct a full review and report back at that he said: 171WH Children’s Cardiac Surgery 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 172WH (Glenfield) (Glenfield) “The decision of the SoS taken regarding the removal of the As I understand it, 13 nurses are required for one ECMO equipment”— ECMO bed, so there are concerns about Birmingham’s he uses the rather bland word “equipment,” but the ability to build and develop a dedicated team of expert decision is quite controversial, so describing it in that staff similar that at Leicester in the short run. way is unfortunate— Given that the review panel will not consider the “from Glenfield to Birmingham should not form part of the ECMO decision, I should be grateful to the Minister if review as the decision was not taken by the Joint Committee of she shared her analysis, or the Department’s analysis, of Primary Care Trusts.” the risk assessment of moving the ECMO facility. It has That is right, but as has been said, the two things go been suggested in past debates—indeed, if my memory hand in hand. serves me correctly, it was suggested in a useful meeting that we had with the previous Minister, now the Minister I shall repeat some of the points that have already of State, Department for Transport, the right hon. been made. The ECMO service at Glenfield is the Member for Chelmsford (Mr Burns)—that different longest-established and provides 80% of ECMO capacity experts had advised the Department and that they did nationally. Many of its staff have more than 20 years’ not share the analysis of Mr Palmer and others. I experience. Glenfield’s ECMO service has some of the apologise if my memory of that is slightly wrong, but if very best mortality rates. The mortality rate for ECMO that is the case, perhaps the Department will agree to at Glenfield is 20%, but the national mortality rate is publish the evidence. 50% higher. Will the Minister address the decision not to include ECMO in the review? Does she expect to be At the moment, we have a campaign including an able to pick up an ECMO unit in one hospital, plonk it e-petition signed by 100,000 people—clinicians, staff into another and find that the same expertise and and members of the public—who are deeply concerned mortality rates will transfer with it? As has been said, about the proposal to move the ECMO unit. They many international experts do not think so—certainly accept the argument put forward by Mr Palmer and not in the short run. We have already heard about others. If the Department thinks that there is a different Kenneth Palmer, the expert ECMO adviser, who told analysis to be considered, perhaps it will finally publish BBC Radio Leicester: it, so that both sets of analysis can be properly scrutinised, “They could never have the same survival rate in another unit and we can come to a considered opinion. That would if you move it like this.” reassure us on the point about mortality rates. He also said—I think that the hon. and learned Member I would be interested in hearing the Minister justify for Harborough quoted this, and I will repeat it: the decision not to allow the IRP to consider the ECMO decision. Was not the decision to move ECMO “Moving one unit to another place is the same as totally closing down and rebuilding from zero in the new place... I have taken and presented as a necessary consequence of the been very clear…that you cannot move a unit; you can just decision taken by the JCPCT in relation to the Safe and destroy it and rebuild with many years of decreasing survival rate Sustainable review? Given that that was the context in and increasing morbidity.” which the ECMO decision was made, does it not seem In other words, he is concerned that lives will be lost. odd that the review committee will not now consider the decision to move ECMO? If the justification is that Another international ECMO expert, Dr Thomas Müller, there is a procedural argument that the various local says that authorities have asked the committee to consider the “in the interest of best patient care the decision to close down the outcome of the Safe and Sustainable review and that most experienced centre in the UK is difficult to comprehend.” ECMO was not part of that, fair enough; but it would Jim Fortenberry, the chair of the ECMO leadership leave a rather sour taste in the mouth of many campaigners council in Atlanta, has already been quoted in the who signed the petition. If that is the case, is there any debate. He said on BBC Radio Leicester that the ECMO way in which the ECMO decision can be reviewed? Can unit is the Secretary of State consider reversing the decision of the previous Secretary of State? Many of us who are “considered one of the finest ECMO units” involved in this cross-party campaign would be grateful and described it as a “real jewel”. When he was asked for guidance on that from the Minister. I am not sure on the radio whether he thought lives would be lost he whether the campaigners would feel pleased if, despite said: their winning the review, the ECMO unit were still to be “I do agree with that unfortunately, I think the risk is great”. shifted. International experts are therefore deeply concerned Many hon. Members want to speak, and because of about the moving of ECMO from Leicester to Birmingham. the cross-party nature of the campaign, we are probably One of their concerns is that the institutional memory, all making similar points, so I will conclude my remarks, built up over a generation by the team, will be lost. That but I encourage the Minister to focus on the point is one reason why I find it slightly disappointing when about ECMO. There is deep concern about it. People the Secretary of State presents the matter as just moving will be pleased about the review but concerned that equipment from Glenfield to Birmingham. We have ECMO seems to have been excluded from it, and I hope already heard that many of the staff feel that they will that she can give us some reassurance. not be able to move. I shall repeat the quotation from the letter that they sent us all, because it is worth 5.5 pm focusing on: “We are not in a position to leave our homes and families, to David Tredinnick (Bosworth) (Con): It is a pleasure move to Birmingham to work. As a team of (predominantly) to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I women, we are (predominantly) second wage earners, with husbands, offer many congratulations to my hon. and learned children and homes.” Friend the Member for Harborough (Sir Edward Garnier), 173WH Children’s Cardiac Surgery 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 174WH (Glenfield) (Glenfield) [David Tredinnick] working there: it is nicer for everybody than the Birmingham site, as is proven, I would suggest, by a survey showing who very deservedly received a knighthood recently. I that only 2% of the staff in Glenfield want to move to remind him that that is of course a tradition in his Birmingham. It is not just BBC current affairs programmes constituency, as his predecessor was also knighted. I that are jumpy about moving out of their current locations, served with Sir John Farr in my first Parliament, and he as there is a real problem with the decision to move did so much for hosiery and knitwear in his constituency. from Glenfield to Birmingham, as the hon. Member for I welcome my hon. Friend the Minister to the Front Leicester South said. The body of knowledge built up Bench. It is very nice to see her there. over 20 years will dissipate, because many of the people It is clear from remarks that hon. Members have who work at Glenfield simply will not move. made that there is universal and cross-party support for My next point involves the increased pressure on retaining children’s services at Glenfield. One of the Birmingham, which has been referred to. Can Birmingham first decisions of the new Secretary of State for Health deal with it? Somewhere in the briefing papers is a point was to call the matter that we are debating in for review. about Bristol. What happens if something goes wrong That bodes well, because my right hon. Friend did so at Bristol and patients are moved around? My hon. and well with the Olympics that I believe he will do just as learned Friend the Member for Harborough made the well as Secretary of State for Health. His decision point about the terrible tragedy in Wales, during which shows his light touch. The fact that we now have a patients have been brought to Glenfield. Is it wise to second chance to consider the issues, and the welcome concentrate all the resources in the midlands in one arrival of a letter today, saying that the Independent centre? I wonder whether it is. Reconfiguration Panel will commence a full review and report not later than 28 February, is a huge relief for the Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con): Birmingham county.My hon. Friend the Minister has already intervened is already having to send patients to Glenfield because to point out that she cannot second-guess what it will it cannot cope with the numbers. Does my hon. Friend say, but the point of today’s debate is to give Leicestershire not agree that it seems silly to close such a popular Members on both sides of the House an opportunity to centre? As he said, there will be a knock-on effect if show how concerned we are about the decision and to other centres close, but patients are already being sent make some points about it. from Birmingham to Glenfield, and children are being sent to different hospitals because there is no room at I shall not repeat the points made by my hon. Friend Birmingham. It seems absolutely crazy that my constituents the Member for Harborough or the hon. Member for cannot continue to use the Glenfield hospital, where so Leicester South (Jonathan Ashworth), who engagingly much expertise has been created over a number of described my hon. Friend as learned; I think, Mr Hollobone, years. that we are not allowed to do that any more. Did not the reforms of the House say that we could not call— David Tredinnick: I agree absolutely with my hon. Friend, who makes another valid point. Sir Edward Garnier: You can make an exception. I will not detain the House for long, as other hon. Members want to speak, but I want to make two more David Tredinnick: My hon. and learned Friend says I points. I have had letters from all over my constituency can make an exception for him, and I am delighted to from people who have benefited from Glenfield. Let us do that. think for a moment. Who put the money into the unit in The first point I want to make is that there is real the first place? Was it all Government money? No, it concern that we are working on faulty statistics. The was not. A lot of charities in Leicestershire have raised data used to make the decision were based on 2006-07. money to support the unit. What about their efforts? We need only consider the recent publication of the How will they feel, having struggled over the years to census in London to see the huge increase that there has provide a superb local service? It will be a great injustice been in population. There are shifting populations, and if that money is dissipated in a reorganisation. there is concern that the analysis is fundamentally flawed. I am delighted to see my hon. Friend the Minister in It is not only my right hon. Friend the Secretary of her place, and I congratulate my hon. and learned State for Health who has had to consider flawed data Friend the Member for Harborough and all the other recently. What about the west coast main line, whereby Leicestershire Members, including my hon. Friend the we found we were operating with completely inaccurate Member for Loughborough (Nicky Morgan) and the information? The right hon. Member for Newcastle hon. Member for Leicester West (Liz Kendall), across upon Tyne East (Mr Brown) nods his head. This can the Floor, who has worked on the issue. I say to my hon. happen in Departments, and we must take note of it. Friend the Minister that this is a critical problem. My hon. and learned Friend the Member for Please help us. Harborough and the hon. Member for Leicester South have addressed the issue of the ECMO link. To most 5.13 pm reasonable people, it seems absurd that the two decisions Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): It will not be linked. I am sure that there are legal arguments, is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, but somehow we must get a sensible decision so that Mr Hollobone. I welcome my hon. Friend the Minister both issues can be considered together. to her post and congratulate my hon. and learned The next point concerns the site of Glenfield. Glenfield Friend the Member for Harborough (Sir Edward Garnier) is a hugely popular hospital not just with patients, but on securing this important debate. with surgeons. From, one might say, a feng shui point of As the Member for North West Leicestershire, I view, it is on top of a hill outside the city, and it has a speak for a constituency roughly equidistant, in distance good, clean, clear energy. That is why everybody likes and travel time, from the Glenfield site and the Birmingham 175WH Children’s Cardiac Surgery 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 176WH (Glenfield) (Glenfield) children’s hospital site. For my constituents, there is there are no plans for any other ECMO provider, including nothing to choose between the two, so I have a position Birmingham children’s hospital, to use what my hon. of relative impartiality.I am interested in patient outcomes. and learned Friend the Member for Harborough termed I recently toured the congenital heart centre at Glenfield, the mobile retrieval service. That goes against the principle and two main concerns from the report were raised with of the whole review. me. The first was the issue of capacity and demand, The mobile retrieval service that Glenfield provides is which was raised by the hon. Member for Leicester a fundamental aspect of the service, and it partly explains South (Jonathan Ashworth) and my hon. Friend the why Glenfield produces so many positive outcomes. Its Member for Bosworth (David Tredinnick). The figures team travel by ambulance to the hospital where the sick given by the Department of Health were queried. It has child is located, taking all the necessary kit with them to been calculated that Birmingham children’s hospital start ECMO treatment. ECMO is then started on site will be expected to deal with 611 cases a year. However, and continued in the ambulance on the way back to clinical teams have suggested that it could be 900 to Glenfield, ensuring that children receive the treatment 1,000 procedures a year. Birmingham children’s hospital, as soon as possible at a time when their life expectancy having done its own modelling, expects the number of without treatment might be measured in hours rather procedures to be more than 900. than days, and avoiding a much riskier ambulance I understand that senior commissioners acknowledge journey on a simple ventilator. If that aspect of the that the number is likely to be significantly higher than service is not taken up by others in Glenfield’s absence, the figure of 611 used in the review, as does Sir Roger there is a danger that fewer children will survive horrific Boyle, the recently retired cardiac tsar, who initiated the illnesses. project. The calculations demonstrating that the closure Will the Minister clarify the level of scrutiny of the was a safe and sustainable option for the midlands, results achieved at Glenfield and Birmingham children’s which considered travel, access, quality, deliverability, hospital? Since the decision was made, the unit has sustainability and affordability, were based on 611 stated that it invited various members of the Safe and operations, not 900 or 1,000. Doctors at Glenfield doubt Sustainable review to Glenfield to show them the results very much that Birmingham children’s hospital has the of the past 10 years, which, it believes, demonstrate the capacity to handle that volume of work. In addition, success of its service. It has no record of that data being Birmingham children’s hospital has stated that it wishes shared previously, and I would welcome clarification on to move to a new site within 10 years, as it has already what data were looked at during the initial review reached the limit of what can be achieved in the space process. that it has. Based on that, I would like the points that I A significant concern, highlighted by my hon. and have raised to be addressed to ensure that the Safe and learned Friend the Member for Harborough and the Sustainable exercise was carried out using the correct hon. Member for Leicester South, is the fact that it data. cannot be assumed that the staff who deliver the service I turn to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or at Glenfield will relocate to Birmingham. Many live ECMO, a life support service currently delivered at east of Leicester and will find the commute to Birmingham Glenfield. There is a strong argument that the value of unviable. I understand from Glenfield hospital’s own the service has not been fully appreciated throughout surveys that a number of staff have indicated that they the review. Glenfield pioneered ECMO treatment in the are unwilling to move to the new unit. UK and delivers education, training and clinical support There is also concern regarding the air of uncertainty to other ECMO centres in the UK and abroad. Survival that surrounds these units. Once a unit is earmarked for after ECMO treatment in the Glenfield unit is far more closure, the most able and gifted personnel quickly find likely than in other UK and international centres—that jobs in other areas. That puts the process under great is, more children survive. strain and leads to a rise in mortality rates. I hope the Several concerns have been raised with me about the Minister gets on with this review as quickly as possible, Safe and Sustainable process for assessing the risks and so that we have a rapid resolution and can provide some practicalities of moving the service. I understand that reassurance to staff to ensure that we keep the service at only two experts were consulted about moving ECMO, its superb, world-class level. and that the Swedish ECMO expert Kenneth Palmer, of We need to ensure that the conclusions of the Safe the Karolinska Institute, has publicly expressed his and Sustainable review are safe and sustainable—not anger at how his views have been used to justify the only for the remaining structure of the NHS, but for move from Glenfield, and has withdrawn his support my constituents in North West Leicestershire and all for the process. Another issue is how a Sea King helicopter constituents in Leicester, Leicestershire, the east midlands carrying a patient might land in central Birmingham. and the midlands as a whole. I hope the Minister will Glenfield can handle that, because it designed a system take account of that. to accommodate it. Although the use of a Sea King helicopter is rare, we have heard that when they are 5.21 pm used, as in the recent fire in Wales, they are life-savers. I Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): It is a pleasure would welcome a further review of the matter. once again to take part in a debate under your chairmanship, I remain concerned that Birmingham children’s hospital Mr Hollobone. I join other hon. Members in congratulating will not see ECMO as a strategic priority and might my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Harborough contemplate splitting the service among other providers, (Sir Edward Garnier) on securing the debate. which would defeat the principles of the Safe and I feel like something of an intruder, coming from Sustainable review and put at risk the world-class results the remote parts of Lincolnshire to this east midlands that we are achieving. The review’s aim is to concentrate event. I rise to speak because many of my constituents’ expertise and deliver more positive outcomes. However, children and grandchildren have received treatment at 177WH Children’s Cardiac Surgery 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 178WH (Glenfield) (Glenfield) [Martin Vickers] not just the expertise. Parents and grandparents of children who have received treatment from these units Glenfield and Leeds, and I have campaigned with my know, from personal experience, the care and attention hon. Friend the Member for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew) that they provide, and they fear being shunted away. for the retention of the Leeds unit. We have centres of We have centres of excellence. Please, Minister, do excellence and we want to retain them. My constituency not rubber stamp a review that wants to close them. is at the end of the line and somewhat remote, so the Consider, first of all, the children who are treated by geography of where people receive life-or-death treatment these centres. is of particular concern. We joined the campaign for the Leeds unit and heard from parents how the distance to 5.28 pm the life-saving unit has made a big difference. Cleethorpes Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): It is a pleasure to is 80 miles from Leeds and 90 miles from Leicester. serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone, and to The alternatives suggested to my constituents—in follow such excellent speeches from hon. Members on Newcastle—have been a significant factor in the opposition both sides of the Chamber. I rise to speak both as the to the proposed changes. We already feel remote and shadow Health Minister and as the Member of Parliament out of it. I do not want to be frivolous, but if, for for Leicester West. My constituency is extremely fortunate example, some of my constituents were involved in an to include Glenfield hospital. I welcome the members of accident, Humberside police would attend and summon staff who have taken time out from their busy jobs and an ambulance from the east midlands, which would travelled a great distance to attend the debate, and I then take them to Grimsby hospital, which is administered thank them for doing so. by the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals The future of children’s heart surgery matters greatly NHS Foundation Trust. All these factors give people a to the thousands of people who signed the e-petition sense of unease, and a sense that they are at the end of that has made today’s debate possible. I thank the the line and do not matter. It is essential that we ensure Backbench Business Committee and the hon. and learned that services are as close as possible to the people. Member for Harborough (Sir Edward Garnier) for Parents will go to the ends of the earth to take their securing the debate. The issue also matters to thousands children to emergency treatment, but as a national of families right across the country, which is why my health service we have to ensure that services are, wherever right hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne possible, as close as possible to the centres of population. East (Mr Brown) and the hon. Member for Solihull We need to bear in mind the need to have centres of (Lorely Burt) have attended this afternoon. excellence, which, as the clinicians constantly tell us, The issue of children’s heart surgery has needed to be means more and more concentration, but remoteness resolved for many years. Following the findings of the will mean that these proposals are unlikely to be achieved. Bristol Royal Infirmary inquiry 10 years ago, clinicians and professional bodies, including the Royal College of Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): My hon. Friend is Nursing and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child making an important point. The Safe and Sustainable Health, have been very clear that children’s heart services review found, from its own independent advice, that need to change. patients in his constituency would not travel to the units The problem is that services in England have grown that would be kept open under the proposals. up ad hoc and are too thinly spread across the country for every child to get the best possible standards of care. Martin Vickers: My hon. Friend is right. I think it That is why the previous Government initiated the Safe was proposed that the likely number of operations and Sustainable review and why we continue to support taking place in Newcastle would be 403. That will not the principle of fewer, more specialist centres for children’s be achieved, because people in Cleethorpes and northern heart surgery. Lincolnshire will not travel to Newcastle; they will look The issue is whether the Safe and Sustainable review for alternatives. With doubts being cast on the centre at has fully considered all the relevant clinical evidence Birmingham, inevitably, if Leeds and Glenfield closed, in making its recommendations. The review has failed people would gravitate south rather than towards Newcastle. fully to consider the clinical implications of moving We have heard expressions of concern about the services from Glenfield, particularly the children’s ECMO process of consultation, and there is no doubt that the service. I fear that that mistake is about to be repeated, view that the consultation was flawed is widespread. because the new review being conducted by the Independent Indeed, my hon. Friend the Member for Pudsey drew Reconfiguration Panel, which we learned about earlier attention to that in an Adjournment debate a few weeks today, will not include discussion of the former Secretary ago. I appreciate that the Minister said, in an intervention, of State’s decision to sign off moving children’s ECMO that the review was by clinicians. The problem is that services from Glenfield to Birmingham. clinicians always tend to want to gather together in The two things cannot be separated and are inextricably more and bigger centres of excellence, and our constituents linked: what happens to the children’s heart surgery want as local a service as possible. happens to ECMO services. It is important to remember I hope that when the Minister and the Secretary of that any decisions about nationally commissioned specialist State make their decision they will consider other aspects. services, such as ECMO, must be signed off by the The expertise of the professionals is important, but Secretary of State. I assume that the former Secretary access to services is also important. The last thing that of State made that decision only because of the people want is a decision that comes from a review by recommendations of the Safe and Sustainable review, people they do not know and about whom they are so we need to ensure that any review of those doubtful—expert opinion—at the best of times. They recommendations looks at both ECMO and children’s want the Secretary of State to weigh up all the factors, surgery. 179WH Children’s Cardiac Surgery 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 180WH (Glenfield) (Glenfield) At the risk of repeating the many eloquent speeches If that is so in relation to children’s heart surgery that we have already heard, Leicester has one of the services, it also pertains to children’s ECMO services. largest ECMO units in the world and it has long experience, It was unfortunate that, in his letter to the chair of having started in 1989. Glenfield has built up a team of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel, the Secretary more than 80 ECMO specialists. It is the only unit in of State referred simply to moving the equipment of the the UK that can treat all age groups, which was critical ECMO service. It is not just equipment; it is about staff. during the H1N1 flu pandemic, because Leicester was It is clear that the majority of staff at Glenfield will be able to flex its service to treat up to 10 adults simultaneously unable to move due to family commitments. Many of while training people working in other adult centres the nurses there have homes, families and children, and and co-ordinating the national service, triaging all the they may be second earners. A family cannot simply be patients and providing the majority of the patient transport. uprooted and moved. Indeed, an anonymised survey of all staff at the unit found that 80% are “not at all likely” David Tredinnick: Will the hon. Lady dwell on the to move to Birmingham. Significantly, none of the mobile service, because that is often a last-hope service ECMO specialists who replied to the survey were able for patients? I am informed that, without the mobile to consider working in Birmingham. service, some patients would not survive. I am concerned that the Safe and Sustainable review has not considered the evidence about ECMO in sufficient Liz Kendall: The hon. Gentleman has predicted my detail. The review panel took advice about the future of next sentence. Leicester is also the only unit in England ECMO services from the advisory group for national and Wales to provide a mobile ECMO service for babies specialised services. There was no representative from and children. Once again, it is difficult, if not impossible, any UK or international professional ECMO body on to separate the adult ECMO service from the children’s the advisory group, so it commissioned a report from ECMO services. The two are linked. It is not just about ECMO experts, including Dr Kenneth Palmer, director equipment; it is about staff and teams working and of the ECMO unit at Karolinska university, whom learning together. several hon. Members have mentioned. I do not want to denigrate any hospital’s work, but I Following that report, the advisory group said that it understand that Birmingham has neither the capacity would be “possible”to move Glenfield’s children’s ECMO to continue the mobile ECMO service nor any plans to service. However, the question is not whether it is possible, develop a mobile ECMO service for children. That is a but whether it is desirable and whether it makes sense serious cause for concern and something that the to move one of the best-performing services—if not Independent Reconfiguration Panel must consider. the best, not just in this country but in Europe and Hon. Members have already talked about the outcomes internationally. That would not be considered in respect for ECMO patients at Glenfield being significantly of children’s heart surgery services, so why consider that better than elsewhere. This is not anecdotal opinion, for ECMO? but clinically audited, peer-reviewed evidence that has come from the very best clinical databases available in Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Mr Hollobone, I this country and internationally. Independently validated apologise for not being able to follow the whole debate; data from the UK paediatric intensive care unit database, I am participating in the debate on Hillsborough. or PICANet, show that survival rates are at least 50% A number of hon. Members from all parties have higher in Leicester. That difference in mortality is praised the work of the campaigners. Our best evidence maintained even when the severity of illness treated by that the facilities work comes from people such as Ria Glenfield is taken into account. Pahwa, the young girl from Rushey Mead in my Data from the best available international register, constituency, who had seven operations in Glenfield provided by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organisation, and who has been an essential part of this campaign. If support the evidence of good outcomes in Leicester and we are looking for evidence that the facilities need to show that crude mortality rates in Leicester are 19%, stay in Leicestershire, the evidence is in the campaigners but nearly twice as high in other centres, at 35%. Both themselves. those independent, validated data sources show the high quality of ECMO care provided at Leicester and Liz Kendall: We have all met many children, some of bring into sharp focus the risks of closing Glenfield’s whom are now adults, and families who have received children’s ECMO service. excellent care and support. It is important that we put A service cannot simply be picked up and moved to their views forward strongly and that the best peer-reviewed another city without losing vital skills and expertise. It and validated clinical evidence is considered in the new takes years to build up the quality of care to the same review. level. Interestingly, the Safe and Sustainable review As many hon. Members have said, Dr Palmer wrote explicitly addresses the time it takes to build up the to the former Secretary of State saying that he sharply quality of care in relation to children’s heart surgery. It opposes the use of his name for the proposed transfer of says: services from Leicester to Birmingham. A similar view “clinical outcomes improve with experience”, is taken by leading international ECMO experts from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organisation, which due to factors such as team working, as well as the also wrote to the former Secretary of State: experience of individual clinicians. The review says that “We are united in our dismay. We are united in our dismay at this is a the proposed move of ECMO services from the Glenfield programme “statistically significant observation in keeping with analysis which in Leicester to elsewhere…The Glenfield program is clearly and demonstrates historically, an8-10yearperiod of time before objectively recognised as one of the finest ECMO programs in the such a service matures to produce excellent clinical outcomes”. world. Movement of an established unit such as Glenfield in the 181WH Children’s Cardiac Surgery 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 182WH (Glenfield) (Glenfield) [Liz Kendall] service in the country for children’s heart surgery and close and move it, so no one should do that for ECMO manner described will have profound negative consequences on either. the outcomes of patients needing ECMO. This move…is one clearly likely to produce results that will have a human toll in The issue is of concern to my constituents and those increased deaths.” of hon. Members from throughout the east midlands, and to families everywhere in the country. Such people That is why the specific evidence on ECMO must be include Clare Johnson, a constituent of my right hon. fully considered, including by the new review. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull West and An issue raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Hessle (Alan Johnson). She contacted my right hon. Leicester South (Jonathan Ashworth) and several other Friend to tell him about the experience of her son, hon. Members must also be considered by the new Michael. Michael was born in July last year with severe Independent Reconfiguration Panel: whether the meconium aspiration, which means that his lungs fill assumptions about the level of cases remain based on with a substance that makes it very difficult to breathe. the best available evidence. The Safe and Sustainable His lungs haemorrhaged and his heart failed. The paediatric review looked at surgical activity data from the central mobile ECMO service from Leicester came to collect cardiac audit database for 2002 to 2006—the latest him and transferred him to Glenfield. He was on the evidence available at the time—which suggest that the ECMO machine 24 hours a day for four days; when he number of cases for heart surgery would remain roughly came off it, his heart and lungs were working for stable over the next 20 years. New validated data, however, themselves. Ms Johnson said: are now available for three more years—to 2010—showing “As soon as the team arrived to prepare him for transfer, their a consistent rise in activity, suggesting that adult and evident skill and professionalism gave us that very first glimmer paediatric activity will each increase by approximately of hope…The care we received was second to none.” 75 cases per year. Ms Johnson continued: We also have new evidence from the Office for National “although I am not the best person to point out facts and figures, Statistics about population growth, which comes from I cannot help but pore over the evidence available and the main data published in October last year and indicates that thing that strikes me is the ECMO survival rate”, there will be substantial increases in the number of which is so much better. She said: nought to four-year-olds, in particular in the east midlands, “Glenfield is the only unit to offer Mobile ECMO”— the east of England and London. That causes real concern about whether Birmingham will be able to cope the very service to save her son—and concludes: with all the extra cases that it will receive. “I understand that I probably sound like a Mother who is just wanting to support the unit who saved her baby’s life”— Birmingham’s case load will also increase because of the closure of Northern Ireland’s children’s heart surgery but— services. The Safe and Sustainable review reports an “My beautiful baby boy Michael Martin Johnson died at all-Ireland framework, with Northern Ireland cases going 10.40 pm, 8 days after his birth and 3 hours after being transferred to Dublin, but that will take several years to establish back to Hull from Leicester. He had a reaction to some medication he was given and died very suddenly and unexpectedly of a severe and, in the meantime, a significant and increasing number gastric perforation. A successful result will not bring my son of babies will continue to travel to Birmingham. back. But it WILL prevent other mothers from losing their child, The Birmingham children’s hospital itself is concerned as that IS the ultimate and inevitable result that stopping ECMO about whether it has the capacity to cope with all the at Glenfield will have.” extra cases that it will receive from a closing Glenfield, Clare Johnson makes the case far more eloquently from the likely increase in surgical activity, from the than I ever can. I hope that the IRP looks properly at increase in population, in particular among the nought Glenfield’s ECMO service and at the real benefits that it to fours, and from the increase in cases coming from brings. The Minister has rightly said it is up to the IRP Northern Ireland. The hospital, I understand, has analysed to consider the evidence, but it was the new Secretary of the case load and produced an internal paper concluding State who decided not to include ECMO as part of the that it would have to perform 1,000 cases a year, which review—that is what he says in his letter today—and is at the very limit of what the Safe and Sustainable that is a mistake, because the two services need to be review panel reported as a safe number for cases to be looked at together. I ask the Minister to explain why the treated. I urge the IRP—rather than the Minister, if she Secretary of State has explicitly excluded ECMO from cannot do anything—to look at whether that paper has the new review. That is the wrong decision and I hope been written and to assess all such evidence in its review. that it will be changed. Finally, like the previous Government, this Government rightly want changes to children’s heart surgery services Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): After the Minister so that they provide not only safe standards of care but has spoken, I will call Sir Edward Garnier to wind up excellent, high-quality standards for every child in every the debate. part of the country. Just as they want that for children’s heart surgery services, they must also want that for 5.47 pm children’s ECMO services. It is not good enough to say The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health that it is possible to move a service; we want to know (Anna Soubry): It is a pleasure to serve under your whether it is desirable to move a service to get the very chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I congratulate my hon. best outcomes. and learned Friend the Member for Harborough Glenfield survival rates are 50% higher than any (Sir Edward Garnier) on securing the debate and other other unit’s in this country and internationally. It will Members on all the contributions that we have heard take at least five and probably up to 10 years to redevelop this afternoon. I pay tribute to all Members who have the same quality of service. No one would take the best attended today, as well as those who have spoken. My 183WH Children’s Cardiac Surgery 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 184WH (Glenfield) (Glenfield) hon. Friend the Member for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew) The review will consider whether the proposals for attended the debate but, unusually perhaps, has not change under the Safe and Sustainable review of children’s made a speech, although we have not been discussing congenital heart services will enable the provision of the hospital for which he has campaigned so hard. safe, sustainable and accessible services, and if not, why not. The panel’s review will also be able to consider how I pay tribute to all Members who have spoken in the JCPCT made its decisions and—hon. Members numerous debates in the House, who have written letters may think that this is the most important point—the to Ministers, who have met and conferred with local implications of those decisions for other services. groups and experts and who have spoken at length to their ordinary constituents. As a result, we have heard a The Independent Reconfiguration Panel today received moving story from the hon. Member for Leicester West instruction from the Secretary of State and will now (Liz Kendall) about the sort of services offered at begin to consider how to constitute its review. It is, of Glenfield, and there are many more stories to be told course, a matter for the panel to decide how to conduct about children’s heart services centres throughout England. that review. It is an independent body, but I make it All such Members have campaigned locally to have clear that it will look at all the decisions and—for many decisions overturned or reviewed in some way, or to hon. Members this is most important—at the implications ensure that the right decisions have been made on the of those decisions, which includes the implications for right basis. They have brought such arguments and the unit at Glenfield. their campaigns to the House, as they should do, because each of them is doing their job as a first-class, local Stuart Andrew rose— constituency MP by bringing important issues to this place. Liz Kendall rose— I also pay tribute to great cross-party work, which my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Harborough Anna Soubry: I shall give way to my right hon. Friend mentioned, both in Parliament and locally. Forgive me the Member for Pudsey, then to the hon. Member for for speaking not only as a Minister but with my other Leicester West. cap on as the Member of Parliament for Broxtowe. On my local television service, I have seen and witnessed Stuart Andrew: I thank my hon. Friend for the such cross-party work, which is to be commended; such promotion. I am grateful that there has also been cross-party issues are not party political and certainly nothing to do support in the campaign to keep the unit in Leeds open. with any alleged cuts. This is about how we ensure that I want absolute clarification on the IRP. Will she assure our children and babies get the very best heart surgery me that it will consider the whole decision-making services that we can give them. process, including the initial assessments and all the data that were submitted? That is where many of us I must pick out my hon. Friend the Member for believe there to be inaccuracies, which have brought Loughborough (Nicky Morgan) and the hon. Member about the wrong decision. for Leicester West, who together have spearheaded the campaign, but I also pay tribute to all the work and effort of the hon. Member for Leicester South (Jonathan Anna Soubry: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. It will Ashworth), who joined them at the meetings. Everyone be for the IRP to decide the full extent of its review of involved in the process up to the decision of the joint all the decisions that have been made, but the points committee of primary care trusts has been motivated by that he has made here and in various letters will no the very highest of intentions to ensure that our children doubt be put to it for consideration. I am told that, so and babies receive the very finest heart surgery services far, it has not had a formal request from Leeds city that we can provide, and that those services are sustainable. council’s overview and scrutiny committee, and perhaps he can prevail on the committee to make that submission I will deal with as many of the points that have been as a matter of urgency, so that we can all be absolutely raised today as I can. As I said at the outset, hon. sure that the review will be concluded by the end of Members should make and have made their points so February, and that there will be as few delays as possible. that they can be recorded—not just so that their constituents can see how they have advanced the argument, but so Liz Kendall: The Secretary of State’s letter today says that those who, in turn, must look at the decisions that that his decision regarding removal of ECMO from have been made and consider the arguments can see Glenfield to Birmingham should not form part of the how important these matters are, because they have review. Is the Minister saying that the IRP will not look been raised in Parliament by local Members. at the Secretary of State’s decision, but that it can look I turn to what has happened today and what is, in at ECMO services, although not at what he said? I am some respects, the nub of the debate, which has been afraid that that is still unclear. very good. As many hon. Members know, councils have a right to challenge the JCPCT’s decision, and today the Anna Soubry: I am grateful for that intervention. I Secretary of State has agreed that the Independent will explain why the Secretary of State has not been able Reconfiguration Panel should conduct a full review. I to review the previous Secretary of State’s decision in will come to what that means in a moment. He has this way. However, I am making it clear that the IRP asked the panel to report back by the end of February—my will look at the implications of the decisions, and I will hon. Friend the Member for North West Leicestershire shortly turn to why the previous Secretary of State’s (Andrew Bridgen) was worried about the time factor—or, decision is not part of the process. I will then answer and this may concern my hon. Friend, after conclusion some of the specific points that have been raised by the of the legal proceedings brought by a Leeds-based hon. Member for Leicester South, but I want to finish charity, which may delay things, although I hope not. dealing with the IRP. 185WH Children’s Cardiac Surgery 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 186WH (Glenfield) (Glenfield) [Anna Soubry] The question, as it has been rightly put today, is whether there is any challenge now to that decision. I More generally, in undertaking its review—this may am told that that is for the Secretary of State; he can, in assist my hon. Friend the Member for Pudsey—the IRP exceptional circumstances, revisit that decision if those will interview and take evidence from a number of exceptional circumstances are made out. If the IRP parties, including, but not limited to, NHS organisations, wants another full review of all that has happened—it local authorities and local Members of Parliament. effectively calls into question the whole process, and so That will normally include evidence used in developing on—it obviously flows from that that the ECMO children’s recommendations and proposals, taking decisions and service at Leicester must be retained in that event, national guidance. because it flows from the JCPCT’s decision about where I turn to the specific point about why the decision to to have the specialist children’s heart services. In any move the children’s ECMO services over to Birmingham case, if there is some other new or exceptional evidence from Glenfield is not part of the review, or at least part that can be placed before the Secretary of State, or that of today’s decisions. Decisions about ECMO for children he is aware of, he may be able to look again at the at Leicester being moved to Birmingham follow from decision that was made by the previous Secretary of the decision to transfer heart surgery to Birmingham. State. I hope that that is of some help. I can go no In other words, it was a consequence of the JCPCT’s further and give no more detail, except, safe to say, that decision. Children’s ECMO services are a nationally I am told that that is a rare and unusual event. commissioned service, so the decision was taken by the I remind everyone, as I conclude my remarks, what Secretary of State, not the JCPCT. The Secretary of led to the review, the recommendations and the decisions. State made his decision based on the Advisory Group Concern about children’s heart services began a long for National Specialised Services. To be clear, the JCPCT time ago as a result of serious incidents in Bristol back having made the decision, AGNSS then looked at the in the 1990s. For some 15 years, therefore, it has been children’s ECMO services at Leicester and recommended accepted, almost by everyone, that children’s heart surgeries to the Secretary of State that, in light of the JCPCT’s were of great concern. National patient groups all agreed decision, those services should also be transferred to that what was needed was to make sure that we had Birmingham. surgeons, nurses and other health professionals based in I want to make it clear that it is unfortunate that the larger, but fewer, specialised centres. That is why, as the word “equipment” is used. I am more than aware that hon. Member for Leicester West has identified, the the matter involves considerably more than pieces of previous Government set up the review. In many ways, equipment at Glenfield, and I pay full tribute to the it took courage to do so, because there had been a lot of team who work there, and indeed to the children’s heart talk about the issue but not much action. Everyone surgery team there and to every team throughout the agreed absolutely that reducing the number of centres country. It is important to make it clear that no one is was necessary, so that we would have bigger numbers of saying that a good service is not being provided, or that surgeons, nurses and other specialists, and that the a service is bad or poor. The issue is all about ensuring service could be better, but in fewer units. Therefore, to that we get the very best service in fewer but bigger put it crudely, somebody was always going to lose out. centres. Although I have listened with great care to the remarks made by my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes David Tredinnick: The Minister said that the issue is (Martin Vickers), this is an example in which we do not all about patients getting the best service, but I take her want a greater number of smaller units; it is a good back to the point about the mobile service, which has example of where we want fewer, but much bigger units. been the subject of the thoughts of various hon. Members. It is perhaps worth remembering that children’s heart Is there any way we can ensure that that aspect of the surgery has advanced considerably over the years, so service is fully considered? If Birmingham will not that surgeons now operate on children who are often commit to providing a mobile service, it is crystal clear only two days old, with hearts the size of walnuts. It is that a number of patients will suffer. argued that it is the most specialist, delicate and difficult of all surgery. Anna Soubry: I am grateful for that intervention. It may be argued that that is one of the implications of the It is not surprising, given the service’s nature—the JCPCT’s decisions. The children’s ECMO services at fact that it is for children and babies—that so many Leicester are being been moved over to Birmingham. people who have experienced what Glenfield provides That is an implication of that decision. Another implication speak with such passion about it, and why they are so is that there are concerns about the mobile unit for concerned about its future. That, too, goes for other children’s ECMO as well. places that have been told their facilities will be moved The previous Secretary of State accepted the away—for example, from Leeds up to Newcastle. I pay recommendations of AGNSS—the advisory group for tribute to all who have gone to the trouble of signing the nationalised specialist services—and it is that information e-petition in support of Glenfield. I can speak about the to which the hon. Member for Leicester South referred great campaign that was organised, having attended a when he told us about his meetings with the then Leicester Tigers rugby match some time last year; every Minister, now the Minister of State, Department for seat had a leaflet on it and an event was organised in Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for support of Glenfield. Other places, too, have organised Chelmsford (Mr Burns). The recommendations of AGNSS campaigns, and rightly so. It is an indication of the are made to the Secretary of State, on, as I understand passion and loyalty that such services engender in people. it, a confidential basis. It is not normal for them to be There has, however, been a long process. There has disclosed, but the previous Secretary of State made his been an independent review, aimed at ensuring that our decision based on the advice of that service. children are operated on safely and given the very best 187WH Children’s Cardiac Surgery 22 OCTOBER 2012 Children’s Cardiac Surgery 188WH (Glenfield) (Glenfield) services. As a result, tough decisions have been taken by The House does itself no great service if it shilly-shallies the JCPCT. It has done that independently, and with around process and avoids the question. As Members considerable support from clinicians, royal colleges and of Parliament, we must ensure that the question is put. many eminent bodies, as well as others who have spoken The question this afternoon has been put, and the out in favour the proposals. However, today’s decision Minister has done her best to answer it, but the message by the Secretary of State is to be welcomed. Everybody that she must take back to her Department is that we can now be assured that there will be an independent are not as fascinated as some of her departmental review of the decision—I stress the word “independent”. lawyers might be by who made which decision and I have also made my observations about the possibility, whether or not the joint committee of PCTs is an if there is new evidence in exceptional circumstances, independent reviewing body. that the previous Secretary of State’s decision about the The Secretary of State has the levers of power in this future of children’s ECMO at Glenfield may also be question and he must pull them—he must exercise considered. them—and make a decision. That is what he is paid to I hope that that will give some reassurance to hon. do, what he was appointed by my right hon. Friend the Members who have attended the debate. All their comments Prime Minister to do and what he was elected to Parliament are listened to by both the Department and myself. It is to do. I am sure that the Minister will give him every to be hoped that the review will be thorough, as I am assistance in reaching what is the inevitable answer to sure that it will be, and it will be swift; it will be the questions posed this afternoon—namely, that the concluded by the end of February. Glenfield ECMO unit, for children and adults, and the Glenfield cardiac services unit should remain open. 6.6 pm I do not care who made the decision or how the dainty route was created to get to it. We all know that Sir Edward Garnier: I thank everyone who has the current decision is wrong and needs to be dealt with. contributed to the debate—whether the Minister, the The Minister, please, will go back to her Department Opposition Front Bencher or Back Benchers. It has and inform the Secretary of State that Parliament thinks been a thoroughly useful, informed and informative that that decision is wrong and that Parliament requires debate, and I am grateful to everyone who has assisted the Government, through the Department, to change it. in the process. How they do that is up to them, but they must do it. On the process, I suspect that my hon. Friend the I thank the Minister for her patience in listening to Minister was tiptoeing around the issue, not wishing to us. I thank her for dealing with a difficult and, as she trespass across a difficult line, but it is important not to rightly says, emotionally charged subject. None the less, confuse process with what we are sent here to do as we have to set aside the emotion and the personal and Members of Parliament and as Ministers, which is not heart-rending stories, make the right decision and just to confuse the substance with the means by which we get on with it. I look forward to the Secretary of State make decisions. Our constituents expect us, as elected writing us another letter, in a very short space of time, politicians, to come here and speak for them and say in which he adds to the letter of today’s date a decision things that may be disobliging to those who hold the to review the ECMO matter as well, because, as we all levers of power—and that is what we have done. know, it is not possible to separate the two, and it is not I know that the Minister is concerned—of course, she possible to separate us, as elected representatives for our should be—that anything she says might be taken as constituents, from this issue. We will stick to it like a ammunition that would fuel someone’s thoughts about barnacle until we are satisfied that the matter has been a judicial review of a decision made by a previous properly resolved. I look forward to having further such Secretary of State, and I do not want to push her in any discussions with my hon. Friend the Minister in the direction that might cause her that problem. None the very near future, but I thank her most sincerely for her less, we all know what lies behind her careful words. At presence here today and her contribution. least I do—I am sure that many others do as well—and Question put and agreed to. I am entitled, as she is not, to rip away that veil and get Resolved, to the heart of this question: what is to happen to the That this House has considered the e-petition from Adam ECMO services, both adult and children’s, at the Glenfield Tansey relating to children’s cardiac surgery at the East Midlands centre, and what is to happen to the cardiac services for Congenital Heart Centre at Glenfield, Leicester. children at Glenfield? As has been agreed across the Chamber this afternoon, those are inextricably linked 6.11 pm questions. Sitting adjourned.

43WS Written Ministerial Statements22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 44WS

The Government believe that it is in our national Written Ministerial interest that the Irish economy is successful and its banking system is stable. The Government continue to Statements support Ireland’s efforts to improve its economic situation.

Monday 22 October 2012 HOME DEPARTMENT Consultation on Firearms Control BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS (Government Response)

Contingency Fund Advance The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian Green): The Home Secretary launched the “Consultation The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and on Legislative Changes to Firearms Control” on the Skills (Vince Cable): The Department for Business, 8 February 2012. Innovation and Skills wishes to recruit a chief executive The consultation looked at the need for a new offence officer (CEO) for the proposed Competition and Markets for possession of illegal firearms with intent to supply Authority (CMA) before Royal Assent has been received and whether the penalty for illegal importation and for the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill which exportation of firearms should be increased. Today, I will create the CMA. am announcing the Government’s response to that The CMA CEO will play a critical role in leading the consultation. organisational design of the CMA and reform of its Gun crime and drug offences cause considerable harm competition processes ensuring that greater speed and to our communities and are linked to organised crime rigour of decision making is delivered, in line with the and so we believe that the law for importing and supplying Government’s response to their consultation on competition firearms should be no less serious than importing class reform. The CMA CEO-designate, in conjunction with A drugs. the CMA chair-designate, my noble Fiend Lord David Having carefully considered the consultation responses Currie, will need to effectively manage the transition to from a broad range of key partners it is clear that there the CMA bringing together the Office of Fair Trading is strong support for taking a tougher stance on control and the Competition Commission into a single new of prohibited firearms. body by October 2013. To help achieve this objective We will: the CMA CEO will need to be in post early 2013. Increase the maximum penalty for illegal importation of Parliamentary approval for resource cover for this firearms to life imprisonment. new service will be sought in a supplementary estimate Create a new offence of “possession with intent to supply” for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Pending that approval, urgent expenditure estimated at Subsequently, we will bring forward the necessary up to £220,000 will be met by repayable cash advances legislation as soon as the parliamentary schedule allows. from the Contingencies Fund. A copy of the summary of consultation responses and the related impact assessment will be placed in the House Library. TREASURY WORK AND PENSIONS Bilateral Loan to Ireland Equality 2025 (Triennial Review) The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark): I would like to update the House on the loan to Ireland. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work Ireland completed the seventh quarterly review of its and Pensions (Esther McVey): Later today I will launch International Monetary Fund and European Union a review of Equality 2025 advisory non-departmental programme of financial assistance on 13 September public body. As part of the Government’s continuing 2012, following which, the utilisation period for the drive for efficiency and effectiveness all Departments fifth instalment of the UK bilateral loan began. are required to review their arm’s length bodies at least Upon request, the Treasury disbursed the fifth instalment once every three years. The review will be carried out by of £403.37 million on 19 October 2012, with a maturity the Office for Disability Issues within the Department date of 20 April 2020. for Work and Pensions. The review will be looking at: The interest rate charged on the loan is calculated as Whether the purposes for which Equality 2025 were established set out in the loan agreement as the UK’s cost of funds are still necessary. Whether the services currently undertaken by Equality 2025 plus a service fee of 0.18 basis points per annum, to deliver these purposes are still appropriate, adequate and creating an effective per annum interest rate on this effective. tranche of the loan of 2.372%. The UK more than Whether these services are best carried out by an advisory covers its cost of funds. non-departmental public body; and, if so, how might Equality The Treasury will provide a further report to Parliament 2025’s performance be enhanced and improved? in relation to the bilateral loan as required under the Once completed, the outcome of the review will be Loans to Ireland Act 2010 as soon as is practicable published in spring 2013 on the Office for Disability following the end of the next reporting period, which Issues website, I will also place a copy in the Libraries of ends on 31 March 2013. both Houses.

7P Petitions22 OCTOBER 2012 Petitions 8P

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Petitions Commons urges the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, to make provision for post offices to be Monday 22 October 2012 operated on a voluntary basis so that communities such as ours may gain an invaluable service. OBSERVATIONS And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Stephen Williams, Official Report, 5 September 2012; Vol. 549, c. 353.] BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS [P001115] Post Office facilities (Bargeddie) Observations from the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills: The Petition of residents of the Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill constituency, The Government note the views of the residents of Bristol West constituency in their calling for the reopening, Declares that the Petitioners support the continued on a voluntary basis, of Alma Vale post office, which presence of the Bargeddie post office as well as the closed in July 2008 under the Network Change Programme maintenance of DVLA provision and other facilities of the previous Government. Under the two closure there. programmes of the previous Government, 12 post offices The Petitioners therefore request that the House of closed in the Bristol West constituency. Commons urges the Department for Business, Innovation The Government note that the implementation of the and Skills, to make provision for the Bargeddie post Network Change Programme was an operational matter office to remain open and for the provision of DVLA for Post Office Ltd, and Ministers did not, and do not, and other connected facilities to be continued. play any role in decisions relating to individual post And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr Tom office branches. It is noted that there are currently Clarke, Official Report, 11 September 2012; Vol. 550, 13 open post offices in Bristol West constituency, and c. 254.] the nearest branch to the site of the former Alma Vale branch is Cotham Hill post office, approximately 0.4 miles [P001116] away. Observations from the Secretary of State for Business, The Government note that strict access criteria are in Innovation and Skills: force which includes a requirement that 95% of the The Government note the support of the residents of total urban population across the UK is to be within Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill constituency for the one mile of a post office outlet. The Government further current provision of services at Bargeddie post office note that Post Office Ltd is exceeding this target, with and their wish to see them maintained. 99.1% of the urban population nationally living within The Government note that decisions relating to the one mile of a post office. location and provision of post office services in individual cases are an operational matter for Post Office Ltd and The Government note that customers from branches the Government have no role in them. which closed under the Network Change Programme will by now have migrated to a number of neighbouring The Government note that Post Office Ltd has advised branches, increasing customer sessions and making these that there are no plans to change the current post office branches more sustainable and viable for the future. service provision or range of services provided at Bargeddie Post Office Ltd must take into account the potential post office. effect on neighbouring branches when deciding whether Post Offices (Clifton, Bristol) to open or reopen a post office branch and will not do so if this would have an unacceptably adverse effect on The Petition of residents of Bristol West constituency, nearby branches. The Government note that Post Office Declares that the Petitioners support the proposed Ltd considers that reopening a branch at Alma Vale reopening of the Clifton Mini Market post office. would threaten the viability of neighbouring branches.

559W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 560W Written Answers to Art Works Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Questions Olympics, Media and Sport how much her Department spent on items of art from May 2010 to the latest month for which figures are available. [123123] Friday 19 October 2012 Mr Vaizey: The Department has spent £239,888 on [Continued from Column 558W] items of art since May 2010. This amount is broken down as follows:

£ CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT May 2010 to March 2011 197,948 Anniversaries April 2011 to March 2012 1,540 April 2012 to present 40,400 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport which anniversaries her Arts Department has begun planning commemorations for in (a) 2013, (b) 2014 and (c) 2015. [122483] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Mr Vaizey: On 11 October 2012 the Prime Minister Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate her Department announced a series of measures to commemorate the has made of the average percentage change in the centenary of the first world war. The Government’s productivity of the (a) creative industries and (b) preparations will include national commemorations for tourism industry in each month since May 2010. key events, including the outbreak of the war on 4 [122442] August 2014. Mr Vaizey: The Department for Culture, Media and Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Sport (DCMS) considers the economic impact of the Olympics, Media and Sport what plans her tourism and creative industries sectors in terms of output Department has for a national commemoration of the and employment, but we do not calculate productivity 100th anniversary of the First World War. [122378] measures (for either labour or capital). The Office for National Statistics Tourism Satellite Account estimates Mr Vaizey: On 11 October 2012 the Prime Minister output and employment for tourism and the DCMS’ announced a series of measures to commemorate the creative industries economic estimates calculate output centenary of the first world war. Working with key and employment for the creative industries. The latest partners including the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Imperial publications of which can be found at the following War Museum and the Commonwealth War Graves links: Commission, the Government’s preparations will include http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/tourism/tourism-satellite- national commemorations for key events such as the account/2009---the-economic-importance-of-tourism/ outbreak of the war on 4 August 2014, the first day of index.html the battle of the Somme on 1 July 2016 and Armistice and Day 11 November 2018. The centenary will also provide http://www.culture.gov.uk/publications/8682.aspx the foundations upon which to build an enduring cultural and educational legacy. A new Centenary Education Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Programme, with more than £5 million of new Government Olympics, Media and Sport what progress she has made funding, will include the opportunity for pupils and on improving the productivity of the (a) tourism industry, teachers from every state secondary school to research (b) creative industries and (c) leisure industries. [122443] the people who served in the great war. Also, the Centenary Partnership Programme will promote a series of Mr Vaizey: With regard to tourism, we are delivering community-based initiatives, and a further £5 million major new international and domestic campaigns on will be made available to support the Transforming the back of the Olympic and Paralympic games, improving Imperial War Museum London project. the local tourism structure and making it more self- sustaining, cutting regulation and red tape, a key concern Apprentices for small businesses in the industry. We are improving the visitor journey by working with colleagues in the Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for UK Border Agency and Department for Transport to Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) how many (a) improve visa processes and the transport infrastructure. paid apprentices and (b) paid interns are employed in The Creative Industries Council, jointly chaired by her Department; [123074] Secretaries of State for the Department for Culture, (2) how many apprentices working in her Department Media and Sport and the Department for Business, are (a) paid and (b) completing a qualification as part Innovation and Skills, was established to look at barriers of the apprenticeship. [123073] to growth in the creative industries. Working groups within the council have produced specific reports on Hugh Robertson: There are currently no paid apprentices access to finance and skills. The Council has welcomed or interns working within the Department for Culture, both reports and the recommendations are being taken Media and Sport. forward by Government and industry.In addition, in Budget 561W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 562W

2012 the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the Hugh Robertson: The 10 most valuable (a) movable introduction of three new tax reliefs for high end TV, and (b) immovable assets owned by the Department for video games and animation, building on the success of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are as follows: the film tax relief. (a) Movable assets The Live Music Act 2012, which came into force on 1 The 10 most valuable movable assets owned by the October 2012, removed regulatory burdens and costs Department for Culture, Media and Sport are works of from hundreds of pubs, clubs, and workplaces making art within the Government Art Collection. it easier to stage live music. The Act also removes the It is not possible to give an accurate estimate of the need for licences for unamplified music in other locations, value of the Government Art Collection, which has no helping performing musicians get started. In addition, current market valuation. The current monetary value we will shortly be announcing further measures to of a work of art can be accurately assessed only at the remove bureaucracy from cultural and sporting activities time of purchase or sale or by professional valuation. In following a recent consultation, which will boost the former case, the collection is not actively traded; in productivity in the leisure and creative sectors more the latter, it would not be justified expenditure of public widely. funds to have the whole collection valued professionally. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, (b) Immovable assets Olympics, Media and Sport what recent assessment she The freehold of Blythe House at Olympia, London has made of the effect on local communities of art W14, is owned by the Department. This was valued in displayed in public places. [122479] the Department’s 2010-11 accounts at a depreciated replacement cost of £18,400,000 (valuation date 31 Mr Vaizey: The Department has made no such March 2009). Blythe House is not carried on the assessment. Department’s balance sheet as the risks and rewards of ownership are considered to lie with the three museums Arts Council England occupying the building for storage. Each of these museums discloses the value of their share in their balance sheet. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, The nine next most valuable immovable assets are Olympics, Media and Sport how much Arts Council managed by the Department’s agency, The Royal Parks, England has set aside for redundancy payments in and are as follows: respect of its proposed restructuring; what proportion £ of that sum the organisation plans to spend on redundancy payments to employees in each English region; and if The Hub 3,332,793 she will make a statement. [122464] Diana Memorial Fountain 3,320,000 (Kensington Gardens) Mr Vaizey: We are seeking to reduce administrative Inn the Park (St James’s Park) 2,664,752 costs across a range of public bodies. It is for each Serpentine Gallery (Kensington 3,345,565 individual public body to deliver their administrative Gardens) budget reduction targets in a way that is affordable and Queen Mother Memorial 2,000,000 delivers value for money. However, the Department is The Old Police House (Hyde 1,979,682 contributing £3.4 million to Arts Council England’s Park) restructuring costs. The Arts Council has budgeted for Lookout Project 1,695,953 £5.5 million in redundancy payments as part of its Welcome Centre (Broom 1,600,000 organisational review. The Arts Council is currently in Clumps) formal consultation with staff and unions and nothing Pembroke Lodge (Richmond 1,325,905 is final until the consultation ends later this month. Park) Until this process has been completed, the Arts Council is unable to provide a breakdown of anticipated redundancy Battle of Waterloo: Anniversaries costs on a regional basis. Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Arts: Education Olympics, Media and Sport what role her Department will have in events to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo in 2015. [123381] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much her Department Hugh Robertson: Discussions have been taking place has spent on arts bursary awards for people aged under within Government to determine how best to formally 25 since May 2010. [123114] commemorate, in 2015, the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, although these are at a very early Mr Vaizey: The Department has given £500,000 to stage. Some planning is already being carried out by the Jerwood Bursaries scheme. Waterloo 200, an umbrella organisation which is overseeing the anniversary, and more information can be found on Assets its website at the following link: www.waterloo200.org Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, In addition, initiatives are being organised by a number Olympics, Media and Sport what the 10 most valuable of national and regional military museums to mark the (a) movable and (b) immovable assets owned by her occasion, including the National Army Museum and Department are. [122474] relevant regimental museums, which come under the 563W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 564W remit of the Ministry of Defence. There is also likely to Mr Vaizey: The sale to tenants of rented houses in be some commemorative activity at associated heritage cathedral closes is a private matter for each Dean and sites such as Apsley House, the home of the Duke of Chapter. Wellington, and Walmer Castle. English Heritage carried out a fabric survey into the condition of cathedrals in 2009. This research demonstrated Bell Towers that the majority of cathedrals are now in better condition than they have been for a century and are in a reasonably Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, good state, given their age and complexity as buildings. Olympics, Media and Sport which bell towers have Consultants received grants from public funds in the last 12 months. [122426] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Mr Vaizey: Funds are available from public sources Olympics, Media and Sport how many consultants for to support repairs to bell towers where they are part of which her Department is responsible were employed in listed places of worship. Such support includes the (a) museums, (b) historic palaces, (c) parks, (d) Listed Places of Worship Scheme and the one-off galleries and (e) heritage sites and became permanent Department for Culture, Media and Sport capital grant members of staff following the end of their contract in scheme for 2012-13. Funding is also available from each of the last two years. [122478] English Heritage, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the £56 million DCMS, HLF and Arts Council Hugh Robertson: The Department for Culture, Media England ″Catalyst: Endowment″ Fund. and Sport does not record this information centrally, and to collate it could be achieved only at disproportionate Data are not available about the amounts dispersed cost. specifically for works to bell towers or the location of bell towers that have benefited. Cultural Heritage

British Library Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what (a) heritage and (b) Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, conservation sites there are in each region. [122425] Olympics, Media and Sport what the total cost was of consultants employed by the British Library in each of Mr Vaizey: Details of all nationally protected historic the last five years. [122484] places in England are now available online at: http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/ Mr Vaizey: The information requested has been provided which is searchable by region. in the following table. In addition, English Heritage publishes Heritage Counts each year on behalf of the heritage sector, which provides Consultancy expense (£) details on the extent and condition of heritage assets in 2007-08 1,593,543 each region. The latest report and statistics are available 2008-09 1,388,356 from: 2009-10 869,687 www.heritagecounts.org.uk 2010-11 312,366 2011-12 199,254 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Total 4,363,206 Olympics, Media and Sport what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of conservation of literary landmarks. [122445] British Museum Mr Vaizey: I have made no specific assessment. However, Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, English Heritage is aware of the claims of literary Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions she interest and strives to identify such connections with has had with the Board of Trustees of the British buildings, both through listing and through the Blue Museum on the future management of its Parthenon Plaques scheme. Many writers’ tombs are also listed. marble exhibits. [122460] Government guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework and English Heritage’s own Conservation Mr Vaizey: I have had no such discussions. Issues Principles stress the need to uphold the significance of relating to the ownership and management of the Parthenon such heritage assets. English Heritage has grant-funded sculptures are matters for the trustees of the British urgent repairs to buildings at risk with literary connections, Museum. for example, Mrs Gaskell’s house in Ardwick, Manchester in 2009 and the repair of the church tower at Grantchester, Cathedrals Cambridgeshire which is the subject of a poem by Rupert Brooke. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Broader landmarks like landscapes can be protected Olympics, Media and Sport if she will make an assessment through designation as areas of outstanding natural of the potential effect on the maintenance of the fabric beauty, for example, the Shropshire Hills; as world of English cathedrals of the loss of income arising from heritage sites, for example Bath and through conservation forced sale to tenants of rented houses in cathedral area status, for example, Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia or Soho closes. [122481] in London. There are many writer’s house museums, 565W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 566W opened by independent bodies and the National Trust, Rejection and Choose to Refuse. A range of other which also celebrate these connections. These are almost devices are also commercially available that can help to always listed. block unwanted sales calls. Many literary heritage projects, or places of note from a literary viewpoint, have received support from Dismissal the Heritage Lottery Fund. These include the birthplace of Burns—now the Burns Museum; Keats House; the Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Bronte Parsonage; Jane Austen’s house in Hampshire; Olympics, Media and Sport how many employees have Dove Cottage, the home of Wordsworth; and the Roald been dismissed by her Department since May 2010. Dahl Centre. [122473]

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Hugh Robertson: One employee has been dismissed Olympics, Media and Sport how much her Department by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport since has spent on its aims related to heritage (a) in cash May 2010. terms, (b) in real terms and (c) as a proportion of its annual expenditure in each year since 1997. [122449] HMS Victory

Mr Vaizey: The following table sets out the Department Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, for Culture, Media and Sport’s spend on Heritage from Olympics, Media and Sport what assurances she has 1997 to 2011-12, both in cash and real terms: been given that the Maritime Heritage Foundation has the appropriate resources and independent archaeological Percentage of expertise to manage properly HMS Victory 1774. At 2011-12 yearly [122439] Cash data prices expenditure Mr Vaizey: Government consideration of proposals 1997-98 178.3 241.9 20.24 by the Maritime Heritage Foundation for work at the 1998-99 168.5 224 18.98 wreck site of the Victory 1744, are informed by an 1999-2000 179 233.8 18.54 advisory group which has representation from the Ministry 2000-01 175.6 228 17.88 of Defence, English Heritage and the National Museum 2001-02 184.7 235.4 17.37 of the Royal Navy. This Department has observer status 2002-03 184.9 229.9 15.27 on this group. No work on the site can be undertaken 2003-04 383.5 466.6 21.58 without the approval of the Secretary of State for 2004-05 195.7 231.2 14.39 Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede 2005-06 196.1 226.5 13.45 and Weybridge (Mr Hammond). 2006-07 208 234.1 12.58 2007-08 211.7 232.4 11.44 Holiday Accommodation 2008-09 237.5 253.8 10.63 2009-10 224.8 236.7 11.81 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, 2010-11 207.8 212.7 10.65 Olympics, Media and Sport what recent assessment she 2011-12 172.5 172.5 6.17 has made of the level of associated expenditure in local economies from visitors in self-catering Direct Selling accommodation. [122427] Hugh Robertson: The Department does not record Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for this information. The Office for National Statistics Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps her International Passenger Survey (IPS) provides the main Department can take to stop British residents receiving source of data on accommodation type used by overseas unwanted sales calls from companies based outside the visitors, which can be found at the following link: UK. [122421] http://www.visitbritain.org/insightsandstatistics/inbound visitorstatistics/regions/regionalspread.aspx Mr Vaizey: Unwanted sales calls from companies The IPS does not have a category specifically for ’self- based outside the UK fall outside the jurisdiction of the catering’; most inbound visitors who are self-catering UK. However, measures are in place for sales and will fall into the ’other’ category. However, those who marketing calls that are made on behalf of UK companies, selected ’own home’ or ’camping/mobile home’ may through the Privacy and Electronic Communications also capture ’self-catering’. Regulations (PECR) 2003. Callers are legally required not to call a number that is registered with the Telephone Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Preference Service (TPS), or if they have previously Olympics, Media and Sport what her latest estimate is notified the caller that they do not wish to receive such of the use by overseas visitors of self-catering holiday calls. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) accommodation in the UK in each of the last two considers complaints about the TPS and can issue a fine years; and what her Department’s estimate is of such of up to £500,000 for the most serious breaches. Residents usage for the next three years. [122461] can also further protect themselves, as most service providers offer a range of services that can help to Hugh Robertson: The Department does not record reduce the need to answer such calls. This includes this information. The Office for National Statistics Calling Line Identification Display, Automatic Call International Passenger Survey (IPS) provides the main 567W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 568W source of data on accommodation type used by overseas Hugh Robertson: The Department for Culture, Media visitors, which can be found at the following link: and Sport has not spent any money on rebranding since http://www.visitbritain.org/insightsandstatistics/inbound May 2010. Its agency, The Royal Parks, has, since May visitorstatistics/regions/regionalspread.aspx 2010 spent £11,424.00 on its own rebranding out of its The IPS does not have a category specifically for ‘self- own budget. catering’; most inbound visitors who are self-catering Meetings will fall into the ‘other’ category. However, those who selected ‘own home’ or ‘camping/mobile home’ may also capture ‘self-catering’. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what meetings staff of her Internet Department have had with representatives from (a) the Natural History Museum, (b) the Royal Armouries, Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, (c) the Hepworth Gallery, (d) Sport England, (e) the Olympics, Media and Sport how many page hits have Tate Gallery, (f) the UK Film Council, (g) the British been recorded by the (a) Arts Council England and Library, (h) UK Sport, (i) the Baltic Gateshead, (j) (b) British Film Council websites since May 2010. Visit Britain and (k) Derby Quad since May 2010; and [122448] what issues were discussed in each meeting. [123180]

Mr Vaizey: From May 2010 until 15 October 2012, Hugh Robertson: The Department for Culture, Media Arts Council England advise that their website received and Sport does not collate this information centrally, 10,483,550 page views. From May 2010 until 30 September and to provide it would incur disproportionate costs. 2012 the total number of page views recorded by the Museums and Galleries British Film Institute (BFI) was 123,765,038, this figure is the total sum of the page views for BFI.org.uk, Film and TV Database, Screenonline, Filmstore and video Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, views for the YouTube BFI Films channel. Olympics, Media and Sport how many free visits were made to art galleries and museums funded through the Marketing public purse in each region of England in each of the last five years. [122457] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much has been spent Mr Vaizey: The number of free visits to galleries and on rebranding her Department and its agencies since museums by region for the last five years is set out in the May 2010. [122423] following table:

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

London British Museum 6,037,930 5,465,861 5,643,708 5,869,396 5,841,658 Natural History Museum 3,617,953 3,701,347 4,260,123 4,682,783 4,823,547 (South Kensington) Science Museum (South 2,711,680 2,647,487 2,775,860 2,766,994 2,921,685 Kensington) (Science Museum Group) Tate Modern and Tate 6,769,949 6,235,536 6,315,027 6,641,155 6,232,021 Britain Victoria and Albert 2,623,072 2,483,382 2,746,050 3,048,887 3,334,820 Museum National Gallery 3,914,000 4,439,000 4,695,000 5,085,000 5,358,000 National Maritime Museum 1,765,814 2,068,244 2,378,786 2,433,163 1,858,538 Imperial War Museum 759,571 865,601 886,528 1,095,442 976,324 (Lambeth) Museum of London1 417,826 ———— National Portrait Gallery 1,645,680 1,829,155 1,984,464 1,758,522 2,042,224 Horniman Museum2 477,894 483,113 621,301 584,974 509,279 Geffrye Museum 80,352 86,272 ¦91,416 102,914 104,945 Wallace Collection 335,349 363,786 375,179 356,595 393,748 Sir John Soane’s Museum 93,427 100,776 108,595 111,387 109,527

East Natural History Museum 126,967 111,913 118,444 126,864 123,434 (Tring)

South East Royal Armouries (Fort 83,930 73,473 74,243 69,758 68,934 Nelson)

North East Tyne and Wear Museums 1,502,037 1,518,092 2,286,737 2,022,628 1,800,815 569W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 570W

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

National Railway Museum 149,277 138,653 160,326 198,697 210,109 at Shildon (Science Museum Group)

North West Tate Liverpool 690,887 1,035,958 520,687 606,259 606,323 National Museums 2,190,391 2,689,889 2,272,981 2,622,228 3,184,995 Liverpool Imperial War Museum 223,342 244,768 239,398 241,586 334,935 North MOSI (Science Museum 819,104 743,493 568,993 638,347 838,648 Group)

Yorkshire and National Media Museum 737,857 672,951 606,837 497,522 482,790 Humberside (Science Museum Group) National Railway Museum 824,106 782,430 709,166 630,396 717,274 (Science Museum Group) Royal Armouries (Leeds) 267,624 264,973 269,591 273,824 215,135 National Coal Mining 135,699 116,186 118,417 107,582 101,403 Museum (Science Museum Group) Totals 39,001,718 39,162,339 40,827,857 42,572,903 43,191,111 1 Since April 2008, the Museum of London has been sponsored by the GLA. 2 Excludes visits to the gardens.

In addition to this, the number of free visits to museums funded through the Renaissance in the Regions programme is as follows. It should be noted that the sample of museums is not constant throughout the years.

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

East 891,667 1,117,302 1,235,251 1,225,783 1,332,371 East Midlands 1,795,520 1,720,293 1,828,835 1,714,530 1,709,880 London 1,141,489 1,301,633 1,356,824 1,627,738 1,498,277 North East 1,987,665 1,986,511 2,850,415 2,654,775 2,592,727 North West 1,524,133 1,703,435 1,755,084 1,719,221 1,714,714 South East 2,169,030 1,939,050 2,656,454 3,274,673 3,219,616 South West 874,958 765,207 981,705 772,339 1,458,186 West Midlands 1,651,265 1,852,524 2,289,836 2,288,945 2,121,045 Yorkshire 2,827,291 3,415,939 3,375,922 3,502,541 3,699,778 Total 14,863,018 15,801,894 18,330,326 18,780,545 19,346,594

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, The figures are published one month in arrears to allow Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions she has time for the museums and galleries to collect the data. had with her Greek counterpart on exchange of Visitor figures for September will therefore be published museum artefacts since the building of the new on 1 November. Acropolis Museum. [122459] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Mr Vaizey: I have had no such discussions. Olympics, Media and Sport if her Department will take Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, steps to (a) review the Arts Fund Criteria to ensure all Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate she has made forms of art are eligible for funding, (b) help independent of whether visitor numbers for those museums and and new artists display and sell their work and (c) galleries in London which are funded by grant-in-aid ensure small to medium-sized galleries are eligible to will increase following the London Olympic Games. participate in the Own Art Scheme. [122609] [122468] Mr Vaizey: The Department for Culture, Media and Mr Vaizey: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport works to make sure the cultural sector has the Sport publishes visitor figures for its sponsored museums framework to grow and have real impact on people’s and galleries in England on the first working day of lives. However, it does so in partnership with a wide each month: range of arm’s length public bodies, private, charitable http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/ and voluntary organisations. It seeks to support these museums_and_galleries/3375.aspx bodies, not intervene in their operations. 571W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 572W

(a) The Art Fund is an independent charity and East of England Government has neither the locus nor the inclination to http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/media/uploads/doc/ intervene in its activities. Evaluation_of_the_Cultural_Olympiad_East_of_England.pdf (b) Arts Council England’s (ACE) ‘Own Art’ scheme West Midlands makes it easier and more affordable for people to buy http://visitbirmingham.com/files/2012-09-39/ and sell contemporary art and craft by offering interest 35634Culturalolympics6ppA4proof2LR_tcm33-41273.pdf free loans of up to £2,000 for the purchase of work by South East living artists. During the past year over 3,700 customers http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/media/uploads/se_website_ images/ used the ‘Own Art’ scheme, generating an estimated SouthEastCulturalOlympiadVolumeTwo.pdf £1.8 million worth of income for artists. ACE also supports artist-led galleries that focus on showing emerging, Ben Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, talent and encouraging sales of their work through Olympics, Media and Sport if she will make it her their investment in their National Portfolio organisations. policy that all businesses which contributed to the London These include ‘Workplace’ in Newcastle, ‘Matts Gallery’, 2012 Olympic Games receive the full commercial benefits ‘Chisenhale Gallery’ and ‘Studio Voltaire’ in London of their involvement, notwithstanding no marketing which have a strong focus on emerging talent and rights clauses remaining in force. [122819] selling work. (c) ACE publicises the opportunity for galleries to Hugh Robertson: Suppliers to London 2012 have apply for membership of the ‘Own Art’ scheme on been paid the full commercial rate for their goods and a regular basis, and encourages applications from galleries services, with over £7.5 billion of Games-related contracts of all kinds specialising in the sale of high quality being awarded to UK companies. The responsibility to contemporary art and craft, from small scale commercial enforce the current marketing restrictions and protect businesses up to larger publicly funded museums and the rights of Games Sponsors within the UK, transfers galleries. from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) to the British Olympic Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Association (BOA) and British Paralympic Association, Olympics, Media and Sport how many galleries have in January 2013. The BOA is continuing to work with participated in the Own Art Scheme in the last 12 the International Olympic Committee to develop a months. [122610] framework that allows suppliers to promote the work they undertook, balanced with the ability for sponsors Mr Vaizey: The Own Art Scheme is delivered to protect their rights of association with the Games. I independently of Government by ArtCo Trading Ltd, a will continue to monitor this to ensure British businesses trading company of Arts Council England. The can benefit as much as possible from their involvement Department has no operational involvement. However, in the Games. the Department has been informed by the Arts Council that there are currently 230 galleries registered as members Procurement of the Own Art scheme in England, plus a further 41 located in Scotland and Northern Ireland where the Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, scheme is offered in partnership with Creative Scotland Olympics, Media and Sport which contractors based in and Arts Council of Northern Ireland. other EU member states are providing services to her Department. [122482] Olympic Games 2012 Hugh Robertson: The suppliers used by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) all have offices Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, in the UK. However, DCMS would be unable to ascertain Olympics, Media and Sport how much has been spent whether these suppliers are based in other EU countries in each region on programmes launched as part of the without incurring disproportionate costs. Cultural Olympiad on the latest date for which figures Public Libraries are available. [122463] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Mr Vaizey: The total budget for the Cultural Olympiad, Olympics, Media and Sport how many public libraries including the London 2012 Festival, was £105 million providing internet access to the public there were in for the four year period from 2008-12. This budget each region of England in each of the last 10 years. was raised from both public and private sector sources [122456] including the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Legacy Trust, the Mr Vaizey: Information on the number of public Olympic Lottery Distributor, UK Arts Councils, libraries open for more than 10 hours a week and Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Greater providing internet access to the public, is available in London Authority and several commercial partners the annual public library statistics published by the and sponsors. Much of the funding was secured directly Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy by the projects themselves, as opposed to passing through (CIPFA) from 2001-02 until 2003-04, and as a percentage a centralised budget so figures detailing the spending in of libraries with access from 2004-05 until 2007-08. each region are not available. However, individual regions, From 2008-09 onwards, the information is available as such as the West Midlands and East of England, have the number of terminals with internet access in each produced their own analyses of their region’s programme. authority. From 2010-11, the CIPFA statistics also provide Further information can be found at the following information on the number of library service points links: that have a public access wi-fi network available. 573W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 574W

Copies of CIPFA statistics are available in the House Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Library. Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the number of inbound tourists to the UK in Public Relations the latest month for which figures are available. [123113] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much her Department Hugh Robertson: This information is not recorded by spent on external media relations in each of the last 12 the Department. Data relating to inbound tourism are months. [123110] recorded via the Office for National Statistics International Hugh Robertson: The Department for Culture, Media Passenger Survey (IPS). The latest published data can and Sport has not spent anything on external media be found at the following link: relations in the last 12 months. http://www.visitbritain.org/Images/August%202012%20IPS %20Memo%20with%20charts_tcm29-35181.pdf Stonehenge which show that an estimated 420,000 visits from overseas to the UK took place in July and August 2012. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions she Tourism: Lancashire has had on the (a) protection and (b) maintenance of the (i) Avebury and (ii) Stonehenge world heritage site. [122455] Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps (a) Mr Vaizey: I have had no recent discussions on Visit Britain and (b) Visit England is taking to promote Avebury and Stonehenge. The Department has regular tourism in (i) Lancashire and (ii) Pendle constituency. contact with English Heritage and the National Trust, [123183] both at official and ministerial level, on a range of issues. Stonehenge and Avebury have not been raised in Hugh Robertson: Lancashire and Pendle are an important particular, as both sites are well maintained. part of our tourism offer. Although VisitEngland, our national tourism board, does not promote at the local Tourism level, it does engage in national promotions and public relations work which benefits such locations as Lancashire. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, VisitEngland is currently developing four thematic Olympics, Media and Sport what meetings (a) marketing campaigns based on City, Coast, Countryside Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have had and Heritage and Lancashire and Pendle embodies all with representatives of the tourism industry in the last four. six months. [122441] A new Destination Management Organisation is Hugh Robertson: The Department for Culture, Media currently being set up in Lancashire which will be and Sport publishes details of ministerial meetings with covering the Pendle constituency, and VisitEngland staff outside interest groups on its transparency website. Full have met with their team to discuss key priorities, and details of which can be found at the following link: to look further at promotion and development opportunities. http://www.transparency.culture.gov.uk/category/other/ meetings/ VisitBritain is investing in a major international While officials meetings are not recorded centrally, officials promotional campaign in key overseas markets; over have attended a number of meetings over the last six the next four years, this is expected to deliver 4.6 million months where representatives of the tourism trade have extra visitors, £2.27 billion in extra visitor spend and been present. over 50,000 job opportunities across the whole nation. This campaign will take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, opportunity afforded by the unique events of 2012 to Olympics, Media and Sport what effect her maximise the industry’s potential and ensure that we Department estimates the change to VisitBritain’s create a sustained legacy for tourism. Destinations all budget will have on international visitor numbers to the over the UK, including those in Lancashire, stand to UK in each of the next four years. [122446] benefit from these initiatives.

Hugh Robertson: As part of the spending review World Heritage Sites settlement we agreed that VisitBritain would continue to play a crucial role in promoting tourism, but like all our other major bodies it would have to find administrative Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, savings of 50% and maximise its marketing budget. Olympics, Media and Sport what visits in an official From 2011-12 through to 2014-15, VisitBritain is, therefore, capacity she has made to each UK world heritage site investing over £125 million in a major international in the last 12 months. [122447] promotional campaign in key overseas markets. This is aiming to deliver 4.6 million extra visitors, £2.27 billion Mr Vaizey: In her official capacity since her appointment in extra visitor spend and over 50,000 job opportunities. last month, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media This campaign will take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for opportunity afforded by the unique events of 2012 to Basingstoke (Maria Miller), has made frequent visits to maximise the industry’s potential and ensure that we the Palace of Westminster. She has not yet visited any create a sustainable legacy for tourism. other UK World Heritage Site. 575W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 576W

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, State’s four tests, which are that schemes should be able Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions she to demonstrate: support from clinical commissioners; has had with her EU counterparts on the maintenance clarity on the clinical evidence base; robust patient and of world heritage sites in EU member states. [122450] public engagement; and support for patient choice. It is for the local NHS, working with their partners, to plan, Mr Vaizey: I have had no direct discussions regarding develop and implement proposals for change and assure World Heritage sites in EU member states to date. these proposals against the four tests. Officials at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport recently engaged with colleagues from around the Apprentices globe during the World Heritage Committee meeting in St. Petersburg in June of this year. A range of world Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for heritage issues were discussed including the maintenance Health how many (a) paid apprentices and (b) paid of various sites. interns are employed in his Department. [123087]

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Dr Poulter: At present, there are no apprentices working Olympics, Media and Sport how many applications for in the Department. locations in England to become World Heritage Sites The Department does not use the term ″intern″,but are outstanding; and if she will make a statement. has facilitated a number of paid student placements at [122452] administrative officer level in a variety of posts such as economic, financial, statistical and operational research. Mr Vaizey: Individual national governments are The number of paid student placements currently responsible for nominating sites in their country from a employed by the Department is 13. Tentative List of Future Nominations. After a nomination is presented, there is an 18 month period of evaluation Formal “internships”—paid student placements—in by one of UNESCO’s expert advisers before a final the Department have included the Graduate Summer decision is made by the World Heritage Committee at Placement Scheme (for ethnic and disabled undergraduates), its annual meeting. the NHS Management Trainee Programme, and analytical and finance university student placements. Following a public consultation, ‘World Heritage for the Nation: Identifying, Protecting and Promoting Our Blood and Marrow Transplantation World Heritage’, the UK’s Tentative List was reviewed and a new Tentative List was announced in March 2011. Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent progress has been made by the Clinical Sites on the Tentative List which wanted to go forward Reference Group on Blood and Marrow Transplantation straight away with a nomination to UNESCO were on (a) the development of a national tariff for blood invited to complete a Technical Evaluation by 9 April and marrow transplantation, (b) CQUINs for blood 2012. The Technical Evaluations which came forward and marrow transplantation and (c) the quality dashboard were assessed by an Expert Group. The Department for for blood and marrow transplantation; [123025] Culture, Media and Sport has announced which sites have been invited to prepare a full submission to UNESCO: (2) whether NHS trusts will be mandated to complete the Forth Bridge near Edinburgh has been invited to the quality dashboard for blood and marrow prepare a nomination for 2014 and Gorham’s Cave transplantation; and what arrangements will be in place Complex in Gibraltar will go forward in 2015. to ensure organisations are held to account on the outcomes they achieve; [123026] More detailed information about the nominations processed and sites on the Tentative List, is available on (3) on what dates the Clinical Reference Group on our website: Blood and Marrow Transplantation has met in 2012; and if he will publish the minutes of each meetings; http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/historic_environment/ [123027] 4168.aspx (4) what recent consideration his Department has given to the role of mobilisation in the development of commissioning products by the Clinical Reference Group HEALTH on Blood and Marrow Transplantation. [123028]

Accident and Emergency Departments Anna Soubry: This work is led by the NHS Commissioning Board who have provided the following response. Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the proposed (a) closure Clinical Reference Groups (CRGs) were set up in of Accident and Emergency services across the country 2012 to assist in the transition of “prescribed” specialised and (b) service changes to the NHS in Worcestershire. services into the NHS Commissioning Board. They [122835] provide the clinical leadership and input into the development of commissioning and contracting products Anna Soubry: The Government’s policy is that front for prescribed services. There are over 60 CRGs which line national health service reconfigurations and major report into five national programmes of care. service changes should be locally led and clinically The outputs of the Bone Marrow Transplantation driven. The underlying rationale should be that changes (BMT) CRGs are currently being considered and assessed deliver an improvement in quality and outcomes for by the Clinical Advisory Group for specialised services. patients. The guiding principles are the Secretary of Depending on their recommendations, these products 577W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 578W will then be used in the 2013-14 contracts. The BMT (2) if he will estimate the number of GPs in (a) CRG, while looking to ensure convergence of standards England and Wales, (b) East Midlands Strategic Health across providers for the service, has not developed a Authority, (c) East of England Strategic Health Authority, national tariff for BMT. However, the introduction of a (d) London Strategic Health Authority, (e) North single operating model provides an opportunity to address East Strategic Health Authority, (f) North West Strategic inconsistency in pricing, currencies and contracting Health Authority, (g) South Central Strategic Health mechanisms but recognise that this will not be in place Authority, (h) South East Coast Strategic Health Authority, by April 2013. (i) South West Strategic Health Authority, (j) West Quality dashboards are not specifically about improving Midlands Strategic Health Authority and (k) Yorkshire services, they are about benchmarking services as a way and the Humber Strategic Health Authority who do not of aiding improvement. Quality dashboards have been offer contraceptive services to patients. [122586] developed during 2012-13 for 20 prescribed service areas, including BMT. Providers will be populating information Anna Soubry: There are 8,316 primary medical care into these commencing Quarter 3 2012-13. The intention contractors in England. Of these, 4,920 provide services is to carry on using these quality dashboards in 2013-14. under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract These quality dashboards will continue to be refined to arrangements. Of these, only two GMS contractors provide the right information to support safe and effective have opted out of the provision of contraception. The services and provide a national perspective of quality Department does not collect information on the provision standards across the country. of contraception by general practitioners through other contracting routes as these are a matter for local agreement, The BMT CRG have met on the following dates: but we are not aware of any evidence to suggest that 15 May 2012 contraception is not offered under these contracts. 6 July 2012 17 October 2012. Diabetes Minutes are available on request. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for The commissioning policy for 2013-14 for BMT has Health how many emergency ambulance call-outs were considered a wide range of issues, including new drugs/ made in (a) Birmingham and (b) England for people devices. These will be regularly revised and updated. with diabetes experiencing a diabetes emergency; and if he will make a statement. [122657] Cancer: Accident and Emergency Departments Anna Soubry: Information pertaining to emergency Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health ambulance call-outs is collected centrally, but specific how many patients were first diagnosed with cancer information about the nature of the call-out is not whilst admitted to casualty in each of the last five available. years. [122381] Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Anna Soubry: This information is not held centrally. Health what plans his Department has to consult industry on the development of the Diabetes Action In November 2010, the National Cancer Intelligence Plan. [122658] Network (NCIN) produced an analysis of cancer diagnosis, including for patients diagnosed as an emergency Anna Soubry: The aim of the Diabetes Action Plan is presentation, for all patients diagnosed with cancer to set out the actions that the national health service during 2007. A copy of the NCIN report, ‘Routes to can take to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment Diagnosis’, has already been placed in the Library. of diabetes. The Department is working in consultation The findings of the NCIN report were considered in with NHS colleagues and leading stakeholders from the the development of ‘Improving Outcomes: A Strategy voluntary sector including Diabetes UK, to produce an for Cancer’, published on 12 January 2011, which set action plan that will be published later this year. In out our intention to develop a routine assessment of the acknowledgement, that the pharmaceutical industry has proportion of cancers diagnosed through emergency a major role to play in improving diabetes care it will be routes. Work is now under way to examine the feasibility consulted on the action plan via engagement with the of this. Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. On 21 September 2012, the NCIN published ‘Routes to diagnosis for cancer—determining the patient journey Domestic Violence using multiple routine data sets’ in the British Journal of Cancer. This new study offers an analysis of cancer Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State diagnosis between 2006 and 2008 and also includes for Health what training is available to health practitioners those patients diagnosed as an emergency presentation. to (a) improve their awareness and understanding of A copy of the report has been placed in the Library. domestic violence and (b) help them recognise signs of domestic violence in patients. [122240] Contraceptives: Advisory Services Anna Soubry: The Department of Health is committed to improving standards of care and support for women Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for and child victims of domestic violence. This commitment Health (1) what recent steps he has taken to ensure that is outlined in ‘Improving services for women and child women are not refused contraceptive advice by their victims of violence: the Department of Health Action local GP; [122585] Plan’, published in November 2010, and sets out how 579W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 580W the Department will work with the national health Anna Soubry: The information requested is not held service and partners to address this issue. Further details centrally. Victims of domestic abuse may attend a variety of the action plan are available at: of settings such as general practitioner surgeries, walk-in www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/ clinics or hospitals for treatment of an injury but may PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_122003 not disclose that an injury occurred as a result of domestic abuse. The Department has undertaken significant A fundamental part of the action plan includes work work to promote awareness, understanding and training to improve awareness and training of professionals. on domestic violence for health professionals, recognising This includes specific bespoke projects, such as the the key role that health services play in providing development of an e-learning toolkit by the Royal opportunities for victims to disclose in a safe environment. College of General Practitioners on violence against women and children which was funded by the Department Drugs: Misuse The e-learning tool enables general practitioners (GPs) to identify and respond to victims more effectively. The Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Foundation Programme Curriculum 2012 for newly what recent estimate he has made on the number of (a) qualified doctors now includes sexual and domestic recreational drug users and (b) drug addicts in (i) violence and relevant competencies have been included Enfield North constituency, (ii) London and (iii) in the 2012 Foundation Curriculum to supplement those England. [123029] already covering safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Anna Soubry: The ‘National and regional estimates In December 2005, the Department published of the prevalence of opiate and/or crack cocaine use ‘Responding to Domestic Abuse: a handbook for health 2009-10’ report, published by the National Treatment professionals’. The handbook gives practical guidance Agency for Substance Misuse, summarises the results of to health care professionals on working with patients work by the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Drug who may have experienced or are experiencing domestic Misuse Research and the University of Manchester’s abuse. A copy of the handbook is available at: National Drug Evidence Centre, to estimate the prevalence ixwww.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/ of opiate and/or crack use in England at a national, @dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_4126619.pdf regional, and local level. In 2009-10, there were 306,150 opiate and/or crack users in England, of which 51,445 Copies of both documents have already been placed were in London and 1,594 in Enfield. in the Library. As part of the Crime Survey of England and Wales, data on self-reported drug use are collected by the Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State Home Office. The following table shows the proportion for Health what proportion of reported domestic violence of adults (aged 16 to 59 years) in England and Wales cases were referred through general practitioners and who have taken the drugs listed in the last year over the health practitioners in the latest period for which figures past 10 years. The proportion for Enfield is not separately are available. [122241] estimated.

Proportion of 16 to 59-year-olds reporting use of illicit drugs in the last year by drug, 2002-03 and 2011-12 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Class A Any cocaine 2.1 2.5 2.0 2.4 2.6 2.4 3.0 2.5 2.2 2.2 Powder cocaine 2.1 2.4 2.0 2.4 2.6 2.4 3.0 2.4 2.1 2.2 Crack cocaine 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 Ecstasy 2.0 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.8 1.5 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.4 Hallucinogens 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.1 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.5 LSD 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Magic mushrooms 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.0 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 Opiates 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 Heroin 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Methadone 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2

Class A/B Any amphetamine n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1.2 1.0 1.1 0.8 Amphetamines 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.0 1.2 1.0 1.0 0.8 Methamphetamine n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 Class B Cannabis 10.9 10.8 9.7 8.7 8.2 7.6 7.9 6.6 6.8 6.9 Mephedrone n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1.4 1.1 Spice (and other n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 0.2 0.1 cannabinoids)

Class B/C Tranquillisers 0.6 0.6 .0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.4 0.4 0.5 581W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 582W

Proportion of 16 to 59-year-olds reporting use of illicit drugs in the last year by drug, 2002-03 and 2011-12 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Class C Anabolic steroids 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 Ketamine n/a n/a n/a n/a 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.6 GBL/GHB n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 0.0 0.1 BZP n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 0.1 0.1

Not classified Amyl nitrite 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.4 1.1 1.0 0.8 Glues 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 n/a n/a Khat n/a n/a n/a. n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 0.2 0.2 Note: ‘n/a’ indicates that the question was not applicable or not asked in that particular year. Source: Drug Misuse Declared: Findings from the 2011/12 Crime Survey for England and Wales (2nd Edition), Office for National Statistics Proportion of 16 to 59-year-olds reporting use of illicit drugs in the last year by English region and Wales, 2002-03 to 2011-12 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Powder cocaine England 2.1 2.5 2.0 2.5 2.7 2.4 3.1 2.5 2.2 2.2 London 3.7 4.5 3.2 4.1 2.9 3.0 4.4 3.0 2.9 3.2

Ecstasy England 2.0 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.8 1.5 1.9 1.6 1.4 1.4 London 2.6 2.6 2.0 2.0 2.4 2.1 2.2 1.8 2.0 2.2

Hallucinogens England 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.1 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.5 0.6 0.5 London 1.0 1.3 1.9 1.5 0.4 0.7 0.6 0.3 0.5 0.8

Amphetamines England 1.6 1.5 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.0 1.2 0.9 1.0 0.8 London 1.9 1.3 1.1 1.3 1.1 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.4

Cannabis England 11.0 10.8 9.7 8.8 8.3 7.6 7.9 6.6 6.9 7.0 London 13.6 12.8 10.2 8.8 8.4 7.7 9.1 6.8 7.0 7.6

Any Class A drug1 England 3.4 3.5 3.2 3.4 3.4 3.1 3.7 3.1 3.0 3.0 London. 5.1 5.5 4.3 5.2 3.6 3.8 4.9 3.5 3.8 4.3

Any drug2 England 12.3 12.4 11.3 10.5 10.1 9.6 10.1 8.6 8.9 9.0 London 15.2 14.7 12.2 11.2 10.5 9.4 12.0 9.4 9.2 10.5 1 Any Class A drug’ comprises powder cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, magic mushrooms, heroin and methadone plus methamphetamine since 2008/09 interviews. 2 Any drug’ comprises powder cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, magic mushrooms, ketamine, heroin, methadone, amphetamines, methamphetamine, cannabis, tranquillisers, anabolic steroids, amyl nitrite, any other pills/powders/drugs smoked. Source: Drug Misuse Declared: Findings from the 2011/12 Crime Survey for England and Wales (2nd Edition), Office for National Statistics

Epilepsy admission, but are categorised by Healthcare Resource Groups which describe the treatment provided. Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost to the NHS was of unplanned hospitalisations General Practitioners as a result of epilepsy in each year since 2009. [122593]

Norman Lamb: This information is not available as it Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health is not possible to estimate the cost to the national health what the average number of patients was per doctor service of unplanned hospitalisations as a result of delivering out-of-hours cover between 7.00 pm and epilepsy. 8.00 am in each of the last five years. [122843] The cost data that the Department collect from NHS providers are not collected on the basis of the reason for Anna Soubry: This information is not centrally collected. 583W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 584W

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Anna Soubry: The information requested is set out in what the average number of NHS-registered patients the following table, which has been supplied by the per general practitioner was in each primary care trust NHS Information Centre for health and social care. in each of the last five years. [122844]

Average number of general practitioners (GP) registered patients per GP (excluding retainers and registrars) by primary care trust (PCT) in England, 2007-11 Registered patients per General Practitioner 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

England 1,606 1,586 1,520 1,567 1,562

Q30 North East 1,480 1,463 1,411 1,448 1,456 5ND County Durham PCT 1,501 1,507 1,409 1,464 1,526 5J9 Darlington PCT 1,485 1,479 1,488 1,451 1,392 5KF Gateshead PCT 1,417 1,387 1,349 1,324 1,312 5D9 Hartlepool PCT 1,455 1,554 1,449 1,599 1,550 5KM Middlesbrough PCT 1,548 1,626 1,531 1,514 1,499 5D7 Newcastle PCT 1,521 1,469 1,471 1,453 1,402 5D8 North Tyneside PCT 1,436 1,424 1,383 1,387 1,347 TAC Northumberland Care Trust 1,312 1,231 1,239 1,277 1,272 5QR Redcar and Cleveland PCT 1,413 1,442 1,383 1,306 1,376 5KG South Tyneside PCT 1,558 1,551 1,449 1,474 1,500 5E1 Stockton-On-Tees Teaching PCT 1,686 1,692 1,588 1,599 1,665 5KL Sunderland Teaching PCT 1,538 1,495 1,435 1,456 1,489

Q31 North West 1,630 1,606 1,521 1,548 1,552 5HG Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT 1,731 1,675 1,750 1,683 1,635 TAP Blackburn with Darwen Teaching Care Trust 1,837 1,739 1,753 1,743 1,732 Plus 5HP Blackpool PCT 1,674 1,649 1,553 1,640 1,575 5HQ Bolton PCT 1,648 1,525 1,458 1,394 1,419 5JX Bury PCT 1,810 1,765 1,590 1,671 1,654 5NP Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT 1,599 1,541 1,523 1,557 1,619 5NG Central Lancashire PCT 1,739 1,757 1,787 1,851 1,813 5NE Cumbria Teaching PCT 1,381 1,328 1,086 1,206 1,247 5NH East Lancashire Teaching PCT 1,767 1,749 1,758 1,704 1,645 5NM Halton and St Helens PCT 1,706 1,704 1,550 1,649 1,605 5NQ Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT 1,779 1,748 1,704 1,579 1,533 5J4 Knowsley PCT 1,872 1,461 1,249 1,365 1,453 5NL Liverpool PCT 1,492 1,628 1,560 1,451 1,344 5NT Manchester PCT 1,653 1,634 1,608 1,551 1,610 5NF North Lancashire Teaching PCT 1,671 1,662 1,616 1,621 1,585 5J5 Oldham PCT 1,794 1,713 1,637 1,668 1,690 5F5 Salford PCT 1,453 1,492 1,363 1,439 1,549 5NJ Sefton PCT 1,667 1,617 1,526 1,616 1,643 5F7 Stockport PCT 1,554 1,519 1,526 1,546 1,568 5LH Tameside and Glossop PCT 1,762 1,854 1,641 1,630 1,717 5NR Trafford PCT 1,671 1,666 1,650 1,625 1,578 5J2 Warrington PCT 1,695 1,712 1,602 1,602 1,541 5NN Western Cheshire PCT 1,437 1,471 1,357 1,318 1,385 5NK Wirral PCT 1,512 1,465 1,355 1,352 1,371

Q32 Yorkshire and the 1,540 1,526 1,491 1,521 1,511 Humber 5JE Barnsley PCT 1,882 1,806 1,591 1,624 1,612 5NY Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT 1,302 1,345 1,295 1,345 1,334 585W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 586W

Average number of general practitioners (GP) registered patients per GP (excluding retainers and registrars) by primary care trust (PCT) in England, 2007-11 Registered patients per General Practitioner 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

5J6 Calderdale PCT 1,803 1,847 1,907 1,853 1,833 5N5 Doncaster PCT 1,735 1,734 1,533 1,622 1,620 5NW East Riding Of Yorkshire PCT 1,617 1,632 1,620 1,607 1,603 5NX Hull Teaching PCT 1,853 1,679 1,797 1,699 1,688 5N2 Kirklees PCT 1,691 1,619 1,584 1,673 1,618 5N1 Leeds PCT 1,554 1,529 1,490 1,511 1,524 TAN North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus 1,732 1,694 1,648 1,648 1,609 5EF North Lincolnshire PCT 1,668 1,585 1,639 1,575 1,706 5NV North Yorkshire and York PCT 1,362 1,371 1,338 1,363 1,329 5H8 Rotherham PCT 1,685 1,619 1,628 1,669 1,638 5N4 Sheffield PCT 1,372 1,399 1,378 1,354 1,320 5N3 Wakefield District PCT 1,536 1,485 1,480 1,493 1,529

Q33 East Midlands 1,687 1,642 1,596 1,645 1,646 5ET Bassetlaw PCT 1,655 1,618 1,605 1,710 1,740 5N7 Derby City PCT 1,772 1,753 1,685 1,640 1,675 5N6 Derbyshire County PCT 1,534 1,458 1,419 1,463 1,470 5PC Leicester City PCT 1,741 1,656 1,776 1,716 1,795 5PA Leicestershire County and Rutland PCT 1,718 1,708 1,497 1,593 1,614 5N9 Lincolnshire Teaching PCT 1,747 1,738 1,683 1,710 1,719 5PD Northamptonshire Teaching PCT 1,717 1,689 1,717 1,737 1,723 5EM Nottingham City PCT 1,698 1,658 1,671 1,702 1,679 5N8 Nottinghamshire County Teaching PCT 1,679 1,598 1,547 1,611 1,540

Q34 West Midlands 1,656 1,643 1,602 1,617 1,618 5PG Birmingham East and North PCT 1,759 1,686 1,715 1,687 1,708 5MD Coventry Teaching PCT 1,742 1,708 1,662 1,676 1,683 5PE Dudley PCT 1,673 1,631 1,593 1,608 1,561 5MX Heart Of Birmingham Teaching PCT 1,765 1,755 1,686 1,675 1,598 5CN Herefordshire PCT 1,307 1,304 1,347 1,332 1,356 5PH North Staffordshire PCT 1,841 1,733 1,679 1,696 1,582 5PF Sandwell PCT 1,803 1,867 1,801 1,793 1,939 5M2 Shropshire County PCT 1,448 1,433 1,450 1,382 1,429 5QW Solihull Primary Care Trust 1,525 1,551 1,560 1,486 1,530 5M1 South Birmingham PCT 1,428 1,392 1,381 1,394 1,423 5PK South Staffordshire PCT 1,728 1,699 1,711 1,640 1,615 5PJ Stoke On Trent PCT 1,857 1,834 1,670 1,751 1,728 5MK Telford and Wrekin PCT 1,753 1,797 1,681 1,742 1,676 5M3 Walsall Teaching PCT 1,945 1,862 1,665 1,718 1,729 5PM Warwickshire PCT 1,685 1,687 1,658 1,618 1,641 5MV Wolverhampton City PCT 1,920 1,888 1,617 1,767 1,712 5PL Worcestershire PCT 1,431 1,483 1,453 1,471 1,455

Q35 East of England 1,661 1,642 1,625 1,648 1,646 5P2 Bedfordshire PCT 1,647 1,611 1,594 1,651 1,604 5PP Cambridgeshire PCT 1,452 1,433 1,440 1,417 1,455 5P3 East and North Hertfordshire PCT 1,804 1,784 1,763 n/a n/a 5PR Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT 1,611 1,640 1,587 1,637 1,582 5QV Hertfordshire PCT n/a n/a n/a 1,694 1,674 5GC Luton PCT 1,978 1,987 1,887 1,915 1,817 5PX Mid Essex PCT 1,791 1,735 1,748 1,761 1,731 587W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 588W

Average number of general practitioners (GP) registered patients per GP (excluding retainers and registrars) by primary care trust (PCT) in England, 2007-11 Registered patients per General Practitioner 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

5PQ Norfolk PCT 1,481 1,454 1,482 1,482 1,462 5PW North East Essex PCT 1,706 1,780 1,802 1,781 1,785 5PN Peterborough PCT 1,715 1,697 1,554 1,638 1,635 5P1 South East Essex PCT 1,901 1,943 1,904 1,889 1,929 5PY South West Essex PCT 2,156 1,985 1,885 1,951 2,032 5PT Suffolk PCT 1,529 1,537 1,514 1,514 1,537 5PV West Essex PCT 1,607 1,611 1,568 1,669 1,684 5P4 West Hertfordshire PCT 1,631 1,610 1,583 n/a n/a

Q36 London 1,698 1,666 1,611 1,645 1,626 5C2 Barking and Dagenham PCT 2,210 1,992 1,794 1,737 1,933 5A9 Barnet PCT 1,671 1,670 1,647 1,632 1,714 TAK Bexley Care Trust 2,056 2,124 1,893 1,932 1,977 5K5 Brent Teaching PCT 1,776 1,722 1,639 1,706 1,544 5A7 Bromley PCT 1,578 1,512 1,511 1,492 1,516 5K7 Camden PCT 1,525 1,373 1,411 1,362 1,350 5C3 City and Hackney Teaching PCT 1,410 1,509 1,464 1,395 1,416 5K9 Croydon PCT 1,688 1,583 1,588 1,706 1,689 5HX Ealing PCT 1,716 1,682 1,776 1,800 1,760 5C1 Enfield PCT 1,753 1,774 1,600 1,507 1,739 5A8 Greenwich Teaching PCT 1,879 1,907 1,747 1,708 1,700 5H1 Hammersmith and Fulham PCT 1,752 1,558 1,656 1,490 1,535 5C9 Haringey Teaching PCT 1,785 1,726 1,697 1,594 1,531 5K6 Harrow PCT 1,631 1,566 1,498 1,558 1,463 5A4 Havering PCT 1,902 2,014 1,930 1,962 1,958 5AT Hillingdon PCT 1,940 1,878 1,761 1,834 1,840 5HY Hounslow PCT 1,986 1,882 1,897 1,848 1,898 5K8 Islington PCT 1,567 1,533 1,434 1,405 1,382 5LA Kensington and Chelsea PCT 1,801 1,725 1,800 1,737 1,599 5A5 Kingston PCT 1,581 1,591 1,566 1,586 1,545 5LD Lambeth PCT 1,441 1,447 1,366 1,420 1,400 5LF Lewisham PCT 1,580 1,525 1,502 1,564 1,535 5C5 Newham PCT 1,710 1,816 1,751 1,788 1,762 5NA Redbridge PCT 2,013 2,034 1,909 2,032 1,951 5M6 Richmond and Twickenham PCT 1,636 1,653 1,638 1,627 1,594 5LE Southwark PCT 1,591 1,532 1,505 1,619 1,484 5M7 Sutton and Merton PCT 1,661 1,671 1,583 1,536 1,480 5C4 Tower Hamlets PCT 1,518 1,441 1,233 1,321 1,245 5NC Waltham Forest PCT 1,743 1,854 1,694 1,805 1,775 5LG Wandsworth PCT 1,633 1,617 1,553 1,462 1,379 5LC Westminster PCT 1,770 1,514 1,617 1,702 1,494

Q37 South East Coast 1,650 1,638 1,596 1,603 1,579 5LQ Brighton and Hove City PCT 1,716 1,734 1,656 1,860 1,769 5P7 East Sussex Downs and Weald PCT 1,555 1,566 1,567 1,502 1,478 5QA Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT 1,695 1,635 1,593 1,590 1,648 5P8 Hastings and Rother PCT 1,593 1,578 1,629 1,567 1,476 5L3 Medway PCT 2,081 2,016 1,687 1,695 1,679 5P5 Surrey PCT 1,582 1,582 1,567 1,536 1,509 5P9 West Kent PCT 1,799 1,771 1,701 1,704 1,657 5P6 West Sussex PCT 1,522 1,534 1,515 1,542 1,500

Q38 South Central 1,595 1,595 1,348 1,562 1,543 589W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 590W

Average number of general practitioners (GP) registered patients per GP (excluding retainers and registrars) by primary care trust (PCT) in England, 2007-11 Registered patients per General Practitioner 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

5QG Berkshire East PCT 1,845 1,729 1,277 1,690 1,653 5QF Berkshire West PCT 1,614 1,610 1,262 1,621 1,561 5QD Buckinghamshire PCT 1,568 1,582 1,176 1,524 1,528 5QC Hampshire PCT 1,600 1,587 1,556 1,536 1,511 5QT Isle of Wight NHS PCT 1,608 1,616 1,599 1,535 1,496 5CQ Milton Keynes PCT 1,696 1,749 1,308 1,729 1,719 5QE Oxfordshire PCT 1,442 1,458 1,125 1,423 1,410 5FE Portsmouth City Teaching PCT 1,734 1,751 1,717 1,775 1,764 5L1 Southampton City PCT 1,481 1,562 1,542 1,532 1,552

Q39 South West 1,403 1,386 1,340 1,356 1,343 5FL Bath and North East Somerset PCT 1,557 1,448 1,394 1,323 1,316 5QN Bournemouth and Poole Teaching PCT 1,549 1,522 1,484 1,516 1,463 5QJ Bristol PCT 1,288 1,257 1,245 1,282 1,271 5QP Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT 1,391 1,391 1,241 1,365 1,393 5QQ Devon PCT 1,239 1,226 1,215 1,228 1,163 5QM Dorset PCT 1,366 1,364 1,337 1,323 1,314 5QH Gloucestershire PCT 1,509 1,515 1,390 1,406 1,370 5M8 North Somerset PCT 1,582 1,524 1,448 1,333 1,306 5F1 Plymouth Teaching PCT 1,397 1,393 1,415 1,384 1,415 5QL Somerset PCT 1,339 1,322 1,286 1,305 1,299 5A3 South Gloucestershire PCT 1,426 1,358 1,346 1,379 1,380 5K3 Swindon PCT 1,660 1,661 1,563 1,487 1,572 TAL Torbay Care Trust 1,398 1,428 1,428 1,458 1,459 5QK Wiltshire PCT 1,491 1,482 1,486 1,468 1,477 n/a = data not available Notes: 1. Data are as at 30 September in each year. 2. PCTs provided are those in existence at the time of the relevant census. East and North Hertfordshire and West Hertfordshire PCTs merged in 2010 to form a single Hertfordshire PCT. Wherever the name of a PCT has changed over the time series but the boundaries remained the same the most recent name as at 30 September 2011 has been used. 3. GP figures are excluding GP Retainers and GP Registrars 4. Registered patient figures used for the calculation in the data were taken from the annual GP Census publication, which is collected directly from the Exeter GP payment system. They are numbers of registrations only and do not represent a precise count of physical people as some people are registered multiple times at different practices and similarly some people are not registered with a GP at all. 5. Headcount Methodology: The new headcount methodology from .2010 onwards means this data is not fully comparable with previous years, due to improvements that make it a more stringent count of absolute staff numbers. Further information on the headcount methodology is available in the census publication: http://www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/workforce/nhs-staff-numbers Headcount totals are unlikely to equal the sum of components. 6. 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.

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Anna Soubry: The information requested is not held what estimate he has made of the number of locum centrally. doctors providing out-of-hours cover in each of the last five years; and what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of providing this cover. [122845] Health Professions: Greater London Anna Soubry: This information is not centrally collected. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Harrow Primary Care Trust: Surgery how many (a) doctors and (b) nurses were working for the NHS in London for NHS trusts (i) in 2010-11, (ii) Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in 2011-12 and (iii) on 31 July 2012; and if he will make how many patients in the Harrow Primary Care Trust a statement. [123957] area aged (a) 65 and (b) 75 years or over in need of (i) a new hip, (ii) a new knee and (iii) other joint Dr Poulter: The number of doctors and nurses working replacement were rejected for surgery in (A) 2010-11 in the London Strategic Health Authority area by national and (B) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. health service organisation as at 30 September 2012 is [123956] shown in the following table. 591W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 592W

NHS hospital and community health services: Medical and dental staff and qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff in the London Strategic Health Authority area by organisation as at 30 September each specified year1 Headcount 2010 2011 2012 Medical and dental Qualified nursing Medical and dental Qualified nursing Medical and dental Qualified nursing staff staff staff staff staff staff

London Strategic Health 21,623 55,475 21,928 55,578 21,997 56,192 Authority area

Barking and Dagenham 22021724 Primary Care Trust (PCT) Barking, Havering and 820 1,791 840 2,027 881 2,055 Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust Barnet and Chase Farm 669 1,422 682 1,432 694 1,485 Hospitals NHS Trust Barnet PCT 45 325 39 321 10 0 Barnet, Enfield and 223 674 224 875 215 846 Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust Barts and The London 1,244 2,561 1,349 2,677 0 0 NHS Trust BartsHealthNHSTrust00002,0474,801 Bexley Care Trust 1 11 1 8 3 8 Brent Teaching PCT 24 230 4 10 4 10 Bromley Healthcare 000021260 Bromley PCT 33 311 34 282 14 15 Camden and Islington 141 563 136 514 135 473 NHS Foundation Trust Camden PCT 86 251 80 261 5 0 Central and North West 341 1,173 325 1,181 418 1,728 London NHS Foundation Trust Central London 0 0 40 765 64 1,066 Community Healthcare NHS Trust Chelsea and Westminster 595 1,142 617 1,128 622 1,163 Hospital NHS Foundation Trust City and Hackney 29 275 17 30 15 20 Teaching PCT Croydon Health Services 450 1,034 457 1,004 454 967 NHS Trust Croydon PCT 7 34 2 0 0 0 Ealing Hospital NHS 305 560 363 1,179 364 1,179 Trust Ealing PCT 32 276 4 12 3 12 East London NHS 292 911 277 1,191 283 1,144 Foundation Trust Enfield PCT 14 232 4 2 0 0 Epsom and St Helier 621 1,429 632 1,484 641 1,501 University Hospitals NHS Trust Great Ormond Street 509 1,184 533 1,145 544 1,246 Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust Greenwich Teaching PCT 19 250 6 6 8 6 Guy’s and St Thomas’ 1,518 3,232 1,543 3,789 1,597 3,891 NHS Foundation Trust Hammersmith and 340417215 Fulham PCT Haringey Teaching PCT 35 167 5 10 0 0 Harrow PCT 14 172 0 0 0 0 Havering PCT 28 610 28 525 6 3 Hillingdon Hospitals 376 810 388 814 389 799 NHS Foundation Trust Hillingdon PCT 28 272 18 279 2 10 Homerton University 373 784 400 1,064 410 1,068 Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Hounslow and 004040 Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust Hounslow PCT 121212 593W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 594W

NHS hospital and community health services: Medical and dental staff and qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff in the London Strategic Health Authority area by organisation as at 30 September each specified year1 Headcount 2010 2011 2012 Medical and dental Qualified nursing Medical and dental Qualified nursing Medical and dental Qualified nursing staff staff staff staff staff staff

Imperial College 1,704 3,344 1,698 3,370 1,650 3,363 Healthcare NHS Trust Islington PCT 52 239 1 6 23 30 Kensington and Chelsea 25 772 3 3 3 3 PCT King’s College Hospital 1,224 2,297 1,261 2,417 1,303 2,562 NHS Foundation Trust Kingston Hospital NHS 396 856 410 820 415 859 Trust KingstonPCT240000 Lambeth PCT 40 269 5 4 8 4 Lewisham Healthcare 380 877 399 1,042 409 1,030 NHS Trust Lewisham PCT 13 211 3 109 6 95 London Strategic Hearth 726161 Authority Moorfields Eye Hospital 300 339 311 370 313 370 NHS Foundation Trust Newham PCT 15 303 0 0 0 0 Newham University 331 782 347 783 0 0 Hospital NHS Trust North East London NHS 182 751 195 754 249 1,808 Foundation Trust North Middlesex 365 749 378 761 377 736 University Hospital NHS Trust North West London 746 1,622 770 1,615 770 1,685 Hospitals NHS Trust Oxleas NHS Foundation 146 860 160 1,108 151 1,113 Trust Redbridge PCT 7 92 11 96 2 16 Richmond and 16 359 9 322 11 332 Twickenham PCT Royal Brompton and 383 1,094 390 1,148 410 1,163 Harefield NHS Foundation Trust Royal Free London NHS 888 1,630 897 1,643 826 1,552 Foundation Trust Royal Marsden NHS 353 819 346 831 343 1,145 Foundation Trust Royal National 144 359 154 372 166 380 Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust South London and 442 1,600 448 1,540 433 1,537 Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust South London 895 2,031 891 2,018 890 1,972 Healthcare NHS Trust South West London and 240 730 246 704 237 630 St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust Southwark PCT 34 230 11 0 11 0 St George’s Healthcare 988 2,458 1,072 2,498 1,075 2,522 NHS Trust Sutton and Merton PCT 9 331 3 304 0 0 Tavistock and Portman 52 14 52 15 54 17 NHS Foundation Trust Tower Hamlets PCT 45 327 0 0 0 0 University College 1,123 2,264 1,135 2,357 1,202 2,366 London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Waltham Forest PCT 2 11 1 4 1 4 Wandsworth PCT 14 16 21 38 21 32 West London Mental 266 1,311 253 1,220 245 1,123 Health NHS Trust West Middlesex 353 751 346 702 342 694 University Hospital NHS Trust Westminster PCT 11 10 8 3 10 8 595W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 596W

NHS hospital and community health services: Medical and dental staff and qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff in the London Strategic Health Authority area by organisation as at 30 September each specified year1 Headcount 2010 2011 2012 Medical and dental Qualified nursing Medical and dental Qualified nursing Medical and dental Qualified nursing staff staff staff staff staff staff

Whipps Cross University 413 1,222 429 1,250 0 0 Hospital NHS Trust Whittington Hospital 381 831 466 1,286 466 1,228 NHS Trust Your Healthcare 8 179 7 188 6 187 1 2010-11 figures are from the annual workforce census, as at 30 September 2012 figures are from the Provisional Monthly Workforce Statistics, as at 30 June. July figures are not yet available. Note: A few NHS organisations existed within the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) database with small numbers of staff as a result of the impact of Transforming Community Services and the resultant system mergers and demergers which were still ongoing in June 2012. Headcount totals may not equal the sum of components: The new headcount methodology from 2010 onwards is not fully comparable with previous years data due to improvements that make it a more stringent countof absolute staff numbers. Further information on the headcount methodology is available in the Census publication here: http://www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/publications/010_Workforce/nhsstaff0010/Census_Bulletin_March_2011_Final.pdf Monthly data: As from 21 July 2010 the Health and Social Care Information Centre has published provisional monthly NHS workforce data. As expected with provisional statistics, some figures may be revised from month to month as issues are uncovered and resolved. The monthly workforce data is not directly comparable with the annual workforce census; it only includes those staff on the ESR (ie it does not include Primary care staff or Bank staff), it also includes locum doctors (not counted in the annual census). There are also new methods of presenting data (headcount methodology is different and there is now a role count). This information is available from September 2009 onwards at the following website: www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/provisionalmonthlyhchsworkforce 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 Provisional Monthly Workforce Statistics

Health Services: Overseas Visitors NHS trusts in England have recorded in their accounts. The chairman of Monitor has provided similar data for Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Health NHS foundation trusts, which are also in the table. what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of The data may relate to treatment provided to overseas treating non-EU visitors that was not recovered in each visitors in earlier financial years. Furthermore, since of the last 10 years. [122816] overseas visitors can include United Kingdom and European Union nationals, the data will not relate Anna Soubry: The following table shows, for the years exclusively to non-EU visitors. The Department does that are available, the total losses, bad debts and claims not hold information centrally about the nationality of abandoned in relation to overseas visitors not entitled patients treated by the NHS. to free national health service hospital treatment that

£ Overseas visitors: losses, bad debts and claims abandoned NHS trusts NHS foundation trusts Total

2011-12 8,880,564 2,676,000 11,556,564 2010-11 6,773,733 7,182,000 13,955,733 2009-10 6,967,780 2,120,000 9,087,780 2008-09 5,204,856 3,269,000 8,473,856 2007-08 6,468,751 2,621,000 9,089,751 2006-07 5,046,763 — 5,046,763 2005-06 3,883,017 — 3,882,017 2004-05 2,369,650 — 2,369,650 2003-04 3,334,173 — 3,334,173 2002-03 2,109,000 — 2,109,000 Source: NHS trust audited summarisation schedules and NHS foundation trust consolidated accounts (data are not available from NHS foundation trusts prior to 2007-08).

Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements Anna Soubry: For the year 2011-12, the United Kingdom incurred claims to the value of £134,819,831 from other European economic area countries for treating UK Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health citizens under the European health insurance card scheme. how much was paid by the UK under the European The UK raised equivalent claims to the value of Health Insurance Card Scheme for the treatment of £34,885,773.47. British registered patients in European Economic Area Heart Diseases countries in 2011-12; and how much was received under the scheme for the treatment of European Economic Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Area patients by the NHS. [122608] Health (1) what the role of the long-term conditions 597W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 598W outcome strategy will be in improving the quality and contribution to this along with the many views and uptake of cardiac rehabilitation; [122987] comments that have been received through our engagement (2) what the role of the cardiovascular disease activity with a wide range of interests, including patients, outcomes strategy will be in improving the quality and carers, health care professionals and voluntary sector uptake of cardiac rehabilitation; [122988] organisations. The aim is to publish the outcomes strategy within this financial year. (3) what steps his Department is taking to (a) monitor and evaluate usage of and (b) promote to the NHS (i) Influenza: Vaccination his Department’s commissioning pack for cardiac rehabilitation, (ii) the National Institute for Health and Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Clinical Excellence guidance on cardiac rehabilitation, when he expects the Medicines and Healthcare (iii) the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention products Regulatory Agency and the Health Protection and Rehabilitation standards and core components of Agency to report their findings on the potential links cardiac and rehabilitation. [122989] between the Pandemrix form of influenza vaccine and an increased risk of narcolepsy amongst those under Anna Soubry: The importance of effective cardiac the age of 17; and if he will make a statement. [122256] rehabilitation has been underlined in National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence clinical guidelines Anna Soubry: The results of the Health Protection and in the National Service Framework for Coronary Agency study are in the process of submission for Heart Disease. However, we recognise that more can be publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal. The done to improve the quality and uptake of cardiac timing of publication is subject to completion of this rehabilitation which is why it is being considered as part process. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory of the development of the cardiovascular disease outcomes Agency has no direct role in the Health Protection strategy. Agency study. The main source of information about cardiac rehabilitation is the National Audit of Cardiac Insulin Rehabilitation; which is funded by the British Heart Foundation. This provides evidence oh the quality and Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health effectiveness of services to encourage local areas to what plans his Department has to collect data on the improve their provision of cardiac rehabilitation to that amounts spent on insulin pumps to treat diabetes. of the best. [122359] In addition, NHS Improvement recently concluded a programme of work supporting commissioners and Anna Soubry: The Department has no current plans providers with implementation of the Department’s to collect data on insulin pump use in England. Insulin commissioning pack for cardiac rehabilitation. All the. pumps and their consumables are non-prescription items learning from this programme, together with other NHS and not currently captured in the annual Prescribing for Improvement work aimed at driving up quality and Diabetes in England dataset. efficiency in cardiac rehabilitation services, is captured The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists in a new interactive digital resource, “Quality, innovation recently commissioned an insulin pump audit. This and value in cardiac rehabilitation: commissioning for showed that there are at least 11,985 people over the age improvement”. The resource actively promotes the of 18-years-old and at least 4,447 people 17-years-old Department’s commissioning pack, the NICE clinical or younger using an insulin pump in England. Insulin guidelines on cardiac rehabilitation and the British pump therapy is a viable treatment for approximately Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and 12% of adults and children aged over 12-years-old and Rehabilitation standards. 33% of children under the age 12 years, who have type 1 The Department has been working with stakeholders diabetes. and colleagues from across Whitehall to identify shared areas of interest that could have an impact on the Midwives outcomes for people living with long term conditions, including those with cardio-vascular disease. This work Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for is ongoing. Health how many midwives were employed in the NHS in each of the last five years; and what estimate he has Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for made of the likely number of midwives in the NHS in Health (1) what recent progress his Department has each of the next three years. [124044] made on the cardiovascular disease outcomes strategy, [122990] Dr Poulter: The Information Centre for health and social care collects data on the number of midwives (2) with reference to the joint report, Tackling working in the National Health Service. The following Cardiovascular Disease: Priorities for the Outcomes table shows the number of qualified midwives working Strategy, what account he is taking of the report to in the NHS in each of the last five years. inform the forthcoming cardiovascular disease outcomes strategy. [122991] Full time equivalent (FTE) qualified midwives in England as at 30 September each year Registered midwives (FTE) Anna Soubry: Progress continues to be made on the development of the cardiovascular disease outcomes 2007 19,298 strategy.The joint report, Tackling Cardiovascular Disease: 2008 19,639 Priorities for the Outcomes Strategy, has made a valuable 2009 20,236 599W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 600W

Full time equivalent (FTE) qualified midwives in England as at 30 20. University Hospital of North Staffordshire Stoke on Trent September each year Children’s MTCs Registered midwives (FTE) 21. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Liverpool 2010 20,790 22. Birmingham Children’s Hospital 2011 20,519 23. Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Source: 24. Sheffield Children’s Hospital The NHS Information Centre for health and social care Non-medical Workforce Census Collaborative The Government is absolutely committed to ensuring 25. Manchester Collaborative MTC that we have the right number of trained midwives, (a) Salford Royal NHS Trust especially given the increased number and complexity (b) Manchester Royal Infirmary of births in recent years. Women should receive excellent (c) University Hospital South Manchester maternity services that focus on the best outcomes, for 26. Liverpool Collaborative MTC women and their babies, and the woman’s experience of care. (a) Aintree University Hospital (b) Walton Centre It is the responsibility of local NHS organisations to plan and deliver a workforce appropriate to the needs of (c) Royal Liverpool University Hospital their local population, based on clinical need and sound evidence. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what protocol arrangements he has reached with the Since May 2010 an additional 960 midwives are now NHS on the number of ambulances required to attend working in the NHS and midwife training numbers are a designated major disaster; and within what timescales at a record high, with 2,578 places planned for 2012-13. attendance would happen. [122532] There are currently around 5,000 midwives in training. Anna Soubry: Ambulance services determine the level NHS: Emergencies of resources required to attend a major incident using tools set out in the 2005 Department of Health Emergency John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Planning Guidance and in individual Trusts’ Major which hospitals are designated as major trauma centres Incidents Procedures. This is in line with the requirements in the event of a major disaster in the UK. [122530] of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. Response times are set by the Department for ambulance Anna Soubry: As of April 2012, in NHS England 26 services. Ambulance trusts are required to reach 75% of designated major trauma centres (MTCs), shown as the most seriously ill and injured patients within eight follows, now serve the public in the event of major minutes. national or regional incidents. They are the hub of regional trauma networks, composed of all the local hospitals and are also linked up to specialist services NHS: Finance (such, as burns, spinal cord injury and paediatrics) as required. The whole network would be utilised, including Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for local hospital trauma units, to disseminate patients far Health what recent assessment he has made of the more effectively by best matching specialist resources importance of deprivation weighting in the public and expertise to patients’ needs. health funding formula. [122620] Major Trauma Centres Anna Soubry: This Government has an ambitious Adult and Children’s Major Trauma Centres vision to help people live longer, healthier and more 1. Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge fulfilling lives, and to improve the health of the poorest, 2. Frenchay Hospital Bristol fastest. From 2013, public health services will be funded 3. James Cook University Hospital Middlesbrough by a new ring-fenced grant that will be allocated to 4. John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford upper tier and unitary local authorities to carry out 5. King’s College Hospital London specific public health functions. 6. Leeds General Infirmary The development of the funding formula to support 7. Queen’s Medical Centre Nottingham the allocation of public health resources is being overseen by the independent Advisory Committee on Resource 8. Royal London Hospital Allocation (ACRA). ACRA’s interim recommendations 9. Royal Victoria Infirmary Newcastle on the formula were published in June followed by a 10. St Mary’s Hospital London period of engagement with key national and local 11. St George’s Hospital London stakeholders from both local government and the national 12. Southampton General Hospital health service. Adult Major Trauma Centres ACRA’s interim formula is based principally on a 13. Derriford Hospital Plymouth measure of population health which will be applied to 14. Hull Royal Infirmary small areas to take account of localised health inequalities within local authority areas. This means that funding is 15. Northern General Hospital Sheffield targeted towards those areas with the poorest health 16. Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham . outcomes and greatest deprivation. Building up from 17. Royal Preston Hospital small areas means the formula can take account of 18. Royal Sussex County Hospital Brighton pockets of deprivation in local authorities that otherwise 19. University Hospital Coventry have good health outcomes. 601W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 602W

ACRA has used the feedback to finalise its contains a package of more long-term measures building recommendations on the formula to be used for the on those included in the Plan for Growth. allocation of the 2013-14 ring-fenced grant to local Together these strategies enable the United Kingdom authorities. These recommendations have now been to capitalise on strengths such as its world-class science sent to the Secretary of State for consideration. Full and clinical research, as well as its talent base of pioneering details of their recommendations will be published in life science researchers and first rate universities. due course. NHS: Private Patients NHS: Innovation Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what income NHS trusts and foundation trusts Health what his Department is doing to encourage earned from the treatment of private patients; and what innovation within the NHS. [122408] proportion of their total income such revenue represented, in each of the last five years. [123796] Dr Poulter: Innovation remains crucial to delivering a world-class health service, in terms of improving the Anna Soubry: The consolidated figures for private quality of patient care and its contribution to economic patient income of NHS foundation trusts and NHS growth. The report, “Innovation Health and Wealth: trusts are provided in the table. accelerating adoption and diffusion in the NHS”, published The total private patient income for NHS foundation in December 2011, sets out a delivery agenda for spreading trusts in 2010-11 is £274 million. This corrects the innovation at pace and scale throughout the national answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for Health, health service. my hon. Friend the Member for Central Suffolk and In addition to this, the Strategy for UK Life Sciences, North Ipswich (Dr Poulter), on 17 September 2012, launched alongside “Innovation Health and Wealth”, Official Report, column 495W.

Private patient income Private patient income across all across all NHS trusts Percentage of total revenue NHS foundation trusts Percentage of total revenue Financial year (£ million) earned from private patients (%) (£ million) earned from private patients (%)

2011-12 177 0.57 304 1.1 2010-11 176 0.60 274 1.1 2009-10 190 0.67 224 1.0 2008-09 227 0.75 190 1.1 2007-08 238 0.72 165 1.3

NHS: Procurement data on the actual QIPP savings made by the NHS. Both of these elements are published in ‘The Quarter 20’, which outlines the NHS financial position and John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health progress made in health and care services on a quarterly (1) what savings have been made as part of the QIPP basis. challenge relating to the procurement of consumables as regards (a) price variation and (b) improved use The Quarter can be accessed via the following link: and management of stock at (i) national, (ii) regional http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/ and (iii) local level in the last two financial years; Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_131955 [122298] A price benchmarking pilot with 20 trusts for 12 (2) what proportion of the QIPP challenge efficiency products was undertaken with support from the Foundation savings (a) strategic health authorities and (b) Trust Network and the results were published in September foundation trusts have identified as necessary to make 2011 along with guidance to trusts on using the analysis within the (i) procurement work stream and (ii) area of to understand how they can undertake more benchmarking. procured consumables in (A) 2012-13, (B) 2013-14 and In May 2012, the Department published: ‘NHS (C) 2014-15; [122299] Procurement Raising our Game’, which sets out steps (3) what progress he has made on increasing transparency that the NHS should take immediately to start the in price variation in the procurement of consumables as journey of improvement in procurement. ‘Raising Our recommended in the National Audit Office report, entitled Game’ recommends key actions for improvement which The procurement of consumables by NHS acute and include: foundation trusts, HC 705, session 2010-11. [122701] the NHS must share data, so that the prices paid for the same goods and services can be seen by different organisations; Anna Soubry: Quality, Innovation, Productivity and trusts should publish all tender and contract information for Prevention (QIPP) delivery has now been mainstreamed tenders over £10,000; and into ’business as usual’ and progress continues to be trusts should stop signing non-disclosure agreements with monitored at a national level. Integrated performance suppliers which prevent the free sharing of pricing information measures, covering quality, resources and reform as laid between trusts. out in the Operating Framework for 2012-13 are used The NHS supply chain pilot for using web-based by the Department to ensure that the national health systems, which allow them to be more transparent on service is on track to deliver the QIPP challenge, and their offer, is under way, with progress monitored by the maintain quality. The Department has started to collect Department. Additionally, benchmarking has been included 603W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 604W as a workstream of the NHS Supply Chain Customer (5) how many employees of NHS acute trusts were Board to determine how the NHS can best make use of seconded to his Department in each of the last seven NHS supply chain’s data to achieve efficiencies through years; [122665] comparison with other NHS organisations. (6) how many employees of NHS foundation trusts were seconded to his Department in each of the last Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health seven years; [122666] what steps his Department is taking to monitor the (7) how many employees of NHS strategic health payment (a) of its main contractors within 14 days authorities were seconded to his Department in each of and (b) by main contractors to sub-contractors within the last seven years; [122667] 30 days. [122713] (8) how many employees of NHS primary care trusts Dr Poulter: The Department does not specifically were seconded to his Department in each of the last monitor the proportion of payments made within 14 seven years; [122668] days as this is not a target that has been set. The (9) how many NHS employees were seconded to his Department of Health operates standard contractual Department in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007, (d) 2008, payment terms of 30 days. (e) 2009, (f) 2010, (g) 2011 and (h) 2012 to date. However, the Department has also signed up to the [123122] Government’s Prompt Payment policy under which the target is to pay all valid supplier invoices that are Dr Poulter: The Department’s electronic business received at the nominated address within five days of management system collates information on the number receipt. Performance against this target is expected to of employees seconded to the Department but does not be published on the Department’s website within six hold information on the organisations from which staff days of the previous month. Performance against this are seconded in to the Department. target has not fallen below 90% since January 2011. The following table gives information about the number The Department’s standard terms and conditions of of secondees (as full-time equivalents) into the Department contract include provision that subcontractors must be as of 30 September in each year. paid by the Department’s contractors within 30 days. ‘Secondees-in’ at Department of Health The Department would investigate complaints by a Full-time equivalents subcontractor to ensure our contractors continue to meet their contractual responsibilities. 2005 97 2006 129 2007 147 NHS: Redundancy 2008 177 2009 289 Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2010 283 how many NHS employees have been made redundant 2011 169 and reemployed as consultants by his Department in 2012 167 each of the last seven years. [122664] It should be noted that data from the previous, Dr Poulter: The Department does not employ administrative systems that the Department’s business management consultants. It contracts for the delivery of management system (BMS) replaced, existing prior to 1 consultancy services from companies and does not keep July 2008, are not totally reliable. central records of the number nor the identities of To provide information as requested about the individual management consultants used by those organisations from which staff were seconded would companies to deliver the services for each contract. require a manual search of all the personnel records for The Department’s central human resources and secondees since 2007, which would incur disproportionate procurement records do not hold information about the costs. previous employment and redundancy history of any North West London Hospitals NHS Trust: Private individual consultant, contractor or other supplier we Patients engage or contract with. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health NHS: Secondment how much income from private patients the North West London Hospitals NHS Trust received in (a) 2010-11 Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and (b) 2011-12; how much it expects to receive in (1) how many employees of NHS care trusts were 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. [123958] seconded to his Department in each year since 2005; [122590] Dr Poulter: The revenue earned by North West London (2) how many employees of NHS ambulance trusts Hospitals NHS Trust from private patients in the financial were seconded to his Department in each year since year 2010-11 was £4.578 million. 2005; [122594] The information is taken from the audited summarisation (3) how many employees of NHS special health schedule of the organisation, from which the NHS authorities were seconded to his Department in each of (England) Summarised Accounts are prepared. the last seven years; [122662] 2011-12 data are available from the Department’s (4) how many employees of NHS mental health Annual Report and Accounts which have been laid trusts were seconded to his Department in each of the before Parliament. However, the information will also last seven years; [122663] be available via the NHS trust’s own published accounts. 605W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 606W

Information on how much the trust expects to receive (2) what information he proposes the next in 2012-13 is not currently held by the Department. radiotherapy dataset will contain on the provision and availability of intensity modulated radiotherapy in Nurses: Recruitment individual (a) cancer networks and (b) trusts. [123795]

Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for Anna Soubry: The radiotherapy dataset (RTDS) is Health how many nurses were recruited by the NHS in collected throughout the year. A report analysing the each of the last five years. [124045] first full year’s collection of the dataset, 2009-10 was published by the Department in August 2011. The Dr Poulter: The information on recruitment is not 2010-11 data were published on the National Cancer collected centrally. Statistics and Analysis Team website in March 2012 at the following link: Organs: Donors www.canceruk.net/rtservices/rtds/RTDSDownloads/ RTDS%202nd%20Annual%20Report%202010-11.pdf Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Key data from the dataset are also available on the how many and what proportion of the population in Cancer Commissioning Toolkit, which is available to Barnsley Central constituency have joined the national providers, commissioners and other organisations with organ register. [122430] an interest in cancer services. The Cancer Commissioning Toolkit data from the RTDS are updated regularly. Anna Soubry: NHS Blood and Transplant advise that the current number of people on the Organ Donor The RTDS collects activity data on intensity modulated Register in the constituency of Barnsley Central is radiotherapy (IMRT) by trust provider. These can be 21,537. It is not possible to say with accuracy what identified by the preparation coding for IMRT, although percentage of the current population this is as the latest they do not distinguish inverse and forward planned population figure held for Barnsley Central is for 2010. IMRT. Coding for IMRT has been evolving since the establishment of the RTDS and so additional guidance Out of Area Treatment has been issued to provider trusts. This will help provide a consistent interpretation of coding and allow standard Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for interpretation of IMRT in clinical practice. Health (1) pursuant to the answers of 12 July 2012, We will shortly be publishing an update report on the Official Report, column 325-6W and 21 June 2012, state of radiotherapy in England that will contain survey Official Report, columns 1106-7W, how many patients RTDS and survey data on IMRT. registered at an address in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland were referred to NHS services in Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health England for residential treatment for each category of (1) what assessment his Department has made of the medical condition in each month since May 2007; extent to which the Cancer Radiotherapy Innovation [122915] Fund will increase access to intensity modulated (2) what the total cost was for referrals of patients radiotherapy; [124032] registered at an address in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (2) when he plans to present detailed plans for (c) Northern Ireland in each year since May 2007. the implementation of the Cancer Radiotherapy [122916] Innovation Fund; and if he will make a statement. [124035] Anna Soubry: The Department does not hold information about patients registered at addresses in Scotland, Wales Anna Soubry: The Radiotherapy Innovation Fund and Northern Ireland who receive residential treatment will ensure that, from April 2013, radiotherapy centres in England or about the cost of referrals for patients will be ready to deliver treatment using intensity modulated registered in these counties who receive treatment at radiotherapy (IMRT) to all national health service patients hospitals in England. who need it. Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 In August 2012, the National Cancer Director wrote to all radiotherapy centres asking them to prepare Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for Health action plans to enable them to deliver 24% of radical what steps his Department have taken to prepare for treatment using inverse planned IMRT from the end of the introduction of the Public Services (Social Value) March 2013. Those plans have been reviewed and the Act 2012. [122649] Department is working with the National Radiotherapy Implementation Group, which includes the relevant Anna Soubry: The Department is reviewing procurement professional bodies and Cancer Research UK, to develop processes in light of the provisions of the Act. When criteria and help centres bid for money to support Cabinet Office’s advice to procurers and commissioners delivery of their action plans, which might include the is available then the Department will finalise its guidance purchase of additional software licences that may be and deliver any appropriate training. needed. National support will also be provided through a Radiotherapy programme of visits to individual centres by expert teams. These visits will begin shortly and are due to Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health complete in December 2012. Training courses aimed at (1) when he expects the next radiotherapy dataset to be clinical teams will be delivered around the country from published; [123794] January to March 2013. 607W Written Answers19 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 608W

Research Thalidomide

Chris Kelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what external policy research his Department has what recent discussions he has had with Ministers in commissioned in each of the last six years; from which the Scottish Government on the continuation of the organisation each such piece of research was thalidomide health grant beyond 2012. [123966] commissioned; and what the cost of each such piece of Norman Lamb: No inter-ministerial discussions have research was. [123192] taken place to date, but Department of Health officials have regular and ongoing discussions with colleagues in Dr Poulter: The Department’s Policy Research the devolved Administrations about this important issue. Programme (PRP) funds research in three main ways: Waste Disposal: Health Hazards (i) long-term programmes of research in academic policy research units, designed to meet the longer-term research needs of the John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Department as well as to provide a rapid response functions; what steps his Department has taken since the investigation (ii) large-scale initiatives, comprising linked groups of studies, by the Health Protection Agency in 2003 into clusters of providing a range of empirical evidence on a key policy area or diseases linked to long-term exposure to chemicals from issue; and landfill sites and incinerators. [122972] (iii) single projects and literature or scoping reviews. PRP research is usually commissioned by open competitive tender. Anna Soubry: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) A list of PRP-funded research starting between April has assessed “the impact on health of emissions to air 2006 and September 2012 has been placed in the Library. from municipal waste incinerators”. The agency concluded that modern, well managed incinerators make only a Reserve Forces small contribution to local concentrations of air pollutants. It stated that it is possible that such small additions Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for could have an impact on health but such effects, if they Health how many reservists are employed by his exist, are likely to be very small and not detectable. Department. [122385] The HPA has also considered “the impact on health of emissions from landfill sites”. It concluded that a Dr Poulter: This information is not held by the well-managed modern landfill site does not pose a Department. The Civil Service Employee Policy Unit is significant risk to human health. developing a reservist policy for all Government Both documents can be found on the HPA’s website at: Departments. There will be data monitoring of this new www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_ policy but this is not yet in place. C/1251473372218 www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_ Respiratory System: Health Services C/1309969974126 John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research his Department has (a) Health whether he plans to retain the expertise of the commissioned and (b) evaluated on any link between Regional Respiratory Programme boards. [122683] incinerator emissions and the incidence of still births and birth defects; [122973] Anna Soubry: Funding for the regional respiratory programme boards runs until 31 March 2013. Any (2) what research his Department has (a) central financial support after this date is a matter for commissioned and (b) evaluated on any link between the NHS Commissioning Board. Regional financial air pollution and the incidence of still births; and what support will be a matter for clinical commissioning recent steps his Department has taken in response to groups. the findings of that research; [122974] (3) what research his Department has (a) Smallpox: Vaccination commissioned and (b) evaluated on the correlation between adult diabetes and particulate air pollution; Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and if he will make a statement. [122975] how many NHS personnel are currently vaccinated Anna Soubry: The Department has not commissioned against smallpox. [123162] or evaluated any research on links between incinerator emissions or air pollution and incidence of still births, Anna Soubry: Vaccination of a cohort of front-line birth defects and diabetes. health workers to deal with any initial suspected or The Health Protection Agency is funding a multi-site confirmed case of smallpox if one were to occur was study of birth outcomes, including still births and birth completed in 2005. The cohort comprised a total of 516 defects, around municipal waste incinerators currently vaccinated personnel of whom 147 were doctors, 164 operating in England and Wales. This study will be were nurses, 100 were ambulance staff, 32 were scientists undertaken by researchers in Imperial College and King’s and 73 held other related health care occupations. All College London, both part of the MRC-HPA Centre were carefully screened and monitored and none had for Environment and Health. Preliminary results from adverse complications that required vaccinia the study are expected in March 2014. The Agency immunoglobulin. The Department’s smallpox policy is keeps the literature on the health effects of emissions to currently under review. air from incinerators under regular review.

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appraisal in 2013 benchmarked against the alternative Written Answers to of an improved Defence Equipment and Support. Questions Afghanistan 19. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress has been made on the Monday 22 October 2012 security transition in Afghanistan. [123730]

Mr Philip Hammond: Transition of security to Afghan DEFENCE control, as agreed at the Lisbon Conference in 2010, is on track to be achieved by the end of 2014. In May, the Afghan Government announced the third tranche of Second World War Arctic Convoys districts and provinces that will enter the process. This sees the Afghans take the lead for security in areas 17. David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State home to 75% of the population. And since April this for Defence what steps he is taking to recognise those year we have been able to reduce the number of UK who served in the Arctic convoys during the second bases in Helmand from 80 to 39 as the Afghans assume world war; and if he will make a statement. [123728] day-to-day responsibility. By mid-2013, all parts of Afghanistan will have begun Dr Murrison: The Prime Minister appointed Sir John transition, and Afghan forces will be in the lead for Holmes earlier this year to undertake an independent security nationwide. This will mark an important milestone review of the rules applying to military medals, and in the Lisbon road map. The progress of security transition reported the results of Sir John’s interim review to the is allowing ISAF gradually, and responsibly, to draw House on 17 July 2012, Official Report, column 132WS. down its forces to complete its combat mission by 31 Further work is now under way, including a re-examination December 2014. of some of the issues which have been the subject of past campaigns, such as those for an Arctic Convoy Mr Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for medal. The outcome of Sir John’s further work is Defence how many members of the UK armed forces expected by the end of the year. who served in Afghanistan during (a) Operation Herrick 8, (b) Operation Herrick 9 and (c) Operation Herrick Defence Equipment and Support 10 have died since their return from Afghanistan; what the parent regiment of each such person was; and whether each death (i) took place (A) while the person 18. Jack Lopresti: To ask the Secretary of State for was still serving in the armed forces or (B) after discharge Defence what progress he has made on transforming and (ii) has been (1) ruled a suicide or (2) judged to be a Defence Equipment and Support. [123729] potential suicide. [121937]

Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence is determined to Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does transform the efficiency of procurement and support to not hold data relating to cause of death for service provide the right equipment to our armed forces at the personnel once they have left service, thus we are unable right time and at a cost affordable to the taxpayer. to provide a response to the number of suicides after As the Secretary of State announced in July, work is discharge. The MOD is also not in receipt of routine being advanced on developing the Government Owned notification of deaths to reservist personnel unless they Contractor Operated option, an innovative model to are mobilised. introduce private sector management expertise to The post tour suicides or potential suicides of armed supplement the military and specialist skills necessary forces personnel who had been deployed on Operation for armed forces procurement. Herrick 8, 9 and 10 and who were still serving at the We continue to consider the value for money case time of their death, are set out in the following table (to which I expect to conclude shortly. Subject to the outcome, protect the identity of individuals the information provided the GO-CO option will be taken forward for full investment is by service in place of regiment):

UK armed forces post operational suicides—Operation Herrick 8, 9 and 10

Operation Herrick 8 Operation Herrick 9 Operation Herrick 10

RN Army RAF RN Army RAF RN Army RAF

Cases where coroner has 020100030 given a suicide or open verdict

Cases where mechanism of 000110030 death suggests suicide but no inquest has yet taken place 611W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 612W

These post deployment deaths have occurred any Number time between three months and three years from the date of return. Op Herrick 9 6,419 Op Herrick 10 7,214 Mr Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the UK armed forces Of these, the numbers that have been subsequently served in Helmand in Afghanistan during (a) Operation seen for an episode of care for post traumatic stress Herrick 8, (b) Operation Herrick 9 and (c) Operation disorder (PTSD) are as follows: Herrick 10; and how many such people on each such operation have been (i) treated for post-traumatic stress Number disorder and (ii) discharged for psychological reasons Op Herrick 8 111 since returning from Afghanistan. [121938] Op Herrick 9 98 Mr Francois: The number of armed forces personnel Op Herrick 10 190 that served on Op Herrick 8, 9 and 10 were: The number of individuals who have been identified as previously deployed on Operation Herrick 8, 9 or 10, Number and who were subsequently medically discharged with a Op Herrick 8 6,006 principal or contributory cause of mental and behavioural disorders, is as follows:

Medical discharge on psychological grounds (mental and behavioural disorders) Principal cause Contributory cause Operation Navy Army RAF Navy Army RAF

Herrick 8 0 18 <5000 Herrick 9 6 7 0 <5 <5 0 Herrick 10 0 24 <5 0 <5 0

Defence Vetting Agency World Land Speed Record (Bloodhound SSC Team)

20. Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for 23. Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Government have any plans to Defence what support his Department is providing to merge the Defence Vetting Agency with the vetting the Bloodhound SSC world land speed record team; and if he will make a statement. [123734] functions of other Government Departments. [123731] Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence is supporting Mr Francois: The MOD’s vetting organisation already the Bloodhound project by providing three retired Typhoon provides services to a wide range of other Government jet engines from the test programme that will power the Departments and police forces. It is the largest single vehicle, a five-man team of Royal Electrical and Mechanical provider of vetting services and has developed an electronic Engineers in support and an RAF pilot who is taking vetting capability to further improve efficiency and time off to drive it. I have recently signed a concordat effectiveness. We continue to discuss with the Cabinet with the project which provides a framework for Office and other organisations whether additional benefits collaboration between the MOD and the project. could be driven from consolidating all of the provision of vetting into a single organisation, but no decision has Aircraft Carriers been taken at this time. It should be noted that a change in structure in October 2011 resulted in the Defence Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Vetting Agency becoming part of Defence Business Defence how many aircraft sorties per day the Queen Services and being renamed National Security Vetting. Elizabeth class carrier is designed to operate. [123239] The role remains the same and a key priority is to widen further DBS-NSV’s customer base across Government Mr Philip Hammond: I am withholding the information Departments and other public bodies. on how many sorties can be flown in a day as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces. Service Personnel Children Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Queen Elizabeth class carrier has 22. Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for a well deck; what his policy is on the storage and use of Defence what steps the Government are taking to Royal Marine maritime transport vessels; and if he will extend support in education for the children of current make a statement. [123260] and former service personnel. [123733] Mr Dunne [holding answer 18 October 2012]: The Mr Francois: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers do not have a gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham well deck, but they will have the capability to carry and Rainham (Rehman Chishti) and my hon. Friend troops and helicopters to take part in amphibious the Member for Nuneaton (Mr Jones). operations. 613W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 614W

The 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review Astute Class Submarines concluded that, as part of Future Force 2020, the Royal Marines will be able to land and sustain a commando Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for group of up to 1,800 personnel from the sea from a Defence if he will publish the regulator’s advice to his helicopter platform and protective vehicles, logistics Department on the redevelopment of the Rolls-Royce and command and control support from specialist ships. Raynesway plant for the production of future reactor To achieve this aim, the Royal Navy retains one Landing cores. [122796] Platform Dock, one Landing Platform Helicopter, and two Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary) at high readiness, Mr Dunne [holding answer 17 October 2012]: The with a further Landing Platform Dock and a Landing Raynesway site is a nuclear licensed site under the Nuclear Ship Dock (Auxiliary) held at extended readiness. Installations Act 1965. Any advice on the redevelopment of the site would be provided by the regulator, the Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), to the licensee, what the aviation mix is of hardware for the Queen Rolls-Royce Marine Power Engineering. Elizabeth Class Carrier in the littoral role. [123494] The ONR has not yet provided advice to Rolls-Royce on the planned redevelopment of the site. It is ONR’s policy to publish its formal advice on its website at: Mr Dunne [holding answer 18 October 2012]: The www.hse.gov.uk/nuclear/ Queen Elizabeth (QE) Class aircraft carrier will have the capacity to deploy up to 36 Lightning II aircraft and BAE Systems four helicopters. Alternatively, it can also carry a mix of helicopters, the precise mix of aircraft being dependent John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for on the mission, enabling the QE Class to support a Defence what his policy is on any future proposals for broad range of operations including in the littoral. foreign investment in BAE Systems. [123975]

Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Dunne: The Government’s position remains Defence what assessment he has made of the capacity unchanged. While decisions regarding the future of the to maintain operationally qualified pilots with a single company are a matter for BAE Systems, the Government’s Queen Elizabeth class carrier. [123963] role is to ensure that the UK’s national security interests are properly protected.

Mr Dunne [holding answer 19 October 2012]: The Consultants operational qualification of pilots will be synchronised with the ship’s generation cycle to maintain the required Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for level of capability and readiness. Defence what steps his Department plans to take to ensure it abides by its pledge to decrease expenditure on consultants. [122277] Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme Mr Philip Hammond: The Ministry of Defence will continue to implement the Cabinet Office controls on Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for consultancy expenditure that were published on 24 May Defence whether he plans to introduce safeguards to 2010, and updated in July 2012, which can be found at prevent the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme from the following link: becoming a vehicle for lobbying. [124005] http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/cabinet- office-controls-guidance Dr Murrison: I am not aware that the Armed Forces Departmental spending on consultancy was £79 million Parliamentary Scheme has been used for lobbying. A in 2009-10; in 2010-11 it was £26 million, a reduction of review of the scheme, with the agreement of the Speaker, approximately two-thirds. has been undertaken, the purpose of which was to Guided Weapons ensure the scheme is structured in a transparent and accountable way with sufficient safeguards in place to Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for mitigate against any accusations of lobbying or impropriety. Defence whether the Royal Navy was involved in the Options identified by the review will be considered by procurement of the Fire Shadow missile; and what the stakeholders and by the House of Commons Commission. nature was of any such involvement. [123262]

Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Mr Dunne [holding answer 18 October 2012]: Fire when the review of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Shadow was developed in response to a requirement Scheme will be completed. [124006] from the Land environment. However, the Royal Navy was briefed during the procurement phase. Dr Murrison: The independent review of the Armed Job Satisfaction Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) is now complete and recommendations will be considered shortly by the Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for key stakeholders of the scheme. The proposed way Defence whether low morale is an issue at the Ministry ahead for the AFPS will be discussed by the House of of Defence; and how he plans to alleviate any such Commons Commission on 29 October 2012. problem. [122279] 615W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 616W

Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) uses a Mr Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I number of measures to monitor and understand changes gave to the hon. Member for Moray (Angus Robertson) in morale, and while headcount reductions and pay on 13 September 2012, Official Report, column 312W. restraint have inevitably had an impact, I continue to be impressed by the dedication of MOD personnel, both Military Aircraft: Helicopters military and civilian. The outcome of the Strategic Defence and Security Review, coupled with the need to Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for reduce the national deficit, has necessitated a series of Defence if he will publish a list of all the types of tough decisions. However, the outcome of the current helicopter platforms in present use across all three transformation programme will be a leaner, more efficient services; and if he will make a statement. [123964] Department that continues to offer challenging, interesting and fairly remunerated careers. Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 19 October 2012]: The following types of helicopter platforms were Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft in use with the three services as at 30 September 2012: Owned and operated by MOD Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Aircraft type Service Defence what air-launched medium or tactical nuclear weapons the Joint Attack Fighter will be cleared to Apache Army deploy. [123240] Chinook RAF Gazelle Army Mr Dunne: There are no plans to equip the UK Lynx Army and Navy Lightning II aircraft with a nuclear capability. Wildcat Army Merlin RAF and Navy Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Puma RAF Defence which service will be responsible for the F-35B Sea King RAF and Navy variant joint strike fighter on board the new Queen EurocopterAS365N3 Army Elizabeth class carrier. [123587] Leased but flown by MOD Mr Dunne: As announced in the Strategic Defence Aircraft type Service and Security Review, the UK’s Carrier Strike capability Bell 212 Army will be delivered jointly by the Royal Navy and the Bell 412 RAF Royal Air Force. Agusta 109 RAF Libya: Military Intervention EurocopterAS350BB Tri-service

Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for National Security Defence how many (a) Storm Shadow, (b) Tomahawk and (c) Brimstone missiles were expended during Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Operation Ellamy. [123583] what progress he has made on the implementation of the recommendations in his Department’s White Paper Mr Robathan: During Operation Ellamy, UK forces on National Security Through Technology. [124127] employed a combined total of around 80 Storm Shadow and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles; and around 230 Mr Dunne: Good progress is being made in implementing Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone missiles. the recommendations of the National Security Through I am withholding the detailed breakdown of Storm Technology White Paper. This includes: sustaining the Shadow and Tomahawk Land Attack missile numbers level of investment in defence science and technology at employed as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, 1.2% of the Defence budget; encouraging small- and- prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the medium sized enterprises to fulfil their potential in armed forces. responding to defence requirements; embedding the new national security principles of operational advantage Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence and freedom of action within departmental processes; how many mid-air refuelling operations were required and increasing support for Defence exports. on average on a single sortie from RAF Marham to Libyan airspace and back during Operation Ellamy. Nimrod Aircraft [123584] Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Robathan: During Operation Ellamy, on average Defence what capabilities are currently being utilised to three mid-air refuelling operations were required for fulfil the role that would otherwise have been undertaken each Tornado strike mission transiting to Libya from by Nimrod MRA4 aircraft; and what capabilities will RAF Marham and two refuelling operations for the fulfil this role in the long term. [124116] return transit to RAF Marham. Mr Dunne: A layered range of complementary assets Military Aircraft is utilised to fulfil the maritime patrol capability which includes Type 23 Frigates, Merlin helicopters, attack Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for submarines, and Hercules C130 and E-3D Sentry aircraft. Defence what plans he has to introduce maritime patrol This is the same provision that was in place under the aircraft in the UK. [122281] previous Government. We do not have a defined 617W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 618W requirement for a future capability, as I have stated in Research the answer that I gave on 13 September 2012, Official Report, column 312W, to the hon. Member for Moray (Angus Robertson). Chris Kelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what external policy research his Department has commissioned in each of the last six years; which Operation Atalanta organisation was commissioned to provide each such piece of research; and what the cost of each such piece of research was. [122363] Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to extend the mandate for Mr Philip Hammond: The information requested is Operation Atalanta. [122275] not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Mr Robathan: Operation Atalanta’s mandate will expire in December 2014. A review of the operation will take place six months in advance and a decision will Territorial Waters then be taken on the mission’s continuation. Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many vessels were (a) intercepted and Procurement (b) boarded by the Royal Navy in UK territorial waters in each year since 2007. [123606] Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress his Department has made Mr Robathan: Details of the number of fishery protection in improving the effectiveness of procurement of items vessel interceptions and boardings in each year since valued under £1,000; and if he will make a statement. 2007 are listed in the following table. This excludes [123718] Scottish waters as these are managed by the Marine Scottish Alliance. Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is making more effective use of the central contracting approach Interceptions Boardings being led by the Cabinet Office, through the Government Procurement Service (GPS). This has accounted for 2007 2,191 1,378 some £220 million of MOD expenditure in the first 2008 1,709 983 quarter of the current financial year. The MOD uses 2009 2,050 1,288 GPS contracts and electronic catalogue systems to purchase 2010 1,974 1,303 most low value items under £1,000, including stationery, 2011 2,069 1,415 information technology consumables, printing and furniture. 20121 1,465 977 This procurement approach maximises savings to the Total 11,458 7,344 MOD and reduces the need to use other purchasing 1 To date. routes. Not all interceptions require boarding; the Royal Navy makes a physical approach usually within one mile and contacts initially by a radio challenge. Radio Frequencies Subsequently, a decision to board may be made. All these figures are recorded by the Marine Management Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Organisation. Defence what progress has been made on his Department’s There have been a total of 23 interceptions other consultation on the release of the 870-872 and 915-917 than fishery protection vessels since 2007 made by the MHz bandwidths; and if he will make a statement on Royal Navy, one of which was a counter-narcotics timelines. [117236] boarding and seizure. During Op OLYMPICS, one interception by a Royal Peter Luff [holding answer 13 July 2012]: The Ministry Marine offshore raiding craft was made in Dorset. No of Defence is currently liaising with a number of other maritime interceptions were made by Royal Naval vessels Government Departments and Ofcom to conduct the on the River Thames. technical and regulatory analysis required to enable the sharing of the spectrum in 870-872 and 915-917MHz. I will write to the hon. Member once the position is Trident clearer. Substantive answer from Philip Dunne to Chi Onwurah: Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence My predecessor undertook to write to you in his answer of which other Ministers will be involved in the Trident 17 July 2012, Official Report, column 764W, regarding your Alternatives Review. [123387] parliamentary question about radio frequencies. The Ministry of Defence has decided to relinquish its management responsibility Mr Philip Hammond: The Review is being led by the for the spectrum in the 870-872 and 915-917 MHz bands as there Cabinet Office and will report to the Prime Minister is no requirement to use it for military purposes now or in the future. The Government now needs to consider whether it still and to the Deputy Prime Minister. It is being conducted requires the spectrum for non-military use before the spectrum under the oversight of the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, could be returned to Ofcom for assignment to other users. This the right hon. Member for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch process is now under way. and Strathspey (Danny Alexander). 619W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 620W

TREASURY Child benefit Number of children Banks: Loans Number of ongoing in ongoing awards as awards as at at 30 September Country 30 September 2012 2012 Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the Governor Cyprus 54 78 of the Bank of England on the monthly publication of Czech Republic 179 293 levels of net bank lending to (a) small and medium- Denmark 20 34 sized businesses and (b) individuals by each Estonia 37 57 participating bank in the Funding for Lending Finland 15 33 Programme. [122978] France 1,155 2,146 Germany 368 647 Greg Clark: The Bank of England will publish, for Greece 53 79 each bank participating in the Funding for Lending Hungary 132 203 Scheme, the net flows of lending to households and Iceland 3 5 non-financial businesses on a quarterly basis from 3 Italy 202 350 December 2012. Latvia 822 1,109 Bumi Lithuania 1,212 1,710 Luxembourg 10 21 Lisa Nandy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Malta 15 21 what recent representations he has received on Bumi Norway 37 72 plc. [123846] Poland 15,251 25,623 Portugal 236 355 Greg Clark [holding answer 19 October 2012]: Treasury Republic of Ireland 1,242 2,529 Ministers and officials meet with, and receive representations Romania 197 334 from, a wide range of organisations and individuals in Slovakia 1,105 1,953 the public and private sectors as part of the usual Slovenia 7 12 policymaking process. As was the case with previous Spain 776 1,291 Administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to Sweden 64 112 provide details of all such representations. Switzerland 121 242 The Netherlands 194 384 Child Benefit: EU Nationals Total 23,855 40,251

Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Information about the value of child benefit awarded how many non-UK EEA nationals have dependants by the UK under EC Regulation 883/2004 is available eligible to receive child benefit where the dependant is only at disproportionate costs. This is because under the (a) in the UK and (b) outside the UK; and how much priority rules in that regulation, not all such awards are has been paid to them in child benefit payments in each made at full UK rates. of the last five years. [123449] Commodity Markets Mr Gauke: Information in respect of (a) and in respect of the amounts paid in child benefit is not Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer available. However, information in respect of (b) is what the notional value of derivatives held by the banks available from a database maintained by HM Revenue regulated by the Financial Services Authority is; and and Customs showing the number of ongoing UK what information is held about the maturity and exposure family benefit awards made under EC Regulation 883/2004. of such derivatives. [122850] This Regulation protects the social security rights of nationals of all member states of the European economic Greg Clark: This information is not currently available. area (EEA) and Switzerland, including the UK, when The shortfall in information available to regulators on they exercise their rights of free movement under EU derivatives during the financial crisis led the G20 in law. 2009 to propose that all over the counter derivative trade information should be reported to Trade Repositories. Around 7.5 million families are currently claiming This requirement, which is expected to enter into force child benefit for around 13 million children. Out of that in the EU by. the start of 2013, will allow information total, at 30 September 2012, there were 23,855 ongoing on all derivatives trades to be made available to the child benefit awards under EC Regulation 883/2004 in relevant authorities. respect of 40,251 children living in another member state. The breakdown by member state is as follows: Conservative Party: Conferences Child benefit Number of children John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Number of ongoing in ongoing awards as if he will publish the names of each individual and awards as at at 30 September organisation he met in an official capacity at the 2012 Country 30 September 2012 2012 Conservative party conference. [123406] Austria 27 41 Belgium 146 290 Sajid Javid: The Chancellor did not hold any meetings Bulgaria 175 227 in an official capacity at the 2012 Conservative party conference. 621W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 622W

Corporation Tax: Northern Ireland Greg Clark [holding answer 17 October 2012]: No estimate has been made by this Department of the Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer number of independent financial advisers who went out what progress has been made by the Ministerial Working of business as a result of any changes to the regulation Group considering the devolution of corporation tax to of private pensions around that period. Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. Infrastructure [124112] Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Gauke: The Ministerial Working Group has made Exchequer if he will publish a report on the progress of real progress on understanding the practicalities and the priority infrastructure projects outlined in the potential impacts of the devolution of corporation tax National Infrastructure Plan, setting out how many to Northern Ireland. The group will report its findings projects have (a) begun construction work or (b) to the Prime Minister soon. agreed contracts with contractors. [124063]

Debts: Iceland Danny Alexander: The Government committed in the National Infrastructure Plan 2011 to provide an annual Michael Fabricant: To ask the Chancellor of the update on the progress of the priority programmes and Exchequer when he expects debt owed by Iceland to be projects, and we will do this by the end of this year. We repaid; and if he will make a statement. [122878] previously provided an update on the progress of the priority projects at the 2012 Budget. Greg Clark: Negotiations with Iceland over the terms The Government will also provide an update on the of a loan agreement in respect of the compensation overall infrastructure investment pipeline and on other paid to UK depositors of Icesave, the UK branch of progress since the publication of the National Infrastructure Landsbanki h.f., are ongoing. Progress is currently Plan 2011 including updating the infrastructure performance suspended pending the outcome of proceedings by the and cost indicators. European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Surveillance Where construction work has begun on significant Authority (ESA) against Iceland in the EFTA Court in projects, we would expect to reflect this in the update respect of Iceland’s alleged failure to meet its legal where it is relevant. We would also expect to note obligations to UK and Dutch depositors under the EU significant contracts that have been agreed as part of Deposit Guarantee Directive. the update where appropriate. However as the majority The EFTA court held an oral hearing on 18 September of UK infrastructure is privately funded contract 2012 where the UK, the Netherlands and the European information is not always available and commercial Commission made oral submissions in support of the sensitivities will need to be considered. ESA’s case. The court is expected to reach a decision in Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme the next few months. Details of the Icesave loans as at 31 March 2012, Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Chancellor of the including repayments and interest received, can be found Exchequer what assessment he has made of the paperwork in Sections 33 of the Treasury Annual Reports and required in order to make a successful application to the Accounts 2011-12. The report can be accessed via the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. [122686] following web link: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/hmt_annual_report_2012.pdf Mr Vaizey: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Financial Services The claim forms used in the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme have changed little under the revised Guto Bebb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer scheme which came into effect on 1 October 2012. The what recent discussions he has had with the Financial scheme has been designed in consultation with a range Services Authority on the mis-selling of interest rate of faith and heritage organisations who expressed a swaps to small and medium-sized businesses. [122641] clear preference for making the scheme as clear and easy as possible to use. We are starting to receive Greg Clark: Treasury Ministers and officials meet feedback on the form and will be working with colleagues with, and receive representations from, a wide range of and stakeholders to ensure it meets needs. There will be organisations and individuals in the public and private regular reviews of the scheme to ensure that it is operating sectors as part of the usual policymaking process. As well. was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Non-domestic Rates Treasury’s practice to provide details of all such representations. David Morris: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any plans to extend small Financial Services: Advisory Services business rate relief beyond March 2013. [124122]

Tim Farron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Gauke: The permanent small business rate relief what estimate his Department has made of the number (SBRR) scheme is ongoing. This offers up to 50% rate of independent financial advisers who went out of relief to more than 500,000 small businesses. It is only business as a result of changes in the rules regulating the temporary doubling of this relief (the ’SBRR holiday’) the sale of private pensions in 1997. [123148] that is due to end in March 2013. 623W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 624W

The future of the temporary doubling will be considered Welfare Tax Credits: EU Nationals in the Autumn Statement process. Government is committed to support business, but we would need to balance any Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer further business rates support against the tough decisions how many non-UK EEA nationals have received tax needed to reduce the deficit. credits in each of the last five years; and at what cost to the public purse. [123450] Pay: North West Mr Gauke: The information requested is not available. Nationality is not a condition of entitlement to the John Woodcock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer child and working tax credits. what assessment he has made of the potential effect on However, tax credits are intended to provide support consumer spending and the wider economy of his proposals to families with children in the UK and to those in to introduce regional pay in the public sector in (a) low-paid work here. As a result, eligibility for tax credits Cumbria and (b) the north-west. [123976] depends on the claimants being present and ordinarily resident in the UK. In addition, child tax credit claimants Danny Alexander: At the autumn statement of 29 must also have a right to reside in the UK. November 2011, Official Report, columns 799-810, the Government asked the independent pay review bodies to consider how public sector pay can be made more ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS responsive to local labour markets. The majority of pay review bodies have now provided their reports to Chemicals: Health Hazards Government—and when the final report has been received, the Government will publish and respond. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to reduce environmental exposure VAT: Energy to endocrine-disrupting chemicals; and if he will make a statement. [123312] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Heath: Reducing environmental exposure to potential what recent discussions he has had with the European endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is not Commission on maintaining the reduced rate of VAT straightforward. Both naturally occurring and synthetic applicable to energy saving materials. [123677] substances may have such properties. Some EDCs may have beneficial health or societal applications. These Mr Gauke: The Government has now responded to include the phytoestrogens present in foods such as soya the European Commission’s reasoned opinion and intends and ethinyl-oestradiol, an active ingredient of the to defend the current reduced rate of VAT on energy contraceptive pill. saving materials. Research has indicated that ethinyl-oestradiol and natural human hormones via sewage treatment effluent can have negative, impacts on fish in UK freshwaters. Welfare Tax Credits In response, the Department collaborated with the Environment Agency, Ofwat, the Drinking Water Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Chancellor of the Inspectorate and the water industry in the Endocrine Exchequer how many people have been asked to repay Disruption Demonstration Programme (EDDP) from over £1,000 in tax credits by HM Revenue and 2006 to 2010. The EDDP aimed to evaluate the effectiveness Customs in each of the last five years. [123247] of conventional and “advanced” sewage treatment in removing these chemicals. The results demonstrated Mr Gauke: Information on the number of tax credits that the improved processes put in place over the last awards where there is an overpayment at the end of 15 years or so to meet stringent ammonia standards each year, to be recovered either directly or by reducing have reduced the risks from endocrine disrupting substances. an ongoing award, is published in the HMRC publication DEFRA continues to address this issue with the “Child and Working Tax Credits. Finalised Awards. Environment Agency and other partners, bringing together Supplement on Payments”. These publications are available emerging science and environmental evidence to determine on the HMRC website at: what further actions are needed. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/final- Some suspected endocrine disrupting chemicals, including award-main.htm several pesticides, are subject to long-standing regulations The number of awards with overpayments of £1,000 because of specific toxic effects, which may be due to or more for each of the last five available years has been endocrine disrupting activity. There is also a ban on reproduced in the following table. antifouling paints based on tributyltin (TBT) compounds Finalised awards overpaid by £1,000 or more at 5 April each year that were found to cause significant endocrine disrupting Thousand effects in some marine organisms. There are longstanding provisions under EU legislation 2006-07 287 to subject potentially dangerous chemicals, including 2007-08 265 endocrine disrupters, to a risk assessment. Where risks 2008-09 250 are identified, European-wide measures can then be 2009-10 347 taken to control them. For example, this has been done 2010-11 385 with the chemical nonylphenol and the flame retardants octa- and penta- BDE (bromodiphenyl ether). 625W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 626W

EDCs can also be subject to the authorisation procedures apart from one (on the Isle of Wight) which is gasification- under the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation based. A list with further details of their location and and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation, year of operational commencement has been placed in which aims to substitute hazardous chemicals unless the Library of the House. there are good socio-economic reasons to justify their continued use. EDCs are also controlled by EU legislation Phytophthora Ramorum on plant protection and biocidol products. DEFRA is actively collaborating with other Government Departments and agencies in the development of EU regulatory Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for criteria for EDCs. We are also working in the Organisation Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what recent for Economic Co-operation and Development to produce assessment his Department has made of the effect on new scientifically-based test methods for the identification the native British larch of Phytophthora ramorum; of these substances. [123822] (2) what plans he has to introduce an import ban on COPHES young larch trees from countries where Phytophthora ramorum is active in the native woodlands; [123823] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for (3) what plans his Department has to bring under Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether his control the damage to the British larch caused by Department is part of the Consortium to Perform Phytophthora ramorum. [123940] Human Bio-Monitoring on a European Scale project; and if he will make a statement. [123345] Mr Heath: “Phytophthora ramorum” has been found in European larch (“Larix decidua”) and hybrid larch Richard Benyon: DEFRA is not part of the Consortium (“Larix x eurolepis”). Japanese larch is much more to Perform Human Bio-Monitoring on a European widespread in commercial plantings and hence has been Scale project (COPHES). The Health Protection Agency the species in which most infection is found. is the UK lead for COPHES. Under the five-year, DEFRA-funded, Phytophthora Disease Management Programme led by the Food and Food: Waste Disposal Environment Research Agency (Fera), which started in April 2009, large areas of Japanese larch and other Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for larch species have been felled. An external review of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy programme has recently commenced, to provide is on the development of anaerobic digestion. [123397] recommendations on future policy for control of “Phytophthora ramorum” and “P. kernoviae”. Richard Benyon: The Government’s policy was set The objective of felling these trees is to reduce levels out in the Anaerobic Digestion Strategy and Action of inoculum and thus to try to minimise any further Plan, published in June 2011. By more efficient capture spread of “P. ramorum” and the damage it causes. and treatment, anaerobic digestion can help us avoid The Forestry Commission and the Food and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the disposal Environment Research Agency carry out research into of organic waste. It can also recover energy from waste this pathogen under the programme, to increase and produce valuable bio-fertilisers. understanding of the epidemiology and how to restrict The strategy and action plan was developed with a further spread. This will enable us to pass on advice and broad range of stakeholders and identifies 56 separate guidance to growers on its management and means of actions to help overcome barriers to the sector’s preventing or limiting its impact and spread. development. We published a progress report on its “Phytophthora ramorum” infection in larch trees has delivery in July 2012, which can be found on DEFRA’s only been found in the United Kingdom and in Ireland. website. There are restrictions on imports of host plants from The anaerobic digestion sector has continued to expand other EU countries and countries outside the EU; should rapidly since the strategy was published. There are infected larch be found in third countries it would be currently 82 operational anaerobic digestion plants that proposed for addition to the list of host plants under treat waste and farm feedstocks in the UK. This represents The Plant Health (Phytophthora ramorum) (England) an increase of over a third since the strategy and action Order 2004. plan was produced, and at least double the installed capacity. Plastic Bags Incinerators Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress he Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many energy made on reducing plastic bag usage via retailers in the from waste plants there were in England on 31 December latest period for which figures are available. [123610] in each year since 1997; and where each such plant was located. [123522] Richard Benyon: Eight billion single use carrier bags were issued by supermarket retailers in 2011, compared Richard Benyon: According to the latest information to 7.5 billion in 2010. This represents a 5.4% increase. available, there are 23 energy from waste plants treating However, there has been an overall reduction of 35% municipal solid waste currently operating in England. in their distribution by supermarket retailers since the These are all based on conventional thermal treatment, baseline year of 2006. 627W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 628W

Shrimps a private company which supplies the Homes and Communities Agency with information on the status of Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for planning applications for internal use. More detailed Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment information is available commercially from Glenigan. his Department has made of the extent to which the We are undertaking a series of initiatives to help kick invasive shrimp, Dikerogammarus haemobaphes, has start development on stalled sites, including the £570 million become established in UK waterways; [123175] Get Britain Building fund and our reforms to unlock (2) what research his Department commissioned on economically unrealistic Section 106 agreements. the effect on UK waterways of the invasive shrimp, These are part of our broader policies to support Dikerogammarus haemobaphes; and what information house building as outlined in the written ministerial it holds about such research being conducted by other statement of 6 September 2012, Official Report, bodies. [123176] columns 29-34WS, and November 2011’s Housing Strategy.

Richard Benyon: On 26 September, the invasive shrimp Internet “Dikerogammarus haemobaphes”was confirmed as having been found in samples collected from the River Severn Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for at Bevere (near Worcester) and Tewkesbury. The Communities and Local Government whether his Environment Agency has initiated a sampling programme Department logs the websites visited by civil servants, to assess the distribution of this species within the political advisers and Ministers using departmental Midlands region. Populations have now also been confirmed computers. [124130] in the Worcester and Birmingham canal and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. DEFRA Brandon Lewis: As indicated by my recent answer of immediately commissioned a risk assessment for 15 October 2012, Official Report, column 220W, the “Dikerogammarus haemobaphes” to assess the potential Department does not hold such information on such impact of this species in Great Britain. The results are individuals. expected imminently. Local Government

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT State for Communities and Local Government (1) what information his Department holds on the proportion Electrical Safety of local government procurement that is sourced from local businesses; [123774] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what information his Department holds on the Communities and Local Government by what means proportion of local government procurement of food his Department collates figures on the number of (a) that is supplied by local businesses. [123776] domestic deaths and injuries caused by electrical fires and (b) domestic deaths and injuries through electrocution; Brandon Lewis: The Department does not hold this and if he will make a statement. [124316] information centrally. Procurement in local government is a matter for local Brandon Lewis: The Department collates data relating discretion but the Government is committed to encouraging to fires but does not collate data relating to electrocutions. a more open and level playing field for small and Fire and Rescue Authority records of incidents attended medium enterprises and has taken steps to improve are transmitted to the Department electronically.Numbers opportunities for them. of fatal and non-fatal casualties arising from electrical The Code of Recommended Practice for Local fires in dwellings can be found in table 11 of the Authorities on Data Transparency encourages local Department’s annual analyses of fires, causes and casualties. authorities to publish copies of contracts, tenders and This is available on the Department’s website at: expenditure over £500 (including costs, supplier and http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/ transaction information). By increasing transparency in statistics/firestatsgb201011 local authority spending, citizens and others are now much better placed to hold their local authorities to Housing: Construction account in this regard, including on the proportion of contracts being awarded to small firms in their area. Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Government Finance Communities and Local Government how many dwellings with approved planning applications remain Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for to be developed. [124260] Communities and Local Government if he will request the London borough of Barnet to comply with their Nick Boles: The number of dwellings in England with external auditor’s recommendations and produce a planning permission where development has yet to start stakeholder engagement plan for their transformation is estimated as around 225,800 units as at 30 June 2012. programme. [123523] This figure excludes most small schemes with fewer than 10 units. Brandon Lewis: How the London borough of Barnet The source of the data is Glenigan: responds to any recommendations from their auditor is http://www.glenigan.com/ a local matter. An auditor has powers to act when he 629W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 630W has serious concerns about a council’s actions, including Brandon Lewis: Data used in calculating the area qualifying the council’s accounts, issuing a public interest costs adjustment will be set out in the provisional Local report which the full council would be required to Government Finance Settlement for 2013-14. consider, and even, in the case of unlawful actions, seeking a judicial review. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment he has made of the ability of those local Communities and Local Government what communication authorities with lower grant dependency to continue to he or officials in his Department have had with the raise resources locally in the current economic climate London borough of Barnet regarding the procurement prior to the introduction of four block model practices of that authority. [123524] dampening arrangements. [123532] Brandon Lewis: Proposals for approaches to floor Brandon Lewis: There have been no recent damping were set out in the recent technical consultation communications between the Secretary of State and on business rates retention, and we are currently considering Barnet council regarding their procurement practices. responses. A copy of the consultation can be found on The Department does not routinely collect information our website at: on communications between officials and individual http://www.local.odpm.gov.uk/finance/brr/sumcon/index.htm local authorities. From April 2013 we will be replacing the current As a matter of public record, in a speech in 2011, the complex formula grant regime with a business rates Secretary of State made a reference to procurement retention scheme. Our reforms to local government practices in that local authority. The speech is online at: finance are fundamentally about encouraging local http://www.communities.gov.uk/speeches/corporate/ authorities to promote local growth. By contrast the charteredfinanceannualconf2011 local government finance system encouraged a sense of dependency; councils have competed with themselves in Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for a race to the bottom—to present themselves as more Communities and Local Government whether it is his deprived than their neighbours in order to get more policy that outsourcing of regulatory services by local handouts from Whitehall. authorities should be subject to consultation. [123525] Non-domestic Rates Brandon Lewis: This Government believes that local Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities are best placed to decide how they fulfil Communities and Local Government what proportion their statutory functions. As locally accountable bodies, of business rates collected by his Department is they have strong incentives to consult local people, and collected from the retail industry. [123282] are under some specific duties to do so. The duty of best value, introduced by section 3 of the Local Government Brandon Lewis: The information requested is not Act 1999, requires authorities to: held centrally. “make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness”. Communities and Local Government what assessment The legislation further requires that they consult local he has made of the economic effect of the business people on how they should fulfil this duty. rates transitional arrangements on areas where rents and rates are falling. [123324] Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he has Brandon Lewis: A full Impact Assessment for the taken to ensure that local authorities which commission 2010 business rates transitional arrangement scheme regulatory services such as planning, licensing and was published by the Department in November 2009. environmental health from third parties ensure that the Information on individual business rate bills is not held public are protected, with particular reference to centrally. circumstances where third party suppliers fail to meet their obligations. [123526] Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will estimate the number Brandon Lewis: Councils retain ultimate accountability of shops that have shut down following the increase in for ensuring that the services for which they have statutory business rates in April 2012. [123325] responsibility are provided. Where they contract services out to third parties, they need to put arrangements in Brandon Lewis: No such figure has been estimated. place to ensure that those parties can fulfil their Business rates are tied to RPI inflation; this means there requirements. has been no real terms increase in bills. I would observe that the coalition Government has taken a series of steps to help with business rates. We have: Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will make it Doubled small business rate relief scheme, to help half a million small firms. For two and a half years from October 2010, his policy to use Labour Force Survey data rather than small firms are receiving 100% rate relief (i.e. pay no business the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings when rates at all) on properties up to £6,000 rateable value, and a calculating the labour costs adjustment component of tapered rate relief from £6,000 to £12,000. An estimated 330,000 the area cost adjustment. [123528] small firms are paying no rates at all as a result. 631W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 632W

Introduced a deferral scheme to allow businesses to deter ATTORNEY-GENERAL payment of 60% of the RPI increase in their 2012-13 rates bills, over three years: providing practical support and helping cash flow at a time of (then) higher inflation. Advanced Language Solutions Scrapped Labour’s ports tax—stopping retrospective business rates on firms in ports that threatened the whole export and Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Attorney-General what manufacturing sector. £175 million of unfair rate demands have the results were of the checks carried out by Advanced been cleared. Language Solutions (ALS) at his request to ensure that Made it easier for small firms to get small business rate relief to all of the interpreters used by ALS have been security which they are entitled. Our changes in the Localism Act allow all vetted. [123862] eligible ratepayers automatically to receive the small business multiplier, and we have removed the legal red tape requiring ratepayers to fill in paperwork to claim the relief. The Solicitor-General: Advanced Language Solutions (ALS) has completed its review and has provided assurances Given local councils new powers via the Localism Act to levy local business rate discounts, for example, to support local shops, to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that a full audit community pubs, new business parks or vital local facilities. trail is now held in respect of all 1,100 interpreters on its Introduced 24 new Enterprise Zones across the country, which list and that all vetting information has been fully offer a 100% business rate discount worth up to approximately verified. The vetting status of 208 interpreters used on £275,000 over a five year period. CPS work between February and August 2012 has been The Local Government Finance Bill will introduce verified by ALS as part of the review. The vetting status the local retention of business rates, giving councils new of a further 28 interpreters who were used on CPS work incentives to support local firms and local shops. The between February and August 2012 was unable to be Government’s response to the Mary Portas Review also verified as part of the review, and these interpreters outlines a series of initiatives being undertaken to support were subsequently removed from the ALS supplier list. local high streets. Crime: Disability Planning Permission Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Attorney-General what Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for recent discussions he has had with the Director of Communities and Local Government how many Public Prosecutions about the record of the Crown planning applications he has called in since May 2010. Prosecution Service on prosecuting disability hate [124239] crimes.

Nick Boles: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I The Attorney-General: I have not had any recent gave to the right hon. Member for Leeds Central (Hilary discussions with the Director of Public Prosecutions on Benn) on 18 October 2012, Official Report, column this matter. However, the Crown Prosecution Service 375W. (CPS) treats disability hate crime very seriously and will prosecute whenever possible. The volume of disability Property Development hate crime (DHC) cases referred to the CPS by the police for a charging decision fell in 2011-12 to 643 from Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for 690 in 2010-11, but this is against a background of a Communities and Local Government how many square continuing fall in crime overall. The number of convictions metres of approved planning applications remain to be rose from 141 of concluded cases in 2007-08 to 480 in developed for (a) office, (b) industrial and (c) retail 2011-12. However, the conviction rate has remained at around 77% of concluded cases. use. [124261]

Nick Boles: The area of land with planning permission Crimes of Violence remaining to be developed for office, industrial or retail use is not available centrally. Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Attorney-General what recent discussions he has had with the (a) Director of Regional Growth Fund Public Prosecutions and (b) Secretary of State for the Home Department on prosecutions of violence against Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for women and girls. [123856] Communities and Local Government how many staff in his Department work on delivering the Regional The Solicitor-General: In May 2012, the Attorney- Growth Fund. [124235] General discussed violence against women and girls (VAWG) prosecutions with the Director of Public Mr Prisk: There are 17 full-time equivalent staff in Prosecutions (DPP), noting the improvement in CPS the Department for Communities and Local Government VAWG prosecutions, the continuation of specialist allocated to monitoring Regional Growth Fund projects prosecutors, and the commitment to continue with this on the ground. They are supported by DCLG finance progress. and growth policy teams. I also attend the Inter Ministerial Group on VAWG, DCLG works closely and effectively with the fund which is chaired by the Secretary of State for the Home secretariat in the Department of Business Innovation Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for and Skills who administer Regional Growth Fund Maidenhead (Mrs May). This group monitors and discusses and include accountants, economists, policy and progress against the VAWG action plan, which includes communications specialists and administrative staff. actions on the prosecutions of VAWG. 633W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 634W

Cybercrime build expertise to deal with this challenging caseload, the CPS centralised the handling of such matters to the Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Attorney-General what Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division (SCCTD). recent discussions he has had with the Director of Only very experienced senior lawyers are specifically Public Prosecutions on the prosecution of crimes committed designated to review death in custody cases in SCCTD. online. [123858] The reviews carried out by the senior lawyer are examined by the line manager (the ″Unit Head″) and then by the The Attorney-General: The Director of Public Head of Division (or Deputy). All such cases are then Prosecutions (DPP) has advised me at a recent routine referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) business meeting of the work he is doing in respect of at the end of the review for consideration. In any case prosecuting offences committed in the context of online where the decision is not to proceed, and if the DPP is ″ ″ social media. The DPP has held a number of roundtable not satisfied that it is plain beyond doubt that there is meetings with interested parties to discuss prosecution no case to answer, then experienced external counsel policy in this area. The discussions will be used to will be instructed to advise. This is in accordance with ″ inform the preparation of interim guidelines for prosecutors the recommendations from the Attorney-General’s Review on social media cases. The guidelines will be used to of the Role and Practices of the Crown Prosecution ″ assist prosecutors when deciding whether criminal charges Service in Cases Arising from a Death in Custody should be brought. There will be a public consultation 2003. before the final guidelines are published. Certain offences, for example the publication of the name of a victim of a sexual offence, require my consent to prosecution, this WALES therefore allows me to consider how such crimes are being prosecuted. Public Expenditure

Offences against Children Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his latest estimate is of the level of public Amber Rudd: To ask the Attorney-General how expenditure per head of population in Wales. [123678] many prosecutions there have been for under-age sex in the last five years. [124278] Mr David Jones: Total identifiable public expenditure per head of the population in Wales was £10,017 in The Attorney-General: Records held by the Crown 2010-11 (the latest year available). Total identifiable Prosecution Service (CPS) identify the number of offences public expenditure per head in Wales was 13% above in which a prosecution commenced and reached a first the average for the United Kingdom as a whole. hearing in magistrates courts, rather than the number of defendants prosecuted. Offences relating to ″under-age″ sex are taken to include Section 9 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (sexual activity with a child under 16 years of age), NORTHERN IRELAND Section 16 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (sexual activity Homicide with a child under 18 years of age where there has been an abuse of trust) and Section 25 Sexual Offences Act Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for 2003 (sexual activity with a child under 18 years of age Northern Ireland what discussions she has had with the when the perpetrator is a family member) but are exclusive (a) Secretary of State for Justice, (b) Chief Constable of non consensual sexual offences including rape. of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and (c) During the last five years the number of these offences Police Ombudsman regarding the murder of six men at was as follows: O’Toole’s Bar (The Heights), Loughinisland, County Down on 18 June 1994; and if she will make a 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 statement. [124113] S9 SOA 2,344 2,709 2,942 3,388 3,076 2003 Mrs Villiers: I have not had any discussions with the S16 SOA 86 70 73 95 77 Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, my 2003 right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell S25 SOA 564 615 688 830 624 (Chris Grayling), Chief Constable of the PSNI or Police 2003 Ombudsman on the murder of six men at O’Toole’s Bar (The Heights), Loughinisland, County Down on 18 Police Custody June 1994.

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Attorney-General what recent assessment he has made of the performance of CHURCH COMMISSIONERS the Crown Prosecution Service in cases involving deaths in police custody or after contact with the police. Land [123855] Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the hon. Member for Banbury, The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service representing the Church Commissioners, how many (CPS) has specific arrangements in place for dealing acres of land are encumbered by chancel repair liability with cases involving deaths in police custody or after by the merging of tithes with the land either by deed or contact with the police. To ensure consistency and to under section 1 of the Tithe Act 1839. [124509] 635W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 636W

Sir Tony Baldry: The Church Commissioners do not INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY hold detailed information on the total amount of land STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE that is subject to chancel repair liability. However, the Treasury Law Commission’s 1985 report “Property Law: Liability for Chancel Repairs” estimated that around 3.75 million Sir Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, acres in total carried chancel repair liability. It is thought representing the Speaker’s Committee for the Independent that some 1.5 million acres of this land is land in which Parliamentary Standards Authority, on how many occasions tithe rent charges have been merged. since 1 January 2012 representations have been made by (a) Ministers and (b) officials in HM Treasury to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority; what the subject of each such representation was; and if he PRIME MINISTER will make a statement. [112803] Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls Conservative Party: Conferences within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister if he will Letter from Paula Higson, dated 14 September 2012: publish the names of each individual and organisation As Acting Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary he met in an official capacity at the 2012 Conservative Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Party conference. [123407] Question asking about representations by Ministers and by officials at HM Treasury to IPSA. The Prime Minister: Details of my meetings with IPSA Board members and officials regularly meet, correspond external organisations are published on a quarterly basis. and have discussions with a range of interested parties, including Details can be accessed on the Cabinet Office website. ministers and government officials. I do not intend to provide details of individual meetings or discussions as that would be likely to restrict the future flow of information and advice. Members: Correspondence Details of submissions to IPSA consultations are available online at: Tim Loughton: To ask the Prime Minister when he http://parliamentarystandards.org.uk/transparency/Pages/ intends to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Consultations.aspx East Worthing and Shoreham of 9 July 2012 regarding the visit of the Dalai Lama. [124328] HOME DEPARTMENT The Prime Minister: As far as I am aware, my Office Antisocial Behaviour has not received the letter. Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms she plans to put Members: Pensions in place to judge the success or failure of community triggers in tackling antisocial behaviour. [122830] Mr Spellar: To ask the Prime Minister whether he has had recent meetings or communications with Mr Jeremy Browne: We are working with a number of officials in the Independent Parliamentary Standards leading local areas, including Manchester, Brighton and Authority regarding the remuneration and pensions of Hove, Richmond and West Lindsey and Boston, to test hon. Members. [123389] the community trigger on the ground before we introduce legislation. The Prime Minister: Details of my meetings with Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Merseyside external organisations are published on a quarterly basis. Details can be accessed on the Cabinet Office Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for the website. Home Department how many anti-social behaviour orders have been (a) applied for and (b) made in USA Merseyside in each of the last 10 years. [123126] Mr Jeremy Browne: The number of antisocial behaviour Mr Spellar: To ask the Prime Minister who orders (ASBOs) applied for, and the number issued, at accompanied him on his trip to the US on 13 March all courts in the Merseyside Criminal Justice System 2012. [123384] (CJS) area in each year between 2001 and 2010 (the latest year for which data is currently available) can be The Prime Minister: Details of ministerial overseas viewed in the table. Data for 2011 is due to be published travel are published quarterly. on 18 October 2012.

Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued at all courts in the Merseyside Criminal Justice System (CJS) area as reported to the Ministry of Justice1 by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2010 ASBOs Merseyside Criminal Justice System area 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Applied for2 7224141664452909097 Of which: Made3 7224041644452908897 Refused0010200020 637W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 638W

Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued at all courts in the Merseyside Criminal Justice System (CJS) area as reported to the Ministry of Justice1 by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2010 ASBOs Merseyside Criminal Justice System area 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Issued on n/a0455645035272646 conviction4 Total ASBOs 7 22 44 96 128 94 87 117 114 143 issued n/a = Not applicable—see footnote 4. 1 Prior to the creation of the Ministry of Justice on 9 May 2007, numbers of ASBOs issued were reported to Home Office by the Court Service. 2 ASBOs can be issued by courts following an application by a relevant body, these include the police, local authorities and registered social landlords. 3 Includes ASBOs issued on application by magistrates courts acting in their civil capacity and county courts, which were introduced under section 1 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and became available on 1 April 1999. 4 ASBOs made following conviction for a relevant criminal offence at the Crown court and at magistrates courts (acting in their criminal capacity), which were introduced under the Police Reform Act 2002 and became available on 2 December 2002. Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfromlarge administrative data systems generated by the courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.

Antisocial Behaviour: Liverpool Mr Harper: The number of asylum applications received is published on an annual and quarterly basis. Latest Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for the figures are available in Tables “as.01” and “as.01.q” of Home Department whether she plans to introduce the release Immigration Statistics, April to June 2012 community triggers to tackle antisocial behaviour in Second edition, available from the Library of the House Liverpool. [122828] and from the Home Office website at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- Mr Jeremy Browne: Our proposed antisocial behaviour statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/ reforms, including the community trigger, will apply immigration-q2-2012/ across England and we are also working with the Welsh Asylum: Deportation Government to implement them in Wales. Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Antisocial Behaviour: Merseyside Home Department how many failed asylum seekers have been deported to (a) Iran and (b) Iraq in each of Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for the the last 24 months. [123865] Home Department what proportion of people reporting antisocial behaviour to police in Merseyside Mr Harper: For the purposes of answering this question have done so on more than one occasion. [122825] it has been assumed that the question refers to the number of enforced removals and voluntary departures Mr Jeremy Browne: The Home Office does not collect from the UK. this information in the format requested. Most illegal immigrants are removed under administrative or illegal entry powers from the UK rather than being Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for the deported. Deportations are a specific subset of removals Home Department what steps she has put in place to which are enforced either following a criminal conviction ensure that the police identify victims of antisocial or when it is judged that a person’s removal from the behaviour; and what assessment she has made of the UK is conducive to the public good. adequacy of services for such victims provided by The following table shows the total number of asylum Merseyside police. [122826] cases removed or voluntarily departed to Iran and Iraq Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government’s recent White from the UK in each of the last 18 months and is a Paper, “Putting victims first”, made clear that the police subset of Home Office published statistics. and their partners should focus their response to antisocial It is not possible within these figures to say at what behaviour on the needs of victims, and highlighted stage in the asylum process individuals have reached at Home Office work with the Association of Chief Police the time of their removal, including whether their claim Officers (ACPO) and eight police forces to test new has failed at that point, as those departing voluntarily ways of identifying and supporting those at risk of can do so at any stage without necessarily notifying the harm. UK Border Agency. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) Monthly removals and voluntary departures of asylum cases1 to Iran and Iraq2, 3 recently reported that police forces in England and January 2011 to June 2012 Wales—including Merseyside—had improved their overall Number Asylum Asylum Asylum Asylum response to victims of antisocial behaviour since 2010. enforced voluntary enforced voluntary removals to departures removals to departures Asylum Iran to Iran Iraq to Iraq 2011 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the January 2 10 3 16 Home Department how many people are currently February 8 10 8 42 seeking asylum in the UK, by nationality. [123462] March 7 7 17 43 639W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 640W

Monthly removals and voluntary departures of asylum cases1 to Iran and Iraq2, The UK Border Agency reached the milestone of 3 January 2011 to June 2012 100% information on routes from outside the EU in Number April 2012 and receives a substantial amount of information Asylum Asylum Asylum Asylum enforced voluntary enforced voluntary on EU routes. This is achieved through discussions with removals to departures removals to departures other governments and the carriers themselves. Iran to Iran Iraq to Iraq The Home Office business plan was issued in May April 7 5 10 2 2012 and can be found at: May3517http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/ June 5 5 12 28 corporate-publications/business-plan/business-plan-2012-15/ July46214 August 0 8 2 28 Burglary September 8 9 5 28 October 0 14 2 29 November 5 5 3 19 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the December 4 2 1 17 Home Department how many recorded incidents of domestic burglary there were in each year since 1994. [123017] 2012 January 2 2 0 26 Mr Jeremy Browne: The available information relates February 1 1 0 38 to offences of burglary in a dwelling recorded by the March 3 4 2 34 police in England and Wales and is given in the following April 1 8 1 35 table. May 1 7 3 33 Number of offences of burglary in a dwelling recorded by the police in June 1 7 3 23 England and Wales 1 Removals and voluntary departures recorded on the system as at the dates on which the data extracts were taken. Burglary in a dwelling 2 Destination as recorded on source database. 3 Provisional figures. Figures will under record due to data cleansing and data 1994 678,882 matching exercises that take place after the extracts are taken 1995 643,645 The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual 1996 602,128 statistics on the number of persons removed or departed 1997 519,265 voluntarily from the UK within ’Immigration Statistics’. 1997-08 501,593 The data on removals and voluntary departures by 1998-09 (old rules) 472,960 destination are available in the latest release, Immigration 1998-09 (new rules)1 473,349 Statistics: April to June 2012, tables rv.06 and rv.06.q, 1999-2000 442,602 from the Library of the House and from the Home 2000-01 402,984 Office Science, research and statistics web pages at: 2001-02 430,347 http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research- 2002-032 437,583 statistics/migration/migration-statistics1/ 2003-04 402,345 2004-05 321,507 Badgers 2005-06 300,517 2006-07 292,260 Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2007-08 280,696 Home Department what recent discussion she has had 2008-09 284,431 with the chief constables of (a) Avon and Somerset 2009-10 268,606 and (b) Gloucestershire on the cost and operational 2010-11 258,165 capability of policing the proposed badger cull in those 2011-12 245,317 police authority areas. [123971] 1 Changes to Home Office Counting Rules from 1 April 1998 mean that numbers of offences before and after this date are not directly Damian Green: The Home Office is in regular discussions comparable. 2 The introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard in with Avon and Somerset Constabulary as well as April 2002 means that figures before and after this date are not Gloucestershire Constabulary about any policing directly comparable. implications in relation to the badger cull and associated Source: costs. Police Recorded Crime HO/ONS Burglary: Self-defence Borders: Personal Records

Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects the e-Borders Home Department (1) how many homeowners have programme to cover all international travellers using all been charged after defending their property against UK ports; if she will publish a business plan; and if she burglars in each year since 1994; and in respect of what offences such charges were brought in each year; will make a statement. [123308] [123014] Mr Harper: The e-Borders programme is an operational (2) how many homeowners were arrested when defending system and each day helps to protect the UK against their property against burglars in each year since 1994; terrorist attack, serious crime and abuses of the immigration and for what offences such arrests were made in each system. year. [123015] 641W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 642W

Mr Jeremy Browne: The information requested on Childbirth: Foreign Nationals arrests is not collected centrally. The arrests collection held by the Home Office relates Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for to notifiable offences, aggregated to offence group level the Home Department what the (a) number and (b) only, for example violence against the person and burglary. proportion of births was where (i) one and (ii) both Information on the individual circumstances of arrests parents were foreign-born in (A) London and (B) each are not reported to the Home Office. London borough within Greater London in the most recent year for which figures are available. [123519] It is not possible to match the arrests data to any subsequent outcomes. Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Cabinet Office. The information requested falls within the responsibility Chernobyl: Children of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Letter from Glen Watson dated October 2012: the Home Department what the cost of the gratis visa As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I scheme for the Chernobyl children was in each of the have been asked to reply to your recent question on what the (a) last 10 years. [124241] number and (b) proportion of births was where (i) one or (ii) both parents were foreign-born in (A) London and (B) each London Mr Harper: Prior to April 2011 the UK Border Borough within Greater London in the most recent year for Agency had no “gratis reason” code on its database which figures are available. (123519) specifically for Chernobyl visa applications. To provide Figures for live births where one or both parents are non-UK the information requested would require the examination born have been compiled from birth registration data. The table of individual records, and incur disproportionate costs. shows the number and proportion of live births in 2011 in the areas requested, according to registration data. Information on The cost of the gratis visa scheme for the Chernobyl country of birth of parents is provided by the informant at children in the financial year 2011-12 was £130,000. registration.

Number and proportion of births in London, where one or both parents are non-UK born, 2011 Number of births where Percentage of births Number of births where Percentage of births only one parent is foreign where only one parent is both parents are foreign where both parents are Area of usual residence of mother born foreign born born foreign born

London 27,403 20.6 58,904 44.3

Inner London 12,854 23.8 24,924 46.2 Camden 746 23.9 1,437 46.1 Hackney and City of London 1,443 32.4 1,574 35.4 Hammersmith and Fulham 619 22.5 1,145 41.6 Haringey 1,005 23.8 2,012 47.6 Islington 716 23.8 1,107 36.8 Kensington and Chelsea 492 22.5 1,235 56.5 Lambeth 1,205 25.2 1,924 40.2 Lewisham 1,098 22.4 1,990 40.6 Newham 1,282 20.2 4,087 64.5 Southwark 1,194 23.5 2,305 45.3 Tower Hamlets 1,055 23.2 2,491 54.8 Wandsworth 1,331 24.3 1,841 33.6 Westminster 668 22.0 1,776 58.4

Outer London 14,549 18.4 33,980 43.0 Barking and Dagenham 602 16.3 1,859 50.4 Barnet 1,156 21.0 2,407 43.7 Bexley 372 11.7 707 22.3 Brent 997 19.1 3,341 63.9 Bromley 682 16.5 727 17.6 Croydon 1,136 19.9 2,112 36.9 Ealing 1,013 17.5 3,449 59.4 Enfield 974 19.9 2,284 46.6 Greenwich 817 17.9 1,999 43.8 Harrow 615 17.7 2,004 57.8 Havering 342 11.8 424 14.6 Hillingdon 719 16.5 1,876 43.1 Hounslow 769 16.9 2,472 54.2 Kingston upon Thames 451 19.7 684 29.9 Merton 653 18.5 1,634 46.2 Redbridge 1,054 22.9 2,233 48.5 Richmond upon Thames 750 25.6 641 21.8 643W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 644W

Number and proportion of births in London, where one or both parents are non-UK born, 2011 Number of births where Percentage of births Number of births where Percentage of births only one parent is foreign where only one parent is both parents are foreign where both parents are Area of usual residence of mother born foreign born born foreign born

Sutton 330 13.8 759 27.5 Waltham Forest 1,067 22.2 2,368 49.2 Notes: 1. For more information on parent’s country of birth please see: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/parents--country-of-birth--england-and-wales/index.html 2. The number of live births to one non-UK born parent includes sole registered live births (births registered by the mother alone, where information on the father was not recorded) where the mother is non-UK born. Some births sole registered by UK born mothers may have non-UK born fathers but it is not possible to quantify the number as no information is available on the father. Source: Office for National Statistics

Domestic Violence (2) how many people arrested for possession with intent to supply a controlled drug were subsequently Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State charged with possession of a controlled drug in the last for the Home Department what research her 12 months for which figures are available. [123024] Department is undertaking into domestic violence among (a) migrant families and (b) families where Mr Jeremy Browne: The information requested on one spouse is a migrant. [122245] arrests is not collected centrally. The arrests collection held by the Home Office relates Mr Jeremy Browne: The Home Office is not undertaking to notifiable offences, aggregated to offence group level any research into domestic violence among (a) migrant only, for example violence against the person and drug families and (b) families where one spouse is a migrant. offences. As such, it is not possible to separately identify arrests for the possession or supply of specific drugs. Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State It is not possible to match the aggregate data to any for the Home Department what research her subsequent outcomes. Department has undertaken into domestic violence in South Asian communities in the UK; and what the findings were. [122246] Entry Clearances Mr Jeremy Browne: The Home Office has not conducted specific research on domestic violence in South Asian Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for communities in the UK. the Home Department how many Tier 2 (General) work visas were issued for occupations in (a) Domestic Violence: Greater London accommodation and food service activities and (b) human health and social work activities in the year Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State ended in June (i) 2011 and (ii) 2012. [123670] for the Home Department what steps her Department is taking to reduce levels of domestic violence in (a) Mr Harper: The information available, from different North West London and (b) Greater London. [122254] IT systems, relates to total grants of Tier 2 (General) visas, and to the number of certificates of sponsorship Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government’s Call to End used as part of visa applications. Violence Against Women and Girls Action Plan sets There were a total of 7,746 Tier 2 (General) visas out our steps to tackle all forms of violence against granted (for all industry sectors) in the year ending June women, including measures to reduce domestic violence, 2011; and the corresponding figure for the year ending such as establishing domestic homicide reviews on a June 2012 was 8,927. statutory basis and ring-fencing funding of nearly £40 million until 2015 to provide specialist domestic and There were 1,718 certificates of sponsorship for the sexual violence services. This includes funding independent industry sector ‘Accommodation and Food Service domestic violence advisers and multi-agency risk assessment Activities’ used in Tier 2 visa applications in the year conference coordinator posts across London. ending June 2011; and the corresponding figure for the year ending June 2012 was 438. Drugs: Misuse There were 1,957 certificates of sponsorship for the industry sector ‘Human Health and Social Work Activities’ used in Tier 2 visa applications in the year ending June Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2011; and the corresponding figure for the year ending Home Department (1) how many people arrested for June 2012 was 1,635. (a) possession with intent to supply a controlled drug, (b) supplying a controlled drug, (c) being concerned Data relating to grants of visas by Tier, and relating in a supply of a controlled drug, (d) offering to supply to certificates of sponsorship used in visa applications a controlled drug, (e) being concerned in an offer to are published in tables ‘be.04q’ and ‘cs.02q’ respectively supply a controlled drug, (f) production of a of the quarterly Home Office statistical release ‘Immigration controlled drug and (g) being concerned in the Statistics’, available from the Home Office’s Science, production of a controlled drug were subsequently (i) Research and Statistics website at: charged with the offence and (ii) not charged with the http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research- offence in (A) 2009, (B) 2010 and (C) 2011; [123023] statistics/migration/migration-statistics1/ 645W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 646W

Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Immigration Home Department how many applications for Tier 1 visas made before the closure of that route in April 2012 are still being processed. [124034] Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many non-UK EU nationals Mr Harper [holding answer 19 October 2012]: The have entered the UK to seek employment with dependents data requested are not held in a format compatible with who are (a) EU nationals, (b) UK nationals and (c) National Statistics protocols, or produced as part of the non-EU nationals in each of the last five years. [123460] UK Border Agency’s standard reports. However the UK Border Agency publishes immigration statistics on a quarterly and annual basis, a copy of which can be Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the found in the Library of the House. Cabinet Office. The information requested falls within the responsibility European Police College of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for the Letter from Glen Watson, dated October 2012: Home Department how many conferences, courses and seminars hosted by the European Police College civil As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I servants from her Department have attended since have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many non-UK EU nationals have entered the UK to 2001; and at what cost to the public purse. [122588] seek employment with dependants who are a) EU Nationals, b) UK nationals and c) non-EU nationals in each of the last five Damian Green: This information is not held centrally. years (123460). Firearms: Hampshire The Office for National Statistics produces estimates of Long Term International Migration (LTIM), primarily based on the International Passenger Survey (IPS). The IPS is a continuous Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for the voluntary sample survey conducted by the Office for National Home Department how many firearm and shotgun Statistics. certificate holders in the Hampshire police force area The IPS does not collect any specific information on dependants have not been able to renew such certificates before of migrants from respondents. their expiry date in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012. [122815]

Damian Green: Figures from the National Firearms Licensing Management System shows that, in 2011 in Hampshire, 1,041 persons held firearm certificates and Police: Lambeth 4,803 persons held shot gun certificates that were renewed after the expiry date. In 2012 (up to 15 October), there were 289 persons Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for the who held firearm certificates and 2,145 persons who Home Department (1) how many Metropolitan police held shot gun certificates that were renewed after the officers there were serving in Lambeth in May (a) expiry date. 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003, (e) 2004, (f) 2005, (g) 2006, (h) 2007, (i) 2008, (j) 2009, (k) 2010, (l) Human Trafficking 2011 and (m) 2012; [123618] (2) how many police positions in Lambeth remained Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home vacant in May (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003, Department what the value of funds confiscated from (e) 2004, (f) 2005, (g) 2006, (h) 2007, (i) 2008, (j) prosecuted traffickers was in each of the last three 2009, (k) 2010, (l) 2011 and (m) 2012. [123619] years; and what proportion of such funds was awarded to victims as compensation. [122784] Damian Green: Figures are collected by the Home Mr Jeremy Browne [holding answer 17 October 2012]: Office for the number of police officers within Lambeth The value of confiscation orders enforced against those (full-time equivalent) as at 31 March 2003 to 31 March convicted for human trafficking offences in England 2011 and are given in the following table. Figures prior and Wales in each of the last three years, as recorded on to 2002-03 were not collected centrally by the Home the Joint Asset Recovery Database, is as follows: Office. Figures at London borough level ceased to be collected from 2011-12. £ Number of police officers in Lambeth, as at 31 March 2003 to 31 March 20111,2.3,4 2009-10 146,734.06 March each year: Number 2010-11 293,329.05 2011-12 184,645.12 2003 968 2004 941 It should be noted, however, that a human trafficker 2005 984 may also be charged and prosecuted for a different 2006 994 offence, such as prostitution or money laundering, which 2007 953 could incur a confiscation order. 2008 952 The proportion of such funds awarded to victims as 2009 992 compensation is not recorded centrally. 2010 1,042 647W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 648W

Number of police officers in Lambeth, as at 31 March 2003 to Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the 31 March 20111,2.3,4 Home Department (1) how many persons convicted of March each year: Number a sexual offence have been (a) fined or (b) recalled to 2011 1,004 prison for a breach of their notification requirement in 1 These figures are based on full-time equivalents that have been each probation service area in each of the last seven rounded to the nearest whole number. years; [123351] 2 Figures include those officers on career breaks or maternity/paternity (2) how many persons convicted of sexual offences leave. 3 Figures prior to 2002-03 for the number of police officers by basic and subject to notification requirements in each probation command unit were not collected centrally by the Home Office. service area failed to notify police forces of a change to 4 Figures at London borough level ceased to be collected from (a) an address, (b) any other names used and (c) the 2011-12. address of any other premises in the UK at which, at the Figures on the number of police positions in Lambeth time of notification, the individual regularly resided or which remained vacant in May 2000 to 2012 are not stayed in each of the last seven years; [123349] collected centrally by the Home Office. (3) how many applications to (a) vary, (b) renew or (c) discharge a sexual offences prevention order have Police: Overtime been made to courts in each county in England in each of the last seven years; [123357] Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the total cost to the public (4) what the average cost to the Exchequer of the purse of police overtime in England and Wales was in issue of a notification order as set out in sections 97 to 108 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 was in the latest each of the last five years; [123320] period for which figures are available. [123353] (2) what the average number of overtime hours worked by police officers was in England and Wales in each of the last five years; [123321] Mr Jeremy Browne: These data are not held centrally in the format requested. (3) how much on average was paid per police officer for overtime hours in each of the last five years. [123322] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Damian Green: Figures on the number of overtime Home Department what assessment she has made of hours worked by police officers and the total cost to the the effectiveness of the provisions of sections 104 to public for police overtime in England and Wales are not 113 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 in protecting collected by the Home Office. The amount paid to members of the public from serious sexual harm; and if police forces for overtime hours is available on the she will make a statement. [123355] website of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants: Mr Jeremy Browne: Sexual offences prevention orders www.cipfastats.net (SOPOs) provide a valuable tool to the police to protect the public from various sexual harm by restricting Police: Powers offenders’ behaviours and movements. The Government continually works with the police and other agencies to Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for the review the effectiveness of SOPOs. Home Department when she plans to release the results of her Department’s consultation on police powers to Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the promote and maintain public order. [124082] Home Department (1) how many relevant offenders as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003 failed to Damian Green: The Government is carefully considering provide police with initial information within three the responses to the consultation ‘Police Powers to days of the relevant date in each probation service area Promote and Maintain Public Order’. The Government in each of the last seven years; [123590] will publish its response to the consultation in due course. (2) how many travel notification requirements each Sexual Offences police force received from persons convicted of a sexual offence in (a) August and (b) September 2012; [123350] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her policy is on the minimum (3) how many sex offenders with notification number of years a person convicted of a sexual offence requirements have submitted details of their bank must wait before reapplying for a review of an indeterminate accounts or credit cards to a police force; [123348] notification requirement following an unsuccessful initial (4) how many persons in each probation area are application. [123333] subject to notification requirements in respect of a conviction for a sexual offence listed in schedule 3 to Mr Jeremy Browne: Offenders are eligible to seek a the Sexual Offences Act 2003; [123347] first review of their indefinite notification requirements 15 years from the point of first notification following (5) how many risk of sexual harm orders were issued release from prison. If an offender’s initial review is in each police authority for an individual who has (a) refused, they will be eligible to seek a further review of engaged in sexual activity involving a child or in the their indefinite notification requirements following the presence of a child, (b) caused or incited a child to expiry of a minimum period of eight years. If considered watch a person engaging in sexual activity or to look at necessary by the police, this period can be extended to a a moving or still image that is sexual, (c) given a child period up to, but not exceeding, 15 years. anything that relates to sexual activity or contains 649W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 650W reference to such activity and (d) communicated with a To collate this information would necessitate electronic child where any part of the communication is sexual in and physical examination of over 400 case files. each of the last seven years; [123418] An FOI response was provided to my hon. Friend (6) how many individuals in each probation service dated 19 April 2012 to that effect. area in England are subject to a risk of sexual harm order provided for in sections 123 to 129 of the Sexual UK Border Agency Offences Act 2003; and how many such individuals (a) had and (b) had not received a conviction for a sexual Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for offence prior to the imposition of the order; [123358] the Home Department whether there are UK Border (7) how many offenders in each probation service Agency staff members who are caseworkers for area convicted of (a) sexual offences listed in individual universities involved in sponsor compliance. Schedule 3 and (b) violent offences listed in Schedule 5 [123516] of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (i) are subject to sexual offences prevention orders and (ii) were so subject in Mr Harper: The UK Border Agency does not assign each of the last seven years; [123354] caseworkers to individual universities but it does assign (8) how many sexual offences prevention orders have a named account manager who assists with the university’s been granted by magistrates courts on the application interactions with the UK Border Agency. of the chief constable of each police force since the Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for inception of such orders; [123356] the Home Department how many UK Border Agency (9) how many individuals have breached the terms of staff are involved in monitoring sponsor compliance a sexual offences prevention order in each probation for education institutions. [123517] service area in each of the last seven years; [123334] (10) how many British and foreign nationals Mr Harper: There are approximately 140 staff directly convicted of sexual offences similar to those identified involved in monitoring sponsor compliance. in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 are subject to a Compliance officers monitor all sponsors for tiers 2, notification order; [123352] 4 and 5 of the points based system; as such the UK (11) how many persons convicted of sexual offences Border Agency cannot give a figure for education institution have had an indeterminate notification requirement monitoring only. changed on review since July 2012. [123346]

Mr Jeremy Browne: Home Office IT systems will need to be interrogated to ascertain whether the relevant EDUCATION data are held in the format requested. Where they are available, it will take a considerable period of time to Care to Learn Scheme extract the relevant data. As such, I will write to the hon. Member by 7 November 2012 with responses to Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for these questions. I will place a copy of that letter in the Education whether he plans to make any changes to Library of the House. Care to Learn funding arrangements in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15. [122791] Smuggling Mr Laws [holding answer 17 October 2012]: The Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Government is committed to providing child care support Home Department how many compensatory payments to teenage parents so they can take part in education or were made to individuals who had their excise goods training. There are no plans to make changes to the and vehicles seized by UKBA and who successfully Care to Learn funding arrangements in the financial appealed against the seizure in each of the last five years 2013-14 and 2014-15. years; what the total value of such payments was in each of the last five years; and what the 10 highest Education: West Midlands compensatory payments made in each of those years were. [122400] Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many (a) primary schools, (b) secondary Mr Harper: The UK Border Agency legal team was schools and (c) colleges have been built in (i) Birmingham formed in December 2009, and as such does not hold and (b) the West Midlands in each financial year since any data prior to this date. The UK Border Agency is 2006. [122748] able to provide the following data: Mr Laws [holding answer 17 October 2012]: The Condemnation orders refused Department for Education, via the Education Funding April 2010 to March 2011 22 Agency, allocates the majority of available capital resources April 2011 to March 2012 25.5 directly to local authority areas. This enables them to April 2012 to September 2012 9.5 establish their priorities for investment and to provide resources to those schools most in need. For this reason, Data on the value of payments are not held in the complete information on the numbers of schools built format requested, and would incur disproportionate is not held centrally and the relevant local authorities in costs to collate. The National Post Seizure Unit (NPSU) Birmingham and the West Midlands would be best do not hold the data centrally in the format requested. placed to answer the hon. Member’s question. 651W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 652W

English Baccalaureate which, as well as reducing bureaucracy and cost at a local level, encourages more parents to sign up their Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for children for a free school lunch. For those authorities Education (1) whether he proposes that (a) art, (b) that choose to use it, the ECS allows parents to check drama, (c) music and (d) ICT will be included within their own eligibility and to apply online for free school the English baccalaureate certificate; [121907] meals. (2) how he plans to assess (a) art, (b) drama, (c) In November 2011, we further encouraged take-up music and (d) ICT in the proposed English by sending registration messages to parents, schools baccalaureate certificate system. [121901] and local authorities. The school census figures published on 21 June 2012 show that registration for free school Elizabeth Truss [holding answers 17 and 15 October meals increased by 0.1% in both primary and secondary 2012]: The English Baccalaureate is a core set of academic schools nationally. subjects—English, maths, science, history, geography The Department will shortly be publishing a Research and languages—that give students the broadest possible Report “Pupils not claiming Free School Meals”, showing opportunities to progress towards future study and estimates of the numbers of pupils who are entitled to rewarding employment. The announcement by the Secretary free school meals, but are not claiming them, living in of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member each local authority. for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), on 17 September on the introduction of English Baccalaureate Certificates Primary Education: English Language (EBCs) from 2015 relates to qualifications in these subjects. We recognise the importance of creative subjects Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State such as art, drama, music, and ICT as part of a broad for Education what steps his Department is taking to curriculum and for the additional skills and enrichment support primary schools in (a) Hertfordshire and (b) they contribute to pupils’ education. We are currently England to assist in the teaching of children from other considering how to ensure that high quality qualifications EU member states who do not speak English. [122859] are available in these subjects. Mr Laws: The Government’s priority for children Free School Meals learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) is to promote rapid language acquisition and include them Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for in mainstream education as quickly as possible. Schools Education what steps his Department is taking to help are best placed to know how to achieve this for their identify children who are entitled to free school meals. pupils. [123170] Local authorities have a legal duty to ensure that education is available for all children of compulsory Mr Laws: The Government are committed to increasing school age that is appropriate to their age, ability, the take-up of free school meals for all pupils who are aptitudes and any special educational needs they may entitled to them. We want disadvantaged children to have. This duty applies irrespective of a child’s immigration benefit from a nutritious meal, and for their schools to status, country of origin or rights of residence in a receive extra funding through the pupil premium in particular area. Our reforms of the school funding order to help them to raise the attainment of these system from 2013-14 will enable local authorities to pupils. continue to allocate funding to pupils with English as Identifying which children are entitled to free school an Additional Language for the first three years from meals can be difficult, and something we are seeking to the point at which those pupils enter the school system. address as part of our reforms to eligibility for free Research school meals from 2013. A child is only eligible for free school meals if his or her parent is in receipt of an eligible benefit and an application to receive a free Chris Kelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Education school meal has been made. It is not possible to identify what external policy research his Department has those pupils who are entitled to free school meals who commissioned in each of the last six years; which have not made an application. We have therefore taken organisation was commissioned to provide each such a number of steps to encourage parents to apply for free piece of research; and what the cost of each such piece school meals. of research was. [122362] Our funding for the School Food Trust enables it to Mr Laws: The information requested has been placed carry out work to improve the take-up of healthy, in House Libraries. school lunches, and specifically to increase take-up of free school meals. The School Food Trust’s “Free School Meals Matter Toolkit”provides schools with information and advice to help them to encourage all eligible pupils TRANSPORT to register for, and take, their free school meal. We have streamlined the application process by Aviation developing an online eligibility checking service (ECS), which allows local authorities to check data held by the Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Department for Work and Pensions, HM Revenue and Transport (1) for what reason the summer of 2015 has Customs, and the Home Office to establish a family’s been set as the time by which the Independent Commission free school meal eligibility quickly. We are encouraging on Aviation chaired by Sir Howard Davies will publish local authorities to increase their use of this resource, its final report; what other options for a reporting date 653W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 654W were considered; and what consideration he has given Stephen Hammond: Four bidders have received the to the economic effect of setting summer 2015 as the Invitation to Negotiate for the Crossrail Rolling Stock latest date for publication of the Commission’s final and Depot contract and we look forward to highly report; [123318] competitive bids when these are received, later this (2) to what extent the timeframe for the Independent month. Commission on Aviation chaired by Sir Howard Davies’ The Invitation to Negotiate includes requirements for work is (a) flexible and (b) capable of being accelerated. ’responsible procurement’. This means that bidders are [123319] required to set out how they will engage with the wider supply chain and provide opportunities for training, Mr Simon Burns: The timetable for the Airports apprenticeships, and small and medium size businesses Commission, chaired by Sir Howard Davies, has been within their procurement strategy.Bidders are also required set to enable it to assess the scale and nature of the to establish an appropriate local presence to manage the requirement for additional capacity to maintain the delivery of the contract. UK’s position as Europe’s most important aviation hub This procurement process is being undertaken by and to carry out a thorough analysis of potential options Crossrail Ltd which is responsible for delivering the for meeting that requirement. In order to enable early Crossrail project. My Department has been working in action where appropriate, the Commission has been partnership with Crossrail Ltd to improve dialogue tasked with delivering an interim report by the end of with suppliers and increase the long-term visibility of 2013 covering its assessment of the evidence in relation forthcoming contracts in order to strengthen the capability to maintaining the UK’s global hub status and of of the UK supply chain. immediate actions to improve the use of existing runway capacity in the next five years. Its final report, covering Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for longer term options, and setting out its recommendations Transport what assessment his Department has made for the optimum approach, will be published in the of the merits of recent research on the extension of summer of 2015. Crossrail to Stansted airport. [123671]

Blue Badge Scheme Stephen Hammond: The Department is aware of recent suggestions regarding extending Crossrail services to Stansted airport. This raises a number of practical Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport difficulties that would need to be addressed if such a how many (a) written representations and (b) proposal were to be developed further. We have not complaints he has received following the refusal of a carried out any assessment of the proposal. Transport blue badge renewal application, by a local authority, for London are reviewing options around Crossrail 2 since the introduction of the Blue Badge Improvement which includes the potential for connections to existing Service. [123444] rail corridors in the north-east and south-west of London. This review is due to be completed next year. Norman Baker: Local authorities are responsible for issuing blue badges and for taking decisions about an Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for applicant’s eligibility. There is no right of appeal to the Transport what his policy is on the establishment of a Secretary of State with respect to a local authority Crossrail link between Stansted and Heathrow airports. refusing to issue a badge. Complaints about whether or [123673] not a local authority has acted correctly are normally sent to the Local Government Ombudsman. Stephen Hammond: The Government remains committed The Department has not received any complaints to the delivery of the current Crossrail project which about the operation of the Blue Badge Improvement will provide fast and frequent Crossrail services from Service which continues to work well. Over 800,000 Maidenhead and Heathrow airport in the west through badges have been issued through the service since it central London and beyond to Abbey Wood and Shenfield began in January 2012. I occasionally receive letters in the east. from members of the House about particular cases, for The Government do not currently have any plans to example, when an application made by one of their introduce direct rail links between Stansted and Heathrow constituents is refused. It is a matter, however, for the airports. relevant local authority to decide whether or not a person is eligible for a badge under the terms of the Cycling: Helmets regulations. An applicant must re-apply for a badge every three years, in most cases. They will be assessed at the time they apply and there should be no assumption Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on their part that they will be issued with a badge what steps he is taking to encourage children to wear a simply because they have had one before. They must helmet when riding a bicycle. [123679] meet the eligibility criteria at the time of application. Stephen Hammond: We recommend all cyclists— especially children—wear helmets to protect them if Crossrail Line they have a collision. The Highway Code, under rule 59, also recommends the wearing of helmets for cyclists of Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for all ages. However, we believe people and parents should Transport what steps he is taking to encourage UK be free to choose whether to follow this advice and we manufacture of trains to be ordered for the Crossrail have no plans to legislate to introduce mandatory line. [123379] enforcement of cycle helmet wearing. 655W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 656W

The Think! campaigns for children include advice on High Speed 2 Railway Line the use of cycle helmets, as part of wider campaigns. These include ‘Tales of the Road’ for children aged six Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for to 11: Transport what proportion of the cost of High Speed 2 http://talesoftheroad.direct.gov.uk/cycling-safety.php will be funded by (a) public and (b) private sources. Cycle safety advice for parents of children aged five [123869] to seven: http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/education/early-years-and- Mr Simon Burns: The Government is proceeding primary/parents/5-to-7s/cycle-safety/ with HS2 on the basis that the costs of the project will Cycle safety advice for parents of children aged seven be met in large part from the public purse. While my to 11: Department has made clear that we will explore opportunities for third party funding and financing as http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/education/early-years-and- primary/parents/7-to-11s/cycle-safety/ the project develops, we are not at a stage in the process where we can say what proportion of project costs Cycle safety advice for parents of children aged 12+: might be met this way. http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/education/secondary/parents/ cycle-safety/ Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State We have also recently launched a THINK CYCLIST for Transport how the increased capacity created by the campaign which offers advice to drivers and cyclists on electrification of the Midland Main Line was factored how to stay safe on the road. One of the messages to in to the calculation of the latest economic case for the cyclists is to wear a correctly fitted cycle helmet, which Y-route of High Speed 2. [124391] is securely fastened and conforms to current regulations: http://think.direct.gov.uk/cycling.html Mr Simon Burns: The increase in capacity to be created by the electrification of the Midland Main Line Electric Vehicles was not included in the latest update of the economic case for the Y-route of High Speed 2. The modelling for this update, which builds on the analysis published in Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport January, was based on the latest economic forecasts and what estimate he has made of the number of persons the best information that could be incorporated given who were (a) killed, (b) seriously injured and (c) the lead-time for the analysis. The economic case has slightly injured by plug-in electric and hybrid electric always included some assumptions about future investment vehicles when operating in electric mode in each of the in the existing rail network and the greater detail now last two years; and if he will make a statement. [124191] available will be taken into account as part of the next substantive update of the HS2 business case. Stephen Hammond: The number of casualties in reported personal injury road accidents known to involve electric Large Goods Vehicles: Licensing and hybrid electric vehicles for the years 2010 and 2011 were as follows: Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Electric vehicles if he will consider (a) allowing exemptions from the Two deaths, 10 serious injuries, and 59 slight injuries Certificate of Professional Competence programme to in 2010; and one death, 10 serious injuries and 56 slight be granted to HGV drivers with a large amount of injuries in 2011. experience and (b) introducing a form of re-certification Hybrid electric vehicles test to allow HGV drivers to prove their knowledge 10 deaths, 72 serious injuries and 576 slight injuries in without having to undergo classroom tuition. [124131] 2010; and five deaths, 61 serious injuries and 761 slight injuries in 2011. Stephen Hammond: The intent of Directive 2003/59/EC is to encourage lorry, bus and coach drivers to recognise In both years the number of casualties known to the value of continuing professional development and involve electric or hybrid electric vehicles accounted for to undertake training that recognises and builds upon less than 0.5% of the total number of casualties in their existing levels of experience, knowledge and expertise. reported road accidents in Britain. The recital to the directive states The Department refers to DVLA records to determine “the obligation to ... undergo periodic training is intended to whether a vehicle involved in an accident has electric or improve road safety and the safety of the driver”. hybrid electric propulsion. This is only possible for British-registered vehicles where a full and accurate The directive does not provide an exemption from vehicle registration mark (VRM) is contained in the periodic training based upon the driving experience of police record. This information exists for around three- individual drivers neither does it permit the introduction quarters of vehicles involved in personal injury accidents. of ’re-certification tests’. Both of these would run counter There may therefore have been additional accidents to the basic purpose of the directive. involving electric or hybrid electric vehicles that are registered outside Britain, or where the reported VRM Liverpool Port was invalid or missing. The Department does not hold information on whether Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for a vehicle was operating in electric mode at the time of Transport whether there are any plans to build a the accident, nor whether the vehicle is of the ‘plug-in’ permanent passenger and baggage handling facility at type. Liverpool International Cruise Terminal. [124230] 657W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 658W

Stephen Hammond: That is a matter for Liverpool Additionally, there will be an opportunity for respondents city council, as operator of the terminal, to decide. to suggest other ideas on alternative ways forward. It will be a full 12-week consultation and we will be Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for holding stakeholder sessions during the consultation Transport what his policy is on Liverpool City Council period. allowing City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal to accept In addition the insurance industry has agreed to fund turnaround calls prior to securing EU state aid (initially for three years) a specialist insurance fraud clearance. [124232] police unit, which went live in January 2012. The City of London’s Police National Fraud Intelligence Bureau Stephen Hammond: This Department’s concerns about (NFIB) will work with the industry’s Insurance Fraud fair competition have been satisfied by the Council’s Bureau (IFB). The unit will focus on enforcement and repayment of £8.8 million grant. The matter of State prevention strategies to tackle current fraud issues. The Aids is currently under discussion with the European Association of British Insurers (ABI) is setting up a Commission. Liverpool City Council understands that National Insurance Fraud Register, a database enabling it is at risk of being required to make further repayments insurers to share information on known cheats. The of grant in the event of an adverse ruling. scheme is now operational.

Motor Vehicles Motor Vehicles: Registration Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many non-commercial vehicles Transport how many registered (a) cars, (b) vans and registered overseas entered the UK in the latest period (c) heavy goods vehicles there were in the UK in the for which figures are available; and what consideration latest period for which figures are available. [123390] he has given to introducing charges for such vehicles to use the road network. [123505] Stephen Hammond: The numbers of registered cars, light goods and heavy goods vehicles in Great Britain as Stephen Hammond: In 2011, 0.4% of traffic on British at 30 June 2012 are shown in the following table. Statistics roads was estimated to be foreign registered. For car for the UK are not compiled centrally by the Department journeys in the UK, only 0.3% of traffic is foreign for Transport as the registration of cars in Northern registered. For this reason, the Government’s current Ireland is administered separately by the Northern Ireland plans are to charge only heavy goods vehicles and not to Driver and Vehicle Agency. charge non-commercial vehicles.

Number (million) Public Transport: Disabled People Light Heavy goods goods Cars vehicles vehicles David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria are required for eligibility for a Vehicles registered in Great 28.710 3.283 0.466 disabled person’s pass to use (a) rail and (b) bus Britain, as at 30 June 2012 services; and if he will make a statement. [123593] Source: Vehicle Licensing Statistics, Great Britain: Quarter 2 2012 (DFT). These statistics are derived from the DVLA vehicle register, an Norman Baker: People who are eligible for a Disabled operational database used to handle the licensing of vehicles registered Person’s Railcard are those who are registered as deaf in Great Britain. or using a hearing aid, or who have a visual impairment, people who have repeated attacks of epilepsy despite Motor Vehicles: Insurance continuing drug treatment or are currently prohibited from driving because of epilepsy and those in receipt of George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for certain mobility-based benefits. Transport what recent steps the Government has taken In addition passengers who are blind or visually-impaired to combat motor insurance fraud; and if he will make a and are travelling with a companion or passengers who statement. [122711] stay in their own wheelchair for a rail journey are eligible for discounted travel without the need for a Stephen Hammond: The information is as follows: railcard. The terms of this railcard are protected by the Department for Transport through its Franchise (a) We are working with the insurance industry to allow them access to DVLA driver details on penalty points and disqualifications Agreements with the train operating companies. to reduce fraud. Eligibility for concessionary bus travel in England (b) We are tackling uninsured driving by the continuous insurance (outside London) is set out in section 146 of the Transport scheme (CIE) introduced last year which enables enforcement Act 2000. Currently, eligible disabled people are those action to be taken against those who keep a vehicle without whose condition comes under one of the seven categories insurance. CIE supplements police powers introduced in 2005 to of disability listed in the Act. seize uninsured vehicles being driven on the road. (c) The Ministry of Justice is to consult soon on ways to reduce Railways: Fares the number and costs of whiplash claims. The consultation will focus on two main areas: the introduction of independent panels; and whether to amend the small claims threshold for damages for Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport personal injury claims. This will reduce costs of defending such whether his Department has a role in defining peak and claims and encourage insurers to challenge exaggerated or fraudulent off-peak times in relation to the calculation of rail fares. claims through the courts. [124284] 659W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 660W

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport places Tolls limits on the maximum restrictions that can be placed on the long distance off-peak return fare where it is Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for regulated and on off-peak Pay As You Go fares in Transport what assessment he has made of the cost of London. Within this framework, train operators set setting up a national road charging system including restrictions so as to best match demand to capacity and the cost of fitting units into the existing vehicle fleet. provide a coherent fares structure across the national [123392] network. The Department is presently undertaking a Fares Stephen Hammond: No assessment has been made. and Ticketing Review. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what response his Department has made to the Railways: Franchises European Commission’s stakeholder consultation on the charging of the use of road infrastructure; [123475] John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what assessment he has made of the legal Transport what assessment he has made of the effect competence of the EU to introduce road pricing the current pause in the rail franchising process will arrangements affecting the UK. [123476] have on (a) consideration and consultation of the optimal franchise configuration to succeed the current Stephen Hammond: The Department is currently Northern and TransPennine Express franchises and (b) considering its response to the stakeholder consultation. the timescale for the awarding of successor franchises. The Government has been clear that it remains [123977] committed to upholding fiscal sovereignty and ensuring that member states retain control of their own tax Mr Simon Burns: The Department is currently assessing policy. At the same time we are not considering road the impact of the current suspension of the programme pricing or tolling of existing routes. This will be a for all rail franchises, including Northern and TransPennine fundamental principle underpinning our response to Express, and the implications for the time scales for any EU proposals. awarding of contracts. This will ensure continuity of services while establishing the right approach in terms West Coast Railway Line: Franchises of affordability and value for money. Once this has been finalised and agreed we will provide an update to the House. The delivery of the previously announced investment Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for in the north will continue. Transport whether he plans to issue an addendum to the Great Western franchise invitation to tender Future franchise competitions will incorporate the document following representations made by the West findings of the Brown Review which will report by the of England Partnership. [123326] end of December. The terms of reference for the Review have been laid in the Library of the House. Mr Simon Burns: The Government is aware of the West of England Partnership’s views. However, we are unable to comment on the detail of the ITT pending the Rescue Services: Helicopters outcome of the independent review of the rail franchising programme by Richard Brown CBE. The review was Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for announced by the Secretary of State on 3 October 2012 Transport what steps he has taken in the invitation to and is expected to report back at the end of December. tender for the search and rescue contract to prioritise manufacture of the helicopters in the UK. [123377] Mr Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect that the recent problems with the franchise of the West Stephen Hammond: While complying with EU Coast Mainline will have on the granting of new rail procurement law, the Department has asked bidders, franchises in the West Country. [123445] through its tender documentation, to demonstrate the whole-life cost approach to minimising the environmental impacts of designing, manufacturing/constructing, Mr Simon Burns: I refer my hon. Friend to the operating and maintaining helicopters. Their response statement made by the Secretary of State for Transport, to this area will be considered as part of the evaluation my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales process. (Mr McLoughlin), on 15 October 2012, Official Report, columns 46-47 and the terms of reference for the Brown Bidders have also been informed of the Government’s Review which has been laid in the Library of the House intention to enhance the ability of SME’s to access and which will provide the basis upon which the Secretary government contracts. Bidders, through the tender process, of State assesses the future requirements for franchises should demonstrate how they intend to support this across England and Wales. policy with an explanation of how opportunities and training (which may include apprenticeships or equivalent) Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for for long-term job seekers will be developed and Transport what is the expected cost of the independent implemented. review into the error by Laidlaw and Smith; and what Tender documentation has been published on the (a) Laidlaw and Smith and (b) PwC will be paid. Department’s website and is available for public access. [123797] 661W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 662W

Mr Simon Burns: The Department has not prescribed Carbon Trust: Grants a budget or forecast costs for the Laidlaw inquiry. Sam Laidlaw will have access to the resources necessary to Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for conclude his inquiry. Energy and Climate Change how much the Carbon Once the inquiry has concluded, the Secretary of Trust has paid out in grants to businesses in each State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member financial year from 2005-06 to date; how many for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), will make public businesses received such grants in each such year; and the costs incurred. what estimate he has made of the likely level of such Sam Laidlaw and Ed Smith are both non-executive grants in each financial year to 2015-16. [123121] directors of the Department. They are not receiving any additional reimbursement other than that which is already Gregory Barker: The Carbon Trust advise that between made public in the Department’s Accounts. 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2012 the value of grants made by it to businesses was as set out in the following PwC are not working on the Laidlaw inquiry. table. These grants were delivered through funding provided by the Department of Energy and Climate Change Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (DECC), Invest Northern Ireland, Scottish Government, what checks were carried out by (a) officials involved in Welsh Government and Department of Transport. the Inter-City West Coast (ICWC) franchising competition, (b) consultants advising officials and Ministers in his Number of grant Department in respect of the franchising competition, Total value of grants (£) recipients (c) senior officials supervising the ICWC franchising 2005-06 2,918,504 60 team, (d) board members supervising the ICWC franchising 2006-07 3,032,539 53 competition and (e) Ministers in his Department to 2007-08 3,105,368 47 ensure that all was proceeding according to plan with 2008-09 3,842,793 39 the franchise competition; and at what stage. [124224] 2009-10 12,901,238 54 2010-11 23,574,809 75 Mr Simon Burns: This information is not currently 2011-12 12,556,708 40 available in the form requested. In order to look into the checks and processes surrounding the InterCity West Where known, the forecast levels of grant funding Coast franchise competition, the Secretary of State for between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2015 would be Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire provided by the following Departments: Dales (Mr McLoughlin), has set up the Laidlaw inquiry. DECC for 2012-15; The terms of reference for the inquiry have been laid in the Library of the House. It will provide its initial Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Invest Northern Ireland for 2012-13. findings to the Secretary of State by 26 October and its final report will be published no later than the end of These are shown in the following table. It should be November. noted that DECC no longer provides core grant funding to Carbon Trust and its support now relates to long-term research projects.

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Total value of grants (£)

British Energy 2012-13 7,383,399 2013-14 5,500,000 Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for 2014-15 5,500,000 Energy and Climate Change with reference to the 2015-16 0 statement on page 24 of his Department’s business plan 2011-15 that £233 million was allocated to British Energy in its 2011-12 budget, for what purpose this Coal financial support was provided; and whether, in view of that support, British Energy constitutes any form of Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for public subsidiary. [123965] Energy and Climate Change what role he sees for coal in meeting the UK’s future energy requirements. Mr Hayes [holding answer 19 October 2012]: The [124004] payments in respect of British Energy (BE) relate to contractual historic spent fuel liabilities under the Historic Mr Hayes: The role of coal is set to decline over the Fuel Liabilities Agreement. As part of the restructuring coming decade as stations close in order to comply with of BE in January 2005, the Government undertook a the requirements of European Union air quality directives contractual obligation to assist the company in meeting that place limits on emissions of oxides of sulphur and these liabilities. nitrogen. The payments relate to the storage and reprocessing 8 gigawatts (GW) of coal capacity has opted-out of of irradiated oxide fuel and related services under historic the large combustion plant directive (LCPD), 5 GW of contracts with British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. which has notified its closure by the end of March 2013, British Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of EDF with the remainder required to close by the end of 2015 S.A. It is not classified by the Office for National at the latest, Statistics as a public sector body and does not constitute The industrial emissions directive (IED) replaces the any form of public subsidiary. LCPD and sets more stringent limits from 2016. 663W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 664W

It is uncertain what proportion of the remaining coal is a matter for the independent regulator Ofgem. According capacity will make the investment needed to meet the to dates for final penalty notices: IED limits, or otherwise be required to close by 2023 at (a) 2008: One the latest. Northern Gas Networks Ltd— SSLC D10: £25,000; In the longer term, coal with carbon capture and (b) 2009: One storage (CCS) could play an important role as part of a low carbon energy mix. The Carbon Plan, published by EDF Energy Networks (EPN) plc, EDF Energy Networks (LPN) plc and EDF Energy Networks (SPN) plc—SLC4D and DECC in December 2011, identified a significant SLC12: £2 million; contribution for fossil fuels with CCS by 2030, depending on its ability to compete with other low carbon technologies (c) 2010: None and if costs are reduced quickly as a result of Government (d) 2011: Four and industry actions. Electricity North West Ltd—SLC4D and SLC12: £100,000; Electricity Generation Central Networks East plc and Central Networks West plc— SLC4D and SLC30: £400,000; Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc—SLC4D, SLC12 Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for and SLC30: £500,000; Energy and Climate Change how many investigations National Grid Gas plc—SPE2B, E6 and E20, SSCD9 and have been initiated by Ofgem into the failure of energy A40: £8 million distribution companies to deliver on output efficiency (e) 2012: Three in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, (d) 2011 and (e) 2012 to date. [123789] Northern Gas Networks Ltd—SSCD10 2(g): £900,000; National Grid Gas plc—SSCD10 2(g): £4.3 million; Mr Hayes: Enforcement of compliance with the relevant Wales and West Utilities Ltd—SSCA40, D9 and SCE2B, E20: legislations, which apply to energy distribution companies, £375,000. is a matter for the independent regulator Ofgem. Based on formal investigations and according to dates for Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for when the investigation was formally opened: Energy and Climate Change on how many occasions a (a) 2008: Two decision by Ofgem to fine an energy distribution company EDF Energy Networks (EPN) plc, EDF Energy Networks for its failure to deliver on output efficiency has been (LPN) plc and EDF Energy Networks (SPN) plc—SLC4D and overturned on appeal in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, SLC12; (d) 2011 and (e) 2012 to date. [123791] National Grid Gas plc - SSCE2B, E6 and E20, SSCD9 and A40 Mr Hayes: Enforcement of compliance with the relevant (b) 2009: Two legislations, which apply to energy distribution companies, Central Networks East plc and Central Networks West plc— is a matter for the independent regulator Ofgem. None SLC4D, SLC12 and SLC30; of their decisions to fine an energy distribution company Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc—SLC4D, SLC12 for its failure to deliver or output efficiency have been and SLC30; overturned on appeal. (c) 2010: Two Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Electricity North West Ltd—SLC4D and SLC12; and Climate Change if he will estimate the (a) current Wales and West Utilities Ltd—SSCA40, D9 and SCE2B, E20; and all future total system costs and (b) current and (d) 2011: Two future levelised costs of electricity generation per MWh Northern Gas Networks Ltd—SSCD10 2(g); by (i) nuclear, (ii) onshore wind, (iii) offshore wind, (iv) National Grid Gas plc—SSCD10 2(g); solar PV, (v) tidal, (vi) biomass, (vii) coal fired, (viii) (e) 2012: None open cycle gas turbine and (x) combined cycle gas turbine systems. [124274] Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 Energy and Climate Change on how many occasions Mr Hayes: DECC has published levelised costs estimates an energy distribution company has been fined by of various generation technologies on the DECC website. Ofgem for its failure to deliver on output efficiency in The most recent information, at the time of writing, can 2 (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, (d) 2011 and (e) 2012 to be found in a combination of three reports . date; and what the total value of the fine imposed was For ease of reference, the following table replicates in each such case. [123790] central levelised cost estimates from the report for projects starting in 2011 and 2017. A simplified assumption of Mr Hayes: Enforcement of compliance with the relevant 10% discount rate across technologies is used to aid legislations, which apply to energy distribution companies, high level comparison between technologies.

Central levelised cost estimates for selected electricity generation technologies Projects starting in 2011 Projects starting in 2017, Source (£/MWh) (£/MWh)

Combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) PB power (2011) 11 88 Coal—ASC 3— 95 117 Coal—IGCC (FOAK/NOAK) 3— 126 151 Nuclear (FOAK/NOAK) 3—7465 665W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 666W

Central levelised cost estimates for selected electricity generation technologies Projects starting in 2011 Projects starting in 2017, Source (£/MWh) (£/MWh)

Onshore wind >5 MW RO banding review government 101 98 response (2012) Offshore R2 wind 3— 117 102 Offshore R3 wind 3— 135 112 Dedicated biomass >50MW 3— 118 117 Dedicated biomass <50MW 3— 113 112 Solar PV250-5,000kW PB Power (2012) 4166 128 1 It should be noted that levelised cost estimates for different types of electricity generation are highly sensitive to the assumptions used for capital costs, fuel and EU ETS allowance prices, operating costs, load factor, discount rate and other drivers and this means that there is significant uncertainty around these estimates. It is perhaps more appropriate to consider a range of cost estimates as pipeline projects show a large range around these central values. Total power sector system costs are largely driven by the capacity and generation mix of energy technologies (including renewable energy technologies) as well as methods of energy sector balancing (i.e. back-up plant, storage, interconnection, demand-side response, etc). DECC does not allocate total system costs to individual technologies. 2 A report by Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) (2011) which focuses on non-renewables technologies can be found at: www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/about-us/economics-social-research/2127-electricity-generation-cost-model-2011.pdf A report by Arup/Ernst and Young (2011) which focuses on renewable technologies, which has been updated in line with evidence received as part of the Government Response to the Banding review and can to be found at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/consultation/ro-banding/5936-renewables-obligation-consultation-the-government.pdf DECC have updated estimates for the underlying costs of solar PV as part of the government response to Phase 2A comprehensive review of feed in tariffs, which can be found at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/meeting-energy-demand/renewable-energy/5381-solar-pv-cost-update.pdf 3 Indicates brace. 4 Solar PV estimates are for projects starting in 2012. Note: All estimates for ‘Nth of a Kind’ (NOAK) projects, except nuclear and coal—IGCC where the first estimate for projects starting in 2011 is based on a ‘First of a Kind’ (FOAK) estimate and the estimate for projects starting in 2017 is based on a NOAK estimate. Please note figures for onshore wind use an average England and Wales load factor.

DECC has not published comparable levelised cost including whether further regulatory protection is required. estimates for OCGT, Tidal and Wave. Gas and electricity resold and consumed for non-domestic purposes is a contractual matter between the landlord Energy Distribution and tenant. The maximum resale price (MPR) provisions that govern the reselling of gas and electricity by landlords Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for and resellers for domestic purposes do not apply. Any Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made dispute about terms and conditions of a contract should of the annual cost to consumers of energy lost during be pursued through the courts. the distribution phase. [122272]

Gregory Barker: The 2011 annual cost to consumers Gas and Electricity Markets Authority of energy lost during the distribution phase of electricity supply is estimated to be £l billion. When including gas leakages, electricity losses from the transmission network, Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for electricity theft and meter fraud the energy lost in 2011 Energy and Climate Change if he will publish (a) the increases to £1.5 billion. membership of Ofgem’s Consumer Challenge Group and (b) a note of each meeting of the Group since This estimate is based on the volumes of electricity May 2010. [123788] losses and gas leakages (published in the Digest of United Kingdom energy statistics1) multiplied by the average wholesale prices in 2011.2 Gregory Barker: The information requested is a matter for Ofgem. The chief executive of Ofgem will write to 1: http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/stats/publications/dukes/ 5955-dukes-20I2-chapter-5-electricity.pdf the hon. Member directly, and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House. 2: Electricity price—estimated from half hourly wholesale prices published by Elexon:https://www.elexonportal.co.uk/category/ view/179?cachebust=6ekcj0gy3l Prices are weighted by demand data published by National Grid Ministerial Policy Advisers demand data: http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Electricity/Data/ Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Demand+Data/ Energy and Climate Change whether his Department Gas price—2011 average taken from monthly data fromIPE has published guidance on the rules governing Natural Gas Index departmental advisers working concurrently for private Energy: Private Rented Housing consultancies. [122831]

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: Rules on special advisers are covered Energy and Climate Change what steps he has taken to in the Special Advisers’ Code of Conduct and the investigate whether commercial landlords operate model contract published by Cabinet Office and available transparently when re-charging tenants for energy supplies. on their website. [123864] Contractors are covered by the Department’s standard terms and conditions of contract for either services or Gregory Barker: Ofgem is responsible for regulating suppliers. These are published on the Department’s gas and electricity markets in the non-domestic sector, intranet. 667W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 668W

Miriam Maes A record of all departmental spend above £500 is available on the DECC website at: Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/accesstoinform/ Energy and Climate Change (1) how many candidates expenditure/expenditure.aspx for the post of Delivery Adviser to his Department on The Department has released a number of emails Energy Efficiency (a) applied for the position and (b) between Miriam Maes and the Department, and these were given interviews; [121464] are available on the Department’s website. The Minister (2) what advice his Department’s Permanent of State for Energy and Climate Change was informed Secretary has provided to (a) him and (b) other of progress in responding to the freedom of information Ministers on his links with Miriam Maes; [121465] request and shown the material for release pre-publication. (3) what steps his Department has taken to record He did not make the decision in relation to this request. and publish declarations of interests by its contractors; Some further information in this area has been requested [121466] under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and my (4) what guidance on conduct his Department issues Department is considering the request in accordance with the requirements of that Act. Information relating to consultants that it has engaged. [121467] to internal discussions and advice, including that from Mr Davey: Miriam Maes was contracted by DECC the Permanent Secretary to Ministers on matters such for the period September 2010 to May 2011, following a as this, is not normally disclosed. competitive tender process. The competition was run by inviting four candidates considered to be energy efficiency experts to submit tenders. Miriam Maes and one other Nuclear Power Stations candidate were interviewed by civil servants. The names of the unsuccessful candidates are confidential. Civil servants made a recommendation to the Minister for Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Climate Change that the Department appoint Miriam and Climate Change what work his Department has Maes, which the Minister agreed. This contract was undertaken to assess the feasibility of options for plutonium extended once on the recommendation of civil servants, re-use including (a) a new mox plant, (b) a PRISM with the approval of the Permanent Secretary. It is not fast reactor and (c) Enhanced Candu 6 reactors. normal procedure to ask Ministers to approve an extension [123388] of this size. Miriam Maes was provided with business cards. Business cards are used to help identify DECC Mr Hayes: The Government response to the consultation members of staff and, where appropriate, contractors on the long-term management of civil plutonium, published to the Department, and record contact details. in December 2011, set out the Government’s preferred Ms Maes was subsequently contracted, following a policy for dealing with the stockpile. This is re-use as competitively tendered process for the period July 2011 Mixed Oxide fuel which is the most technically mature to March 2012. This competition was advertised on solution. It also stated that “Government remains open Contracts Finder in June 2011: to any alternative proposals that offer better value to www.contractsfinder.co.uk the taxpayer”. Civil Servants conducted the interview process, no Minister In line with this, in February 2012 NDA sought was asked to sign off the appointment. Miriam Maes proposals on potential credible alternative approaches has been paid £49,000 (+VAT) and has claimed £338.40 for managing the UK’s plutonium stocks. NDA received in expenses under the above contracts. Miriam attended proposals from both GE Hitachi and CANDU. NDA is some meetings at DECC outside of her contracted currently working with them on these proposals while periods. also providing support to the Government as it progresses Consultants are expected to comply with their contractual its preferred policy of converting the material into terms. A copy of Ms Maes’ contract has been placed in Mixed Oxide fuel (MOX) for reactors. the Library, redacted as necessary. Ms Maes notified the Department of her clients at Foresee and it is not departmental policy to publish such declarations for Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 reasons of confidentiality. Miriam Maes had a departmental pass that was valid between 23 September 2010 and 31 May 2011, but was Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy not provided with a departmental email account. The and Climate Change what steps his Department have Department does not hold a central record of the taken to prepare for the introduction of the Public occasions on which Miriam Maes was contacted by Services (Social Value) Act 2012. [122262] email. The Department did not contribute to the cost of Miriam Maes’ mobile telephone, nor her attendance at Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and the Conservative party conference in 2010. Climate Change has ensured that all staff within the Ministers from time to time will meet external procurement function are aware of the content and stakeholders for informal discussions. Officials did not potential impact on public procurement of the Public attend the meeting on 15 February. Ministers’ meetings Services (Social Value) Act 2012. This has been done with external organisations are published on the DECC through departmental procurement knowledge networks website at: and procurement professional development days. The http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/accesstoinform/ Department awaits guidance from Cabinet Office on registers/ministermtgs/ministermtgs.aspx how the act should be implemented across Government. 669W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 670W

Research Lobbying

Chris Kelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Minister for the and Climate Change what external policy research his Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 17 September Department has commissioned in each of the last six 2012, Official Report, column 523W,on public consultation, years; which organisation was commissioned to for what reason his Department did not include around provide each such piece of research; and what the cost 1,300 submissions from individuals generated by Unlock of each such piece of research was. [122361] Democracy in its document, A Summary of Responses to the Cabinet Office’s Consultation Document, Introducing Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and a Statutory Register of Lobbyists. [123311] Climate Change has devolved purchasing. The information requested is not held centrally and can be provided only Miss Chloe Smith: It is usual practice to summarise at disproportionate cost. overarching themes rather than identify each respondent, The Department would be able to provide further particularly in cases where responses are received as contract information by narrowing the scope, if specific part of, or affiliated to, a large campaign. We consider research projects were identified. Further information that the vast majority of respondents that replied through on the projects run by the Department can be found on Unlock Democracy would recognise that their views the Department’s website at: have been represented in the Government’s summary of www.decc.gov.uk responses, even if they have not been personally attributed to them.

Miriam Maes CABINET OFFICE Behavioural Insight Caroline Flint: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether (a) Ministers, (b) officials and (c) Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the special advisers in his Department have met Miriam Cabinet Office (1) what estimate he has made of the Maes on official business since May 2010. [121339] time that will be spent per civil servant working on the partnership with the New South Wales government on Mr Maude: Under my Department’s transparency behavioural insight; and what the salary of each civil programme, lists of meetings with external organisations servant working on this project is; [122676] and individuals are published on the Cabinet Office (2) how many civil servants have been recruited or website: seconded to work on the partnership with the New http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ South Wales government on behavioural insight; and In line with previous Administrations, the Government from which departments such staff have been so do not normally disclose details of internal meetings. seconded; [122677] (3) how many civil servants will be working on the Official Cars partnership with the New South Wales government on behavioural insight. [122675] Maria Eagle: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Letwin: One civil servant at band A level will be Office whether companies competing in the tendering working on secondment on a full time basis for the New process for the contract to provide back-up cars to South Wales government on a salary of £44,300-£59,885 departments for ministerial travel will be allowed to for a period of one year. The secondment includes re-enter bids if technical specifications in the contract additional access to and support from members of the are changed. [122810] behavioural insights team up to a total of 35 man days as follows: Miss Chloe Smith: No amendments have been made Director (up to 4 man days) (£115,000 to £125,000 pa) to the specification during the invitation to tender process. Once awarded, only variations that are within EU Deputy Director (up to 8 man days) (£58,200 to £117,800 pa) regulations are permissible and any variation or changes Band A (up to 8 man days) (£44,300 to £59,885 pa) to the specification will be carried out specified in the Band B2 (Up to 15 man days) (£29,819 to £38,103 pa) terms of the framework agreement. No civil servants have been specifically recruited by or seconded to the Cabinet Office to work on the Unemployment: Ashfield partnership. The full cost to the UK Government of entering into the partnership will be recovered from the New South Wales government. Gloria De Piero: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent estimate his Department has made Freedom of Information Act 2000: Email of the number of unemployed (a) women who are single mothers and (b) women with children who have Lisa Nandy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet a working spouse or partner in Ashfield constituency. Office for what reasons the Cabinet Office guidance on [123543] the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in relation to private emails was delayed. [123972] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Mr Hurd: Guidance will be published shortly. asked the authority to reply. 671W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 672W

Letter from Glen Watson, dated 17 October 2012: Betting Shops As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, what recent estimate there is of the number of unemployed (a) women who are single mothers and (b) women with children who Olympics, Media and Sport how many betting shops have a working spouse or partner in Ashfield constituency (123543). there were in the UK in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) It is not possible to provide reliable estimates on unemployed 2011; what discussions the Government has had with women with children who are either single mothers or have a the betting industry about the clustering of betting working spouse or partner in the Ashfield constituency due to shops; and whether she plans to announce any changes small sample sizes. to the Gambling Act 2005. [122669]

Hugh Robertson: The Gambling Commission’s Industry CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Statistics April 2008 to September 2011 show there were 8,862 betting premises in Great Britain in 2008-09, Arts approximately 8,822 in 2009-10 and 9,067 in 2010-11. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, The Government regularly engages with representatives Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate she has made from the betting industry across a range of issues and of how many apprentices are working in the (a) heritage this includes concerns from some areas about the impact sector, (b) creative industries, (c) tourism sector and of betting shops on local communities. (d) arts. [122444] The Government currently has no plans to amend Matthew Hancock: I have been asked to reply on the Gambling Act 2005 in relation to non-remote gambling, behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and but has recently announced that we will review the Skills. evidence around category B2 gaming machines and problem gambling. Information is not available on the number of apprentices currently working in a particular sector. Table 1 shows Boxing: Females the provisional number of apprenticeship programme starts by sector subject area in 2011/12 (August 2011 to July 2012). John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what Provisional data for the 2011/12 academic year provide information her Department holds on the number of an early view of performance and will change as further universities that have provision for women’s boxing; data returns are received from further education colleges [123404] and providers. Figures for 2011/12 will be finalised in January 2013. (2) what information her Department holds on the number of boxing gyms in the UK that have changing Table 1: Apprenticeship programme starts by sector subject area, 2011/12 (provisional) rooms for men and women. [123405] Sector subject area 2011/12 (provisional) Hugh Robertson: Neither the Department nor Sport Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care 7,420 England holds this information. Arts, Media and Publishing 1,150 Business, Administration and Law 159,290 Cultural Heritage Construction, Planning and the Built 22,960 Environment Education and Training 6,740 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Engineering and Manufacturing 57,000 Olympics, Media and Sport how many undertakings to Technologies indemnify objects under section 16 of the National Health, Public Services and Care 104,550 Heritage Act 1980 have been made in each year since Information and Communication 18,190 1990 by (a) her Department and its predecessors and Technology (b) the Museums Libraries and Archives Council and Languages, Literature and Culture — its predecessors; what the contingent liabilities were in Leisure, Travel and Tourism 19,490 each case; and if she will make a statement. [122469] Preparation for Life and Work — Retail and Commercial Enterprise 105,380 Mr Vaizey: The following indemnities were issued on Science and Mathematics 360 behalf of the Secretary of State for loans to national Unknown — and non-national museums in England and the Government Total 502,500 Art Collection under Section 16 of the National Heritage Notes: Act 1980. Records prior to 1997 are incomplete. The 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten, except for the total which is rounded to the nearest hundred. figures are presented to Parliament on a bi-annual 2. ‘—’ indicates a value of less than five. basis, showing the position at the end of March and Source: September each year. Individualised Learner Record Information on the number of apprenticeship starts by sector subject area is published in a supplementary Number of undertakings Overall contingent liability (£) table to a quarterly Statistical First Release (SFR). The 1997 469 1,337,264,837 latest SFR was published on 11 October 2012: 1998 n/a 1,577,106,674 http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ 1999 520 2,237,745,568 statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current 2000 626 1,834,846,639 http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ 2001 647 2,047,816,918 statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_supplementary_tables/ 2002 629 2,472,155,792 Apprenticeship_sfr_supplementary_tables/ 673W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 674W

Hugh Robertson: The Department does not directly Number of undertakings Overall contingent liability (£) fund the VisitBritain and Enjoy England websites. 2003 610 2,958,737,461 VisitBritain has advised that the following, amounts 2004 687 3,182,467,071 were spent in the period requested. 2005 1,034 2,751,808,378 2006 1,901 3,092,606,341 £ 2007 1,382 3,171,014,765 (a) VisitBritain (b) Enjoy England 2008 1,147 4,142,045,288 May 2010 7,080 4,720 2009 440 4,632,741,550 June 2010 0 0 2010 412 5,429,291,971 July 2010 23,200 95,054 2011 374 3,910,029,637 August 2010 30,027 23,174 2012 467 5,473,501,269 September 2010 14,639 140,369 October 2010 59,510 56,344 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, November 2010 10,440 6,960 Olympics, Media and Sport how many individuals have December 2010 7,080 4,720 made use of the conditional exemption tax incentive January 2011 47,253 37,868 scheme on UK heritage assets in each of the last three February 2011 10,582 13,620 years; and how much the Exchequer lost in tax forgone March 2011 113,160 58,102 as a result of the conditional exemption tax incentive April 2011 0 0 scheme on UK heritage assets in each of the last three May 2011 21,240 14,160 June 2011 37,991 25,327 years. [122962] July 2011 23,587 15,725 August 2011 19,610 13,073 Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply on behalf of September 2011 19,917 13,278 the Treasury. October 2011 2,761 1,841 The number of individuals making use of the conditional November 2011 36,136 24,091 exemption scheme and amounts of inheritance tax foregone December 2011 19,144 21,287 are shown in the following table. January 2012 17,142 32,004 February 2012 20,602 28,954 Level of inheritance tax March 2012 209,182 190,207 1 foregone April 2012 0 0 (£ million) Number of individuals May 2012 0 0 2009-10 to 2011-12 51 38 June 2012 0 0 1 The amounts of inheritance tax foregone given are the amounts allowed on July 2012 24,188 16,125 claims. Tax will also be received on assets which become liable to Inheritance August 2012 24,795 10,756 Tax or Estate Duty when they leave conditional exemption. September 2012 122,894 0 It is not possible to show the data for individual years as requested due to the risk of disclosure of information about an individual taxpayer. The data has been totalled Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, across the three years to prevent this. Olympics, Media and Sport how many page hits the (a) VisitBritain and (b) EnjoyEngland website has Gambling recorded in each month since May 2010. [122454] Hugh Robertson: This information is not recorded by Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, the Department. VisitBritain and VisitEngland have Olympics, Media and Sport if she will consider adopting provided the Department with the following data regarding the recommendations by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling website hits. to (a) reduce the number of fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) from four per shop to one, (b) reduce the VisitBritain.com maximum stake on FOBTs from £100 to £2, (c) to Prior to February 2012 VisitBritain used a different remove table game content from FOBTs and (d) reduce provider to measure website visits. The previous system the spin frequency of FOBTs. [124022] was terminated as it was inaccurately measuring site traffic. Since February 2012 VisitBritain have used Google Hugh Robertson: The Government has announced Analytics, which is a more accurate tool. Therefore, the that it will undertake a review of the evidence around data prior to February 2012 is not comparable to that fixed odds betting terminals—classed as category B2 post February 2012. gaming machines under the Gambling Act 2005—and Visits problem gambling. An announcement about the scope and timing of the review will be made in due course. 2010 May 1,437,572 Internet June 1,223,346 July 651,993 August 623,009 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, September 502,912 Olympics, Media and Sport how much her Department October 697,529 spent on the (a) VisitBritain and (b) Enjoy England November 413,297 websites in each month since May 2010. [122451] 675W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 676W

Visits Visits

December 313,709 August 166,253 September 137,772 2011 January 471,208 Meetings February 832,365 March 566,289 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, April 418,628 Olympics, Media and Sport what meetings (a) Ministers May 410,554 and (b) officials in her Department have had with June 359,162 representatives from the (i) National Lottery Commission, July 330,517 ’ (ii) National Maritime Museum, (iii) National Museum August 328,413 of Science and Industry (iv) National Portrait Gallery, September 175,412 (v) National Gallery, (vi) National Heritage Memorial October 177,771 Fund (Heritage Lottery Fund), (vii) Museums, Libraries November 165,283 and Archives Council, (viii) Museum of Science and December 165,283 Industry in Manchester, (ix) Museum of London, (x) Millennium Commission, (xi) Imperial War Museum, 2012 (xii) the Tate, (xiii) Horserace Betting Levy Board, (xiv) January 410,831 Football Licensing Authority, (xv) Horniman Public February 675,457 Museum and Public Park Trust, (xvi) Historic Royal March 857,505 Palaces, (xvii) Gaming Board, (xviii) Geffrye Museum, April 540,172 (ixx) English Heritage (xx) CABE, (xxi) Big Lottery May 564,841 Fund, (xxii) Arts Council England, (xxiii) Alcohol June 522,636 Education and Research Council, (xxiv) Churches July 495,184 Conservation Trust and (xxv) British Museum since August 510,419 May 2010; and what issues were discussed in each September 685,000 meeting. [123179]

EnjoyEngland.com Hugh Robertson: A list of ministerial meetings since May 2010 is available on the Department for Culture, Visits Media and Sport (DCMS) transparency website, which can be found at this web address: 2010 www.transparency.culture.gov.uk May 719,106 June 614,964 The Department does not record details of meetings July 843,116 between DCMS Officials and the bodies listed above, August 862,311 and to collate this information would incur disproportionate September 443,163 costs. October 371,772 November 413,330 Music: Pilot Schemes December 235,157 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, 2011 Olympics, Media and Sport (1) how many pilot music January 369,371 rehearsal spaces will continue to provide a space for February 349,371 young people to play music after the pilot project has March 458,645 ended; [124220] April 262,865 May 186,094 (2) what steps her Department has taken to assess June 135,180 the effect of its pilot music rehearsal spaces. [124245] July 134,768 August 146,197 Mr Vaizey: UK Music, the umbrella organisation September 92,362 representing the collective interests of Britain’s commercial October 97,252 music industry, now has responsibility for the pilot November 111,256 music rehearsal spaces. A report into the spaces has December 99,330 been commissioned by Sound Connections and will be published in November 2012. This report is a retrospective 2012 survey looking back over the project from 2009. It will cover, where data are available, aspects including usage, January 128,517 reach and impact. Sound Connections is an independent February 111,748 organisation focused on helping the delivery of high March 210,036 quality music-making and is responsible for managing April 178,220 the rehearsal space contracts with local authorities. UK May 162,334 Music is currently developing a strategy for the future June 145,753 of the spaces with the help of the UK Music Board, the July 150,072 All Party Parliamentary Group on Music and Rock. 677W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 678W

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Recruitment Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what steps she is taking to support grass-roots music development; [124247] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, (2) what steps she is taking to support grass-roots Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment she has music development for young people in areas of (a) made of the (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills of urban and (b) rural deprivation; [124246] new recruits to her Department. [122476] (3) what steps she is taking to improve access for young people to publicly-funded music facilities. Hugh Robertson: The Department for Culture, Media [124221] and Sport (DCMS) conducts a rigorous assessment of the necessary skills of new employees through the Mr Vaizey: Through the Department for Education completion of a comprehensive application form and funding administered by the Arts Council (more than formal interview, which are based on the DCMS core £171 million of funding between August 2012 and competence framework and the requirements for the March 2015), a network of 122 music education hubs specific job. Where specialist roles are advertised, candidates are taking forward the work of local authority music are expected to provide evidence of their qualifications services, helping improve the quality and consistency of and will be assessed against the relevant civil service music education across England, both in and out of professional skills competencies. school. Also, in partnership with the Department for Education, the Arts Council has funded the ’In Harmony’ Tourism programme which uses music to bring positive change to the lives of children in disadvantaged areas of England, Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, delivering benefits across the wider community. Olympics, Media and Sport which 10 tourist The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) attractions in England (a) had the most visitors and provides funding for the arts in England, supporting the (b) raised the most revenue in each of the last two sector to maximise its impact on people’s lives, often in years. [122458] partnership with arm’s length bodies and many other public, private and voluntary organisations. DCMS Hugh Robertson: This information is not held by the funding is distributed through Arts Council England, Department. However, VisitEngland conducts an Annual the development agency for the arts in England which Survey of Visits to Visitor Attractions, the top ten of makes all funding decisions at ’arm’s length’ from which in the last two years have been provided in the Government. The Arts Council funds organisations following table. Visit England does not record the revenue and initiatives to deliver artistic and audience development, raised by these attractions. and increase participation. Some of the initiatives that the Arts Council delivers in support of grass-roots Participation in the survey is not mandatory, and music development are as follows: therefore some attractions—most notably from the Merlin Group—are not included in these tables. Youth Music (a Delegated Lottery Distributor of the Arts Council) has a specific focus on supporting young people’s music 2011 visitor numbers making, particularly for those with least opportunity. Funding Free attractions priorities include helping disadvantaged children and young people, Visits encouraging talent and potential, improving music leadership and music for under-5s. British Museum 5,848,534 Through its National Portfolio, the Arts Council funds National Gallery 5,253,216 organisations such as ’Urban Development’ and ’Bigga Fish’ Natural History Museum 4,873,275 which focus on offering developmental opportunities for emerging Tate Modern 4,802,387 talent, including children and young people as well as young Science Museum 2,894,850 adults. In addition, across the range of music organisations funded by the Arts Council—from orchestras and opera companies Victoria and Albert Museum 2,789,400 to rock and pop organisations—many offer musical opportunities National Portrait Gallery 1,880,104 for children and young people. Old Royal Naval College 1,673,998 Tate Britain 1,488,358 British Library 1,484,900 Public Consultation Paid attractions Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Visits Olympics, Media and Sport what formal consultations Tower of London 2,554,746 are being sponsored by her Department and its Westminster Abbey 1,899,956 agencies; and what the (a) commencement date and St Paul’s Cathedral 1,819,925 (b) deadline for responses is for each such Flamingo Land Theme Park 1,427,193 consultation. [122424] and Zoo Chester Zoo 1,425,319 Hugh Robertson: Details of all consultations undertaken Windermere Lake Cruises, 1,350,081 by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport can be Bowness found on the following webpage: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 1,188,933 www.culture.gov.uk/consultations Gardens Stonehenge 1,099,656 The Department’s only agency, The Royal Parks, currently ZSL London Zoo 1,090,741 has no consultations running. 679W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 680W

Paid attractions Paid attractions Visits Visits Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 1,141,973 Gardens Houses of Parliament and Big 1,054,151 ZSL London Zoo 1,011,257 Ben Stonehenge 1,009,973 2010 visitor numbers Eden Project 1,000,511 Free attractions Tourism: North West Visits

British Museum 5,842,000 Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Tate Modern 5,061,172 Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment her Department has made of the (a) number of National Gallery 4,954,914 tourists and (b) revenue from tourism in the North Natural History Museum 4,647,613 West in each of the last three years. [123182] Science Museum 2,757,917 Victoria and Albert Museum 2,629,065 Hugh Robertson: This information is not recorded by National Portrait Gallery 1,819,442 the Department. Data relating to inbound tourism to Tate Britain 1,665,291 the North West is recorded via the Office for National Royal Observatory Greenwich 1,576,640 Statistics International Passenger Survey (IPS), and British Library 1,454,612 domestic tourism data is recorded by VisitEngland. IPS data Paid attractions Visits Inbound staying Inbound spend visits (Thousand) (£ million) Tower of London 2,414,541 2011 2,380 956 St Paul’s Cathedral 1,892,467 2010 2,165 1,021 Westminster Abbey 1,394,427 2009 2,110 801 Windermere Lake Cruises, 1,312,423 Bowness VisitEngland data Flamingo Land Theme Park 1,268,619 and Zoo Domestic tourism day visits were measured in 2011 Chester Zoo 1,154,285 for the first time since 2005, and therefore this data is not available for 2009 and 2010.

Domestic tourism day Domestic overnight Domestic overnight Domestic overnight Domestic tourism day trips spend trips (Thousand) nights (Thousand) spend (£ million) visits (Thousand) (£ million)

2011 13,987 37,067 1,603 173 5,828 2010 12,249 33,689 1,376 n/a n/a 2009 13,474 37,128 1,426 n/a n/a

JUSTICE Damian Green: There are no plans to publish new guidance to the Bribery Act 2010. The guidance was Administration of Justice drafted in March 2011 following a thorough consultation exercise by the Ministry of Justice with several interested parties including the business community. Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what justice services have been put out to tender for the Mr Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for first time in the last 12 months. [124075] Justice whether he has received any recent representations from FTSE companies regarding possible changes to Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice has had the the guidance to the Bribery Act 2010. [123761] following justice services put out to tender for the first time in the last 12 months: Community Payback London Damian Green: The guidance was drafted in March (awarded 24 July 2012), a number of Payment by Results 2011 following a thorough consultation exercise by the pilots, Service User Engagement Project, Mapping of Ministry of Justice with several interested parties including current Parenting Skills and Relationship Skills, HMYOI the business community. The guidance reflects their Wetherby—Youth Workers Project and HMYOI views and any concerns that were raised. There nave Wetherby—Industrial Cleaning Course. been no subsequent representations from FTSE companies regarding changes to the guidance to the Bribery Act 2010. There are no plans to amend the guidance or the Bribery Act 2010 Act. The Government is committed to the Bribery Act Mr Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for and is confident that both the Act and its guidance Justice what plans he has to publish new guidelines to represent a robust and proportionate response to bribery the Bribery Act 2010. [123399] both in the UK and overseas. 681W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 682W

Courts: Interpreters Legal Aid Scheme: Fraud

Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for (1) how many complaints his Department has received Justice what steps his Department is taking to improve on the contract awarded for interpretation in court the reporting of legal aid fraud; and what guidance his proceedings; [122918] Department publishes on such fraud. [122563] (2) what assessment he has made of the changes to the interpretation arrangements in courts in England Damian Green: To improve the reporting of legal aid fraud, the Legal Services Commission (LSC) has built and Wales; [122919] relationships with key stakeholders in the justice system, (3) whether court interpreters are checked by the including the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Her Majesty’s Criminal Records Bureau; and if he will make a Courts and Tribunals Service, the Department of Work statement. [122920] and Pensions and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to share information on potential fraudulent activities Mrs Grant: The information is as follows: that may include legal aid fraud. The LSC has routes (1) Complaints are directed to ALS as the contractor available to the public and other interested parties to and are monitored by the Department. Statistics published report suspicions of legal aid fraud, such as the last week by the Ministry of Justice on interpretation representations process for legal aid funding, its complaints services show that there were 72,043 completed requests procedure and a dedicated e-mail address for allegations for language services. ALS received 3,937 complaints of fraudulent activity: between 30 January and 31 August 2012. In criminal [email protected]. courts and prisons the complaints rate has decreased The LSC is considering whether an enhanced web presence from 9.9% in February to 1.4% in August, in civil and and the introduction of a telephone based hotline to family courts from 5.8% to 0.6% and in tribunals from report fraud would be of value to the taxpayer. 17.1% to 5.2% The LSC actively audits legal aid providers and reviews (2) We remain satisfied that this contract is the right the decisions it makes on legal aid funding. In these way forward to ensure interpreters of the appropriate activities if any potential fraud is identified, this is quality and value for money on behalf of the public. passed to the LSC’s Counter-Fraud Team to consider. The Ministry of Justice had strong reasons for changing The LSC works with a variety of media to get coverage the old interpreter booking system, which was inadequate of successful prosecutions of legal aid fraud. In the past in several respects, and this was acknowledged by the year there have been nine successful prosecutions for National Audit Office report of 10 September 2012. legal aid fraud and articles on these have appeared in While we accept that there were an unacceptable number the specialist journals, local newspapers and national of problems at the start of the contract performance press. has improved significantly and the statistics published yesterday confirm that trend. The LSC does not publish detailed guidance on fraud in order to maintain the integrity of its fraud detection (3) Capita, the contractor which books interpreters and prevention procedures. for court and tribunal hearings, is obliged to ensure that they have appropriate qualifications, skills, experience In line with best practice, the LSC has a Counter-Fraud and are appropriately vetted to at least Enhanced CRB Strategy, policy and response plan. These are not published or Non-Police Personal Vetting Level 2. Our procurement widely but they are available through the Freedom of specialists are carrying out spot checks to verify the Information process. The Annual Report and Business vetting and qualification checks that have been undertaken Plan outline activity the LSC is taking to deal with by Capita. fraud. Both of these documents are published on the LSC’s website.

Debt Collection Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how an individual should report legal aid fraud. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State [122564] for Justice when his Department plans to publish its response to the consultation Transforming Bailiff Damian Green: If an individual believes that a member Action. [124061] of the public has fraudulently obtained legal aid they can use the representations process. The representations Mrs Grant: The Government plans to publish the process is the process whereby opponents and third response to the “Transforming Bailiff Action”consultation parties can submit information to the LSC to challenge this autumn. the award of legal aid on an individual case. This information is then considered by the LSC and, if necessary, investigated further. To use this process, Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State individuals can either telephone the LSC’s contact centre for Justice if he will undertake an investigation into the on 0300 200 2020 or write to the Representations team practices of private bailiff firms. [124062] at: The Representations Manager Mrs Grant: There are currently no plans to undertake an investigation into the practices of private bailiff Legal Services Commission firms. The Ministry of Justice issued the ″Transforming 5th Floor, Boulton House Bailiff Action″ consultation paper in February 2012 17-21 Chorlton Street and plans to publish the response this autumn. Manchester 683W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 684W

Ml 3HY basic engineering; painting; work in the servery; work DX 14343 Manchester as an orderly in the library, the first-night and reception To report any other suspected fraud, including by area or gymnasium; and kitchen work. solicitors, barristers and experts, individuals can contact the LSC’s Counter-Fraud team at: Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice [email protected] which companies hold contracts for work undertaken by prisoners in HM Prison Oakwood. [123272] The more specific information that an individual can give the better. It should be noted that as investigations Jeremy Wright: At present, HMP Oakwood holds often involve in depth reviews of peoples circumstances, contracts or agreements with Rethinking Recycling Ltd the results of the investigation and why it reached the (a provider of services to other larger organisations), conclusions it did often cannot be reported back to the Fern Plastic Products Ltd (a manufacturer of plastic individual who alerted the LSC to the potential fraud. goods), Network 2 Supplies Ltd (a recycling company) and Aramark Ltd (a provider of catering services). Marriage: Ceremonies Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for how many prisoners are engaged in full-time education Justice what representations he has received (a) in at HM Prison Oakwood. [123273] support of and (b) in opposition to permitting outdoor wedding ceremonies. [123784] Jeremy Wright: The number of prisoners engaged in full-time education varies on a daily basis, depending Mrs Grant: Since January 2010. the Ministry of Justice upon prisoners’ sentence plans and other requirements. has received seven letters directly in favour of marriage On average, 273 prisoners a day attend education or ceremonies being conducted outdoors. In the same period, training through the prison’s contract with the Offenders’ we have received over 100 pieces of correspondence Learning and Skills Service. The prison is planning to from Humanists wishing to marry in accordance with bring in other providers in November, to increase its their beliefs, some of whom wish to marry outdoors. We educational capacity. have also held discussions with the British Humanist Association about Humanist marriages. The Ministry Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of Justice has received no representations against permitting how much prisoners are charged to hire telephones for marriages to be held outdoors. personal use at HM Prison Oakwood. [123274]

Oakwood Prison Jeremy Wright: Prisoners at HMP Oakwood are able to purchase a telephone for personal use. The cost is Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice £10, payable at a rate of 50p per week. how many prisoners are given work inside HM Prison Oakwood; and how many prisoners are not given such Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice work. [123269] what information his Department holds on the frequency with which bedding is changed at HM Jeremy Wright: The number of prisoners in work at Prison Oakwood. [123275] HMP Oakwood varies on a daily basis, depending upon prisoners’ sentence plans and other requirements. At Jeremy Wright: The laundry orderly at HMP Oakwood present, of approximately 926 prisoners currently in the washes all bedding on a rota basis at least once a week. establishment, 52% are in work, 29% in education or Prisoners are encouraged to take responsibility for their vocational training and 19% not in work or accredited own laundry; and laundry facilities and detergent are programmes. provided on all wings.

Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what prisoners in HM Prison Oakwood are paid for how many prisoners HM Prison Oakwood has held in their work. [123270] each week since it opened. [123276]

Jeremy Wright: At HMP Oakwood prisoners are Jeremy Wright: The following table contains information paid according to the type of work they undertake and on the number of prisoners held at HMP Oakwood on the level they have attained in the Incentives and Earned each Tuesday following its opening on 24 April 2012. Privileges scheme. Pay scales vary from £2.50 per week for some prisoners at the “basic” level, to £15 per week Number for prisoners at the “enhanced”level working in industries. 1May 31 8May 43 Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 15 May 42 what range of work is available to prisoners in HM 22 May 58 Prison Oakwood. [123271] 29 May 101 5 June 135 Jeremy Wright: At HMP Oakwood, work done by 12 June 181 prisoners includes carpentry projects; horticulture; 19 June 221 maintenance work; groundsmanship; wing work; industrial 26 June 287 cleaning; recycling work (with external partners at a 3 July 348 range of skill levels); packing; assembly; peer-mentoring; 685W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 686W

Jeremy Wright: 460 people have been recruited by Number G4S Care and Justice Services (UK) Ltd to work at 10 July 404 HMP Oakwood. 17 July 470 24 July 549 Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 31 July 613 how many staff have ceased to work at HM Prison 7 August 663 Oakwood since it opened. [123336] 14 August 672 21 August 685 Jeremy Wright: 23 members of staff have ceased to 28 August 691 work at HMP Oakwood since it opened. 4 September 726 11 September 787 Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 18 September 829 what arrangements he has made for providing 25 September 863 prisoners with drinking water at HMP Oakwood. 2 October 914 [123786] 9 October 916 16 October 926 Jeremy Wright: At HMP Oakwood, all prisoners have access to drinking water, through the taps in their Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice cells. what the cost was to the prison service of each prisoner held in HM Prison Oakwood in each week since the Offences Against Children prison opened. [123277] Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Jeremy Wright: NOMS does not publish weekly costs how many convictions there have been for under-age per prisoner or prison place. The minimum accounting sex in the last five years. [124279] period for which costs are recorded is by month. Using the monthly expenditure figures for HMP Oakwood Jeremy Wright: The number of defendants found recorded on the NOMS central accounting system, guilty at all courts for sexual activity with a child under together with the average number of prisoners held at 16 years of age, and rape of a child, in England and HMP Oakwood, an average cost per prisoner has been Wales, from 2007 to 2011 can be viewed in the following calculated and is shown in the following table. table: Number of defendants found guilty at all courts for sexual activity with a child Provisional cost per prisoner (£) under 16 years of age, and rape of a child, England and Wales, 2007-111, 2 Offence 2007 20083 2009 2010 2011 July 2012 2,985 August 2012 2,275 Causing, inciting, 769 839 877 1,003 985 September 2012 2,147 engaging in, sexual activity with a female Notes: or male child under 1. The costs per prisoner are based on payments to the private sector contractor 16 years of age4 plus other costs not included in the contract, for example business rates and utilities, and the average population for each period from weekly prison population Rape and attempted 434 473 512 550 642 data. rape of a female or 2. Average cost per prisoner figures will continue to decline from a high initial male under 16 years of 5 position because the prisoner population is building up from the opening date age of 24 April 2012 and operational capacity has not yet been reached. 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for 3. It is NOMS operating policy that the prison population is built up slowly at whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt all new prisons. This allows the regime to bed in, and reduces safety and control with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the issues during the early operational period. As the number of prisoners was very offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is low in the first three months after opening, the figures are not reliable and have imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which therefore not been shown. the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 4. Prison costs are published annually based on the audited annual accounts, so 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and the above figures which include some estimation should be considered as complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted provisional. from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice data are used. 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. what the procedure is for prisoners to have bedding 4 Includes offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003: sections 4(1)-(5); sent in by families at HM Prison Oakwood. [123278] 8(1)(2)(3); 9(1)(a)(b)(c)(i)(ii),(2)(3); 10(1)(a)(b)(c)(i)(ii)(2)(3); 11(1)(a)(b)(c)(d)(i)(ii)(2); 12(1)(a)(b)(c)(i)(ii)(2); 13 5 Includes offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003: sections 1 and 5. Source: Jeremy Wright: No bedding is permitted to be sent in Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice to HMP Oakwood. Prisoners are issued with bedding on arrival (including quilt, quilt cover, mattress, mattress Offensive Weapons cover, pillow case and pillow). Prisoners are also able to purchase their own bedding via the approved suppliers system. Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many individuals aged 18 or younger (a) have been prosecuted for and (b) have received a custodial Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice sentence for an offence of carrying a bladed or pointed how many staff have been appointed to work at HM article in a public place in England and Wales in each Prison Oakwood since it opened. [123335] year since 2010. [123506] 687W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 688W

Jeremy Wright: The number of individuals, aged 18 Prison officers by establishment or younger (a) proceeded against and (b) received a Public sector prisons custodial sentence for having a bladed or pointed article Headcount in a public place in England and Wales, in 2010 and 31 August 31 August 2011 31 August 2012 2011, can be viewed in the following table. 2010 Defendants aged 18 or under proceeded against at magistrates courts and Drake Hall 89 88 78 sentenced to immediate custody at all courts for having an article with a blade or Durham 311 300 256 1,2 point in a public place, England and Wales, 2010-11 East Sutton Park 22 22 23 Sentenced to immediate Eastwood Park 151 145 145 Proceeded against custody Erlesloke and — 182 176 2010 1,613 130 Shepton Mallet 2011 1,474 126 Erlestoke 119 — — 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom Shepton Mallet 63 — — these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When Everthorpe 168 155 159 a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for Exeter 176 175 165 which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory Featherstone 150 147 146 maximum penalty is the most severe. Feltham 403 387 385 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and Ford 60 60 57 complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police Foston Hall 140 115 110 forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection Frankland 604 603 579 processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those Full Sutton 444 431 418 data are used. Source: Garth 276 263 247 Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice Gartree 221 218 192 Prison Service: Staff Glen Parva 250 251 231 Gloucester 126 120 118 Grendon 135 137 133 Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Guys Marsh 130 125 126 how many prison officers were working in each prison Haslar504951 in England and Wales in each of the last three years. Haverigg 140 134 123 [124033] Hewell 330 333 309 High Down 260 251 265 Jeremy Wright: Information on the number of prison Highpoint 197 281 266 officers at each Prison Service establishment in England Edmunds Hill 109 — — and Wales on 31 August 2010, 2011 and 2012 is contained Hindley 260 257 247 in the following table: Hollesley Bay 52 52 56 Prison officers by establishment Holloway 226 221 198 Public sector prisons Holme House 336 334 330 Headcount Hull 308 307 299 31 August 31 August 2011 31 August 2012 Huntercombe 141 107 101 2010 Isis 125 148 177

Ashwell (closed) 94 — — Isle of Wight — 447 417 Askham Grange 26 23 23 Isle of Wight 44—— Cluster Aylesbury 159 150 145 Albany 139 — — Bedford 143 141 141 Parkhurst 147 — — Belmarsh 508 497 485 Camp Hill 143 — — Birmingham 494 449 — (now contracted) Kennet 136 131 124 Blantyre House 31 31 32 Kingston 67 62 58 Blundeston 150 142 130 Kirkham 87 94 80 Brinsford 237 225 210 Kirklevington 51 52 48 Grange Bristol 210 199 194 Lancaster 83—— Brixton 211 200 173 (closed) Buckley Hall 102 107 99 Lancaster Farms 216 221 193 Bullingdon 263 258 254 Latchmere House 35 33 — Bullwood Hall 72 70 64 (closed) Bure 152 153 147 Leeds 383 362 331 Canterbury 106 103 97 Leicester 138 135 122 Cardiff 267 268 255 Lewes 206 201 203 Channings Wood 178 180 175 Leyhill 69 71 68 Chelmsford 214 217 210 Lincoln 207 197 184 Coldingley 131 129 117 Lindholme 240 228 205 Cookham Wood 125 138 132 Littlehey 271 269 244 Dartmoor 163 160 145 Liverpool 366 341 311 Deerbolt 178 179 167 Long Lartin 403 394 378 Dorchester 105 103 107 Low Newton 141 137 137 Dover 123 127 127 Maidstone 144 134 129 Downview 120 118 115 Manchester 503 487 486 689W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 690W

Prison officers by establishment Contracted prisons Public sector prisons Headcount Headcount 31 August 2010 31 August 2011 31 August 2012 31 August 31 August 2011 31 August 2012 2010 Oakwood 18 20 258 Moorland 305 302 288 Parc 315 323 331 Morton Hall 104 117 124 Peterborough 322 322 305 New Hall 206 202 194 Rye Hill 139 130 132 North Sea Camp 56 52 49 Thameside — — 117 Northallerton 62 62 63 Wolds918694 Northumberland — — 380 Notes: 1. These figures include prison officers, senior officers, principal officers and Acklington 235 406 — graduate trainee officers in public sector prisons. Castington 206 — — 2. For contracted prisons the grades covered are prison custody officer, senior Norwich 211 199 192 prison custody officer and principal officer. 3. Information relates to all prison establishments, including young offender Nottingham 317 312 302 institutions and immigration removal centres. Onley 204 183 147 4. Some prisons have merged or changed name during the period. The names Pentonville 379 361 355 shown in the table are as they were at the time. 5. Acklington and Castington; Edmunds Hill and Highpoint; and Shepton Portland 200 193 171 Mallet and Erlestoke are currently reported as single sites. Preston 261 261 253 6. Acklington and Castington merged to become Northumberland in October Ranby 253 240 229 2011. 7. Sheppey and Isle of Wight are cluster prisons. Some of the data are shown Reading 98 106 102 separately for the constituent parts. Risley 283 276 264 8. Ashwell and Lancaster closed in March 2011. Rochester 233 220 209 9. Latchmere House closed in September 2011. 10. Birmingham transferred to management of G4S in October 2011. Send 90 88 94 11. Thameside and Oakwood opened in Spring 2012. Sheppey Cluster 186 122 99 Swaleside 265 265 264 Elmley 231 274 246 Prisons: Contracts Standford Hill 58 67 68 Shrewsbury 113 109 108 Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Stafford 184 177 172 what plans he has to review personally the market Stocken 188 199 196 testing evaluation process of prisons. [124231] Stoke Heath 237 228 219 Styal 184 171 164 Jeremy Wright: The Secretary of State has reviewed Sudbury 64 65 59 the evaluation process and recommendation for Stage 1 Swansea 148 146 144 of Phase 2 of the prisons competition programme. He is Swinfen Hall 201 194 184 content that the evaluation process was robust. He The Mount 158 151 146 plans to make an announcement shortly. The Verne 107 105 102 Thorn Cross 100 93 90 Usk/Prescoed 90 89 88 Sexual Offences Wakefield 425 420 404 Wandsworth 427 399 372 Warren Hill 142 140 149 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Wayland 214 216 207 (1) how many (a) women and (b) men are subject to Wealstun 205 208 189 risk of sexual harm orders in each police authority Wellingborough 143 130 128 area; [123420] Werrington 86 90 91 (2) how many convicted sex offenders are eligible for Wetherby 232 245 231 a review of their indeterminate notification Whatton 189 193 177 requirement in each probation service area; [123423] Whitemoor 411 393 379 Winchester 201 189 175 (3) how many applications were made to courts in Wood hill 452 440 421 England to (a) vary, (b) renew and (c) discharge a Wormwood 310 309 327 risk of sexual harm order in each police authority area Scrubs in each of the last seven years; [123419] Wymott 268 275 263 (4) how many convicted sex offenders have applied for a review of their indeterminate notification Contracted prisons requirements since July 2012. [123408] Headcount 31 August 2010 31 August 2011 31 August 2012 Mr Jeremy Browne: I have been asked to reply on Altcourse 362 346 315 behalf of the Home Department. Ashfield 146 161 145 Home Office IT systems will need to be interrogated Birmingham 323 323 317 to ascertain whether the relevant data is held in the Bronzefield 185 191 171 format requested. Where it is available, it will take a Doncaster 204 201 179 considerable period of time to extract the relevant data. Dovegate 262 258 238 As such, I will write to the hon. Member by Wednesday Forest Bank 310 279 268 7 November with responses to these questions. I will Lowdham 212 212 215 place a copy of that letter in the Library of the House. 691W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 692W

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Offenders supervised by each probation trust at 31 December 2011 for indictable what the average cost to the public purse is of a review sexual offences of an indeterminate notification requirement for a Probation trust Total offenders convicted sex offender. [123421] Cumbria 21 Derbyshire 63 Mr Jeremy Browne: I have been asked to reply on Devon and Cornwall 77 behalf of the Home Department. Dorset 38 It is estimated the average cost of a review is in the Essex 74 region of £760. An impact assessment providing full Gloucestershire 27 details of costing has been published on the Home Hampshire 103 Office website: West Mercia 56 Hertfordshire 20 http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/ legislation/sexual-offences-remedial-order/review-offenders- Humberside 63 indef-notif-ia?view=Binary Kent 89 A copy has been placed in the House Library. Lancashire 118 Leicestershire 42 Lincolnshire 40 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Greater Manchester 218 (1) what plans he has to increase the number of years Merseyside 75 before an application may be made by a convicted sex Norfolk and Suffolk 97 offender to review an indeterminate notification Northamptonshire 58 requirement; [123422] Northumbria 87 (2) what plans he has to increase the notification Nottinghamshire 65 period for sex offenders sentenced to a prison sentence Thames Valley 95 of (a) more than six months but less than 30 months, Staffordshire and West Midlands 250 (b) six months or less and (c) a caution under the Surrey and Sussex 113 Sexual Offences Act 2003. [123403] Warwickshire 23 Wiltshire 21 Mr Jeremy Browne: I have been asked to reply on North Yorkshire 44 behalf of the Home Department. South Yorkshire 70 The Government is confident that we have a robust West Yorkshire 123 framework in place to manage registered sex offenders Wales 163 and has no plans to increase the notification periods for London 339 sex offenders or to increase the number of years before an offender is eligible to apply for a review of their Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice indefinite notification requirements. what the average age is of (a) male and (b) female prisoners serving a prison sentence for a sexual offence Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice under schedule 3 to the Sexual Offences Act 2003. how many offenders convicted of a sexual offence [123425] under schedule 3 to the Sexual Offences Act 2003 are on licence in each probation service area. [123424] Jeremy Wright: As of 30 June 2012, of those in prison under an immediate custodial sentence for all Jeremy Wright: The following table shows the number sexual offences, the average age of males was 43 years of offenders being supervised after release from custody and for females it was 37 years. It is not possible to for all indictable sexual offences, by probation trust as separately identify those offenders convicted of a sexual at 31 December 2011. It is not possible to separately offence under schedule 3 of the Sexual Offences Act identify those offenders convicted of a sexual offence 2003. under schedule 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. These figures have been drawn from administrative Figures for specific offences under schedule 3 of the IT systems which, as with any large scale recording Sexual Offences Act 2003 could only be derived by system, are subject to possible errors with data entry matching individual level sentencing records back to and processing. probation records; this would incur disproportionate cost. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice These figures have been drawn from administrative (1) how many (a) male and (b) female prisoners IT systems which, as with any large scale recording convicted of an offence under Schedule 3 to the Sexual system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Offences Act 2003 are serving prison sentences in each and processing. probation service area; [123426] Offenders supervised by each probation trust at 31 December 2011 for indictable (2) how many prisoners were charged with a sexual sexual offences offence under Schedule 3 to the Sexual Offences Act Probation trust Total offenders 2003 in each probation service area in the last year for which figures are available. [123427] Avon and Somerset 72 Bedfordshire 22 Jeremy Wright: The data given in the following tables Cambridgeshire 40 provide information on the number of prisoners under Cheshire 52 an immediate custodial sentence for all sexual offences Durham Tees Valley 75 by probation trust in which the prison is located. It is 693W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 694W not possible to separately identify those offenders convicted Total prison population serving an immediate custodial sentence for sexual offences by probation trust in which the prison is located, England and Wales, 30 of a sexual offence under schedule 3 of the Sexual June 2012 Offences Act 2003. Probation trust Number of prisoners Male prison population serving an immediate custodial sentence for sexual offences by probation trust in which the prison is located, England and Wales, 30 Avon and Somerset 124 June 2012 Bedfordshire 22 Probation trust Number of prisoners Cambridgeshire 619 Cheshire 185 Avon and Somerset 118 Cumbria 6 Bedfordshire 22 Derbyshire 12 Cambridgeshire 611 Devon and Cornwall 435 Cheshire 179 Dorset 35 Cumbria 6 Durham Tees Valley 433 Derbyshire 3 Essex 30 Devon and Cornwall 435 Gloucestershire 18 Dorset 35 Greater Manchester 189 Hampshire 878 Durham Tees Valley 423 Hertfordshire 1 Essex 30 Humberside 453 Gloucestershire 18 Kent 525 Greater Manchester 189 Lancashire 556 Hampshire 878 Leicestershire 85 Hertfordshire 1 Lincolnshire 188 Humberside 453 London 302 Kent 524 Merseyside 163 Lancashire 556 Norfolk and Suffolk 583 Leicestershire 85 Northamptonshire 159 Northumbria 376 Lincolnshire 188 Nottinghamshire 834 London 296 South Yorkshire 401 Merseyside 163 Staffordshire and West Midlands 766 Norfolk and Suffolk 583 Surrey and Sussex 147 Northamptonshire 159 Thames Valley 389 Northumbria 376 Wales 528 Nottinghamshire 834 West Mercia 376 South Yorkshire 401 West Yorkshire 577 Staffordshire and West Midlands 761 Wiltshire 72 Surrey and Sussex 124 North Yorkshire 6 Thames Valley 389 Total 10,473 Data sources and quality: Wales 528 These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with West Mercia 376 any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. West Yorkshire 568 Wiltshire 72 North Yorkshire 6 Total 10,390 Squatting Data sources and quality: These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Female prison population serving an immediate custodial sentence for sexual Justice (1) if he will estimate the total cost of damage offences by probation trust in which the prison is located, England and Wales, 30 to buildings by squatters in the latest period for which June 2012 figures are available; [123497] Probation trust Number of prisoners (2) if he will estimate the total amount that property Avon and Somerset 6 owners spent on removing squatters in the latest period Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 8 for which figures are available. [123499] Cheshire 6 Derbyshire 9 Durham Tees Valley 10 Damian Green: Figures are not held centrally but Kent 1 responses to last year’s consultation on ‘Options for London 6 Dealing with Squatting’ showed that property owners Staffordshire and West Midlands 5 could spend hundreds or even thousands of pounds Surrey and Sussex 23 seeking to evict squatters and repairing any damage West Yorkshire 9 they had left behind. The new offence of squatting in a Total 83 residential building should mean that residential property Data sources and quality: owners no longer need to spend time and money seeking These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry to evict squatters because they can report them to the and processing. police. 695W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 696W

HEALTH and what steps he is taking to ensure they have the capacity to treat promptly patients admitted by emergency Abortion ambulance. [124330]

Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Anna Soubry: The Department has made no assessment what medical evidence his Department holds which of the capacity of accident and emergency departments supports a reduction in the period of time within which in hospitals in the North East Ambulance Service area. an abortion may lawfully be carried out. [123361] It is for local NHS trusts to ensure capacity when patients are admitted to hospital by emergency ambulance, Anna Soubry: The Department keeps the international and to have strategies and procedures in place to cope evidence on this issue under review. Decisions on changing with unexpected periods of increased pressure. the law on abortion are a matter for Parliament, as it is established practice that any proposals to change the law on abortion come from backbench members and Alcoholic Drinks: Nitrogen are made on the basis of free votes.

Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many abortions have been undertaken (a) up to what assessment he has made of the risk to public and including and (b) after the twelfth week of health from the use of liquid nitrogen in drinks; pregnancy in each year since 2008. [123364] whether the Government plans to introduce regulation governing its use in drinks; and how many people have Anna Soubry: The information requested is set out in been admitted to hospital for conditions associated the following table. 2011 is the latest year for which data with the ingestion of liquid nitrogen in drinks in each is available. year since 2010. [123363] Abortions by gestation group, residents of England and Wales, 2008-11 Under 13 13 weeks and Anna Soubry: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) weeks over Total has responsibility for food safety issues.

2011 173,176 16,755 189,931 All food and drink sold to consumers has to comply 2010 172,735 16,839 189,574 with the general requirements of food safety legislation 2009 171,279 17,821 189,100 under which it is an offence to sell food which is 2008 176,306 18,990 195,296 injurious to health. The sale of food or drink which is unsafe is prohibited James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for under food law. The FSA considers there is no need for Health what arrangements are in place to ensure the additional legislation in this area to govern the use of minimum clinical standards which the NHS requires liquid nitrogen in drinks. The FSA is making local for treatments provided in house are maintained by enforcement officers aware of. the practice of using those organisations to which the NHS contracts out liquid nitrogen in the preparation of cocktails. If businesses selling alcohol are convicted of food safety offences, the carrying out of abortions. [124021] this can lead to their alcohol licence being reviewed by Anna Soubry: Termination of pregnancy is regulated the local licensing authority. and all providers must be registered with the Care There are industry safety and handling guidelines Quality Commission and meet essential standards of around the use and storage of liquid nitrogen. It is the quality and safety. Regulation 20 of the Care Quality business owner’s responsibility to make sure that their Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009 also sets staff have been trained and are aware of potential risks out a number of requirements relating to a termination of using liquid nitrogen. They also have to have appropriate of a pregnancy and independent sector providers. safety measures in place to protect both their staff and The Abortion Act 1967 requires that any treatment consumers. for a termination of a pregnancy outside of a national The clinical coding classification for hospital admissions health service hospital may only be carried out in a does not allow identification of the number related to place approved for that purpose by the Secretary of the ingestion of this type of drink. State for Health. The Secretary of State’s continuing approval requires that all providers ensure compliance with all legal requirements, provide the best quality of David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for care for women and have in place sound management, Health if he will issue a warning against the danger of organisational and clinical governance arrangements. drinks containing liquid nitrogen; and if he will make a These requirements apply equally to all places the Secretary statement. [123597] of State for Health approves, regardless of whether they hold contracts with the NHS or not. Anna Soubry: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has responsibility for food safety issues. Accident and Emergency Departments: North East The FSA issued advice on 8 October 2012 to consumers on the dangers of consuming drinks containing liquid Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for nitrogen. Although liquid nitrogen is not a toxic substance, Health what recent assessment he has made of the its extreme cold temperature makes it unsafe for people capacity of accident and emergency departments in to drink and eat because the human body is unable to hospitals in the North East Ambulance Service area; cope with such a cold internal temperature. 697W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 698W

The FSA is making local enforcement officers aware causing appreciable harm. The TDI is well above general of the practice of using liquid nitrogen in the use of levels of human consumption. A further Opinion by cocktails, and is also working with other Government EFSA on BPA was published on 30 September 2010 Departments and agencies to investigate the issue further and took into account more recent studies on possible and whether any further action needs to be taken. BPA enhancement of breast cancer, but concluded that Food manufacturers, retailers and businesses in the the existing TDI did not require adjustment. United Kingdom have a legal obligation to make sure In the light of the EFSA assessments published so that any and all food they are serving to the public is fit far, the Government does not propose to limit further for human consumption. the use of BPA in food or non-food applications beyond Bisphenol A current levels, which have been set following already rigorous risk assessment. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for BPA is registered under the EU REACH (Registration, Health in what medical devices Bisphenol A has been Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) authorised for use; and whether this list includes regulation. According to REACH provisions, the German medical devices designed for delivering chemotherapy Competent Authority is already evaluating its registration to cancer patients. [123313] with a view to deciding whether any more information or regulatory action is needed. We should know more Norman Lamb: As the regulatory authority in the about the outcome of this process early next year. While United Kingdom, The Medicines and Healthcare products there is currently no reason to believe that robust evidence Regulatory Agency is not directly involved in the approval will arise requiring further controls on BPA, the of individual devices. No central lists are kept as to Government remain alert to any evidence derived from what medical devices have been authorised to be placed this or other sources, and to expert opinions from on the market. However Bisphenol A is a common authorities such as EFSA. constituent of polycarbons and will be in most devices On 12 January 2011, we published ‘Improving Outcomes: made out of plastics including those designed for delivering A Strategy for Cancer’, which set out actions to tackle chemotherapy. preventable cancer incidence; improve the quality and efficiency of cancer services; improve patients’ experience Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for of care; improve quality of life for cancer survivors; and Health (1) when he plans to include environmental deliver outcomes that are comparable with the best in exposure to chemicals such as Bisphenol A as a Europe. preventable risk factor in the UK Strategy for Cancer The World Health Organization International Agency and NHS Cancer Plan; and if he will make a statement; for Research on Cancer lists over 40 workplace agents [123315] or activities as definitely or probably carcinogenic. Our (2) what research his Department has funded to strategy highlighted that protecting people from cancer- investigate the links between exposure to endocrine- related workplace risks has an important part to play in disrupting chemicals such as Bisphenol A and the risk reducing preventable cancer incidence, setting out that of developing breast cancer; [123316] research undertaken by Imperial College London for (3) what steps his Department is taking to reduce the the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimated that risks of breast cancer caused by modifiable over 8,000 cancer deaths per year are due to occupational environmental factors; and whether this will include exposures in Great Britain. The HSE is committed to steps to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting reducing these numbers and has a range of activities in chemicals such as Bisphenol A. [123317] place, including interventions with industry stakeholders, targeted inspection initiatives and awareness raising Anna Soubry: There is an active network of officials initiatives. across the United Kingdom Governments who keep The board of the HSE has acknowledged that each other appraised of developments in the regulation occupational cancer is a serious issue and the profile of Bisphenol-A (BPA) specifically and endocrine disruption needs to be raised. We understand that the HSE is more generally. This group is also engaged at European planning to host a conference in 2012-13 to engage Union level. other stakeholders with a view to ensuring that all It is well established that BPA can disrupt the endocrine parties understand the role they need to play in this (hormone) system, but only extremely weakly. A well- matter and to share knowledge. designed study published in October 2009 found no The Department has not funded research specifically adverse effects in rats exposed to levels 4,000 times on links between exposure to endocrine-disrupting higher than the maximum exposure of human adults in chemicals and the risk of developing breast cancer. the general population. BPA has been found not to produce significant carcinogenic responses in rats and mice. Further reassurance Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for arises from BPA’s lack of mutagenicity in relevant Health in what applications the Government has animal studies; substances that otherwise produce positive approved the use of Bisphenol A. [123669] results in such tests are generally viewed as a carcinogenic threat to humans. Anna Soubry: We are advised by the Food Standards In 2006, the European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) Agency that Bisphenol A (BPA) is approved according assessed the health impact of BPA and established a to European Union legislation for use in plastic materials Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI), which is the amount that and articles intended to come into contact with food. can be eaten every day, over a whole lifetime, without There is one exception to this. The EU banned the use 699W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 700W of BPA in polycarbonate baby bottles for infants up to Dr Poulter: The information requested is shown in 12 months of age in 2011. The ban has been implemented the following table. into United Kingdom law.

Caesarean Sections

Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the tariff for caesarian sections has been in each year since 2008-09. [123409]

National tariffs for Caesarean Sections 2008-09 to 2012-13 Tariff (£)—Daycase, ordinary elective and non-elective spells Healthcare Resource Group (HRG) Description 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

N10 Caesarean Section with 3,077 — — — — complications or comorbidities N11 Caesarean Section without 2,198 — — — — complications or comorbidities NZ03A Caesarean Section 19 years and over — 2,579 2,539 — — NZ03B Caesarean Section 18 years and — 2,654 2,864 — — under NZ03C Caesarean Section with — 3,626 3,311 3,236 — complications NZ03D Caesarean Section between 16 and — — — 2,378 — 40 years NZ03E Caesarean Section under 16 or over — — — 2,618 — 40 years NZ13A Planned Lower Uterine Caesarean — — — — 2,704 Section with complications or comorbidities NZ13B Planned Lower Uterine Caesarean — — — — 2,160 Section without complications or comorbidities NZ14A Emergency or Upper Uterine — — — — 3,321 Caesarean Section with complications or comorbidities NZ14B Emergency or Upper Uterine — — — — 2,778 Caesarean Section without complications or comorbidities NZ15Z Caesarean Section with Eclampsia, — — — — 4,808 Preeclampsia or Placenta Praevia Source: Published national Payment by Results tariffs

The tariffs for each year are not directly comparable commission services for their populations, and self-funding due to changes in the design of the HRGs which are the residents, who purchase their own care. currency used for cost collection and tariff payment. Local councils are free to decide how best to contract The actual price paid to the provider will have been with providers of residential care to meet the needs of the national tariff plus an adjustment known as the their populations. The Government do not set or Market Forces Factor (MFF), which recognises the recommend the fee rates which local councils agree with unavoidable cost differences of providing healthcare in care providers. However, councils are expected to take different parts of the country. Each provider has its own the actual cost of providing care into account when individual MFF. negotiating with providers. The price paid to the provider may also include a The Government have allocated an additional £7.2 ’long stay payment’ in circumstances where the length billion over four years for adult social care—in the of stay of the spell exceeds a ‘trim point’ specific to the context of a challenging local government settlement; HRG. this provides the resources for local authorities to protect access to care. Care Homes: Finance Carers: Nottinghamshire David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide financial assistance to small Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for care homes to help them meet the costs of (a) the Health how many people were registered as carers in increase in the rate of the national minimum wage and (a) Ashfield constituency and (b) Nottinghamshire in (b) automatic enrolment pension plans. [123596] each of the last five years. [123540]

Norman Lamb: Care homes, like any other business, Norman Lamb: The Department does not hold this must meet their operating costs, including those incurred information centrally. However, some local authorities complying with employment law, out of the fees they and general practitioners may maintain their own registers charge. Care home fees come from local councils, which of carers. 701W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 702W

We have provided funding of up to £850,000 in Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products last met; who 2011-12 to the Royal College of General Practitioners, sits on the committee; what interests they have Carers UK and the Carers Trust to develop a range of declared; and if he will make a statement. [123314] initiatives to increase awareness in primary health care of carers of all ages. Further work is underway this year Anna Soubry: The Committee on Carcinogenicity of with these organisations and other nursing bodies and Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the medical Royal Colleges with a view to raising awareness Environment (COC) last met on 12 July 2012. The in other parts of healthcare. following table contains the declared interests of the current membership. Further information on the COC Chemicals: Health Hazards can be found at: www.iacoc.org.uk/membership/index.htm Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for It is planned to change the status of the COC from an Health when his Department’s Committee of Experts advisory non-departmental public body to Departmental which replaced the Committee on the Carcogenity of Expert Committee on 1 December 2012.

Declaration of Interests during the period of this report 2011 Personal Interest Non-personal interest Member Company Interest Company Interest

Professor D H Phillips Aviva Shareholder (Chairman) Banco Santander Shareholder BG Group Shareholder Bradford & Bingley Shareholder Centrica Shareholder National Grid Shareholder Takeda Consultancy

Dr C Allen None None None None

Prof A Boobis OBE Bank Santander Shareholder Food Standards Agency Research Contracts Barclays Bank Shareholder Department of Health BG Group Shareholder Health Protection Agency BT Group Shareholder Medical Research Council Centrica Shareholder Iberdrola SA Shareholder Medical Research Council PhD studentships National Grid Shareholder GlaxoSmithKline Lloyds Shareholder Endura Fine Chemicals Consultancies ILSI, ILSI HESI & ILSI Trustee/Director (non- Europe Board of Trustees/ remunerated) (past Chair of Directors HESI) Astra Zeneka GlaxoSmithKline ILSI HESI Risk 21 project Co-Chair Member DuaneMorris ILSI HESI, ILSI Europe & ILSI Research Foundation Working Groups on generic risk assessment issues JMPR Chair/Member JECFA (vet drugs) EFSA CONTAM Panel (Panel on chemical contaminants in the food chain) EFSA PPR Panel Working Groups on Cumulative Assessment Groups for Pesticides; Risk Assessment of Pesticide Metabolites EFSA working group on Identification of. Emerging Risks EFSA Scientific Committee Working Group on Threshold of Toxicogical Concern 703W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 704W

Declaration of Interests during the period of this report 2011 Personal Interest Non-personal interest Member Company Interest Company Interest

DG SANCO SCHER Working Group on Mixtures of Chemicals WHO IPCS Working Groups on Chemical Mixtures and on Mode of Action FP7 COSMOS Project Scientific Advisory Board of FP6/7 projects: PREDICT-IV ACROPOLIS and HEROIC Science Advisory Board, Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, Basel, Switzerland.

Dr P Carthew Unilever Salary Gwathmey, Cambridge Consultancy work USA

Prof P B Farmer Santander Shareholder Van Geest Foundation Research support Bradford & Bingley Shareholder Foreign & Colonial Shareholder Friends Provident Shareholder Torotrak Shareholder EFSA Member of Scientific Panel ILSI HESI Committee Member

Mrs R Glazebrook BT Group Shareholder None None Lloyds TSB Shareholder National Grid Shareholder

Dr Peter Greaves Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Consultant None None Allschwil, Switzerland Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd Daiichi Sankyo, Edison, New Jersey Experimental Pathology Laboratories Inc., Sterling, Virginia GlaxoSmithKline, Ware Hyperion Therapeutics, Inc., San Francisco, California Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development LLC, Raritan, New Jersey Novo Nordisk,A/S, Malov, Denmark Shire Pharmaceutical Development Ltd, Basingstoke, UK Sun Coast Tox Inc., San Diego, California

Dr David Lovell National Grid plc Shareholder AstraZeneca Spouse shareholder Pfizer Shareholder National Grid plc

Dr B G Miller (Iberdrola SA) Shareholder None None

Dr Christopher Powell GlaxoSmithKline Shareholder and salary None None 705W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 706W

Declaration of Interests during the period of this report 2011 Personal Interest Non-personal interest Member Company Interest Company Interest

Dr N Wallis Pfizer Shareholder None None Merck Serona SA, Geneve Salary

Professor Julian Peto1 ————

Dr Lesley Rushton Friends Provident Shareholder CONCAWE (Conservation Research support of Clean Air and Water Europe) Northern Rock Shareholder CEFIC (European Research support Chemistry Council) Epidemiological advice relating Consultancy Other grants from UK Research support to dermatitis study to Unilever government agencies and departments e.g. Food Standards Agency, Health and Safety Executive Epidemiological advice on study Consultancy ECETOC Scientific Member to Transport and General Committee Workers Union Epidemiological review of Expert witness occupational causes of malignant melanoma

Dr Heather Wallace Northern Rock : Shareholder None None Epidemiological advice relating to dermatitis study to Unilever Epidemiological advice on study to Transport and General Workers Union Epidemiological review of occupational causes of malignant melanoma 1 Awaits confirmation

Drinks of Monsanto NK603 Roundup-resistant genetically- modified maize. [123687] Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) brand and (b) supplier was in respect of all expenditure by his Department on (i) tea and coffee, Anna Soubry: The genetically modified (GM) maize (ii) wine, (iii) alcoholic refreshments other than wine variety NK603 was approved in the European Union and (iv) bottled water in the last 12 months for which for food and feed use in 2004, following a rigorous figures are available. [123372] safety assessment. The original evaluation was reviewed and updated in 2009 and NK603 maize is considered to Dr Poulter: It is only possible to respond to the be as safe as its conventional counterpart with respect question with reference to the Department’s central to potential direct effects on human and animal health catering and hospitality contracts. In London buildings, and the environment. coffee is Fairtrade, provided by United Coffee and Peros. Tea is PG Tips, provided by Unilever, and Twinings New information has recently been published concerning Speciality Tea from Twinings. Water is Vivreau and an animal feeding trial carried out in France, where the filtered and bottled on site. In Quarry House, Leeds, authors highlighted an apparent difference in the incidence coffee and tea are Fairtrade and provided by Peros. of certain tumours between animals fed NK603 maize Water is Vivreau which is filtered and bottled on site. and non-GM maize. However, no statistical analysis was provided to show that these differences were other Wine and alcoholic refreshments are not provided at than chance observations. The European Food Safety any sites. Authority (EFSA), the body responsible for carrying It is possible, subject to finance and hospitality rules, out the safety assessment for GM food and feed, is to order refreshments or hospitality using a Government reviewing this new study. In its initial statement EFSA Procurement Card. However the records do not show a advised that the published report cannot be used in the level of detail sufficient to enable the Department to say safety assessment of GM maize NK603 and it does not what brands of goods were purchased. see a need to reopen the existing safety evaluation of GM maize NK603. The Food Standards Agency agrees Genetically Modified Organisms: Maize with this conclusion. EFSA is contacting the authors of the paper to Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for obtain further information about their work and to Health what recent assessment he has made of the review additional results obtained from this study that potential effect on human health of the consumption were not included in their original publication. 707W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 708W

Health Services: Homelessness record the subject matter of each complaint made under The Local Authority Social Services and National Health Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Service Complaints (England) Regulations 2009 but the Health what steps his Department is taking to improve Department has no access to this information centrally. health services for homeless people. [123430] Infectious Diseases Anna Soubry: We are taking steps to address the poor health outcomes experienced by the homeless and the Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health difficulties that they, and other vulnerable groups, face how many people in each age group have been in accessing some health services. For the first time, we admitted to hospitals in each region for treatment for have introduced legal duties on national health service each type of tropical disease in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and commissioners to reduce inequalities in access to and (c) 2012. [123373] outcomes from health services. Anna Soubry: The information is not available in the In addition, we have developed an Inclusion Health format requested. programme, through which we are working with other Government Departments, the NHS and the third sector The Health Protection Agency (HPA) collects data to tackle the poor health of people in vulnerable groups on reported cases of tropical infectious diseases of and to ensure everyone gets the care they need, regardless public health significance such as cholera, leprosy, malaria, of their needs or circumstances. As part of this broad yellow fever, chikungunya, dengue fever, filariasis, Japanese programme, we are looking at how to improve access to encephalitis, schistosomiasis and trypanosomiasis. Their primary care services and to improve hospital discharge epidemiological data on travel-related tropical infections arrangements for the homeless. is published on the HPA’s website at: www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/ Herbal Incense: Health Hazards TravelHealth/EpidemiologicalData/ Jam: Storage Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the risk to public health from the use of the substance known as herbal Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health incense; and how many people have been admitted to what the Government’s policy is on the re-use of jam hospital for conditions arising from the use of that jars by individuals; and if he will make a statement. [123376] substance in each year since 2010. [123362]

Anna Soubry: Synthetic cannabinoids have been marketed Anna Soubry: We are advised by the Food Standards as ’herbal incense’. Information on the health harms of Agency (FSA) that there is European Union legislation synthetic cannabinoids is included in “A summary of in place, that applies to food businesses, that are designed the health harms of drugs: A guide to the risks and to protect consumers from the migration of materials harms associated with substance misuse” published by that may be used in the manufacture of containers used the Department in August 2011. A copy of this document to store food. These rules do not apply to subsequent has already been placed in the Library. re-use by individuals. Hospital admissions are recorded using the International The FSA is not aware of any evidence that reusing Classification of Disease (ICD) codes, the international jam jars presents a food safety concern for consumers in standard diagnostic classification for diseases and other terms of materials which may migrate from jam jars health problems. Information about hospital admissions into food. Separately, good hygiene needs to be observed due to synthetic cannabinoids is not collected centrally in cleaning jars and food preparation. because the ICD code for cannabinoids does not distinguish It is for local authorities to decide how they enforce between synthetic and plant-derived cannabinoids. the rules with respect to charities and the like. The FSA’s view is that the legislation needs to be applied Homeopathy with common sense and it is clear that local authorities are doing so. The FSA is not aware of any prosecutions Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for reusing glass jars for jam making since the legislation how much has been spent from the public purse on was introduced in 2004. homeopathy in each year since 2010. [123513] Kettering Hospital Anna Soubry: Data on how much the national health service spends on the provision of homeopathy is not Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for separately identifiable from data collected centrally. Health if he will make it his policy that the accident and emergency department at Kettering General Hospitals: Sexual Offences Hospital will not be downgraded or closed as part of the Healthier Together South East Midlands Acute Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Services Review; and if he will ensure that patients and how many complaints of sexual abuse have been clinical staff at Kettering General Hospital will be fully recorded by NHS hospitals in each of the last 20 years. involved in that review. [124296] [123365] Anna Soubry: This is a matter for the local national Dr Poulter: This information, in relation to written health service. The Government has pledged that, in complaints to the national health service, is not collected future, all service changes must be led by clinicians and centrally. Individual hospitals would be expected to patients, not driven from the top down. 709W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 710W

Any proposed significant changes to services are In addition, NHSBT carried out short term media subject to the strengthened four reconfiguration tests, activity and local donor communications to help boost which are: platelet, O negative and B negative blood collections support from general practitioner commissioners; which were impacted as the bad weather spread across arrangements for public and patient engagement, including the country. This meant that for the areas served by local authorities, being further strengthened; Filton, but also for the rest of England and North greater clarity about the clinical evidence bases underpinning Wales, NHSBT was able to meet all hospital requirements proposals; and for blood and patient care was not affected. proposals taking into account the need to develop and support As a result of the commitment of NHSBT staff, both patient choice. in Filton and across the organisation (which included staff temporarily relocating to other parts of the country Learning Disability: Ashfield to process the blood donations), operations recommenced in several departments at Filton within just few days of the flooding and the site was fully operational again by Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for 4 October. Health what assessment he has made of the standard of care provided to people with learning disabilities by Mental Health and Learning Disability NHS trusts in Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Ashfield constituency. [123549] (1) what assessment he has made of the risks of moving the work of blood testing sites to an area at risk of Norman Lamb: Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS flooding; [123891] Trust provides services for people with learning disabilities (2) what steps he plans to take to avoid any further in Ashfield constituency. flood damage to the NHS Blood and Transplant As the independent regulator of providers of health Centre in Filton; [123892] and adult social care providers in England, the Care (3) what steps his Department took to prevent flood Quality Commission (CQC) is responsible for inspecting damage to the NHS Blood and Transplant Centre in and assessing providers against a set of registration Filton prior to the recent flooding; and whether these requirements that set the essential levels of safety and steps included planning for a once in 200 years quality.The CQC’s current assessment of Nottinghamshire scenario. [123894] Healthcare NHS Trust is that it is compliant with the registration requirements. Anna Soubry: Over the last five years, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has been delivering an ambitious, London Ambulance Service but carefully managed, change programme which has included the removal of significant excess capacity within Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the blood supply chain. NHSBT has consolidated its how many (a) ambulances and (b) motor cycles were processing and testing sites, with most of the sites in the available for use by the London Ambulance Service to south being consolidated to Filton. As part of this, respond to 999 calls on 30 September (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 NHSBT very thoroughly considered business continuity and (iii) 2012; and if he will make a statement. [123253] impacts and there are robust protocols for transferring testing to another centre during an emergency, as Anna Soubry: This information is not centrally held. demonstrated by the recent flood at Filton. The hon. Member may wish to contact the London When designing the Filton site, a flood analysis was Ambulance Service. carried out which calculated the maximum water level that would occur once in every 200 years. This was NHS Blood and Transplant: Floods double the requirements of the original developer’s planning application. An additional 20% was also added Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to the calculated water levels take into account the (1) what assessment he has made of the effects of flood potential impact of climate change. As a result, the damage on blood stocks at the NHS Blood and finished floor level was 50.5 million above ordnance Transplant Centre in Filton; [123890] datum (sea level). (2) what assessment he has made of recent flood NHSBT regularly assesses risks that may affect its damage to the NHS Blood and Transplant Centre in operation on any site, including flooding and other Filton and its effect on (a) patients and (b) staff. natural events. When the risk is considered significant, [123893] resilience measures are put in place to mitigate risk and response measures put in place that enable NHSBT to Anna Soubry: NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) continue to provide service to hospitals while managing activated its contingency plans on 24 September 2012 the event. due to flooding at its site in Filton, near Bristol, following During the flood, NHSBT continued to provide an heavy rain affecting much of the country.Prompt activation uninterrupted service in which all hospital demands of its plans allowed NHSBT to redirect blood stocks were met and the Filton site was fully operational from Filton to other NHSBT sites at Manchester and within a fortnight of the flood. This clearly demonstrates Colindale, for testing and processing, and specialised that the contingency plans NHSBT has in place are services were also transferred to other sites where possible. robust and enable the organisation to maintain delivery Only a very small number of unvalidated units of fresh of a vital national service in the most challenging frozen plasma had to be destroyed. circumstances. 711W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 712W

NHSBT has established that the flooding was caused recently, PCTs could opt to pay the associated costs by recent work in the surrounding area outside of the over the life of the premature pension, however this Filton site. NHSBT is following this up with those information can only be obtained within the required involved: temporary measures are currently being put in timeframe at disproportionate cost for this timeframe. place to mitigate the risk of a further flood, with a long term solution being designed. Payments made by PCT for the purposes of premature retirement NHSBT is. currently undertaking a ‘lessons learned’ (£) review of the recent situation in order to identify any further actions that need to be taken to further reduce 2009-10 18,372,894 the risk of flooding and provide assurance on site 2010-11 38,837,477 protection. 2011-12 40,469,069 In the very unlikely event of the complete, long term Source: loss of a department or centre, a raft of other emergency NHS Pensions plans would be activated including 24/7 operations. In Data prior to 2008-09 are not available. Data collected addition there is a memorandum of understanding by NHS Pensions has not been separately analysed and between the four UK blood services providing support could be provided only at disproportionate cost. in times of crisis. NHS: G4S NHS: Finance Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what contracts the NHS holds with G4S. [123369] Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent on (a) redundancy payments, Dr Poulter: The Department does not centrally collect (b) pay in lieu of notice and (c) additional payments to information on the contracts which individual national pension schemes for staff from primary care trusts to health service bodies hold with private sector companies. date. [123382] NHS trusts and foundation trusts are now expected to publish all tender and contract information for contracts Dr Poulter: Information on redundancy payments is over £10,000, a requirement which applies to all central. not available in the format requested. The following Government Departments. table contains the cost of ″compulsory redundancies″ and ″other departures″ for primary care trusts (PCTs) Nurses during 2009-10 and 2010-11. Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health £000 how many nurses were employed by the NHS (a) in Category 2009-10 2010-11 2010 and (b) on the most recent date for which figures Compulsory 4,457 60,039 are available. [123368] redundancies Other 1,737 108,665 Dr Poulter: The annual workforce census, published departures by the Health and Social Care Information Centre, Notes: shows that at 30 September 2010 there were 280,996 1. ″Other departures″ include early retirements (except those due to ill full-time equivalent qualified nursing, midwifery and health), voluntary redundancies, Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme, health visiting staff employed by the national health pay in lieu of notice etc. service in England. 2. Voluntary redundancies are not separately identifiable from other departures; therefore, an overall figure for redundancies is not available. The latest monthly workforce statistics, also published Information on “exit packages”, (i.e. compulsory by the Health and Social Care Information Centre, redundancies and other departures) was first collected show that in June 2012 there were 277,085 qualified centrally for the 2009-10 financial year; therefore, figures nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff employed on an equivalent basis for earlier years are not available. by the NHS in England. The data are taken from the audited summarisation The figures above do not include general practitioner schedules of PCTs, from which the NHS (England) practice nurses as primary care staff numbers are not Summarised Accounts are prepared. collected for the monthly workforce statistics. The cost of ‘pay in lieu of notice’ is not separately Obesity identifiable from the accounting information collected centrally. Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Additional contributions to pension schemes made Health how many people (a) under 16, (b) aged between by PCTs includes costs associated with providing ‘premature 18 and 24, (c) aged between 25 and 64 and (d) aged 65 retirement/ benefits under the NHS Pension Scheme. years and over in (i) Ashfield, (ii) Nottinghamshire, (iii) Premature retirement is currently available to staff who the East Midlands and (iv) England were treated for choose to retire early because of redundancy, and are obesity-related illnesses in each of the last five years. over their minimum pension age. It allows them to draw [123690] their pension immediately, without actuarial reduction. Data relating to PCT employer contributions for the Anna Soubry: The information requested is not collected purposes of Premature Retirement is available from in the format requested. The Health and Social Care 2009-10 and is contained in following table. These data Information Centre has provided a count of finished relate to the total contributions PCTs made as capitalised admission episodes1 with a primary diagnosis of obesity2 lump sum payments to cover these costs. Up until; for England, East Midlands Strategic Health Authority3 713W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 714W

(SHA) and Nottinghamshire County Teaching Primary 3 SHA/PCT of residence. The strategic health authority (SHA) or Care Trust (PCT), for the years 2006-07 to 2010-114. primary care trust (PCT) containing the patient’s normal home This information is provided in the following table. address. This does not necessarily reflect where the patient was Information is not collected for Ashfield. treated as they may have travelled to another SHA/PCT for treatment. 1 Finished admission episodes. A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant 4 Assessing growth through time (In-patients). HES figures are within one health care provider. FAEs are counted against the available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements than one admission within the year. in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2 Primary diagnosis. The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 20 2006-07) and changes in national health service practice. For (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis example, changes in activity may be due to changes in the provision fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set and of care. provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital. The ICD10 code for obesity is E66.

Age Place of residence Under 16 16 to 17 18 to 24 25 to-64 65+ Unknown

2006-07 England 656 80 104 2,861 161 — East Midlands SHA 21 1 5 405 13 — Nottinghamshire County Teaching —— * 69* — PCT

2007-08 England 747 81 147 3,829 210 4 East Midlands SHA 31 8 17 626 26 — Nottinghamshire County Teaching ———119* — PCT

2008-09 England 774 101 221 6,603 283 3 East Midlands SHA 22 4 50 1,803 37 — Nottinghamshire County Teaching * — — 393 10 — PCT

2009-10 England 632 109 252 9,108 465 2 East Midlands SHA 22 2 25 1,950 58 — Nottinghamshire County Teaching * — — 469 15 — PCT

2010-11 England 525 89 286 10,094 571 8 East Midlands SHA 14 2 22 1,523 62 — Nottinghamshire County Teaching * — * 347 25 — PCT Note: Small numbers. To protect patient confidentiality, where presented below SHA level, figures between 1 and 5 have been replaced with “*” (an asterisk).Whereit was still possible to identify figures from the total, additional figures (with the smallest data loss) have also been replaced with an “*” . Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre

Press of a national quality standard for men with prostate cancer. [123623] Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what subscriptions to (a) newspapers and (b) health Anna Soubry: We have asked the National Institute journals are held by Ministerial offices in his for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to develop a Department. [123366] quality standard on prostate cancer, as part of a library of approximately 180 NHS Quality Standards. NICE is Dr Poulter: The following subscriptions are held across preparing this quality standard alongside an update of ministerial private offices: its existing clinical guideline on prostate cancer. NICE currently expects to complete the update of its prostate Daily Express, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, Daily Telegraph, Financial Times, Guardian, Independent, Sun, Times, Economist, Health cancer guideline in late 2013 with the quality standard Service Journal, New Statesman, Nursing Standard, Nursing Times, being published shortly after. Spectator, GP Magazine, Pulse, British Medical Journal, British Medical Association News. Schizophrenia

Prostate Cancer Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made on the role Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for of treatment in enabling people with schizophrenia to Health what progress he has made on the establishment remain in employment. [123622] 715W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 716W

Norman Lamb: No recent assessment has been made Speech Therapy: Tees Valley on the role of treatment in enabling people with schizophrenia to remain in employment. Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for The NHS Outcomes Framework 2012-13, which sets Health what recent assessment he has made of the out the outcomes and corresponding indicators that resources available to speech and language therapists in will be used to hold the NHS Commissioning Board to the South Teesside area. [124128] account for the outcomes it delivers through commissioning health services from 2012-13, includes an improvement Dr Poulter: The Department has made no assessment area which relates specifically to the employment of of the resources available to speech and language therapists people with mental illness. The Mental Health Strategy in the South Teesside area. The provision of services, and its companion Implementation Framework both including speech and language therapy services, is a recognise the vital role employment plays in recovery matter for the local national health service. and set out specific actions which employers and public health services can take to contribute to improving Travel mental health outcomes. The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Severe and Enduring Mental Illness pathfinders are how many journeys in an official capacity (a) he and secondary care services where employment and vocation (b) officials of his Department made by (i) train, (ii) is central to the recovery approach to psychosis/ coach and (iii) Government car in each of the last 12 schizophrenia. Recovery and access to employment are months. [123370] also key elements of Early Intervention for Psychosis (EIP) Services. The psychosis demonstration sites are Dr Poulter: This information could be provided only focused around EIP so will be routinely evaluating at disproportionate cost. employment rates. The pathfinders are using the Work and Social Adjustment Scale as the outcome measure to University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust: record the level of self-reported disability by patients. Maternity Services This scale measures patients’ ability to undertake work, education and training as well as measure other social John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for inclusive activity. The pathfinders are also looking at Health what recent discussions he has had with the quality of life type measures where work is looked at. University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust People can also identify their own outcome goal in the on the future configuration of maternity services at its choice questionnaire which will highlight if they see hospitals. [123978] work as important. Dr Poulter: There have been no recent discussions Smoking between the Secretary of State or other Ministers with the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust about the future configuration of Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for maternity services at its hospitals. The provision of Health how many people aged (a) under 16, (b) services, including maternity services, is a matter for the between 18 and 24, (c) between 25 and 64 and (d) 65 local national health service. and over in (i) Ashfield, (ii) Nottinghamshire, (iii) the East Midlands and (iv) England were treated for smoking-related illnesses in each of the last five years. [123512] INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Anna Soubry: Information is not available in the Bangladesh format requested. Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for The NHS Information Centre collects data on hospital International Development what the outcomes were of admissions. Information on smoking attributable admissions her Bangladesh Remittance and Payments Partnership; is only available for those aged 35 and over, as relative and how the project was implemented in Bangladesh. risks are only available for this age group. [123340] Information on smoking-related illnesses among adults aged 35 and over, the estimated number of admissions Mr Duncan: The Remittance and Payments Partnership that can be attributed to smoking and the percentage of programme, which ended in 2011, had the objective of admissions that can be attributed to smoking in England improving access to and reducing the cost of remittances from 2006-07 to 2010-11 may be found through the for the poor in Bangladesh. Key programme outcomes following links and a copy has been placed in the include: Library. Savings of $66 million by migrants in Saudi Arabia, UK and www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/health-and- Singapore by bringing down the cost of formal remittance transfers. lifestyles/smoking/statistics-on-smoking--england-2012 Establishment of the Bangladesh Automated Cheque Handling http://www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/smoking11 System that has resulted in a reduction in the time required to deliver a remittance. 95% of individuals surveyed received their http://www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/smoking10 remittances in less than 15 days, of which 65% received them in www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/health-and- less than seven days compared to 20-25 days. lifestyles/smoking/statistics-on-smoking-england-2009 Increased usage of formal remittance channels, reported to be http://www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/smoking08 at 90%. 717W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 718W

Emerging Markets Group implemented this programme The programme is implemented in partnership with in partnership with Bangladesh Bank, International USAID. Activities are implemented by Democracy Organisation for Migration and Refugee and Migratory International, the National Democratic Institute, The Movements Research Unit. Asia Foundation, Transparency International Bangladesh, the United Nations Development Programme and the Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Westminster Foundation for Democracy. International Development what the outcomes were of her Preparation of Electoral Roll with Photographs Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Programme; and how the project was implemented in International Development what outcomes she expects Bangladesh. [123341] from the Underprivileged Children’s Education and Skills Programme; and how the project is being Mr Duncan: The outcome of this project was the implemented in Bangladesh. [123344] preparation by the Bangladesh Election Commission of a credible voter list, with photographs, for use in the Mr Duncan: By the end of December 2015, expected parliamentary elections in 2008. The list included more achievements of the Underprivileged Children’s Education than 81 million voters, and increased public and political and Skills programme are: parties’ confidence in the parliamentary elections in 34,500 children (50% girls) will graduate from grade VIII; 2008, which had a voter turnout of 86%. 23,000 children (45% girls) will receive technical training; and This project was funded by the Government of 90% of these graduates will be employed. Bangladesh and a consortium of donors. UK Aid provided This programme is implemented through a partnership approximately 22% of the total finance, which was with a Bangladesh non-Government organisation, UCEP channelled through the United Nations Development (Underprivileged Children’s Education Programme). Programme. Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Development what estimate she has made of the amount International Development what outcomes she expects of funding from her Department that has been implemented from her Public Service Capacity Building Programme; through the Manusher Jonno Foundation in Bangladesh and how the project is being implemented in Bangladesh. since 2010. [123507] [123342] Mr Duncan: Since 2010, £21,771,118 of UK aid has Mr Duncan: By January 2013, the intended outcome been implemented through the Manusher Jonno of the Public Service Capacity Building project (PSCB) Foundation, under the Rights and Governance Challenge is to have contributed to strengthening the leadership Fund. competencies and capacity of 1,700 senior level, reform- minded, civil servants. This will translate into more Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for effective leadership for the development and delivery of International Development what outcomes she expects government policy. from her Department’s funding through the Manusher Some specific outcomes expected of the project include: Jonno Foundation in Bangladesh. [123508] the development of human resource policies, systems and procedures to enable effective deployment of staff in the civil Mr Duncan: By 2013, the Rights and Governance service; Challenge Fund, implemented by the Manusher Jonno the training of 1700 senior managers and other senior public Foundation, is expected to have enabled 253,000 poor sector managers. and vulnerable people to benefit from social safety net PSCB is implemented by the company Capita Helm, programmes, 11,700 children to be withdrawn from in consortium with the British Council, in support of hazardous work, and 121,000 workers in garments and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Public Administration. shrimp industries to be paid on time and have improved working conditions. In 2011 alone, the programme supported 5,755 women to receive government land Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for that is meant to be allocated to poor people, and 7,000 International Development what outcomes she expects boys and girls to obtain stipends from the government from the Strengthening Political Participation in to attend school. Bangladesh Programme; and how the project is being implemented in Bangladesh. [123343] Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how her Department’s Manusher Jonno Mr Duncan: By 2015, the Strengthening Political project in Bangladesh is being implemented. [123509] Participation programme is expected to have contributed to: Mr Duncan: The Rights and Governance Challenge Political parties and candidates becoming more responsive to Fund is managed by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF). citizens and their needs; The fund is allocated through a competitive process and More examples of policy debate around issues, both locally currently supports around 110 small and medium-sized and nationally, as an alternative to confrontational politics; Bangladeshi non-governmental organisations, and through More channels through which Parties, MPs and political institutions them 300 community-based organisations across can be held accountable; and Bangladesh to assist the most marginalised communities Improved public confidence in the Election Commission and to become more empowered and improve the quality of the electoral process. their lives. 719W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 720W

Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Development whether it remains her policy that her International Development what outcomes she expects Department’s Operational Plan in Bangladesh 2011-2015 from her Technical Assistance to Support Improved should reduce its targets on (a) governance and security, Aid Effectiveness in Bangladesh programme; and how (b) education and (c) poverty, hunger and vulnerability. the project is being implemented in Bangladesh. [123510] [123554]

Mr Duncan: DFID policy is that the headline targets Mr Duncan: The objective of this programme is for in the Bangladesh Operational Plan are adjusted downwards Bangladesh to achieve better development results through in (a) governance and security, (b) education and (c) improved management and increased accountability for poverty, hunger and vulnerability. These revisions were the allocation and delivery of foreign assistance by the made following a methodological review under which a Government of Bangladesh. The expected outcomes common approach to attributing results has been adopted are: based on DFID’s financial contribution to each programme. harmonising donor/government practices to reduce fragmentation, This allows DFID to aggregate results across its country inefficiencies and transaction costs; programmes. In some areas, such as governance and more efficient use of resources for implementing national security, new data has also emerged since the original priorities, with increased impact by streamlining and speeding Operational Plan was published which changes the up project planning and approval; baseline on which the result targets were based. This donor alignment behind country strategies and plans, and use does not, however, reflect a change in policy around of country procurement and public financial management DFID’s overall work in these sectors in Bangladesh. systems (where risks are covered), building the country’s capacity to lead and manage their own development; Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for well-functioning systems for results and performance accountability. International Development how she proposes that the The project is run by the United Nations Development wealth creation pillar in her Department’s Operational Programme (UNDP)/Government of Bangladesh and Plan in Bangladesh 2011-2015 of increasing income for is funded by UNDP, UK, Australia and Denmark with selected groups will be implemented. [123511] some staff resources and offices provided by the Mr Duncan: DFID is working with a range of partners Government of Bangladesh. on projects to deliver results linked to the wealth creation pillar in the DFID Bangladesh Operational Plan. Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what outcomes she expects This includes tackling the macro issues of an improved from her Crown Agents Procurement Core Country investment climate to make Bangladesh a more attractive Agreement; and how the project is being implemented place to do business, as well as activity on the ground to in Bangladesh. [123555] increase opportunity for micro, small and medium enterprises to thrive, in turn creating jobs and income. DFID is also currently developing new programmes to Mr Duncan: Through the Core Country Agreement, address the shortage of skilled labour, and increase Crown Agents, on behalf of DFID, carries out procurement access to finance for those currently not able to secure it of a diverse range of goods and equipment for our for livelihood and enterprise opportunities. development programme in Bangladesh, using rigorous competitive processes which follow best international Outcomes include: practice and deliver excellent value for money. The supporting 2.3 million farmers and small businesses to improve Crown Agents were awarded the contract following an productivity by adapting new cultivation techniques and business international competition using the EU procurement processes; directives process. The current contract is due to end in facilitating access to finance for 445,000 additional households, March 2013. farmers and small businesses; reducing regulatory burden on businesses, in selected areas, by 25% by 2015. Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the outcomes were of Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for her Transparency International Bangladesh project; and International Development what outcomes she expects how the project was implemented in Bangladesh. from her Accelerating Improved Nutrition for Extreme [123556] Poor in Bangladesh project; and how the project is being implemented in Bangladesh. [123553] Mr Duncan: Between 2003 and 2008, the project supported Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Mr Duncan: The Accelerating Improved Nutrition to generate evidence to inform a public debate on for Extreme Poor Project (2012-15) focuses on the nutrition corruption in Bangladesh, and increase transparency needs of 600,000 people including children, adolescent and accountability in the public, non-profit and private girls and pregnant and breast-feeding women. In particular, sectors. it expects to improve the quality, quantity and variety of TIB is a strong civil society organisation that consistently food intake, leading to better health outcomes for the challenges the Government on issues of corruption and extreme poor. lack of accountability. TIB is a non-governmental The project is implemented through DFID’s three organisation (NGO) registered in Bangladesh and is the ongoing poverty programmes: Bangladesh chapter of NGO Transparency International. Chars Livelihoods Programme; TIB has campaigned for the promotion and development Economic Empowerment of the Poorest Programme; and of institutions, laws and practices to combat corruption. Urban Partnership for Poverty Reduction Programme. A public information campaign made headline news of 721W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 722W corruption issues and made more people aware of their Mr Duncan: The Joint Technical Assistance Programme rights and responsibilities, and how to raise their voice is designed to generate detailed analytical work and against poor services and lack of accountability. At the policy dialogue on key economic and governance issues, local level, TIB supported committees of concerned to strengthen the evidence base upon which to base citizens in 34 of the 64 districts in Bangladesh. The policy making in Bangladesh. committees stopped payment of unauthorised fees; The project is implemented by the World Bank, which increased the distribution of school books; improved commissions research by local and international experts attendance of teachers in schools; and improved the on issues as agreed between the World Bank and DFID, distribution of safety net payments. in consultation with local Bangladeshi partners.

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what outcomes she expects International Development what assessment she has from the Bangladesh Policy Fund; and how the project made of the outcomes of the Joint UN Accelerating is being implemented in Bangladesh. [123557] Progress towards Maternal and Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity Reduction Project; and how the project Mr Duncan: The Bangladesh Policy Fund helps to was implemented in Bangladesh. [123561] strengthen the evidence base for policy issues in Bangladesh which DFID can influence as well as piloting ways to Mr Duncan: During the project period (July 2007 to turn these policies into outcomes for poor people. An June 2012) the quality of maternal and new-born services example of results generated by the Bangladesh Policy has been improved in four remote districts of Bangladesh. Fund can be seen through its support of the Food The use of antenatal care increased from 33.6% to 70%, Security Policy Forum. This forum led to a change to while the percentage of skilled attendance at birth increased Government of Bangladesh (GoB) policy, in that nutrition from 20% to 50%. was prioritised within the GoB’s focus on food security. The project was support by DFID and the European Commission, and was implemented by the United Nations Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Fund for Population Activities, United Nations Children’s International Development what the outcomes were of Fund and the World Health Organisation. her Humanitarian Assistance for Bangladesh Programme; and how the project was implemented in Bangladesh. Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for [123558] International Development what the outcomes were of her Department’s Maternal, Neonatal and Child Survival Mr Duncan: The UK’s Humanitarian Assistance for Project with Science and Research Advisory Committee; Bangladesh Programme (2008-11) provided emergency and how the project was implemented in Bangladesh. relief to families affected by Cyclone Aila. Over 50,200 [123562] households received shelter support, 14,000 families Mr Duncan: During its project period (January 2009 had more access to food, and 4,000 families could to June 2012) the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Survival access safer drinking water: The programme was Project assisted 145,000 poor rural women with skilled implemented by the International Organisation for attendants during delivery.Additionally 390,000 new-borns Migration, the United Nations Development Programme, were breastfed within one hour of birth. UNICEF and the World Food Programme. Access to the most remote areas was facilitated with core support The project was implemented by BRAC (previously to the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). known as Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee) and the United Nations Children’s Fund with support from the Department for International Development, Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Australian Aid and the Royal Norwegian Embassy. International Development what the outcomes were of her Bangladesh Sanglap II project; and how the project Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for was implemented in Bangladesh. [123559] International Development what outcomes she expects from her Tax Administration—Compliance and Mr Duncan: Bangladesh Sanglap II project provided Taxpayer Services Programme; and how the project is opportunities for Bangladeshi people to interact with being implemented in Bangladesh [123563] and ask questions to policy and decision-makers on key governance issues, through TV and radio programmes Mr Duncan: By June 2015, the Tax Administration that reached 25.06 million viewers and listeners, well Capacity and Taxpayers Services (TACTS) project is exceeding its target of three million. The project provided expected to have improved the quality of tax administration one of the first opportunities for Bangladeshi citizens and contributed to the addition of 1 million new registered to ask questions of elected officials on television or taxpayers, and 25% per annum growth in revenue collection. radio. TACTS is implemented by the firm The project was implemented by the BBC World PricewaterhouseCoopers India, working closely with Service Trust between September 2006 and October Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue. 2010. Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has International Development what outcomes she expects made of (a) the outcomes of the United Nations from her Department’s Joint Technical Assistance Development Programme Early Recovery Action Plan Programme with the World Bank; and how the project and (b) how the project was implemented in Bangladesh. is being implemented in Bangladesh. [123560] [123564] 723W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 724W

Mr Duncan: The United Nations Development Mr Duncan: The project on ‘Promoting Rights and Programme (UNDP) Early Recovery Action Plan was Access to Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities supported by the UK from 2008-09, helping communities in Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh’ was implemented by to recover after Cyclone Sidr. UK support helped rebuild Leonard Cheshire Disability (United Kingdom) and over 13,000 houses for some of the hardest hit families. the Centre for Disability in Development (Bangladesh). The programme was implemented by UNDP in close The project started in July 2008 and was completed in coordination with the Bangladesh Ministry of Food December 2011. and Disaster Management. The project was evaluated in 2012 and was assessed as having achieved most of its objectives, albeit the Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for evaluation noted that the Government of Bangladesh International Development what outcomes she expects would need further encouragement to help more disabled from her Shelter, Sanitation and Resilience, Bangladesh children attend mainstream schools. Project successes Programme; and how the project is being implemented included: in Bangladesh. [123565] providing mobility devices for children; training for 37 instructors from the Primary Teachers Training Institute; Mr Duncan: By early 2013, the Shelter, Sanitation Recovery and Resilience programme will have helped 2,430 disabled children enrolled in mainstream schools; over 11,000 families in Satkhira district of Bangladesh 2,364 disabled children retained in mainstream schools which represents 80% of children with disabilities in the project to replace homes and sanitation facilities destroyed by catchment area of which 99% were continuing with their persistent waterlogging. The new shelters and latrines education at the end of the project term; are built to withstand future flooding so people can support to the Government of Bangladesh to implement their protect themselves, their animals and their belongings policy on helping disabled children attend mainstream schools from dangerous flood waters. as part of the National Education Programme. This support is delivered by the NARRI consortium of non-Government organisations (the National Alliance Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for for Response and Risk Reduction Initiative: Oxfam International Development what the outcomes were of (lead agency), Action Aid, CARE, Concern Worldwide, her Access to Information for Greater Participation Islamic Relief, and Solidarités). and Government Accessibility project; and how the project was implemented in Bangladesh. [123706] Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what outcomes she expects Mr Duncan: The Access to Information for Greater from her Katalyst Phase II project; and how the project Participation and Government Accessibility project was is being implemented in Bangladesh. [123566] funded through the Civil Society Challenge Fund. It was managed by ‘Article19’, an organisation that defends Mr Duncan: By the end of 2013, Katalyst II is expected the right to freedom of expression, and implemented by to have contributed to accumulated net income increase Mass Line Media Centre, Shuprashashoner Jonno of USD280 million for 2.3 million farmers and small Pracharavijan, and the Bangladesh News Network for businesses. Radio Communication. The project aimed to increase Katalyst is implemented by a Swiss Foundation for accountability between the Government and poor people Technical Cooperation called ’Swisscontact’ in partnership for more inclusive policy-making where the policy is with the Swiss and Canadian Government Development relevant to the poor. It was implemented from March Agencies (SDC and CIDA) and the Netherlands 2007 to August 2010 nationally and with a particular Government. focus on 12 districts. An independent evaluation found that the project Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for had made a ‘far-reaching’ contribution to the enactment International Development what the outcomes were of and implementation of the 2009 Right to Information her Urban Primary Health Care Project 2; and how the Act in Bangladesh. The project provided the Government project was implemented in Bangladesh. [123567] with technical assistance while the Act was being drafted. The project trained 200 government officials in their Mr Duncan: The Urban Primary Health Care Project duties under the Act. It assisted 52,000 people to understand provided over eight million Bangladeshis with out-patient their rights and entitlements. This meant, for example, services, 3.6 million with family planning services, and communities were able to ask for and receive information over seven million children with immunisations. on the selection criteria for cyclone relief and rehabilitation The project was implemented by the Bangladesh assistance. local government and non-governmental organisations. The project was supported by: Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the outcomes were of DFID; her project to provide support to the International Asian Development Bank; Centre for Diarrhoea Research, Bangladesh for swine Swedish International Development Agency; flu; and how the project was implemented in Bangladesh. United Nations Fund for Population Activities; and [123707] Orbis International. Mr Duncan: DFID supported the International Centre Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh to set up International Development what the outcomes were of a surveillance system and treatment unit in 2009 for her Education for Children with Disabilities programme; patients with influenza symptoms and illness. This was and how the project was implemented in Bangladesh. in response to concern raised by the World Health [123705] Organisation about a potential pandemic. 725W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 726W

A dedicated treatment unit was rapidly established Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for and medical and paramedical professionals were provided International Development what steps her Department with training and information. A total of 2,208 patients has taken to implement the conclusions of the Strategic were screened out of which 14 were found positive with Programme Review in Bangladesh; and if she will swine flu. Regular updates were provided to Government make a statement. [123943] of Bangladesh during the crisis period, and the surveillance system continues to assist Bangladesh to respond rapidly to future outbreaks. Mr Duncan: The Strategic Programme Review is a continuing process to ensure that DFID staff, partners, Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for and programmes, are fully prepared to meet the challenge International Development what the outcomes were of of climate change. In Bangladesh, the DFID office has her Safe Motherhood in Rural Communities project; reduced carbon emissions by 16% since 2009-10 (well and how the project was implemented in Bangladesh. on track towards a target of 25% by 2014-15). Staff [123708] have developed the knowledge and skills to ensure all programmes are effectively designed and implemented Mr Duncan: The project on ‘Safe Motherhood in to minimise climate impacts and help build resilience in Rural Communities’in 23 districts in north-west Bangladesh Bangladesh. was implemented by Lamb Health Care Foundation Programmes are being designed to be more resilient (United Kingdom) and Lamb Project (Bangladesh). to climate change impacts—for example, primary schools The project started on 1 April 2006 and finished on 30 in vulnerable areas of Bangladesh, are being built to June 2009. double as cyclone shelters. The project implemented a heath care and development system benefitting approximately 600,000 people in 23 districts including: Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for 450 home/community Village Health Volunteers trained; International Development what assessments are made when setting the salaries of Bangladeshi nationals Support to 21 local clinics, including 16 Safe Child Delivery Units, with 180 Community Health Workers in all 23 districts; employed by her Department in Bangladesh. [123944] family planning counselling to hospitals; a subsidy for 1,400 poor patients to be treated at the hospital Mr Duncan: Her Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) Delegation without fees over three years; states that DFlD’s Staff Appointed In Country (SAIC) better community-based care for disabled children reaching must be paid according to the local market. Overseas 369 children (201 boys, 168 girls) during the project period; offices, therefore, undertake fundamental pay reviews a reduction in maternal mortality in the project areas of 40% to ensure that they are paying comparable wages to staff and a reduction in peri-natal mortality by 11%; working for other local employers doing similar work. Lamb (United Kingdom) made contributions to a Word Health The last fundamental pay review for DFID Bangladesh, Organisation (WHO) manual on Perinatal and Maternal Death conducted jointly with the Foreign Office, was in 2010. Audit. The subsequent pay review is due to be completed by The project evaluation undertaken in December 2009 December 2012. concluded that the project had fully achieved its objectives and that the work undertaken should be sustained after the project end-date. The project partner is continuing Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International to work with the Government of Bangladesh to ensure Development what recent estimate she has made of the this. planned operational costs for her Department in Bangladesh; and if she will make a statement. [123945] Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the outcomes were of the Community Based Microfinance Initiative; and how Mr Duncan: The operational plan (2011-15) sets out the project was implemented in Bangladesh. [123709] an allocation of £1 billion over the period. Current forecasts show expenditure is anticipated to be £988 Mr Duncan: The project ‘Promoting economic million. development of the poor through community based microfinance initiatives in Bangladesh’ was funded through Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International the Civil Society Challenge Fund. The project was Development if she will publish the full list of contractors implemented by the Credit and Development Forum and subcontractors used in the delivery of each operational (CDF) across nine districts and aimed to improve access project being undertaken in Bangladesh; and if she will to commercial banking services for community based make a statement. [123946] organisations (CBOs) and very poor people. The project started in April 2006 and was completed in March 2010. Mr Duncan: The following is a list of current DFID The project worked with 25 community organisations Bangladesh projects delivered by private sector contractors. to provide microfinance services for their members. The DFID Bangladesh programme is delivered in its These organisations provided small scale finance to entirety through a range of partners including non- establish income generating activities for 32,000 poor governmental organisations, multilateral institutions, as households. The increased income that was generated well as contractors. The list of subcontractors for each has allowed those households to invest in improved project is not available on the DFID system and would family health care, education and housing. need to be sought separately from each programme. 727W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 728W

Project Contractor Project description

English In Action (EIA) BMB Mott MacDonald To improve English language skills for 25 million people through news, TV, radio, and mobile device materials, improved teacher training, and adult-learning Public Service Capacity (MATT Capita Helm A critical mass of competent and reform-minded civil servants enabled to develop 2) and deliver government policy TACTS (Tax Administration PricewaterhouseCoopers India To improve the Government’s weak domestic revenue position, widen the tax base Capacity and Taxpayer Services) and promote transparency and trust in the revenue administration system Safety and Justice Maxwell Stamp Increase access to high quality informal justice mechanisms and develop a more responsive formal justice system for the poor and vulnerable, particularly women, children, ethnic and religious minorities and marginalised communities Regulatory and investment PricewaterhouseCoopers An Improved investment climate making Bangladesh a better place for business systems for enterprise growth in Bangladesh (RISE) Promoting Financial services for Maxwell Stamp, CRIF Sustainable Micro-Finance sector in Bangladesh offers greater access to, and usage poverty reduction in Bangladesh of, diversified financial . services for the poor, micro, small enterprises and farmers (Prosper) Katalyst Phase II Swisscontact, Development Alternative Inc. To increase the competitiveness of micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMSE) in key urban and rural sectors Business Innovation Fund PricewaterhouseCoopers To establish a facility which provides advice and support for businesses that want to engage poor people as part of the value chain or as end users of goods and services Economic Empowerment of the Harewelle International The purpose is to improve the livelihoods of 750,000 very poor people, particularly Poorest women and children, by increasing their economic well-being Chars Livelihoods Programme Maxwell Stamp To improve the food security, livelihoods and incomes of extremely poor people (CLP2) living on the Riverine Char Islands of North-Western Bangladesh Climate Change Programme HTSPE, International Institute for Climate change adaptation and risk reduction measures protect and improve the (Jalabayoo-O-Jibon) Environment and Development lives and livelihoods of 15 million poor and vulnerable people by 2013

Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for for Enterprise programme; and how the project was International Development what the outcomes were of implemented in Bangladesh. [123979] the Health, Nutrition and Population Sector Programme; and how the project was implemented in Mr Duncan: By 2015, the Regulatory and Investment Bangladesh. [123950] System for Enterprise programme will contribute to £115 million of savings to micro, small and medium Mr Duncan: The Health Nutrition and Population enterprises in Bangladesh that employ 80% of the labour Sector programme (July 2004 to June 2011) reduced force. The programme also aims to generate more than maternal deaths from 322 to 194 per 100,000 live births. £900 million of foreign direct investment resulting in Skilled birth attendance among the poorest increased the creation of high quality, formal jobs for the poor. from 3.4% to 9.2%. Deaths among under the age of five The programme is implemented in partnership with children reduced from 88 to 52 per 1,000 live births. the World Bank and International Finance Corporation. Tuberculosis cure rate increased from 83.7% to 91%. The project was implemented by the Ministry of Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Family Welfare with support from 20 International Development (1) what outcomes were development partners including the Department for achieved by the Chars Livelihoods Programme; and International Development and the World Bank. how the project was implemented in Bangladesh; [123981] Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what outcomes she expects (2) what outcomes she expects from the Chars from the Urban Partnership for Poverty Reduction Livelihoods Programme 2; and how the project is being Programme; and how the project is being implemented implemented in Bangladesh. [123953] in Bangladesh. [123951] Mr Duncan: The Chars Livelihoods Programme—phase Mr Duncan: The Urban Partnership for Poverty 1 (2006-10) helped improve the livelihoods, incomes Reduction programme (2007 to 2014) will contribute to and food security of one million extremely poor and the development of a National Urban Poverty Reduction vulnerable people living on the flood-prone remote Strategy and encourage the local governments to take Char islands of north-western Bangladesh. About 100,000 more responsibility for the urban poor. The outcomes families were protected from flooding through raised of the programme include improved living conditions plinths, and about 50,000 poor families are better able and livelihoods for 3 million slum dwellers in Bangladesh, to feed their families. including improved nutrition and access to safe drinking The Chars Livelihoods Programme—phase 2 (2010-16) water and sanitation. It also provides skill-based training will help improve the livelihoods, incomes and food to youth, linking them to employment opportunities. security of up to one million extremely poor and vulnerable The programme is implemented by the United Nations people living on the flood prone remote char islands of Development Programme through the Ministry of Local north-western Bangladesh. Until now, more than 100,000 Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. people already benefitted from raised plinths, sanitary toilets and the transfer of free assets, such as cattle. Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Maxwell Stamp plc managed both programmes and International Development what outcomes are is hosted by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural expected from the Regulatory and Investment Systems Development and Cooperatives. The programmes are 729W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 730W implemented on the ground by local non-governmental Mr Duncan: By June 2010, 739,000 new households organisations and elected local government bodies (Union and businesses received electricity connections in rural Parishad). and suburban areas in Bangladesh. The project created the infrastructural backbone for 337,000 new connections Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for in the nine poorest areas and over half a million new International Development what outcomes are connections across the rest of the country. expected from the Skills and Jobs programme; and how The project was implemented by Rural Electrification the project was implemented in Bangladesh. [123983] Development Board and National Rural Electric Co-operative Association (NRECA) in partnership with Mr Duncan: The Skills and Employment Programme USAiD. of Bangladesh, which is planned to begin in 2013, aims to support 136,000 poor people to enhance their incomes by £60 million. This will involve providing access to Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International training and jobs in growth sectors and better migration Development what outcomes are expected from the opportunities. Promoting Financial Services for Poverty Reduction in Bangladesh programme; and how the project was A business case on the implementation options has implemented in Bangladesh. [123988] yettobeapproved.

Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International Mr Duncan: The Promoting Financial Services for Development what outcomes are expected from the Poverty Reduction (PROSPER) Programme (2007-14), Strengthening Public Expenditure Management contributes to the strengthening of the microfinance programme; and how the project was implemented in sector in Bangladesh. Bangladesh. [123985] The first component of the programme, called PRIME, is implemented through Palli Karma Sahayek Foundation Mr Duncan: By 2015, the Strengthening Public (PKSF) and will provide flexible savings and loan products Expenditure Management Programme aims to strengthen to 600,000 micro, and small enterprises, enabling people the systems of budgeting and financial management in to pursue income-generating opportunities and so raise the Government of Bangladesh, and improve the their living standards. effectiveness of audit and parliamentary oversight of The second component supports the establishment the budget and expenditure. and operations of the Microcredit Regulatory Authority DFID is contributing to a multi-donor trust fund so that appropriate regulatory frameworks are developed managed by the World Bank, which also receives support for the microcredit institutions in the country. This from the European Union and the governments of helps reduce fraud and ensure the poor’s savings are Canada, Denmark and the Netherlands. protected. The third component supports the institute of Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Microfinance to conduct analytical and operational International Development what outcomes are research on microfinance issues, and provide standardised expected from the Rights and Governance Challenge training to the large number of microfinance professionals Fund; and how the project was implemented in in the country. Bangladesh. [123986] Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International Mr Duncan: By 2013, the Rights and Governance Development what outcomes are expected from the Challenge Fund, implemented by Manusher Jonno Bangladesh Humanitarian Preparedness and Response Foundation, is expected to have enabled 253,000 poor Programme; and how the project is being implemented and vulnerable people to benefit from social safety net in Bangladesh. [123989] programmes, 11,700 children to be withdrawn from hazardous work, and 121,000 workers in the garments and shrimp industries to be paid on time and have Mr Duncan: The humanitarian programme allows improved working conditions. In 2011 alone, the programme the UK to respond quickly and effectively to disasters. supported 5,755 women to receive Government land Bangladesh is regularly affected by floods, cyclones, that is meant to be allocated to poor people, and 7,000 and is at risk of an earthquake. The programme will boys and girls to obtain stipends from the Government ensure that lives and livelihoods are saved, and people to attend school. are assisted to recover and build their resilience through The Rights and Governance Challenge Fund is managed a faster, more flexible model for response, better preparation, by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF). The fund is and easier access to assist people in remote areas. allocated through a competitive process and currently In January 2012, 150,000 people received emergency supports around 110 small and medium-sized Bangladeshi cash transfers for one month to meet immediate food Non-Government Organisations, and through them 300 needs following persistent flooding in southern Bangladesh. community-based organisations across Bangladesh. This support was delivered by the World Food Programme. Implementing partners for future responses will be decided Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International according to partner capacity, with clear criteria to Development what outcomes were achieved by the Rural ensure effective response and value for money. Logistical Electricification Development Project; and how the project services are supported through the Mission Aviation was implemented in Bangladesh. [123987] Fellowship (MAF). 731W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 732W

Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what outcomes were achieved by the Skills Development what outcomes are expected from the and Opportunities for Employment Programme; and Health Sector Development Programme; and how the how the project was implemented in Bangladesh. project is being implemented in Bangladesh. [123996] [123990] Mr Duncan: The Health Sector Development Programme Mr Duncan: Under the Skills and Opportunities for supports the Government of Bangladesh to provide Employment Programme (2008-11) 20,993 children (51% public health services to the 150 million people in the girls) graduated from Grade VIII and 16,879 (40% country. The intended outcomes include providing 2.1 girls) received technical training of whom 90% secured million pregnant women with access to antenatal care employment. and 6 million with skilled birth assistance by 2016. In This programme was implemented by Underprivileged addition 6 million children under two years of age will Children’s Education Programme (UCEP) a Bangladeshi be immunised and 18 million will receive Vitamin A non-governmental organisation. annually. Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for The programme is implemented by the Ministry of International Development what outcomes were Health and Family Welfare with fiduciary oversight achieved by the Bangladesh Budget Support for Roads provided by the World Bank. The programme is supported and Highways Department Programme; and how the by 21 development partners including the Department for International Development and the World Bank. project was implemented in Bangladesh. [123991]

Mr Duncan: The Bangladesh Budget Support for Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International Roads and Highways Department Programme was designed Development what outcomes are expected from the to improve their central management system (CMS) for Strategic Partnership between BRAC, her Department road maintenance and establish a road maintenance and AusAID to support BRAC in delivering progress fund. towards the millennium development goals in Bangladesh In 2007, the programme was cancelled due to fiduciary and to support institutional development; and how the irregularities. project is being implemented in Bangladesh. [123998] The programme was implemented by the Roads and Highways Department of the Government of Bangladesh Mr Duncan: Over five years, UK support through the under the Ministry of Communication. Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) will enable BRAC to lift 166,000 women and their families (over 660,000 Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for International people) out of extreme poverty; get 176,000 children Development what outcomes were achieved by the Financial through five years of primary education; enable 3.2 Management Reform Programme; and how the project million additional couples to use modern contraceptive was implemented in Bangladesh. [123992] methods; ensure that 608,000 women are attended by skilled attendants when they deliver their babies; provide Mr Duncan: Between 2003 and 2009, the Financial improved sanitation to 3.6 million people; and give over Management Reform Programme (FMRP) strengthened 250,000 people access to safe water. In addition, the the links between policy, planning and budgeting in the SPA will strengthen BRAC’s institutional capacity and Government of Bangladesh, by introducing a medium long-term sustainability, to ensure their ability to provide term budget framework in 20 line ministries and a basic services into the future. computerised integrated budget and accounting system in 50 line ministries. The programme was implemented by the Atos KPMG Electoral Reform International Services Consulting Consortium, with joint funding from the UK and the Netherlands. Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) her Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Department and (b) the Westminster Foundation for International Development what the outcomes were of Democracy donated to Electoral Reform International the BRAC Challenging the Frontiers of Poverty Services in each of the last three years. [123385] Reduction-Phase 2 Project; and how the project was implemented in Bangladesh. [123994] Lynne Featherstone: Between April 2009 and October Mr Duncan: The BRAC Challenging the Frontiers of 2012, DFID provided approximately £226,000 to Electoral Poverty Reduction-Phase 2 project (2007 to 2011) helped Reform International Services (ERIS). £32,000 was provided improve the livelihoods, incomes and food security of to ERIS in financial year 2009-10, £172,000 in 2010-11, 1 million extreme poor people of 40 poorest districts and £22,000 in financial year 2010-11. No payments across Bangladesh through transfer of free assets such have so far been made this financial year. as cattle, monthly stipends, employment and enterprise The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) training and access to health services. Evaluations show is a non-departmental public body, sponsored by the beneficiaries continue to remain out of extreme poverty Foreign and Commonwealth Office, with several sources after the end of the project. of funding. DFID does not keep full information on all The project was implemented by BRAC, the largest of WFD’s expenditure. No departmental funds have NGO in Bangladesh. been transferred to ERIS through WFD. 733W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 734W

Maldives WORK AND PENSIONS Atos Healthcare Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much funding has been spent on the Maldives by the multilateral aid organisations Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work with which her Department works. [122689] and Pensions how many staff were employed by Atos Healthcare to work on the work capability assessment in (a) the UK and (b) Scotland in each month in (i) Mr Duncan: The website of the Organisation for 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012 to date. [123778] Economic Co-operation and Development—Development Assistance Committee (OECD—DAC) reports on the Mr Hoban: Data on the number of staff employed by level of Official Development Assistance to the Maldives, Atos Healthcare to work specifically on the work capability and lists some of the multilateral aid agencies with assessment (WCA) is not available. Atos Healthcare whom DFID works. headcount is recorded nationally against the DWP Medical OECD—DAC information on the Maldives: Services Contract which extends beyond delivery of the http://www.oecd.org/dac/aidstatistics/1882072.gif WCA.

Overseas Aid Employment: Advisory Services

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for for Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy to International Development what her Department’s widen access to bodies which may provide advice and definition of supported is in relation to the provision of guidance with respect to employment issues. [124059] development aid; and if she will make a statement. [123942] Mr Hoban: There is no monopoly on providing advice about employment issues. Individuals are free to take Mr Duncan: “Supported” can refer to a range of advice from a range of organisations including Jobcentre assistance to help towards delivery of development Plus, Work programme providers, and other DWP goals. This could be financial or non financial support, contracted providers—all of whom will signpost to such as technical assistance. other appropriate sources of advice as necessary.Individuals are also free to take advice from non-government dependent Sri Lanka organisations. Advice can also be found on the recently launched GOV.UK which replaces the Directgov and Business Link websites. Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she Employment: Retail Trade has had with her Sri Lankan counterparts on the Sri Lankan military’s involvement in civil society roles in the north and east of that country. [123900] Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of youth employment is provided by the retail sector. [123304] Mr Duncan: The Secretary of State for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Putney (Justine Greening), has not had any recent Cabinet Office. discussions with her Sri Lankan counterparts on the Sri Lankan military’s involvement in civil society roles in The information requested falls within the responsibility the north and east of that country. The UK high of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority commission in Colombo raises this issue regularly with to reply. the Government. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Letter from Glen Watson: Under-Secretary of State also raised this issue with the As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Sri Lankan Foreign Minister in September. have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what proportion of youth employment is provided by the retail Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for sector. (123304) International Development what recent discussions she Estimates of youth employment in the UK retail sector are has had with the United Nations Office for the derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). For the period April-June 2012 it is estimated that the proportion of people aged Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs on the IDP 16-24 employed in the retail sector is 21%. This does not include Resettlement Programme in Sri Lanka. [123901] those employed in the retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles, as this is classified separately to retail under the Standard Industrial Mr Duncan: The Secretary of State for International Classification 2007. Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject Putney (Justine Greening), has not had any recent to a margin of uncertainty. discussions with the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) EU Nationals on the Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) resettlement programme in Sri Lanka. The UK high commission in Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Colombo is in regular discussion with UNOCHA. Most and Pensions (1) how many non-UK EU nationals recently, the high commissioner attended the UNOCHA have claimed disability benefits in each of the last five briefing on this issue in October. years; and at what cost to the public purse; [123452] 735W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 736W

(2) what estimate he has made of the number of The regulations also contain a provision to exclude non-UK EU nationals (a) employed in the UK, (b) people living in supported exempt accommodation, which claiming jobseekers’ allowance and (c) on the Work includes supported or sheltered housing, from the social Programme; [123453] sector size criteria reductions. (3) how many non-UK EU nationals who claim the Income Support basic state pension have been resident in the UK for (a) less than one year, (b) between one and two years, (c) between two and three years, (d) between three Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and four years, (e) between four and five years and (f) and Pensions how many lone parents with children over five years; [123454] between the ages of three and five are on out-of-work income support; and what estimate his Department has (4) how many non-UK EU nationals who claim made of the potential saving to the public purse if such jobseeker’s allowance have been resident in the UK for single parents were required to prepare for work in (a) less than one year, (b) between one and two years, each of the next three years. [124175] (c) between two and three years, (d) between three and four years, (e) between four and five years and (f) Mr Hoban: There are 205,620 lone parents with children over five years; [123455] between the ages of three and five on income support. (5) how many non-UK EU nationals who claim An estimate of the savings to the public purse brought disability benefits have been resident in the UK for (a) about by this group being required to prepare for work less than one year, (b) between one and two years, (c) in each of the next three years is not readily available between two and three years, (d) between three and and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. four years, (e) between four and five years and (f) over five years; [123456] New Enterprise Allowance (6) how many non-UK EU nationals who claim housing benefits have been resident in the UK for (a) David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Work less than one year, (b) between one and two years, (c) and Pensions whether the Government receives revenue between two and three years, (d) between three and from the interest charged on new business loans in the four years, (e) between four and five years and (f) over New Enterprise Scheme. [124121] five years; [123457] (7) what estimate he has made of the (a) number and Mr Hoban: The Government retains a minimum of (b) cost to the public purse of non-UK EU nationals one third of the interest charged on loans awarded claiming housing benefit in each of the last five years; under the new enterprise allowance scheme. That proportion [123458] may increase by up to a further third, depending on the (8) how many non-UK EU nationals are claiming performance of the loan service providers. the basic state pension; and at what cost to the public Remploy purse. [123459]

Mr Hoban: The information requested is not available. Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to respond to the proposal by Future Jobs Fund Disability Employment Limited to acquire plant and premises at the former Wrexham Remploy site. [124076]

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Esther McVey: Remploy have received a number of Work and Pensions how many people received assistance proposals for the site/assets which are currently under through the Future Jobs Fund in (a) 2007, (b) 2008, consideration, Remploy will be shortly contacting the (c) 2009 and (d) 2010. [124287] bidders to clarify the position and confirm the next steps. Mr Hoban: The Future Jobs Fund lasted between October 2009 and March 2011. Overall there were Social Security Benefits 105,230 starts to Future Jobs Fund vacancies: 4,590 starts in 2009, 81,390 starts in 2010 and 19,250 starts in Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and 2011. Pensions how many people who receive (a) jobseeker’s allowance, (b) carer’s allowance, (c) disability living Housing Benefit allowance and (d) employment and support allowance have (i) previously worked for over five years and (ii) Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for never worked; and what the cost to the public purse is of Work and Pensions what steps his Department plans to benefits for each such category in each of the last three take to monitor the effect of the Housing Benefit years. [124176] (Amendment) Regulations 2012 on residents living in supported and sheltered housing. [124280] Mr Hoban: The information is not readily available. It is not feasible to produce the statistics requested Steve Webb: We think it unlikely that many people in within the disproportionate cost limit. this type of accommodation will be affected by the social sector size criteria reductions for working age Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and housing benefit claimants. This is because most sheltered Pensions how many people have been claiming (a) accommodation is occupied by pensioners who are jobseeker’s allowance, (b) carer’s allowance, (c) disability exempt from the size criteria. living allowance and (d) employment and support 737W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 738W allowance for more than six months in the latest period Winter Fuel Payments 12 12 11 for which figures are available; and what estimate he has Total 123 167 213 made of the total value of spending on such benefits in Notes: each of the next three years. [124285] 1. Caseload data reflect position as at February 2012 unless otherwise stated. 2. AA expenditure is forecast to increase due to the July 2011 ruling about exportability of benefits to EEA and Switzerland. Mr Hoban: Statistics on carers allowance and 3. State pension Category D spending for overseas claimants is not separately employment and support allowance by duration of identified in the forecasts. 4. Figures may include a very small amount of expenditure where the claim are available from DWP 100% actual data for claimant’s residence is not known. May 2012 and are published at: 5. Benefit expenditure data, including overseas figures, can be found on the DWP website at: www.nomisweb.co.uk http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/index.php?page=expenditure the claimant count figures for jobseeker’s allowance, Source: latest figures September 2012, can also be found there. Statistical and accounting data Statistics on disability living allowance for claimants are available for February 2012 and are published at: Social Security Benefits: Disqualification http://83.244.183.180/100pc/dla/ccsex/ctdurtn/ a_carate_r_ccsex_c_ctdurtn_feb12.html Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Guidance for users is available at and Pensions how many people in Aberconwy have had a sanction applied for refusing to take employment http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/tabtools/guidance.pdf since May 2010. [122646] Social Security Benefits: British Nationals Abroad Mr Hoban: Statistics on how many people in Aberconwy constituency who have had a sanction applied for refusing Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work to take employment since May 2010 are only available and Pensions how many people living outside the UK for jobseekers allowance (JSA) claimants, which are receive non-contributory benefits; and what the total shown in the following table. monetary value of those benefits is estimated to be in Number of JSA claimants in Aberconwy constituency who have had a sanction each of the next three years. [124052] applied for refusing employment: 1 May 2010 to 30 April 2012 Area Number of JSA claimants

Mr Hoban [holding answer 19 October 2012]: The Aberconwy Constituency 70 available information is in the following tables: Note: Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2011-12 Source: Caseload DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: JSA Sanctions and Disallowance Decisions Statistics Database Attendance Allowance (August 2011) 1,090 Carers Allowance 230 Statistics on how many people in Aberconwy Disability Living Allowance 4,210 constituency who have had a sanction applied for refusing Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (December 2011) 6,500 to take employment since May 2010 for non JSA claimants Severe Disablement Allowance 470 are not readily available and could be provided only at State Pension Category D 520 disproportionate cost. Winter Fuel Payments (2011-12) 74,685 Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Work and Pensions how many claimants had their Expenditure, nominal (£ benefits stopped via sanction in the last quarter for million) which figures are available. [124218] Attendance Allowance 83 131 185 Carers Allowance 1 1 1 Mr Hoban: The information requested is not collated Disability Living 12 13 12 centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate Allowance costs. Industrial Injuries 13 13 13 Disablement Benefit Severe Disablement 220 Allowance Universal Credit State Pension Category D n/a n/a n/a Winter Fuel Payments 12 12 12 Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 123 171 223 Work and Pensions whether housing benefit will be paid directly to landlords following the introduction of Expenditure, 2012-13 [122297] prices (£ million) universal credit. Attendance Allowance 83 128 176 Carers Allowance 1 1 1 Mr Hoban: As part of the transition to universal Disability Living 12 12 12 credit, claimants will receive a single monthly payment Allowance which will contain an element payable for rent. Industrial Injuries 13 13 12 Disablement Benefit For a minority of claimants, alternative payment Severe Disablement 220arrangements may be needed to support them in the Allowance move to universal credit. This might include payment of State Pension Category D n/a n/a n/a housing costs direct to the landlord. 739W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 740W

Winter Fuel Payments: West Midlands FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Afghanistan Work and Pensions how many pensioners received the winter fuel allowance in (a) Coventry, (b) Coventry Mr Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for North East constituency and (c) the west midlands in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the preferred each of the last five years. [124117] airline is for staff of his Department travelling between the UK and Kabul. [123934] Steve Webb: The information requested is provided in the following table: Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Total number of winter fuel payment recipients in Coventry and west takes into account a number of factors when approving midlands routes between the UK and its overseas missions. These Coventry include cost, routeing, safety records of airlines, and the North East Coventry local West midlands personal security of officers and their dependants. We constituency authority region will always strive to obtain maximum value for money 2011-12 17,530 56,730 1,168,920 for public funds without compromising our duty of 2010-11 17,820 57,510 1,178,890 care to our officers. The current approved route between 2009-10 17,830 57,400 1,169,350 London and Kabul is Emirates Airlines London/Dubai 2008-09 17,260 56,740 1,147,130 and FlyDubai Dubai/Kabul. Staff may use other routes or airlines when they are not travelling on official 2007-08 17,100 56,040 1,122,130 business. All approved routes are reviewed after six Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. months to ensure that they continue to provide proper 2. These figures recognise the May 2010 structural changes to the value for money. parliamentary constituencies of England and Wales and the April 2009 structural changes to the local authorities of England. 3. These figures are for the total number of payments made and will Arms Trade: Treaties therefore include some recipients who are not yet pension age. 4. The reduction in the latest year’s figures is due to the rise in WFP Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign qualifying age which is linked to women’s state pension age. and Commonwealth Affairs what recent progress has 5. The latest figures for winter fuel payments are published at: http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=wfp been made on agreeing the Arms Trade Treaty; and if Source: he will make a statement. [123391] Information, Governance and Security Directorate, DWP Alistair Burt: The UN Conference on the Arms Trade Work Capability Assessment Treaty took place in July. The UK continued its leading role at the conference and, although a treaty was not Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for adopted, significant progress was made. Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the The UK is now co-authoring a Resolution at the UN number of people who have requested that their work General Assembly First Committee, currently under capability assessments be recorded in each parliamentary way in New York, to set the timing and modalities for a constituency. [123873] further short conference in March 2013 to finalise work on the treaty. The UK will continue to lead international Mr Hoban: Constituency level data are not available. efforts to secure a robust and effective arms trade treaty that has the broad support of the UN Membership. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he intends to bring forward British Indian Ocean Territory proposals to ensure that additional evidence from medical practitioners can be taken into account in work capability Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for assessments. [124244] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Commissioner and Administrator of British Indian Mr Hoban: Under existing processes the Department’s Ocean Territory are answerable to Ministers in his decision-makers are already required to consider all the Department as officials of his Department or whether available information before making a decision on benefit they constitute an autonomous government of an overseas entitlement; this includes additional evidence from medical territory. [123896] practitioners. Mark Simmonds: The Commissioner and Administrator Work Programme of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) are part of the Government of BIOT, a constitutionally distinct Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for government of an overseas territory of the UK. Their Work and Pensions when he plans to undertake the next relationship to UK Ministers is constitutionally comparable stocktake of sub-contractors in the Work programme. to the relationship of the governments of all overseas [124242] territories with UK Ministers. These relationships are set out in the respective overseas territories’ constitutions. Mr Hoban: The most recent stocktake was undertaken The constitutional position of the BIOT Government is on 31 July 2012 and will be published in November. The set out in the BIOT Constitution. next stocktake will be undertaken at the end of March I will arrange for a copy of the BIOT Constitution to 2013 to align with DWP’s operating year. be placed in the Library of the House. 741W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 742W

Energy recommendations, accepted 150 and rejected 30. A UK official who was present noted that the delegation were Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for quite open about the fact that they still faced a number Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what objectives of challenges to their human rights performance. External have been set for his adviser on energy and resource factors such as extremism were still having a big influence security. [123688] over how they handled human rights issues. The UPR is a subsidiary of the Human Rights Council and both are Mark Simmonds: In his capacity as personal adviser, political bodies/mechanisms. It is good practice for Lord Howell will advise the Secretary of State for states to give reasons why they have rejected Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. recommendations but it is not always done. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), It is our policy to encourage effective responses and on: implementation of recommendations. We have taken global energy developments and their implications for British note of Indonesia’s response to their recommendations. foreign policy interests and goals; Our embassy in Jakarta engages regularly with the global developments on wider resource security issues and Government of Indonesia on human rights issues bilaterally their implications for British foreign policy interests and goals; and through the EU and stands ready to offer advice or business, economic and political developments overseas which guidance should Indonesia require our help. could impact on the UK’s ability to achieve energy security in a manner consistent with our interests in climate change. The energy aspects of these objectives are in line with Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign the Government’s stated goals with respect to international and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss allegations energy security. of rising religious intolerance and violations of freedom of religion or belief in Indonesia with the President of www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/int_energy/ int_energy.aspx that country during his forthcoming State visit to the UK. [123431] Indonesia Mr Swire: We are concerned about individuals and Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign groups in Indonesia who are denied the right to freedom and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ask the President of religion or belief, or who face discrimination and of Indonesia for what reason Indonesia rejected the persecution. We have raised the difficulties that religious recommendation in the Universal Periodic Review carried minorities experience in Indonesia with the Indonesian out by the UN Human Rights Council that steps be Government. In our statement for Indonesia’s Universal taken to safeguard the rights of indigenous peoples. Periodic Review in May this year, we encouraged the [123428] Government to tackle violence against minority faiths, ensure that those who perpetrate these acts are brought Mr Swire: The Government of Indonesia has responded to justice and promote a climate where such incidents to recommendations on the rights of indigenous people do not reoccur. made during its Universal Periodic Review in May this The Prime Minister, during his speech at the Al year. The recommendation was to ensure the rights of Azhar university in Jakarta in April this year, referred indigenous peoples and local forest dependent peoples to freedom of religion and highlighted in law and practice, in particular regarding their rights to traditional lands, territories and resources. “the vital importance of standing up against the despicable violence and persecution of minorities, whether Christians, The Government of Indonesia has said it supports Ahmadiyyas, or others; and ensuring that people have the right to the promotion and protection of indigenous people live their lives, and practise their religion in the way they see fit.” worldwide. However, given its demographic composition Indonesia does not recognise the application of the indigenous people concept as defined in the UN Declaration Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the country. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss The UK promotes best practice by encouraging all the human rights situation in West Papua with the states to submit effective responses to their Universal President of Indonesia during his forthcoming State Periodic Review recommendations. We will continue to visit to the UK. [123432] raise issues with respect to indigenous people with the Government of Indonesia at every appropriate opportunity. Mr Swire: We regularly discuss the situation in the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua with Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign the Indonesian Government. We take seriously all reports and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of human rights violations in the provinces and we will on Indonesia’s response to the recommendations of its continue to raise our concerns with the Government of Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Indonesia. Council; and if he will discuss that response with the President of Indonesia during his forthcoming State During the state visit, the Secretary of State for visit. [123429] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) Mr Swire: On 5 September 2012 Indonesia presented will meet his counterpart the Foreign Minister of Indonesia its report to the Working Group on the Universal Mr Marty Natalegawa, and the Prime Minister will Periodic Review (UPR) in response to the UPR meet with the President where there will be an opportunity review it underwent in May 2012. They received 180 to raise these issues. 743W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 744W

Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Decree. Along with our EU partners, we will continue and Commonwealth Affairs if he will encourage the to call for religious tolerance across Indonesia and press President of Indonesia to establish a meaningful dialogue the authorities to ensure the rights of all religious with representatives of the people of West Papua, to minorities. seek a peaceful political solution to the Papuan conflict. [123433] Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss Mr Swire: The UK encourages meaningful dialogue with the President of Indonesia the potential effects on between all parties and remains committed to urging all the rule of law in that country of the decision by levels of government to work with the Papuans towards certain local mayors to refuse permission for churches solving their regional governance disputes peacefully. to open; and if he will offer Indonesia assistance in the During the state visit, the Secretary of State for development, protection and promotion of the rule of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. law. [123437] Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), will meet his counterpart the Foreign Minister of Indonesia Mr Swire: During the forthcoming state visit of the Mr Marty Natalegawa, and the Prime Minister will President of the Republic of Indonesia, the Secretary of meet with the President where there will be an opportunity State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right to raise these issues. hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), will meet his counterpart the Foreign Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Minister of Indonesia Mr Marty Natalegawa, and the and Commonwealth Affairs if he will encourage the Prime Minister will meet the President where there will President of Indonesia to invite the UN Special Rapporteur be an opportunity to raise these and other issues. Our for Freedom of Expression to visit (a) West Papua and embassy in Jakarta is already using funds to support (b) other parts of Indonesia in 2013. [123434] building democratic institutions in Indonesia. This includes a project with civil society and the police to develop and Mr Swire: During the Indonesian universal periodic disseminate guidelines on dealing with cases related to review (UPR) session in May 2012 the UK noted that religious freedom run by the non-governmental organisation no Special Rapporteur had visited Indonesia since 2007, Kontras Indonesia. and the UK encouraged Indonesia to accept requests for visits to take place. In September of this year a Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign response to the UPR recommendations confirmed that and Commonwealth Affairs what training his Department the Government has extended an invitation to the Special has provided to Indonesia’s Densus 88 through the Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression. The plans regarding Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Co-operation; the dates and modalities are currently the subject of what evaluations has it made of that training; what consultation between the Government and the Special discussions concerning the training have taken place Rapporteur. We would encourage the Indonesian with Indonesian civil society organisations; and if he Government to allow complete, unhindered and unfettered will place in the Library a copy of the most recent access to all provinces of Indonesia. However, it is up to impact assessment of such training. [123438] the country concerned how much access they will be given. Mr Swire: Our training with the Indonesian National Police (and specifically with Densus (Detachment 88) at Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Co-operation and Commonwealth Affairs if he will encourage the (JCLEC)) is focused on combating terrorism. Classroom- President of Indonesia to invite the UN Special Rapporteur based training run by a training officer from the for Freedom of Religion or Belief to visit that country Metropolitan police force shares the UK experience in in 2013. [123435] managing counter-terrorism investigations and preventing Mr Swire: Indonesia underwent its universal period terrorist attacks; and in the investigation and prosecution review in May 2012. The UK statement noted the of those who are responsible in a way that is compliant increasing attacks against religious minorities and we with international human rights standards. We evaluate specifically recommended that Indonesia accept a visit projects looking at impact, deliverability and value for by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion money. JCLEC’s intended outputs are closely aligned or Belief. We continue to encourage Indonesia to accept with the UK’s counter-terrorism CONTEST strategy such visits. and our assessment to date is that through the training at JCLEC the UK has contributed positively to Indonesia’s Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign ability to disrupt terrorist networks operating in the and Commonwealth Affairs if he will urge the President region. Our embassy in Jakarta has an ongoing dialogue of Indonesia to revise or repeal that country’s blasphemy with civil society organisations covering a wide range of law and its ministerial decrees on religion, and to take issues. The UK’s support for Indonesia’s work against steps to end discriminatory policies towards religious terrorism is discussed as part of the regular dialogue minorities and ensure full protection for freedom of about our bilateral relationship. religion and belief. [123436] Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Swire: We believe that freedom of religion or and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received belief, and respect for religious plurality should be at on allegations that the Indonesian counter-terrorist the heart of society.Indonesia’s own constitution enshrines organisation Densus 88 was involved in the killing of these values. We continue to monitor the Indonesian the Papuan political leader, Mako Tabuni, in June 2012, authorities’ policies towards freedom of religion issues, and in recent arrests of political activists in Papua. including the blasphemy law and 2008 Joint Ministerial [123439] 745W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 746W

Mr Swire: Officers from specialist units including Centre for Law Enforcement Co-operation. In 2012-13 Densus 88 are part of local police structures in most the CTP is providing £430,000; in 2011-12 we provided provinces throughout Indonesia, including Papua (where £400,000; in financial year (FY) 2010-11 we provided these officers report to headquarters in Jakarta). We are £370,000; in FY 2009-10 we provided £384,912; in FY aware that Mako Tabuni was killed by the Indonesian 2008-09 we provided £169,124; in FY 2007-08 we provided security forces on 14 June, but the circumstances £212,486; in FY 2006-07 we provided £210,413; and in surrounding his death remain unclear. Our ambassador 2005-06 we provided £133,204. Each year we have delivered met with senior police officials in Papua in September a package of classroom-based training programmes and emphasised the need for full and transparent and support through a UK Police Training Adviser. investigations into violent incidents. These training programmes are provided for the Indonesian National Police including officers from Densus Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign 88 as the lead police unit tackling terrorism in the and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to country. They aim to share UK experience in managing ensure that officers of the Indonesian counter-terrorist counter-terrorism investigations, preventing terrorist attacks; organisation Densus 88 trained by the UK are not and investigating and prosecuting those who are responsible involved in human rights violations in Papua. [123440] in a way that is compliant with international human rights standards. Mr Swire: The UK shares the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Co-operation’s (JCLEC) commitment to Nigeria work within a framework of respect for the rule of law and a commitment to upholding human rights obligations Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for in compliance with UK and international standards. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent We keep our capacity building work under close review assessment he has made of the extent of religious to ensure that it meets our human rights obligations. All persecution in Nigeria; and what representations he has of the training delivered by the UK is rooted firmly in made to the Nigerian government on such persecution. the importance of upholding human rights in counter-terror [123973] investigations and each training course contains a specific module on these obligations. Mark Simmonds: We assess that Nigeria is a tolerant Any allegations of wrongdoing in counter-terror nation, however attacks by violent extremists have sought operations should be taken seriously and fully investigated to provoke religious division. Such attacks, as well as and addressed. We welcomed the Chief of the Indonesian inter-communal violence, have caused suffering in both National Police’s commitment, in July 2011, that in the Christian and Muslim communities in Nigeria. event of any allegations, Densus 88 would be open “to Responsibility for many of these attacks, including any assessment made by a third party to make sure that increasingly those against places of worship, has been the unit violates no law” and to take action if it is clear claimed by the Islamic extremist group popularly known that a violation has occurred. as Boko Haram. Boko Haram has also claimed responsibility for attacks against political and traditional Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign leaders, as well as members of Nigeria’s security forces. and Commonwealth Affairs what UK-supplied military The British Government condemns all such instances of equipment is used by the Indonesian counter-terrorism violence, and we regularly call for those responsible to organisation Densus 88; what guidelines have been issued be brought to justice and for the Government of Nigeria to the British embassy in Indonesia concerning the to ensure the protection of all Nigerian citizens. The end-use monitoring of UK-supplied military equipment; most recent occasion was during the visit by the three and, if he will place a copy of those guidelines in the Permanent Secretaries of the Foreign and Commonwealth Library. [123441] Office, the Department for International Development and Ministry of Defence in September. Mr Swire: The UK has not licensed the export of any goods or technology from the UK Military List for use Somalia by Densus 88 in the past 13 years, which are the years for which electronic records are available. Guidance on Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign the end-use monitoring of UK-supplied military equipment and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received is made available to all Posts. Disclosure of this internal on levels of human trafficking in Somalia; and what guidance could prejudice the effective conduct of our discussions he has had with his Somali counterpart on Posts’ activity; thus I do not propose to place a copy in human trafficking. [124282] the House Library. Mark Simmonds: We take human trafficking very Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign seriously and recognise that it is a prevalent problem in and Commonwealth Affairs what funding the the horn of Africa. We are committed to tackling Government has provided (a) to the Jakarta Centre for human trafficking both on a national and global scale Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) and (b) for and supporting the work being carried out by the training of Indonesia’s Special Detachment 88 (Densus International Organisation for Migration and other 88) counter-terrorism unit through JCLEC, by year; organisations in the region to help tackle this crime. and under what budget headings any such funding was The UK is working closely with Somali, African Union allocated. [123442] and international partners to ensure the protection of human rights throughout Somalia, including by developing Mr Swire: Since 2005 the Foreign and Commonwealth the government’s capacity to tackle human rights issues Office’s Counter Terrorism Programme (CTP) has provided such as human trafficking. This is in line with the aims approximately £2.3 million in support of the Jakarta of our Human Trafficking Strategy. 747W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 748W

Somalia is not one of the major source countries for BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS trafficking victims to the UK. Since January 2012, three Somali nationals have been referred to the UK’s national. ACAS referral mechanism as potential victims. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will undertake Sri Lanka an investigation into the efficacy and impartiality of the advice given by the ACAS helpline. [124058] Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Jo Swinson: ACAS takes its responsibilities to ensure and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he that it gives callers accurate and impartial advice very has made of the treatment and situation of Tamils seriously. ACAS regularly monitors customers’ usage, returned to Sri Lanka by the UK in the last year. experiences and attitudes towards the ACAS helpline. [123301] The following results are based on the most recent independent evaluation of the ACAS helpline published Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in August 2012: monitors the human rights situation in Sri Lanka and Impartiality: our high commission maintains an oversight of the 94% of callers agreed that the helpline adviser presented the returns process. The UK does not monitor unsuccessful information in an impartial way. asylum seekers who have returned to their country of Quality of advice: origin as they are, by definition, foreign nationals who 93% of callers agreed that the helpline adviser was knowledgeable; have been found as a matter of law not to need the UK’s 86% of callers agreed that the information provided answered protection and who had no legal basis of stay in the their inquiry in full; UK. 85% of callers agreed that the information provided helped The UK takes its international responsibilities seriously them decide what to do next (this is quoted in the 2011/12 annual and fully complies with all of its international obligations report ’performance against customer satisfaction targets’ against under the 1951 United Nations convention relating to a target of 70%); the status of refugees and the European convention on 87% of callers agreed that the information provided in their human rights. The British Government also regularly call was valuable to them. urges the Sri Lankan Government to improve the human Overall satisfaction: rights situation for vulnerable groups and to investigate 94% of callers were satisfied overall with the service they incidents that happen and prosecute those responsible. received from the ACAS helpline. ACAS has a comprehensive programme of development Where asylum seekers can demonstrate they face a for its advisers to ensure they are kept up to date and real risk of persecution or ill-treatment on return to Sri managers work closely with staff including listening to Lanka, they are granted protection in the UK. Returns call recordings to ensure that advice given meets its are enforced only if it is safe to do so and the UK standards. Border Agency is satisfied that the individual has no international protection needs. All decisions have a Apprentices: Ashfield right of appeal where they are evaluated by the independent Tribunal Service for Immigration and Asylum. The Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for European Court of Human Rights has endorsed our Business, Innovation and Skills how many people started policy that not all Tamil asylum seekers are in need of Government apprenticeships in Ashfield constituency international protection. in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012 to date. [124240] Matthew Hancock: Table 1 shows the number of apprenticeship programme starts in Ashfield parliamentary Terrorism constituency for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 academic years based on final year data and for the 2011-12 Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign academic year based on provisional data. and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Provisional data for the 2011-12 academic year provide Department has made of the extent of funding of an early view of performance and will change as further terrorist organisations from ransom payments. [123395] data returns are received from further education colleges and providers. Figures for 2011-12 will be finalised in January 2013. They should not be directly compared Alistair Burt: Terrorists use kidnapping to raise finance. with final year data from previous years. al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) in particular has repeatedly taken western hostages. In some cases these Table 1: Apprenticeship programme starts in Ashfield parliamentary 1 operations have been co-ordinated with al-Qaeda leadership. constituency, 2009-10 to 2011-12 Funds raised from ransom payments have significantly Final Provisional enhanced AQ-M’s operational capability, including its 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 ability to recruit and retain personnel and buy new Ashfield 710 1,270 1,430 equipment. The British Government’s policy on kidnap parliamentary for ransom is long-held and clear: we seek the swift and constituency 1Provisional. safe return of hostages, but do not pay ransoms or Notes: make other substantive concessions to hostage takers 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten. (prisoner release or a change in policy). We do so on the 2. Geographic breakdowns are based upon the home postcode of the learner. 3. Figures are based on the geographic boundaries as of May 2010. basis that making concessions serves only to fuel the Source: problem and increase the risk to our nationals. Individualised Learner Record. 749W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 750W

Information on the number of apprenticeship starts under a previous Administration. It is an established by geography is published in a supplementary table to a convention that Minsters of one Administration cannot quarterly Statistical First Release (SFR). The latest see the documents of a previous Administration. I am SFR was published on 11 October 2012: therefore unable to provide the information requested. http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ Females: Directors statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_supplementary_tables/ Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Apprenticeship_sfr_supplementary_tables/ Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on the proposal by the European Commission to institute British Antarctic Survey a mandatory quota on the number of women on company boards. [124072] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for Jo Swinson: We have received no formal announcement from the European Commission as to their proposed the future of the British Antarctic Survey. [123682] policy for Women on Boards. Mr Willetts: There is at present no agreed plan to The Government agree with the Commission that change the status of the British Antarctic Survey. On 7 increasing the representation of women on the boards June 2012, the Natural Environment Research Council of UK listed companies is an important issue. However (NERC) announced that it is looking at merging the we are not in favour of EU legislation or regulation, scientific and logistics management of the British Antarctic including quotas. National level solutions are best and Survey and the National Oceanography Centre to form evidence shows that the UK’s voluntary business-led a single, integrated marine and polar research centre. approach is working. An open consultation of stakeholders and staff was Graduates launched on the NERC website and closed last week with 370 responses. The NERC Council will reach a decision in due course, informed by the results of the Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for consultation and other feedback. Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of graduates in science, technology, engineering and Any changes would have no effect on the UK’s mathematics subjects from universities in England in commitment to scientific excellence in Antarctica nor the last three years were UK nationals; and what on the existing footprint of scientific bases and research proportion of students registered for postgraduate ships in the South Atlantic. NERC has stated that the degrees in such subjects in England are UK nationals. three NERC sites in Cambridge, Southampton and [124126] Liverpool will remain. The British Antarctic Survey name would be retained for activities and logistics relating Mr Willetts: The latest available information on the to the Antarctic and South Atlantic. proportion of undergraduate qualifiers in science, Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 technology, engineering and mathematics subjects from universities in England who were of UK nationality is Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for shown in Table 1 for the academic years 2008/09 to Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy was on 2010/11. Information on the proportion of postgraduate retaining section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and enrolments in science, technology, engineering and Patents Act 1988 during negotiations on the Designs mathematics subjects at universities in England who Directive. [122917] were of UK nationality is shown in Table 2. Information for the 2011/12 academic year will become Jo Swinson [holding answer 19 October 2012]: The available from the Higher Education Statistics Agency Designs Directive was negotiated in the late 1990s, in January 2013.

Table 1: UK National undergraduate qualifiers by subject of study English higher education institutions, academic years 2008/09 to 2010/11 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 Subject Of which: UK %UK Of which: UK %UK Of which: UK %UK area Enrolments Nationals Nationals Enrolments Nationals Nationals Enrolments Nationals Nationals

STEM 166,120 129,255 77.8 172,380 132,970 77.1 177.320 136,685 77.1 Non- 231.810 175,295 75.6 245,660 185,080 75.3 256,665 191,360 74.6 STEM Total 397,930 304,550 76.5 418,045 318,050 76.1 433,985 328,045 75.6 Notes: 1. Figures are based on a HESA standard registration population and have been rounded up or down to the nearest five, so components may not sum to totals. 2. Percentages are calculated on unrounded figures and are given to 1 decimal place. 3. STEM: Science, Technology. Engineering and Mathematics Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record Table 2: UK National postgraduate enrolments1 by subject of study English higher education institutions, academic years 2008/09 to 2010/11 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 Subject Of which: UK %UK Of which: UK %UK Of which: UK %UK area Enrolments Nationals Nationals Enrolments Nationals Nationals Enrolments Nationals Nationals

STEM 165,775 89,305 53.9 180,365 96.855 53.7 181,115 96,555 53.3 751W Written Answers22 OCTOBER 2012 Written Answers 752W

Table 2: UK National postgraduate enrolments1 by subject of study English higher education institutions, academic years 2008/09 to 2010/11 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 Subject Of which: UK %UK Of which: UK %UK Of which: UK %UK area Enrolments Nationals Nationals Enrolments Nationals Nationals Enrolments Nationals Nationals

Non- 283,540 165,125 58.2 304,965 175,190 57.4 310,280 177,630 57.2 STEM Total 449,315 254,430 56.6 485,335 272,040 56.1 491,395 274,185 55.8 1 Covers students in all years of study. Notes: 1. Figures are based on a HESA standard registration population and have been rounded up or down to the nearest five, so components may not sum to totals. 2. Percentages are calculated on unrounded figures and are given to 1 decimal place. 3. STEM: Science. Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency {HESA) Student Record

Students: Fees and Charges Further information on the construction of the consumer prices index can be found at Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/cpi/consumer-price-indices/ Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has september-2012/index.html made of the competitiveness of universities in England and Wales in attracting UK students at present fee Wind Power levels. [124124] John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Willetts: In our annual grant letter to the Higher Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), made of the skills gap that exists in relation to the dated 25 January 2012, we asked HEFCE to provide an potential for offshore wind development in the UK; initial assessment by December 2012 of how the new and what steps he plans to take to address that gap. funding arrangements are affecting students and institutions [123974] in England. This will help inform the next grant letter to HEFCE, which will cover the 2013-14 financial year. Matthew Hancock: The UK Commission for As higher education policy in Wales is devolved to Employment and Skills (UKCES) investigated skills the Welsh Government, assessing the competitiveness issues and published ″Maximising employment and skills of Welsh universities would not be undertaken by the in the offshore wind supply chain″ in August 2011. In Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. addition, Energy and Utility Skills (EU Skills), the Sector Skills Council for the renewable energy industry, Mr Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, and RenewableUK, produced ″Working for a Green Innovation and Skills what proportion of the consumer Britain: Vol 2, Future Employment and Skills in the price index basket of goods higher education tuition UK Wind and Marine Industries″ (July 2011). These fees represent. [124178] sources provide a good assessment of the skills required for the future offshore wind industry. Mr Willetts: In the consumer prices index, education In terms of activity, there has been significant success holds a weight of 19 out of a total of 1,000. That weight for the offshore sector in securing skills capacity funding of 19 is further subdivided as shown in the following managed by UKCES. For example, RenewableUK received table: support to establish a Renewable Training Network aiming to tackle skills shortages in the renewable energy Weight sector and EU Skills received funding to create a Group Skills Purchasing Scheme to support the provision of Education 19.00 quality assured training addressing the skills needed for University Tuition Fees— 3.80 the delivery of renewable energy. There is also a range International Student of initiatives aiming to increase awareness of green Private School Fees 5.32 skills, such as information provided through the National University Tuition Fees—UK 6.46 Student Careers Service and improving green skills provision in the Further Education sector through the work of the Part-time Education Classes 3.42 Learning and Skills Improvement Service. ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 22 October 2012

Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE...... 679 DEFENCE—continued Advertising Spend...... 688 Service Personnel Children...... 692 Afghan National Security Forces ...... 689 Topical Questions ...... 693 BAE Systems/EADS Merger...... 681 Type 26 Combat Ship...... 686 Iran...... 687 Veterans (Support)...... 682 Nuclear Fleet ...... 684 Veterans (Support)...... 691 Service Leavers (Support) ...... 679 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 22 October 2012

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 43WS TREASURY ...... 43WS Contingency Fund Advance...... 43WS Bilateral Loan to Ireland...... 43WS

HOME DEPARTMENT...... 44WS Consultation on Firearms Control WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 44WS (Government Response)...... 44WS Equality 2025 (Triennial Review) ...... 44WS PETITIONS

Monday 22 October 2012

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 7P BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Post Office facilities (Bargeddie)...... 7P Post Offices (Clifton, Bristol) ...... 7P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Friday 19 October 2012—[Continued.]

Col. No. Col. No. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 559W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT—continued Anniversaries ...... 559W Tourism: Lancashire ...... 574W Apprentices...... 559W World Heritage Sites ...... 574W Art Works ...... 560W Arts...... 560W HEALTH...... 575W Arts Council England ...... 561W Accident and Emergency Departments ...... 575W Arts: Education...... 561W Apprentices...... 576W Assets...... 561W Blood and Marrow Transplantation...... 576W Battle of Waterloo: Anniversaries ...... 562W Cancer: Accident and Emergency Departments..... 577W Bell Towers...... 563W Contraceptives: Advisory Services ...... 577W British Library ...... 563W Diabetes ...... 578W British Museum ...... 563W Domestic Violence ...... 578W Cathedrals...... 563W Drugs: Misuse...... 580W Consultants...... 564W Epilepsy ...... 581W Cultural Heritage ...... 564W General Practitioners ...... 582W Direct Selling ...... 565W Harrow Primary Care Trust: Surgery ...... 589W Dismissal ...... 566W Health Professions: Greater London...... 590W HMS Victory ...... 566W Health Services: Overseas Visitors ...... 595W Holiday Accommodation...... 566W Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements ...... 595W Internet ...... 567W Heart Diseases ...... 596W Marketing ...... 567W Influenza: Vaccination ...... 598W Meetings ...... 568W Insulin...... 598W Museums and Galleries...... 568W Midwives...... 598W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 571W NHS: Emergencies ...... 599W Procurement...... 572W NHS: Finance ...... 600W Public Libraries...... 572W NHS: Innovation ...... 601W Public Relations ...... 573W NHS: Private Patients ...... 602W Stonehenge...... 573W NHS: Procurement ...... 601W Tourism...... 573W NHS: Redundancy...... 603W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued HEALTH—continued NHS: Secondment ...... 603W Radiotherapy ...... 605W North West London Hospitals NHS Trust: Private Research ...... 607W Patients ...... 604W Reserve Forces ...... 607W Nurses: Recruitment ...... 605W Respiratory System: Health Services...... 607W Organs: Donors ...... 605W Smallpox: Vaccination ...... 607W Out of Area Treatment ...... 605W Thalidomide...... 608W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 605W Waste Disposal: Health Hazards...... 608W WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 22 October 2012

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 632W DEFENCE—continued Advanced Language Solutions...... 632W Aircraft Carriers ...... 612W Crime: Disability...... 632W Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme ...... 613W Crimes of Violence...... 632W Astute Class Submarines...... 614W Cybercrime ...... 633W BAE Systems ...... 614W Offences against Children ...... 633W Consultants...... 614W Police Custody ...... 633W Defence Equipment and Support...... 609W Defence Vetting Agency...... 611W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 748W Guided Weapons...... 614W ACAS ...... 748W Job Satisfaction...... 614W Apprentices: Ashfield...... 748W Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft...... 615W British Antarctic Survey...... 749W Libya: Military Intervention ...... 615W Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 ...... 749W Military Aircraft ...... 615W Females: Directors ...... 750W Military Aircraft: Helicopters ...... 616W Graduates ...... 750W National Security ...... 616W Students: Fees and Charges...... 751W Nimrod Aircraft...... 616W Wind Power ...... 752W Operation Atalanta...... 617W Procurement...... 617W CABINET OFFICE...... 669W Radio Frequencies ...... 617W Behavioural Insight...... 669W Research ...... 618W Freedom of Information Act 2000: Email...... 669W Second World War Arctic Convoys ...... 609W Lobbying...... 670W Service Personnel Children...... 611W Miriam Maes ...... 670W Territorial Waters...... 618W Official Cars...... 670W Trident ...... 618W Unemployment: Ashfield ...... 670W World Land Speed Record (Bloodhound SSC Team)...... 612W CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ...... 634W Land ...... 634W EDUCATION...... 650W Care to Learn Scheme...... 650W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 627W Education: West Midlands ...... 650W Electrical Safety ...... 627W English Baccalaureate ...... 651W Housing: Construction...... 627W Free School Meals...... 651W Internet ...... 628W Primary Education: English Language...... 652W Local Government ...... 628W Research ...... 652W Local Government Finance ...... 628W Non-domestic Rates...... 630W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 661W Planning Permission ...... 631W British Energy ...... 661W Property Development ...... 631W Carbon Trust: Grants...... 662W Regional Growth Fund ...... 631W Coal ...... 662W Electricity Generation...... 663W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 671W Energy Distribution ...... 665W Arts...... 671W Energy: Private Rented Housing ...... 665W Betting Shops...... 672W Gas and Electricity Markets Authority ...... 666W Boxing: Females...... 672W Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 666W Cultural Heritage ...... 672W Miriam Maes ...... 667W Gambling...... 673W Nuclear Power Stations...... 668W Internet ...... 673W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 668W Meetings ...... 676W Research ...... 669W Music: Pilot Schemes ...... 676W Public Consultation ...... 677W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Recruitment ...... 678W AFFAIRS...... 624W Tourism...... 678W Chemicals: Health Hazards...... 624W Tourism: North West ...... 680W COPHES ...... 625W Food: Waste Disposal ...... 625W DEFENCE...... 609W Incinerators...... 625W Afghanistan ...... 610W Phytophthora Ramorum...... 626W Col. No. Col. No. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— HOME DEPARTMENT—continued continued Immigration...... 646W Plastic Bags...... 626W Police: Lambeth ...... 646W Shrimps...... 627W Police: Overtime...... 647W Police: Powers ...... 647W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 740W Sexual Offences...... 647W Afghanistan ...... 740W Smuggling ...... 649W Arms Trade: Treaties...... 740W UK Border Agency ...... 650W British Indian Ocean Territory...... 740W Energy...... 741W INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY Indonesia ...... 741W STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE ...... 636W Nigeria...... 746W Treasury...... 636W Somalia...... 746W Sri Lanka ...... 747W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 716W Terrorism ...... 747W Bangladesh...... 716W Electoral Reform International Services...... 732W HEALTH...... 695W Maldives ...... 733W Abortion ...... 695W Overseas Aid...... 733W Accident and Emergency Departments: North Sri Lanka ...... 733W East...... 695W Alcoholic Drinks: Nitrogen...... 696W JUSTICE...... 679W Bisphenol A ...... 697W Administration of Justice...... 679W Caesarean Sections ...... 699W Bribery Act 2010...... 679W Care Homes: Finance...... 699W Courts: Interpreters...... 681W Carers: Nottinghamshire...... 700W Debt Collection...... 681W Chemicals: Health Hazards...... 701W Legal Aid Scheme: Fraud...... 682W Drinks...... 705W Marriage: Ceremonies...... 683W Genetically Modified Organisms: Maize...... 705W Oakwood Prison ...... 683W Health Services: Homelessness...... 707W Offences Against Children ...... 686W Herbal Incense: Health Hazards ...... 707W Offensive Weapons...... 686W Homeopathy ...... 707W Prison Service: Staff ...... 687W Hospitals: Sexual Offences...... 707W Prisons: Contracts...... 690W Infectious Diseases...... 708W Sexual Offences...... 690W Jam: Storage ...... 708W Squatting ...... 694W Kettering Hospital ...... 708W Learning Disability: Ashfield ...... 709W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 634W London Ambulance Service ...... 709W Homicide ...... 634W NHS Blood and Transplant: Floods ...... 709W NHS: Finance ...... 711W PRIME MINISTER ...... 635W NHS: G4S...... 712W Conservative Party: Conferences...... 635W Nurses...... 712W Members: Correspondence ...... 635W Obesity...... 712W Members: Pensions ...... 635W Press...... 713W USA...... 635W Prostate Cancer...... 713W Schizophrenia ...... 714W TRANSPORT ...... 652W Smoking...... 715W Aviation ...... 652W Speech Therapy: Tees Valley ...... 716W Blue Badge Scheme...... 653W Travel ...... 716W Crossrail Line...... 653W University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Cycling: Helmets...... 654W Trust: Maternity Services ...... 716W Electric Vehicles ...... 655W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 656W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 636W Large Goods Vehicles: Licensing...... 656W Antisocial Behaviour...... 636W Liverpool Port...... 656W Antisocial Behaviour: Liverpool ...... 637W Motor Vehicles...... 657W Antisocial Behaviour: Merseyside ...... 637W Motor Vehicles: Insurance ...... 657W Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Merseyside ...... 636W Motor Vehicles: Registration...... 658W Asylum ...... 637W Public Transport: Disabled People ...... 658W Asylum: Deportation ...... 638W Railways: Fares ...... 658W Badgers ...... 639W Railways: Franchises ...... 659W Borders: Personal Records ...... 639W Rescue Services: Helicopters ...... 659W Burglary...... 640W Tolls...... 660W Burglary: Self-defence ...... 640W West Coast Railway Line: Franchises...... 660W Chernobyl: Children ...... 641W Childbirth: Foreign Nationals...... 642W TREASURY ...... 619W Domestic Violence ...... 643W Banks: Loans ...... 619W Domestic Violence: Greater London...... 643W Bumi ...... 619W Drugs: Misuse...... 643W Child Benefit: EU Nationals ...... 619W Entry Clearances...... 644W Commodity Markets...... 620W European Police College ...... 645W Conservative Party: Conferences...... 620W Firearms: Hampshire ...... 645W Corporation Tax: Northern Ireland ...... 621W Human Trafficking ...... 645W Debts: Iceland...... 621W Col. No. Col. No. TREASURY—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Financial Services ...... 621W Employment: Retail Trade ...... 734W Financial Services: Advisory Services...... 621W EU Nationals...... 734W Infrastructure...... 622W Future Jobs Fund...... 735W Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme ...... 622W Housing Benefit ...... 735W Non-domestic Rates...... 622W Income Support ...... 736W Pay: North West...... 623W New Enterprise Allowance...... 736W VAT: Energy...... 623W Remploy...... 736W Welfare Tax Credits...... 623W Social Security Benefits...... 736W Welfare Tax Credits: EU Nationals...... 624W Social Security Benefits: British Nationals Abroad ...... 737W WALES...... 634W Social Security Benefits: Disqualification...... 738W Public Expenditure...... 634W Universal Credit...... 738W Winter Fuel Payments: West Midlands ...... 739W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 734W Work Capability Assessment...... 739W Atos Healthcare ...... 734W Work Programme...... 739W Employment: Advisory Services...... 734W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Monday 29 October 2012

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CONTENTS

Monday 22 October 2012

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 679] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Defence

European Council [Col. 699] Statement—(Prime Minister)

Hillsborough [Col. 719] General debate

Educational Funding Gap [Col. 805] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Children’s Cardiac Surgery (Glenfield) [Col. 163WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 43WS]

Petitions [Col. 7P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 559W]