Monday Volume 575 10 February 2014 No. 120

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 10 February 2014

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2014 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 539 10 FEBRUARY 2014 540

sure that the teaching unions will recognise that this is House of Commons in their interests, and I hope they will embrace and support these changes. Monday 10 February 2014 Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): I know the Secretary of State sees himself as a big beast The House met at half-past Two o’clock at the Cabinet table championing educational reform, but is he aware that most of us who wish well for our educational system want the big beast to be controlled PRAYERS by good information, good research and good evidence? What is the evidence for the longer school day?

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair] : The evidence is there in the gap between, for example, the performance of independent fee-paying schools and state schools. If one looks at those children who get the best results at the end of primary school Oral Answers to Questions and what happens to those who go on to independent schools and those who stay in the state sector, one sees that at the moment those who go on to independent schools are more likely to get good GCSEs and A-levels. EDUCATION A longer school day is one of the ingredients that we believe will make a difference. It has already been the case that great state school heads—for example, Greg The Secretary of State was asked— Martin at Durand academy—have come out and explained why, in their schools, a longer school day definitely Longer School Day helps children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to catch up with their peers. 1. Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe) (Con): What his policy is on the length of the school day; and Lucy Powell (Manchester Central) (Lab/Co-op): I if he will make a statement. [902468] support the Secretary of State’s wish that school nurseries extend hours beyond the statutory 15 hours a week. Is 16. Mr (Esher and Walton) (Con): he aware, however, that 21 local authorities, including What plans he has to extend the school day. [902484] my own in Manchester, already provide full-time nursery provision, but that this is being put at risk by funding The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): changes from his Department? Is this not another example I would like to see state schools offer a school day that is of his actions failing to match his words? nine or even 10 hours long, enabling schools to provide character building, extra-curricular activities and homework sessions. I look forward to working with schools to Michael Gove: I am delighted that so many schools ensure that they have access to the resources necessary and local authorities provide additional hours, and I to provide these activities. work with schools to ensure that more can do so. Where local authorities experience difficulties in ensuring that Damian Collins: Does the Secretary of State agree parents receive the support they need, I want to ask that lengthening the school day in this way will give tough questions about the leadership of those local more children the chance to benefit from a greater authorities to make sure that they devote the same breadth of studies; an opportunity that too often has amount of care, attention and resource to helping fallen only to those who can afford to pay for it? disadvantaged children as my Department does.

Michael Gove: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): On the basis that What we need to do is close the unacceptable gap in there is more to education than the classroom, will the attainment between those who are fortunate enough to Secretary of State tell the House what discussions he have parents who can pay for them to be educated has had with various organisations—scouts, guides, privately and those in the state sector. The very best cadets and so on—on how a longer school day would state schools recognise that a longer school day with impact on the out-of-school activities that our young additional extra-curricular activities is just one way of people undertake? ensuring that all our children can succeed. Michael Gove: I would hope that our voluntary Mr Raab: These plans would strengthen children’s organisations would play a part in making sure that education, ensure time for music, sport and other extra- more young people can enjoy the sort of character-building curricular activities, ease the time pressure on teachers activities that those organisations believe in. Many scout and help out working parents. I urge the Secretary of troops already work closely with schools, and it is State not to allow the narrow vested interests of the certainly the case that cadets are an integral part of the unions to block the delivery of these plans. success of schools in and state sectors. I want to do everything possible to ensure that children Michael Gove: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. can enjoy those activities, and, in particular, that children These plans will ensure that a broader range of culturally from disadvantaged backgrounds, who have not had enriching activities are available to young people. I am the chance in the past, now have that opportunity. 541 Oral Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 542

School Opening (Bad Weather) one of the Department’s education policy advisers is considering it in detail and examining the evidence. I 2. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): If he will note that 120 schools already participate in mindfulness take steps to ensure that schools stay open in adverse programmes, and also that several Members of this House are using it to improve their performance. winter weather conditions. [902469]

The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): Our Mr (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton) Department’s clear view is that head teachers should (Con): The early-years foundation stage framework makes keep schools open during adverse weather conditions it clear that by the time children reach the reception unless it is really not possible to do so. Our advice to class at primary school, the majority of the school day schools makes it clear that they now have a great deal of should be spent in teacher-led activities, rather than flexibility to work creatively; for example, bringing together child-initiated play. What can my hon. Friend do to classes with teachers and volunteers working together. ensure that the framework is correctly interpreted by schools and that we do not continue to see the dominance, Mr Hollobone: When schools are closed owing to particularly in weaker primary schools, of so-called adverse weather conditions, that has a knock-on effect free-flow methods, which delay children being taught to on other public sector provision, as well as on small read and entrench the attainment gap between those businesses, as parents who are unable to arrange alternative from wealthy and those from poorer backgrounds? child care are unable to go to work themselves. For local authority schools, will the Minister make clear whether it is the responsibility of head teachers or the local Elizabeth Truss: My hon. Friend makes a good point. authority, or a combination of both, that schools remain High-quality, teacher-led early-years education is vital open? to closing the gap between those on the lowest and those on the highest incomes. At the moment, when Mr Laws: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend’s those children arrive at school, there is an 18-month views, and I know that he has taken a keen interest in vocabulary gap, which is why we are keen, and Ofsted this issue. It is a responsibility for all individual schools has confirmed, that although there should be no decision and head teachers to keep their schools open in adverse about exactly what type of teaching takes place, it weather conditions. The Department has issued clear should be of a high quality and it should raise the guidance. We are conscious that the unnecessary closure attainment of children and close that gap before they of schools causes disruption to children’s education, arrive at school. and to parents and to the economy.

Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab): I would like to Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): When the Secretary thank the Minister—[Interruption.] No. 3, Mr Speaker. of State opened the Krishna Avanti Hindu school in I was getting carried away. Leicester, he saw a room dedicated to yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Unfortunately, it was such a quick Mindfulness visit, he could not take advantage of its benefits. However, there is a proposal to open a secondary school so would 3. Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab): What assessment the Minister consider opening that school and perhaps he has made of the potential of mindfulness to improve making use of the benefits of such a room in any education outcomes. [902470] discussions that she or the Secretary of State might have with Ofsted? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Elizabeth Truss): The new national curriculum sets out high expectations of what teachers should teach, but Elizabeth Truss: That certainly sounds like an interesting gives them much more flexibility over how to do it. invitation, although I can assure the right hon. Gentleman Teachers have the freedom to try new approaches and that the Secretary of State is very mindful in the Department do things differently in a way that benefits students. A for Education. There are a number of free schools longer school day would also enable schools to build pioneering these types of approach, and that is one of confidence and resilience, as well as the core academic the reasons we give schools autonomy over how to skills vital to success. teach—so that they can explore new and innovative ideas and new ways of delivering high-quality education. Mr Speaker: We can now enjoy the full benefit of the hon. Gentleman’s mindfulness. Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): Does my hon. Friend agree it is vital that schools have Chris Ruane: I would like—once again—to thank the the freedom to choose which external programmes they Minister for meeting me and the hon. Member for adopt and have the flexibility to try novel approaches Chatham and Aylesford () last Monday they believe might benefit their pupils overall? to discuss mindfulness in education, and I would also like to pay tribute to the Prime Minister for the measurement of well-being, but what more can the Minister and her Elizabeth Truss: I completely agree with my hon. Department do to use mindfulness in education to raise Friend. That is why the new national curriculum is educational attainment and improve student well-being? much more flexible over how teachers teach. We want to see high attainment and high expectations. Also, a Elizabeth Truss: I thank the hon. Gentleman for our longer school day gives schools more freedom to explore excellent meeting last week, which I thought was very different activities with children to help raise their resilience helpful. I have taken the research he put forward, and and confidence. 543 Oral Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 544

Sixth-form Colleges (Funding) Matthew Hancock: As part of the per pupil funding, there is extra support for the most disadvantaged—for 4. Ian Swales (Redcar) (LD): What comparative instance, those with learning difficulties or those who assessment he has made of funding for sixth-form colleges are care leavers. On the changes to funding for 18-year-olds, and school sixth forms. [902471] the evidence is clear that they are on average no more disadvantaged than the totality of 16 to 18-year-olds. The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): The Government fund sixth-form colleges and school Academies and Free Schools (Performance) sixth forms using the same national funding formula— meaning that every child is treated the same—with 5. Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): What recent extra support for the most disadvantaged. assessment he has made of the performance of pupils in academies and free schools. [902472] Ian Swales: Most of the post-16 schooling for my constituents takes place at Prior Pursglove sixth-form 8. (Henley) (Con): What recent assessment college. I welcome the correction of the free school meal he has made of the performance of pupils in academies anomaly from this September, but will the Minister now and free schools. [902475] correct the further anomaly that despite receiving significantly less funding, according to the Association The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): of Colleges, sixth-form colleges are expected to pay Results continue to improve more quickly in sponsored VAT, but schools are not? academies than in local authority maintained schools, at both primary and secondary level. Converter academies Matthew Hancock: Sixth-form colleges are funded on continue to outperform other schools and to achieve the same per pupil formula as every other school. They better inspection outcomes than maintained schools. Of do pay VAT, and in return for that they have much more the first wave of 24 free schools, three quarters have flexibility in their own borrowing. I recognise the campaign. been rated outstanding or good. Putting this anomaly right would cost £150 million, money that we do not have because of the enormous Mr Wilson: The introduction of academies, free schools deficit left by Labour. I recognise the argument, but at and university technical colleges into challenging areas present there is no money. in my constituency is lifting the performance of all secondary schools in those areas. Does my right hon. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Given that money is Friend agree that these schools perform well precisely short, why are the Government spending £63 million on because they have autonomy from local education authority around 1,500 students in nine 16 to 18 free schools—£40,000 control? Will he condemn any attempt to remove those per student—while cutting the money going to the freedoms? 156,000 students in sixth-form colleges? Michael Gove: My hon. Friend is right. It is the case that education outcomes are improving in Reading as a Matthew Hancock: The resource spending that supports result of this Government’s changes. That is why it is so sixth-formers is exactly the same per student in free worrying that the spokesman for the Opposition told schools, sixth-form colleges and school sixth forms. We this weekend that they would halt have a national funding formula. Before this Government the free school programme. It would be a terrible reversal came to office, we did not have a national funding of the improvement in our children’s education. formula; we had different funding for different pupils. We think it is fairer to have the same funding per pupil John Howell: Does my right hon. Friend agree that for all students, and that is what we are doing. pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds in academies and free schools make better progress than their peers Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon) (Con): The funding in local authority maintained schools? differential is being accentuated by very significant differences in funding grant around the country, Michael Gove: My hon. Friend is right. The statistics negatively affecting the f40 authorities generally and bear him out. It is important, of course, to acknowledge the Cambridgeshire authority more than any other. that across the board our schools are improving—local How is my hon. Friend planning to put this right? authority schools, academies and free schools—but it is critically important to recognise at the same time that, Matthew Hancock: That is exactly the sort of anomaly particularly for disadvantaged children, academies are that we have put right by making sure that resource seeing fantastic results. funding is exactly the same per student for 16 to 18-year- olds, no matter what type of institution or where in the Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): Does country. the right hon. Gentleman agree with me and the many Brighton teachers who have been in touch with me that Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): One of the reasons all sorts of things affect performance in our schools, for differential funding has been students who have including pupil-teacher ratios, selection and financial experienced less education before they get to the sixth resources? Following his recent announcement that state form than other students, perhaps because of illness, schools should be more like private schools, if he will absence from school or being refugees, for example. The not or cannot even up the resources, will he at least changes in funding for 18-year-olds in further education summon up the academic rigour to compare like with are hitting those people. What is the Minister going to like? There is plenty of evidence that state schools do about it? outperform private schools in many cases. 545 Oral Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 546

Michael Gove: The hon. Lady is absolutely right, and Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman ought to be had she been fortunate enough to join me at the London starting to get to grips with parliamentary procedures Academy of Excellence last week, she would have seen a by now. There is no scope for that grouping and it free school that is outperforming an independent school. certainly should not be done on the hoof, as it were. It is The next time I have the opportunity to visit an outstanding a matter of agreement in advance, but the hon. Gentleman academy or free school, I hope she will come with me to will learn and he will know not to make that mistake see what the state sector is capable of achieving to next time. outpace and outperform the private sector. Matthew Hancock: I apologise if any mis-communication Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): The Lyndale happened before these questions. school in south Wirral is a very small but excellent Over half of employers report that not enough young school. It is not currently an academy and it is under people leave education with work experience or having threat of closure. One of the options for saving it developed employability skills. involves it becoming an academy, so if parents and I can find a way to keep the school sustainable, will the Julie Hilling: “Businesses and the Government need Secretary of State stand ready to help us? to put their shoulders to the wheel and get our young people job-ready.” So says the CBI head John Cridland. Michael Gove: Absolutely; I very much enjoyed visiting I absolutely agree, but sadly the Secretary of State does the Wirral just two weeks ago, and I will do anything I not. Is he proud of his record of scrapping work experience can to work with the hon. Lady to help the children and and being in complete disarray on careers guidance? teachers in that school. Matthew Hancock: We encourage, and have not scrapped, Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): I wonder work experience. We want more work experience and whether the Secretary of State has read the article in we are putting policies in place to make that happen. Educational Supplement last week which For instance, the new study programmes, which started challenged the PISA evidence about the relationship this September, encourage work experience and an all-round between greater autonomy and educational improvement. education to help people to acquire the skills they need to succeed. Michael Gove: I have not caught up with last week’s Times Educational Supplement, but I enjoy reading it Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) (Lab): Barclays’ and I will look at that article. The evidence from PISA— LifeSkills survey found that nine out of 10 young both the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central (Tristram people believe that work experience should be mandatory, Hunt) and I agree on this—is very powerful in favour of yet the number of schools offering placements for 14 to greater autonomy for schools, but I shall look at any 16-year-olds in England has dropped by around 15% in critique of that evidence in order to weigh it appropriately. the past three years. Instead of failing young people, will the Minister support Labour’s proposals to bring Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Given that he back compulsory work experience for 14 to 16-year-olds? has previously been chastised by the UK Statistics Perhaps he could benefit from it himself. Authority for abusing data, how confident is the Secretary of State that his claims about the improved performance Matthew Hancock: There never was compulsory work of converter academies will stand up to independent experience; there was compulsory work experience or scrutiny in future? “work-like activity”. As we know, young people can tell the difference very easily between real work experience Michael Gove: I rely on the evidence with which I am and something that was cooked up in order to sound presented by Ofsted, by league tables and by every like a good headline. possible measure, so I look forward to having the chance, whenever the hon. Gentleman wants to ask me again, to Vocational Education demonstrate how well these schools are doing. However, I note that when he came to the Dispatch Box, he did 7. Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): What progress not disabuse the House of the view that it will have he has made on improving the quality of vocational taken following the shadow Secretary of State’s statement education. [902474] to The Sunday Times—that Labour would halt the free school programme. I hope the hon. Gentleman will do so when he has the chance again. 10. Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and ) (Con): What progress he has made on improving the quality of vocational education. [902477] Work Experience 12. Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): What progress he 6. Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): What assessment has made on improving the quality of vocational he has made of the effects of changes to work education. [902480] experience on employability. [902473] The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): We are making the vocational education system more With your permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to rigorous and more responsive to employers’needs, removing answer this question in conjunction with Question 22. thousands of qualifications that are not valued by Over half of the— employers and driving up the quality of apprenticeships. 547 Oral Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 548

Mr Marcus Jones: I welcome the introduction of tech hon. Friend the Member for Denton and Reddish (Andrew levels and the technical baccalaureate, which will provide Gwynne), young people are not always pushed enough a gold standard in vocational qualifications, but what is towards the right vocational training and qualifications. my hon. Friend doing to promote such courses, and to Will the Minister visit Hackney to observe the work lift the overall standing of vocational qualifications that My Big Career is doing in schools, and see for and practical careers in, for instance, engineering and himself the benefit of that face-to-face careers advice? construction? Matthew Hancock: Absolutely: I should love to visit Matthew Hancock: We have a huge programme of Hackney with the hon. Lady. What is happening there is work for that purpose. In my hon. Friend’s own part of a wider drive to ensure that it is real employers constituency, for example, the number of apprenticeships who mentor and support young people and give them has risen by 50% since 2010. By promoting tech levels inspiration. It is part of a culture change that is starting and the technical baccalaureate, we are driving up standards to come about, and I look forward to working with the in vocational qualifications, and supporting progression hon. Lady in that connection. in order to show the value of vocational and technical education and hence increase support for it. Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): Vocational education ought to be a genuinely dual Eric Ollerenshaw: May I take up the point made by system. May I invite the Minister never, ever to utter the my hon. Friend the Member for Nuneaton (Mr Jones) sentence “It is for those who cannot attend university”? about parity of esteem, which has always been the issue May I also urge him to realise that it is essential to tie in when it comes to vocational qualifications? Does the work experience with vocational training? Minister think it is about time that employers associations, industrial associations, and perhaps even local chambers Matthew Hancock: I think that our minds are as one became involved in selling those qualifications? on this. I only wish that the hon. Lady had managed to Matthew Hancock: Absolutely. Tech levels need to be convey the same message to her party’s Front Benchers signed off by employers in order to be recognised by the when they were last in government. We strongly believe Department. In the past, there were too many so-called that it should become the norm in this country for vocational qualifications that did not help people to get young people to be able to enter either a university or an on in an occupation. We are changing that by insisting apprenticeship, that the choice should be theirs, and that employers publish support for a qualification before that our job is to provide excellent opportunities in it is recognised by us, so that when people embark on a both. vocational course they know that they will get something valuable out of it. Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): Last week the Edge Foundation published the results of Peter Aldous: Lowestoft college is doing excellent a survey which showed that just 27% of parents thought work in providing young people with the necessary that vocational education was a worthwhile route for vocational skills for the many jobs that will be created in their children to take. In the light of that, does the the energy sector, but the cut in funding for 18-year-olds Minister agree with me, and with my hon. Friend the will have a significant impact on that work. I should Member for Nuneaton (Mr Jones), that more needs to welcome an update from the Minister on what mitigating be done to promote understanding of the additional measures are being introduced. rigour that has been brought to vocational qualifications in general, and to apprenticeships in particular, under Matthew Hancock: I strongly support Lowestoft college, the present Government? and I particularly welcome the fact that the number of apprenticeships in my hon. Friend’s constituency has Matthew Hancock: I think it is not enough simply to almost doubled since 2010. As he knows, we are looking exhort that technical and vocational education is important. into the allocations to individual colleges, and also We have to make sure we show that it is valued, and that looking into measures to mitigate the effects of the it truly is valued by employers in order to change this change we have had to make. perceptions gap, but I would also note that on the same day that that report was published evidence was published Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): During showing that applications to apprenticeships had gone our last session of Education questions, I asked the up sharply again. This shows there is movement in this Minister about a survey conducted by The Times area—there is a culture change in this country—and Educational Supplement, which found that three quarters support for technical and vocational education is on of young people had not received information about the rise. apprenticeships as part of their careers guidance. Does he still stand by the words of the Secretary of State, Mathematics and English (Attainment Standards) who said at a meeting of the Select Committee in December that he had no plans to review careers guidance? 9. Mr (Gravesham) (Con): What Matthew Hancock: If I recall correctly, my right hon. steps he is taking to improve standards of attainment Friend—my boss—said that we would shortly be publishing in English and mathematics. [902476] further statutory guidance, and we will. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ (Elizabeth Truss): We know that English and maths are Co-op): My Big Career is a charity that provides face-to-face vital for young people’s life chances and employment careers advice in Hackney schools, and is already making prospects. Maths in particular provides the strongest great strides in improving the present position. It has link to future earnings and we are raising standards also uncovered the fact that, as was pointed out by my in both these subjects. It is good news that a record 549 Oral Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 550 number of students are now taking maths A-level, and Elizabeth Truss: I am pleased to be able to tell the by 2020 we want the vast majority of students to be hon. Lady that we have recruited a record number of studying maths to 18. physics teachers this year and we have the highest bursaries and scholarships in mathematics and physics. Mr Holloway: What steps can the Minister take to Moreover, we are expanding professional development encourage more students in Gravesham, particularly in maths and physics and technology to make sure all girls, to take up maths? schools have access to the best possible teachers. Elizabeth Truss: I thank my hon. Friend for his Safeguarding Policies (Independent Schools) question. The key to getting more students, and girls in particular, to take maths is the quality of teaching. That is why we are offering the highest bursaries and scholarships 11. Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): in mathematics, and we are also making it clear to girls What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of and their parents that maths is vital whatever career safeguarding policies in independent schools; and if he they want to go into; whether it is fashion of farming, will make a statement. [902479] maths is important. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington) (Mr ): Independent schools must follow (Lab): Does the Minister accept that when it comes to the independent school standards and statutory guidance improving standards of attainment in English and on safeguarding, as well as requirements on vetting mathematics a strong independent national inspectorate checks for staff. The inspection and regulatory system is is vital, and that a strong independent national inspectorate designed to ensure schools meet these standards and has been the anchor of the British school system since any failure to do so triggers a process designed to bring the 19th century and the days of Matthew Arnold? the school up to standard or ultimately be closed. Does she further agree that anything that undermines the inspectorate cannot be in the best interests of British Meg Munn: Local safeguarding children boards are schoolchildren? reporting increased problems in getting independent schools to co-operate with the requirements set out in Elizabeth Truss: I completely agree that it is very guidance to provide information on their policies. Will important to have a strong national inspectorate and the Minister look at this, and when does he plan to issue that is what we have under Sir Michael Wilshaw, and I new guidance in relation to education and child protection am working very closely with Ofsted, in particular on issues? maths education, to make sure that we have the highest possible quality teaching going on in our schools. That Mr Timpson: First, may I pay tribute to the hon. is why this Government are establishing 30 maths hubs Lady, who is not standing again at the next election? across the country that will look at the best practice in Throughout her time in Parliament, she has been a real places such as Singapore and Shanghai and make sure stalwart and a supporter of children in care, particularly that is in our schools. the most vulnerable. I know that many families, not only in Sheffield but across the country, will be grateful Mr Speaker: I assume the hon. Member for Hackney for the work she has done. We will issue the updated North and Stoke Newington (Ms Abbott) calculated guidance shortly, and I reassure her that we will look that Question 19 on Ofsted would not be reached. That specifically at how we can ensure that the information is not of itself an excuse to shoehorn the matter into a given to local safeguarding children boards by independent question some considerable number of minutes earlier. schools is provided properly; that will be made as clear Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): Does my hon. as possible in the guidance that is to follow. Friend the Minister agree with me that one of the best indicators to getting good attainment in maths and Mr Speaker: I call the hon. Member for Sheffield, English is attendance at school? So what more can be Heeley (Meg Munn). [Interruption.] She has had one done to ensure communities who do not always have a go; that is enough. May I say, however, that I echo very good attendance record at school—sometimes the entirely what the Minister has said? This House is losing Traveller community, as in my constituency—are far too many outstanding Members, and far too many encouraged to make sure parents ensure their children outstanding female Members. attend school in settled fashion? Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): There is a conflict of interest Elizabeth Truss: I completely agree with my hon. when abuse is alleged in independent and military fee-paying Friend, and under this Government persistent absence schools, in that the interests of children as possible has reduced and we have given head teachers and teachers victims are pitched against those of the schools, which more power to make sure parents are ensuring their want to protect their reputation in order to maintain fee children are at school. Furthermore, we are consulting income. Will the Minister look again at introducing on the rules around the Gypsy-Roma Traveller community mandatory reporting by staff who become aware of to make sure there is every encouragement for all children abuse allegations to a designated local authority officer, to get the vital education they need. rather than simply requiring the reporting of abuse to a senior teacher or manager in the school? Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): The Government have targets for recruiting teachers of maths and physics, Mr Timpson: The Working Together guidance, which but School Direct in particular is falling well short. was revised in 2013, makes abundantly clear the What action are the Government going to take to responsibility of all professionals who work with children recover recruitment in these specialist subjects? to keep them safe. The evidence, internationally and 551 Oral Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 552 from experts such as Eileen Munro, makes it clear that Mr Laws: My right hon. Friend is right to say that we mandatory reporting does not necessarily make children are reforming teachers’ pay. We are ensuring that there safer and that it can have unintended consequences. We are fair increases in their pay in these times of austerity, continue to look at the arguments, but at the moment and that head teachers have the flexibility to reward the Government are not convinced that mandatory good teachers, particularly in the most challenging schools. reporting is the way forward. What the position of the other parties is on this matter I could not possibly say. Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): What causes the Minister greater concern: the inadequate Simon Wright (Norwich South) (LD): The development investigations into historical abuse at those schools and of a royal college of teaching should rightly be led by the lack of support for the victims, or the worry that the teaching professionals, but will the Minister examine system he has just outlined is so full of holes that it is which functions from his Department relating to still possible for a dedicated abuser to carry on victimising professional matters and standards could transfer to a children in those schools? royal college? Will he consider offering arm’s length financial support to help it get up and running?

Mr Timpson: We need to be careful not to conflate Mr Laws: My hon. Friend rightly says that it would the two issues of historical abuse and the robustness of be a positive development if we were to have a royal the current system. When there has been abuse in the college of teaching. Our Department is willing to play a past, we need to investigate it and take the evidence constructive role in any discussions about the functions where it leads. I am clear, however, that the Working of such a body, which would particularly be in respect Together guidance—along with all the other work we of professional development for teachers. We do not are doing to improve social work practice and to free believe it would be right for our Department to seek to people working on the front line to spend more time run such an organisation; we would want it to be with families rather than sitting behind desks—is the independent of the Department for Education, but we way forward. We are building on the Laming and Munro are willing to do all we can to support such an initiative. reviews, and that is being reflected in the response not only that Ofsted is having through its inspections but Young Carers from front-line practitioners themselves, who can see 14. (Norwich North) (Con): What steps the sense in what we are doing to ensure that all children he is taking to improve support for young carers. are kept safe, whatever the circumstances. [902482]

Teaching Profession The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Mr Edward Timpson): On 8 October, my right hon. 13. Rosie Cooper (West ) (Lab): What Friend the Secretary of State for Education issued a steps his Department is taking to raise the status, written ministerial statement announcing an amendment professionalism and morale of the teaching profession. to the Children and Families Bill. For the first time, all [902481] young carers will have the right to an assessment of their needs for support, as part of the consideration of the needs of the whole family. This amendment will The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): Our reforms help achieve our aim of protecting young people from are making teaching a profession of choice for top excessive or inappropriate caring roles. graduates. Scholarships and bursaries are attracting the very best, and teaching is now the No. 1 destination for Chloe Smith: I very much welcome those measures in graduates from top universities such as Oxford. the Children and Families Bill. I will meet Norfolk Young Carers Forum next week to, “Get it right in Rosie Cooper: Surveys by YouGov have shown that education”, as the forum puts it. These young carers tell teacher morale is plummeting under this Government. me that there needs to be more awareness of young Why does the Minister think that that is happening? carers at schools and colleges, and in the workplace. What message would the Minister send the NYCF? Mr Laws: I do not accept the hon. Lady’s characterisation of teaching. If it were accurate, we would not see such Mr Timpson: I commend my hon. Friend for taking huge numbers of people applying to become teachers or up the challenge on behalf of young carers in her such an increase in the average university qualifications constituency. I know they have been particularly active that teachers are getting. I would also point out that we in helping to design and commission many of the now have the most generous system ever for funding services across the country for young carers. To help disadvantaged young people in schools, which is giving raise awareness and to encourage good practice in schools, teachers the resources to do their job effectively. we are working with the Children’s Society and the Carers Trust to provide teachers with the tools—the training and guidance—they need to recognise and Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Am I correct in support young carers as early as possible. thinking that the Government are reforming teachers’ pay so as to give schools greater flexibility to pay the Community Primary Schools best teachers more and to reward good performance? Could anyone possibly be against teachers having the 15. Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): How performance-related pay arrangements that apply in many applications for academy status from community other professions? Can there be any possible justification primary schools have been declined by his Department. for teachers taking industrial action in our schools? [902483] 553 Oral Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 554

The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): Mr Laws: I assure the hon. Gentleman that we will Eighty. seriously consider the local authority’s view, but we will ensure that the best possible sponsor is in place, and Mr Slaughter: I thank the Secretary of State for that that is not always the sponsor identified by the local succinct answer. The reason I ask is that tonight authority, especially if the authority itself has failed Hammersmith and Fulham’s Conservative council is set over a long period to raise standards in that school. to vote for the closure of Sulivan primary school in Fulham, which is rated in the top 2% in the country, in Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab): order to give its site to a free school. Sulivan’s last hope Does the Minister think that spending £1 million on a is the Secretary of State, so will he agree with the free school for 30 children in my constituency is good London Diocesan Board for Schools, which wants to value for money when we have surplus places and really take Sulivan into its family of schools as an academy, good local schools that are crying out for investment? thatitis Mr Laws: Free schools are being targeted at areas of “unusual to close successful schools with growing rolls”, basic need and where standards are low. We are trying and save Sulivan school? to ensure that the free schools programme complements the Government’s work to provide school places and Michael Gove: I admire good local authorities, and raise standards throughout the country. Hammersmith and Fulham’s is one of the best, so the decisions it quite properly takes outside the hon. Developing Character and Resilience in Young People Gentleman’s constituency and in that of my hon. Friend the Member for Chelsea and Fulham () I 18. (East Hampshire) (Con): What would entirely support. As for creating a free school in assessment he has made of the potential role of schools Hammersmith and Fulham, why should a former public in building character and resilience in young people. schoolboy such as the hon. Gentleman, who benefited [902486] from the independence of a great school such as Latymer The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education upper, wish to deny such high standards to others? Is it (Mr Edward Timpson): Schools play an important role that the hypocrisy—forgive me, the double standards—of in providing character-building activities for their pupils. the Labour Front-Bench team now extends to the Back Sports clubs, orchestras and choirs, school plays, cadet Benchers, too? forces and debating competitions all help to build character Academies and Free Schools (Accountability) and give children opportunities to flourish. Schools are best placed to determine the needs of their pupils and 17. Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): What steps how best to meet them. he is taking to ensure that academies and free schools are accountable for their leadership and corporate Damian Hinds: Given that welcome emphasis on governance. [902485] character building for all, may I commend to the Minister—and subtly plug—a report out tomorrow on The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): Academies character and resilience by the all-party group on social and free schools are subject to the same rigorous Ofsted mobility? Will he consider more ways to develop these inspection framework as maintained schools. Ofsted crucial traits throughout childhood, and in and out of inspectors examine the impact of leaders at all levels school? and evaluate how effectively the school is governed and managed. The Education Funding Agency and our Mr Speaker: Not that subtly. Department are also responsible for the oversight of Mr Timpson: The report has clearly moved to the top academies and the free schools programme. of my reading list. I will read it carefully and look at some of the lessons that we can learn from my hon. Duncan Hames: I thank the Minister for that response. Friend’s work, to which I pay tribute. We have already Where both teaching staff and Ofsted, through these spoken about the role that cadet forces can play in state inspections, raise concerns about the management or schools, and we are working with the Ministry of Defence governance of an academy or free school, what means to improve that role. We are also removing unnecessary are available to them to secure any necessary changes to health and safety rules that prevent children from going both procedures and personnel? on expeditions and seeking adventures, which I hope Mr Laws: The first thing staff and others should do that the whole House will applaud. in those circumstances is to raise their concerns with the Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): Of course one governing body. If they are not satisfied with that, they of the ways of building resilience among pupils would should not hesitate to raise concerns with either the be to introduce compulsory sex and relationships education. EFA or our Department. We always take such matters Fahma Mohamed, a 17-year-old student from Bristol, extremely seriously. If my hon. Friend has any concerns is spearheading a national campaign to end female about any cases in his constituency, he should feel free genital mutilation. I understand that she has written to to raise them with me or other Ministers. the Secretary of State to ask if he is prepared to meet her. Her petition has already attracted 167,000 signatures. 22. [902491] John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) Will the Minister ask his colleague whether he is prepared (Lab/Co-op): Will the Minister assure the House that to meet Fahma, who is doing brilliant work through when a school that is currently under local authority the campaign? control has more than one option for moving to academy status, that school and the community will Mr Timpson: The hon. Lady is absolutely right, and have a genuine choice about which option to take? the answer is yes. 555 Oral Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 556

Leadership in Schools unleashed a “smear campaign”against the chief inspector. He has also sacked Baroness Morgan as chair of Ofsted, 19. Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): What recent discussions despite the fact that the Minister for Schools thinks that he has had with the head of Ofsted on leadership in she has done a “fantastic job”. Why is the Secretary of schools. [902487] State so intent on undermining England’s independent school inspectorate system? The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): Leadership and management are integral to the success Michael Gove: I am sure that the chief inspector will of a school and, as such, feature regularly in my discussions be touched to hear the hon. Gentleman’s words of with Her Majesty’s chief inspector. support, but I think that he will also be disturbed to hear that he is alleged to have uttered words that he did Derek Twigg: What was it that brought the Secretary not utter. This is not the first time that the hon. Gentleman of State to the view that it was time to “refresh” the has sallied forth without being in secure possession of person in charge of Ofsted, Baroness Morgan, and to the facts. It has been the case beforehand that his facts bring in a fresh perspective? What specifically concerned have been wrong about the situation in the South Leeds him about performance on school improvement to lead academy, and it has been the case that his facts have him to that conclusion? been wrong, on broadcast, about the number of unqualified teachers in our schools. His facts are wrong again in the Michael Gove: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman allegations he makes about the chief inspector. I hope for giving me an opportunity to do in this House what I that he will take this opportunity to ensure that the have done on other platforms and underline my debt to House knows that he has unfairly and wrongly put Baroness Morgan, who has led the Ofsted board in a words in the chief inspector’s mouth that he did not superlative fashion. However, it is good corporate practice utter. to ensure that the chair of any body—whether the Surrey Heath Conservative association or Ofsted—is Tristram Hunt: We see that the Secretary of State has refreshed from time to time. refused to condemn the campaign against the chief Topical Questions inspector. Is not the truth of the matter this: Ofsted is inspecting his free schools without fear or favour, and he does not like it? The chief inspector wants to inspect T1. [902493] Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North academy chains, and he does not like it. On Friday the Poole) (LD): If he will make a statement on his Al-Madinah secondary school closed, and on Sunday departmental responsibilities. we learned of a new Ofsted purge. Surely the Secretary The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): of State should focus on raising standards, not politicising I had the opportunity last week to congratulate the our school inspectorate system. nation’s teachers on the fantastic GCSE performance recorded in our league tables, which show that the Michael Gove: If the hon. Gentleman wants to be number of students being educated in schools below taken seriously, he must pay close attention to the facts. floor standards at secondary level has diminished The facts are these: I have been zealous in ensuring that dramatically under this Government. I would like to we apply a tighter and more rigorous inspection framework take the opportunity once more to thank the nation’s to all schools—free schools, academies and maintained teachers for the superb work that they do. schools—and in so doing I appointed Sir Michael Wilshaw and I appointed Sally Morgan. I have been the person Annette Brooke: I echo the Secretary of State’s comment. who has been leading change in our schools. I have been Following a unilateral decision by an academy upper the person who has been insistent that we hold our school in my constituency to change the age of transfer education system to the highest standards. I am the from 13 to 11, assuming that the local authorities carry person now demanding once again that the hon. Gentleman out a feasibility study and full consultation, and demonstrate withdraw his earlier statement when he put words into that pupil outcomes will be improved, what assistance the mouth of Sir Michael Wilshaw that he did not utter. can the Government give towards capital expenditure If he does not, we will draw the appropriate conclusion, for any reorganisation of the feeder schools, as that as the New Statesman already has, which is that his clearly is not in any plans? policies are both “timid” and “incoherent”.

Michael Gove: My hon. Friend raises a very specific T3. [902496] Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Con): I case, although I understand why she has brought it to recently visited Havering college in my constituency my attention. I hope that we will have the opportunity and Barking and Dagenham college just outside it. The to talk afterwards so that I can ensure that the Dorset Secretary of State will be pleased to know that we have local authority is provided with all the support it needs excellent standards there, but one thing that is lacking to make sure that children’s educational standards improve. is the importance of teaching our young people about the British constitution, our history, political affairs Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): As and so on. What do the Government intend to do to my hon. Friends the Members for Hackney North and ensure greater awareness of those subjects among Stoke Newington (Ms Abbott) and for Halton (Derek young people? Twigg) have shown, the Opposition recognise the essential role that Ofsted plays in driving up standards in schools. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education I want to place on the record our continued support for (Elizabeth Truss): From September, the new history Sir Michael Wilshaw. However, since we last met, the curriculum will ensure that children understand the Secretary of State has, in the words of Sir Michael, history of these islands as well as a coherent chronological 557 Oral Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 558 narrative. In citizenship, they will learn about the United Elizabeth Truss: I completely agree with my hon. Kingdom’s constitution, about the precious liberties Friend. A third of teachers do not feel they know enjoyed by citizens of our country and about their role exactly which sanctions they are able to use. That is why as citizens and how they can participate. the Secretary of State outlined sanctions such as writing lines, running around the school playing field and picking T2. [902494] Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): up litter, so that proper discipline can be imposed. It is Given the well documented problems that whistle- vital that students are able to learn and that there is an blowers encountered in reporting their experiences at end to low-level disruption in the classroom. Barnfield Federation to the Department for Education, will the Secretary of State commit to publishing all Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): inquiry reports in full, including all the versions that The Facebook drinking game Neknomination has gone have circulated outside the Departments involved? viral, and very sadly young people have died as a result. What role do schools have in building resilience in our young people to resist peer pressure? Michael Gove: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising that case. As we both know, very serious The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education allegations have been made in connection with the (Mr Edward Timpson): The hon. Lady is right to be Barnfield Federation. They are currently being investigated, concerned about some of the ever-changing risks, as and nothing I say, do or publish should prejudice those well as opportunities, for young people through the investigations. However, as has always been the case, internet. That is why we have brought in the teaching of whenever there is information that it is right we should online safety at every key stage so that from the earliest share with those affected and with the public, we will opportunity children are getting the benefit of sound share it in due course. advice. It is also important that parents play their role so that children are getting a consistent message both at T4. [902497] Dr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): school and at home. What action is the Minister taking to support parents and children in deprived areas, particular those in T7. [902500] Mike Thornton (Eastleigh) (LD): The temporary accommodation and without access to IT 17.5% cuts in spending for 18-plus learning announced facilities, to access and retain permanent school places, last year by the Education Funding Agency, the and is he willing to look at the system in place at changes in the 16-to-19 funding formula and the Barnfield primary school in my constituency, with a unfair treatment of sixth-form colleges compared with view to seeing how the Government might encourage schools regarding VAT have put sixth-form colleges effective support in other schools? under serious strain, with cuts to courses and staff. Will the Minister, or even the Secretary of State, meet me The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): I would and the principal of the excellent Barton Peveril college be delighted to look at the situation in my hon. Friend’s in Eastleigh to discuss the impact of these cuts? constituency to see what we can learn from it. During this Parliament we have more than doubled the capital The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): budget for basic need compared with the budget under I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend and the the previous Labour Government, and that is helping principal of his local sixth-form college to discuss how us to deal with such pressures across the country. to make sure that in these tight spending times, which we all know exist, sixth-form colleges can maximise the flexibilities at their command in order to continue the T5. [902498] Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): I thank you, Mr Speaker, for your earlier kind excellent education that most deliver. comments, and the Children’s Minister for the same. Given such warmth towards me today, perhaps the Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab): Many children Secretary of State will tell me why, given that in 2007 who are entitled to free school meals do not receive that the Prime Minister spoke of a new generation of benefit, often because parental embarrassment or a Co-operative schools and said that they had been lack of English mean that the application is not made. welcomed across the board, not one of the Ministers Will the Minister ensure that those children are passported will agree to meet me to discuss these issues and the Bill through on the basis of benefit assessments already that I put forward which would put Co-operative made in respect of those families? schools on a firmer footing. Mr Laws: This is a very important issue, because take-up of free school meals is quite low in some parts Michael Gove: Any opportunity to spend time with of the country. We are working with local authorities to the hon. Lady is one that I would rush to take. The improve the identification of the children who are so cause of the Co-operative movement is very close to my entitled, with some considerable success. As we introduce heart, so I would be delighted to talk to her, perhaps universal infant free meals, we will also look at ways in over a cup of tea, before too long. which we can make this more automatic for all the pupils who are entitled to extra funding for free school T6. [902499] Mr Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk) meals and the pupil premium. (Con): Will the Secretary of State make it 100% clear that he is totally supportive of teachers who want T8. [902501] Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and to use their judgment and common sense to apply Sheppey) (Con): I have recently had to deal with a discipline and punishments that are sensible and number of bullying cases in my local schools. The proportionate? root cause of that bullying appears to be very poor 559 Oral Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 560 discipline. Too often, this indiscipline is caused not by John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): bad teaching but by bad parenting. Will my right hon. At a time when there is overwhelming evidence about Friend do something to improve the situation? the value of physical activity to improving health outcomes and learning in classrooms, why on earth is the Under- Michael Gove: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to Secretary, the hon. Member for South West Norfolk say that parents and teachers need to work together in (Elizabeth Truss), defending the right of teachers to use order to ensure very high standards of behaviour. It is running around the playground as a punishment, rather often the case that what happens before children ever than using the bully pulpit of the Dispatch Box to attend school—in the earliest years—matters. That is condemn such outmoded practices? why the programme of work that the Government are undertaking, led by my right hon. Friends the Secretaries Michael Gove: As a great admirer of Teddy Roosevelt, of State for Work and Pensions and for Communities I am happy to use whatever bully pulpits are available. and Local Government to help troubled families is so Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the Prime important. Minister and the Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Mr Timpson), on Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): Will the securing a sports premium in our primary schools, Secretary of State confirm his support for the ban on which ensures that more physical activity is available smoking in cars with children present? than ever before. I also thank the hon. Member for Barrow and Furness (John Woodcock) for the work he Michael Gove: Absolutely. has undertaken with me to bring an independent school into the state sector—using the free school programme—in Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): University order to give more children opportunities I am afraid technical colleges are an increasingly important and his Front-Bench colleagues would, for ideological reasons, positive part of our education system. Do Ministers deny them. He is a good Blairite; they are the bad ones. share my dismay that, despite the Baker Dearing Trust making it very clear that one would be welcome in Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): School holidays Leeds, Leeds city council refused to put one together for are an important time when families can spend time the important West Park centre site, which is now a pile together, but does the Secretary of State agree that there of rubble? is a difference between legitimate travel companies making a profit and profiteering? Michael Gove: I am genuinely sorry to hear that and I look forward to working with the hon. Gentleman in order to make sure that opportunities for children in Michael Gove: As ever, my hon. Friend makes a very Leeds are not thwarted by the Labour council. acute point. One of the flexibilities we have given—not least to academies and free schools—is the ability to Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): Contrary to vary school holidays in order to make sure that holidays the information given earlier, the Secretary of State is can be cheaper and parents can take them off-peak. well aware that the attainment gap between the wealthiest That is another school freedom that, for ideological and the poorest children in this country grew in every reasons, I am afraid Labour Front Benchers would region apart from London last year. Does he accept any deny. I do not understand why they are so keen to make responsibility for that? holidays more expensive for hard-working families.

Michael Gove: I absolutely do, but I think the hon. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): I am rather perplexed. Lady is in error. As has been pointed out by Dr Becky Are Government Front Benchers able to help me? A Francis, among others, the attainment gap actually written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for narrowed in primary schools, where our reforms have Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins) said that there was no had more of an opportunity to have an effect on a idea how much it cost to create 138 new sixth forms in percentage of children’s lives. At secondary level, of schools. Given that we want value for money, I found course the problem remains. That is why it is so that very difficult to understand. disappointing that the Labour party is opposed to initiatives such as the free schools programme, which Matthew Hancock: The point I was making is that Andrew Adonis has greeted so warmly, but which the the amount of resource spending for each pupil aged 16 hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central (Tristram Hunt) to 19 is the same, with an additional amount for those would halt. from disadvantaged backgrounds and those studying more high-cost programmes like engineering, our support Chris Skidmore (Kingswood) (Con): I and parents, for which is vital for our national economy. teachers and local councils in my constituency are supporting a bid for a studio school at the site of the Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): Grange school in Warmley. Will departmental The Secretary of State will be aware of the sentence representatives agree to meet me and a delegation to handed out in Amersham Crown court last week to the discuss the bid, which will be absolutely vital for raising former head teacher of the Caldicott preparatory school standards in my constituency? after years of abuse of children in his care. Will the Secretary of State join me in paying tribute to my Michael Gove: I would be delighted to do everything I constituent Mr Tom Perry, who was brave enough to can to support that bid, not least given the fact that new speak out about his own abuse? Will he agree to meet school provision, studio schools and free schools are Mr Perry and me to discuss the possibility of mandatory threatened by the Labour party’s ideological opposition reporting, as Mr Perry believes it would better protect to new provision. our children in the future? 561 Oral Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 562

Michael Gove: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend Several hon. Members rose— and Mr Perry for their leadership on this issue. I would like to invite him to the Department to discuss exactly what we can do in the future to ensure that this sort of Mr Speaker: Order. I am sorry to disappoint colleagues, horrific abuse does not happen again. but we must move on. 563 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Flooding 564

Flooding budget. By spending money wisely, we can better meet our moral obligations, first to Britain and then to the world, but the first and primary obligation of Her 3.35 pm Majesty’s Government is the defence of the realm—urban Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab) (Urgent and rural, city and county—and that is exactly what we Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Communities are doing. and Local Government to make a statement on the Government’s recent response to the flooding in Somerset, Maria Eagle: I thank the Secretary of State for his and to clarify his comments this weekend accusing the update. Environment Agency of giving poor advice. I have no doubt that those who are being affected by the severe flooding in Somerset and now in the Thames The Secretary of State for Communities and Local valley welcome the assistance that they are now receiving. Government (Mr Eric Pickles): As evident from the It is a considerable relief to those who are living and dark skies outside, we continue to face extraordinary farming on the Somerset levels that the Army has been and sustained wet weather. Cobra has met every day made available to assist in the efforts to protect homes, since my oral statement on Thursday, with all Departments farms and other businesses. That news, combined with working closely together, including my comrades from the efforts of the fire and rescue services, the , the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Environment Agency staff and the many volunteers, We have made it clear again that every resource is shows that there is finally a concerted effort to respond available to local communities affected. We will keep to the floods. providing whatever immediate practical support and Does the Secretary of State understand people’s anger assistance is needed, whether extra pumps and sandbags, and frustration that it took so long for the Government military support on the ground, or emergency funds to organise that level of response, considering that from the severe weather assistance fund for local councils. many of them have been dealing with rising water levels The Somerset moors and levels have been some of since before Christmas? Will he ensure that it does not the areas hardest hit by the weather, with 65 million take so long to help those in the Thames valley who face cubic metres of floodwater on the land. The Rivers flooding today? Why did the Prime Minister remain so Tone and Parrett have been particularly affected by the disengaged from what was clearly a worsening crisis for continuous rainfall, leading to heightened river levels. so long, in sharp contrast to his predecessor in 2007? In total, people in 150 properties across the Somerset What lessons have been learned to ensure that we never levels, where there is a threat of severe flooding, have again see flooded communities left abandoned for weeks? been advised to leave their homes. A rest centre has Will the Secretary of State assure the House that the been established in Bridgwater. Military personnel have same level of assistance will be made available to those been tasked to work alongside local authorities, and are in Berkshire and Surrey, where severe flood warnings currently filling sandbags for deployment. Pumping are in place? continues, but it is a challenge to keep at the correct Will the Secretary of State provide an update on the pace with the inflow from the latest rainfall, and levels work to restore vital rail connectivity to Devon and are increasing in some areas. It is likely to take weeks to Cornwall? Have Ministers formally asked Network Rail remove the sheer volume of floodwater, once there is a to present options for a long-term solution to the significant break in the weather. vulnerability of the line, including the option of re-routing? Across the Thames valley and Surrey, the River Thames is rising and bursting its banks at certain locations. A On the Environment Agency, does the Secretary of sandbag programme is in place at key points of vulnerability. State agree with the Prime Minister that A multi-agency gold command has been set up in “This is a time for everyone to get on with the jobs that they to co-ordinate the response locally, and a have… This is not the time to change personnel, this is the time to major incident has been declared. There is a high risk get on and do everything we can to help people. I back the Environment Agency. I back the work they are doing.”? that the Thames, the Severn and the Wye will flood in the middle of next week. Local residents are actively If so, why did the Secretary of State go to such lengths engaged in planning and preparation. yesterday to give the opposite impression as he toured the TV studios? Does he believe that As I told the House on Thursday, I commend the hard work of the emergency services, local authorities, “the Environment Agency has been remarkably good in giving the armed services and the staff of the Environment good, accurate information”? Agency on the ground. As I have said, there are lessons Those are the words that he used on “The World at to be learned, including about its policy on dredging One” last Wednesday. Will he explain what changed his and how its £1.2 billion budget is spent. mind about the quality of the advice from the Environment I note that the issue of international development Agency in the following 48 hours, other than the fact funding was touched on over the weekend. Let me say that he spotted a convenient scapegoat to distract attention this: just as it is a false choice to cast town versus from the Government’s failure? country, it is also wrong to pit helping the victims of Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why the Prime flooding at home against helping those suffering abroad. Minister has been unable to deny that the Secretary of We can and should do both—to help the plight of those State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has facing the awfulness of flooded homes in Britain, just as been forced to write a letter objecting to the attack on we take action to help malnourished children dying one of his Department’s agencies by the Secretary of from dirty water abroad. But I believe that taxpayers’ State for Communities and Local Government? Does money should be well spent, and this applies just as he accept, in hindsight, that it was wrong to launch such much to quangos as it does to the international aid a direct attack on the staff of the Environment Agency, 565 Flooding10 FEBRUARY 2014 Flooding 566

[Maria Eagle] On the Environment Agency, it is entirely wrong for the hon. Lady to suggest for one moment that I have and will he take this opportunity to apologise? Does he issued even the slightest criticism of its marvellous work really believe that the cut of £97 million or 17% in real force. My admiration for the work of the Environment terms to the annual funding of the Environment Agency, Agency exceeds no one, and I believe it is time for us all which was required by Ministers, did not impact on the to start to work together, not to make silly party political agency’s ability to prevent the flooding that we have points. I am confident that with the help of the Environment seen? Agency, the armed forces and the good work of local In the House last Thursday, I asked the Secretary of councils, that is exactly what we will do. State about the Pitt review, which was commissioned by the last Government after the 2007 floods. He was Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I unable to answer my questions and instead commented believe that we need a period of calm in the House that, because those who have been flooded, and those who are on the verge of being flooded, look to us to give “The hon. Lady asked why we have not updated the Pitt review. some leadership. May we look at what is required to be She will recall that we set up the Flood Forecasting Centre… done now in terms of clean water and sanitation to Perhaps she should spend a little less time in the television studios and more time with Google.”—[Official Report, 6 February 2014; avoid a public health issue for those who have been Vol. 575, c. 447.] unable to use their own facilities for a period of time? I welcome what the Prime Minister told the House last Of course, a quick search using Google would have week, which was that everything that has happened informed the right hon. Gentleman that the Flood under that Government, this Government, or any Forecasting Centre was set up by the previous Government Government, will be looked at anew. We need leadership; and opened by my right hon. Friend the Member for the Environment Agency will do whatever its political Leeds Central (Hilary Benn) in 2009. I hope that he is masters ask it to do, and I think it has done that to the better informed today. best of its ability. In future we can look at what lessons Will the Secretary of State explain why the Government can be learned from this episode, but we are in the stopped producing progress reports on the implementation middle of an emergency and must allow the emergency of the 92 recommendations of the Pitt review in January services, including the Environment Agency, to do their 2012, despite 46 of them being labelled “on-going”? Is it work. still the case that none of the recommendations under “Knowing where and when it will flood” Mr Pickles: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. Her knowledge of matters relating to the environment, and have been implemented in full? What has happened to particularly flooding because of the peculiar circumstances the six recommendations on reducing the risk of flooding, of her own constituency, is considerable. She is absolutely the 10 on being rescued and cared for during an emergency right, and it is a matter of some priority to ensure that and the seven on maintaining power supplies that had those strategic sites, pumping stations, gas stations and not been implemented in full? How many of those have those relating to electricity, are protected and can withstand still not been completed by Ministers? Will he explain the rigours of this terrible weather. why the Government axed the Cabinet Committee on improving the country’s ability to deal with flooding Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): I cannot remember and the national resilience forum, both of which were a more complacent or inadequate response from a recommended in the Pitt review and established by the Cabinet Minister to a serious matter in this House. Last last Government? Finally, will the Secretary of State year, after last winter’s floods and the travel disruption reconsider his refusal to agree to our request that regular in the south-west, the Government announced £31 million progress reports on the implementation of the Pitt of new money for improved rail resilience in the south-west. review be restarted? Will he commit to presenting the That money has still not materialised. Why should first update to the House by the end of this month? anybody believe any of the new promises the Secretary of State is making when he has failed to deliver on any Mr Pickles: The hon. Lady seems to be obsessed by of them in the past? process. We are much more concerned with making a concerted effort to deal with the problem of flooding. Mr Pickles: I am sorry that the right hon. Gentleman seems to resort to petty insults across the Chamber. On readiness, we understand that as the week progresses, There are people right now risking their lives and working there will be increased flooding along the Thames valley. on the railways to get them running and get a proper The substantial gravel layers in the valley will make it price worked out, and frankly, to play this rather pathetic more difficult to put barriers up. Nevertheless, we have game of who is to blame—[Interruption.] There will be continued to ensure that demountables are available a time when we will look closely into the causes of the and the enormous help from the military will continue. floods and the reaction of the Government, but right [HON.MEMBERS: “Answer the question.”] Forgive me, now we should get on with the job. but I thought that I was answering about flooding, not some peculiar problem with regard to procedure. Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): On Today I was in Croydon looking at a water station behalf of the people of Somerset may I say a big thank that ensures there is clean water for 47,000 properties. you to all those who have been working in the here and I looked at the magnificent work of the Environment now, dealing with our emergency? I particularly welcome Agency and of local gold command, which is putting some of the biggest pumps that I have ever seen arriving together a team for action to ensure that properties are on the levels over the weekend. There will come a time not flooded and that clean water is available. when we have to look at the emergency response, and 567 Flooding10 FEBRUARY 2014 Flooding 568 also at long-term policies and the advice that we in experienced the terrible impacts of the flooding? He Somerset have given to successive Governments and ought to apologise instead of continuously passing the agencies over 20 years. Will the Secretary of State look buck and saying that it is everybody else’s responsibility at the funding stream available to local authorities, not but not the Government’s. just to deal with emergencies but to enable us to maintain these delicate structures far into the future? Mr Pickles: For me, sorry is not the hardest word. I have been criticised for saying sorry to the people of Mr Pickles: I am most grateful to my hon. Friend for Somerset, and the Prime Minister has said sorry to his remarks. It is perhaps good to make the point that them. The problem with Labour Members, who talk of my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater and West hubris and arrogance, is that they are never prepared to Somerset (Mr Liddell-Grainger) cannot be with us admit that they have done anything wrong and go today—he is down there dealing with flooding matters. around defending bad practice. The Government are I am sure he would have made similar points. prepared to say that we got it wrong, along with the I felt it was about time somebody apologised to the Environment Agency, with regard to dredging. Had it people of Somerset and I was happy to do so. The not been for the campaigning efforts of the Secretary of Prime Minister has endorsed that apology. It is true that State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, that the advice was solidly given, and that the Secretary of dredging would not have started. State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs last autumn started some preliminary dredging on the two rivers. That was due to start up again, and it will do so, Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): but in a more enhanced role. That decision was taken by We have had some flooding in Old Amersham and the wisdom of the Secretary of State. Chalfont St Peter. I praise the fire service and the local authorities, and the Environment Agency and its Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): Today we subcontractors, which have been pumping and saving have had a summary of the short-term, overdue measures buildings from flooding by the River Misbourne. Will that the Government are taking, but what about the the Secretary of State look very carefully at the long-term implications? What about climate change? Government’s spending priorities? I believe that the Will Cobra, when it meets, look not only at adaptation, Government should protect our existing transport but at mitigation? Will the right hon. Gentleman speak infrastructure, our towns and our countryside before to the Chancellor and ensure that we implement the spending money on new shiny projects that have a fourth carbon budget review? disgraceful cost-benefit ratio compared with the 1:8 cost- benefit ratio imposed on the Environment Agency? Mr Pickles: Of course, we take climate change into consideration in all the modelling we do with regard to Mr Pickles: The House has grown to appreciate my flooding, but the hon. Lady will accept that the weather right hon. Friend’s doughty defence of her constituents patterns we have had have been truly remarkable—nothing and her dislike of high-speed rail. The Under-Secretary like them have been seen since the latter part of the of State for Communities and Local Government, my 18th century. I will ensure that her remarks on flooding hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth (Brandon are passed on to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor. Lewis) has just come back from Marlowe, where he examined the state of preparedness, and he reports the Mr (Wokingham) (Con): As the two fantastic work of local firefighters, working alongside main A roads from my constituency into Reading have Environment Agency staff and the local police. No been closed by floods, and as many homes, businesses doubt my right hon. Friend will be calling him very and gardens have been inundated, sometimes with foul soon to offer them some moral support. as well as surface water, will my right hon. Friend assure me that, in future, the £1,200 million budget and the near £100 million cash that the Environment Agency John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I met started the year with will be available for schemes that I Fire Brigade Union representatives, representing firefighters and others recommend which could stop that water in in the south-west, last week, and they report that firefighters future? Is it not about time that we had the promise of are working extremely hard for long hours. I pay tribute some action from the Environment Agency? to them. But they asked me to make the point that they are being hampered by job cuts—2,000 firefighters over Mr Pickles: We need to deal with the short-term the last 18 months. In addition, although there has been effects of the floods given what is likely to happen over an improvement in equipment, the Government still the next few weeks, but my right hon. Friend makes a have not decided to establish a statutory duty on fire reasonable point—it is not just the size of the Environment authorities to deal with flooding, which would protect Agency budget, but what it does with it and what investment in equipment in the future. priorities it has. I am sure that, as the water recedes, there will be a lot of discussion between the Government Mr Pickles: I am sure that the hon. Gentleman would and the Environment Agency. also like to thank the thousands of retained firefighters for working hard on behalf of their local communities. Mr (Neath) (Lab): May I suggest to the I, too, had the opportunity to speak to firefighters this Secretary of State that, instead of engaging in this morning in Croydon. I was remarkably impressed by arrogant bluster, he answers the questions put to him by their dedication, hard work, cheerfulness and adaptability my hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood in ensuring that an important water pumping station (Maria Eagle) from the Opposition Front Bench, and remains open. We will ensure that firefighters have the by colleagues who, along with their constituents, have best possible equipment to deal with this issue, and we 569 Flooding10 FEBRUARY 2014 Flooding 570

[Mr Pickles] Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the battering that the coast of Cornwall has received. have a strategic reserve of high-volume pumps that are The decision I announced last week on the changes to being used extensively throughout the Thames valley the Bellwin formula—the first time in 30 years that we and the Somerset levels. have changed the threshold—was made specifically to help Cornwall. I look forward to working with him and Richard Benyon (Newbury) (Con): I would like to use the county council to ensure it is compensated for the this time to talk about Somerset and the decision that I enormous effort it has put in. took there, but I feel I must talk about my constituents, many of whom have had an utterly miserable week and Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab): For every £1 spent have tough times ahead. Rivers such as the River Kennet, on flood defence, there is an £8 return. In the last which I have known for all my 53 years, have never been year of the Labour Government, capital flood defence dredged and never should be dredged, because it would spending was £371 million. The following year, it was mean that the water would flow very fast through my cut by this Government by £87 million, then £115 million, constituency and end up in Reading and beyond. Does £94 million, £53 million and £35 million. Will the Secretary my right hon. Friend agree that we give false hope to of State take this opportunity to apologise to the people certain communities if the question comes down to the of , St Asaph, Somerset levels, Dawlish and the binary decision—to dredge or not to dredge? Getting it Thames valley for the £400 million of costly capital cuts right has to be right for that catchment. that have totally backfired and will cost this country billions? Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend was a very distinguished environment Minister and he is 100% correct. What Mr Pickles: The hon. Lady—[Laughter.] I would works in the Somerset levels might not be appropriate never mistake the hon. Gentleman for a lady. I am so elsewhere. I represent an Essex constituency where several sorry. fields are regularly flooded, offering enormous protection We need to look at the straightforward arithmetic. to communities along the coast. His point about the In their last five years the Labour Government spent Kennet is correct. It is the same problem when pumping £2.7 billion. We will be spending £3.1 billion—a lot out—the need to ensure that the flow is not so fast that more money. They had added to it in 2007, so theirs is a it just creates additional flooding. boosted figure that is well below ours. I do not think that my hon. Friend made a bad decision: I think that I would have made the same Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden) (Con): decision on the information that was available. He The misery of the current floods is confined to one should not ascribe any blame to himself. region of the country, but the fear of flooding extends to all regions of the country, particularly those that Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): I am have suffered floods before. My right hon. Friend is glad that the Secretary of State is in a mood for apologies, right to commend and make the most of the emergency because he might like to apologise to the Environment services and the help being given by them. It is, however, Agency, instead of engaging in a blame game that helps undoubtedly true that the best way to deal with flooding nobody. Sustainable urban drainage systems can play is prevention, not cure. For example, it will cost £200 million a key role in managing surface water flooding, and to £300 million to reinstall the Humber defences. That the Government’s statement that they will implement sounds like a lot of money until the day after a storm schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 surge or major flood, so will my right hon. Friend make for new housing developments is long overdue. Does he it clear to the Treasury that, unlike the previous agree that people in existing housing should benefit Government, it should not go in for being penny wise from the cost-effective flood protection provided by and pound foolish? sustainable urban drainage schemes, and will he agree to a comprehensive retrofit programme so that they Mr Pickles: I am very familiar with the area to which can do so? my right hon. Friend refers, which has a sizeable proportion of holdings below sea level. I know the nature of the Mr Pickles: The hon. Lady’s question is based on a river and the historic floods that have taken place false premise. I have not criticised the Environment around Beverley and across to the constituency of my Agency, whose staff are doing an excellent job. Merely hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss expressing doubts about one aspect of the agency’s McIntosh) towards York. People have suffered from approach in the Somerset levels hardly qualifies as a flooding there in the past and he is right that there is a criticism. The Under-Secretary of State for Environment, fear of floods. For years afterwards, people who have Food and Rural Affairs, the hon. Member for North been flooded worry every time it rains. It is almost like Cornwall (Dan Rogerson) informs me that the very being burgled: it is not just cleaning up the mess, but regulations that she seeks will be laid in April, and I the psychological damage. The Government have a hope that she will volunteer to serve on the relevant responsibility to ensure that residents are kept dry and Delegated Legislation Committee. that we do all we can to alleviate flooding. As my right hon. Friend rightly points out, we were playing, very Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): Cornwall heavily, catch-up. faces a repair bill in the tens of millions of pounds, and it will take months to put right the damage that the John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): Will the storms have caused. Will my right hon. Friend assure Secretary of State now answer the question from my the House that when claims are made under the Bellwin hon. Friend the Member for Hayes and Harlington scheme, they will be expedited as quickly as possible? (John McDonnell) and tell us what assessment he has 571 Flooding10 FEBRUARY 2014 Flooding 572 made of making flood attendance a statutory duty on Mr Pickles: The Prime Minister has made it absolutely fire services? If he has not made that assessment, will he clear that we will spend and do whatever it takes to do so and then report back to the House? ensure that our communities feel safe from flooding. I recognise that my hon. Friend has a distinguished record Mr Pickles: That is contained within the Civil on this matter, but I do not agree with him—I hope he Contingencies Act 2004, with the local resilience forum. will forgive me—on this occasion. I think it is possible With enormous respect to the hon. Gentleman, I saw in to deal with overseas problems. I do not think that this Croydon what I have seen at all major incidents: a great island nation achieved anything by looking inwards. number of services working together very well. The local resilience forum, as I saw today in Croydon, is an Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): Last year, exemplar of the way to do things. Making this a statutory the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural duty would not help anything and would not make a Affairs, in response to a question from me about whether single community safer. the Thames barrier could be overwhelmed in 100 years or 10 years, said: Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): As my right “We have begun preliminary investigations of the prospects of long-term flooding.”—[Official Report, 16 May 2013; Vol. 563, hon. Friend wisely reflected, it is the exceptional weather c. 781.] that is responsible for flooding. Does he agree that, in the end, the forces of unstoppable nature humble us all, Have those preliminary investigations come to any as we have faced the wettest January since 1767? As he conclusions, and what will be done about it, given the rightly says, the time for review will come later, but does threat to the Thames barrier from climate change and he agree that one lesson, as outlined wisely by my hon. other issues? Friend the Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon), is that land management needs to be looked at again in Mr Pickles: We have deployed the Thames barrier the different areas where floods have taken place? several times in recent weeks, and it has proved remarkably effective at protecting London and some of the islands in the upper Thames. We are confident that it will Mr Pickles: As always, my right hon. Friend is correct. continue to play a massively important part in the We cannot have conventional orthodoxy, and neither defence of London well beyond the foreseeable future. should we replace one inflexible orthodoxy with another. We have only to stand close to these rivers, some of Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): The hearts of which were previously gentle and meandering, or to see those of us whose homes, communities and constituencies that monstrous gap in Brunel’s railway to see the sheer have not been flooded go out to those of our neighbours strength of nature. Conventional orthodoxy has to be whose homes or constituencies have been. In the interests re-examined, and instead we need bespoke solutions for of community solidarity, could the Government not each area of the country. take the lead in setting up a charitable fund to which we and our constituents can contribute to support those Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): who are under-insured, uninsured or in some other When he got the job, the Secretary of State for Environment, difficulty? That way we could show some solidarity and Food and Rural Affairs removed from his Department’s deal with these personal, human tragedies, rather than list of priorities an intention using this occasion, as some are, to score points? “to prepare for and manage risk from flood and other environmental emergencies”. Mr Pickles: That is exactly the kind of attitude that Does the Secretary of State for Communities and Local makes the Chamber a worthwhile place, rising above Government agree that this was a terrible error of petty politics. A number of charities are offering help. judgment on the part of his colleague? The Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth (), met a number of Mr Pickles: My right hon. Friend replaced an enormous, co-ordinating groups, but I accept the criticism—perhaps overbearing bureaucratic system with an emphasis on I should apologise again—that we have not done enough some key issues, one of which was flood defences. As a to signpost them. We will ensure that there are good consequence, we are spending more on this than the signposts to these excellent voluntary organisations to Labour party did in its last five years in office, and no help people in distress. matter how much the Opposition huff and puff, they cannot get away from that basic fact. Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): May I invite the Secretary of State, if he has not already done so, to view Friday’s Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Will the Secretary of edition of “Newsnight”, which showed the powerful State reconsider his comments about overseas aid? When impact of the flooding in Somerset on individuals? natural disasters take place in other parts of the world, When will he give us a report on the impact of climate the Government are quick to provide financial assistance change on these events? That is an important determinant to people who suffer, yet it appears that the provision of of present policy, and we must assess the impact of financial assistance to people in this country has been present policy on the future. much slower. At a time when money is tight, the overseas aid budget is the only one not under financial pressure. Mr Pickles: Sadly, I missed Friday’s “Newsnight”, If people need help and aid, should the aid budget not but I will do my best to pick it up on iPlayer. With be there to support them? The Government should regard to climate change, the best advice I have received not treat people abroad more favourably than people is that the flooding probably has something to do with at home. climate change. That is not necessarily the case—some 573 Flooding10 FEBRUARY 2014 Flooding 574

[Mr Pickles] resilience for the future, rather than permanently bickering every two or three years about what happened last of it may be the result of changing patterns—but the week? effects that we have to deal with are the same. I have no doubt that as part of the process of looking at how we Mr Pickles: I knew it would happen at some stage in can improve the response of the Government and the my parliamentary career, but it came a little sooner than Environment Agency, we will consider that and give the I thought: I absolutely agree with the hon. Gentleman. hon. Gentleman, who asks a very sensible question, that kind of outlook. Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): The Environment Agency staff, some brand new flood defences and, Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): The indeed, those on loan from Bristol city council were a Prime Minister has shown decisive leadership in dealing welcome presence in Bradford-on-Avon this weekend. with the here and now. Will my right hon. Friend do the We would like to record our thanks to them. Will the same by calling on BT and other phone companies to Minister show the same resolve as we have seen in ensure that they provide a priority service to reconnect learning the lessons from the floods at Christmas time vulnerable elderly people who live alone and whose lives in taking preventive measures in all the locations that depend on their having a working phone? have been affected by floods this week, not just those on the levels? Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend makes a reasonable point. I will make those representations. Looking at the Mr Pickles: Of course, and I am very happy that the local resilience forum, I have noticed that people have a beautiful town of Bradford-on-Avon has received those good idea where those who are vulnerable live, and I additional flood prevention measures. The number of saw examples of people working together to make sure demountables that we have been able to get out has that someone who has not been about for a few days is been something of a record, and I have seen them in checked up on, but that in no way diminishes my hon. operation and how effective they are. Of course it is Friend’s point, and I will pass on her remarks to BT and right that we must learn from the past, not be frightened other telephone providers. to apologise and ensure that communities are protected from flood water, even though these have been exceptional Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): events. Support for individuals and families is vital when they are at risk of flooding or they have been flooded. In Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Why on this problem, Hull in 2007 the National Flood Forum charity did as with all others, do the Government first blame the excellent work, providing practical assistance both before last Government, then the European Union and then and after families found themselves flooded out. Is the civil service? Will the Secretary of State tell us on there any additional money for the National Flood what precise date the Government will take responsibility Forum to provide such assistance on the huge scale that for their own conduct and cuts? When will he answer it faces now? the claim by the chairman of the UK Statistics Authority that last week they fiddled the figures? Mr Pickles: We are working closely with the forum. As the hon. Lady suggests, it is doing a terrific job. I do Mr Pickles: It is certainly not those on the Government not know about levels of funding, but clearly, if it is Benches who are seeking to make political capital from taking on additional work for us, we do not want it to this or engage in some kind of blame game. I am not be out of pocket. entirely sure what we got out of this afternoon, but I can tell the hon. Gentleman that there are a lot of Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con): What plans do people working extremely hard right now to keep him the Government have to provide an assessment of local and his constituents warm and dry. authorities’ plans for flood prevention in the years to come, particularly asking Hertfordshire what plans it Sir Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire) (Con): When it has to stop the River Colne flooding and causing disruption comes to advice on flooding from the Environment to my constituents? Agency, is not the real problem that it has too often been ignored by local authorities and the Planning Mr Pickles: Local plans are fed in through the local Inspectorate, leading to inappropriate development that resilience forum to our teams. One thing that has been makes flooding worse? clear in dealing with all these emergencies is that there have been pretty well worked out plans. We have found Mr Pickles: I know that my hon. Friend has had it a lot easier when we are dealing with the worries some particular problems. I looked carefully at the about the Thames valley that a well established pattern figures for building where there was an acute risk of is in place. For example, a number of authorities have flooding, and I am delighted to tell him that the number what they call flood ambassadors, who will liaise of buildings in high-risk areas is at an all-time low. I am individually with individual houses and offer them support. also pleased to say that where there have been objections But I will look specifically at my hon. Friend’s constituency. from, say, the Environment Agency, they have been adhered to on 99.3% of occasions. Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Much of the land on which this Parliament is seated is reclaimed land. Indeed, Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): As the King Canute was the first king to build anything here at former chair of Flood Risk Management Wales, charged all, so would it not be a fine tribute to parliamentary with adapting Wales to climate change in respect of tradition if we were all to unite around building full flood risk management and flood systems, may I ask 575 Flooding10 FEBRUARY 2014 Flooding 576 the Secretary of State why he has failed to apply for EU from 10 to five in 2009? Will he please look into that, in solidarity funding, which gave this country £162 million order to prevent more flooding in coastal areas such as in 2007 and has given another 23 countries £3.5 billion my constituency? since 2002? Is it because he is against European money because he is prejudiced or is it because he thinks there Mr Pickles: I did note that, but I did not want this to is a greater priority for investment than flood risk be a partisan exchange, which is not the attitude of the management for devastated communities? They are upset Labour party—I did not want to criticise the Labour in Somerset—very upset. party. [Interruption.] My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State has just reminded me that we will look at Mr Pickles: I answered this the last time I appeared in bespoke patterns of support that will enable us to the House. The reason is that there is a threshold of ameliorate the effects of flooding, and to ensure that ¤3.7 billion to get over, and even should we get over the people feel safe in their own homes. excitement of getting over the threshold to get the EU money, the way the system works means we would have Mr Speaker: Mr Wayne David. to pay most of it back. Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): Thank you for the sigh of confidence that you gave before calling me, Nick Herbert (Arundel and South Downs) (Con): Mr Speaker. My constituency has experienced some river flooding, but it has not been as severe as that in other areas. Everyone in the House would agree that we need a However, there are particular problems with surface united Government response to this crisis. How does water flooding in the local villages, including the very the Secretary of State respond to suggestions that there unpleasant effects of foul water and overflowing sewerage is a damaging Cabinet rift between him and the systems. A substantial amount of new housing is proposed Environment Secretary? in those areas, at a level that local authorities consider to be unsustainable. Can my right hon. Friend assure Mr Pickles: I think that you spoke for the whole me that in setting housing numbers, local authorities House with that sigh, Mr Speaker. Let me make it will be able to take into account the adequacy of the absolutely clear that the Environment Secretary and I infrastructure to support new housing, so that the current are two peas in a pod. We are two brothers from a problems do not become worse in the future? different mother. We speak on a regular basis. I am the mere custodian of his wishes, and I look forward fervently to the day when he stands at this Dispatch Box and Mr Pickles: My right hon. Friend has conducted a responds to the hon. Gentleman. long campaign in this regard, and he has made a number of very reasonable points. I think that such Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): Devon contains decisions must be made on the basis of scientific fact. a longer road network than any other local authority The rising level of groundwater will continue to cause area in the country, and anyone travelling there will see problems in my right hon. Friend’s constituency, my the devastation that the flood waters are causing. Will constituency and, indeed, most constituencies until well the Secretary of State recognise that later this week, and into June, even if from now on things start to shine. give extra assistance to Devon?

Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): The Mr Pickles: We are offering extra assistance, and we Environment Agency says that last year it allocated will continue to do so. I think that we must accept, £400,000 for dredging in the Somerset levels, which is because of the nature of the weather, that we will see the maximum level that Treasury rules permit, but that exceptional turbulence and disruption to transport in other Government agencies and partner bodies such as the region. Obviously we need to repair the rail system local authorities were not able to “match contribute” and make it safe, but we also need to provide alternative towards the £4 million total cost of the scheme. Given ways of getting about, which is why we have laid on the Secretary of State’s leadership role in local government, extra coaches and the like. Once it stops raining, Devon may I ask when he was made aware of its inability to will be a terrific place to visit, and a terrific place in contribute? May I also ask what representations he which to set up a business. made to the Chancellor with the aim of bringing about a change in the Treasury rules? Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): Obviously the immediate priority has got to be to help the people in Somerset and elsewhere who are living in an absolutely Mr Pickles: That is why I apologised to the people of desperate situation at the moment, but in the longer Somerset, and that is why the Under-Secretary of State term—and following on from the very interesting answer for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. the Secretary of State gave to the right hon. Member for Friend the Member for North Cornwall (Dan Rogerson), Mid Sussex (Nicholas Soames)—how will the Government insisted on starting the dredging last autumn in order to use the common agricultural policy direct payments demonstrate its efficacy. Sadly, however, the turbulent budget and the Environment Agency’s maintenance weather arrived before that excellent study could be budget to ensure long-term flood protection and to completed, but we now know that we shall start to look at things like land management issues? dredge, and we shall start to dredge in earnest. Mr Pickles: I cannot tell the hon. Lady when the David Morris (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Con): Is consultation finishes, but we are in the middle of the my right hon. Friend aware that the last Government process of doing exactly that. If the hon. Lady wants to stripped the “hold the line” flood defence systems criteria make a contribution she could write to the Under-Secretary 577 Flooding10 FEBRUARY 2014 Flooding 578

[Mr Pickles] Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): The Secretary of State is right to focus on the areas he has of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my discussed, but may I inform him that when I left my hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall and that constituency this morning three of the four roads into will be taken into consideration in the review and the town of Tewkesbury were cut off, and with further consultation. heavy rainfall expected this week we expect that, sadly, a number of houses may be flooded, so will he bear us in Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): As I keep mind as well as all the other areas he understandably reminding the House, when the rivers Aire, Ouse and has to concentrate on? Trent and the Dutch river and the Humber estuary flooded hundreds of my constituents’ homes in December, Mr Pickles: I certainly will. As I said to my hon. due to international events we may not have got the Friend the last time I spoke at the Dispatch Box, I media attention, but at least we avoided becoming a remember very vividly a visit to his constituency in the political football. At that time we were very well supported summer floods of 2007, I think, and the devastating by some very dedicated Environment Agency staff. That effect on local businesses and a local public house. He said, however, local farmers and the drainage boards more than anybody understands the effect repeated are desperate for a change in the way in which we flooding has on communities and the psychological manage river catchments in this country so that we can damage it does. Indeed, the fate of Tewkesbury and have more localised solutions. May I urge the Secretary neighbouring communities bears heavily on the mind of of State to ensure that happens after this flooding is the Government. finished?

Mr Pickles: I know from my discussions with the Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): The European Union Environment Secretary that he has very strong views Commissioner responsible for these matters has made it about this matter, because often local people know and clear that regional disaster funding is available, with no understand individual culverts and watercourses better minimum limit. The Government can define the size of than other authorities, albeit that that authority might the affected region, and the funding can be made available be benign, efficient and full of very good people. The provided that serious and lasting damage has occurred, point my hon. Friend highlights must be taken into that there have been repercussions for economic stability consideration in the long-term review. and living conditions in the region and that 50% of people living there are affected. Does the Secretary of State acknowledge that Somerset clearly qualifies for Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/ such funding, and will he ask his colleagues at DEFRA Co-op): Communities in my constituency, particularly to apply for it without delay? along the Penarth coastline, have also been affected by these unprecedented events in recent weeks, albeit not, thankfully, to the extent we have seen elsewhere in Mr Pickles: The Under-Secretary of State for Wales or, indeed, in the south-west and the Thames Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend valley. Can the Secretary of State please assure the the Member for North Cornwall has just volunteered to House that he has, and will continue to have, close meet the hon. Lady, and I am sure that— co-operation with Welsh Ministers, Welsh local authorities and Natural Resources Wales given that climate change, Mr Speaker: Order. We wish to see the Secretary of wind, waves and rain respect no boundaries? State’s face, looking at us all fully rather than just at those on his own Benches. He has a habit of gyrating Mr Pickles: Absolutely. Of course, our great nations around; let us see the man’s face. are joined together and what happens on the river Severn has a very big impact. I can give the hon. Mr Pickles: I apologise. I have always felt that those Gentleman that assurance unequivocally. on my own Benches scrubbed up rather well, and it is uplifting to the spirit to look at them. Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton) (Con): My right hon. Friend will be aware that in As I have said, my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary addition to high rainfall, the people of Pagham in my has agreed to meet the hon. Member for Wells (Tessa constituency also face problems from the sea, where the Munt) to discuss that matter, and I am sure that those growth of the Pagham harbour spit has led to massive deliberations will be worth while. erosion of the shingle beach fronting hundreds of properties. Will he ask one of the Ministers from the Department Mr (Reigate) (Con): I understand that for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to come to the Secretary of State will be in touch with my right Pagham to see the very real danger this is presenting hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Sir Tony Baldry) and to help us secure the funding and the permissions shortly. The Secretary of State will be aware that a we need to cut a channel through the spit before it leads bankrupt country would find it much more difficult to to the loss of people’s homes? defend itself, and it is to this Government’s credit that they managed marginally to increase flood defence Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend is talking about a very funding on coming into office. However, the long-term beautiful part of the world. I am sure DEFRA Ministers investment strategy put out by the Environment Agency will come and visit, but I was rather hoping in the not in 2009 made it clear that we were going to have to too distant future to come and visit myself, because he almost double our investment in flood defences. Will raises an important matter. The amount of shingle and my right hon. Friend and his colleagues make that point the like that has gone is truly breathtaking. forcefully to the Treasury? 579 Flooding10 FEBRUARY 2014 Flooding 580

Mr Pickles: The Treasury is taking an enormous politics that we are sometimes seeing today. The Secretary interest in the promises that Ministers are making from of State will understand the sheer helplessness that the Dispatch Box. Even when representatives of the many of my constituents feel right now. What advice Treasury are not physically in the room, their presence does he have for those who are rightly concerned about is always felt. the public health threats that will arise if flood waters around their homes persist for a long period? (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): Will the Secretary of State ensure that local Environment Agency Mr Pickles: We are, of course, not only constantly workers have the ability to team up with farmers, particularly monitoring the rise of the flood waters, but analysing to work on catchment area solutions such as tree planting? what is within them, with a view to public health. I Will he also ensure that the agency takes some of the congratulate my hon. Friend on being out and about reported £2.4 million that it has spent on public relations with his constituents, as I am sure everybody here will services and puts it into the Rossendale valley to prevent be. One thing that has become very clear through this is flooding on the River Irwell, the River Darwen and the that people in public office, be it Members of Parliament River Ogden? or councillors, have taken a considerable lead, not just in pressing for resources or offering help, but in rolling Mr Pickles: Many hon. Members have made that their sleeves up and getting involved—they should be point about local solutions. We are looking for an commended. integrated approach from local drainage boards, local authorities and the Environment Agency to deal with Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): First, I wish to these problems. It is often the people on the ground who thank all the people in my constituency in the agencies understand the problems better. and services who have done so much on prevention and risk-management. In order effectively to sharpen the Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): The flooding focus on flood defence perhaps there should be a strategic on the Somerset levels during the past six weeks has review, so does the Secretary of State agree that it needs destroyed homes, farmland and wildlife habitat, and I to be reinforced and informed by strong local input? welcome the Secretary of State’s commitment to look into dredging. For 20 years, successive Governments have not done so, and have not dealt with the problem. Mr Pickles: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend that strong local input is immensely important. Although Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend has been a powerful authorities from nearby cities or from London can have advocate of dredging, and that was the principal reason a grand strategic view, local people know how the rivers why I felt it was appropriate to apologise to the people and culverts flow, and are in a position to offer good of Somerset for us ignoring their views. As hon. Members advice. on both sides of the House have pointed out, however, there is no single solution that fits everywhere. Dredging Stephen Barclay (North East Cambridgeshire) (Con): there would be a sensible thing to do, for example, but The Environment Agency is spending £18 million on dredging on the River Kennet would not be sensible. We waterlogging some of the best farmland in the country are therefore looking for bespoke solutions in particular in my constituency to create a habitat for birds, in a areas. scheme due to start in a couple of months. Will my right hon. Friend examine the resource allocation within the Andrew Griffiths (Burton) (Con): I congratulate the Environment Agency, because it is not just dredging, Secretary of State on his robust management of this but wider river maintenance that matters in areas such crisis, and on focusing on what matters—namely, helping as the Cambridgeshire fens? those people who are knee-deep in water. Given that the River Parrett has not been dredged since 2005, does he Mr Pickles: I am somewhat conflicted on this, as not find the response from those on the Opposition when I am not here I am somewhat of a twitcher and I Benches a bit hypocritical? was very much looking forward to the particular habitat my hon. Friend was talking about. He makes a reasonable Mr Pickles: I am never surprised by those on the point: we now need to look at priorities. We need to Labour Benches. It is true that I take a robust view on consider things not only in terms of where people live, this and sometimes may have erred on the wrong side of but in terms of ensuring that we are able to produce robust, but I believe that the things I say in public sustainably the products from agriculture that this nation should be those that I believe in private. I certainly so desperately needs, and so reduce our imports and believe that someone whose house is flooded, someone dependency on elsewhere. He makes a very good point. who is worried about their future employment or someone who is worried about their communities wants to know Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): whether the Government are going to get on and deal The residents of Fleetwood are extremely grateful to with the job, or are they going to bicker on pointless the Government for the £60 million-plus they agreed in procedural points? the summer to provide much-needed new sea defences. But the residents of Thurnham, just along the coast, are (Winchester) (Con): A great number of being told by the Environment Agency that it will not my constituents in place such as Kings Worthy, Twyford maintain their sea defences beyond 30 years because and Winchester have had a truly miserable weekend. I of Treasury rules about the valuation of farming land. met people with very young children and very elderly As part of the Secretary of State’s long-term plan people who have been in tears this weekend, and it on flooding, can he get the Treasury to re-examine brings home the real human cost of this, not the petty these rules? 581 Flooding10 FEBRUARY 2014 Flooding 582

Mr Pickles: The Under-Secretary of State for how we put in place a long-term framework that will Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the hon. Member mean that, when the political spotlight moves on, flooding for North Cornwall (Dan Rogerson) is going to be does not drop down the list of priorities, as has been the very busy, because he would like to speak to my hon. case under successive Governments. Friend the Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Eric Ollerenshaw) on precisely this issue. I would not be Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend makes a firm point, but flippant and say that 30 years is a long time and things these storms have been so dramatic, widespread and can change, but this set of storms has been a big all-encompassing that the coalition Government’s resolve wake-up call, not just for government and the Environment is that we are determined not to flunk the decisions and Agency, but for the nation as a whole, and we need to make the mistakes of the past. make some valuable judgments about where it is appropriate to have defences. Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): The River Mease in my constituency has regularly flooded near Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I am sure Elford, Haunton and Harlaston, partly because the that my right hon. Friend will join me in thanking the Environment Agency, with other agencies, has refused volunteers from Halesworth who proactively filled sandbags to allow farmers to clear and manage their watercourses. and put them out along the thoroughfare and outside May I echo others by asking my right hon. Friend to houses on Friday night. More importantly, although a encourage the practitioners of conventional orthodoxy tragedy is happening in the Thames valley and the to pay close attention to the concerns and advice of south-west, there is a silver lining, as we once again have farmers, who are as expert at managing their fields and an opportunity to reflect on the strategy on making watercourses as anyone in the EA? space for water and the principles on which the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 was founded. Will he Mr Pickles: We have looked to farmers and those in assure me that a review will involve a consideration of similar professions to help us out during this whole the flood, water and habitat directives, and that there process and their local knowledge has often made the will be a recognition that some of the things we have to difference. As I have said from the Dispatch Box, my do are, frankly, bonkers, while common-sense stuff is right hon. Friend the Environment Secretary believes in being left aside? that principle passionately, and I believe that good management is operated, if only by acting as an agency for the agency. Mr Pickles: I assure my hon. Friend that we will consider all matters relating to flooding and the storms, Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): whether that is the habitat directive or questions of Does my right hon. Friend agree that if the Environment global warming, but I hope she will forgive us that, right Agency were subject to a duty to take account of now, we need to get on with the process of making economic growth such as that proposed in the Deregulation communities feel safe. Bill, it would have a welcome opportunity to redefine, refocus and improve its long-term policies and direction? Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): We had a wake-up call in 2000, when the then Prime Mr Pickles: I am sure that many in the Environment Minister made promises to MPs in No. 10 Downing Agency, which is made up of excellent people, will have street. That happened again in 2007 and it is happening listened with great interest to my hon. Friend and may now, so the one question remaining for the House is well be taking those wise words into account. 583 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Afghanistan 584

Afghanistan to provide security for the Afghan people and maintain the momentum generated by a coalition of 50 nations remains a significant achievement—a source of pride to 4.43 pm the Afghan forces themselves and a source of confidence The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr ): to the civilian population. With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a As the ANSF have grown in stature, so our role in statement on Afghanistan. At the end of this year we Afghanistan has evolved from leading combat operations will have completed our combat mission in Afghanistan, to training, advising and assisting the ANSF. Today, so today is an opportunity not just to pay tribute to the UK forces are primarily engaged in mentoring their courage and sacrifice of the men and women of our Afghan counterparts, providing world-class training and armed forces, but to reflect on why the mission matters support and undertaking our own draw-down and and what we have achieved so far and to look forward redeployment activity. The progress of the ANSF is to the completion of Operation Herrick. helping to drive the pace of transition, enabling us to It is well over a decade since September 11, but the meet our target of reducing our military footprint in events of that day still have the power to shock. The Afghanistan to 5,200, down by nearly half from this operation that began later in 2001, and continues to this time last year, when there were around 9,000 UK personnel day, has been hard fought and has cost us dear, but the in theatre. cost of doing nothing and abandoning Afghanistan to the terrorists and insurgents would have been much As the nature of the mission has changed and the greater. Thankfully, in today’s Afghanistan al-Qaeda is Afghans have taken the lead responsibility for security a shadow of its former self, and we are all safer as a across central Helmand’s three districts, we have significantly consequence. reduced the number of British bases, from 137 at the height of our engagement to 13 last January and just Since the start of operations in 2001, 447 members of four plus Camp Bastion today. Our draw-down trajectory our armed forces have made the ultimate sacrifice, two will reduce our footprint to one forward observation of them since my right hon. Friend the Secretary of post and the main operating base at Camp Bastion State for International Development made the last quarterly following the elections. Subsequently, as we enter the statement on Afghanistan to the House on 17 October. final phase of the Herrick campaign, the UK will I know that the whole House will want to join me in combine its headquarters at Camp Bastion with those paying tribute to the extraordinary courage and of the US Marine Corps. commitment of those individuals, and of their families, who have to live daily with the loss of their loved ones, Our efforts have not just focused on building the and of the many hundreds more who have suffered necessary security apparatus. The UK-led provincial life-changing injuries. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. reconstruction team, currently operating from Camp They have protected our national security by helping Bastion ahead of the completion of its mission next the Afghans take control of theirs. Working with our month, has helped deliver real progress in Helmand. international security assistance force partners and the Today, 80% of the local population can access health Afghans themselves, they have ensured that Afghanistan care within 10 km of their home, improved security and is neither a safe haven, nor a launch pad for terrorists infrastructure conditions have meant the reopening of who despise everything we stand for and seek to destroy local bazaars and the reinvigoration of the local economy, our way of life. 260 km of roads have been added to the existing network since 2012, and we have seen the completion of the The security situation in Afghanistan today represents paving of the strategically important Route 611 in very real progress since 2003. When the campaign started, Helmand, a project funded jointly by the UK and the the Afghan national security forces did not exist. Today United Arab Emirates. they are leading operations, protecting the population and taking on the Taliban. For example, as part of the Ordinary Afghans have seen the quality of their life security operation for the Loya Jirga in November, improve significantly, and we can be proud of the role the ANSF established a layered security zone a week we have played in making this possible. Nationwide, before the event. It was a complex, large-scale operation there has been a 20% rise in household incomes since in which all elements of the ANSF co-operated. The 2010, and tax revenues increased eightfold between results were impressive: 6 tonnes of home-made explosives 2004 and 2012. About 6 million children are in school, were interdicted and the event ran safely and smoothly. compared with fewer than 1 million a decade ago under A major operation in December spanning Kandahar, the Taliban. About a third of those are girls, who were Zabul and Daykundi provinces, and involving over 4,000 previously denied this basic right altogether. ANSF personnel, had a similarly successful outcome. The presidential elections in April will be an important More than 250 villages were cleared of insurgents and step on Afghanistan’s path to normalisation. The insurgency more than 600 improvised explosive devices were destroyed, will almost certainly target these elections in an attempt with few casualties sustained. The Afghan air force flew to derail the process and prevent the Afghan people resupply missions and evacuated casualties during the from casting their votes as is their democratic right. operation, with ISAF support limited to advice, intelligence Ultimately, it will be for the ANSF to safeguard the and a small number of air support operations. elections, but the UK is committing £20 million to help The ANSF have almost reached their surge strength the Afghan electoral authorities improve their management target of 352,000 army, police and air force personnel, of the process. Ultimately, a political settlement between and between them they are leading 97% of all security the Afghan Government and the Taliban offers the best operations and carrying out over 90% of their own prospect of a sustainable peace in Afghanistan. As we training. While work continues on professionalising the know from our own experience, securing peace and forces and addressing high attrition levels, their ability achieving reconciliation is a long, complex and difficult 585 Afghanistan10 FEBRUARY 2014 Afghanistan 586

[Mr Philip Hammond] colleagues from across the political spectrum knew Del Singh, who died in that explosion. As my right hon. process. We will continue to support the efforts of the Friend the Leader of the Opposition has said: Afghan Government and the High Peace Council to “He dedicated his life to working with people across the world achieve this crucial objective. who needed his support.” The combat operation might be ending, but our Ultimately, he gave his life, too, and we in the Labour commitment to Afghanistan will endure. A small contingent party remember him and his work with pride and a of UK military will remain to provide the coalition lead sense of determination to continue it. at the Afghan national army officer academy, supported by mentors from Australia, New Zealand, Denmark Will the Defence Secretary outline what steps the and Norway. The academy is currently training over Government are taking to ensure the protection of 250 male officer cadets. We expect to train an additional British forces and civilians and give reassurance to them 30 female officers alongside each male intake, with the and their families as to what is being done to provide it, first female cohort starting in June this year. Together, both now and after the military draw-down? Does he they will form the next generation of military leaders, share the concern that civilian deaths in Afghanistan and this will be our lasting legacy to the Afghan army. rose by 14% in 2013, and to what does he attribute that significant rise? We want to continue this support, but that requires a NATO status-of-forces agreement which, in turn, requires There has been undoubted, but not irreversible, progress the Afghans to sign the US-Afghan bilateral security in Afghanistan. In terms of finding a political settlement, agreement. The BSA was painstakingly negotiated over it is clear that elections scheduled for April are an many months. The Loya Jirga has spoken for the clear indication of both the advances and the challenges that majority of Afghans in endorsing it and welcoming remain. Will the Defence Secretary outline what steps international support after 2014. It is now imperative to are being taken by international forces to ensure that the future of Afghanistan that this agreement is signed. insurgents do not succeed in disrupting the elections and, by extension, the democratic right of the Afghan Afghanistan today is a very different place from the people? What is his assessment of the risk of increased one we entered in 2001. The Afghans are taking charge insurgent activity in the run-up to the Afghanistan of their security and their democracy. It is changing national elections this year, particularly in urban areas? fast, with a growing economy, a young population, and a revolution in access to the outside world through The role of external actors will, as the Defence Secretary mobile communications and satellite TV.The 2013 Asia knows, also be key. What is the Government’s assessment Foundation survey of Afghanistan paints a picture of a of the most recent peace talks between the Pakistani people who, despite the country’s difficulties, can dare Government and the Taliban? How is this impacting on to hope. This is particularly true in Helmand, where the Taliban’s behaviour in Afghanistan? Has he read 84% of the population believe their country is heading reports that they are patrolling jointly with the Afghan in the right direction. They are a people who are at last national security forces, and what is his assessment of seeing an opportunity to move away from the conflicts the implications of that? of the past and towards a brighter future of reconciliation, May I also ask the Secretary of State some specific investment and lasting security. questions about security and the role of the ANSF and We have played a key part in making that happen. We ISAF as the international combat mission ends? Will he should be proud of what our armed forces have achieved provide specific details of what he expects the UK over the past 13 years in helping Afghanistan to stand military footprint to be in Afghanistan beyond 2014? once again on its own two feet. Our focus now is on As the number of deployed troops falls, the level of helping the Afghans to secure the gains of the last danger for ISAF units increases, so will the Defence decade, using these as a platform for further steady Secretary tell the House what is being done to maintain progress in the years to come. I commend this statement vigilance on force protection as UK forces wind down to the House. through the course of this year? Will the Defence Secretary update the House on the progress of the Afghan national army officer academy 4.54 pm and the work being done there, particularly on core Vernon Coaker (Gedling) (Lab): I thank the Secretary anti-insurgency capabilities such as air cover, air support, of State for his statement and for advance sight of it. medical evacuation, intelligence gathering and indirect fire support? What percentage of that training is now Nothing unites this House more than the admiration provided by ANSF forces themselves? we have for our armed forces and their service and sacrifice. Nowhere is this more evident than in Afghanistan. The Defence Secretary will have seen media reports As the Defence Secretary said, 447 members of our today about the RAF utilising United States air force armed forces have died in operations there since 2001, assets—namely, unmanned aircraft—when UK aircraft with many more injured. Their commitment to the are unavailable. Will he confirm that those aircraft and Afghanistan, and to our respective always operate on UK tasks, with RAF aircrew in peoples, should never, and will never, be forgotten. control, using our rules of engagement? Many British civilians are also working to build Will the Secretary of State confirm that no soldier peace and progress in Afghanistan, and that will become currently serving in Afghanistan will face compulsory ever more important as the combat missions wind down. redundancy, and will he clarify whether serving personnel Does the Secretary of State share the shock and sadness who apply for redundancy will have their application at the attack in Kabul just a few weeks ago that cost the accepted? What will the total cost of equipment repatriation lives of 21 people, including two British citizens? Many be to the Ministry of Defence? 587 Afghanistan10 FEBRUARY 2014 Afghanistan 588

It is clear that, as we approach the withdrawal of to ISAF air strikes—they were once the cause of British and international combat forces, the more necessary considerable concern—has gone down by 80%. That is it will be for us to adopt a comprehensive approach to something that we will continue to pursue. engagement with and in Afghanistan. The shadow and the shadow Secretary of State for The hon. Gentleman asked about election security International Development—my right hon. Friends and what action ISAF will take. Clearly, ISAF will the Members for Paisley and Renfrewshire South support the ANSF in every way it can, particularly in (Mr Alexander) and for East Renfrewshire (Mr Murphy) the provision of intelligence and surveillance capabilities, respectively—and I work together closely on that and I but the ANSF must take the lead. The message around know the Defence Secretary does, too. What action is this election is that the Afghans have taken lead he taking to ensure proper treatment and, if necessary, responsibility for their security. The ANSF is capable, safe haven for those who have supported our forces as and it is very determined to be seen to lead this operation interpreters over the past years? and to deliver the security that Afghanistan’s fledgling democracy requires. Today the US Government announced three new development initiatives worth almost $300 million. What There will be threats to the elections. We have already assessment have the Government made of how UK aid seen a concerted campaign of targeted assassinations. I will work alongside those plans? am afraid that the realists among us expect that to continue and probably to accelerate as we move towards One area of shared concern is that of the rights of the election date. It is greatly to the credit of the leaders women and girls after the international forces depart. of Afghanistan’s democracy that it has not yet in any Will the Secretary of State update us on what discussions way undermined their enthusiasm for the democratic the Government are having with counterparts in process. Afghanistan on the issues? Does he share our deep concern—I am sure he does—about the new law that The hon. Gentleman spoke about the talks going on will, in effect, silence female victims of domestic violence between the Pakistan Government and the Tehrik-e and forced or child marriage? Taliban Pakistan in relation to the situation in North Waziristan. We of course hope that there is the possibility There can be no room for complacency about such of a solution between the two sides, but it remains the complicated and continuing issues. There is still much case that the Pakistan Government have to be willing to work to be done before the end of our combat mission, take firm action against the TTP in North Waziristan if with British troops remaining in danger, and there will a settlement is not possible. be a great deal of work, albeit of a different kind, to do afterwards. Our commitment is to build peace, progress The hon. Gentleman also asked about the reports of and the lasting stability that our armed services have joint patrolling in Sangin. It is very difficult to get to the fought so bravely to secure. bottom of these reports, but I have personally been able to establish at the very highest levels that there is no mandate from the higher levels of the Afghan system Mr Hammond: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for any such activity. Indeed, action has been taken to for his support on this matter, on which—to the great ensure that nothing that could be interpreted as joint credit of this Parliament—there has been and remains a patrolling or any kind of compromise with the insurgency bipartisan approach. can happen again. I of course share the hon. Gentleman’s sentiments on The hon. Gentleman asked about the UK footprint. the Kabul attack, the purpose of which is to undermine As he knows, our position is that we expect to have a the international support on which Afghanistan will continuing footprint at the Afghan national army officer depend for many years to come if it is to continue to academy at Qargha, just outside Kabul. That footprint make progress. I am sure that all Government Members will be within a much larger complex, which will have a will wish to be associated with his expression of sympathy US and ANSF-controlled perimeter. I cannot give him to the families and friends of the British victims of the the precise number of UK personnel at the moment, attack. but it will probably be between 150 and 250, depending The hon. Gentleman asked about the future security on our precise assessment of the force protection needs of British civilians in Kabul. Obviously, we are monitoring at the time. He asked what percentage of training at the the situation closely, and we will make appropriate ANAOA is being done by Afghans. I cannot give a arrangements to support British civilians in Kabul, precise figure. If I can get a useful figure, I will write to particularly those on Crown service. He would not him. It uses a “train the trainer” model, so we expect the expect me to go into the detail of those arrangements Afghans increasingly to take responsibility for direct at the Dispatch Box, but there should be no doubt in training. anybody’s mind that Kabul will remain a dangerous The hon. Gentleman asked about media reports on place for foreigners for the foreseeable future. We will remotely piloted air systems and about US aircraft rely primarily on the ANSF to maintain security in that backfilling for the unavailability of UK remotely piloted city. aircraft. We operate a combined fleet with the US and The hon. Gentleman talked about the recent rise in there is ISAF tasking. UK and US aircraft therefore fly the civilian death rate. That is of course deeply regrettable, ISAF mission tasks and they may be piloted by UK or but I am sure that he would want to focus attention on US pilots. However, UK pilots always operate to UK the fact that more than 74% of all civilian deaths are rules of engagement. The rules of engagement for remotely directly attributable to the insurgency. In fact, the number piloted aircraft are exactly the same as those for our of civilian deaths attributable to ISAF action has gone Tornado aircraft and those that will apply to our Apache down over time, and the number of those attributable rotary-wing aircraft when they are in action. 589 Afghanistan10 FEBRUARY 2014 Afghanistan 590

[Mr Philip Hammond] that the opportunity for a real settlement would be vastly improved if the Pakistanis were prepared to The hon. Gentleman asked for an assurance—with engage properly and take effective action against those tongue in cheek, I hope—that any volunteers for individuals? Has he seen positive signs of an increased redundancy who are currently serving in Afghanistan preparedness to do so that he can report to the House? will be accepted. I cannot give him that assurance. They will certainly be considered. The criteria for voluntary Mr Hammond: Yes. The right hon. Gentleman is redundancy relate to the future shape of the force and right to say that that area on the border is difficult to whether the skills that individuals hold are needed for access. The border is very porous: action on one side its sustainment. tends to drive people across to safe havens on the other The repatriation of equipment is slightly ahead of side, and the reverse happens when action starts on the plan. We have repatriated about half the equipment other side of the border. It needs collaboration. There that we have to repatriate. Originally, we estimated that has been modest progress at tactical operational level the cost would be up to £300 million. We are confident on Afghanistan/Pakistan co-operation along the border, that the repatriation will be completed within that cost and we have seen a considerable de-escalation of tension envelope. along the border since the events of November 2012, which led to a serious stand-off and the closure of the The hon. Gentleman asked about locally employed reverse lines of supply through Pakistan. This will be a civilians. He will know that we have two offers for long haul, but I believe that the relatively new Government locally employed civilians. The first is a redundancy in Pakistan are committed to working with regional scheme for eligible individuals who have served on the partners to secure stability in Afghanistan, and that front line as interpreters, which allows them to accept a they have realised that stability in Afghanistan is in financial and resettlement package in Afghanistan or to Pakistan’s long-term interest. come to the UK. So far, most of those who are eligible have opted to come to the UK. The second is an intimidation package for those who are not eligible for Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) (Con): We can all be resettlement in the UK under the redundancy scheme, extremely proud of the achievements not only of Her but who have experienced intimidation in Afghanistan. Majesty’s armed forces but of the provisional reconstruction team that my right hon. Friend mentioned in his statement. Finally, the hon. Gentleman talked about our future Does he agree that the future for Afghanistan after we aid budget. We are committed to providing £170 million leave still presents immense challenges? At the risk of per annum of ongoing Department for International being rather boring about this, may I press my right Development support to Afghanistan until at least 2017. hon. Friend that, subject to an agreement on the status Some of that aid is targeted at projects that seek to of forces after the end of this year, we should retain a protect the legacy of our achievement in the crucial area sizeable interest in the country? If it all goes pear-shaped, of the rights of women and girls. The Afghans made very soon there will be 447 grieving families who say, specific commitments on that area in Tokyo, and my “What did our sons die for in vain?” We have soldiers, right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International sailors and airmen present, and it is better that they Development addressed President Karzai on the subject should be doing that than kicking their heels in Aldershot. personally during her most recent visit to Kabul. Mr Hammond: I can assure my hon. Friend that Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire) (Con): those people did not die in vain. They have delivered May I welcome and agree with what the Secretary of stability in Afghanistan that it could only have dreamed State and the shadow Secretary of State have said on of a decade ago; they have made substantial progress in this important subject? Does my right hon. Friend delivering the infrastructure of a functioning state; and agree that one cannot sensibly discuss Afghanistan they have protected us from terrorist attacks that could without also discussing Pakistan? That region is and otherwise have originated from that territory. All I can will continue to be of supreme importance to this say to my hon. Friend is that the footprint post-2014 country. Does he agree that as we draw down in will be, as I have set out, based around the Afghan Afghanistan, we should consider increasing our attention national officer academy, but even that will be at risk if on and assistance to Pakistan in order to preserve that we do not get the bilateral security agreement signed importance? and a NATO status of forces agreement in place.

Mr Hammond: My right hon. Friend is absolutely Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): right. Pakistan is crucial to the security of the United German Foreign Minister Steinmeier has said that Germany Kingdom. A significant proportion of the potential will not agree to Bundeswehr training missions unless terrorist threats to the United Kingdom comes from the that agreement is signed. Have we been as explicit, tribal areas of Pakistan, and we target a commensurate saying that unless it is signed ASAP we will simply not proportion of our aid effort into Pakistan. That includes enter into further agreements? a programme of military support for counter-IED training, which is greatly appreciated by the Pakistanis because it Mr Hammond: I think Mr Steinmeier was merely addresses a very real threat to their civilian population. articulating a view that is shared by all NATO partners. We cannot operate without a status of forces agreement Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): that will protect our own forces from exposure to Afghan Further to the question from the Chairman of the judicial processes. We must be able to deal with forces’ Defence Committee, much of the logistic support and discipline issues ourselves, and to assure any forces we leadership of the Afghan insurgency remains across the put into theatre that they will not be subject to local border in Pakistan. Does the Secretary of State agree jurisdiction; without that, we will not be able to operate. 591 Afghanistan10 FEBRUARY 2014 Afghanistan 592

I think the Afghans understand clearly that no bilateral Mr Hammond: It is possible that the considerations security agreement and no status of forces agreement in play in the Afghan President’s calculations on the means that there will be no foreign forces in Afghanistan. bilateral security agreement involve negotiations that may or may not be happening, and that may or may not Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): May I join my be visible to us, with elements of the insurgency. It is right hon. Friend in paying tribute to the extraordinary also possible that the situation is influenced by the achievements of all three services, of all ranks and of all impending presidential election and the politics of that. arms, for their exceptional services in Afghanistan? Will he also congratulate the Ministry of Defence and all Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab): those responsible for the extraordinary logistical operation The Secretary of State has said that 30 women are being of bringing back so much kit, which will be useful to us trained at the academy along with the group of men. I in the future? Would he consider doing more at the am not sure what the time scale is for the training, but Ministry of Defence to make clearer to the population I recall that there was a target to train 150 women a at large the extent of the British achievement in Afghanistan, year. Was that target too ambitious or is it still in place? and the fact that we are leaving in good order but will take steps to ensure the protection of those troops that Mr Hammond: There are 30 women per training are left there? As my hon. Friend the Member for cohort. I will need to check whether there are five Aldershot (Sir Gerald Howarth) said, we will do our cohorts in a year—if there are, the target is still in place. best to protect our heritage and legacy there. I will do so and write to the hon. Lady.

Mr Hammond: As I have made clear, we are very Sir Edward Garnier (Harborough) (Con): Last Saturday, committed to protecting that heritage, but we can do so I went to the squadron of the Leicestershire and Derbyshire only with the co-operation of the Afghans in the form Yeomanry, part of the Royal Yeomanry based in my of a status of forces agreement, which will allow us to constituency in South Wigston, where I presented campaign have a continuing presence and to make the continued medals to three members of the reserve forces, two of financial contribution we have agreed to support the whom had recently come back from Afghanistan where Afghan state in future. they had been serving in active roles. One of them, I am happy to join my right hon. Friend in his tribute Trooper Edwards, was a driver of a Warthog vehicle to all three services, and in his welcome tribute to those stationed with the Royal Tank Regiment. The Secretary who labour behind the scenes in the incredibly complex of State mentioned repatriated equipment. Will some of logistics operation. Many Members of the House will, it be repatriated for use by the reserve forces, who have in one guise or another, have had the opportunity to see demonstrated their ability to take their role alongside the scale of the operation at Camp Bastion. Anyone the regular forces, but who need the equipment to train who has seen it will understand how integral the ability so that they can be more effectively deployed with it? to take tens of thousands of tonnes of matériel that far away and sustain it in a war theatre is to our military Mr Hammond: There are two separate points here. capability. First, the equipment that was bought for Afghanistan through urgent operational requirements, especially Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): It is worrying that, as armoured vehicles, represents a significant investment the Secretary of State has made clear, senior commanders and we are repatriating it into core. All armoured did not have the situation under control in Sangin to vehicles except those that are damaged beyond economic such an extent that joint patrols took place with the repair will be returned to the UK and brought back into Taliban. Are the Taliban and/or the insurgency network the core equipment fleet. pushing out or defeating the Afghan security forces in On the question of reserves, we have made a commitment any other parts of Afghanistan? that the reserves will increasingly in the future train on and use the same equipment as the regular forces. We Mr Hammond: I should make it clear to the hon. have already started to deliver on that commitment by Gentleman that I am not sure whether it has been rolling out new deliveries of equipment to reserve units established that there was anything that could be called across the country. The pool of equipment will be joint, a joint patrol. The reality in Afghanistan is that some for the use of the integrated force—regulars and reserves. areas are not controlled by the Government and are under the control of the Taliban. Where there is such an John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): interface, either it can be dynamic, with continuous Our fundamental mission in Afghanistan was of course fighting, or there can be some kind of understanding to improve the security of the British people, rather that allows it to be stable and for the boundary to be than any improvement in the living conditions of Afghans. recognised. My interaction with senior Afghan commanders Does the Secretary of State agree, however, that the two and political leaders reassures me that they do not go hand in hand? If we leave behind a more progressive recognise any arrangements such as those he describes, country, it is more likely to remain an enduring ally of and that they have taken steps to ensure that nothing the United Kingdom in the decades ahead. Will he that could be misinterpreted as a joint arrangement on agree to look again at our principles for future intervention the ground will happen in future. to ensure that making countries more progressive and upholding our values remain a fundamental part of Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Does the what we are about as a country? Secretary of State see any connection between the reluctance of the Afghan Government to sign the very important Mr Hammond: Let me answer that question this way: future security agreement and the sort of negotiations it is clear that our immediate mission was to deny that they may be having with the Taliban? Afghanistan to terrorists who would have used it as a 593 Afghanistan10 FEBRUARY 2014 Afghanistan 594

[Mr Philip Hammond] Mr Hammond: I have no doubt that in the fullness of time all these things will be examined in great detail. I base to strike at us and our allies and interests. But in know that my hon. Friend would not want his comments the long term, it was never going to be a credible to detract in any way from the fantastic job that British proposition that foreign forces could hold this territory. forces have done in three of the most kinetic and We had to build a stable and capable state in Afghanistan dangerous districts in the whole of Afghanistan. In with a security force of its own that could do that job. fact, the three districts of central Helmand are Nos. 1, 2 My judgment is that a country that has a basic rule of and 3 in terms of enemy activity. The job we took on law and recognises human rights will be a more stable was very challenging and the work done by our armed and sustainable place in the future. A country that has forces has been very successful in addressing that challenge. education, health care and infrastructure will engage the loyalty of its citizens in a way that Afghan Governments Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Last month, three have not always done in the past. We have to be very Afghan interpreters commenced legal proceedings against careful about the tone of this debate, however. It is not the Government, highlighting the difference between about exporting our perfect model of society and imposing their treatment and the treatment of former Iraqi it on others who in many fundamental respects will not interpreters. Since June last year, 116 claims have been accept some of the tenets that we regard as basic to our made relating to threats made against those former everyday existence. Afghan interpreters. Why are we treating the Afghan interpreters differently from the Iraqi interpreters? Both Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): I welcome and supported our Government’s troops and put their lives support the Secretary of State’s statement, especially his at risk. praise for our armed forces. As well the need to bring them safely home, he has touched on the fact that we Mr Hammond: First, just to put the right hon. have to return or dispose of considerable amounts of Gentleman’s remarks in context, all those claims, I military matériel. Will he comment—either today or in think, have been brought by a single law firm that has a fuller statement in due course—on the matériel that not stumbled on these claimants by accident. The reason we will dispose of and exactly where it will go? we are treating them differently is because the circumstances are different. After careful consideration of the differences Mr Hammond: I can give my hon. Friend some between the situation in Afghanistan and the situation indication. As at the end of January, we had redeployed that existed in Iraq, we took the decision to make the 1,694 vehicles and other major equipment, and redundancy package proposal that we have made. We 2,374 20-foot equivalent containers of matériel. We also have in place in Afghanistan an intimidation policy have also destroyed or disposed of some equipment in that is able to deal with any cases of intimidation that theatre, but I can assure him that no military equipment fall outside the scope of the redundancy package. We is disposed of in any way that would allow anything of did not have such a policy in place in Iraq. military use to fall into the hands of the enemy. I can assure the House from my personal experience that this Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): May obligation is taken very seriously. I saw a container full I, too, welcome the statement, which shows that Afghanistan of dead Duracell batteries and I was told that they had is increasingly taking control and responsibility for its to be brought back to the UK because they might be of own affairs? May I also offer a tribute to our armed use to the enemy if they were left in theatre. The forces? I am a frequent visitor to Afghanistan and it was military are not taking any chances. positive to see how the capability of the Afghan armed forces has improved. Does my right hon. Friend agree that, while there are many challenges in the areas of Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): The Secretary economic development and governance, NATO should of State has advised the House that our remotely piloted be commended for its specific role in improving security air systems capability is utilised across ISAF, not just by and in training the local Afghan forces in a very difficult our own RAF forces. Is he also able to assure the House environment? that at no point have other members of ISAF been able to use any of our RPAS for intelligence gathering or for Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. armed attacks in Pakistan? NATO should be very proud of what has been an incredibly complex operation integrated across the Mr Hammond: Our RPAS vehicles in our fleet operate 50 partner nations. On the capability of the ANSF, I only in Afghanistan, so I am able to reassure the hon. think it is fair to say that at every stage of the process Lady on that point. our UK commanders have been pleased and surprised at the rate and quality of progress made by the Afghan Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): In welcoming forces. They have become a credible and sustainable my right hon. Friend’s statement and commending the military force in far quicker time than we ever really professionalism and courage of our armed forces, may I expected would be possible. nevertheless urge him, when we look back on lessons learned for future conflicts, to continue to ask the hard Mr John Denham (Southampton, Itchen) (Lab): As questions not on the intervention in 2002 after 9/11, but the Secretary of State knows, the Hazaras are an ethnically on the decision to move south into Helmand in 2006, distinct, predominantly Shi’a minority in Afghanistan. both per se and on the question mark over the split They suffered terribly under the Taliban, but also under between the different Government agencies, which took previous Governments. At a meeting in this House in such a very long time to heal, and the split command January of the Hazara all-party group, a lot of concerns structure in Afghanistan at the time? were expressed about the vulnerability of this minority, 595 Afghanistan10 FEBRUARY 2014 Afghanistan 596 come the withdrawal. Will he say what specific discussions now acknowledge in recognising the rights of girls to an have taken place on the vulnerability and protection of education. That is progress, albeit slow and painful minority groups such as the Hazaras as the year progresses? progress.

Mr Hammond: The Afghan constitution makes it Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): Will my right hon. clear that all ethnic minorities are protected and enjoy Friend join me in praising the work of 3 Mercian, the the same rights. Furthermore, some of the key players Staffords, as it carries out its final operational tour? It in Afghan society and political circles are Hazara. Of has given unstinting and costly service over many years course, however, we should be mindful of the risks to of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. ethnic minorities and the risk of ethnic fragmentation, which, after all, is at the root of many of Afghanistan’s Mr Hammond: I am very happy to join my hon. historical problems. The right hon. Gentleman’s point Friend in praising the unstinting work that 3 Mercian is, therefore, well made, and it is very much on the radar has done. I can remember, long before I came into this screen. job, listening to those reports on our televisions every night and thinking that the Mercian Regiment seemed Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): In echoing the to suffer a disproportionate number of casualties. It has comments of my hon. Friend the Member for Canterbury given a great deal to this campaign, and the nation will (Mr Brazier), I think we should reflect on the fact that remain profoundly grateful to it. two and a half times as many British servicemen have died in Afghanistan as died in Iraq and that the proportion Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): The Secretary of injuries among us and the Americans is about five of State referred to the porous nature of the border times that suffered in Iraq. It is, therefore, inconceivable with Pakistan. Is there any prospect that a newly elected that there should not be a full and proper inquiry into leadership in Afghanistan—perhaps disputedly elected, the entire campaign. Now that the end date for active as last time—will be any more likely to recognise the UK operations is well in sight, I would be grateful if my Durand line as an international border, or will we have right hon. Friend took back to the Prime Minister the this continuing problem of the open, free movement of need to establish such an inquiry. terrorists from either side to the other?

Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend has made his position Mr Hammond: I do not claim to be an expert on the clear. There are different views about the wisdom of complexities of Afghan politics, but it would probably embarking on these large-scale inquiries, but I certainly be suicidal for any elected Afghan politician to recognise undertake to pass his suggestion to the Prime Minister. the Durand line, which the Afghan people do not While I am on my feet, Madam Deputy Speaker, recognise as a fair definition of the boundary of their may I take the opportunity to confirm that we expect country. Having said that, it is not disputes over the 150 female cadets to be trained per year? The course is Durand line that make the border porous; it is the indeed 10 weeks, so there will be five cohorts of 30 in nature of the terrain, which is just about the most each year. inhospitable it is possible to imagine. Flying over it, the only thought in one’s mind is: “How on earth could Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Heroin production anybody possibly live, let alone move around, in this is at a record high, the number of civilian deaths is at a kind of territory?”, but those who wish to, manage to. record high, the Taliban control large parts of the country and the hard-won women’s rights are being Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Ind): The Secretary of degraded by the ingrate Karzai, who described our State has wisely and correctly made reference to the brave soldiers and their work as a failure, especially in national officer academy. Can he confirm that places Helmand, where most of them died. Can this be described will be offered to officers and officer cadets of neighbouring as “mission accomplished”? allied countries?

Mr Hammond: And the hon. Gentleman forgot to say Mr Hammond: No; the purpose of the Afghan national that the glass was half empty. No one has ever suggested army officer academy is to train officers for the Afghan that Afghanistan is emerging as a perfect society. This is national army. We have a number of nations contributing a war-torn country with deep ethnic and tribal divisions trainers and mentors to that process, but as far as I am and a young and fragile Government seeking to hold it aware, there are no plans at the moment to offer cadet together, and we are trying to assist them in maintaining places to the armies of any other country. something better than what has been there in the past— decades of internecine warfare resulting in desperate Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) standards of living, many tens of thousands of people (Lab): Following on from the question asked by my dead and many more displaced. hon. Friend the Member for Newport West (Paul Flynn), On the hon. Gentleman’s specific points, there has may I press the Secretary of State on what he is doing to been an uptick in civilian deaths, but given the historical ensure that the position of women and girls does not levels of civilian deaths, I believe we are making progress. deteriorate as ISAF leaves? We are very concerned I am disappointed by the recent opium harvest figures—he about the new law and its implications for preventing is right that we are not making as much progress there family members from prosecuting other family members as we would like—but on women’s rights I think he is in cases of domestic violence. being unduly negative. Rights do not just operate around statutes and laws; they are about societal norms, and Mr Hammond: I hear the hon. Lady’s concern. All I the norms in Afghan society are changing. The genie of can do is repeat to her that my right hon. Friend women’s rights is out of the bottle, as even the Taliban the International Development Secretary, who visited 597 Afghanistan10 FEBRUARY 2014 Afghanistan 598

[Mr Philip Hammond] allocated funds to increasing the participation of female candidates, and providing the training and capacity Afghanistan recently, met President Karzai and presented building that will enable more of them to take part in to him her concerns about this and other matters, and the election. the implications of pursuing that route for Afghanistan’s future support from the international community, upon John Glen (Salisbury) (Con): Given the unfortunate which that country will be dependent. There was a clear gap between our hopes and aspirations and the time bargain set out at Tokyo. Afghanistan has agreed to taken to achieve our goals in Afghanistan, can my right address issues around human rights, the rights of women hon. Friend tell us why he is so sure that Afghan forces and the ingrained nature of corruption in Afghan society, possess enough resilience to handle the expected and the international community in exchange has offered intensification of violence at the end of 2014? In what to provide ongoing financial support. The Afghan circumstances would the supporting role of British Government have to deliver on their side of the bargain. troops intensify after that date to ensure that this country’s sacrifices were not wasted? (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): I very much welcome the Secretary of State’s statement. In relation to the peace talks in Pakistan between the Mr Hammond: As the House would expect, I make Government of Pakistan and the Taliban, he will know my judgments about military matters—in particular, that the previous talks were scuppered on 2 November, the resilience and capability or otherwise of any particular when Mr Mehsud was taken out by a United States forces—on the basis of military advice, and that is the drone strike, and on 30 May 2013, when Mr Waliur military advice that I am receiving. However, I am not Rehman, a Taliban leader, was also taken out by a sure that my hon. Friend is necessarily right in seeing United States drone strike. Can the Secretary of State nothing but a reinforcement of the insurgency after the assure the House that discussions will be had with our end of 2014. On the one hand, ISAF will not be present international allies about not using drone strikes in in the same numbers or in the same role, but on the Pakistan, as they may scupper talks again and undermine other hand, there is no doubt in my mind that the the authority of the Government of Pakistan and our presence of foreign forces has been one of the great relationship with that country when we need to be recruiting sergeants of the insurgency, and that the strengthening it? removal of foreign forces changes the dynamics. There are definitely Afghans who would have signed up to the Mr Hammond: I think our allies are aware of the insurgency to fight foreign soldiers but do not wish to importance of at least exploring the possibility of some join up and kill their Afghan brothers in the ANSF. kind of negotiated settlement with the Pakistan Taliban in North Waziristan. I observe that there appears to be Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Finally, a space being allowed for these negotiations to progress, I call the very patient Mr Stephen Mosley. but that space will not remain open for ever, and I hope the parties will do everything in their power to reach a Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): Thank you, conclusion rapidly. Madam Deputy Speaker. James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): The smooth transition of power after the election is I welcome the statement. The Secretary of State was crucial to the long-term future of the country. Is my right to refer to the importance of the forthcoming right hon. Friend convinced that all the main candidates presidential election in Afghanistan, and the importance broadly support the policy directions followed by President of the Afghan security forces’ taking responsibility for Karzai, and, in principle at least, support the bilateral the security arrangements. Can he say a little more security agreement? about the £20 million of UK money that he mentioned, and about what it will be used for as part of that Mr Hammond: President Karzai is not currently security operation? indicating a willingness to sign the agreement. I think our assessment is that all the candidates appear to support Mr Hammond: It is not directly designed to support it, and that all of them—as would be expected in a the security operation; it is designed to support democratic election—are committed to the constitutional the good administration of the elections. We have also settlement in Afghanistan. 599 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Points of Order 600

Points of Order Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): The hon. Gentleman has indeed now made that point and it is now noted. 5.43 pm Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. My constituent CHILDREN AND FAMILIES BILL Margaret McNiffe has been denied her disability living (PROGRAMME NO. 3) allowance because her claim was considered 24 hours Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing late, although the Department for Work and Pensions Order No. 83(A(7)), had sent the paperwork to the wrong address. She is That the following provisions shall apply to the Children and now losing the car on which she relies to get to work, Families Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Order of and is forced to use taxis, at great expense, in order to 25 February 2013 in the last Session of Parliament (Children and get around. Do you know whether the Secretary of Families Bill (Programme)), as varied by the Order of 15 April 2013 State for Work and Pensions has any plans to come to in that Session (Children and Families Bill (Programme) (No. 2)): the House to announce a review of the callous and Consideration of Lords Amendments unfair way in which his Department is doing business, (1) Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall causing much distress to people such as my constituent, (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion and costing the country more than it should? Alternatively, four hours after their commencement at today’s sitting. can you offer me some advice on how I can right this (2) The proceedings shall be taken in the order shown in the injustice? first column of the following Table. (3) The proceedings shall (so far as not previously concluded) Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): I think be brought to a conclusion at the times specified in the second the hon. Gentleman and the House are well aware that column of the Table. that is not a point of order to be dealt with by the Chair Table at this time. However, I am sure that the House has every sympathy for the lady in question. I have not at Lords Amendments Time for conclusion of proceedings this point received an intimation that any Secretary of State plans to come to the House to deal with the Nos. 125, 121 to 124 and 150 Ninety minutes after the matter, but there are many occasions on which such commencement of proceedings on consideration matters are dealt with by Ministers, and I am certain of Lords Amendments that the point raised by the hon. Gentleman will be Nos. 1 to 120, 126 to 149 and Four hours after the noted by those who ought to note it. He may wish to 151 to 176 commencement of those seek advice on pursuing the case via parliamentary proceedings questions or, perhaps, an Adjournment debate. Subsequent Stages Richard Benyon (Newbury) (Con): On a point of (4) Any further Message from the Lords may be considered order, Madam Deputy Speaker. In the earlier urgent forthwith without any Question being put. question on floods I mentioned the River Kennet. As I (5) The proceedings on any further Message from the Lords have interests that adjoin the River Kennet, I should shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion have referred hon. Members to my entry in the register. one hour after their commencement.—(Mr Gyimah.) I apologise for not having done so, and I am advised that this is a good opportunity to make up for my Question agreed to. earlier omission. 601 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 602

Children and Families Bill to this House from another place is an amendment which would provide the Government with regulation- Consideration of Lords amendments making powers on smoking in cars carrying children, which is for hon. Members to consider. Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): I must draw the House’s attention to the fact that financial privilege is involved in a large number of Sir Greg Knight (East Yorkshire) (Con): Will the Lords amendments, which are listed in the notes on the Minister clarify the Government’s position? Is she Order Paper. If the House agrees to any of them, I will saying that the Government are agreeing with the Lords cause an appropriate entry to be made in the Journal. amendment to ban smoking in vehicles because that is what she wants to see achieved, or is she saying that the Government are agreeing with the Lords amendment New Clause because it is a passive one and even if passed by this House she intends to ignore it? PROTECTION OF CHILDREN’S HEALTH:OFFENCE OF SMOKING IN A PRIVATE VEHICLE Jane Ellison: Actually it is neither of those two things. Technical amendments are needed to the wording of 5.46 pm what was passed in another place and the Government’s The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health view was that the House needed the chance to consider (Jane Ellison): I beg to move, That this House agrees something that was legally workable. I will cover that in with Lords amendment 125. a bit more detail later.

Madam Deputy Speaker: With this it will be convenient Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): Does the Minister to discuss the following: not agree that this is actually premature and that we Lords amendments 121 to 123. should await the outcome of the Sir Cyril Chantler review? That is an independent review and we should Lords amendment 124 and amendments (a), (b) and not try to shape his opinion in advance of it. In a (c) thereto. famous statement in this House on 12 July last year—a Lords amendment 150. date I will always remember—it was made clear that this was about gathering evidence. Surely we should Jane Ellison: I am very pleased to speak to this await the gathering of evidence before we put legislation package of Government amendments aimed at protecting in place that will allow the implementation of something young people from tobacco and nicotine addiction. I for which there may not be sufficient evidence. will also speak to the amendment on smoking in cars carrying children, which was agreed in another place. Jane Ellison: I will discuss that point in more detail in I am sure that I need not remind hon. Members that a moment. We have had these discussions before. The tobacco use is a leading preventable cause of death, Government are seeking regulation-making powers, but accounting for nearly 80,000 premature deaths per year we will await the outcome of the independent Chantler in England alone and being a contributory factor in review.Ministers will take all other factors into consideration many other aspects of poor health. Taking action to at that time before making a decision. prevent young people from taking up smoking in I want to set out the key elements of the Government the first place is vital in our efforts to reduce rates of amendments. Let me start with standardised tobacco smoking. packaging. As I told the House on 28 November last When I first became the Minister responsible for year, we have asked Sir Cyril Chantler for an independent public health I was made very aware of just how critical view of the public health evidence on standardised the teenage years are in smoking addiction, and that packaging of tobacco products. Sir Cyril’s report is came up repeatedly in a Backbench Business Committee due in March. During debates in the House, many debate at the time. Almost two-thirds of smokers take hon. Members have told me that the evidence base for up smoking regularly before they are 18—that is, they standardised packaging continues to grow. The Government were addicted before becoming adults. That is a shocking will introduce standardised tobacco packaging if, following reality, which many hon. Members have spoken about the review and consideration of the wider issues raised in this Chamber. by this policy, we are satisfied that there are sufficient Stopping smoking can be extremely difficult because grounds to do so, including public health benefit. the addiction is so powerful. While two-thirds of smokers We have therefore introduced provisions that would say that they want to quit, only a small fraction succeed give Ministers the power to make regulations to standardise in doing so. That is why we must stop young people the packaging of tobacco products, should a decision from taking up smoking in the first place. We want to be taken by the Government to do so. Ministers would see our young people enter an adulthood that is healthy be able to regulate internal and external packaging and and long-lived, but half of all long-term smokers will any other associated materials included with a tobacco die from a smoking-related disease. product, including the cellophane or other outer wrapper The amendments we have introduced seek to do the of a cigarette pack. The powers will extend to other following: introduce regulation-making powers to enable forms of tobacco such as hand-rolling tobacco. the Government to bring in standardised tobacco packaging, if such a decision is made; introduce regulation- Ian Paisley: The Minister has touched on two important making powers to prohibit the sale of nicotine products points. One involves the packaging rights of companies. to people under the age of 18; and to create a new Is there anything in the legislation that would enable offence of the proxy purchasing of tobacco. Also returning compensation to be granted to those companies if the 603 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 604

Government chose to remove their trademarks and these measures into legislation for potential future use, branding rights? I understand that, under European rather than because there is evidence of a need for them law, billions of pounds of compensation could be payable now? in those circumstances. Secondly, will the Minister clarify whether the Chantler review— Jane Ellison: This question came up in the other place, and we have always made it clear that we are Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. seeking the power to make regulations in the event that The hon. Gentleman is making an important point, but the Government should decide to proceed with standardised I am sure that he will wish to be brief, as many people packaging, having received the Chantler review and wish to speak in the debate. considered everything in the round. Making the decision on those powers now would enable us to proceed apace at that point. I hope that that clarifies the matter for my Ian Paisley: I apologise for the longevity of my hon. Friend. intervention, Madam Deputy Speaker, but these important issues affect many jobs in my constituency. My second As I was saying, the Government would not necessarily point involves the illicit trade in tobacco products. Will use all the powers I have just described, and if we the Minister tell us whether that will be covered by the proceed, we will need to decide which aspects would be Chantler review? included in any regulations. The House would have the chance to comment further on the matter, through the affirmative resolution procedure, were the Government Jane Ellison: As I said in my earlier statement to the to decide to go ahead. It is prudent to take a comprehensive House, the Chantler review is looking specifically at approach now, however, so that we can be prepared for the public health aspects of these matters. Sir Cyril is the future. perfectly free to look at whatever he wants, but those are his terms of reference. Other issues will be considered Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): Having in the round when Ministers come to make their decisions. had a background in multinational brand management, Those issues were of course fully explored during the I know why multinationals invest hundreds of thousands consultation that took place before the review. of pounds in brand graphics and mnemonics to exaggerate The amendment sets out the elements of tobacco sales. Does the Minister not agree that that proves that packaging that could be regulated—for example, the blank or standardised packaging would have an impact use of colour, branding or logos, the materials used and on sales? the texture, size and shape of the packaging. It also sets out the aspects of the tobacco product itself that could Jane Ellison: That is for the review to comment on. I be regulated. hope that hon. Members will understand that I am not trying to be unhelpful in not responding in detail to Mr Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con): My hon. their interventions. We have put in place a process that Friend will know that one of the main scourges for we think will be the most robust way of making policy young people is alcohol. Why are the Government not in this area, and I hope that the hon. Gentleman will proposing standardised packaging for alcohol? forgive me for not commenting in detail on his point. I am sure that the review is looking in detail at all these Jane Ellison: My hon. Friend makes an interesting aspects; they were certainly explored during the consultation. point, but that is probably a debate for another time. Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Just to finish The Government would not necessarily use all the this point off, will the Minister make it clear that she powers I have just described, and if we proceed, we will and her colleagues will consider a wider range of factors need to decide which aspects would be included in any alongside the outcome of the review before deciding regulations. However, it is prudent to take a comprehensive how to proceed? approach now, so that we are prepared for the future. Jane Ellison: That is something we have put on record Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) a number of times, and I can confirm it again tonight. (Con): My hon. Friend will know that every packet of We have always said that Ministers would proceed cigarettes carries the bold message “Smoking kills”. having received the review and given consideration to However, that does not influence the purchasing habits all the wider aspects of the policy. I hope that that of smokers. There is also no evidence yet that the reassures my hon. Friend. appearance of a cigarette packet will deter anyone from The requirements would apply only to the retail smoking. packaging of tobacco products, which means the packaging that will be, or is intended to be, used when the product Jane Ellison: This is a matter for the Chantler review; is sold to the public. Manufacturers, distributors and it is one of the things we have asked Sir Cyril to look at. retailers would still be able to use branding such as I am not going to second guess the outcome of his logos and colours on packaging, provided that they review. were used only within the tobacco trade—for example, on boxes used for stock management in a warehouse Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): Will the Minister that are not seen by the public. clarify a point that she has just made? I understood, These provisions would apply on a UK-wide basis, as perhaps wrongly, that she said that the Government the necessary legislative consent motions have been were getting these powers into their armoury in case secured. As I have already said, I will not pre-empt the they needed to be used. Are the Government putting outcome of Sir Cyril’s review or of the decision-making 605 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 606

[Jane Ellison] which is why this provision is important. I welcome the support that the e-cigarette industry and retailers have process, but these provisions mean that we would be expressed for it. able to act without delay if we were to decide to go ahead. I want to emphasise that Sir Cyril will not be Mr Simon Burns (Chelmsford) (Con): I fully understand making the decision for Ministers on whether to proceed and accept what my hon. Friend has said. Do these with standardised packaging. That decision will be made proposals in any way affect adults who may buy e-cigarettes by Ministers in the light of the wide range of relevant for people under the age of 18? considerations. My hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Philip Jane Ellison: That is a good point, to which I will return, Davies) has tabled three amendments on standardised if my right hon. Friend will allow me. I will consider packaging. The first five clauses of the packaging provisions that and we will have an answer for him. set out the test that Ministers will need to consider before bringing forward regulations. The regulation-making Mrs Main: How does this affect 17-year-olds who powers in the Bill will allow Ministers to take a reasonable have already taken up smoking and wish to try to stop and balanced view of the available evidence regarding through using e-cigarettes? How would they manage to the affect that regulations as a whole would have on the buy this product? health and welfare of children. This approach to ministerial decision making is absolutely appropriate and these clauses are in keeping with the approach that Minsters Jane Ellison: My understanding is that if a nicotine- would ordinarily take in decision-making processes of containing product is licensed for medicinal use—licensed this kind. as a quit-smoking tool—it can already be prescribed by doctors. Some e-cigarette manufacturers have already My hon. Friend’s three amendments seek to remove indicated that in order to make a medicinal claim about the ability of Ministers to take a reasonable and balanced their product’s ability to help people quit, they will seek view of the evidence, and we feel that they would put to use the medicines regulations. If such a product unnecessary and unwarranted constraints on Ministers’ becomes licensed as a medicine, it will be able to be consideration of how any proposed regulations would prescribed as a smoking cessation aid in the same way impact on children’s health or welfare. Constraining that other nicotine-containing products can be. I hope Ministers’ decision making in that way would probably that answer is helpful. have the effect of stopping the use of the powers altogether. For that reason, I do not support my hon. Friend’s On proxy purchasing, we believe we must take action amendments. I also remind the House that the regulations to address both the supply of and demand for tobacco would be subject to the affirmative resolution procedure. products among young people if we are to reduce the uptake of smoking. Many retailers over the years have I should like to move on to the age of sale for nicotine felt a little left alone to bear the burden of enforcement products. We have introduced provisions for a regulation- in this area, so I welcome both the work of responsible making power to prohibit the sale of nicotine products retailers to ensure that tobacco is not sold to people such as e-cigarettes to people under the age of 18. under the age of 18, and the support provided to them Public health experts, many retailers—particularly small by retailer bodies such as the Association of Convenience retailers—and the electronic cigarette industry support Stores. There is support in both Houses for creating a the introduction of an age of sale restriction for e-cigarettes. proxy purchase offence for tobacco, and the Government At present, no such general legal restriction is in place, have carefully reflected on the arguments that have been and we want to correct this situation. made. Retailers feel it is unfair that it is an offence for As e-cigarettes are novel products, we have very little retailers to sell cigarettes to children and young people, evidence on the impact of children using them. For yet there is no offence of proxy purchasing on behalf example, we do not know what impact their use might of children and young people. Retailers also feel it is have on the developing lungs of young people. Public inconsistent to have a proxy purchase offence for alcohol health experts have expressed concern to me that nicotine but not for tobacco. The Government want to continue products could act as a gateway into smoking tobacco, to tackle the access that young people have to tobacco, as well as undermining efforts to reshape social norms which is why we have proposed this amendment. around tobacco use. Young people can rapidly develop The provisions would make it an offence for an adult nicotine dependence, and nicotine products deliver nicotine to buy, or attempt to buy, tobacco for someone under and cause addiction. Attempts were made last year to the age of 18. That will be enforced by local authority include an age-of-sale provision applicable throughout trading standards officers, who will be able to issue a the EU in the revised European tobacco products fixed penalty notice if they believe an offence has been directive, but that was not achieved. We therefore want committed, rather than taking prosecution action in the to take this opportunity to put such a provision in place first instance. Local authorities will not be required to domestically through this Bill. carry out regular programmes of enforcement in the way they have to on age of sale of tobacco, so we do not 6pm believe that this offence will bring into place any significant The penalty for committing the offence of selling a new regulatory burdens. Local authorities know their nicotine product to a person under 18 would be a fine communities better than anyone and will know how not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale—that is best to address their public health priorities. We have currently £2,500, the same penalty as applies in respect devolved wide public health responsibilities and ring-fenced of tobacco. The Government believe it is wrong as a budgets to local authorities, and this amendment allows matter of principle to sell nicotine products to children. them to take targeted enforcement action on proxy We have a responsibility to protect children from addiction, purchasing where they consider it is needed. 607 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 608

The arguments relating to effective enforcement have workable. There will be a debate on it, we will see what been well rehearsed in previous debates. Experience in the view of the House is and we will take our steer on Scotland suggests that we should not to expect a vast the principle of the issue having heard the views of both number of convictions, and we should not measure the Houses. success of this new offence by the number of prosecutions or fixed penalties issued. I expect, however, that the new Simon Kirby: Will the Minister assure me that if this offence will generate worthwhile deterrent effects. As I amendment is passed, it will be only part of the solution said, in a new public health landscape where more and that we should continue to educate people of the powers are devolved to directors of public health there dangers of passive smoking? may be opportunities to explore work where there is a particular local problem. Jane Ellison: My hon. Friend anticipates some of my Finally, I will address the issue of smoking in private next remarks, and I agree wholeheartedly with what he vehicles carrying children. In another place an amendment says. was agreed to enable the Government to make regulations The amendment would amend existing smoke-free to make it legislation in the Health Act 2006 to make it clear that “an offence for any person who drives a private vehicle to fail to the Secretary of State and Welsh Ministers have the prevent smoking in the vehicle when a child or children are powers to make regulations to provide for a private present”. vehicle to be smoke-free when a person under the age of The amendment we are debating today was drawn up 18 is present. During the passage of the 2006 Act, by the Government, with the support of the peers who Ministers at the time said they did not want to use the tabled the initial amendment, to deliver the intention of powers in that legislation to make private vehicles smoke- the amendment in a legally workable way. We have a free. This amendment, if enacted by Parliament, would responsibility to be sure that any amendment that could make it clear that regulations could be made, if the make its way on to the statute book should work in Government so decided, to prohibit smoking in private practice. The technical amendment was agreed on Third vehicles carrying children. Reading in another place. Dame Angela Watkinson: My hon. Friend described (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): this measure as “workable”, but I wonder how she My hon. Friend says that she wants this to be workable. envisages it being enforced. Are we going to have smoking If a 17-year-old was driving a car and smoking at the police weaving in and out of the traffic, looking in car same time, but nobody else was in the car, would they be windows? There must be a serious answer—how could guilty of an offence? this be enforced? Jane Ellison: We have been discussing the issue earlier today, but we will look in more detail at that sort of Jane Ellison: Enforcement has been the subject of detail when the House has voted on the principle of this much of the debate in both Houses over a number of and we have the view of both Houses. Today, the House years, and clearly the detail of that would be looked at is examining the principle, not detailed regulations, in regulation, if the House is minded to give the Government which would need to be brought forward and which a steer on the principle of this. So that is not a matter —[Interruption.] would be subject to the affirmative resolution. for today’s debate, but I am sure it will be It is not for me to comment on the detail of it, but I am sure it will be explored during the debate that follows Ian Paisley: I appreciate the Minister helping us to my speech. get to the bottom of this. I understand that under rule 148 of The Highway Code a driver is prohibited from smoking, eating, drinking, doing a crossword or listening Several hon. Members rose— to a loud radio at the wheel, for very obvious reasons. If that is the case— Jane Ellison: I am going to give way to someone I have not given way to yet. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I think we have got the message. The hon. Gentleman has Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab): As with legislation on had two interventions. We are going very well, so let us the use of seatbelts and mobile phones in cars, we will not challenge the Minister too much so early on. want everyone to abide, but if the vast majority of people abide, it will have a positive impact on the health Jane Ellison: Thank you very much, Mr Deputy of children who would otherwise be affected by passive Speaker. Clearly there will be a lively debate about this smoking. provision, and I wish to draw my remarks to a conclusion soon— Jane Ellison: The hon. Gentleman anticipates the debate to come, during which the Government will Simon Kirby (Brighton, Kemptown) (Con): Will the listen carefully to the range of views expressed by Minister give way? Members on both sides of the House.

Jane Ellison: I am just responding to another intervention. Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): When Let me deal with that one before I take another. Clearly the House decided to ban smoking in pubs and clubs, there will be a debate about this provision. The Government we were told exactly the same thing—that that would have sought to reflect the views expressed in another not be enforceable—but it has proved to be perfectly place by introducing an amendment that is technically enforceable. 609 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 610

Jane Ellison: I thank my hon. Friend for putting his health. I am proud to speak in favour of all the amendments view on record. I am sure that we will hear further views in the group, with the exception of amendments (a) to in the debate that follows. (c) to Lords amendment 124, and I hope that hon. Members from all parties will support the Lords Mr Charles Walker: Will the Minister give way? amendments in the Lobby. It is worth remembering that when the Bill left the Jane Ellison: I want to make a bit of progress because House, it did not contain any of the tobacco measures I sense that a lively debate will follow my speech, so I before us today. Those provisions are a credit to those in want to leave time for that. the other place who successfully argued for them, for The Government—and all Members—are clear that which I commend them. The package of measures was children should not be exposed to second-hand smoke, passed with a great deal of agreement in the other place, which can be particularly harmful to young children, so I hope that we can preserve that consensus in this and we know that young people often have little choice House. about being in places where they are exposed to smoke. While I shall focus my remarks chiefly on smoking in Nevertheless, there are obviously many ways of trying cars carrying children, let me first speak to the other to achieve that aim, which takes me on to the point measures in the group. I welcome Lords amendment 124, about education raised by my hon. Friend the Member which deals with the standardised packaging of tobacco for Brighton, Kemptown (Simon Kirby). products. It must be said that the Government have We need smokers to protect children not only in the taken a rather long and winding route to get to here, family car, but in any enclosed environment, including with a few sharp turns along the way. As we heard from the home. Many argue that legislation is the answer, and the Minister, the Lords amendment is only an enabling we will debate that today, but social marketing campaigns provision, because while it gives Ministers the power to to help smokers and parents to understand the risks of introduce standardised packaging, we have no 100% second-hand smoke and strongly to encourage voluntary assurance that that will happen. It is no secret that the behaviour change are also vital. We would all like to Opposition would prefer more immediate action, but it think that the vast majority of parents would not knowingly is good that we finally see legislation in black and white. risk the health of their children. In the event that Labour Members sincerely hope that, once Sir Cyril has legislation is introduced to stop smoking in cars carrying reported, Ministers will do the right thing and use the children, we should measure its success by not the power. Will the Minister update us on when Sir Cyril number of enforcement actions, but by the reduction in will report? Will she guarantee that if he does recommend exposure to second-hand smoke. standardised packaging for tobacco products, secondary As I have said, the Government will listen carefully to legislation will be brought forward before the general what Parliament has to say about the important principle election? of whether we should have the power to legislate to prevent smoking in cars when children are present. We 6.15 pm will then consider what needs to happen next, which is why, if hon. Members will forgive me, I am not able to Mrs Main: I shall keep my intervention brief because talk in great detail about some of the points that they many hon. Members wish to speak and we do not have have raised—they are questions for the next stage, once much time. The Minister and the hon. Lady have talked the will of Parliament has been expressed. However, in about smoking in cars, but Lords amendment 125 refers any event, I have asked Public Health England to continue to smoking in a “private vehicle”, which means that it its work on behaviour change in this area, including will cover any vehicle, including motorised homes. We through social marketing campaigns. I have asked it to need to be absolutely clear that any vehicle will be carry out targeted work with local authorities and public affected, not just cars. health directors in places where we know that there are problems. When Parliament’s will is known and we can Luciana Berger: I shall come on to talk about measures assess the maximum impact that can be achieved through on vehicles which were introduced in the 2006 Act. education, we will consider putting in place wider public Lords amendment 125 refers specifically to private vehicles. information campaigns. I also welcome Lords amendments 122 and 123, Arguments about effective enforcement were well which deal with nicotine-containing products. I agree rehearsed during the passage of this Bill and the with the Minister that it is sensible to prohibit the sale consideration of private Member’s Bills on this matter, of e-cigarettes to under-18s. E-cigarettes can help smokers including that promoted by the hon. Member for Stockton who are trying to quit, but they should not be available North (Alex Cunningham). I look forward to hearing to children, especially when there are so many question the debate on smoking in cars with children present and marks about the long-term health effects of nicotine to finding out the will of the House on the principle of and when concern has been expressed that e-cigs might the Lords amendment. I also hope that the House will act as gateway products that could lead some young support our proposals on other aspects of tobacco people to take up tobacco smoking. control: the regulation-making powers on standardised I am especially pleased to support Lords amendment packaging; and measures on the age of sale for electronic 121, on proxy purchasing, which will prevent adults cigarettes and the proxy purchasing of tobacco. from buying cigarettes on behalf of children. Labour proposed that policy by tabling amendments in the Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): other place last year. It is already illegal to buy alcohol Today the House has the opportunity to vote for a on behalf of under-age children, so it does not make number of measures that will protect children, help to sense that the same offence does not apply to tobacco transform attitudes and improve our nation’s public products given that, if they are used as directed, they 611 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 612 kill half of all lifetime smokers. I am glad that the Bronchitis, asthma, meningitis, glue ear, the common Government now agree with us, but I hope that the Minister cold and reduced lung function are just some of the will be able to share with hon. Members the Government’s many respiratory illnesses that can be suffered by children rationale for introducing a maximum fine of £2,500, as a result of passive smoking. given that the equivalent penalty for the alcohol offence is £5,000. Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) (Con): If smoking is Let me turn to Lords amendment 125 and the question so damaging to children’s health, surely the logic of the of protecting children from adults smoking in cars. I hon. Lady’s argument is that we should ban smoking in pay tribute to everyone who has campaigned for such a people’s homes. measure, especially the British Lung Foundation and my hon. Friend the Member for Stockton North (Alex Luciana Berger: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that Cunningham). I also applaud my noble Friend Lord intervention. I will talk later about the toxicity of smoke Hunt of Kings Heath, who tabled the original amendment. in an enclosed vehicle, because many studies have shown Since that amendment was successfully passed, the that children are susceptible to passive smoke in the Government have laid out how that Labour proposal back of a car in a way that they are not in a building or could be written into law. In the final analysis, the in the home. decision before the House comes down to a simple Each year around 300,000 GP appointments are attended question: if we know beyond doubt that passive smoking as a direct result of children suffering from illnesses in an enclosed space can do serious harm to a person’s linked to passive smoking, 10,000 have to be admitted health and that hundreds of thousands of children are to hospital and, according to a 2010 report by the Royal being subjected to passive smoking in a car every single College of Physicians, roughly 40 families lose infants week, and if we know from our experience of similar to sudden cot deaths. If the health and tragic human laws passed in this country and others that legislation costs were not justification enough, it is estimated that can have a major impact by changing behaviour and treating children for the effects of passive smoking costs improving public health, should we act and do something, our NHS some £23 million every single year. or stand by and do nothing? We say that we cannot afford not to act. Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): Will my hon. Friend give way? Tim Loughton: By that same token, does the hon. Lady concede that we should criminalise pregnant women Luciana Berger: I will give way one more time. who smoke, on the basis that their child is in an even more confined space than a car? Mark Tami: I am old enough to remember when it used to be okay to smoke on underground trains and on Luciana Berger: We are considering a specific provision, planes. Does my hon. Friend agree that society has but if the hon. Gentleman wants to bring forward moved on and that this proposal is just part of that? further measures, I am sure that the House would wish to debate them. We are talking about children who do Luciana Berger: I thank my hon. Friend for that not have a choice when travelling in a car. contribution. I will mention some of the comments that We all know the dangers of passive smoking, but children have made about that and outline why young the reality is that its worst consequences are inflicted people feel so strongly about this important measure. predominantly on the very youngest in our society. A significant proportion of the effects of passive Children are especially vulnerable to the dangers because smoking felt by children are linked to passive smoking they have smaller lungs and faster breathing rates than in a car, not least because—this relates to the intervention adults. made by the hon. Member for St Albans (Mrs Main)— tobacco smoke in a small, enclosed car can create levels Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): While it is of pollution that are up to 35 times greater than the easy for opponents to make a mockery of the suggestion level deemed safe by the World Health Organisation. A —no doubt we will hear a great deal more of that this single cigarette in a car can create concentrations of evening—has not the House of Commons a responsibility smoke up to 11 times greater than those in a smoky pub to do everything possible to protect children from the of old. effects of smoking? If the proposal can work, it is at We are not talking about a small number of cases. least worth a try. Many people have contacted me in recent days, some of them suffering from many of the conditions I have Luciana Berger rose— mentioned, including asthma, to say that they wish a ban had been introduced when they were children. Other people have said in recent weeks, “Surely no adult Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. We smokes in a car with children.” Unfortunately, according are up against time and a lot of Members want to to the British Lung Foundation, nearly half a million speak, so I would be grateful if we could move on as children are exposed to potentially toxic levels of smoke quickly as possible. in cars every single week. That number is based on children aged between 11 and 15. If we take babies, Luciana Berger: I thank my hon. Friend for his infants and primary school children into account as intervention. He raises a point that I am seeking to well, the number is likely to be even higher. According make in my contribution: we have an opportunity to do to a study by SmokeFree Sports in Liverpool, the area something, so I hope that Members will support the I represent, around a quarter of nine and 10-year-olds Lords amendment in the Lobby tonight. reported being exposed to smoking in cars. 613 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 614

[Luciana Berger] individual in order to prevent harm to others. This is a simple and straightforward measure that would make a That brings to the crux of my argument about why world of difference to hundreds of thousands of children the proposal is justified. This is about children, who across our country, reducing the misery inflicted by often do not have a choice about how they travel and passive smoking, saving millions of pounds for our cannot speak out. In 2010, a third of children surveyed NHS and protecting children who do not have a choice said that they were too frightened or embarrassed to and do not have a voice, and who in 20 years’ time, I am ask an adult not to smoke with them in the car. If we sure, will wonder how it was ever allowed in the first want to protect future generations from the dangers of place. I sincerely hope that Members on both sides of smoking, we need a comprehensive approach. the House will support the measure today. I agree with the Minister when she says that we need better education and that we have to improve public Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): I have no quibble at all awareness. Adults and parents have a duty to act responsibly, with the hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana but we know from experience that when education is Berger), who represents the smug, patronising excesses accompanied by legislation, it can help bring about of new Labour. They think that the only reason they profound changes in behaviour. That is why we already came into Parliament was to ban everybody else from have laws on what people can and cannot do in cars, doing all the things that they happen not to like. What from not using mobile phones at the wheel to compulsory perturbs me is that Conservative Ministers appear not use of car seats for children under the age of five. It is to have grasped the concept, even though they claim to why our existing smoke-free legislation already makes it be Conservatives, that we can disapprove of something illegal to smoke in the workplace or in public vehicles. without banning it. This is just another in the long line The proposal to protect children from smoking in cars of triumphs for the nanny state. would build on that precedent. I will not give way because I want to rattle through Several hon. Members rose— what I have to say in order to give other Members an opportunity to speak. I believe that parents are much Luciana Berger: I am not going to take any more better placed to decide what is best for their children interventions, because many Members have prepared than the state is. If we want to encourage parents to speeches and wish to contribute to the debate. take responsibility for their children, we have to give The proposal has the overwhelming support of royal them that responsibility. We will never get parents to do colleges, health experts and leading authorities on public that if the Government say, “Don’t worry about taking health from across our country. In the past week alone, responsibility for your children, because we will make 700 doctors have written to the British Medical Journal all the relevant decisions for you. You don’t have to in support of a ban on smoking in cars with children. worry about anything.” That is not something we should YouGov polls have shown that the measure enjoys the be encouraging. support of up to 80% of the public. It also has the The Conservative party used to believe in the rights support of the Liverpool Schools’ Parliament, which of private property, and that people could do as they voted for such a ban unanimously. Many colleagues pleased in their own private property. Their private who have visited schools in recent days have encountered vehicle is their own private property. If people wish to similar enthusiasm from young people. smoke in a car with children, that is a decision for To those who say that this law would be unenforceable, them to take. As Conservatives, we should not interfere unworkable or a dreadful infringement of civil liberty, with that. let me offer this thought: 38 years ago this month this Members have talked about small and confined places House debated a law that would make a certain behaviour and about restricting the proposal to private vehicles, so in a car illegal, and Government Members were granted why not caravans? I know that Labour Members are a free vote. There was general agreement about health not going to ask their friends in the Gypsy community and safety, but Members raised concerns about whether to stop smoking in caravans, so we will never have the it would be enforceable or a step too far. One Member prospect of that happening. What is the difference said that it was a mark of the fact that between a caravan and a small car? What is the difference “as a society we are becoming over-governed and over-regulated.”— between a small, confined flat and an open-top car? [Official Report, 1 March 1976; Vol. 906, c. 1006.] Why is it worse for people to smoke in an open-top car Despite that, the proposal passed that night with a than in a confined flat or a caravan? Why is one much convincing majority and eventually became law. More more of a danger to health than the other? This in no than 30 years on, no one is arguing that we should way reflects the fact that most car journeys are very repeal the law that made it compulsory to wear a seat short. Why do Labour Members think it is an absolute belt. In the same way, few people would argue that we outrage and terribly dangerous for somebody’s child if should bring back smoking in enclosed public spaces or they smoke in a two-minute car journey but absolutely on the London underground. In the meantime, the fine for them to smoke for hour after hour in a caravan proportion of motorists wearing a seat belt has risen from that is, in many cases, just as much of a confined space? around 25% to over 90%. It shows just how powerful The whole thing is absolute nonsense. the effect can be when Parliament unites and sends a signal. We have such an opportunity before us today. 6.30 pm This is a matter of child protection, not adult choice. We all know where this is going to end up. The people Members across the House will be familiar with the at Action on Smoking and Health, who appear to be words of the great liberal philosopher John Stuart Mill. the only people the Department of Health listens to, are He prized liberty above all else, but even he accepted not going to hand over their company car keys when that a civilized society should exert influence over an this measure gets passed tonight—they will be campaigning 615 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 616 for the next one, which is of course to get smoking The second amendment relates to regulations. Under banned in everybody’s homes as well. Once we have Lords amendment 124, the Government are saying that agreed to the principle of banning smoking in people’s they can make lots of provisions and as long as some of private cars, how on earth can we logically say that there them are capable of having a positive effect, that is fine. is a great difference regarding people’s homes? Of course, They can propose 10 ridiculous things and two sensible we cannot. We all know that this will end up in people’s ones, and the regulations allow them to do it as long as homes and caravans, and all the rest of it. some of them are sensible. My amendment says that “each” provision that they want to bring in should be Mr Winnick rose— capable of making a difference, not just the odd one or two in a whole series. Philip Davies: I have said I am not going to give way. The hon. Gentleman can listen for once. The Minister said that it would be a constraint on the Moreover, this is totally and utterly unenforceable. Minister’s power to accept my amendments. Well, I What on earth are we doing saying to the police, whose make no apology for trying to constrain the Minister’s resources are already stretched, that all of a sudden this power. That is what the House of Commons is all should be a new priority for them to undertake? Have about—trying to make sure that sensible decisions are they got nothing better to do than go up as close as they taken based on evidence, not just on the latest whim of can to a moving car to see whether there happens to be the nanny state brigade whom she has listened to. We a small child in the back seat? Of course, this is not just are supposedly here to try to defend the freedoms of about small children but all children. How on earth people in this country. This Government want to trample does the driver prove that the person in the back of the over every single one of those freedoms. It makes me car is over 18 rather than under 18? What happens when wonder what is the difference between having Labour or the driver throws the cigarette away and the police have this Government in charge. I expect no better from to try to prove whether they were smoking when they Labour, but I did expect an awful lot better from a were pulled over? The whole thing is completely supposedly Conservative-led Government. unenforceable. It is gesture politics of the worst kind, with Ministers and shadow Ministers trying to flex their Kevin Barron (Rother Valley) (Lab): Listening to this health zealotry at all these health organisations and debate, I could have heard the same things said in 2006 saying, “We’re tougher on these matters than the others.” when the House came to a decision on smoking in public places. That is public health legislation which the Standardised packaging—it is not plain packaging, Prime Minister says is good legislation, although he did as some people say—is also nonsense. In many cases, not vote for it at the time. I hope that Members will bear the standardised packaging is more colourful than the that in mind. existing packaging, so this measure will not do anything for the people who say that all the colourful packaging I hope that Members will also bear in mind, as we always encourages people to smoke. It is already the case that must when considering such legislation, that currently cigarettes cannot be displayed in large shops. What on in the UK over 100,000 people a year die prematurely earth is the point of having plain packaging for products from smoking tobacco. I support the amendment, which that are already behind a counter and cannot even be will, I hope, further restrict the use of tobacco not just seen? Again, the whole thing is complete nonsense. by young people but, in turn, by adults. As the Minister said, two thirds of people who start smoking are young All these arguments are arguments for banning smoking when they do so, and it is addictive. altogether. If people had the courage of their convictions and said, “We should ban smoking altogether”, I would One of my points relates to what the Minister said at least have some respect for them, but they dare not about e-cigarettes not being sold to people under the say that that is what they want to do, even though we age of 18. Some people argue that e-cigarettes are a know it is their real agenda. While cigarettes are a legal gateway to tobacco use, but the organisation that I have product, brands should be free to use their own branding worked with on this over many years—Action on Smoking on the packs. Standardised packaging would simply be and Health, which the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip a triumph of the nanny state that would presumably Davies) clearly admires—says that there is no firm soon be followed by plain packaging for alcohol, sweets, evidence for that at this stage; it is doing another survey crisps, and all the foods that supposedly lead to obesity. this year. The important thing is that over 2 million Once we have gone down this road for one thing, why people are using e-cigarettes, some of them so that they would we not have plain packaging for everything? We smoke less tobacco and some so that they smoke no know, particularly given the current Ministers and shadow tobacco. I agree with the Minister that we should view Ministers, that that is what it would quickly lead to. them as a medicinal product—as part of the family of I have tabled three amendments to Lords amendment 124 nicotine replacement therapies. That should be our to try to make it more sensible. The Lords amendment approach in stopping these awful deaths from smoking. states that the Secretary of State can make regulations if VAT on nicotine replacement therapy products is currently he believes that they 5%. If e-cigarettes were also licensed and charged at the same rate, that would benefit everybody. “may contribute at any time to reducing the risk of harm to…the health or welfare of” I support what the Minister said about proxy purchasing. children—I repeat, “may” contribute. This gives the This has not yet been addressed and it should have Secretary of State the authority to make a decision on a been. Alcohol and tobacco are harmful, depending on whim just because he happens to think that it might how they are used, although alcohol is not as bad as make a difference. My first amendment would change tobacco. “may” to “will” so that he would need to have some We have debated standardised packaging many times evidence for making a change rather than just doing it in the House and heard the arguments about printers on a whim. being affected, and so on. The hon. Member for Shipley 617 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 618

[Kevin Barron] because some Members think, “We, as nice people, drink.” I am extremely concerned about the direction of said that standardised packages are very complicated, travel. and of course they are. I hope that we will have better My final point—I know that others want to speak—is safeguards to stop people engaging in contraband activities. that we will drive another wedge between the police and There is no way that this measure will do anything other those they are policing if we implement this provision. than stop people advertising on cigarette packets the It is nonsense. We will expect the police to intervene and products that cause all these premature deaths. that will further widen the gap between them and those I support the Government and the Opposition on they are policing. That should be avoided and we should banning smoking in cars with children. Enforcement is be very careful about widening that gap. always an issue, and we accept that. When I first started driving, people had to have seat belts in cars but did not Ian Paisley: Like a number of Members, I am deeply have to wear them, and only one person in four did so. concerned that this provision means that Parliament When the law was changed, 90% of people started will slowly but surely become a farce. If Parliament wearing them practically overnight. This is about changing wants to start legislating on issues for reasons of good habits. We could not have a worse situation than somebody public relations, this provision is a good idea. However, in a confined space like a car smoking cigarettes when if we peel it back and look at the evidence, we will see children are there. that it is not essential. Everybody said that the ban on smoking in public We should take time to reflect on the evidence in places would never be enforced. I was on the Health favour of the Lords amendments. On legislating to Committee when we had that debate and we went to prevent people from smoking in cars when children are Dublin to look at what had happened in . A guy present, let us be clear that the law, under rule 148 of there tried to get publicity by saying, “I’m going to be The Highway Code, currently prevents a driver from smoking in this pub tonight. Will you come down and smoking in any vehicle. He or she should not smoke in get me?” However, there were very few problems with any vehicle when driving, so Lords amendment 125 is enforcement and the same is true of us now. We have about the behaviour of passengers and not necessarily not seen all the details, but, as far as I am concerned, that of the driver. That will make it even more difficult the provision is a further step towards protecting young for the enforcer—the police officer—to determine the people and future generations from premature death as actions and age of those smoking in a vehicle. We a result of ill health, and we should support that. should be in the business of making good, sound and solid legislation, and I do not believe that this provision has been properly thought out. It should be taken back Mr Charles Walker: My concern about the Lords to the drawing board and we should consider who the amendment is that we are in danger of criminalising passenger is and who the provision will affect. otherwise very loving parents. We should guard against The issue of enforcement is utterly critical, because that. It would be appalling if people who have been the police are already not properly resourced to do the good parents in every other way found themselves being job they are currently asked to do in combating real criminalised as a result of smoking in a car when their criminals. If we set up another criminal class in the children were present. community, we will have to ask the police to go after I hear the argument about seat belts and it is perfectly them. Some police officers will take great joy in going and entirely reasonable for the Government to set the after a soft-touch conviction, but that is missing the terms of their use on the road. If the Government point and we have to recognise that the police would decide that someone who wants to drive on a road has not have sufficient resources to tackle the issue. to wear a seat belt, that is highly reasonable. I suggest The crux of the matter is: how many people actually that, if the Government really are determined to press engage in smoking in a vehicle when there is a child ahead with banning smoking in cars, that is exactly present? All we have heard from Members on both what they should do: they should ban the consumption Front Benches is a guesstimate, not facts. When New of alcohol in cars by any person of any age and ban Zealand carried out a similar action, it found that smoking in cars by any person of any age. That would 0.13% of people smoked in a vehicle with a child be a much more honest approach, because, as I have present. We are asking this nation to legislate on something said, if we go down this road we will be criminalising that is an incredibly minor problem. hundreds of thousands of parents. Will a repeat offender— someone who has been penalised three or four times—have their children taken into care because they are deemed 6.45 pm to be an abusive parent? Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): I was There is an enormous degree of hypocrisy in this interested to hear the hon. Gentleman’s point about House. I am pleased to say that I am a teetotal non-smoker. rule 148 of The Highway Code. It is, in fact, only There are many people in this place who want to ban advisory with regard to avoiding distractions such as smoking because they think it is not done by very nice smoking and playing loud music in vehicles. It is not people, but they are much more relaxed about alcohol mandatory in the sense the hon. Gentleman might have because of their own habits. If Members are genuinely been suggesting. concerned about the welfare of children, they need to realise that alcohol is the problem, not tobacco. Hundreds Ian Paisley: I was not suggesting that it was mandatory, of thousands of children have their lives blighted by but it does say that people should not do it. Rule 148 is alcoholic parents and the problems associated with very clear that people should not do a crossword, read a alcohol, yet we never talk about that in this House, map, eat a sandwich or smoke while driving. 619 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 620

That takes us back to the crux of the matter. A every year by passive smoking. Not all car journeys are person who lights up and smokes in front of a child—I short: a close family member of mine was made to get hope the hon. Gentleman will accept this—is a prat, in into a car and to travel many hours to go on holiday my view, and we as a House should not be legislating on while a pipe was smoked in the car. Despite protests, that, but educating. What we should really be engaging that pipe continued to be smoked. in is educating people. We do not require legislation to On enforcement, many laws are not properly enforced— educate people not to be prats and to be sensible. like all hon. Members, I want full enforcement—but is The number of people involved is miniscule, so is it anyone saying that we should abandon the law against right that this House is taking time, money and effort to driving while holding a mobile to one’s ear because it is legislate on such a minor problem? I do not believe it is. not always properly enforced? I have written to my police force to ask how many convictions they have had Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): The hon. Gentleman for people holding a phone to their ear. says that the number of people smoking in cars with Yes, in a perfect world we would change this situation children present is miniscule, but he has produced through education, and of course we should refrain no evidence to back that up in relation to the UK. If from banning things unless we have to, but the fact is the number is so miniscule, why is the provision so that too many children—an estimated 185,000 every disproportionate and excessive and how would it make day—have to put up with it. Against their will—they enforcement impossible in the way he suggests? have no choice—they are told to get into a small metal unit. We are here to speak up for those who have no Ian Paisley: Let me take one of the facts raised by voice, which is why I am proud to support the measure Labour tonight. According to tobacco consumption tonight. rates in the United Kingdom, 22% of people smoke in the Liverpool district, but according to the statistic put Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): I quote: in front of us tonight, 25% of all children are subject to “I would ban smoking in cars where children are present. I being in front of smokers. The number of people smoking would do that for the protection of children. I believe in protecting is, therefore, higher than the Government statistics show. children. I would see it as a child welfare issue.” We need more clarity on the stats being put about by Those were precisely my feelings when I introduced the Members on both sides of the House. Labour and Smoking in Private Vehicles Bill under the ten-minute Government Front Benchers should wait, as they said rule exactly 964 days ago. I did so after a briefing from they would in November, for the outcome of the Cyril the British Lung Foundation, with which I have been Chantler independent review. If we wait for the gathering proud to work ever since. My thoughts have not changed of evidence that we can all accept, we will be in a much in the two and a half years since, and I am delighted stronger position to make the decision we are making that the day has come when hon. Members have the tonight. opportunity for a decisive vote to make life healthier for I am also concerned about the plain packaging measures, half a million children. Although I share the sentiment which will decimate an industry. There is not sufficient and could hardly have put it better myself, the words I evidence to show that they will do what everyone wants started with are not mine; they date from February this them to do, which is to stop people smoking. A pound year and are those of the then public health Minister, store I visited sells boxes for people to put their fags in. the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry). It is even possible to get ones that say “Vote Labour” or In Committee in the other place, an amendment was “Vote Conservative”on them. Believe you me, Mr Deputy tabled and supported by all political parties, with eight Speaker: whenever cigarettes are sold in the future peers speaking in favour of the ban. Such is the cross-party under this provision, these boxes will be given out freely nature of the measure. This will be the fourth time that by certain companies because they will take away the Members of this House have asked for a definitive vote one warning that we do know is important, which is on the issue. After my ten-minute rule Bill failed to get a that smoking kills. Tonight we are putting in place an Second Reading, the noble Lord Ribeiro’s private Member’s opportunity for people to cover cigarettes with no warning Bill won support in the other place but failed to make whatsoever. progress in the Commons. In this Chamber, we tried to The biggest problem that this country faces on tobacco amend this Bill, but we failed again. Now, after sustained is the illicit trade: 25% of all cigarettes smoked in the pressure from a cross-party group of Back Benchers United Kingdom tonight will have been smuggled by and Lords, four measures are proposed in the Bill— criminals. We as a House should do something, on a including powers to bring in standardised packaging of united basis, to wipe out such criminal empires, instead cigarettes and to prevent smoking in cars with children of making it easy for them by giving them plain cigarette present—and I welcome them all. packages that are simpler to print, smuggle and get into It is not just parliamentarians who support such a the hands of children. That should be our real cause ban—quite the opposite. The changes are backed by and health concern. many professional bodies and research groups. I have been delighted to work closely with other organisations, Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): I as well as the British Lung Foundation. The list is too rise to support Lords amendment 125 for the very long to name every person and organisation, but it simple reason that children have no choice about getting includes Cancer Research UK, Action on Smoking and into a car. Every day, up and down this country, children Health, the British Medical Association, the British are told to get into a car by their parents or guardians; Heart Foundation and Fresh, our own campaigning they have no choice. I think that we should operate on organisation that has done so much in north-east England. the basis of the “Do no harm” principle. The facts are We must not forget the royal colleges and the 700 health clear: 165,000 incidents of childhood disease are caused professionals, who have already been mentioned. 621 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 622

[Alex Cunningham] find any displacement effects of smoking being shifted to the home. It is time that we followed suit, heeded Facts, figures and statistics in abundance have highlighted public and medical opinion, and got out of the slow lane. the appalling dangers of passive smoking, particularly I am only too aware that a positive decision for a ban to children and young people, and specifically in relation still requires the Government to introduce the necessary to smoking in vehicles. A plethora of studies have regulations. I hope that the Minister will indicate when returned the same results: smoking in a vehicle significantly that is likely. The evidence strongly supports the Lords increases children’s exposure to harmful toxins and amendment, and I urge that Members on both sides of particulates. Numerous surveys and opinion polls have the House do likewise and stand up today for the consistently shown that the public support such protection of children. recommendations. I have no doubt that my fellow Members will draw attention to them as the debate progresses. Several hon. Members rose— I want to focus on the arguments about enforcement Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. May and intrusion. It is important to remember that the we have less chatter during speeches. It is getting difficult police already have a number of duties with regard to to hear. private vehicles, and to recognise that the additional enforcement costs of a measure to outlaw smoking Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): I rise to when children are present are minimal. support the Government amendments to put the two regulation-making powers in the Bill, and to support Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): Will the hon. the initiatives taken by Cross Benchers in the other Gentleman give way? House and by a cross-party group in this House. I speak as chair of the all-party group on smoking and health. Alex Cunningham: I will not. We have been asked to be clear about the evidence. Other hon. Members have mentioned the non-wearing One area in which the evidence is absolutely clear is that of seatbelts, which is a tricky misdemeanour to spot if smoking is a childhood addiction, not an adult choice: ever there was one. It needs an eagle eye, but the police 40% of smokers are addicted by the age of 16 and two routinely monitor drivers and passengers alike to ensure thirds by the age of 18, while 200,000 children take up compliance with the law. The introduction of legislation smoking every year. That is why I strongly support, and in 2006 to make the use of appropriate child restraints urge hon. Members on both sides of the House to mandatory for children under the age of 12 were also support, the Lords amendment to provide for the power considered very complex, and similar concerns were to regulate and standardise packaging. I do so not least raised at the time. However, implementation went ahead because of the evidence from the tobacco industry’s and has been successfully enforced. campaign against it, and from documents released through To argue that it would be too difficult and burdensome court cases that have demonstrated that it knows that for officers to spot the act of smoking in a car, or to packaging is a way of driving market share, as well as of identify whether a child is being carried at the same driving people to smoke in the first place. time, is therefore no excuse. Indeed, I argue that such On passive smoking in cars, both the NHS and the actions are markedly easier to recognise than gauging World Health Organisation are very clear about the the height of a seated child to ascertain whether correct dangers of second-hand smoke for children. Other hon. restraints are used. To suggest that officers would be Members have already listed that evidence. I do not unable to identify such instances is to underestimate know where the hon. Member for North Antrim (Ian their competence. I take much comfort from knowing Paisley) was in relation to the data. Every week, 430,000 that when educational campaigns on seatbelts accompanied children aged 11 to 15 are exposed to second-hand the legislation, seatbelt use shot up from 25% to 91%, smoke in their family cars. That is not their choice. The and from knowing that Department of Health figures hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew indicate that there was 98% compliance from the moment Selous) is absolutely right. This issue is not about a the smoke-free legislation was introduced. I hope that child’s choice, because they have no choice. They have the instances of such rules being flouted would be few to get into the car if their parents want them to do so. and far between as a result of Britons’ law-abiding The concentration of toxins in a car makes it a nature. I remain confident that, as with compliance on significantly different environment from a smoky pub seatbelts, such regulations would become largely self- or home. The evidence demonstrates the impact that enforcing. Let us not forget that it is the role of the that environment has on a child’s health. That is where police to enforce the law. the Millsian test applies. The harm to the child should Unlike most adults, children lack the freedom to trigger us to act in the way that I hope the House will decide when and how they travel, and do not know how act tonight. That is why I support the free vote. harmful second-hand smoke is. Other hon. Members have already covered that point, so I will not repeat it. 7pm There are international precedents for action: South On enforcement, the laws on smoking in work vehicles, Africa, Mauritius and Bahrain have all outlawed smoking wearing seat belts and using child car seats have been in cars with a child present, as have seven of the eight introduced successfully. It has been suggested that we states or territories of Australia, nine—I understand it will criminalise parents in some way. We have not is soon to become 10—of the 13 states in and criminalised them in relation to child car seats and we six of the 50 states in the United States. One published will not do so by legislating in this area. There is a clear study from Canada has documented a positive impact case for banning smoking in cars when children are on reducing second-hand smoke exposure in the relatively present. I hope that the proposed regulations will do short term after implementation. Positively, it did not just that. 623 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 624

The Minister spoke about social marketing. I agree If the Labour party represented the working class that that has a key part to play in the successful far more than it suggests it does, it would be making a implementation of such changes. However, we know very different argument, because a huge tranche of the that it is not enough. We saw that with the legislation on population will see itself criminalised. We should be wearing seat belts. Only 25% of people wore their seat advising people not to smoke in front of their children. belts before the law changed. Afterwards, the proportion We have been winning the argument on smoking. The went up to 91%. Government have adverts on the television that show a We can debate whether we should replace the words mum blowing the smoke out of the door and then say, “smoking in cars” with the words “smoking in enclosed “What if you could see what it does to your child’s public places”. However, the arguments that are made lungs?” We will not stop those adverts because we are by Government Members are all too often the wrong trying to educate people. arguments and they are being left behind by society, Under the proposal, we will be saying that a child can which wants us to move again. That is why I support the get into a fog-filled car after their mum has been smoking Lords amendments. in it. As long as she is not still doing it, that will not be an offence. We will be saying that it is an offence to Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): Protecting children smoke in a van if Traveller children or others who live in is one of the most important responsibilities that we transit are sitting in the back. However, if I sit in my have. We know that smoking kills, we know the dangers kitchen and people can see me through the front window, of passive smoking and we know that children are more fag in hand and baby over my shoulder, comforting the at risk than adults from the effects of smoke. child, that will not be an offence. It would be easy to track down such behaviour, so why do we not say that Half a million children are exposed to potentially smoking in front of children should be banned or that toxic levels of second-hand smoke in family cars each smoking should be banned? It is because we think that week, according to the British Lung Foundation. Children’s it would be illiberal to go into people’s homes. However, lungs are smaller and children have faster breathing some people’s homes are vehicles. I look forward to rates. They are therefore particularly vulnerable to second- people explaining that to the communities that will be hand smoke, especially in a confined space such as a affected disproportionately. car. I cannot believe that we are not supposed to inquire Children have no choice but to travel in a family car. about the detail. Would it be good if car drivers, including parents, chose not to smoke when children were present? Absolutely. Andrew Percy: Will my hon. Friend give way? However, in the case of seat belts, it took a change in the law to ensure that there was a change in behaviour. The proportion of people wearing seat belts went up from Mrs Main: No, I will not give way because many 25% to more than 90% after legislation was introduced. colleagues who have been here from the very beginning wish to speak. I am sorry if my hon. Friend is one of As I said, protecting children is one of our most them. important responsibilities. We can exercise that responsibility today. We have to choose between the right of an adult I cannot think that this proposal will be enforceable. to do as he or she chooses in the privacy of his or her We all want to protect children. In that case, perhaps we car and the protection of the health of children. Throughout should get out the fat callipers when we see very lardy the passage of the Bill, Government Members have children walking down our high streets because their rightly agreed that the protection of children is paramount. parents feed them junk of an evening. Perhaps we I hope that all Members will agree that we should make should ban fattening foods because there are more than it an offence to smoke in a vehicle when children are a million people with type 2 diabetes, as has been said in present. the media today. Where will it stop? We need to educate people. We need to ensure that parents do what is best for their children because they believe in doing what is Mrs Main: I have never heard of a more illiberal, best for them. We cannot legislate every single risk and nonsensical and unenforceable proposal than Lords danger out of existence. amendment 125. I am sorry that it is being proposed by the Government and that Members are being asked not Mr Steve Reed (Croydon North) (Lab): I met the to consider the detail, because the devil is in the detail. school council at Broadmead primary school in Croydon As has been said, the word “vehicle” refers to a broad last Friday and I took part in a school assembly at spectrum of containers, if I may put it like that, including Norbury Manor primary school this morning. I asked motor homes, Traveller caravans and, potentially, narrow the children what they thought of the proposal to ban boats. The proposal suggests that smoking while driving smoking in cars that are carrying children like them. an open-top car, to which my hon. Friend the Member Every single child supported the ban. When I asked for Shipley (Philip Davies) referred, is more injurious to how many of them had been inside a car when an adult health than a mother smoking while pregnant. I find was smoking, nearly half the children put their hands that impossible to accept. up. I asked one little girl what she did when she was in a I do not know how the police will arbitrate between car and an adult was smoking. She held her nose and two 17-year-olds in a car if one of them has been told me that she tried not to breathe. smoking. I do not think that we should be considering Although those children hated the experience of being using this resource if we are not banning cigarettes, full forced to breathe in cigarette smoke, they did not understand stop. I do not smoke and have never smoked. I am a the damage that it does to their health. The Royal mother of four children. I fundamentally believe that College of Paediatrics and Child Health and other we should not make bad, unenforceable law. professionals estimate that up to 160,000 children a 625 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 626

[Mr Steve Reed] the health and welfare of our children, but we should support parents, not seek to supplant them, as the state year develop lung diseases, including asthma and bronchitis, has an increasing tendency to do and is trying to do yet as a result of breathing in second-hand cigarette smoke. again with this amendment. Developing lungs are far more susceptible to smoke-related If we are serious about this measure, we should have disease than adults. That raises the question of why we the courage of our convictions and ban smoking altogether. protect adults in the workplace, on public transport and There is only one way that this legislation can go, and in pubs from the dangers of second-hand smoke, but the natural conclusion is that there will be a ban on subject children to it in cars. smoking in private homes. As I said earlier—not entirely I have listened carefully to the arguments against this facetiously—we must face the logic that pregnant women proposal, but I find very little merit in them. The idea who can do untold damage to their unborn children that this measure is an example of the illiberal nanny through smoking and through foetal alcohol syndrome, state is misguided. Law making is often about striking a which affects one in 100 children with very serious balance between competing rights. On what balance of consequences, should be criminalised for doing the same rights does the right of a smoker to smoke outweigh the thing in principle that this amendment tries to criminalise. right of a child to grow up healthy? I do not accept that Then there are the implications of not feeding our an adult should have the right to harm a child who is children healthy food. The amendment is unenforceable. powerless to protect him or herself. An adult who is in It is bad law and is about supplanting, not supporting, a car with a smoker can get out if they want to. Often, a the parent, and I cannot support it. child cannot. To those who say that the measure is unenforceable, Mr Winnick: There is the notion that this amendment I say that we heard exactly the same about the seat belt on the safety of children in cars is an attack on freedom, law. Education in this case has clearly not worked well but as my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, enough. We need to change behaviour. That requires a Wavertree (Luciana Berger) rightly said, a model society strong education campaign but, crucially, that needs to will always need to put various restrictions on what be backed up by law to show how seriously the country individuals can and cannot do. takes the issue and to create a sufficiently powerful Reference has been made to seat belts, and it so deterrent. happens that I was in the Chamber during the debates We have taken many steps to protect people from on that. I imagine that if the hon. Member for Shipley passive smoking. Without this further measure, too (Philip Davies) had been present at the time, he would many children will be left struggling to avoid breathing have argued strongly against compulsory seat belts in in smoke in the back of cars and, far worse, could find cars—of course he would have because when I was themselves struggling with lung disease in later life. It is listening to him today, I heard the authentic voice of our duty today to act to protect them. primitive Toryism. Philip Davies: Thank you! Tim Loughton: I am a veteran of many children’s Bills. Yet again, such a Bill has been hijacked at the 11th hour by a subject that was not part of the original Mr Winnick: I do not necessarily work on the assumption Bill. Usually, the subject is smacking; today, it is smoking. that whatever the hon. Member for Shipley opposes I should support, Mr Deputy Speaker, but nevertheless I hate, loathe and detest smoking. I do not want any that is usually the case. of my children or anybody else’s children to smoke. I was also around when we debated banning smoking However, I also hate, loathe and detest the nanny state in most places, which it was argued at the time was a and its increasingly frenetic and insidious tentacles, grave restriction on freedom. Who in the House of which are creeping into individuals’ private lives and Commons today, in 2014, would argue that, apart from spaces. the hon. Member for Shipley and a few others? The I support many other measures that will suppress ban, which was so controversial at the time, has been smoking and reduce the prevalence of smoking. I am widely accepted in the country. People said that it would for in-your-face, horrific graphics that show people the not be accepted and that the law would be broken, but ghastly things that smoking does to their insides. I am has it been? Where is the evidence that the law on in favour of higher tax. I am in favour of pariah status smoking passed in the previous Parliament has been for people who smoke. I have no problem with the broken? Lords amendments on packaging and on discouraging I accept entirely that it may be difficult to implement people from buying tobacco for under-age people. the measures that have been suggested on smoking in However, I am against a measure that yet again cars, and I do not underestimate the difficulties. I do, undermines the parenting role of parents in favour of however, say simply that it is worth a try.Every organisation the state. The state makes for a poor parent. This that has been mentioned and is concerned with public measure will criminalise good parents, as my hon. Friend health has argued that the amendment should be put the Member for Broxbourne (Mr Walker) said. People into law, as I believe it should be. It provides an opportunity should not smoke in front of their children, whether to protect children in the way it describes, and it is likely, they are in a car, outside a car, in a house or wherever however difficult it may be to police, that people will else, not because the state threatens them with a fine or accept that the law has been passed by Parliament, and a criminal record, but because it is a stupid thing to do. that there will be a greater desire to ensure that it is I will not quite use the language of the hon. Member for observed. This measure is worth a try, and anything North Antrim (Ian Paisley), but it is stupid on so many that can protect children from the dangers of smoking levels. We should have much more empathy towards should certainly be supported tonight. 627 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 628

Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): I speak as the Corbyn, Jeremy Griffiths, Andrew secretary of the all-party group on smoking and health. Cox, Mr Geoffrey Gwynne, Andrew There is only a brief time available, but the facts and Crabb, Stephen Hain, rh Mr Peter figures have been presented to the House. The fact is Creagh, Mary Hames, Duncan that the younger people start to smoke, the more damage Creasy, Stella Hamilton, Mr David they do to their health and the shorter their lives as a Cruddas, Jon Hammond, rh Mr Philip Cryer, John Hancock, Matthew result. The key point is that most young people start Cunningham, Alex Hanson, rh Mr David smoking because of their parents, siblings, friends or Cunningham, Mr Jim Harman, rh Ms Harriet the media marketing of big tobacco. We need to take Cunningham, Sir Tony Harris, Rebecca away the capability of big tobacco to market to young Curran, Margaret Harvey, Sir Nick people, and I support wholeheartedly the measures on Danczuk, Simon Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan standardised packaging. Those opposing measures to Davey, rh Mr Edward Heald, Oliver stop parents smoking in cars carrying children should David, Wayne Healey, rh John understand that a car contains 11 times more tobacco Davies, Geraint Heaton-Harris, Chris and nicotine than a smoky pub. Even more importantly, de Bois, Nick Hepburn, Mr Stephen if a parent is driving a car with all four windows open, De Piero, Gloria Herbert, rh Nick the level of pollution is treble the amount recommended Dinenage, Caroline Hermon, Lady by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the Dobson, rh Frank Heyes, David World Health Organisation. That is extremely damaging Docherty, Thomas Hillier, Meg Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Hodge, rh Margaret to children’s health, and I support the Lords amendment. Doran, Mr Frank Hodgson, Mrs Sharon 7.15 pm Doughty, Stephen Hoey, Kate Dowd, Jim Hood, Mr Jim Ninety minutes having elapsed having elapsed since the Doyle, Gemma Horwood, Martin commencement of proceedings on Lords amendments, the Dromey, Jack Howarth, rh Mr George debate was interrupted (Programme Order, this day). Duncan, rh Mr Alan Howell, John The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Question already Durkan, Mark Hughes, rh Simon proposed from the Chair (Standing Order No. 83F), Eagle, Ms Angela Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy That this House agrees with Lords amendment 125. Eagle, Maria Hunt, Tristram Edwards, Jonathan Huppert, Dr Julian The House divided: Ayes 376, Noes 107. Ellis, Michael Irranca-Davies, Huw Division No. 207] [7.15 pm Ellison, Jane Jackson, Glenda Ellman, Mrs Louise Jackson, Mr Stewart AYES Ellwood, Mr Tobias James, Margot Abbott, Ms Diane Brady, Mr Graham Engel, Natascha James, Mrs Siân C. Abrahams, Debbie Brake, rh Tom Esterson, Bill Jarvis, Dan Adams, Nigel Brazier, Mr Julian Evans, Chris Jenkin, Mr Bernard Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Brennan, Kevin Evans, Graham Johnson, rh Alan Alexander, rh Danny Brine, Steve Evans, Jonathan Johnson, Diana Ali, Rushanara Brooke, Annette Evennett, Mr David Johnson, Joseph Allen, Mr Graham Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Fabricant, Michael Jones, Andrew Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Brown, Mr Russell Farrelly, Paul Jones, Helen Ashworth, Jonathan Bruce, Fiona Farron, Tim Jones, Mr Kevan Austin, Ian Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Field, rh Mr Frank Jones, Mr Marcus Bailey, Mr Adrian Bryant, Chris Fitzpatrick, Jim Jones, Susan Elan Bain, Mr William Buck, Ms Karen Flint, rh Caroline Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Baker, Norman Buckland, Mr Robert Flynn, Paul Keeley, Barbara Baldry, rh Sir Tony Burnham, rh Andy Fovargue, Yvonne Kelly, Chris Balls, rh Ed Burns, rh Mr Simon Francis, Dr Hywel Kendall, Liz Banks, Gordon Burstow, rh Paul Freeman, George Khan, rh Sadiq Barclay, Stephen Burt, rh Alistair Freer, Mike Kirby, Simon Barron, rh Kevin Burt, Lorely Gapes, Mike Lamb, Norman Barwell, Gavin Byles, Dan Gardiner, Barry Lammy, rh Mr David Beckett, rh Margaret Byrne, rh Mr Liam Garnier, Mark Lancaster, Mark Begg, Dame Anne Campbell, Mr Alan George, Andrew Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Beith, rh Sir Alan Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Gilbert, Stephen Latham, Pauline Benn, rh Hilary Campbell, Mr Ronnie Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Lavery, Ian Benton, Mr Joe Carmichael, Neil Gilmore, Sheila Laws, rh Mr David Beresford, Sir Paul Caton, Martin Glass, Pat Leadsom, Andrea Berger, Luciana Champion, Sarah Glen, John Lee, Dr Phillip Berry, Jake Chapman, Jenny Glindon, Mrs Mary Leech, Mr John Betts, Mr Clive Chishti, Rehman Goodman, Helen Lefroy, Jeremy Birtwistle, Gordon Clark, Katy Goodwill, Mr Robert Leslie, Chris Blackman, Bob Clarke, rh Mr Tom Gove, rh Michael Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Blackman-Woods, Roberta Clwyd, rh Ann Graham, Richard Lewis, Dr Julian Blackwood, Nicola Coaker, Vernon Greatrex, Tom Lilley, rh Mr Peter Blears, rh Hazel Coffey, Ann Green, Kate Lloyd, Stephen Blomfield, Paul Collins, Damian Greening, rh Justine Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Blunkett, rh Mr David Connarty, Michael Greenwood, Lilian Love, Mr Andrew Boles, Nick Cooper, Rosie Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Lucas, Caroline Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Cooper, rh Yvette Griffith, Nia Lucas, Ian 629 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 630

Luff, Sir Peter Rogerson, Dan Williams, Mr Mark Wollaston, Dr Sarah Mactaggart, Fiona Rosindell, Andrew Williams, Roger Woodcock, John Mahmood, Shabana Rotheram, Steve Williams, Stephen Wright, David Mann, John Ruane, Chris Williamson, Gavin Wright, Simon Marsden, Mr Gordon Rudd, Amber Willott, Jenny Yeo, Mr Tim Maynard, Paul Russell, Sir Bob Wilson, Phil Young, rh Sir George McCabe, Steve Rutley, David Wilson, Mr Rob Tellers for the Ayes: McCann, Mr Michael Sanders, Mr Adrian Winnick, Mr David Nic Dakin and McCarthy, Kerry Sawford, Andy Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Julie Hilling McClymont, Gregg Scott, Mr Lee McDonagh, Siobhain Seabeck, Alison McDonald, Andy Selous, Andrew NOES McDonnell, John Shapps, rh Grant Amess, Mr David Johnson, Gareth McFadden, rh Mr Pat Sharma, Alok Andrew, Stuart Kawczynski, Daniel McGovern, Alison Sharma, Mr Virendra Bacon, Mr Richard Knight, rh Sir Greg McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Sheerman, Mr Barry Baker, Steve Leigh, Sir Edward McKechin, Ann Shepherd, Sir Richard Baldwin, Harriett Leslie, Charlotte McKenzie, Mr Iain Sheridan, Jim Bebb, Guto Lidington, rh Mr David McKinnell, Catherine Shuker, Gavin Bellingham, Mr Henry Lord, Jonathan McPartland, Stephen Simmonds, Mark Benyon, Richard Lumley, Karen Meale, Sir Alan Skidmore, Chris Bingham, Andrew May, rh Mrs Theresa Mearns, Ian Skinner, Mr Dennis Binley, Mr Brian McCartney, Karl Menzies, Mark Slaughter, Mr Andy Bray, Angie McIntosh, Miss Anne Miller, Andrew Smith, rh Mr Andrew Bridgen, Andrew McVey, Esther Milton, Anne Smith, Angela Brokenshire, James Menzies, Mark Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Smith, Henry Browne, Mr Jeremy Mercer, Patrick Mitchell, Austin Smith, Julian Burns, Conor Metcalfe, Stephen Moon, Mrs Madeleine Smith, Nick Cairns, Alun Mills, Nigel Moore, rh Michael Smith, Owen Carswell, Mr Douglas Mosley, Stephen Morgan, Nicky Smith, Sir Robert Clappison, Mr James Neill, Robert Morris, David Soames, rh Nicholas Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Nuttall, Mr David Morris, Grahame M. Spellar, rh Mr John Coffey, Dr Thérèse Ollerenshaw, Eric (Easington) Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Davies, David T. C. Ottaway, rh Sir Richard Morris, James Stanley, rh Sir John (Monmouth) Paisley, Ian Mowat, David Stephenson, Andrew Davies, Glyn Penning, Mike Mudie, Mr George Stewart, Bob Davies, Philip Penrose, John Mulholland, Greg Stewart, Iain Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Percy, Andrew Munn, Meg Straw, rh Mr Jack Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Perry, Claire Murphy, rh Mr Jim Streeter, Mr Gary Doyle-Price, Jackie Pincher, Christopher Murphy, rh Paul Stride, Mel Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Prisk, Mr Mark Murray, Ian Stringer, Graham Fallon, rh Michael Redwood, rh Mr John Murrison, Dr Andrew Stuart, Ms Gisela Field, Mark Rees-Mogg, Jacob Nandy, Lisa Stunell, rh Sir Andrew Foster, rh Mr Don Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Nash, Pamela Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Fox,rhDrLiam Robertson, rh Hugh Newmark, Mr Brooks Swales, Ian Francois, rh Mr Mark Robertson, Mr Laurence Newton, Sarah Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Fuller, Richard Simpson, Mr Keith Nokes, Caroline Tami, Mark Gale, Sir Roger Spencer, Mr Mark Norman, Jesse Teather, Sarah Garnier, Sir Edward Stewart, Rory O’Brien, rh Mr Stephen Thomas, Mr Gareth Gray, Mr James Stuart, Mr Graham O’Donnell, Fiona Thornberry, Emily Grayling, rh Chris Sturdy, Julian Opperman, Guy Thornton, Mike Green, rh Damian Syms, Mr Robert Osborne, rh Mr George Timms, rh Stephen Gummer, Ben Truss, Elizabeth Osborne, Sandra Timpson, Mr Edward Gyimah, Mr Sam Turner, Mr Andrew Owen, Albert Tomlinson, Justin Halfon, Robert Tyrie, Mr Andrew Parish, Neil Trickett, Jon Hands, Greg Vickers, Martin Pearce, Teresa Turner, Karl Harper, Mr Mark Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Phillips, , Derek Hart, Simon Walker, Mr Charles Phillipson, Bridget Twigg, Stephen Hayes, rh Mr John Walter, Mr Robert Poulter, Dr Daniel Umunna, Mr Chuka Heath, Mr David Watkinson, Dame Angela Pound, Stephen Uppal, Paul Henderson, Gordon Weatherley, Mike Powell, Lucy Vara, Mr Shailesh Hendry, Charles Wheeler, Heather Raab, Mr Dominic Vaz, rh Keith Hinds, Damian Whittingdale, Mr John Hoban, Mr Mark Randall, rh Sir John Vaz, Valerie Wiggin, Bill Hollingbery, George Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Walker, Mr Robin Wright, Jeremy Reed, Mr Jamie Wallace, Mr Ben Hollobone, Mr Philip Reed, Mr Steve Walley, Joan Hopkins, Kris Tellers for the Noes: Reeves, Rachel Ward, Mr David Howarth, Sir Gerald Mrs Anne Main and Reid, Mr Alan Watts, Mr Dave Hunter, Mark Tim Loughton Reynolds, Emma Webb, Steve Riordan, Mrs Linda Wharton, James Question accordingly agreed to. Ritchie, Ms Margaret White, Chris Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Whittaker, Craig Lords amendment 125 agreed to. 631 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 632

The Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the Questions Edwards, Jonathan Hendry, Charles necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded Ellis, Michael Herbert, rh Nick at that time (Standing Order No. 83F). Ellison, Jane Hermon, Lady Ellman, Mrs Louise Heyes, David Question put, That this House agrees with Lords Ellwood, Mr Tobias Hillier, Meg amendments 121 to 124 and 150. Elphicke, Charlie Hilling, Julie The House divided: Ayes 453, Noes 24. Engel, Natascha Hinds, Damian Esterson, Bill Hoban, Mr Mark Division No. 208] [7.29 pm Evans, Chris Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Evans, Graham Hollingbery, George AYES Evans, Jonathan Hood, Mr Jim Abbott, Ms Diane Burns, rh Mr Simon Evennett, Mr David Hopkins, Kris Abrahams, Debbie Burstow, rh Paul Fabricant, Michael Horwood, Martin Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Burt, rh Alistair Fallon, rh Michael Hosie, Stewart Alexander, rh Danny Burt, Lorely Farrelly, Paul Howarth, rh Mr George Ali, Rushanara Byles, Dan Farron, Tim Howell, John Allen, Mr Graham Cairns, Alun Field, rh Mr Frank Hughes, rh Simon Amess, Mr David Campbell, Mr Alan Fitzpatrick, Jim Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Andrew, Stuart Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Flint, rh Caroline Hunt, Tristram Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Campbell, Mr Ronnie Flynn, Paul Huppert, Dr Julian Ashworth, Jonathan Cash, Mr William Foster, rh Mr Don Irranca-Davies, Huw Austin, Ian Caton, Martin Fovargue, Yvonne Jackson, Glenda Bacon, Mr Richard Champion, Sarah Fox,rhDrLiam James, Margot Bailey, Mr Adrian Chapman, Jenny Francis, Dr Hywel James, Mrs Siân C. Bain, Mr William Chishti, Rehman Francois, rh Mr Mark Jarvis, Dan Baker, Norman Clappison, Mr James Freeman, George Jenkin, Mr Bernard Baldry, rh Sir Tony Clark, Katy Freer, Mike Johnson, rh Alan Baldwin, Harriett Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Gale, Sir Roger Johnson, Diana Balls, rh Ed Clarke, rh Mr Tom Gapes, Mike Johnson, Gareth Banks, Gordon Clwyd, rh Ann Garnier, Sir Edward Johnson, Joseph Barclay, Stephen Coaker, Vernon Garnier, Mark Jones, Andrew Barron, rh Kevin Coffey, Ann George, Andrew Jones, Helen Barwell, Gavin Coffey, Dr Thérèse Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Jones, Mr Kevan Bebb, Guto Collins, Damian Gilmore, Sheila Jones, Mr Marcus Beckett, rh Margaret Connarty, Michael Glass, Pat Jones, Susan Elan Begg, Dame Anne Cooper, Rosie Glen, John Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Beith, rh Sir Alan Cooper, rh Yvette Glindon, Mrs Mary Kawczynski, Daniel Bellingham, Mr Henry Corbyn, Jeremy Goldsmith, Zac Keeley, Barbara Benn, rh Hilary Cox, Mr Geoffrey Goodman, Helen Kelly, Chris Benton, Mr Joe Creagh, Mary Goodwill, Mr Robert Kendall, Liz Benyon, Richard Creasy, Stella Gove, rh Michael Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Beresford, Sir Paul Crouch, Tracey Graham, Richard Khan, rh Sadiq Berger, Luciana Cruddas, Jon Grayling, rh Chris Kirby, Simon Berry, Jake Cunningham, Alex Greatrex, Tom Knight, rh Sir Greg Betts, Mr Clive Cunningham, Mr Jim Green, rh Damian Lamb, Norman Green, Kate Lammy, rh Mr David Bingham, Andrew Cunningham, Sir Tony Greening, rh Justine Lancaster, Mark Birtwistle, Gordon Curran, Margaret Greenwood, Lilian Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Blackman, Bob Dakin, Nic Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Latham, Pauline Blackman-Woods, Roberta Danczuk, Simon Griffith, Nia Lavery, Ian Blackwood, Nicola Davey, rh Mr Edward Griffiths, Andrew Laws, rh Mr David Blears, rh Hazel David, Wayne Gummer, Ben Leadsom, Andrea Blomfield, Paul Davies, David T. C. Gwynne, Andrew Lee, Jessica Blunkett, rh Mr David (Monmouth) Gyimah, Mr Sam Lee, Dr Phillip Boles, Nick Davies, Geraint Hain, rh Mr Peter Leech, Mr John Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Davies, Glyn Halfon, Robert Lefroy, Jeremy Brake, rh Tom de Bois, Nick Hames, Duncan Leslie, Charlotte Brazier, Mr Julian De Piero, Gloria Hamilton, Mr David Leslie, Chris Brennan, Kevin Dinenage, Caroline Hammond, rh Mr Philip Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Brine, Steve Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hands, Greg Lewis, Brandon Brokenshire, James Dobson, rh Frank Hanson, rh Mr David Lewis, Dr Julian Brooke, Annette Docherty, Thomas Harman, rh Ms Harriet Lidington, rh Mr David Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Harper, Mr Mark Lilley, rh Mr Peter Brown, Mr Russell Doran, Mr Frank Harris, Rebecca Lloyd, Stephen Browne, Mr Jeremy Doughty, Stephen Hart, Simon Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Bruce, Fiona Doyle, Gemma Harvey, Sir Nick Loughton, Tim Bruce, rh Sir Malcolm Dromey, Jack Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Love, Mr Andrew Bryant, Chris Duncan, rh Mr Alan Hayes, rh Mr John Lucas, Caroline Buck, Ms Karen Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Healey, rh John Lucas, Ian Buckland, Mr Robert Durkan, Mark Heath, Mr David Luff, Sir Peter Burnham, rh Andy Eagle, Ms Angela Heaton-Harris, Chris Lumley, Karen Burns, Conor Eagle, Maria Hemming, John MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan 633 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 634

Mactaggart, Fiona Pincher, Christopher Thornton, Mike Wharton, James Mahmood, Shabana Poulter, Dr Daniel Thurso, John Wheeler, Heather Mann, John Pound, Stephen Timms, rh Stephen White, Chris Marsden, Mr Gordon Powell, Lucy Timpson, Mr Edward Whiteford, Dr Eilidh May, rh Mrs Theresa Raab, Mr Dominic Tomlinson, Justin Whittaker, Craig Maynard, Paul Randall, rh Sir John Trickett, Jon Wiggin, Bill McCabe, Steve Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Truss, Elizabeth Williams, Mr Mark McCann, Mr Michael Reckless, Mark Turner, Karl Williams, Roger McCarthy, Kerry Redwood, rh Mr John Twigg, Derek Williams, Stephen McClymont, Gregg Reed, Mr Jamie Twigg, Stephen Williamson, Gavin McDonagh, Siobhain Reed, Mr Steve Uppal, Paul Willott, Jenny McDonald, Andy Reeves, Rachel Vara, Mr Shailesh Wilson, Phil McDonnell, John Reid, Mr Alan Vaz, Valerie Winnick, Mr David McFadden, rh Mr Pat Reynolds, Emma Vickers, Martin Winterton, rh Ms Rosie McGovern, Alison Riordan, Mrs Linda Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Wishart, Pete McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Ritchie, Ms Margaret Walker, Mr Charles Wollaston, Dr Sarah McKechin, Ann Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Walker, Mr Robin Woodcock, John McKenzie, Mr Iain Robertson, rh Hugh Wallace, Mr Ben Wright, David McKinnell, Catherine Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Walley, Joan Wright, Jeremy McPartland, Stephen Rogerson, Dan Walter, Mr Robert Wright, Simon McVey, Esther Rosindell, Andrew Ward, Mr David Yeo, Mr Tim Meale, Sir Alan Rotheram, Steve Watts, Mr Dave Young, rh Sir George Mearns, Ian Ruane, Chris Weatherley, Mike Tellers for the Ayes: Menzies, Mark Russell, Sir Bob Webb, Steve Mark Hunter and Mercer, Patrick Rutley, David Weir, Mr Mike Metcalfe, Stephen Sanders, Mr Adrian Miller, Andrew Sandys, Laura Milton, Anne Sawford, Andy NOES Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Scott, Mr Lee Bebb, Guto Lord, Jonathan Mitchell, Austin Seabeck, Alison Binley, Mr Brian McCartney, Karl Moon, Mrs Madeleine Selous, Andrew Davis, rh Mr David Mills, Nigel Moore, rh Michael Sharma, Alok Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Paisley, Ian Mordaunt, Penny Sheerman, Mr Barry Dowd, Jim Reckless, Mark Morgan, Nicky Shepherd, Sir Richard Doyle-Price, Jackie Rees-Mogg, Jacob Morris, David Sheridan, Jim Gilbert, Stephen Robertson, Mr Laurence Morris, Grahame M. Shuker, Gavin Gray, Mr James Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry (Easington) Simmonds, Mark Hart, Simon Tyrie, Mr Andrew Morris, James Simpson, Mr Keith Henderson, Gordon Whittingdale, Mr John Mosley, Stephen Skidmore, Chris Hepburn, Mr Stephen Mowat, David Skinner, Mr Dennis Hollobone, Mr Philip Tellers for the Noes: Mudie, Mr George Slaughter, Mr Andy Howarth, Sir Gerald Philip Davies and Mulholland, Greg Smith, rh Mr Andrew Leigh, Sir Edward Mr David Nuttall Munn, Meg Smith, Angela Munt, Tessa Smith, Chloe Murphy, rh Mr Jim Smith, Henry Question accordingly agreed to. Murphy, rh Paul Smith, Julian Lords amendments 121 to 124 and 150 agreed to, with Murray, Ian Smith, Nick Commons financial privileges waived in respect of Lords Murrison, Dr Andrew Smith, Owen amendments 121 to 124. Nandy, Lisa Smith, Sir Robert Nash, Pamela Soames, rh Nicholas The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education Neill, Robert Spellar, rh Mr John (Mr Edward Timpson): I beg to move, That this House Newmark, Mr Brooks Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline agrees with Lords amendment 1. Newton, Sarah Stanley, rh Sir John Nokes, Caroline Stephenson, Andrew Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): With this it Norman, Jesse Stewart, Bob will be convenient to discuss the following: O’Brien, rh Mr Stephen Stewart, Iain O’Donnell, Fiona Stewart, Rory Lords amendments 2 to 42. Ollerenshaw, Eric Straw, rh Mr Jack Lords amendment 43, and amendment (a) thereto. Opperman, Guy Streeter, Mr Gary Lords amendments 44 to 72. Osborne, rh Mr George Stride, Mel Lords amendment 73, and amendment (a) thereto. Osborne, Sandra Stringer, Graham Ottaway, rh Sir Richard Stuart, Ms Gisela Lords amendments 74 to 120, 126 to 149 and 151 Owen, Albert Stuart, Mr Graham to 157. Parish, Neil Stunell, rh Sir Andrew Lords amendment 158, and amendment (a) thereto. Patel, Priti Sturdy, Julian Lords amendments 159 to 176. Pearce, Teresa Swales, Ian Penning, Mike Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Mr Timpson: It is a pleasure to set out to the House a Penrose, John Syms, Mr Robert number of Lords amendments. The changes will improve Percy, Andrew Tami, Mark our reforms, and make a real and lasting difference for Perry, Claire Teather, Sarah children and families. I hope Members will support Phillips, Stephen Thomas, Mr Gareth them. I will try to be as succinct as possible in explaining Phillipson, Bridget Thornberry, Emily each set of amendments. 635 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 636

7.45 pm people from outside my constituency, have contacted As the House will recall, part 1 of the Bill covers me on this matter. I have been able to say to them that adoption, and we have made Lords amendments 1 to 11 this has been Parliament at its best, working with Ministers to this part. Through Lords amendment 1, we have added on this subject. I am grateful to him for the advice and a clause that will enable us, by regulation, to ensure that support of his office in moving towards an acceptable those with a prescribed relationship to people adopted solution. before 30 December 2005 can apply to access intermediary services to facilitate contact with the adopted person’s Mr Timpson: I thank my hon. Friend for those words. birth relatives. As he knows, this has been a long-standing issue on which we have sought the advice of the Law Commission Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon) (Con): Will the and others to establish a way forward. The fact that we Minister please say whether there will be a presumption can now legislate and implement these provisions represents in favour of disclosure to children and grandchildren? a good outcome for many people, including his constituents. Specifically, if an adopted person does not wish to have In amendment 2, we have clarified the point at which contact with the birth parents, does the amendment the fostering for adoption scheme must be considered state that prescribed persons can go against those wishes? for a child and established that before a local authority considers placing a child in this way, it must first have Mr Timpson: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for considered kinship care and decided that it was not the his continued interest in this important matter. The most appropriate placement. Also in part 1, through whole basis of the amendment is to extend the provisions amendments 7 to 10, we have introduced an affirmative that already exist, so that anyone who wants to make resolution procedure in relation to the Secretary of further inquiries, about accessing information or making State’s powers to direct local authorities to outsource contact, has to do so through the intermediary services. adoption functions, in relation to the use of personal There is not a presumption, therefore, in that sense. We budgets and in relation to allowing approved prospective are looking to go beyond the direct line of descendants adopters to search and inspect the Adoption and Children from the adopted person, who obviously fall within the Act 2002 register in pilot areas. prescribed relationship category, and consult on whether On part 2 and family justice, many hon. Members we should widen that to others. The provision certainly will be pleased that the noble Lords accepted the principle does not work on the basis that if someone does not and purpose of clause 11. However, we have accepted want to have contact there is a presumption that that amendment 12 to clause 11 from the noble and learned will take place. Baroness Butler-Sloss. As hon. Members will also be aware, clause 11 introduces a presumption that a child’s Mr Djanogly: Is my hon. Friend saying that the welfare will be furthered by the involvement of each intermediary might have more discretion than the adopted parent, where this is safe and subject to the overarching person, who may have a different view from the children? principle that the child’s welfare must be paramount. Baroness Butler-Sloss’s amendment addresses concerns Mr Timpson: The intermediary service is there to raised that the clause could be misinterpreted as giving ensure that anyone who seeks access does so in a way a parent a right to a certain amount of time with a that does not compromise the position of the person child. That was never the intention, as I have said they are seeking either to gain access to or make contact several times during the Bill’s passage. The amendment with. That is in line with the approach that already addresses those concerns by clarifying that “involvement” exists, and which works well and successfully. What I does not mean a particular amount of time. can say on the record to reassure my hon. Friend is that Importantly, the amendment does not change the this will not force anybody to have contact if they do effect of clause 11, as it will remain for courts to not wish to do so. Clearly, there will be lots of reasons determine what arrangements are right for each child in why people will either want to make contact or have the light of the evidence before it. I want to put on the access to records. For example, someone may want to record my gratitude to my hon. Friends the Members understand the genetic history of direct descendants for Dover (Charlie Elphicke) and for to see whether there is a prevalent hereditary disease to South (Mr Binley) and, in particular, my hon. Friend which they are more prone. the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim At this juncture, may I say how grateful I am to my Loughton), who has championed this change in the law hon. Friend the Member for Enfield North (Nick de for many years. I have no doubt that had he not done so, Bois) for his tireless campaigning on this issue, as well we would not have made the significant progress we as to my right hon. Friend the Minister for Government now have. Policy, my right hon. Friend the Member for West Dorset (Mr Letwin), who has continued his personal Tim Loughton: I thank the Minister for his comments. interest in pursuing these important changes? I believe I understand the logic of Baroness Butler-Sloss’s that the changes will ensure, where it is appropriate to amendment in not referring to a particular division of a do so and through the intermediary services, a greater child’s time. Despite being at loggerheads with her over prospect for those who want to establish contact or have many years, I can see the logic of that. Will he explain, access to information, to be able to do so without though, why her amendment refers to “direct or indirect” compromising those who may be also involved. contact? What does that add to the Bill?

Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): I am grateful to Mr Timpson: As I said in Committee, I did not feel it the Minister for giving way and for his generous words. was necessary to add anything more to the clause in I put on record that many of my constituents, and many order to explain its function, but that was not the view 637 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 638

[Mr Timpson] Wales coast, and I know that the right hon. Gentleman’s legal clout will be sorely missed in the next Parliament of their lordships. The reference to “direct or indirect” and beyond. contact makes it clear what we mean by “contact”. As I Part 3 takes forward our fundamental reforms to know from my time practising in the family courts, special educational needs and introduces integrated many orders are set out in those same terms. It does not education, health and care plans for children and young mean, however, that indirect contact, in itself, fulfils the people with the most complex special educational needs, presumption that we have now set in law; it simply extends comparable rights and protections to 16 to makes it clear what we mean by “contact”. 25-year-olds in further education and training, as found in schools, and introduces a new local offer to ensure Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): I thank the Minister that parents, children, young people and those who for establishing the important principle that children’s work with them can see the support that should be rights include knowing, and having contact with, both available to them. their parents, but for the benefit of the House and those outside, will he confirm that “indirect” contact will not Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab): I welcome be interpreted as meaning just a phone call at Christmas the enhanced offer in the Bill as a result of our deliberations or a book of photographs, and that it will be meaningful in Committee. Earlier today, I had a meeting with contact, even if indirect? senior consultants in social services and charities concerned about the situation of seriously ill children, their families Mr Timpson: Once again, I am grateful to my hon. and the social work support they need. How will the Friend for his persistence in pushing this issue. I cannot incorporation into the Bill of the Chronically Sick and prescribe exactly the outcome of every case before the Disabled Persons Act 1970 help those children, who courts or the view of a judge concerning the correct might be terminally ill, but will certainly be seriously ill, order to make. However, the clause seeks to make it and their families get the social work and educational abundantly clear that, where it is safe to do so and in the support they need at a very difficult time? child’s best interests, the child should have meaningful contact with both parents. How that contact takes place Mr Timpson: If the hon. Lady will forgive me, I will is then for the judge to determine according to the usual be dealing in more detail later with the social care criteria. I was trying to make it clear to my hon. Friend element, the 1970 Act and how that sits within the Bill. the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham that However, during the course of the Bill, I have met hon. indirect contact, on its own, could not, in every case, Members concerned about children who might be fulfil the presumption. It is important to put that on the terminally ill, perhaps with cancer, seeking support record, and I wrote to him today about that to put—I from elsewhere, outside their educational environment. hope—his mind at rest. We have taken that into account in the Bill and in the code of practice, which is still being drafted but will Bill Esterson: On contact, will the Minister clarify the soon be available, so that those who require support position regarding children’s views and the paramountcy through their education receive it when they need it and principle? From what he just said, I am slightly concerned in a way that makes a difference. about the view of the judge. I know he thinks it important that the needs of the child come first, but how do we Joan Walley: Will CLIC Sargent and other charities ensure that contact is appropriate and avoid inappropriate dealing with the chronically sick have an input into the contact that does more harm than good? guidance as well as the Bill?

Mr Timpson: We will do that by ensuring that the Mr Timpson: I had the opportunity to meet CLIC paramountcy principle still holds water and that the judge’s Sargent and a Labour Member who has a particular discretion is not fettered by this change in the law. We interest in this matter to discuss many of their concerns. went to great lengths to set out, with the help of That has already resulted in some changes to the draft parliamentary counsel, exactly how that would operate. code of practice, and CLIC Sargent remains involved—as Baroness Butler-Sloss, with her esteemed legal mind, do many other organisations, charities, parent-carer was happy to accept it in the terms we set out. So I do groups, parent partnerships and others—in shaping the not see any conflict. We have been clear from the start SEN code of practice so that it reflects what we know that this is about the right of the child to have a works on the ground. That will continue as we move meaningful relationship with both parents, where it is into the implementation stage, should the Bill become safe for them to do so and in their best interests, and an Act in due course. Given these reforms, for which their lordships have agreed to that presumption and many families, professionals and charities have been principle. The only change that has come, as a consequence waiting for 30 years, it is fair to say that many of our of their amendment, is that we are stating in the Bill conversations with CLIC Sargent and other groups— something that we had already made clear was our particularly the discussions about the all-important detail, intention in both the pre-legislative scrutiny stage and which is ultimately what will matter—have been helpful. in subsequent stages in the House. I would like to recognise the considerable contributions 8pm by the right hon. Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland (Mr Llwyd)and my hon. Friend the Member for West) (Lab): I, too, am particularly pleased that the Huntingdon (Mr Djanogly)to our important reforms of local offer has been somewhat strengthened, as it will be the family justice system. Their expertise and insight central to the success or otherwise of the new system of have been invaluable. I was a fellow Cestrian member of support for children and young people with special the bar and, like him, plied my trade along the north educational needs. However, I still do not think it is 639 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 640 good enough for the unwritten postcode lottery that we of them, but to do better at the earlier end of the process have now just to become a written one. Does the Minister —in commissioning, planning and assessment. We can not agree that we need a baseline against which parents learn a huge amount from many of the voluntary can judge whether their local offer is good or even organisations that are out there in the field, working sufficient? closely with families and statutory agencies to ensure that they get the best possible outcomes. We have a Mr Timpson: I thank the hon. Lady—for probably number of grants and contracts with those voluntary the 14th time during the passage of this Bill—for her organisations to support them in doing that. That will continued constructive approach to this part of the Bill. be a key part of ensuring that our reforms start to bite I know she has a keen interest from her own family in the way that we have already started to see in many of background in ensuring that we produce a system that the pathfinder areas. has children and their families at its heart. We had an We have also extended the scope of a number of interesting and quite long debate in the Commons and significant clauses to children and young people who another place about the local offer and minimum standards, are disabled, but do not have special educational needs, as well as—from memory—a number of Westminster through Lords amendments 14 to 39, 41 to 46, 48 to 51, Hall debates. 62 to 65, 67 and 118. I am pleased that we were able to It is clear from both the regulation on the local offer make that change, which has been widely welcomed. that we have set out and the code of practice that having For example, Julie Jennings, a board member of Every a national framework not only provides some of the Disabled Child Matters, has said: stability in provision that the hon. Lady is looking for, “The changes announced today mean that all disabled children but allows the local offer to be truly local, so that people and young people, will benefit from the Children and Families have a genuine reflection of what their local authority Bill when it is introduced. This is very welcome news, indeed.” expects to be available and deliverable for children and To reflect that, Lords amendment 176 would amend the families in that area. Therefore, although I hear her long title of the Bill to include children and young continued call—which I think is for national minimum people with disabilities. We have also made it clear, in standards—I think we have got the balance right between clause 21, that health care and social care provision that having a national framework and giving parents and educates or trains a child or young person is to be young people the opportunity to be consulted on the treated as special educational provision. That relates to local offer and comment on it as it is developed, and an understandable concern of many Members of this also, given the addition to the Bill and the code since the House, so I hope the change in Lords amendment 13 is Commons stages, ensuring that local authorities respond welcome. to the queries and concerns raised by families. Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): I thank Mrs Hodgson: If it is brought to the Minister’s attention my hon. Friend for raising that point. We had many that unacceptable differences are developing across the arguments about the “wholly or mainly” provision in country, will he have a mechanism to revisit this? the original draft of the Bill, and I am grateful to him and the noble Lord Nash for listening to the case that Mr Timpson: As the hon. Lady knows, we have to use many of us made against it. We now have clarity, which the affirmative resolution procedure in this House for we hope will prevent the sort of damaging litigation the code of practice and that will provide an opportunity that has plagued special educational needs provision to look at some of these issues. The other thing we have over the years. done to ensure that implementation is as successful as it can be across the country is to carry out a local authority Mr Timpson: My hon. Friend speaks with great wisdom readiness survey. We are working with local authorities and force, as he has done throughout the passage of the that are perhaps not as well advanced as others in Bill, particularly on this part. To hear him utter those starting to prepare for the changes, which includes words gives me great confidence that we have done the looking at the local offer and what steps they have taken right thing and ended up with both clarity and a sense so far to involve families in its evolution. That will of what is now required as we move forward. continue as these reforms become a reality from September. The local offer was discussed at some length in this Bill Esterson: Will the Minister give way? House. We have amended part 3 further to improve accountability and the responsiveness of the local offer. Mr Timpson: I will, but I have quite a lot to get I do not think it would be right to make the changes through. sought by amendment (a) to Lords amendment 43 in the way proposed. These issues have been debated at Bill Esterson: I appreciate the Minister’s giving way. length in both Houses, both of which accepted the Things will vary around the country, as my hon. Friend Government’s arguments, which I will briefly explain again. the Member for Washington and Sunderland West (Mrs The local offer will contain provision made by a wide Hodgson) said. Will he look at sharing good practice, range of organisations, including small voluntary sector and does he think it wise for the Government to be groups or informal arrangements—for example, a circle saying, “This is what we consider to be best practice,” in of friends group for disabled young people set up by order to give local authorities that do not have best local young people. The services may be expected to be practice an indication of what they should be doing? available, but this cannot be guaranteed. Requiring local authorities to publish what is available might deter Mr Timpson: We have already provided local authorities them from including such provision in the first place, with a raft of good practice and data to help them not and children and young people will miss out. In publishing only to improve their understanding of what is required what it expects to be available, the local authority 641 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 642

[Mr Timpson] Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 following an EHC assessment, the authority must—I emphasise cannot say, “Well, we think this might be available one the word “must”—identify which provision is made day, so we’ll put it in.” For the avoidance of any doubt, under section 2 of the Act, specify that provision clearly we will make it clear in the SEN code of practice that in the EHC plan, and deliver the provision. Furthermore—I the duty on the local authority to set out what it expects hope that this is helpful to the hon. Member for to be available is not about what it would like to be Birmingham, Selly Oak (Steve McCabe)—we will ensure available, but about what it actually expects to be available. that the SEN code of practice specifies the services We have also made a set of amendments that will under section 2 that must be included in the EHC plan shift the focus from explicit consideration of age when and explains the existing duty to provide those services, assessing education, health and care plans for 19 to in order to provide clarity and reassurance for parents 25-year-olds, and that instead require local authorities and practitioners. to consider whether a young person requires more time The code of practice will clearly specify the other to complete their education or training, and whether social care services that must be included in the EHC the specified outcomes have been achieved before the plan and relevant local authority duties, including services plan can cease. provided for children and young people under section 17 Lords amendments 72 and 73 build on the health of the Children Act 1989 that are not covered by the duty introduced in Committee in the Commons by 1970 Act, such as residential short breaks, and adult including in the Bill provision made under the Chronically social care services for young people aged 18 to 25, Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, under which there where a care plan is drawn up under provisions in the is an existing duty to provide social care services to Care Bill. Given those reassurances, I do not think it is disabled children. Those amendments were welcomed necessary to legislate for a further requirement to identify by the Special Educational Consortium and a number of existing duties in the EHC plan. peers on Third Reading in the other place. Lord Rix said: Lords amendments 86 to 97 and 113 constitute a “The government amendments move us closer to the holy grail strong package to improve the join-up between education, of integrated education, health and social care,” health and social care when parents and young people wish to complain or seek redress. That includes extending and will mediation and establishing a review of appeals and “undoubtedly aid children and young people with a learning redress in the new SEN system. Following a commitment disability and their families.”—[Official Report, , that I gave on Report, we tabled a meaty group of 5 February 2014; Vol. 752, c. 209.] amendments that will strengthen protections and support for young offenders with SEN. They require local authorities Several hon. Members rose— and relevant health commissioners to arrange appropriate special education and health provision for young offenders Mr Timpson: I will give way to the hon. Member for in custody, enable EHC assessments to take place while Oldham East and Saddleworth. a child or young person is in custody, and require secure youth institutions to co-operate with local authorities Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) and to have regard to the SEN code of practice. (Lab): Well remembered, Minister! The package also includes amendment 114, which I think that there is much that we can support in would remove clause 70. I pay particular tribute to my the Bill, but I wanted to ask about the single point of hon. Friend the Member for South Swindon (Mr Buckland) appeal and the reviews and pilots that are taking place. for his involvement in and guidance on the issue, and on Will the Minister explain how the findings will be used many of the changes I have just outlined. As he knows, in the further development of the appeal process? I was as uncomfortable as he was about clause 70. Although it was a legal necessity at the beginning of our Mr Timpson: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for deliberations, it did not really reflect the ambition that returning us to the important issue of redress. I shall go we shared, and I hope that he is as pleased as I am to see into a little more detail in due course, but I can say now the back of it. that I was conscious from the outset that we should do all that we can to integrate education, health and social Mr Buckland: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I care throughout the system, including in the areas where know that he worked with the Ministry of Justice and, there was disagreement. I think that we have gone a in particular, with the Under-Secretary of State for long way towards achieving that during the passage of Justice, my hon. Friend the Member for Kenilworth and the Bill so far, but if the hon. Lady will bear with me for Southam (Jeremy Wright), who was as committed as we a few moments, I shall wax lyrical for her and the were to ensuring that this was an ambitious Bill that House’s benefit. covered all the right areas. I pay tribute to both Ministers for ensuring that children and young people who need I understand the intention behind amendment (a) to rehabilitation as much as punishment can be assisted, Lords amendment 73. It is, of course, vital for parents and we can reduce reoffending. That is very important and practitioners to understand the duties to deliver the too. social care services specified in the education, health and care plan. However, let me reiterate the points Mr Timpson: I agree with everything that my hon. made by Baroness Northover when she spoke to Lords Friend has said. Perhaps I should also put on record amendments 72 and 73. the important contribution of Lord Ramsbotham, who, The Government amendments mean that when a having worked at the top of the Prison Service, has local authority decides that it is necessary to make continued his work in Parliament and enabled us to provision for a disabled child under section 2 of the make the inroads that we have made in the Bill. 643 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 644

8.15 pm continuing to work with the Local Government Association I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and to enable local authorities to gain as much information Holderness (Mr Stuart)— whose continued scrutiny of as possible on how they can streamline their own procedures and interest in the Bill have been extremely welcome—and so that many more children, as well as being safe and all the other members of the Education Committee. I having their welfare taken into consideration, have the thank the hon. Member for Washington and Sunderland opportunity to participate in what can be extremely West (Mrs Hodgson) and my hon. Friend the Member valuable additions to their early lives. for Blackpool North and Cleveleys (Paul Maynard) for Lords amendment 126 adds an important new clause all the challenge and support that they have given to to improve the assessment of the needs of young carers. this part of the Bill. Let me also put on record my deep I thank the hon. Member for Worsley and Eccles South gratitude to my hon. Friend the Member for Brent (Barbara Keeley) and the National YoungCarers Coalition Central (Sarah Teather) for doing so much of the for their constructive and patient approach and interest groundwork, without which the Bill might never have in this subject. Matthew Reed, the chief executive of the become a reality. Children’s Society, welcomed the amendment, saying: Part 4 contains a number of important measures that “We applaud the Government for taking a huge leap to support will help to make more high-quality, affordable child often incredibly vulnerable young carers who are slipping through care available to parents. It addresses the long-term the net, undetected by the support services they desperately decline in childminder numbers by establishing childminder need.” agencies, removes the requirement for local authorities Lords amendment 127 adds a new clause which to produce a bureaucratic three-yearly assessment of consolidates and streamlines existing legislation for child care in their areas, and introduces paving legislation individuals with parental responsibility for a disabled for tax-free child care. child, under which they have the right to an assessment of their needs by a local authority. On Report in another place, we were pleased to introduce Lords amendments 157 to 160, which contain Paul Burstow: On amendment 126 in respect of young a clear requirement for Ofsted to report on the arrangements carers as well as parent carers, may I thank the Minister whereby childminder agencies assure the quality of the very much for the way in which he has engaged with early education and care offered by their childminders. carers organisations, me and many other hon. Members? I note that amendment (a) to Lords amendment 158 These issues first surfaced in the Joint Committee’s relates to that subject, and I can confirm that our scrutiny of the Care Bill, and I thank the Minister for intention is for Ofsted to conduct sample inspections to care and support, the Minister of State, Department of secure that assurance. Ofsted recently published its Health, my hon. Friend the Member for North Norfolk consultation paper on childminder agency inspections, (Norman Lamb), for the way he has engaged with these which includes details of its proposal to carry out issues, too. Will the Minister here tonight now give sample inspections of early years providers, so we do some consideration to the following? Now that we have not agree that such a provision is needed in the Bill. I these two parts of the Bill and we complete the range of am happy to discuss the matter with both the Under- improvements for carers, can we make sure we have Secretary of State for Education, my hon. Friend the joint guidance from both Departments covering all Member for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss), and carers? the hon. Member for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell) as we try to proceed with these important changes. Mr Timpson: May I first pay particular thanks to my We also introduced technical amendments, Lords right hon. Friend and also to the hon. Member for amendments 161 to 175 to schedule 4, to clarify the Aberavon (Dr Francis) for their dedicated work and arrangements for childminders to appeal against interest on behalf of parent carers? That was clearly on suspensions by their childminder agencies and to clarify display at the meeting I had with them both not too the disqualification regime for staff running or working long ago. My right hon. Friend will see that my hon. in a childminder agency. Lords amendment 119 allows Friend the Minister with responsibility for care is sitting regulations to be made setting out the arrangements alongside me, and we both heard that constructive and whereby local authorities fund early years providers sensible suggestion, and we will both take it up and delivering the free child care offer, and limiting any discuss it in more detail and see whether we can make unnecessary conditions that local authorities could place some important cross-Government changes so that those on providers. I am pleased that we were able to introduce who are looking at the guidance that is relevant to them new policy to the Bill, which, if accepted, would create a find it easier to access and understand it, rather than new part 5 entitled “Welfare of Children”. trying to find information in a host of different places. Lords amendment 120 removes the restriction on the types of performance in which a child under 14 can be Paul Burstow: It is helpful to get these points clarified. licensed to take part, which will enable children to take I think my suggestion would be helpful, in particular part in a wider range of performances. I pay tribute to because this welcome new provision for parent carers my hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and makes specific reference to the well-being principle in Shoreham for his admirable persistence in keeping that the Care Bill; and making sure that guidance is co-ordinated issue to the fore. I know from the correspondence that I will ensure that there is no difference in application, have subsequently received from a range of organisations regardless of whether someone is in a children’s service and individuals who are vexed by the issue how warmly or an adult service. those changes have been received. Let me put on record my thanks to Sarah Thane, whose work ensured that Mr Timpson: My right hon. Friend makes a sensible the issues were properly examined and have resulted in and logical suggestion; we will go away and consider it important legislative and non-legislative changes. I am and come back to him in due course. 645 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 646

[Mr Timpson] when we have confidence that it will do what we want it to do, which is to improve the lives of those who are Amendment 128 added a new clause enabling any moving on from care and into independent living. young person who was in care immediately before their We worked closely with a number of organisations to 18th birthday as an eligible child to continue to reside bring about amendment 129, which introduces a new with their former foster carer once they turn 18. The duty requiring maintained schools, academies and pupil local authority will be under a duty to support such referral units to support pupils with medical conditions. arrangements, commonly known as “staying put” This issue was first raised in the House by my hon. arrangements, until the young person reaches the age Friend the Member for Torbay (Mr Sanders). We are of 21. This is an issue on which many of us with a currently consulting on draft statutory guidance and background in fostering and adoption and those involved advice which will support the duty, but it is encouraging with the all-party group on looked after children and that the likes of Diabetes UK had this to say about the care leavers from both sides of this House and in change: another place have worked for many years. I am delighted “The Government’s announcement that it will amend the that we have been able to find the funding to do it, and I Children and Families Bill so that schools have a legal duty to would like to thank the Earl of Listowel and my hon. support children with health needs has the potential to make a Friend the Member for Calder Valley (Craig Whittaker) huge difference to the lives of around a million children.” for their work on this area. I am very sad that the late Amendment 130 adds a new clause to clarify the law and much missed Paul Goggins is not with us today to in relation to the Secretary of State’s power to intervene celebrate this important step forward for young people when a local authority is failing to deliver children’s leaving care. As was typical of Paul, I suspect he would services to an adequate standard. Amendments 131 to have shied away from taking any of the plaudits, a trait 134 seek to improve the quality of children’s homes, and that set him apart and from which we could all learn. particularly to enable us to develop a regulation and We owe him a huge debt. inspection framework for children’s homes that sets In welcoming this new clause, Janet Rich of The Care high standards for children in residential care and offers Leavers’ Foundation said: them the support required to achieve positive outcomes. “Step by step this Government has demonstrated that it truly This has been a significant piece of policy development, understands the difficulties which face care leavers as they set out founded on the formidable efforts of the hon. Member on the journey towards adulthood. Today’s announcement is for Stockport (Ann Coffey), who is in her place tonight another positive step on the journey towards State-as-parent and whose own all-party group report and continued acknowledging the duty they owe to this uniquely vulnerable close involvement have been of huge assistance. As she group of young adults”. knows, this is part of a wider reform package which is already under way and I have no intention of shying Bill Esterson: I agree with the move the Minister is away from the necessary changes required to ensure proposing. I think it is very good news. I also welcome that children who are in residential care get the best what he said about Paul Goggins. Is this the start of a possible care based on the best possible decisions. move to raise the age for care-leaving, given that many Amendment 135 introduces a new clause to require adult children stay at home much longer than this? Will state-funded schools, including academies, to offer a the Minister say something about the potential for free school meal to all pupils in reception, year 1 and extending the care-leaving age for children in residential year 2. Giving every infant pupil a healthy and nutritious homes as well, as it is my understanding that that is lunch will bring educational, health and social benefits, staying at 18? particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Amendments 136 to 138, which cover the provisions on Mr Timpson: I share what I think is the hon. Gentleman’s the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, will require ambition, and that of many others, to move away from the Children’s Commissioner to have “particular regard” seeing age as the sole indicator of whether a young to the United Nations convention on the rights of the person is ready to move on when they are in the care of child and to give an account in his or her annual report the state, and, as we have done in the Care Bill and of the steps taken to involve children and how their elsewhere in this Bill, to move towards looking at it as views were taken into account in the discharge of his or more of a continuum of care, trying to shape what is her functions. necessary for the young person around that young Amendments 139 to 142 are minor and technical person, rather than simply using the blunt instrument amendments relating to the part of the Bill that deals of a birthday to decide their future. with the introduction of shared parental leave. They This is an important step in relation to the three-quarters would give the Secretary of State the power to make of children who are in foster care and securing their regulations to allow for a notice to curtail statutory future into adulthood, but of course, as I made clear in maternity pay, maternity allowance or statutory adoption an Adjournment debate only a week or so ago, I want to pay to be revoked subject to restrictions and conditions. see us move towards this as a norm rather than an Finally, consequential amendments 144 to 151 would make exception. That is why, although we have some much commencement dates clear in the Bill where necessary. needed wide-reaching reforms to the residential care I commend these changes to all hon. Members. I system, I see that as part of addressing how we can use firmly believe that they have improved our legislation residential care in a much better way than we have in the and that, more important, they will make a profound past, not simply seeing it as a last resort, which has too and tangible difference to the lives of children and families. often been the default position. I hope that that reassures the hon. Gentleman that I very much desire to see what Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): This we have done with the “staying put” arrangements for feels like the end of a long, hard road for the Bill. As the foster children spread more widely at the right time and Minister said, the Bill has been substantially amended 647 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 648 since it left the Commons, and for that we owe their amendment—which means that children in foster care lordships a huge debt of gratitude. I should like to take will now be able to stay with their foster parents until a few moments to acknowledge the efforts of some of the age of 21. I want to acknowledge how much personal the individuals involved in the process, including my effort he has devoted to these changes, along with all the hon. Friends the Members for Wigan (Lisa Nandy) and others who have been arguing for them. for Washington and Sunderland West (Mrs Hodgson), I also welcome efforts to improve the appeals system who did the heavy lifting on the Bill in the Commons. I for parents, who often feel that the problem is not that also want to thank Baroness Hughes of Stretford and their child has a disability or special need, but the Baroness Jones of Whitchurch, as well as the numerous lifelong battle they are forced to engage in with the Cross Benchers involved, and my hon. Friend the Member authorities to get their child the help and support they for Stockport (Ann Coffey) and my colleague in the deserve. Of course, the amendments covering young shadow Education team, my hon. Friend the Member carers address a glaring omission in the original Bill, for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell), who worked so and we are all grateful to my hon. Friend the Member hard on the Bill in Committee and more recently. I also for Worsley and Eccles South (Barbara Keeley) for all want to put on record my gratitude to our friend, the her efforts on that point. late Paul Goggins, who worked so hard on so many Many more areas of the Bill have been vastly improved aspects of the Bill. by their lordships’ intervention, but I wish to discuss the amendments standing in my name and those of my 8.30 pm colleagues in the shadow education team, which deal As I have said, the Bill before us now is vastly with a number of concerns we have about how the Bill changed and improved, but only because of the herculean will work in practice. We do not intend to press any of efforts of those in the Lords. Sadly, before it left this these amendments to a vote, but that does not diminish place, the Minister rejected all but one of the amendments our concern about how these issues will develop. On our from Members in the Commons. This is a Government amendment (a) to Lords amendment 43, we want to who appear to want to make legislation in the other make it abundantly clear that the local offer must not be place. I am delighted that the Minister has now accepted the minimum a local authority thinks it can get away so many amendments. We generally welcome the changes with; it is no good producing legislation full of good on adoption and, in particular, Lords amendment 2, as intentions while simultaneously stripping resources well as the decision to recognise the importance of from local authorities, thus making it almost impossible kinship and friends when considering children for adoption. for them to deliver on these intentions. Like my hon. I welcome amendments 3 to 7, and the limitation on the Friend the Member for Washington and Sunderland Secretary of State’s powers to force the outsourcing of West, I hope that we can be assured tonight that the adoption services, especially as we have such a capricious Minister will be instructing his officials to monitor the Secretary of State at present— implementation of the Bill and ensure that reasonable local services are provided across local authorities, and Tim Loughton: What does that mean? that where omissions or obstacles are identified, he will intervene to make clear that it is not acceptable, and Steve McCabe: I’ll buy you a dictionary. that it is not the intention of his legislation, to create a We also welcome amendments 9 and 10, which add postcode lottery where access to services and provision safeguards on regulations to give prospective adopters depends on where someone lives and what impact access to information on the register. Finally, in that Department for Communities and Local Government section, we are happy with amendment 12, as we want cuts have had on their local authority area. children to have access to both parents after a separation On Lords amendment 73 to clause 37, and our further when that is in the best interests of the child, but not amendment, it is our wish to make it abundantly clear when it involves an arbitrary division of the child’s time that there should be no get-out clause for local authorities between the parents. in providing access to social care provision specified within an education, health and care plan. If that is not Tim Loughton: I am delighted to hear that the hon. the case, this Bill will have failed and the Minister will Gentleman and his colleagues have now accepted the have let down hundreds of thousands of families up principle of shared parenting. Will he tell us what and down the country who have taken him and his changed his mind? I seem to remember that he signed Government at their word that this is a brave new world the early-day motion in favour of shared parenting but of joined-up provision, designed to try to relieve them subsequently voted against the proposal in the 2006 of their daily struggles for support. I welcome the Bill, so what has changed his mind? I am delighted that Minister’s comments on the code of practice, but I want he has now come full circle on this matter. to know that he will step in if there is any question of a local authority seeking to evade its responsibilities to Steve McCabe: I think there might be a slight difference provide social care as specified in the plan. between our definitions of shared parenting. That might Finally, we continue to doubt the entire wisdom of be the simplest explanation. I am in favour of children childminder agencies, but we recognise that this is largely having access to both parents, as I have said. a cost-saving measure by a Government who cannot We are pleased that amendments to part 3 mean that give Ofsted the resources to inspect individual childminding the Minister now recognises the need to provide for provision. On clause 51D and Lords amendment 158, children who have a disability but not a special educational and our further amendment, we are seeking to make it need. I also welcome the Government’s conversion on crystal clear to the Minister that we do not want shoddy the need to cater for young offenders, many of whom childminder agencies on the cheap, with little or no do have special educational needs. I congratulate the regard paid to the quality of care provided for the Minister on accepting amendment 128—the staying put children. As the Minister will know, the Department 649 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 650

[Steve McCabe] Mrs Hodgson: My understanding is that the situation is as my hon. Friend set out. When Ofsted started to did not consult effectively with childminders on this inspect childminders, dormant childminders—people proposal, and it is not broadly welcomed by childminders. such as me who were registered, but had never practised None the less the Government have gone ahead, so we childminding—fell off the books. The people affected need to be clear that Ofsted will have sufficient powers either were not active childminders or were not prepared to check the quality of care provided by individuals to improve their quality and follow Ofsted standards. within the agencies, especially at the first whiff of concern that the agency or individual provision is not up to Steve McCabe: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, and standard. There is a potential conflict with childminder I hope that there is now some agreement on what agencies, in that they will be both inspector and inspected, happened. and they will have a financial incentive to recruit I do not wish to detain the House any longer. We childminders. welcome the Lords amendments and we are broadly in favour of the Bill, although we think its implementation Mrs Hodgson: Is my hon. Friend as concerned as I will be all important. We urge the Minister to make it am about who is going to pay for all the costs of these clear that, as far as he is concerned, getting the Bill childminder agencies? Will the costs be passed on to through Parliament is the first stage; the question of the childminder agency, which will in turn have to pass whether it operates as he intends is the real test of whether them on to the parents, thus increasing the cost of using it is indeed landmark legislation. that childminder? Mr Buckland: It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Steve McCabe: The Professional Association for Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Steve McCabe). Childcare and Early Years and the Family and Childcare Although he has come to his brief towards the end of Trust say exactly that this model will increase costs for the Bill’s passage, I know that he shares the aspirations parents. A recent Netmums survey shows that people of those of us who care deeply about not only children say that Ofsted inspection of childminders increases with special educational needs, but children and young their confidence in the suitability of the childminders people in general, which is why I warmly welcome the they choose, while an almost equal proportion say that Lords amendments. regulation by an agency other than Ofsted would reduce I am sure that my hon. Friend the Minister will not their confidence. We will be keen to hear more about mind if I remind him of our lengthy debates in Committee, how the Minister will pilot his approach and how it will when we were joined by the hon. Members for Washington work in practice. Will he take on board the fact that and Sunderland West (Mrs Hodgson) and for Manchester parents will want to access reliable information about Central (Lucy Powell), as well as hon. Members who the quality of childminders, which they currently obtain are not in the Chamber. I do so because I think that the through Ofsted inspection grades and reports? Bill’s passage through this House offers a very positive example of how scrutiny can work. The length of time Charlie Elphicke: I am interested in the hon. Gentleman’s we took—the Committee’s proceedings were extended concern for childminders. Did the number of childminders by several sittings to allow all the debates—allowed us rise or fall under the previous Government? to lay a good foundation so that their lordships could consider our concerns and act upon them. Steve McCabe: I understand that the number has fallen since this Government came to office, but the 8.45 pm hon. Gentleman misses the point. I am talking about Mrs Hodgson: I am grateful to be in the Chamber childminding on the cheap, yet with a service of insufficient tonight to hear the hon. Gentleman’s contribution. quality to make it worth having. If that is the outcome, Does he agree that it was the hundreds of amendments it will be understandable when parents do not agree and the hundreds of hours—it felt like hundreds—of with him. debate in the Commons that laid the groundwork that The Government have already scrapped local authorities’ allowed the Lords to bring forward the amendments power to consider the sufficiency of child care in their that the Minister is able to accept today? If that is how area. If they fail to equip Ofsted with proper powers to it has to be, then we did our job, but it is a shame that investigate what is happening at a childminder’s place of more amendments could not have been made in the work, they risk exposing vulnerable young children to Commons. untold risk. I am sure that the Minister would not want to be associated with that legacy. Mr Buckland: I agree that it would have been nice to have made some of the amendments in the Commons, Charlie Elphicke: The hon. Gentleman and I both but I understand that in the other place there is more know that the number of childminders plummeted because time for deliberation and for votes, so the fact that we the previous Government engaged in a war on childminders. reached this stage in that way does not trouble me. We It is disappointing that he tries to cloak the continuation are in the right place and the legislation is now in good of that war under the cover of standards. order. Let us not forget that the process that got us to this stage predates First Reading, because there was an Steve McCabe: The hon. Gentleman is probably wrong extensive consultation process. A consultation paper because I think he is referring to the impact of Ofsted was issued in 2011, followed by many months of proper registration—[Interruption.] The hon. Member for East consultation not only with education providers and the Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton) can neigh as third sector, but with children and young people themselves, much he likes, but we are talking about the quality of whose views have been brought to bear in large measure child care. in the Bill. 651 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 652

Only this morning I visited one of the special schools My hon. Friend has rightly placed great emphasis in Swindon, the Uplands secondary school, where the on mediation. I support the provisions that relate to Uplands Educational Trust was holding its annual general the use of mediation for parents, because we do not meeting. It is a new organisation that has been set up want more of the adversarial combat that has bedevilled purely to start offering post-19 provision for young the fight that many families have had to undergo to people who have gone through the school system and obtain SEN provision. It is important that the pilot hit the cliff edge of transition, which is still a problem becomes a reality, that the intentions in the Bill are not that bedevils parents, carers and young people in the left to lie gathering dust, and that there is a proper education system and beyond. It is an admirable and evaluation of the pilot so that, if it proves necessary, we excellent initiative that I fully support. I believe that can go down the road of having a single point of redress such organisations will be the mainstay of enhancing provided by the first-tier tribunal. That is important in and developing post-19 provision right up to the age of making the system user-friendly, simple, streamlined 25 and beyond for many young people with disabilities and clear. and special educational needs. Without the input of Some of the most important amendments deal with such organisations, I worry that the aspirations in the the extension of the duty on local authorities to identify Bill for extending provision to those crucial years will not only children and young people with SEN but all not be met. children and young people with a disability. That is a The message that came home loud and clear from hugely important concession that goes a long way towards parents and carers today was that although they warmly satisfying the concerns of those of us who were worried welcome the Bill, the implementation will be key. Once about what happens to children and young people who again I heard from many parents who find the transition are, for example, on school action or school action plus period the most difficult one of all, despite the good and would not be caught by the provisions. These intentions and the good work of local authorities, such amendments, which are replicated throughout the Bill, as Swindon borough council. The message that they will make a huge difference to the lives of young people wished me to convey to the House is that in many cases, with a disability. They also give added impetus to the involving the parents and carers—the greatest experts need for early identification of a health issue. Leaving when it comes to their children and young people—is these matters until full-time education is not good enough vital to making transition work. when there is so much more we can do during the early years and, indeed, the very early years to identify disability If we are to get that right, the code of practice that so that, way before the child gets to school, action is will be brought into force later this year, as set out in the taken not only to diagnose the condition, whatever it Bill, will be crucial. I am glad that the code will be may be, but to assist them and their family with its approved through the affirmative procedure in this House consequences. in its first iteration, with subsequent revisions made using the negative procedure, which should allow for I warmly welcome the whole-family approach that is frequent updating. The existing code has not been updated now being taken in the context of carers. Together with since 2001—hardly the embodiment of the living instrument other hon. Members, I supported amendments on young that I and many others expect the code of practice to carers. I was very pleased that the recommendations become. It is my sincere hope and fervent wish that the about parent carers made by the Joint Committee on Government take on board the failure of that code to Human Rights, on which I serve, were also taken up in keep up to date with modern practice and to ensure that the other place. We now genuinely have a whole-family it truly is a living and adaptable instrument that reflects approach to the assessment of carers, and that is absolutely not only the aspirations of children and young people vital if we are really going to make a change on the with special needs and disabilities, but the reality of ground. experience on the ground. Implementation is everything. My hon. Friend the Minister mentioned the position of young people in detention. The glaring deficiency in the Bill as originally drafted has now been amply dealt Sarah Champion (Rotherham) (Lab): I am glad that with by the very comprehensive amendments that were the hon. Gentleman is speaking about the very important accepted in the other place. My friend Lord Ramsbotham issue of transition. I share his thoughts and concerns deserves huge credit for the tireless work that he does on and thank him for raising it. this and other matters. Particularly important is the fact that the disability of difficulty with speech and language Mr Buckland: I am grateful to the hon. Lady. She and communication will now be identified as a health issue I have spoken about these issues in the past, and I know at the earliest possible stage, and I think that will have that she shares on behalf of her constituents the aspirations hugely positive consequences for those young people that I have for mine. affected. Other hon. Members have mentioned implementation, I think we can say that this is a Bill of which we can but it is important to reiterate the point. I stress the be justly proud and that we will be able to look back on importance of the pilot scheme for the single point of it in the same way we look back on the Education Act redress as regards the appeals mechanism for parents 1981, which first legislated on the SEN concepts with who have met with a refusal or a decision that is not, in which we are now so familiar. That Act is now being their view, in the interests of the child they look after. I succeeded by a Bill that takes on those concepts for a argued long and hard with my hon. Friend the Minister new generation and develops them in a humane, for a streamlining of the system. My worry was that comprehensive and effective way. As I have said, however, despite the proper attempt to bring health, education if we do not get the implementation right on the ground, and social care together, the courts and tribunal system and if the local offers I expect to appear across the would still be fragmented in the sense of people having country are no more than mere signposting, we will to launch and lodge appeals in different formats. have failed. To use a well-worn phrase, this is not the 653 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 654

[Mr Buckland] I very much look forward to the Minister’s proposals for introducing a reform package for the qualifications end or the beginning of the end, but it is the end of the and training of staff working in children’s homes. It beginning when it comes to judging the effectiveness of cannot be right that the most damaged children are this historic Bill. often cared for by the least qualified staff. I wonder whether he might give us a time scale for bringing Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): I welcome the staying-put forward those proposals. Lords amendment 128, which means that a young person 9pm can stay with their foster carers until they are 21. The Fostering Network ran an excellent campaign, bringing Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): to our attention the many examples of young people in It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Stockport care who may have experienced poor parental care and (Ann Coffey). neglect, who often go into care for the first time in their I want to speak in support of the large group of early teens and who need more time and stability to Lords amendments that extend the scope of clauses 22 prepare for adult life. It is good that they will now be to 32 to include disabled children, as well as those with able to stay—provided they wish to do so, of course—with special educational needs, but I first want to place on foster parents who will see them through that transition the record my thanks and those of my Committee to the to independence. That has been very much welcomed Minister for his close co-operation on the Bill over the by foster carers in my constituency. long period of its development. His actions to improve I also congratulate the Earl of Listowel on his determined it in response to our recommendations and those of many efforts to persuade the Minister to change his mind others have been greatly appreciated. Something about after his initial rebuff to hon. Members. It was clear how he has conducted himself in bilateral and multilateral that the Minister had great sympathy with the proposal meetings has endeared himself to the House, which might and it is to his credit that he was able to find the money explain why he has been given the accolade of Minister to underpin it. I regret that Paul Goggins, who, sadly, of the year. I will not seek to curse his future career with died earlier this year and ran a tremendous campaign such praise any more, so I shall move swiftly on. on the issue, is not here to enjoy its successful conclusion. As has been said, when the achievements of this I want to raise an issue with regard to the draft coalition Government are reviewed, the Bill will rank guidance issued on 4 February to support the Bill’s highly among them. This large group of amendments Third Reading in the House of Lords. A paragraph on certainly strengthens the Bill. When the Education preparations for ceasing to be looked after states that Committee conducted our pre-legislative scrutiny in the autumn of 2012, the evidence we heard made a strong “local authorities should start discussions with the young person case for the inclusion of disabled children, with or and foster carer regarding the option of staying put as early as possible, ideally before the young person reaches the age of 16.” without SEN, in the scope of entitlement provision and education, health and care plans. Another part of the guidance states that there is no Mencap emphasised that it was undesirable that minimum time the young person needs to have lived eligibility for much of the support in the Bill could be with their foster carer prior to turning 18. One of my engaged only via an educational trigger, meaning that slight concerns about the way in which the guidance is children and young people with primary health and written is that it might be interpreted as only being a care needs might not be identified as having SEN until consideration in a long-standing foster placement, whereas they reached an educational setting. In her evidence to the provision gives young people the option to stay put us, the former Minister, the hon. Member for Brent with foster parents, even if they have only been there for Central (Sarah Teather)—sadly, she is no longer in her a few weeks. It is important that this is seen as an option place—acknowledged the for those vulnerable young people who may have left a “huge crossover with children with disabilities”. children’s home aged 16 and were not able to cope in the accommodation they were then offered. Foster care The omission of reference to the disabled seemed to run would be a good option for some of those young people directly contrary to the Government’s laudable aspiration in order to help put them back on their feet. to achieve the earliest possible intervention for those who need extra support. I am therefore delighted that the Bill has been amended in that way. Mr Timpson: The hon. Lady makes a very important The only weakness I identify is the continued lack of point. Although she correctly notes that this is draft regulation on the local offer for children and young people guidance that is subject to further discussion, I believe mandated by clause 30. The weight of evidence received that, in the main, it reflects the Bill well. I am, of course, by my Committee clearly supported the introduction of happy to take up any specific concerns, particularly that minimum standards for the local offer—the Minister which she has raised this evening. referred to that earlier—which the Government have consistently resisted. I appreciate that Ministers have Ann Coffey: I thank the Minister for that. I also taken steps to increase the accountability and responsiveness welcome his amendments, which mean that Ofsted will of the offer made by local authorities, but I ask the be able to inspect children’s homes for good standards Minister to undertake carefully to monitor the standards rather than minimum standards. It seemed strange that set by different local authorities across the country so one of the young girls involved in the child sexual that some do not duck their responsibilities, as other exploitation case in Rochdale had run away 100 times hon. Members have mentioned. from a children’s home, yet that home was deemed I want to speak in favour of Lords amendments 69 “good” by an Ofsted inspection. I hope that will not and 70. In our scrutiny report, my Committee welcomed happen again. the introduction of integrated education, health and 655 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 656 care plans—or EHCPs, as doubtless no one will remember confident that it is being implemented. Those statistics to call them—which are at the centre of those amendments. concern parents up and down the country, and We were clear in paragraph 98 of our report that understandably so. Lords amendment 129 will require “the cut-off point for EHCPs should be when educational outcomes schools to engage directly with the families of children are achieved”, with serious, ongoing health concerns and to co-operate rather than by reference to any specific age. We heard with local NHS authorities to design strategies to reduce from Di Roberts, the principal of Brockenhurst college, the risks. Its inclusion strengthens the Bill. who gave the example of two learners with profound deafness: they were on marine engineering apprenticeships Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Will the hon. and had to have signers to help them with their training. Gentleman give way? They are precisely the young people who need extra support to follow their ambitions so that they can Mr Stuart: There is very little time left so, if the hon. succeed in life. The Bill should not open a door to local Gentleman will allow me, I will not give way. authorities to take that support away, simply because The proposed statutory guidance under Lords someone needs longer to complete their education or amendment 129 will ensure that schools have to observe training. A young person’s age is a comparatively superficial national standards. That will go a long way to ending factor that should not be used to determine whether the current lottery in respect of children’s safety at school. they would continue to benefit from an EHCP. Lords amendment 135 represents something of an I want quickly to mention Lords amendment 110. It exception to my generally positive feelings about the Bill. affects clause 67, which governs the new code of practice I want to be clear at the outset that free school meals are as regards special educational needs. I would be grateful a matter of basic social justice and I wholeheartedly if the Minister clarified when exactly the new SEN code support them. However, I am wary about extending free of practice is expected to be published. I am told that it school meals to all pupils in reception and years 1 might not be published until June, which would leave and 2, regardless of how well off their parents are. I ask very little time for the new system to come into force the Minister whether it would not have been better, at from September. I appreciate that it will take up to three a time of austerity, to target the extra funding more years to migrate existing statement holders to the new carefully, either by extending free school meals to families code of practice, but I know that many parents would whose earnings place them just above the current entitlement appreciate learning the latest information about the threshold or by providing extra funding for valuable timetable. schemes such as breakfast clubs to help the pupils who I am aware of the time, so I shall touch on Lords most need them. Perhaps the funding could have been amendment 128 only briefly. It will enable young people used to ensure that sixth-form colleges and further in foster care to live at home until the age of 21 if that is education colleges are not penalised by having to pay right for them and their foster family agrees. The Select VAT or through 18-year-olds losing funding because of Committee has long been concerned about the position pressures elsewhere in the budget. Like any Government of children who are fostered or in care, and about the spending, this policy has to be paid for. It might not accommodation and support that is provided for them. worry our coalition partners, but this amendment means We welcome the announcement of greater support for that the Government will find themselves in the bizarre 16 to 17-year-olds that was made by the Department position of taxing families on low and middle incomes last summer. This amendment continues the spirit of to subsidise children from affluent homes. that work. It is both sensible and sensitive to young There is also a wider question about the priorities in people’s needs. The comfort that is derived from having our education system. Last Friday, I visited Walkington a family home does not end at 18. Allowing young primary school in my constituency. It is a great school. people who may have had particularly disturbed childhoods Over the past three years, thanks to the hard work of its to continue to enjoy the support of their foster family teachers, it has moved from the 52nd to the 12th percentile until 21 is quite simply the right thing to do. The in terms of progress. It has achieved that despite receiving Minister and the Government deserve to be congratulated £500 less per head than the national median funding for on adopting the amendment. primary schools. Funding is a constant struggle, not I was delighted to see Lords amendment 129 included just for Walkington, but for schools across my home in the Bill. It inserts a duty to support pupils with county of the East Riding of Yorkshire, which is the medical conditions. Members from across the House area that receives the third lowest amount of funding in will have had constituents come to them with stories of the country. In that context, I find it hard to believe that the difficulty of getting fairly straightforward and simple some of the £600 million that has been allocated to the support for their children in school. They will have free school meals policy could not have been better heard tales of parents having to leave work to pick up spent to promote fairer outcomes for all, wherever they their kids and take them elsewhere. I spoke in favour of may live. an amendment of this nature that was proposed by my hon. Friend the Member for Torbay (Mr Sanders) at Jessica Lee (Erewash) (Con): It is a pleasure to be Report stage in the Commons last June. called to speak in this important debate on this important I have had the opportunity to meet the Crawforth Bill. I will start by declaring an interest as a family law family from my constituency, most recently on a school barrister. Over many years, I have represented parents, visit a few days ago. Their son suffers from type 1 guardians, grandparents, children, guardians, social workers diabetes. A recent study by Diabetes UK found that and many other people. I have no doubt that the Bill 46% of young people with diabetes—almost half—do will improve the prospects of some of the most vulnerable not have a health care plan for managing their condition children in our society, in particular those who are in at school. Of those who have a plan, 17% do not feel foster care and those who are placed for adoption. 657 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 658

[Jessica Lee] suggesting that there is any division in terms of time, which is different from what some of the other proposed We in this House often focus on the issues that divide phrases may have done. That was, of course, never the us, but matters such as the prospects for looked-after intention of using a phrase such as “shared parenting”, children always unite the House, and efforts have been but I understand why a parent involved in litigation made across the parties and in the other place to progress might interpret the words in such a way. the Bill in a positive way, and to work on the detail and I thank all those involved, including the voluntary reach our agreed position this evening. I remember organisations, those in the family courts and, as I said fondly—as will many other hon. Members, I am sure—the earlier, Members from across the House and the other many hours spent on the Bill Committee considering place who have worked extremely hard on this Bill. I these important measures. commend the Minister who has done extremely well in I wish briefly to highlight two points this evening. leading on this important Bill. I for one look forward The first is the extremely positive development in part 5 to this positive and progressive Bill being granted of the Bill that makes provision for young people to Royal Assent. remain, or, as the phrase goes, to “stay put”, in foster care until the age of 21. It is almost impossible for any (Romsey and Southampton North) of us to imagine how, in addition to all the challenges (Con): As a member of the Bill Committee, I would that young people face when considering their careers like to comment on two amendments made by their and their journey into adult life, some will have the honourable lordships. The first could improve the added uncertainty of their whole home support network Bill, but I have some reservations about the second. I being in possible jeopardy. thank my hon. Friend the Member for South Swindon (Mr Buckland) for reminding the House of the lengthy Too often I have seen court cases involving older consultation period ahead of the Bill, which gave all teenage children where, despite the best efforts of all interest groups the opportunity to contribute to both those involved—the judiciary, solicitors, social work the Bill Committee and the Select Committee on Justice. team and so on—and a care plan that is always carefully worded and constructed along with the legislation, there 9.15 pm is always a concern that there is only so much the court One aspect of interest to me in Committee and on can do. Previously, up to the age of 16 or 17 there was Lords amendments—I tabled amendments—is special that uncertainty, and a gap in the provision of services. I educational needs. Approaching 90% of SEN children pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Minister in leading on do not benefit from having a statement, making it these measures. The whole House has worked extremely harder for them to access the support they need. I was hard to identify those gaps and to ensure that continued therefore delighted that a number of proposals in the provision, which is much needed for young people as Bill will improve local accountability and delivery of they move into the adult world. The Bill will need time services. That has been raised with me by Scope and to be implemented, and we will also need time to Ambitious about Autism, which have campaigned effectively evaluate and assess the success of what is being proposed. on that. Nevertheless, I think that all involved will see tonight as a significant step forward for looked-after children. The Bill seeks to establish the right of parents to have their comments on the local offer of services published. My second point is about clause 11. The House has However, amendment 47 was introduced to force local had the benefit of the expertise of Baroness Butler-Sloss authorities to publish not only the comments, but what who assisted in that section of the Bill. As the former action the authority plans to take as a result of them. I president of the family division, she may perhaps offer support that amendment because I believe it is important more expertise than most of us when it comes to that local authorities develop workable action plans in understanding how the drafting of the clause may be conjunction with parents, who should be part of the interpreted in the family courts. I have no doubt that the process and not simply have a plan imposed upon them. starting point for all courts when considering contact I therefore hope that the proposal means that we begin and residence applications has been, and will continue to see parents at the heart of decision making, and that to be, that children will always benefit from a relationship that will become part of the code of practice. with both of their parents, unless there is a good reason It is important that the Government recognise the to move away from that. difficulties that families often face in accessing specialist As a family practitioner I have no doubt that contact support when that support is located out of area. I and residence cases can be the most emotive and difficult therefore hope that the code of practice ensures the litigation for individuals to commence. Put simply, it is promotion of specialist services that are accessible and to do with the relationship that people have with their are provided as locally as possible, perhaps by integrating own flesh and blood. In advance of such cases, those the development and provision of specialist services around the clients involved, such as the solicitors, not with other local community services, and not separately, only give legal advice but often take the on role of as so often happens at present. friend and confidant as they guide the parents—or One further point raised with me by, among others, increasingly the grandparents—through such litigation. the Special Educational Consortium, is the need for a That highly emotive aspect to these cases is why the single point of redress, which the Minister has mentioned. drafting of the Bill is so crucial—drafting is crucial for He recently stated that there is to be a review, but will he all legislation, but it is a particular issue with this clause. take the opportunity this evening to give the Government’s Clause 11 is entitled, “Welfare of the child: parental position on a single point of redress and the review, and involvement”. That maintains the important balance of on the pilot of the complaints and appeals process for children having a meaningful relationship with both education, health and care plans? Clarity would be very parents, but it does in some ways move away from much appreciated. 659 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 660

On part 2 of the Bill, I am conscious that I am orders and, I hope, reform of court practices—will be following my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash genuinely improved by the Bill, but both coalition partners (Jessica Lee), who spoke to the amendment to clause 11. also gave clear commitments on the subject of shared The noble and learned Baroness Butler-Sloss, who moved parenting or shared contact. Indeed, my hon. Friend the amendment, is widely acknowledged as the country’s the Minister said that courts are seen as creating winners greatest expert, so it is with some trepidation that I raise and losers, and it is vital that both parents feel confident the issue. She sought to clarify what exactly the clause that the court will consider fully the benefits of their means in practical application regarding non-resident involvement. parents. My fear is that, in so doing, the clause, which The Government have worked hard to strike the right sought to enshrine the right of the child to have a balance, called for by groups such as Families Need meaningful ongoing relationship with both parents, is Fathers, UK Family Law Reform and the Association watered down. I seek reassurance from the Minister on for Shared Parenting. Clearly, the legislative intent of that point. clause 11 was to bridge the gap between delivering The welfare of the child should be the court’s paramount tangible progress on shared parenting while ensuring concern, but it should not be the court’s only concern. the paramount need of the child’s welfare was preserved The legal system must ensure that the child’s welfare through a presumption in favour of shared contact, comes first, but it should not ignore the welfare of providing there was no good reason to oppose it. parents, whether a mother or a father. Few people I was elected on a promise to seek a legal presumption consider the emotional and psychological impact that in favour of automatic shared contact, something that enforced separation from one’s own flesh and blood the Bill achieved before the amendment was added, but can have. The unintended negative consequence of the clause 11, as amended, will not deliver what we promised. paramountcy principle is that the feelings of separated I hope that the Minister will be able to reassure me on parents are simply not considered. That situation must that point and confirm that I am incorrect in that. change in the interests of justice for parents. It is also There is a whole library of research showing the benefits sound public policy and will lead to children being less to a child of a proper, meaningful and ongoing relationship damaged by their parents’ separation. with the non-resident parent. If, as a society, we are However, even considering only the benefits of shared genuinely interested in tackling the impact of family parenting from the perspective of child welfare, volumes breakdown, we must start by encouraging and enabling of research show that shared parenting is hugely beneficial non-resident parents to remain active in their children’s to children, especially when a father is separated from lives. his daughter. Contact is more likely to decline if the The amendment plays into the hands of obstructive child is female, meaning that young girls pay a heavier resident parents who wish to prevent a child from price for divorce and separation than young boys, having a meaningful, ongoing relationship with an absent as Dr Linda Nielsen’s recent paper sets out. Indeed, parent, and puts us back into a situation of winners and the paramountcy principle applied correctly so that the losers. Some 10% to 20% of separations—often those welfare of the child comes first means encouraging that are the most rancorous and upsetting, and in which shared parenting, not discouraging or paying lip service winners and losers are created—come before the courts. to it. That is the core of my concern with the amendment. It is right that the court should be bound by the It appears to erode the positive steps that the clause paramountcy principle, but the culture of shared parenting originally made towards a culture of shared parenting. should be driven home, forcing hitherto hostile and oppositional parents to work together in the interests of Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): their child. My hon. Friend is exceptionally well known for her commitment to improving the lives of children, especially I hope that the Minister can provide me with the those with special educational needs and those caught reassurance I seek. Apart from that, I believe this to be up in what can be the misery of separated parents. an excellent Bill on which we have all worked long and However, does she agree that the major part of the hard. I support the rest of the clauses and the amendments, problem is the failure of the Children and Family Court and thank him for his attention on these matters. Advisory and Support Service and the courts to intervene and take a genuine stand against obstructive parents Charlie Elphicke: I, too, have a long history with the who engage in parental alienation and prevent court Bill, having served in Committee, and being here for its order access, which damages both the relationship between, final Commons stage today. It has been a real privilege and the mental health of, the child and the non-resident to watch a master class from my hon. Friend the Minister parent? in how to pilot a Bill with great dignity, courtesy and endless quantities of patience. Caroline Nokes: I thank my hon. Friend for that I also wish to pay tribute to the shadow Minister, intervention. CAFCASS has an incredibly difficult job who is no longer in her place but performed her role in to do, but too often it fails to deal with issues such as Committee with great aplomb. She has handed over parental alienation, and it is important that we consider to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Steve the problem of poor enforcement of contact orders McCabe), whom I pressed earlier on the subject of when non-resident parents are granted access but resident childminders. It has been a pleasure to serve on this parents ignore them. landmark Bill, and it will also be a pleasure to see it The current situation does not work, and both coalition brought into force. partners gave commitments on several areas relating to I shall concentrate on one basic statistic. In 1986, the family law reform. Some of those issues—mediation employment rate for mothers whose youngest child is and dispute resolution, better enforcement of contact under three was 25%. Today, it is 56% and rising. That 661 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 662

[Charlie Elphicke] not ceded, particularly given that Baroness Butler-Sloss included not just the irrelevant issue of the division of a matters because it says everything about how the world child’s time that resulted from the Norgrove report has changed. If so many more women are in work—more getting distracted by the Australian experience and the than half of all mothers with children under three—child issue of the direct and indirect access. care is instantly an issue. That is why I raised the issue of It would not be right to have a situation in which the childminders. In my constituency, if a family is above only contact for a parent who has been heavily involved the benefits threshold but cannot afford £10,000 or so a in a child’s life is just a phone call at Christmas, a book year for a nursery, it has a real problem. That is why of photographs or the odd letter exchange. That does childminders are so important for that intermediate child not constitute a right to know and a relationship with care and why I make the case for the need to consider both parents. The right of children to have access to people in that salary band. There is a lot of deprivation both their parents is essential. It matters because they in my constituency, and many people in low-skilled, may wish to turn one parent or to the other parent for low-paid work are in that position. mentorship, guidance, love and affection. We should It also means that, because both partners are in work, enable that to happen. We should recognise that the parental love, affection and child care have to be juggled. world has changed. Involvement in the child’s life has been transformed in the past 25 years: fathers are more involved with their Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): Of course, children will children. Both parents are more involved with their have access to their further family through both parents, children than ever before because of social change. That so it is critical that they have an absolute right to direct, is why I welcome the changes in the Bill that relate to physical contact, and that should be a presumption, parental leave. Shared parental leave is a recognition of unless there is a proven safety reason. how the world has changed so very much. I have raised the issue of contact many times in this 9.30 pm place: the rights of children to have access to their parents. I thank the shadow Minister for using that Charlie Elphicke: I have great sympathy with my hon. formulation, because it is very important. It is a damning Friend, who has been a staunch supporter of this statistic that, of the 3 million children who live apart principle in her time here. I thank her for her support in from a parent, 1 million have no contact with a parent times past. three years after separation. That is really tragic, particularly In closing, I want to note what Baroness Butler-Sloss given the way the world has changed. One parent, who said in another place: was heavily involved in a child’s upbringing, is suddenly no longer there at all. That is destabilising to the child. “I had very useful discussions with an organisation, Families Need Fathers, and I ask the Minister to see that any information That is why, in times past, I brought in a Bill to this that is sent out to various organisations also goes to that one House to enforce contact properly and place a duty on because it has an utterly sensible approach. It is very keen that the all. The right is not the right of the parent, but the right non-resident parent should have a proper connection with the of the child to know and have a relationship with both child to further the child’s welfare, but recognises that it is not their parents: the right of the child to have access to shared parenting. It is an extremely useful organisation and I their parents. commend it.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 5 February 2014; Vol. 752, c. 206.] This massive social change over the past 25 years matters so much because not all our judiciary are young people living the lives of modern parents seeking to get Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con): I by. Not all academics or our social work establishment congratulate my hon. Friend on his speech and on are young and as aware as they could be in their daily introducing his private Member’s Bill, which followed lives of this particular situation. It is for that reason mine a couple of years ago. I am concerned that Butler- that I want to congratulate my hon. Friend the Member Sloss’s amendment will water down the rights that we for Romsey and Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) want to create for parents of either sex who do not on her passionate, heartfelt and deeply thoughtful speech. generally live with the family. I urge the Minister, through She is absolutely right in all she says. I congratulate my you, Madam Deputy Speaker, to be absolutely firm on hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham this point— (Tim Loughton) on taking up this case originally and putting it forward. Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman’s intervention The statistic on the involvement of both parents in is so long he has lost sight of the fact that there has been the life of their child is particularly relevant to clause 11, a sex change in the Chair. I think he has completed his which states intervention, for which the House is inordinately grateful. “unless the contrary is shown, that involvement of that parent in the life of the child concerned will further the child’s welfare.” Mr Binley: You would not want me to respond, Mr Speaker. I, too, share the concerns raised today that the amendment originally tabled by Baroness Butler-Sloss in the Lords Grand Committee risks watering that down. I recognise Mr Speaker: Probably not. my hon. Friend the Minister’s assurances when he says that he is confident that the amendment does not alter Charlie Elphicke: May I be the first to welcome you the meaning of the clause or its intended effect. I hope to the Chair, Mr Speaker? I also thank my hon. Friend that that will be reflected in the guidance issued to the the Member for Northampton South (Mr Binley), who family division, and that the family division will take has been passionate about these issues for many years. note of that. It is really important that this principle is Many of us have made common cause on this matter. 663 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 664

In conclusion, I simply enjoin the Minister to take up Tessa Munt: Will the Minister give way? Baroness Butler-Sloss’s recommendation, in line with the guidance of Families Need Fathers, and to work Mr Timpson: Very briefly. positively to ensure that children have a right of access to both their parents and that the amendment is not Tessa Munt: Will the Minister clarify absolutely that misconstrued. the presumption is that children should always have a right to have access to both parents, unless it is proven Mr Timpson: I would like to thank all hon. Members that it is not safe for them to be with one parent or the who have engaged in this detailed— other?

Mr Speaker: I think the Minister has asked the leave Mr Timpson: As I made clear earlier in the debate, the of the House, hasn’t he? paramountcy principle still holds in this case, as does the need to ensure that the child in question would be Mr Timpson: It almost passed my lips, and it has safe. That has to be the case, but what kicks in under done now. those circumstances is the presumption that the child This has been a detailed debate of the amendments will have a relationship with both parents. That is an made to the Bill in another place. The changes are a important change that we should all support. testament to the dedication of both Houses to making Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to share the Bill the best it can be, and I completely understand some well deserved thanks. the interest of hon. Members on both sides of the House in its implementation: it is an excellent Bill, and Jim Shannon: On a day when 3.2 million diabetics are it is only right that we ensure its successful implementation. registered in the United Kingdom and we are seeing a Provided we can find time for early and proper consideration rise in type 1 diabetes among children, will the Minister of the secondary legislation, we expect to implement confirm that the duty to support pupils with medical the Bill’s reforms quickly so that they can begin to make conditions means that insulin pumps will be available a real difference for children and families across the and one or two teachers will be available and able to country. understand how to deal with diabetic hypos? I will seek to write to all hon. Members who have asked detailed questions in the debate. My hon. Friend Mr Timpson: The clause in question puts the “Managing the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart) medicines” guidance on a statutory footing. That has asked when the revised code of practice would be made long been called for and is a significant change. The available. It will be made available as soon as possible equipment that will be available in schools is still a after Royal Assent, but I am sure he will appreciate that matter of discretion, but we look at these things carefully, we want to get it right. My hon. Friends the Members particularly when it comes to defibrillators and the for Dover (Charlie Elphicke), for Romsey and Southampton important role they play in schools, as well as other public North (Caroline Nokes) and for Northampton South spaces. However, I hope the hon. Gentleman is pleased (Mr Binley)—I hope that this last heard my earlier with the advance that we have made on that aspect of praise for his involvement in this important clause—raised the Bill. important points. As the Bill stands, the presumption is It now feels like a very long time ago that work on the clear, and I do not share the scepticism of some hon. Bill began. The hon. Member for Washington and Members that it has been diluted to the point of having Sunderland West (Mrs Hodgson) said at the end of no effect. This is a considerable change and should not Committee last April: be underestimated. “We seem to have been scrutinising the Bill for months”.––[Official The principle and purpose that the Bill enshrines in Report, Children and Families Public Bill Committee, 25 April 2013; law, in conjunction with many other measures we are c. 815.] taking, both through the Bill and in non-legislative That was nine months ago, so it is fair to say that we ways, will help to ensure that more children have the have been working on this Bill for a long time now. opportunity to have a relationship with both parents. However, it is only right to acknowledge the four Select To enable that to happen in practice, we have made sure Committees that conducted pre-legislative scrutiny of that the Judicial College is aware of the provision in the Bill—the Select Committees on Education and on clause 11 and the Government’s objective behind it. Justice, the Joint Committee on Human Rights and the Although it is for the judiciary to consider its required Lords Select Committee on Adoption Legislation—and training itself, we will continue to work with it to ensure the great start they got us off to. that there is clear information about the intended effect We have had some excellent debates in this House on and operation of the clause, so that they can be reflected, the Bill. I would like to thank hon. Members for their if need be, in future training. participation and for how supportive they have been in It is important to make it clear that this is about the helping the Government to develop the Bill. An illustration right of the child. The reason we have set about introducing of how much work has been done is that, in both the provisions in this clause—over many years, both in Houses together, 1,153 amendments have been tabled opposition and now in government—is to put across a and debated. The Bill started off as a very good piece of strong message to many of the families who find themselves legislation; with all the constructive and well-meaning at the door of a court: we are interested in only one work that we and Members of another place have done thing, which is making sure that any children involved on it, I believe it is now a great piece of legislation. We in a case get the opportunity to have their rights put should all be very pleased about that and the benefits first and, as a consequence, have a meaningful relationship that children, young people and their families will see as with both sides of their parentage. a consequence. 665 Children and Families Bill10 FEBRUARY 2014 Children and Families Bill 666

[Mr Timpson] Today we have recognised, and heard from, Members in all parts of the House who are passionate and I am sure we all appreciate the hard work of the committed in their pursuit of improvements for our Clerks of the House and the Hansard reporters throughout most vulnerable children. Let me repeat my thanks to the passage of the Bill, which I know has involved all of them, and particularly to those who were members some late nights for them, for which I take some of the Public Bill Committee between 5 March and responsibility. If it is any consolation to them, I have 25 April last year: my hon. Friends the Members for also had a fair few sleepless nights—not that my children South Swindon (Mr Buckland), for Dover (Charlie and family have had much sympathy with that. I also Elphicke), for Mid Dorset and North Poole (Annette thank the many organisations that have engaged with Brooke), for South (Andrea Leadsom), us on the Bill, all of which have made an important for Erewash (Jessica Lee) and for Romsey and Southampton contribution. I hope that they will continue to work North (Caroline Nokes), and the hon. Members for with the Department as we proceed with the key task of Sefton Central (Bill Esterson), for North West Durham successful implementation. A good many Ministers have (Pat Glass), for Hyndburn (Graham Jones), for Manchester been involved in the various stages of the Bill, and they Central, for Croydon North (Mr Reed) and for Corby deserve thanks as well. (Andy Sawford). I thank my hon. Friends the Members for East Worthing It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the and Shoreham (Tim Loughton) and for Brent Central pivotal roles of my right hon. Friend the Member for (Sarah Teather), who initiated this work with such Croydon South (Sir Richard Ottaway) and my hon. vigour and aplomb. I thank my hon. Friend the Members Friends the Members for Guildford () and for East Dunbartonshire (Jo Swinson), the Under-Secretary for Ipswich (Ben Gummer) in securing the Bill’s safe of State for Education, my hon. Friend the Member for passage by virtue of their professional and tactful South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss), and the Under- stewardship. Numerous officials from various Departments Secretary of State for Health, my hon. Friend the have worked very hard on the Bill, and I am sure that Member for Battersea (Jane Ellison), with whom I have the House will want thank them as well. had the delight of sharing the Front Bench as a minority male. Importantly, I thank my right hon. Friend the I cannot end my speech without singling out for Secretary of State, who shares my passionate determination special mention the Bill team and other Government to improve the lives of our most disadvantaged young officials, led with such distinction by Jenny Preece. I people, and has not a capricious bone in his body: he thank Jamie, Alan, Lara, Helen, Ruth, Katy, Lizzie, the has only compassionate bones. lead lawyers Sofie, Paula and their colleagues, Phil, I thank all our colleagues in the Department for Stephen, Jonathan and everyone in the special educational Education, the Department of Health, the Ministry of needs team, and all the officials and lawyers—too many Justice, the Department for Work and Pensions, and the to mention—in several Departments who have contributed Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, who to the development, drafting and scrutiny of the Bill. have done so much to put departmental boundaries Their efforts usually go unnoticed and undetected, and aside in the interests of children and families. Finally, are carried out without fanfare. I, along with other I particularly thank my friends in the other place: Ministers and all Members—as well as you, Mr Speaker— Lord Nash—who has been stoic, good-humoured and owe them enormous gratitude. It has been an absolute unflappable—LordFaulks,LordMcNally,ViscountYounger delight to work with each and every one of them. and Earl Howe; and I thank my noble Friend Baroness Northover for picking up the baton from Baroness I hope that the House will agree that all the amendments Garden with such prowess and nerveless enthusiasm. made by another place are beneficial to the Bill and, It has been an undiluted and, as it has turned out, a ultimately, to children and their families. If so, we can long-standing privilege to work on a Bill which will then move on speedily to the task of turning this make a real difference to children and families, and legislation into something that has meaning and impact, which we have been able to manage in this place in ways and, above all, is able to make young lives better. that have been very constructive and often even consensual. Lords amendment 1 agreed to. In that context, I pay tribute to the hon. Members for Wigan (Lisa Nandy) and for Washington and Sunderland Lords amendments 2 to 120, 126 to 149 and 151 to 176 West for their leadership during the Bill’s earlier outings agreed to, with Commons financial privileges waived in in this House, and to the hon. Members for Birmingham, respect of Lords amendments 15, 17 to 20, 22, 25, 27 to Selly Oak (Steve McCabe) and for Manchester Central 31, 33 to 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 44, 64, 66, 85, 88 to 90, 92, (Lucy Powell), who have continued to work in the same 94, 96, 97, 104 to 109, 115 to 118, 126 to 129, 135, 144, spirit today. 149 and 176. 667 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Presumption of Innocence and 668 EU Law Presumption of Innocence and The principle is set out in the universal declaration of EU Law human rights and in the European convention on human rights. It is contained in the French declaration of the [Relevant document: The thirty-second report from the rights of man, and countless other constitutions around European Scrutiny Committee, HC 83-xxix, Chapter 1.] the globe. The problem, and the issue for debate tonight, is specifically whether EU action in this area can be 9.44 pm justified or whether this is a matter for member states. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice The Commission bases its argument for the proposal (Mr Shailesh Vara): I beg to move, on the fact that member states are being effectively That this House considers that the Draft Directive on the barred from co-operating in criminal matters because strengthening of certain aspects of the presumption of innocence of differing standards in this area. Here I can only and of the right to be present at trial in criminal proceedings endorse the view set out in the European Scrutiny (European Union Document No. 17621/13 and Addenda 1 to 3) Committee’s report that the case simply has not been does not comply with the principle of subsidiarity, for the reasons made. The Commission itself admits that evidence is set out in the annex to Chapter One of the Thirty-second Report scanty. It may be true that specific rules vary, and that of the European Scrutiny Committee (HC 83-xxix); and, in specific practices and laws will not be identical across accordance with Article 6 of Protocol (No. 2) annexed to the EU our different jurisdictions. Indeed, it is worth noting in Treaties on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, instructs the Clerk of the House to forward this passing that specific rules vary even across the United reasoned opinion to the Presidents of the European Institutions. Kingdom, but that has, to my knowledge, never acted as Tonight’s debate is about this House having its say on a barrier to the co-operation of our justice systems. proposals from the European Commission which touch We should remember that all member states are bound on matters at the very heart of our country’s justice by the European convention. All member states should system. The House has the opportunity to endorse the be meeting those basic standards already.As the Committee House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee’s points out in the draft reasoned opinion, if there are reasoned opinion that the European Commission’s proposal cultural issues at play in a country’s justice system, a on the presumption of innocence breaches the principle further piece of legislation from the EU will not resolve of subsidiarity. them. I want to be clear from the outset that this is a matter for the House and it is not the Government’s decision. Sir (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): The point The treaties give this House, and all national chambers, that I am about to make will not necessarily appeal to the right to issue reasoned opinions on the principle of all the Minister’s colleagues. Would it not be rather subsidiarity, and that is what this debate is about: the unsatisfactory if we found ourselves in a situation in question of subsidiarity. It is not about the question of which the right to a fair trial was justiciable in the the UK’s opt-in. I am happy to assure Members that European Court of Justice, rather than being dealt with the Government have offered time to debate the opt-in in the European Court of Human Rights and by the separately, ahead of the Government’s final decision. application of the European convention on human We look forward to hearing the Committee’s view on rights in UK domestic law, which are the ways in which that in order to inform that decision. we have long agreed that such matters should be resolved? The House will appreciate that questions of subsidiarity are finely balanced and we welcome the opportunity for Mr Vara: As always, my right hon. Friend makes a this House to present its view directly to the European relevant point. For the purposes of today’s debate, Union—a right this Government will defend and facilitate however, I shall confine myself to the presumption of to the hilt. The idea of subsidiarity is that decision-making innocence. I am mindful that we have only 90 minutes should take place as closely as possible to the citizens for our debate, and many hon. Members wish to whom those decisions affect. Under article 5 of protocol 2 speak, including the hon. Member for Hammersmith to the treaties, the Commission needs to set out, among (Mr Slaughter), who I am sure will want to have a decent other things, a detailed statement on how its proposal say in the matter, in his own way. complies with the principle of subsidiarity. The reasons Mutual trust and recognition are of course important for concluding that the objective of the proposal can be in ensuring that European justice systems can operate achieved at EU level must be substantiated by qualitative together when crimes span borders, but without solid and, where possible, quantitative indicators. To underline evidence, that mutual trust is in practice being adversely the importance of this, the treaties provide that national affected by these national differences. The Commission’s Parliaments—and chambers within national Parliaments— case for action has not been made. There is also a much can deliver reasoned opinions to the Presidents of the broader issue at stake. As I said, this matter lies at the EU institutions where they consider that the Commission very heart of our justice systems as sovereign countries. has breached the subsidiarity principle. The presumption of innocence is at the core of the The proposal the Commission has put before us rights and protections we afford in our laws and traditions, relates to the presumption of innocence, a fundamental and in our constitutions, to those accused of committing principle of our country’s justice system, as it is of a crime. That instinctively feels like a matter on which many other countries’ justice systems. No one in this member states themselves should be making decisions. House would seriously doubt our commitment to the In so far as we can conclude that minimum standards principle. It stretches back as far as Roman times and is are a legitimate aim—as it seems the Commission has a central pillar of our common law system, as well as done here—action needs to be taken at EU level, but the common law systems in other countries. Moreover, under the terms of the treaties that permit the setting of it has been enshrined and developed in many civil law minimum standards across the EU, we need to be wary systems on the continent itself. of the Commission bringing forward totally unnecessary 669 Presumption of Innocence and 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Presumption of Innocence and 670 EU Law EU Law [Mr Vara] precedents, it would be advisable for the United Kingdom Government to accept the idea of the disapplication of proposals under the umbrella of securing mutual trust laws altogether? and recognition. It will always claim to have passed the subsidiarity test, even when others have their doubts. Mr Vara: My hon. Friend, as always, makes a relevant The process from here is that the reasoned opinion, if and pertinent point, but he will appreciate that I am not approved by the House, will be presented to the Presidents going to give a definitive answer either way at the of the Commission, the Council and the European Dispatch Box. Parliament. If sufficient numbers of other Parliaments Notwithstanding the difficulties, we must try to make do likewise, the Commission will be presented with its our position known to the Commission. The Government yellow card and must rethink the proposal. will support this House and the other place in presenting reasoned opinions on subsidiarity, as and when they Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): Given the great choose to do so. On the basis of what the Government significance that my hon. Friend has rightly given to the have considered so far, we do not believe that the case contents of our report and to the substance of this for action has been made. However, as I said, this is a issue, is he concerned that, as far as we know, the only matter for the House to decide on, and I very much other Parliament in the whole of the European Union look forward to hearing what colleagues have to say. to have tabled a reasoned opinion at this time is the Scottish Parliament? 9.56 pm Mr Vara: As always, my hon. Friend shows his great Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): I will try knowledge of this area, right up to the minute. He will to follow the Minister’s example and be commendably appreciate that I can speak only for this Parliament, but brief—I do not anticipate being intervened on by Labour I hear what he says. I am aware that my officials have Members very often this evening. been speaking to other Parliaments, but I do not know I begin by complimenting the European Scrutiny the position as regards those other member states at this Committee and its Chair on the rigour and clarity that time. He is quite right to suggest that, as far as justice they bring to this matter, contrasted as it is—it saddens and home affairs issues are concerned, a quarter of all me to say so to this Minister—with the pusillanimous member states need to have tabled a reasoned opinion response of the Government until this evening. The in order for a yellow card to apply. In other matters, it is Committee’s report rightly states: a third of all member states. On that note, it is worth “It is difficult to overstate the significance of the Commission’s noting that the Government wholeheartedly support proposal. It brings the law of the presumption of innocence, as the role of national Parliaments in supporting this laid down by the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) reasoned opinion. and in the constitutional or national laws of Member States, into The Commission’s track record in this respect is not a the realm of EU law, which has supremacy over national law, for all criminal offences. In so doing it sets out certain rights which go good one. When presented with its first yellow card on further than the interpretation of similar rights in the ECHR by the Monti II proposal, relating to the posting of workers the European Court of Human Rights, and so creates separate and the right to take collective action, the Commission standards of procedural safeguard under EU and ECHR law. A withdrew the proposal. However, it claimed that that domestic consequence of this is that UK laws on drawing adverse had nothing to do with subsidiarity and that there was inferences from a failure to cooperate or from maintaining the not the political will to pass the measure. More worrying right to silence, which are compliant with the ECHR, would be in was the occasion on which this House, the other place conflict with EU law, and so subject to Commission infringement and 10 other Parliaments of EU member states issued a proceedings and severe financial penalty if not amended.” yellow card in respect of the proposal for a European That must be right. These are matters of central public prosecutor’s office. The Commission barely flinched importance to the liberty of the subject, the rule of law before continuing with its plans. and, above all, the right to a fair trial. This is a country where those seminal legal concepts have developed Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): Does the over centuries. It is right that the Secretary of State is story that the Minister has just told make him feel that, commemorating 800 years of Magna Carta, although it given the new landscape of the EU, we need to adopt a is sad that his alienation of the legal profession means, red card system? as we learn today, that there may be a boycott of his global law summit next year. By the same token the law, Mr Vara: We need to consider a lot of things in terms specifically the common law, has developed differently of our future relationship and, as my hon. Friend will here from how it has on the continent. There will be be aware, the Prime Minister has promised a major significant differences in our approach from that of undertaking on reforming the way forward. It will be Roman law jurisdictions. But that does not mean we for the public to decide, in due course, whether there is a should not try to establish certain minimum standards Conservative Government, with a referendum to follow in areas as fundamental as the presumption of innocence on from that. and the specific requirements set out in the articles of the draft directive. Mr Cash: On the red card, does my hon. Friend The matters dealt with in that directive—the right not accept that, in line with the fourth principle of the to be presented as guilty; the burden of proof resting on Bloomberg speech, which is that national Parliaments the prosecution; the right to remain silent; and the fact are the root of our democracy, there are circumstances that the scope of those should go from the very start of in the national interest where a mere collection—an proceedings until the final judgment is delivered—are aggregation; a small number—of countries coming together right. I hope the Committee and the Minister are as on a red card would not be enough and that, in line with alarmed as I am to see that 11 member states appear to 671 Presumption of Innocence and 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Presumption of Innocence and 672 EU Law EU Law have fallen below the standards demanded by the ECHR. to the Chair of the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny One reason for our strong support—I believe this is still Committee to apologise for and reissue the defective shared by the junior coalition partner—for the convention explanatory memorandums. Can he offer some explanation is the levelling-up effect it has on human rights across for the poor quality of legislation, statistics, reasoning Europe. and clarity coming out of his Department? I suspect it The problem with translating that alarm into this is due in part to the swingeing cuts in staff and low legislation is, as the Committee identifies, twofold. First, morale, but there might be other reasons that he wishes it is not the difference in standards or the falling to offer. short per se that provokes the draft directive, but the While we share some of the Commission’s concerns alleged effect that has on confidence in the judicial about the standards adopted by a number of EU countries systems in states that are failing. There is anecdotal regarding the matters dealt with by the draft directive, evidence to support that; indeed, much of the debate we do not think the directive is the route by which to about the European arrest warrant focused on worries correct them. We will not oppose the reasoned opinion, about the criminal justice system in the extraditing but we note that it is the European Scrutiny Committee, state. However, as the Commission itself concedes, there not the UK Government, that has led on the issue, and is “limited statistical quantifiable evidence”, and that is that does not bode well for sound governance. not a good basis for such a radical restructuring of European criminal law. 10.3 pm Radical though the draft directive may be—this is the Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I am glad to say that second problem—it goes beyond what the ECHR demands. the two Front-Bench speeches have combined to encapsulate For example, under the Police and Criminal Evidence all the arguments. While I have some comments to make Act 1984 and subsequent legislation, it is permitted in about the Government’s position, I commend the speech English criminal courts to draw inferences from the of the hon. Member for Hammersmith (Mr Slaughter), silence of the accused. The burden of proof does not because he drew out several of the European Scrutiny always lie on the prosecution, and the right to representation, Committee’s concerns. I am sure that the Minister, interpretation and translation varies at different stages having somewhat belatedly reached the conclusion that of the criminal process. I do not seek to defend the law improvements were required, will acknowledge that, in its current form by saying that, but I do say that the and that everyone will be satisfied, given that we are directive is not the means by which to open a wholesale now considering a motion on forwarding a reasoned review of those and other provisions of the criminal law. opinion. The Commission has not made its case on subsidiarity, As I pointed out in an intervention, for all the brickbats, it has not produced evidence, and the consequences of congratulations and backslapping that might be coming the proposal go beyond what is countenanced in the from either side of the House, as things stand, there is a Commission’s arguments. The Government, taxed by more worrying matter to consider. If the Minister has the European Scrutiny Committee, have fallen in line received late information that more member states are with that view at the eleventh hour, so the Minister, prepared to deal with the matter properly, that would be whether for a quiet life or because it is easier to adopt useful for me, as Chairman of the Committee, to know. the arguments in the reasoned opinion, has taken the The hon. Member for Hammersmith rightly quoted the path of least resistance. Committee as saying: It is a pity, however, that legislation is being made in “It is difficult to overstate the significance of the Commission’s such a way. The Committee is trenchant in its criticism proposal.” of the Government, concluding: Against that background, and knowing the number of “We repeat again our disappointment at the poor quality of member states required for the yellow card procedure—we the Government’s EMs on the three proposals forming the currently have the United Kingdom Parliament and the Commission’s procedural rights package, particularly in the light Scottish Parliament, unless some others have come into of the time taken to draft and deposit them.” the framework and I am not yet aware of that—there is This is not an isolated incident, as last month the clearly no prospect of this reasoned opinion receiving regulatory policy committee described the Ministry’s the kind of attention from other member states that it impact assessment on court fees as “not fit for purpose” should receive. I say that because we still have a window in a rare red report. Just before Christmas, the Secondary in which to sort the matter out, but it is not a very long Legislation Scrutiny Committee referred to several one, and I must say that it does not bode well given the explanatory memorandums accompanying statutory significance of the issues at stake. instruments as “less than satisfactory”. Last week, the new Minister of State, Ministry of Justice, the right Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): On that point, hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark surely the Commission will not regard the Scottish (Simon Hughes), at last conceded that the number of Parliament’s submission as relevant to this matter. Surely mediations taking place was falling significantly, which only a submission from this Parliament will be regarded was something that the Justice Secretary repeatedly denied. as relevant. In the case of the draft directive, I appreciate that, as with the other examples I cited, we got our corrections Mr Cash: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that eventually, albeit not without a lot of digging. It took a intervention, because I rather agree with him. Whatever strongly worded letter from the Chair of the European the aspirations of the Scottish nationalists and those Scrutiny Committee on 15 January to elicit some but campaigning for independence, I am afraid that at this not all the facts needed from the Secretary of State. The juncture what they have to say, however worthy it may Under-Secretary of State for Justice, the hon. Member be, will not be within the criteria set out for reasoned for North West Cambridgeshire (Mr Vara), had to write opinions under the yellow card system. 673 Presumption of Innocence and 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Presumption of Innocence and 674 EU Law EU Law [Mr Cash] has agreed with the European Scrutiny Committee. We relied on both those arguments in our reasoned opinion, I ought to say that I have had grave reservations and we are therefore grateful and glad that the Minister about the yellow card system from the very beginning. I has decided to support our proposal. have never thought that it is a matter that should be We note—I would be grateful if the Minister responded decided by an aggregation of member states—if they to this point—that the Government’s view is still conditional. choose number X, why not choose number Y? The fact There is a little bit of fudging going on. They use the is that if a member state wishes to act, in its own phrase, national interests—the Minister, judging by what he “if in principle the need were to be established”. said, regards this as a matter of critical national interest—I From what source—other than the impact assessment, suggest that the reason for disapplying or vetoing laws which lacks the necessary evidence—do the Government should rest with one member state, as my Committee’s think the Commission will be able to establish evidence report made clear, because it becomes invidious to of need? We also note that the Commission recognises choose a particular number rather than another. that there is—believe it or not, in relation to a matter of The real question is whether the matter is sufficiently this importance— important in the interests of the democracies, the legislatures “limited statistical quantifiable evidence on insufficient mutual and the constitutional arrangements of a given country trust between the Member States”. for there to be a veto. Indeed, I must commend my right How, therefore, can there be the slightest justification hon. Friend the Prime Minister, who vetoed a treaty for action at EU level? These are not mere words; they only a few months ago, and what is sauce for the goose are about the application of the presumption of innocence is sauce for the gander. For this purpose, I think that in relation to EU law. there is a very strong case, where it is sufficiently important in the national interest, to go beyond the yellow card On a technical point, the legal base of article 82(2) of system. the treaty on the functioning of the European Union specifically requires evidence of necessity to facilitate mutual recognition. On the difference between the approach Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): While to the European convention on human rights taken by my hon. Friend is talking about the yellow card system, the EU and by the European Court of Human Rights is it not worth pointing out that the judge of whether at Strasbourg, I ask the Government to what extent the threshold is well enough argued once it has been they agree with the paragraph in the Commission’s met is the European Commission itself, so it ends up impact assessment cited in the draft reasoned opinion, judging its own decision? as follows: “The ECtHR’s reluctance to lay down prescriptive requirements Mr Cash: My hon. Friend, as ever, is completely in these areas, which can be seen as a rationale for an EU correct. In the case of the European public prosecutor, measure. The approach of the ECtHR has not been especially the threshold was actually exceeded, and what did the activist in developing detailed and prescriptive rules in the area of Commission do? It just said that it would go ahead Article 6(2) of the ECHR. It has left a margin of flexibility for anyway, with complete contempt for our Parliament presumption of innocence and related rights in light of the and the others. That is really what is at stake in these requirement to balance the fair trial rights of suspects”— circumstances. It is extremely disturbing. There is no I know that the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon- need to enlarge that argument, so I will leave it at that. Tweed (Sir Alan Beith), who is Chairman of the Justice We have had a fair description of what the measure is Committee, will appreciate that— about from those on the Front Benches, so I will simply “or accused persons with the general public interest, as well as the draw the House’s attention to the fact that, with regard diverse legal traditions of Member States.” to process, it is unreasonable to expect Parliament to The Committee concluded that not being “especially come to an informed view on compliance with subsidiarity activist” was a trait that we strongly welcomed and within the eight-week time frame allotted for issuing a should inform the decisions of any supra-national court. reasoned opinion without the benefit of an analysis by We have produced our report and we are grateful that the Government. The Minister, who may have been the Government have somewhat belatedly come to the drawn into this somewhat at the last moment, would right conclusions on this. We regret that it is only in the perhaps agree with that; I hope so. past few days that we have got fully engaged with this Why was it only at the second time of asking, in a subject, but we are now glad that the reasoned opinion letter sent four days before this debate, that the Government will go from this Parliament to the European Commission gave a clearer indication of their view on subsidiarity? with the support of the sole Member on the Opposition To put it bluntly, the Government have been prevaricating; Benches as personified by the hon. Member for they were not clear about their position until very Hammersmith. It is important that we do it, but what recently. On the substance, however, I welcome the fact worries me is that it looks as though it will be doomed that in that letter the Government have belatedly accepted unless other member states come forward. If they are that not as interested as we are in the matters raised by our “a lack of evidence of necessity renders a proposal in breach of Committee, that will be very sad for the European the subsidiarity principle”. Union as a whole. I would have thought that that was an unexceptional circumstance, but I nevertheless welcome it. I also welcome 10.15 pm the fact that, given that the Government have accepted Sir Richard Shepherd (Aldridge-Brownhills) (Con): that the Commission has not complied with the procedural I just want to add a few words to this conversation. requirements placed on it to provide a detailed statement I commend the hon. Member for Hammersmith appraising compliance with subsidiarity, the Commission (Mr Slaughter) on setting out so well the anxieties many 675 Presumption of Innocence and 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Presumption of Innocence and 676 EU Law EU Law of us will feel. It is not very long ago in our history that that emanate from Brussels to identify those that are we were enormously proud of both our constitution worthy of consideration in debate on the Floor of the and our legal system. It is, as the hon. Gentleman has House. pointed out, a common law system that covers Northern This is such a measure and, frankly, it goes to the very Ireland, England and Wales in our own domestic heart of the British legal system—the presumption of competence. innocence. Quite frankly, it is staggering that the EU We should not ignore the simple fact that the legal should try to lecture this country. That is what it boils system is an intimate facet of nationhood and the lines down to: the EU is trying to tell this country how to run by which we govern ourselves. Ours has been a very its justice system, and trying to interfere with what we long march to get where we are today. I think it was determine about the innocence of a subject until they with Edward III—I have no doubt I will be corrected if are proven guilty in a court of law. This is just a further I am wrong—that we started the separation of the building block that the EU Commission sees as a stepping judiciary from the monarchy, which led to the development stone on its way to building an EU-wide common of our judicial system. I think that is how most schoolboys system of criminal justice, but it is one that we ought of my generation understood its development. strenuously to oppose. The right to have a legal form that has withstood that I am quite happy that we are being asked to approve number of centuries is not a casual thing. It is the most the Government’s proposal to send a reasoned opinion extensive, worldwide system of justice: one thinks of back to Europe about why the measure fails the test of India, Australia, Canada, the United States and South subsidiarity. In my mind, it certainly does fail that test, Africa. It is a huge range, yet the way in which the but like other hon. Members, I am extremely concerned Government have come to their conclusion confronts that it appears that we will once again stand alone in us with a clear loss of confidence in the very essence of our opposition to it. My understanding—I look forward what this Parliament is about and who we are. We to hearing from the Minister whether it is correct—is cannot divorce ourselves from that tradition and one that the deadline for objections from member states is cannot accept that it will be swept aside by mandates 12 February. If that is the case, there is very little time from bureaucrats on the European continent. This is for this Parliament or any others to lodge objections. It not an attack on them; it is an argument for confidence therefore seems likely, although I wish it were not the in our own constitution and legal system. case, that the measure will pass. I believe, although some will disagree, that, by and large, the people of this country have confidence in our Jacob Rees-Mogg: Does my hon. Friend take the legal system and the fact that it will secure their liberty. comfort that I do from the Government’s firm stance, in The equal recognition of different judicial systems is a that even if no other Parliament sends in a reasoned very alien concept. The rules and laws of Roman law opinion against the proposal, it would be eccentric of and civic law are different from our laws. We do it case the Government, because it is subject to our title 5 by case, and from that we found a tradition of what opt-out, to opt in to one that is thought not to meet the enforces the things that matter to this country—the defence test of subsidiarity? of something absolutely essential to the development of our freedoms and liberty. Mr Nuttall: Absolutely. I for one certainly hope that I wish the European Union well, but I do not think it the Government will not feel that it is necessary to bow should trespass into areas that are absolutely central to to the will of Brussels on this measure. Although I am the sovereignty of the British people. That is why I am at one and in accord with the Government on their pleased that the report so assiduously crafted by the proposal this evening, I would have to depart from that European Scrutiny Committee is central to this debate. course if they tried in future to suggest that we should adopt it given that the European Commission seems I have dealt in mere generality, but a profound concept likely to pursue it. Bearing in mind this country’s proud is under attack. Our judicial system—the biggest and history of establishing our own system of common law most important in the world—should not be subservient and the rights of an individual to be regarded as innocent to a bureaucratic administrative system designated and until proven guilty, I see no reason why we need lecturing designed elsewhere with the central purpose of consolidating from the EU on this matter. the power of the European Union. That is why I am pleased that the Government have at last woken up to Mr Cash: Has my hon. Friend noticed that this the very fact that this is about our law, our legal system, matter has received almost no coverage in the media, our freedoms, our independence and the right of the particularly the BBC? Perhaps they will rectify that as a people of this country to determine what systems they result of this debate. This is a serious matter and the should live under. British public must know what is going on, but there are limited opportunities for them to find out about it. If 10.19 pm this proposal were in a Bill that dealt with the abolition of trial by jury, it would have to go through at least Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Let me start, three stages in each House and would be subject to Mr Speaker, by apologising for missing the Minister’s amendments in both Houses. Because it is in a directive, opening comments. all we are left with is putting up a reasoned amendment I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Stone that will be doomed if other member states disagree. (Mr Cash) and the members of his Committee for bringing this matter to the attention of the House. It is Mr Nuttall: The Chairman of the European Scrutiny yet another example of the fine work that they do in Committee, as ever on these matters, is right. This proposal scrutinising and painstakingly going through the masses— has not received adequate scrutiny in the media. There hundreds and hundreds—of EU regulations and directives may be many reasons for that. 677 Presumption of Innocence and 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Presumption of Innocence and 678 EU Law EU Law [Mr Nuttall] Mr Cash: I am bound to point out that the 1972 Act was passed in pursuance of the 1971 White Paper. The This is another example of the EU interfering in 1972 Act itself has not changed materially, but the matters that are a million miles away from the areas that number of functions and the invasion of the United the vast majority of the British people want us and our Kingdom legislature has continued inexorably since European neighbours to deal with. The British people then. That 1971 White Paper specifically guaranteed—and want us have free trade with our European neighbours; therefore that guarantee would seem still to be valid—that they do not want the European Union to interfere in we would never give up the veto because it was in our matters of criminal justice. This is just one example of vital national interest. To do otherwise would endanger why, when it comes to a referendum, I believe that the fabric of the European Union, which appears to be millions of my fellow citizens will agree with me that we doing a very good job of destroying itself. would be better off out of the European Union and that we should simply trade with our European neighbours Mr Vara: My hon. Friend makes a good point, but I on a free trade basis. repeat that there is not long to go. If there is a Conservative victory, we will renegotiate, and the issues that he raises, 10.26 pm as well as a whole series of other issues, will be put to the country. Mr Vara: I am grateful to the Members who have My hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills contributed to this debate. It is good to see that there is talked about the European Union trespassing into matters agreement, because often there is not on this subject. that have been so important to our judicial system over I made it clear at the outset that this was a matter for centuries, and I could not agree with him more. As the House and that the Government were facilitating its always, he was passionate about what he said, and consideration. Members have said loudly and clearly almost—no, not almost, I think everyone in this Chamber that they support the reasoned opinion of the European is in agreement about the presumption of innocence, Scrutiny Committee and its submission to the European which has existed since Roman times. The case for the Union institutions. directive simply has not been made by the Commission. I will address some of the points that have been raised My hon. Friend the Member for Bury North also by Members. When the hon. Member for Hammersmith mentioned the tight deadline of 12 March. I am reliably (Mr Slaughter) spoke, he had no support from the informed that the date that is important is the date Opposition Benches. However, he has a reputation for when the reasoned opinion is actually sent, so if it is more than making up for that through his use of words. approved today and sent immediately, it will be valid He did that today, as he always does. I thank my hon. and we will have met the deadline. He also mentioned Friends the Members for Stone (Mr Cash), for Aldridge- the opt-in. He said that he was not present at the start of Brownhills (Sir Richard Shepherd) and for Bury North my speech and it may be that he missed my comments, (Mr Nuttall) for their contributions. but the Government have promised a debate on that I want to respond on the record to the point that was specific issue in due course. made about the explanatory memorandums that were submitted. Five instruments were received at the outset, Mr Nuttall: I am grateful for that confirmation but I which was a lot of information. We tried to supply the wonder whether the Minister misspoke. He said 12 March. House with as much information as possible within Did he mean 12 March or 12 February? the time constraints that were on us. We provided the explanatory memorandums and there was criticism Mr Vara: I did indeed mean 12 February and my hon. of them. Letters were passed between the European Friend is right to pick me up on that. Scrutiny Committee and the Department. We subsequently provided further information. The Justice Secretary This is an opportunity for the House to make it clear has apologised for the delay and given an assurance to the Commission that it should listen to the views of that we will try to provide more full and more timely national Parliaments. I can only repeat the wish that the responses in future. I have no hesitation in reiterating European Commission listen carefully to and treat with that apology. respect the concerns of this House and any other national Chambers that express a view on this important subject. The red card system is difficult to use in practice That is required by the treaties, it is political good sense, because Parliament cannot simply rid the UK of its and it would be an important demonstration that the obligations. Under the European Communities Act 1972, Commission is indeed listening to the views of elected as the law stands we cannot pick and choose which EU representatives and member states. law to implement beyond the terms of our opt-in for justice and home affairs matters. Question put and agreed to. Resolved, Jacob Rees-Mogg: Is it not open to the House to That this House considers that the Draft Directive on the amend the 1972 Act? strengthening of certain aspects of the presumption of innocence and of the right to be present at trial in criminal proceedings Mr Vara: Given the Prime Minister’s assurance that (European Union Document No. 17621/13 and Addenda 1 to 3) we will try to renegotiate a whole series of measures, does not comply with the principle of subsidiarity, for the reasons I think the best way forward is to have that engagement set out in the annex to Chapter One of the Thirty-second Report of the European Scrutiny Committee (HC 83-xxix); and, in with the European Union, get a series of proposals, and accordance with Article 6 of Protocol (No. 2) annexed to the EU then go to the country for people to have the final say. Treaties on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and The 1972 Act has existed for a long time, and there is proportionality, instructs the Clerk of the House to forward this not long to go from now. reasoned opinion to the Presidents of the European Institutions. 679 10 FEBRUARY 2014 680

Business without Debate Rural Bus Services (North Yorkshire) Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House Order No. 118(6)), do now adjourn.—(Gavin Barwell.)

ROAD TRAFFIC 10.35 pm That the draft Road Safety (Financial Penalty Deposit) Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I (Appropriate Amount) (Amendment) Order 2014, which was laid am delighted to have secured the debate. “The wheels before this House on 16 December 2013, be approved. —(Gavin on the bus go round and round” is a well known Barwell.) expression and I hope our bus service continues. Question agreed to. I should say something about the history and context Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing of the debate. Free bus passes were started in the late Order No. 118(6)), 1990s under the previous Government. Initially, they were provided locally for concessionary fares, but then TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING went national. As many hon. Members will remember, That the draft Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, the problem was that they were not adequately funded. Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) When they were initially rolled out locally, North Yorkshire (Amendment) Regulations 2014, which were laid before this county council and other shire counties could support House on 18 December 2013, be approved. —(Gavin Barwell.) them, but when the free passes for concessionary travel Question agreed to. were rolled out nationally, there was a problem for Scarborough borough, including the ward of Filey, EUROPEAN UNION DOCUMENTS which is in my current constituency, and the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency. Notably, they are Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing leisure destinations in their own right and attracted far Order No. 119(11)), more visitors than we had ever bargained for. In my view, North Yorkshire county council is acting EU SUPPORT FOR GOVERNANCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC entirely properly and responsibly in that regard, but it REPUBLIC OF CONGO faces a double challenge. The first challenge is that the That this House takes note of Unnumbered European Union bus subsidy is being reduced, and the second is that it Document, the European Court of Auditors Special Report No. 9/2013–EU support for governance in the Democratic Republic faces the national Government austerity programme. of the Congo; welcomes the Report as an important assessment Government Members support that, but the grant to of the management of EU funds which will help to ensure local councils is being reduced by it. effectiveness; and supports the Government’s efforts in encouraging I should like to come up with a solution to the problem the European Commission to address the weaknesses identified in and put a question to my hon. Friend the Minister, my the Report to ensure improved governance programmes in the distinguished constituency neighbour. Obviously, those Democratic Republic of Congo.—(Gavin Barwell.) to whom I have spoken in the Ryedale forum for older Question agreed to. people, in the Filey and Hertford parts of Scarborough borough council that I represent, and those living in BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE (12 FEBRUARY) Thirsk and Easingwold and the parts of Hambleton district council that I represent, believe that there is no Ordered, point having the free bus pass if there is no bus for them That at the sitting on Wednesday 12 February, notwithstanding to take. I believe that the way forward is to put concessionary the provisions of Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an travel by bus on the same legal footing as travel by rail. Act or on European Union documents), the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on– That would allow concessionary travel to continue, but enable those who wish to avail themselves of the (1) the Motion in the name of Secretary relating to the Police Grant Report not later than three hours after the concessionary fares to pay a contribution. commencement of proceedings on that Motion, and My understanding is that concessionary rail travellers (2) the Motions in the name of Secretary Eric Pickles relating can and do pay a contribution towards the fare, whereas to Local Government Finance not later than three hours after the bus travellers on concessionary fares will not be permitted commencement of proceedings on that Motion or six hours after to make a contribution, and we risk losing the service. the commencement of proceedings relating to Police Grant Report, The proposed reduction of bus services is causing great whichever is the later; proceedings on those Motions may continue, anxiety, particularly among the elderly and less mobile though opposed, after the moment of interruption; and Standing passengers. Buses provide a lifeline to constituents in Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions) shall not apply. —(Gavin rural communities, with many relying on those essential Barwell.) services to access their work—people living in rural communities often work in the towns. The elderly and more vulnerable rely on the bus services to access vital services such as doctors, hospitals and shops. Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): I congratulate my hon. Friend on her fine speech. By making repeated cuts to services—there have been repeated cuts to the 401 service from Selby to Goole in recent years—we make the routes unsustainable in the longer term. The Selby to Goole route is important for local students, but the more services are cut, the less attractive they are to use. 681 Rural Bus Services (North 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Rural Bus Services (North 682 Yorkshire) Yorkshire) Miss McIntosh: My hon. Friend makes a good point, Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): I congratulate and I hope that the Minister and North Yorkshire my hon. Friend on securing this important Adjournment county council have heard it. debate. The bus services are really important in a county like North Yorkshire, and we all have communities that Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): My hon. will be affected by the proposed cuts. She makes a Friend is making a powerful point, and older people at sensible suggestion about those pensioners who can many of my surgeries have offered to pay for bus travel. afford to pay for their travel. I demur slightly in that I believe that North Yorkshire My concern, which is shared by some of my constituents, county council could have consulted much more with is about North Yorkshire county council’s priorities. the communities of which she talks. I urge her to urge My hon. Friend has just mentioned the size of the cuts, the council to talk more to the people. but the council spends—I believe—almost £250,000 on salaries for union representatives. It seems to think that Miss McIntosh: My hon. Friend has a point. I have it is okay to spend that sort of money on salaries for been copied in to correspondence with East Ayton union reps, but that sum would go a long way to saving parish council, representing the Saxton area, which felt some of these rural bus services. that consultation was insufficient and that that led to the decision that was taken being flawed. The parish Miss McIntosh: The problem is that in every other council says: respect, the county council has behaved very responsibly. “These bus services are vital to both Parishes”— It has pared back library services. Many of us visited of East Ayton and West Ayton— local libraries on Saturday and through the week to “and are crucial to ensure that there is no isolation for those who celebrate the services provided. My hon. Friend might are elderly and infirm.” like to secure his own Adjournment debate to pursue the valid points he makes, and which need to be looked Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): at in greater detail. My hon. Friend has made a powerful point about how I personally welcome the leadership given by County important bus services are for the elderly and more Councillor David Jeffels. The county council has set up vulnerable in our community in rural areas. North a task group that will meet for the first time a week Yorkshire has a great rural presence, but it is not entirely today, on Monday 17 February. It will look at ideas, rural. Buses are important in towns too, and I wonder including—I hope that in summing up the debate the whether we can broaden the debate to include all of our Minister will give us some creature comfort here—looking county. at the ’s £78.5 million for local sustainable transport, the possibility of using the Miss McIntosh: I thank my hon. Friend for that new homes bonus money through the district and borough intervention. I used to represent a small part of his councils, the dial-a-ride that I mentioned, community constituency, and I know how dependent the people transport and car sharing. It is incumbent on all county there were on accessing Harrogate town. councils facing cuts to try to provide solutions and In Filey, Mike Cockerill, an independent councillor, share best practice. is on the record as saying that he is especially concerned I would like to draw the strands together by saying by the proposal to withdraw the existing Filey town that those of us who live in and represent rural communities service on both the Sycamore and Wharfedale routes. need to ensure that we do not have a significantly worse The county proposes to have a dial-a-ride service, but service than those living in urban conurbations across the problem with that is that it is not practical for the Yorkshire region; that young people who do not collecting passengers and dropping them off around have their own transport are able to access buses to get towns like Filey, Harrogate and others. Dial-a-ride services to work; and that the elderly and less mobile can are far more expensive and are generally meant for trips continue to access the rural bus network to go to the from A to B, rather than town tour-type journeys. The doctor, the dentist and the hospital. I have been given a operator of that service, Olympic Coaches, is well liked very clear message, particularly by the Ryedale forum and respected and goes the extra mile. If a regular for older people and those I have met in Filey, Thirsk, passenger does not turn up, the operator will dismount Easingwold and across the piece, that they do not want from the bus and call on the resident—often elderly—to to lose the service. They want to be in a position to check that they have not been taken ill. They also take continue to enjoy a concessionary fare, but pay something time to assist people with their shopping bags when they towards keeping the bus service running. board and disembark, even taking the shopping to the I hope my hon. Friend the Minister will take the passengers’ front doors if they are not able to carry it. opportunity to ask why bus passengers are treated on a The routes are used by 3,500 local residents every different legal basis from railway passengers. Is there month, so they have a substantial uptake. Without the some way forward that would help North Yorkshire rural bus services serving towns such as Thirsk, Easingwold, county council to make the savings we know we have to Malton, Pickering, Filey and many other smaller towns make, but allow the bus service passengers living in and villages, those residents will be disconnected from rural areas—and semi-rural areas like Harrogate—to their rural hinterlands. continue to enjoy the current level of service? I welcome the fact that North Yorkshire county council’s I pay tribute to the commercial bus operators who, in scrutiny committee took the opportunity to review its Selby, Ripon, the villages in outer York, Goole and the decision to reduce the services after several councillors outskirts of Harrogate, operate an outstanding service. called it in. As a result, I understand that a task force The services are currently operated by commercial bus will be set up to look at the cuts that have been agreed— operators, with a bus subsidy administered by North £1.7 million from a total budget of £4.4 million. Yorkshire county council. I believe that what I am 683 Rural Bus Services (North 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Rural Bus Services (North 684 Yorkshire) Yorkshire) proposing this evening is a solution that is perfectly probably see it as a step too far. Were any Labour legal and will allow the service to continue to be enjoyed Members present for this important Adjournment debate, by all bus users currently living in rural North Yorkshire. I believe they would also underline how the principle of the concessionary scheme should be written in stone, 10.48 pm not undermined. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Robert Goodwill): I congratulate my hon. Friend Nigel Adams: Has the Minister assessed the cost of the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh) means-testing to see who can afford to pay? on securing this debate. Buses play a vital role in our economy. More than 2.2 billion bus journeys were made Mr Goodwill: As with other benefits, such as the free on local buses in England, outside London, in 2012-13. television licence and the winter fuel allowance, it would Buses are essential for many people to get to work, to be prohibitively expensive to means-test people. Also, if education, to doctors and to hospitals, as my hon. people had to apply for the pass, as with other means-tested Friend remarked. For many, particularly those in rural pensioner benefits, we might find a much lower uptake. areas, the bus is a lifeline and without it they would not be able to access those essential services or go shopping Miss McIntosh: My central argument is that if it and socialise. works for rail passengers—they buy a concessionary Over half of those who rely on buses outside London rail card and get the concessionary travel—why can it do not have access to a car. Customer satisfaction with not work for bus passengers? I have been led to believe bus journeys is high—84% are satisfied with their service— that it cannot work because the law prevents it, so I am and under-21s make up a third of bus passengers, while asking the Government to change the law. It need not use among the over-60s is increasing as a result of the be means-tested—it is not means-tested for rail passengers. national concessionary pass. Furthermore, a recent study We just need to put rail and bus passengers on an equal by the has reinforced the importance footing—problem solved. of buses to a healthy, growing economy. The Government remain committed to improving Mr Goodwill: I recently attended a meeting of my bus services, and expenditure on buses reflects that: own older people’s forum in Scarborough, and the very this year, we will spend more than £1 billion on same suggestion was made. People said, “We’ve got the concessionary travel entitlement and more than these bus passes, but what’s the point, if there’s no bus £340 million in direct subsidies to bus operators in to use. We’d be prepared to pay a nominal charge to use England; more than £300 million has been allocated some of these services, if we could retain them.”However, to funding major bus projects in the past year; and that would require a fundamental change to the way the outside London 42% of the money that goes to bus system works, and it could be the thin end of the wedge, operators comes from the taxpayer by one mechanism as services up and down the country—not just the ones or another. We have provided £70 million through the that needed help to survive, but some of the more better bus areas fund to deliver improvements in commercial ones—might also demand payment. It would 24 local authority areas and £20 million to support change fundamentally the whole basis of the concessionary community transport. scheme. We do not at present have a scheme of free In addition, many bus improvement schemes have travel for pensioners on the railways. The discount been funded as part of the Government’s £600 million available to pensioners or the railcards they can use are local sustainable transport fund, while a total of £95 million something completely different. has been provided for four rounds of the green bus As for the other services, such as the 118 from Filey fund to improve environmental performance. All this to Scarborough via Flixton, some of these have three or demonstrates our commitment. Moreover, as a local fewer passengers, so even if we charged passengers an North Yorkshire MP, I am pleased that North Yorkshire additional £1 to use their passes on those journeys, that county council has received more than £5 million in would mean only £3 on some of them. Indeed, some of local sustainable transport funding in 2012-15, including the services in North Yorkshire have no passengers at for bus improvements in Harrogate and Knaresborough all. We need to be more intelligent in the way we and to boost tourism in Whitby and the Esk valley. approach this. For example, the intention is for the F1 My hon. Friend made the point that initially, when and F2 in Filey to be dial-a-ride services to replace the the concessionary scheme was introduced, boroughs buses. Indeed, there is a successful dial-a-ride service such as mine in Scarborough and other popular tourist in my constituency which, let us not forget, picks the hotspots felt they were being unfairly treated because pensioners up from their homes and takes them to they were paying for journeys that started in their area. where they need to go. Many people with mobility People going from Leeds or Hull to places such as problems therefore find dial-a-ride to be a superior service Scarborough, Malton or Kirbymoorside found that to the bus, which requires them to get to a bus stop and although the council in Hull paid for the journey to the wait, often in inclement weather. resort, the council in the resort paid for the return Similarly, the 195 from Hovingham to Helmsley via journey. The situation has been a lot better since we Ampleforth will be reduced to three days a week, running moved to county-level funding, however, as it means only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, but again, that journeys within North Yorkshire are paid for by that service currently carries only three or fewer passengers North Yorkshire county council. on some of its journeys. Interestingly, I had a telephone The central question posed by my hon. Friend was, call last year from one of my constituents in Sleights—a should pensioners be charged to use their concessionary lady who was a pensioner—who was concerned that the passes? I believe that this would undermine the basic bus service there would be changed and would no principle of the concessionary scheme, and many would longer be adequate. I asked how often she used it and 685 Rural Bus Services (North 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Rural Bus Services (North 686 Yorkshire) Yorkshire) [Mr Goodwill] consumption. We need to be more intelligent in the way we target some of the support we are giving. Some local she said, “Well, I don’t use the service myself—I’ve got a authorities have told us that they can make bus subsidy car—but the day may come when I do need a service deliver better value for money by working in partnership and I’d like it to be there.” There is therefore, to a with their bus operators to grow the bus market. That is degree, an aspiration or wish to have a service in case of what the five better bus areas are intended to do, and emergencies or if that person can no longer drive. the top-up fund available to them will give them an However, may I suggest that it is not the job of the additional incentive to innovate. One of the trailblazers taxpayer to subsidise a service in case people might is York. I will watch its progress with interest. I think want to use it one day? Bristol would be a good comparator for rural North Yorkshire, given that the Bristol better bus area has a Julian Smith: Does the Minister agree that this is a rural hinterland more similar to parts of North Yorkshire. difficult matter for schools such as Upper Wharfedale The policy relies strongly on partnership with commercial and Nidderdale High, which rely on children being sent bus operators rather than contractual relationships, by parents who are out of the catchment area? Public which is why better bus areas are quite distinct from subsidy is needed for those parents and children, yet the quality contract schemes, in which all bus services would council is ripping those services and that subsidy away, be tendered and the bus service operators grant causing big trouble for those highly rural schools. automatically devolved to local authorities. The Government are committed to protecting the Mr Goodwill: I am aware that that is a problem. national bus travel concession, which is of huge benefit Indeed, the problem becomes more acute where there to about 11 million people, allowing free off-peak local are no spare places on the school bus service, so that travel anywhere in England. The concession gives older those who do not qualify for access to the free bus and disabled people greater freedom, more independence service—whether they be sixth-formers or people coming and a lifeline to their communities, gives them access to from out-of-catchment—find they cannot get on the facilities in their areas, and helps them to keep in touch school bus even if they want to pay. Therefore, cuts to with family and friends. It can also bring wider benefits services, particularly those early in the morning or in to the economy. The Government recognise that the the evening, can be a problem. issue of young people’s travel and the level of fares is a complex one, but, although there is no statutory obligation Miss McIntosh: As my hon. Friend knows, Welburn to provide discount-price travel for young people, many school falls into that category—the bus passes it, but commercial and publicly funded reductions are available. people are not allowed to access it. Has the Department Bus services in rural areas are not just concerned with made a comparative assessment of the cost of dial-a-ride, levels of public funding. Commercial operators will which I understand is much more expensive than the provide services in areas where there are enough passengers, current Filey service? As we have established that there and overall commercial mileage in very rural areas of has been a lack of consultation, would it not make England is increasing. However, the Government accept sense to sit down with the residents and see which we that when that is not feasible, local authorities play a need to keep and which we can dispense with? vital role in supporting rural bus services. Indeed, about 28% of bus mileage in predominately rural authorities Mr Goodwill: As I understand it, North Yorkshire is operated under contract to them. Authorities such as council has been conducting an extensive consultation North Yorkshire county council are best placed to and also has the ridership figures. I have looked at some decide what support to provide, in response to local of the figures for some of the services, and one of the views and need and in the light of their overall funding big problems is that services are being provided that are priorities. It is therefore vital for them to maximise the not being used by large numbers of people. I understand return on every penny of the funding that they provide. that North Yorkshire is keen to maintain some sort of To help with that, in October last year my Department service wherever possible, so there might be alternative met its commitment to publish revised guidance for routes to use or the frequency of some services might be local authorities on best practice in the procurement of reduced. In one or two cases in Ripon, the operator has local bus services and other types of road passenger considered that it is able to continue to provide a service transport. While I recognise that much innovation and without subsidy. hard work is done by councils all over the country, I The Government also recognise that improvements believe that there is scope for them to do more, not least can and must be made. In March 2012, our “Green by highlighting and sharing some really good practice Light for Better Buses” paper set out our plan for buses. on which other authorities can draw—and I strongly The proposals include reforming bus subsidy, improving urge them to do so. competition, incentivising partnership working and multi- Providing bus transport solutions in rural areas also operator ticketing, and making access to bus information requires effective use of all available options, whether and ticketing easier for all. There is no doubt that we they be traditional fixed-route bus services, community are all operating in challenging economic times. The buses, dial-a-ride, or other types of demand-responsive Government want to ensure that the bus market is still transport such as taxis. My Department is currently attractive to all operators, large and small, urban and undertaking further work in examining the barriers to rural, by ensuring that funding is allocated in the fairest better procurement of such services. way, while giving the best value for money to taxpayers. The bus service operators grant, or BSOG, paid to Julian Smith: May I urge the Minister and the bus operators, has been provided directly to them in a Department to analyse the performance of organisations, fairly blunt and untargeted way, relating to fuel such as the Dales Integrated Transport Alliance in my 687 Rural Bus Services (North 10 FEBRUARY 2014 Rural Bus Services (North 688 Yorkshire) Yorkshire) constituency, which have been given grants as part of The Government believe in buses. Our vision is of a the local sustainability fund, which he mentioned, and “’better bus”with more of what passengers want: punctual, to think about whether they have provided value for interconnected services; greener and more fully wheelchair- money? accessible buses; and widely available smart ticketing. A more attractive, more competitive and greener bus network will encourage more passengers, cut carbon and create Mr Goodwill: That is exactly the point that I was growth. trying to make when I spoke of sharing best practice Question put and agreed to. and assessing the effectiveness with which different local authorities have deployed the funds that they have 11.3 pm been given House adjourned.

39WS Written Statements10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Statements 40WS

a. prevent duplication of support between the renewables Written Statements obligation and the investment contracts and contracts for difference provided for under part 2 of the Energy Act 2013; Monday 10 February 2014 b. establish procedures under the renewables obligation for the exercise of the choice of support in certain circumstances between the renewables obligation or the investment contracts and contracts for difference. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE The same order includes provisions on biomass sustainability, which implement part of the Government Offtaker of Last Resort response (full name and publication date). It is intended to bring the biomass sustainability provisions into force by 1 April in time for the start of the next RO “obligation The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change period” (1 April-31 March). For this reason. Government (Mr Edward Davey): I can announce that we intend to are laying this amending order in advance of publication publish before recess a consultation on the Government’s of the combined Government response to the RO transition proposal for an offtaker of last resort mechanism, and grace period consultations. The RO transition policy which will support investment in independent renewable decisions implemented by this order are set out below. electricity projects. The choice of scheme available to new renewable This Government are committed to delivering greener generating stations and to additional capacity at existing energy at least cost, as well as ensuring ongoing security RO generating stations will take place at the point of electricity supplies. The Government’s electricity market of a project’s application for either the RO or CfD reform (EMR) programme provides an ambitious package or at the point of signature of an investment contract. of measures to incentivise the investment needed to This policy remains in line with the RO transition replace the UK’s ageing electricity infrastructure with a consultation. more diverse and low-carbon energy mix. Up to £110 billion To ensure that no one project can receive support of capital investment is needed from now until the end from both schemes for the same renewable electricity, of the decade. The Government’s objectives for EMR developers applying for the RO will be required to are to: ensure a secure electricity supply; ensure sufficient provide a self-declaration which will then be subject investment in sustainable low-carbon technologies; and to verification via data-sharing between national grid as minimise costs to, and ensure value for money for the CfD delivery body, and Ofgem as RO operator. This consumers. policy has been adjusted from that proposed within the It is imperative that independent renewable generators original consultation in response to respondents’statements are able to access the energy market and help deliver that the previous proposals would constitute an excessive this goal. The offtaker of last resort will be vital to administrative burden on renewable generators. improve the route-to-market options for such generators, The choice of scheme for additional capacity at which will help unlock a significant pipeline of projects RO-accredited stations means that it will be possible for and bring essential competition, diversity and innovation one generating station to have some capacity receiving to the market. support from the RO for its electricity generation, and The offtaker of last resort will provide eligible renewable some separate capacity receiving support under a CfD electricity generators with a guaranteed “backstop” for its electricity generation. To ensure that no electricity route-to-market at a specified discount to the market generation can receive support under both schemes, price. and to prevent developers from switching generation The document published will outline all the key design between schemes in response to price fluctuations, net details for the offtaker of last resort mechanism and electricity generation and fuel usage in the RO and CfD will be accessible at: www.decc.gov.uk. I will also be schemes at these stations will be kept distinct and depositing copies of the consultation document in the separate. This policy has also been adjusted slightly in Libraries of both Houses. response to consultation responses; the arrangements for metering input electricity will allow pro-rata formulae under certain circumstances, in recognition of the fact Renewables Obligation that some forms of input electricity are impossible to meter separately. The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate RO-accredited biomass co-firing stations will have Change (Michael Fallon): The Government consulted the option of applying for a CfD as biomass conversions, on the transition from the renewables obligation (RO) to in order to incentivise such stations to increase their the contract for difference (CfD) between 17 July and overall renewable electricity generation. Such stations 26 September 2013. Following analysis of responses, we also had the option of applying for an investment then carried out a further more detailed consultation contract under FID enabling for renewables, while between 7 and 28 November 2013 on the arrangements applications for that process were open. This policy for grace periods at the RO closure date. A combined remains as set out in the RO transition consultation. Government response to both consultations will be published Offshore wind projects which are already accredited later this month. within the RO, and which are registering wind turbines The Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2014 in phases under RO phasing arrangements, will be laid in draft in Parliament today will implement a large able to transfer some or all of their unregistered wind part of the outcome of the consultation on the RO turbines to a CfD, if successful in a CfD application. transition. In particular, this order will: This provides maximum flexibility and minimises the 41WS Written Statements10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Statements 42WS risk of an investment hiatus for offshore stations at These policies received the support of a majority of the present time. This policy remains as set out in the respondents to the RO transition consultation. Further RO transition consultation. detail will be provided in the Government response to No other stations or capacity within the RO will be be published later this month, along with full information entitled to leave the RO in order to apply for a CfD, as on the RO transition and grace period policies not this would undermine the overall operation of the RO, implemented by the amending order. which is a market-based mechanism. 391W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 392W

Technical improvements to data-matching in Written Answers to and the retention of names on the Northern Ireland register, where it was possible to confirm through data-matching that the details on the register were likely to be correct. This increased the Questions comprehensiveness of the register by about 8%. Confirmation data-matching and canvass activity will Monday 10 February 2014 be used as part of the transition to individual electoral registration in Great Britain. Northern Ireland PRIME MINISTER Police Service of Northern Ireland Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assets her Department has Mr : To ask the Prime Minister what the sold in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; dates and duration of his meetings with the Chief and what the value of each such sale was. [186637] Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland have been in the last 12 months. [186473] Mrs Villiers: Because of the devolution of policing and justice functions on 12 April 2010, and subsequent The Prime Minister: I have met the Chief Constable reconfiguration of the , my of the Police Service of Northern Ireland on a number Department does not hold figures for the periods prior of occasions in London and in Northern Ireland and to 2010; attempting to obtain this information would am also regularly updated on the policing and security incur disproportionate cost. situation in Northern Ireland. From 12 April 2010 to date, my Department has not sold any assets in Northern Ireland. Public Appointments Public Appointments Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Prime Minister how many public appointments No. 10 Downing Street made Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for in the last 12 months; how many such appointments are Northern Ireland how many public appointments her remunerated posts; what the level of such remuneration Department made in the last 12 months; how many is; and how many people so appointed are (a) women such appointments are remunerated posts; what the and (b) men. [186404] level of such remuneration is; and how many people so The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the appointed are (a) women and (b) men. [186403] answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Lady to the answer given Paymaster General, my right hon. Friend the Member on 5 February 2014, Official Report, column 301W, by for Horsham (Mr Maude), on 5 February 2014, Official the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster Report, column 301W. General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham Public Houses: Opening Hours (Mr Maude).

Dr Huppert: To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he had with the (a) Secretary of State for the Home WALES Department and (b) Minister for Crime Prevention before stating on social media on 3 February 2014 that the Floods Government would consult with the pub trade, police and councils on having extended pub opening hours on Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 14 June 2014. [186479] what discussions he has had with Ministers in the Welsh Government on lessons learned from water The Prime Minister: I have regular discussions with management in the Gwent Levels for other flood prone ministerial colleagues and others. areas in Wales. [186355]

Mr David Jones: I discussed matters relating to flooding NORTHERN IRELAND during my recent bilateral meeting with the First Minister. Electoral Register As a devolved matter it is for the Welsh Government to assess how it manages flood-risks in Wales. It is, Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern however, important to share experiences and evidence Ireland what assessment he has made of the implications of land management measures, such as drainage and of UK policy on changes in Northern Ireland voter planting, in order to ensure that communities on both registration statistics in the last three years. [186302] sides of the border are protected. Public Appointments Mrs Villiers: A range of factors contributed to the improvement in Northern Ireland voter registration statistics in 2013. The most important were: Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many public appointments his Department The use of an electoral canvass to improve the accuracy of the register. The register was estimated to be 78% accurate in 2012. made in the last 12 months; how many such appointments The update made possible by the recent electoral canvass is are remunerated posts; what the level of such remuneration expected to deliver an accuracy level of around the same as that is; and how many people so appointed are (a) women produced by previous canvasses (94.3%); and (b) men. [186408] 393W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 394W

Stephen Crabb: I refer the hon. Lady to the answer John Thurso: House employees may volunteer to take given the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster on an additional role with the House which is not part General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham of their main job or prejudicial to it. Such extra work is (Mr Maude), Official Report, column 301W. normally offered and declined or accepted on an “as and when” basis and there is no obligation on either side to offer, or to accept, work. SCOTLAND When House employees are taken on as tour guides, they are paid per tour (not by time worked). Substantive Children: Poverty employees may take on duties, provided that: their line manager approves the extra work; and Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for they either perform the extra work outside contractual working Scotland what recent assessment he has made of the hours or while on annual leave; if they perform the extra work level of child poverty in Scotland. [186695] while “not required on post” in their substantive job, they will not receive extra pay, because that time is already paid. David Mundell: The latest Child Poverty Strategy The employee is required to sign an undertaking on report from the Scottish Government published in the terms applying to the additional optional work. September 2013 shows that both relative child poverty and absolute child poverty are at their lowest rate in Parliamentary Tours Scotland since 1994-95. Statistics released in June 2013 show how the number John Cryer: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, of children in workless poor families has reduced by Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of 100,000 children over the past year, a 2% reduction. Commons Commission, whether Palace of Westminster guides are contractors or employees of the House of Job Creation: Private Sector Commons Commission. [186345]

Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for John Thurso: Tour guides for Member-sponsored Scotland what recent assessment he has made of the tours of the Palace of Westminster are paid per tour level of private sector job creation in Scotland. [186555] and divide into two categories: i. Current employees who conduct tours as an addition to their David Mundell: Latest official statistics show that in regular jobs and hours. Q3 2013 there were 1,968,900 people employed in the ii. Others who work on a casual basis and who are paid private sector in Scotland, an increase of 75,800 (4.0%) through the payroll; these are predominantly retired House staff. over the year, and up 107,600 from when this Government There is no obligation on either side to offer, or to accept, work. came into power. Paid-for tours are currently delivered by Blue Badge This more than makes up for the decrease in public Guides, who are contractors rather than employees and sector jobs, of 37,900 since 2010. are paid by the day or half day under a contract secured by public tender. Private sector employment in Scotland accounts for 77.3% of total employment; the highest proportion seen since the series began in 1999. Public Appointments HOME DEPARTMENT Arrests: Young People Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many public appointments his Department Sir Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for the made in the last 12 months; how many such appointments Home Department how many people aged 14 to 24 are remunerated posts; what the level of such remuneration years classified as having complex needs have been is; and how many people so appointed are (a) women arrested in (a) total and (b) each region since May and (b) men. [186405] 2010. [186496]

David Mundell: I refer the hon. Lady to the answer : The information requested is not given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster collected centrally by the . General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude), Official Report, 5 February 2014, Crime: Essex column 301W. Mr Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION of trends in the level of crime in (a) Chelmsford constituency and (b) Essex in each of the last five Conditions of Employment years. [185595]

John Cryer: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, : The Home Office holds data on crime Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of for police force areas (PFA) and community safety Commons Commission, whether full-time employees partnerships (CSPs), but not for parliamentary of the House Service are required to have a separate constituencies. The overall number of offences (excluding contract if they are also employed by the House on a fraud) recorded in Essex PFA and Chelmsford CSP in zero hours contract. [186421] each of the last five years is shown in the table provided. 395W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 396W

The Office for National Statistics publishes quarterly Norman Baker: I have been in recent correspondence statistics on crime. As part of this, a set of open data with my counterpart in Northern Ireland regarding the tables is published, showing crime at police force area review I am leading into new psychoactive substances and community safety partnership level. These contain or so called ‘legal highs’, and to provide an update on the data requested, and can be found using the following other Home Office activity such as the concerted link: enforcement action that started in November 2013 and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/police-recorded- has so far resulted in 44 arrests and seizures of quantities crime-open-data-tables of new psychoactive substances. Total offences in Chelmsford CSP and Essex PFA in each of the last five years There have also been discussions regarding the availability to September of new psychoactive substances at official level including 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 through the Home Office’s Forensic Early Warning Chelmsford 8,754 8,775 8,814 8,549 8,535 System project and at meetings of the Sectoral Group CSP on the Misuse of Drugs of the British-Irish Council. EssexPFA 106,943 102,577 101,924 99,924 99,154 Note: Drugs: Prosecutions The recording of fraud offences has moved from police forces to Action Fraud in recent years. The number of crimes shown excludes fraud offences to allow for consistent comparisons over time. John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions for supply Drugs: Misuse of each legal high subject to temporary banning orders have been brought in the last three years. [185739] Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) pursuant to the answer of 27 January Jeremy Wright: I have been asked to reply on behalf 2014, Official Report, column 647, on psychoactive of the Ministry of Justice. substances, if she will list the 250 new psychoactive Information held centrally by the Ministry of Justice substances banned since May 2010; [185528] on the Court Proceedings Database does not contain (2) pursuant to the answer of 6 January 2014, Official information about the circumstances behind each case, Report, column 26W, on drugs: misuse, if she will list beyond the description provided in the statute under the members of the expert advisory panel on new which proceedings are brought. It is not possible to psychoactive substances who have been appointed to identify from this centrally-held information prosecutions date; [185531] for supply of legal highs subject to temporary banning orders from those for supply of other drugs subject to (3) pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2014, temporary banning orders. Official Report, column 647, on psychoactive substances, what public awareness campaigns her Department has European Commission undertaken to alert young people to the dangers of new psychoactive substances. [185532] Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will set out her Department’s Norman Baker [holding answer 3 February 2014]: We priorities for discussions with the European Commission have banned over 250 substances since 2010, including over their 2014 Work Programme; and if she will make those already seen in the United Kingdom and emerging a statement. [185314] substances which have not yet been encountered, through the use of generic definitions. The generic definitions James Brokenshire: I refer the hon. Member to the that describe the substances that have been banned can answer given on 29 January 2014, Official Report, column be found in paragraphs (aa), (ab), (ac), (c) and (d) of 625W, by the Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend part 2, schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington). I will announce members of the expert panel for the Home Office review into new psychoactive substances Firearms: Licensing shortly. From July to October last year, the Home Office ran Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the a communications activity targeted at young people to Home Department (1) what recent representations she inform them of the harms and consequences of new has received from the Association of Chief Police psychoactive substances. This activity was carefully directed Officers on the cost of licensing firearms; [186478] at those searching for these drugs online or looking to (2) what the cost of (a) administering firearms go to parties, clubs and festivals where these drugs are licenses and (b) income from firearms licenses was in often consumed. The activity included radio advertisement each police force in England and Wales in each of the and partnership channels. Adverts directed young people last five years. [186652] to the Government’s drug awareness website, FRANK, to find out about the effects, harms and consequences Norman Baker: The National Policing Lead for Firearms of new psychoactive substances. has recently written to me about a number of issues relating to firearms including the cost of the licensing Drugs: Northern Ireland process. He has expressed concerns about the disparity between administration costs and income. I will be Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the meeting with him shortly. Home Department what discussions she has had with The most recent assessment of the cost of the firearms her counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive on licensing process was undertaken by the Association of the availability of legal highs on the high street. [186501] Chief Police Officers in 2009-10. Their report estimated 397W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 398W that the gross cost to forces was £23.6 million and the Damian Green: Available data relate to fixed penalty income received was £6.4 million. Time required to notices (FPNs) issued by the police in England and measure the cost meant that the calculation was based Wales in 2010 and 2011 and were published in the most on a sample of forces. recent Home Office statistical release on Police Powers There has been no full assessment of the impact on and Procedures, available online via: each of the 43 individual forces, but if the £17.2 million https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/police-powers- shortfall were applied evenly, that would suggest an and-procedures-in-england-and-wales-201112 average net cost to each force of £400,000 in 2009-10. I For easy reference, breakdowns by region and offence remain committed to addressing this disparity, which is group are shown in the tables. Data for 2012 are scheduled unsustainable other than in the short term. to be published in April 2014. Data on FPNs issued by police in Scotland are a matter for the Scottish Government. How road traffic law is enforced in individual cases is Fixed Penalties an operational matter for the police. Whether or not an offer of a fixed penalty notice for an alleged road traffic Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the offence is accepted is entirely a matter for the recipient. Home Department how many fixed penalty notices Payment of the fixed penalty notice discharges any were issued in each region in the UK in (a) 2010-11, liability to conviction for the offence and does not (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13; for what offences such acquire a criminal record. The recipient is free to decline notices were given; and if she will make a statement. a fixed penalty notice offer and contest the matter in [186953] court.

Number of substantive fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for motoring offences issued in England and Wales in 2010 and 2011, by region England and Wales Number issued in 2010 by region Yorkshire Offence North North and the East West East of South South grouping East West Humber Midlands Midlands England London East West Wales Total

Careless 204 586 459 200 256 448 148 457 372 268 3,398 driving (excluding use of mobile phone when driving) Use of hand- 4,741 23,311 14,619 8,611 11,294 17,171 8,177 18,398 9,185 9,221 124,728 held mobile phone while driving Driving 136 879 882 447 389 964 1,871 1,409 527 183 7,687 licence related offences Vehicle 248 2,690 2,811 1,647 1,326 3,976 2,382 4,263 1,920 933 22,196 insurance offences Vehicle 388 4,492 5,603 2,000 2,461 5,401 4,077 5,983 13,344 2,079 45,828 registration and excise licence offences Vehicle test 352 11,251 7,166 3,362 1,746 13,165 2,136 9,413 5,816 1,062 55,469 offences Vehicle or 753 2,984 4,405 1,854 1,477 3,062 1,808 2,433 1,666 1,435 21,877 part in dangerous or defective condition Speed limit 32,047 132,770 76,425 67,080 125,234 137,570 26,276 158,635 162,413 68,294 986,744 offences Motorway 8 1,147 547 118 210 192 128 759 131 41 3,281 offences (other than speeding) Neglect of 5,670 20,656 15,183 19,659 12,263 14,639 24,131 15,823 13,993 6,162 148,179 traffic directions Neglect of 465 2,216 1,119 343 707 509 550 923 1,204 570 8,606 pedestrian rights Obstruction, 7,217 22,170 17,882 19,761 12,905 27,150 14,444 19,319 10,461 48,084 199,393 waiting and parking offences Lighting 396 4,006 2,202 676 508 1,480 4,520 1,455 971 954 17,168 offences 399W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 400W

Number of substantive fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for motoring offences issued in England and Wales in 2010 and 2011, by region England and Wales Number issued in 2010 by region Yorkshire Offence North North and the East West East of South South grouping East West Humber Midlands Midlands England London East West Wales Total

Noise 28 419 116 23 123 467 101 312 443 109 2,141 offences Load 66 2,421 978 463 179 838 1,450 1,162 964 301 8,822 offences Offences 30 134 103 46 48 117 322 143 110 39 1,092 peculiar to motor cycles Miscellaneous 4 195 316 95 763 495 2,824 186 801 460 6,139 motoring offences (excluding seat belt offences) Seat belt 3,557 36,891 18,867 8,228 11,058 25,036 17,547 30,461 13,502 11,256 176,403 offences

Total all 56,310 269,218 169,683 134,613 182,947 252,680 112,892 271,534 237,823 151,451 1,839,151 offences

England and Wales Number issued in 2011 by region Yorkshire Offence North North and the East West East of South South grouping East West Humber Midlands Midlands England London East West Wales Total

Use offences 118 574 348 168 181 238 337 461 287 268 2,980 involving careless driving (excluding use of hand- held mobile phone when driving) Use of hand- 3,731 20,662 12,161 7,710 9,729 15,764 14,590 15,161 7,998 8,638 116,144 held mobile phone while driving Driving 103 899 925 422 407 1,075 2,677 1,407 455 186 8,556 licence related offences Vehicle 201 3,136 2,976 1,649 1,086 3,726 3,864 3,802 1,722 837 22,999 insurance offences Vehicle 657 4,127 4,135 1,500 1,754 4,306 5,217 5,064 11,507 1,454 39,721 registration and excise licence offences Work record 3 2,441 342 764 19 1,192 0 723 869 834 7,187 or employment offences1 Vehicle test 341 9,041 7,105 3,111 1,226 14,266 5,593 9,996 5,072 1,047 56,798 offences Vehicle or 649 2,763 2,856 1,411 1,468 2,874 3,813 2,844 1,360 1,576 21,614 part in dangerous or defective condition Speed limit 30,236 110,382 73,030 65,682 90,076 97,954 35,128 138,226 88,658 49,260 778,632 offences Motorway 4 951 495 115 146 217 136 899 113 43 3,119 offences (other than speeding) Neglect of 5,360 16,925 12,730 17,592 8,290 10,380 19,793 13,399 8,283 5,377 118,129 traffic directions Neglect of 369 1,851 1,178 288 827 477 658 833 1,464 493 8,438 pedestrian rights 401W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 402W

England and Wales Number issued in 2011 by region Yorkshire Offence North North and the East West East of South South grouping East West Humber Midlands Midlands England London East West Wales Total

Obstruction, 4,060 14,647 13,648 13,966 10,963 23,542 10,928 15,454 11,002 22,216 140,426 waiting and parking offences Lighting 219 3,111 1,500 390 364 1,075 5,248 1,444 955 655 14,961 offences Noise 29 399 80 33 59 551 112 234 318 64 1,879 offences Load 67 2,518 693 704 211 1,463 1,217 1,162 864 504 9,403 offences Offences 29 172 103 50 59 118 533 129 124 26 1,343 peculiar to motor cycles Miscellaneous 2 175 173 106 1,228 695 3,016 93 218 191 5,897 motoring offences (excluding seat belt offences) Seat belt 5,337 28,648 16,830 7,180 7,299 17,815 19,843 27,427 11,566 9,893 151,838 offences Total all 51,515 223,422 151,308 122,841 135,392 197,728 132,703 238,758 152,835 103,562 1,510,064 offences 1 Data on FPNs for this offence grouping were collected by the Home Office for the first time in 2011.

Forced Marriage Independent Police Complaints Commission

David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many forced marriages the Home Department (1) how many officers are have been recorded in the UK in the last five years for currently being investigated by the Independent Police which figures are available. [186217] Complaints Commission in relation to complaints of excessive use of force; [186410] Norman Baker: The Government’s Forced Marriage (2) how many investigations into individual complaints Unit (FMU) captures the number of reports they receive of excessive use of force have been undertaken by the relating to possible forced marriage cases. Independent Police Complaints Commission in each of The following is a breakdown of reported cases relating the last five years; [186411] to a possible forced marriage received by the FMU from 2008-12: (3) how many investigations the Independent Police Complaints Commission has abandoned due to the In 2008, a total of 1618 reports were received; officer or officers under investigation leaving the police In 2009, a total of 1682 reports were received; force in each of the last five years. [186412] In 2010, a total of 1735 reports were received; In 2011, a total of 1468 reports were received; Damian Green [holding answer 6 February 2014]: In 2012, a total of 1485 reports were received. This information is not held centrally. The Independent 2013 figures are currently being compiled and will be Police Complaints Commission will write to my hon. published shortly. Friend and I will place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House. Human Trafficking National Wildlife Crime Unit Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many identified victims of human trafficking received funded support in (a) 2010, Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for the (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [185639] Home Department what steps she is taking to secure the long-term future of the National Wildlife Crime Damian Green: I have been asked to reply on behalf Unit. [186305] of the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice is able to provide information Norman Baker: Further to the ’s on the numbers of victims supported with Government announcement to the House last week about the Home funding since the start of the current contract with the Office’s commitment to continue funding the National Salvation Army on 1 July 2011. Equivalent information Wildlife Crime Unit. before that date and the current integrated support I am pleased to confirm that the Home Office will contract, is not available. provide specific funding of £136,000 for the Unit in Between July 2011 and December 2011, 192 victims each of the next two financial years to ensure that the received support via the contract. In 2012 it was 452. Unit can continue its important work. The Department 403W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 404W for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will be providing Minister for Crime Prevention Norman Baker is leading the same amount of funding for the Unit over the next a national group to tackle sexual violence against children two financial years. and vulnerable people. On 24 July 2013, the Government The coalition Government takes the issue of wildlife published a progress report and action plan on the work crime, both domestically and internationally, very seriously. of the National Group on Sexual Violence Against Children and Vulnerable People. The documents set out Offences Against Children activity already delivered by Government and an action plan to take forward activity identified by the Group. Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for the The number of defendants proceeded against at Home Department how many (a) prosecutions and magistrates court and found guilty at all courts for (b) convictions under section 47 of the Sexual Offences offences under Section 47 of the Sexual Offences Act Act 2003 there were in cases where the victim was aged 2003, in England and Wales, from 2010 to 2012 calendar (i) under 13 and (ii) 14 to 17 in each year from 2010-11 years (latest available) can be viewed in the table. to 2012-13. [184233] Please note: Section 47 of the Sexual Offences Act Jeremy Wright: I have been asked to reply on behalf 2003, only states the victims’ age of being under 13, of the Ministry of Justice. under 16 and 16 or 17. This Government is absolutely committed to tackling Court Proceeding data for calendar year 2013 are the abhorrent crime of child sexual exploitation. The planned for publication in May 2014.

Defendants proceeded against at magistrates court and found guilty at all courts for offences under Section 47 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, England and Wales, 2010-121,2,3 Outcome Statute Section Offence 2010 2011 2012

Proceeded against Sexual Offences S.47(1)(a), (b) & (c)(ii), (2), Paying for sex with a male/female **2 Act 2003 (3 ) & (6) child under 13—penetration Sexual Offences S.47(1)(c)(i), (2) & (4)(b) Paying for sex with a male/female 292 Act 2004 & S.47(1)(c)(i), (2), (4)(a) child under 16—no penetration and &(6) penetration Sexual Offences S.47(1)(a), (b), (c)(i), (2) & Paying for sex with a female/male 112 Act 2005 (5) child 16 or 17

Found guilty Sexual Offences S.47(1)(a), (b) & (c)(ii), (2), Paying for sex with a male/female 1*1 Act 2003 (3 ) & (6) child under 13—penetration Sexual Offences S.47(1)(c)(i), (2) & (4)(b) Paying for sex with a male/female 2512 Act 2004 & S.47(1)(c)(i), (2), (4)(a) child under 16—no penetration and &(6) penetration Sexual Offences S.47(1)(a), (b), (c)(i), (2) & Paying for sex with a female/male **3 Act 2005 (5) child 16 or 17 “*” = Nil 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with.Whena defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 The number of defendants found guilty in a particular year may exceed the number proceeded against as the proceedings in the magistrates court took place in an earlier year and the defendants were found guilty at the Crown Court in the following year; or the defendants were found guilty of a different offence to that for which they were originally proceeded against. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Police Damian Green: We have received no recent formal representations on the level of charges levied by Police and Crime Commissioners, or in respect of a national pricing scale. Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for the Police and Crime Commissioners Home Department (1) what recent representations she has received on establishing a national pricing scale for Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the charges by local police authorities for policing of Home Department what steps her Department plans to commercial public events; and if she will make a take to ensure that police and crime commissioners statement; [R] [186260] engage with the College of Policing. [186880] (2) what recent representations she has received on Damian Green: The College of Policing are already the charges levied by local police authorities for regularly engaging with Police and Crime Commissioners policing of commercial public events; and if she will on a wide range of issues and three Police and Crime make a statement; [R] [186261] Commissioners sit on the College board. (3) what recent representations she has received on Police: Defibrillators the different level of charges levied by local police authorities for policing of commercial public events; Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for the and if she will make a statement. [R] [186262] Home Department what proportion of police cars are equipped with defibrillators. [186492] 405W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 406W

Damian Green: The Home Office does not hold this ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS information centrally. Environmental Stewardship Scheme Police: Recruitment Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information Home Department what bursaries and financial assistance is made available to members of the public about individual her Department makes available to those from lower recipients of environmental stewardship grants from socio-economic backgrounds to attain the Certificate in Natural England. [186177] Knowledge of Policing. [186776] Dan Rogerson: Information on the land covered by Environmental Stewardship agreements is published by Damian Green: The Home Office does not provide Natural England on the Magic website any bursaries or financial assistance to applicants wishing to attain the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing. www.magic.gov.uk Those wishing to undertake this qualification can access which provides geographic information about the natural funding if they are: environment from across Government. For all agreements, this includes the agreement reference number, the scheme (i) 18 and under; it is under, the start date of the agreement and the total (ii) 23 and under and this is their first level 3 qualification; area (in hectares) under the agreement. In addition, for (iii) unemployed; and those agreements where the agreement holder is not a (iv) ex-military personnel. private individual or sole trader, the name of the agreement holder, the total cost of the agreement and the amount Other people can access a student loan to cover the cost paid to date is also provided. This is in line with current of the fees, which is not repayable until they are earning EU regulations on the publication of recipients of EU £21,000. payments. It is open to forces to put in place arrangements to address local circumstances. For example, I understand Flood Control that the Metropolitan Police Service, from early 2014, will be offering financial support with the cost of the certificate in the form of an interest free loan. Financial Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State support will be available on the basis of London residency for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will and means tested household income. establish a national review of flood defence mechanisms. [186744] Further and higher education providers, as well as independent providers, will obtain a licence from the Dan Rogerson: The Government has no current plans College of Policing to deliver the Certificate in Knowledge to establish such a national review. of Policing course and may offer grants or loans to individual students through the skills agency. Floods: Somerset Proceeds of Crime Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consideration Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the he has given to building wind-powered pumps to assist Home Department how many financial investigators water management on the Somerset levels; and whether are currently accredited; and which such investigators he has had discussions with his Dutch counterpart on are accredited for (a) confiscation orders, (b) civil the use of such pumps in the Netherlands. [186353] recovery, (c) cash seizure litigation and (d) intelligence. [186899] Dan Rogerson: We have had no discussions directly with the Government of the Netherlands on this issue. Damian Green: The Home Office does not hold this The Somerset Levels and Moors Action Plan, which is information centrally. currently under development, will consider a range of options for improving the long term resilience of the area. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Food Poverty Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to the Government’s Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for commitment to give due consideration to the UN Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) when is on food poverty; and if he will make a statement. making new policy and legislation, if she will place in [185706] the Library all assessments of how new policy and legislation from her Department since January 2013 has George Eustice [holding answer 3 February 2014]: given due consideration to the UNCRC. [186588] There is no official definition of food poverty. The issues are complex and encompass economic, social and James Brokenshire: I refer the right hon. Member to environmental influences. A single measure of “food my answer of 3 February 2014, Official Report, poverty” would not be able to reflect the multi-faceted columns 38-39W. aspects of this issue. 407W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 408W

The Government knows that some of the poorest George Eustice: In the UK, most hatcheries now families are struggling to afford to feed themselves. routinely use gas to kill surplus male chicks rather than While it is not the Government’s role to control the maceration. price of food, the impact of food price inflation is a real The Government encourages the highest standard of concern for the Government. animal welfare and has in place legislation that ensures Through a range of policies that promote a growing, animals are treated humanely, including when they are resilient and sustainable food and farming sector the killed. Government is supporting the sector to meet the needs River Kennet of consumers. For example, we work internationally to promote transparency, open global markets and a Richard Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for competitive domestic market to help producers and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he will retailers offer the best prices to consumers. publish the results of the investigation into the pollution Food inflation fell to an annual rate of 1.9% in the of 15km of the River Kennet following the release of year to December, down from 2.8% in November. Food chlorpyrifos into that river at Marlborough in 2013; inflation is now below general inflation at 2.0%, which and if he will make a statement. [186192] fell from 2.1% in November. Dan Rogerson: The Environment Agency is carrying Insecticides out a comprehensive programme of ecological monitoring, including invertebrate and fish surveys. This is to assess Richard Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for the impacts and recovery of the River Kennet following Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is the pollution incident in July 2013. This monitoring taking to control the sale and use of chlorpyrifos. programme began during the incident and was repeated [186191] two weeks later. It was used to highlight the effects of the pollution on the water’s macro-invertebrates. Dan Rogerson: Plant protection products (essentially In October 2013 the Environment Agency began the agricultural and horticultural pesticides) may not be first of a series of recovery surveys. The evidence from placed on the market or used unless they have been its most recent surveys demonstrates many of the affected authorised by Ministers. Authorisations include statutory invertebrates, with the exception of freshwater shrimps, conditions of use which must be followed to ensure that are recovering. Specific monitoring of these animals these products are used safely. will commence later this month. The Environment Agency Chlorpyrifos is an active substance approved under will share the results of survey work with all interested Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 for use in plant protection parties. products. Products which contain it must be authorised The next of these surveys is due now, but we are before being placed on the market or used and chlorpyrifos waiting for river levels to drop before these can be done. products are restricted to professional users only. Products These surveys will continue quarterly until August 2014, which were already on the market under national rules when a review will be carried out to assess the need for at the time of the European Union active substance continued monitoring of the recovery of the river. approval are being reassessed, to confirm that they meet the authorisation requirements of Regulation (EC) 1107/ Richard Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009. Following that reassessment, authorisations will Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress he be confirmed, amended or withdrawn as necessary. has made in discussions with Thames Water on ending over-abstraction from the River Kennet; and if he will Motorways: Eastleigh make a statement. [R] [186193] Dan Rogerson: The abstraction reductions in the Mike Thornton: To ask the Secretary of State for River Kennet catchment are included in Thames Water’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many draft water resources management plan, to be implemented people live within the 75 decibel noise contour of each by 2017. This plan was recently referred to the Secretary motorway in Eastleigh constituency. [186172] of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the right hon. Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson), Dan Rogerson: From the 2012 noise mapping results for his decision on the next steps. it is estimated that, in the Eastleigh constituency, there are: Thames Water has included measures to manage the abstraction reductions in its business plan submission (a) 50 people living in the vicinity of the M3; and to Ofwat. (b) 150 people living in the vicinity of the M27, Water: Meters who are exposed to 75 dB (LA10,18h) or above due to road traffic noise. The values are rounded to the nearest 50. Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for Poultry Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the effect of water meters in reducing housing water bills. [186320] Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what recent Dan Rogerson: Many households would see bills fall assessment he has made of the prevalence of with the installation of a meter, others, notably large maceration in UK hatcheries; [186322] households in properties with low rateable values, would (2) if he will take steps to encourage greater use of be likely to see their bills increase to reflect their actual carbon dioxide-based methods of male chick disposal water consumption. We want companies to do more to at UK hatcheries. [186323] promote metering to those who would benefit. 409W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 410W

When Southern Water assessed its compulsory metering In July 2013 the UK Government set out its objectives plan it calculated that 57% of customers would see a to move to Gaining Provider Led processes for switching reduction in their bill with 43% seeing an increase. ’across the board’, and to ensure consistent and effective Across its customer base the typical range is between a experiences for consumers switching between bundles £100 increase or a £100 decrease in the household bill, in its consultation document ‘Connectivity, Content although there will be outliers. and Consumers: Britain’s digital platform for growth’.

Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for Public Appointments Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures are in place to promote the use of water meters. [186384] Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Dan Rogerson: The Government wants water companies Culture, Media and Sport how many public appointments to do more to promote metering to those who would her Department made in the last 12 months; how many benefit, but some struggling customers would see their such appointments are remunerated posts; what the bills rise. level of such remuneration is; and how many people so All water companies are required to fit a meter, on appointed are (a) women and (b) men. [186393] request, free of charge for household customers. All companies provide information on each household Mrs Grant: I refer to the answer provided on 5 customer bill about how to get a meter fitted. Since February 2014, Official Report, column 301W, by the 1999 any new build property is fitted with a meter. All Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, non-household customers are charged by meter. Where my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr an area is seriously water-stressed, companies can use Maude). universal metering as one way of reducing demand, but other options may be more appropriate in some regions. Public Service Broadcasting Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department is HMS Victory taking to implement section 93 of the European Commission’s guidance on Public Sector Broadcasters Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for (PSBs); and what steps she is taking to ensure that an Culture, Media and Sport how Lord Lingfield’s name arm’s length principle is applied to all subsidiaries of was spelt on all documentation regarding his application PSBs. [186974] to her Department regarding the future of HMS Victory 1744. [186932] Mr Vaizey: Article 93 of the Communication from the Commission on the application of state aid rules to Mr Vaizey: Correspondence received from Lord Lingfield public service broadcasting (2009/C 257/01) refers only has been spelt Lord Lingfield or Sir Robert Balchin. to publicly funded PSBs (i.e. the BBC). In line with article 93, and in accordance with article Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 24(2)(k) of the Charter, the BBC Trust set out its fair Culture, Media and Sport what due diligence her trading policies and framework in November 2011. Department conducted regarding the genealogy of Compliance with the fair trading policies and framework Lord Lingfield and his request to raise HMS Victory is a matter for the BBC Trust, as the BBC is operationally 1744. [186933] and managerially independent of Government. Mr Vaizey: The genealogy of Lord Lingfield is irrelevant A communication is not a directive and does not to the future management of HMS Victory 1744 so no need to be implemented in national law. such investigations were made. Mobile Phones Wrecks

Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 20 Culture, Media and Sport under what conditions and January 2014, Official Report, column 88W, on mobile criteria her Department transfers ownership of telephones, what steps she will take on what timeframe discovered British shipwrecks to private individuals. to provide a gaining-provider-led system for mobile [186934] contract switching. [185698] Mr Vaizey: DCMS does not own any shipwrecks. Mr Vaizey: The Government and the independent regulator, Ofcom, have identified simplifying the switching Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for process as a priority to benefit consumers and enable Culture, Media and Sport if she will publish details of them to take full advantage of a competitive the location and contents of all the protected wreck communications market. In December 2013 Ofcom sites designated by her Department under the mandated reform of the switching processes for fixed Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. [186937] voice telephone and broadband services offered over BT Openreach’s copper network to deliver a harmonised Mr Vaizey: Details of the 48 sites in English territorial gaining provider led switching process by June 2015. waters that have been designated under the Protection Ofcom will publish details and timetables for carrying of Wreck Act 1973 can be found in the National Heritage out further work in this area in spring 2014, including List for England. This is published on the English consideration of switching between mobile networks. Heritage website. 411W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 412W

ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE Electoral Register

Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South Absent Voting West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, if the Electoral Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Commission will offer support and publicity to groups Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the within civic society which help to increase electoral Electoral Commission, what assessment the Electoral registration. [185899] Commission has made on the effects of postal voting on voter engagement and participation. [186082] Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that it does, and will continue, to offer support to Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me groups within civic society to increase electoral registration. that that the proportion of electors with postal votes in The Electoral Commission refers the hon. Gentleman Great Britain trebled from 4% to 12% between 2001 and to its earlier reply of 29 January 2014, Official Report, 2005. It now appears to have stabilised and remains at column 621W,in which it outlined the assistance it gives about 15% of electors. to groups within civic society. Turnout among postal electors continues to be higher than that among in-person voters. Postal votes accounted Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South for 49% of all votes at the count at the 2012 police and West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on crime commissioner elections and for 31% at the local the Electoral Commission, what assessment the elections in England on 2 May 2013. Electoral Commission has made of which areas will The Commission also conducts regular public opinion show the greatest variation in electoral registration as a research following elections and has asked some specific result of the introduction of individual electoral questions on the impact of postal voting on voter registration. [186095] participation. Following the English and Welsh local elections in 2008 the Commission’s post-election research Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me found that nearly six in ten (58%) of those that voted by that it has conducted a detailed analysis of the trial run post (or 7% of all people) said that the availability of of the confirmation process that will be used during the postal voting encouraged them to vote. Four in ten transition to individual electoral registration (IER). (42%) said it had little effect. This analysis showed that the percentage of the Postal voters, in the survey, who said that the availability electorate that can be matched against the Department of postal voting encouraged them to vote were then for Work and Pensions database, and therefore retained asked if they would have still voted if they had not been on the registers under IER, varies significantly between able to vote this way. Just over half (56%) said they and within local authority areas. would not otherwise have voted and 42% that they It also showed that some people, including students probably would have voted anyway. and those who move home more often, are less likely to The Commission’s 2010 post-election research also be matched. This analysis is available on the found that nearly four in ten (38%) of non-voters said Commission’s website. that they would have been more likely to vote if it was However, this dry run of confirmation also means easier to get a postal vote. These figures should be electoral registration officers (EROs) will know which treated with caution since there may be a research effect wards in their area are going to have lower match rates whereby respondents say they are ’more likely’ to do and where they therefore need to target their efforts in something (vote) that is generally considered a good encouraging people to register individually under the thing to do. new system. Postal voters also continue to report high levels of Funding provided by Cabinet Office to EROs as part satisfaction with the process. For example, the 2013 of the implementation of IER also varies depending on post-election research found that 96% of postal voters the likely match rates that different areas can expect. were satisfied with the postal voting process, with 87% saying that they were very satisfied. Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, what estimate the Electoral Elections: USA Commission has made of changes in electoral registration levels in advance of the next boundary review. [186096] Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission has made no the Electoral Commission, what assessment the such estimate. However, the Commission has published Electoral Commission has made of the effectiveness of several reports on registration levels in recent years and the use of the non-partisan get out the vote message on will produce a further report on the accuracy and Facebook for the 2010 US Congressional elections. completeness of the registers across Great Britain later [185889] in 2014. This will act as a baseline for assessing the impact of the introduction of individual electoral Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me registration (IER). that it has made no assessment of this. The Commission The Commission will also report in mid-2015 in does however make use of social media, including order to inform a ministerial decision on whether the Facebook, as part of its own public awareness campaigns. end date for the transition to IER should be moved 413W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 414W forward from December 2016 to December 2015. This However, estimated turnout figures have been produced analysis will be available in time to inform considerations by the research agency Ipsos-MORI. These aggregate around the use of the December 2015 electoral registers data from voting intention surveys conducted during for the next scheduled review of parliamentary constituency general election campaigns to produce turnout estimates boundaries. by a range of demographics, such as age and socio-economic group. Research Following is a table, based on the Ipsos-MORI data, showing the aggregated estimates of voter turnout by Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South age for the 2010 general election: West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on 2010 the Electoral Commission, what research the Electoral Age Percentage Commission has conducted on its standing amongst hon. Members. [186387] 18-24 44 25-34 55 Mr Streeter: The Commission informs me that it 35-44 66 undertook a stakeholder survey in 2013. This project 45-54 69 was to help the Commission to understand more fully 55-64 73 the network of stakeholders with whom it needs to 65+ 76 work to achieve its objectives and fulfil its responsibilities, Total and their own plans and concerns, particularly given current financial pressures. The next table shows the aggregated estimates of This built on a similar survey in 2009, but added a voter turnout by socio-economic group for the 2010 formal analysis of the Commission’s stakeholder network general election: and reflected the recommendation of the National Audit Office that the Commission should ask its stakeholders 2010 about its future priorities. Socio-economic group Percentage As part of the survey the Commission wrote to a AB 76 range of stakeholders, including hon. Members, Members C1 66 of the House of Lords, political parties and their local C2 58 constituency branches and local authorities, inviting DE 57 them to take part in this stakeholder survey. Total 65 In 2013 the Commission found that a majority of its stakeholders were satisfied. Compared to 2009, satisfaction Further information is available from Ipsos-MORI, among politicians and political party officials had risen published on their website at: markedly. http://www.ipsos-mori.com/researchpublications/ The final report from the survey, which includes researcharchive/poll.aspx?oltemId=2613&view=wide stakeholder perspectives, can be found on the Commissions The 2010 Ethnic Minority British Election Survey website here: also provides some reliable turnout statistics, which are www.electoralcommission.org.uk/_data/assets/pdf_file/0018/ broken down by some minority ethnic groups: 155106/Full-report-on-our-stakeholder-survey-April-2013.pdf The Commission informs me that it also has a 2010 parliamentary advisory group. The group is made up of Ethnic group Percentage senior politicians whose expertise it uses to help it Black Caribbean 55 ensure that it works as effectively as possible. The group Black African 40 aims to meet three times a year and is constituted of Indian 58 one MP and one peer from each of the Labour, Pakistani 59 Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties, as well as Bangladeshi 56 one MP from the Scottish National Party and one from Plaid Cymru. Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South Voting Behaviour West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, if he will list the 50 wards Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South with the greatest change in turnout between the 2005 West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on and 2010 general elections. [186084] the Electoral Commission, what the voter turnout was in (a) each 10 year cohort from 18 onwards, (b) each socio-economic group and (c) each ethnic group in the Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that it does not hold this information at ward level. This last national election. [185970] is because returning officers are not required to report Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me data at ward level for parliamentary elections. that information on voting behaviour by age, socio- However, the following table shows the 50 constituencies economic or ethnic group is not available because these with the greatest change in turnout between the 2005 details are not currently recorded on electoral registers. and 2010 general elections (note a positive percentage It is therefore not possible to provide a breakdown of indicates an increase in turnout in 2010, a negative actual turnout, as percentages, by these demographics. indicates a decrease). 415W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 416W

Turnout 2005 (including votes Turnout 2010 (including votes Percentage point change in turnout Constituency (2010 names) rejected at count) rejected at count) 2005-101

Staffordshire South2 68.4 37.7 30.6 Poplar and Limehouse 63.3 46.1 17.2 Thirsk and Malton3 50.0 65.7 -15.6 Tyneside North 59.9 46.2 13.7 Hackney North and Stoke Newington 63.3 50.6 12.7 Feltham and Heston 60.3 47.8 12.5 Penistone and Stocksbridge 68.0 55.6 12.4 Tyrone West 61.5 73.5 -12.0 Cambridgeshire North East 71.2 59.3 11.9 Barking 61.7 49.9 11.9 Tottenham 59.6 48.0 11.6 Brentford and Isleworth 64.7 53.2 11.5 Islington North 65.6 54.2 11.4 Streatham 63.1 51.8 11.4 Liverpool Riverside 52.3 40.9 11.3 Greenwich and Woolwich 63.2 51.9 11.3 Sheffield Hallam 74.5 63.5 11.0 Liverpool Walton 55.1 44.1 11.0 Hammersmith 65.9 54.9 10.9 Luton South 64.9 54.0 10.9 Islington South and Finsbury 64.6 53.8 10.8 Vauxhall 58.1 47.3 10.8 Lewisham Deptford 62.0 51.3 10.6 Bethnal Green and Bow 63.3 52.7 10.6 Newry and Armagh 60.9 71.5 -10.6 Midlothian 64.0 53.5 10.5 Sefton Central 72.0 61.5 10.5 Bradford West 65.3 55.0 10.4 Bolton North East 65.0 54.7 10.3 Hull West and Hessle 55.1 44.9 10.2 Holborn and St Pancras 63.5 53.3 10.2 Ulster Mid 63.7 73.9 -10.2 Liverpool Wavertree 60.8 50.7 10.1 Esher and Walton 72.6 62.5 10.1 Belfast West 54.9 64.8 -9.9 Lewisham East 63.6 53.8 9.8 Leyton and Wanstead 63.6 53.8 9.8 Nottingham South 60.6 50.8 9.7 Ealing Central and Acton 67.5 57.9 9.6 Weaver Vale 65.5 56.0 9.5 Hampshire North East 73.5 64.1 9.4 Dulwich and West Norwood 66.5 57.1 9.4 Liverpool West Derby 57.0 47.7 9.3 Tooting 68.7 59.5 9.2 Newcastle Upon Tyne Central 56.6 47.4 9.2 Westminster North 59.8 50.7 9.1 Walthamstow 63.9 54.8 9.1 Northamptonshire South 73.4 64.4 9.0 Hackney South and Shoreditch 59.4 50.5 9.0 Salford and Eccles 55.2 46.4 8.8 1 Professors Colin Rallings and Michael Thrasher at the elections centre, Plymouth university, collected and collated these data from returning officers on the Commission’s behalf. 2 2005 election postponed and held on 23 June. 3 2010 election postponed and held on 27 May.

This data comes from an analysis provided to the COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Commission by the university of Plymouth. It should be noted that because of changes to constituency boundaries and names between the 2005 and 2010 general elections, Council Tax direct comparisons cannot always be made. Some of these figures may therefore only give an indication of Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for what the levels of turnout might have been had the 2010 Communities and Local Government what the council constituency boundaries been in use at the 2005 general tax freeze grant will be; and whether this sum will be election. built in to the council base settlement for future years. [186230] 417W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 418W

Brandon Lewis [holding answer 6 February 2014]: I Fracking refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement I made on 18 December, Official Report, columns 103- Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for 04WS, which sets out the extra funding Government is Communities and Local Government what discussions making available to support councils that freeze council he has had with councils on fracking and business tax in both 2014-15 and 2015-16. Ministers have also rates. [185883] agreed that funding for two years will be built into the spending review baseline. Brandon Lewis: My Department holds regular discussions with representatives of local government on business Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for rates and the rates retention scheme. We will engage Communities and Local Government when he intends with interested parties including local government on to announce the capping limit on council tax for the regulations to implement 100% local business rates coming financial year; and if he will make a statement. retention for shale gas production. [186231] Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Brandon Lewis [holding answer 6 February 2014]: Communities and Local Government for what reasons Capping was abolished by the Localism Act 2011 and his policy is to allow councils to keep 100 per cent of replaced with a new provision for council tax referendums, business rates from fracking operations. [185897] which allows local people to approve or veto excessive council tax increases. Brandon Lewis: Allowing local authorities to keep 100% of business rates on shale gas production sites is For the forthcoming financial year, I refer the right part of our long-term economic plan to build a stronger, hon. Member to my written ministerial statement of more competitive economy, create more jobs and secure 5 February 2014, Official Report, columns 19-21WS. a better future for Britain. We believe communities that host a shale gas site should see a concrete benefit. The Council Tax Reduction Schemes industry has committed to a package for communities that host a shale gas site which includes a payment of Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for £100,000 for each hydraulically fractured well at the Communities and Local Government what recent exploratory stage, as well as 1% of all revenues from assessment he has made of the effects of council tax production. Local councils will also benefit from shale gas production as well by keeping 100% of business support schemes on people on low incomes. [185080] rates from shale gas production—double the current figure of 50%. This commitment could be worth up to Brandon Lewis: These are local schemes, and it is for £1.7 million a year for a typical site. It will be funded by local authorities to ensure that the effect on specific central Government and will ensure that local government groups of council tax payers is proportionate and fair. feels a direct financial incentive, in addition to local We made a £100 million transition grant available in jobs and growth supported by shale gas development. 2013-14 to help councils develop well-designed schemes and maintain incentives to work. Homelessness An independent review of the policy will be carried out within three years. We are working with local authorities Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for to identify the right data sources for that review. Communities and Local Government what the percentage Spending on council tax benefit doubled under the change in funding spent on homelessness was in each last Government, costing taxpayers £4 billion a year— local authority area between the last two years for equivalent to almost £180 a year per household. Welfare which data is available. [184196] reform is vital to tackle the budget deficit left by the last Administration. Kris Hopkins: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 20 January 2014, Official Report, column 56W. Our reforms to localise council tax support now give councils stronger incentives to support local firms, cut Housing: Construction fraud, promote local enterprise and get people into work. We are ending the last Administration’s ’something for nothing’ culture and making work pay. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many homes were built on a floodplain in each year since 2009. Fire Services [183265]

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Nick Boles: The following table shows the estimated Communities and Local Government which agency is number of dwellings built within areas of high flood recruiting resilience firefighters via the Direct.gov website; risk in England, since the statistics began in 1989 to the and what role this organisation plays. [186521] most recent year available. They show that the number is now at its lowest rate since records began.

Brandon Lewis: The Department of Communities Estimated homes built in flood risk areas and Local Government is not responsible for the Direct.gov.uk website, nor is it responsible for the 1989 14,300 recruitment policies and practices of individual fire and 1990 11,500 rescue authorities or other bodies. 1991 10,800 419W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 420W

in the very early hours, saving taxpayers’ money. However, Estimated homes built in flood risk areas this should be a local decision by elected local councillors, 1992 10,100 reflecting local circumstances—especially in relation to any 1993 10,300 concerns about crime. Equally, not every neighbourhood 1994 10,800 wants street lighting, as some communities, especially in 1995 12,600 rural areas, value dark skies. Councils should listen to 1996 10,400 the views of their local .residents, and then adopt 1997 12,000 appropriate local policies based on the neighbourhood, the precise location and the usage of the road/street. 1998 10,000 There is no prescriptive Whitehall guidance. 1999 11,300 2000 10,800 Indeed, the Government publication, ‘Manual for 2001 10,400 Streets’ (2007), while out of date in certain areas (e.g. on parking and density), does still contain some useful 2002 12,300 guidance on getting the balance right when providing 2003 13,000 street lighting, taking into account the different issues 2004 13,900 around safety, street clutter and light pollution. It can 2005 12,800 be found at: 2006 14,500 www.gov.uk/government/publications/manual-for-streets 2007 14,100 2008 13,300 Non-domestic Rates: Essex 2009 13,700 2010 9,600 Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011 7,900 Communities and Local Government what estimate he Note: has made of the number of small retail businesses in the Figures to the nearest 100. (a) administrative county of Essex and (b) Colchester The decision whether to grant planning permission is constituency which will benefit in financial year 2014-15 a matter for local planning authorities, taking advice from the Government’s policy of reducing business where appropriate from the Environment Agency and rates by £1,000. [185927] weighing up the different material considerations. Brandon Lewis: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer The figure will never be zero—as this would mean of 4 February 2014, Official Report, columns 175-76W. there would be complete ban on any form of development in many existing towns and cities which happen to be Pay flood-risk areas. Rather, national planning policy is clear that any new buildings that are needed in flood Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for risk areas are appropriately flood resistant and resilient. Communities and Local Government (a) how many Mitigation measures such as land raising, landscaping, and (b) what proportion of staff employed by (i) his raised thresholds and re-arranging the internal uses of Department, (ii) agencies of his Department and (iii) buildings, can sometimes make development acceptable contractors of his Department are paid less than the in such areas. rate defined by the Living Wage Foundation as a living wage. [184440] Moreover, the National Planning Policy Framework states that inappropriate development in areas at risk of Brandon Lewis: My Department and its agencies have flooding should be avoided. Local planning authorities no staff or contractors working inside the Department should direct development away from areas at highest earning less than the hourly living wage rate as defined risk, including floodplains, but where development is by the Living Wage Foundation. necessary, it must be demonstrated that it is safe and will not increase flood risk elsewhere. Pensions Mr McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Government: Energy Communities and Local Government what effect changes in pension contributions have had on the take-home : To ask the Secretary of State for pay of officials of his Department at (a) AA, (b) AO Communities and Local Government what steps he is and LO2, (c) EO and LO1, (d) HEO, (e) SEO, (f) 7 taking to ensure that (a) local authorities use energy and (g) SCS grades and equivalents since May 2010. more efficiently in local authority controlled buildings [186030] and (b) public street lighting is only illuminated when required. [185060] Brandon Lewis: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, my Brandon Lewis: My Department encourages local hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip, Northwood and authorities in England to adopt common sense measures Pinner (Mr Hurd), on 4 February 2014, Official Report, to reduce their energy bills inside their own buildings. columns 214-5W. Our publication, ‘50 Ways to Save: Examples of sensible Procurement savings in local government’, also included examples of councils making savings by grouping together to procure Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for energy in partnership with local energy providers. Communities and Local Government what proportion Street lighting plays an important role in road safety, of his Department’s contracts have been let to as well as ensuring the personal safety of pedestrians. companies with (a) one to five, (b) six to 49, (c) 50 to There may be some roads where lights could be dimmed 250 and (d) more than 250 staff. [182667] 421W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 422W

Brandon Lewis: The Cabinet Office publishes data on The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that to small and medium-sized enterprises spend by Departments. deliver the social, recreational and cultural facilities that communities In 2012-13, our performance was 29.3%, placing the need, planning policies and decisions should provide for the use Department third highest within all central Government of such facilities, including pubs, and guard against their unnecessary loss. Departments and meeting the Government’s aspiration for supporting small and medium enterprises. In the autumn statement on 5 December 2013 we announced a range of business rates measures to help small businesses such as Yearly spending will fluctuate due to the nature and community pubs, including extending the doubling of small number of contracts awarded. However, the following business rate relief by a further year, until April 2015, and a table illustrates the profile of contracts awarded in the £1,000 discount in 2014-15 and 2015-16 for premises with a last three years. rateable value of under £50,000. We have set up a cross-Whitehall Ministerial Group on Pubs to Percentage consider and co-ordinate Government policies effecting pubs. Medium In addition, the Government has not only scrapped the last Micro (1 to Small (6 to 49 (50 to 250 Large (over Administration’s plans for a 10% rise in cider duties (the so-called 5 staff) staff) staff) 250 staff) cider tax), but at Budget 2013 we cut beer duty, amounting to a pint of average strength beer being reduced by 1p, and scrapped 2011 8.6 6.4 19.5 60.0 the beer escalator which would have further increased beer duty 2012 11.7 10.4 15.6 53.2 by 3p. This move has been warmly welcomed across the pub and 2013 9.7 9.7 11.8 51.6 brewing industry. Note: The figures do not round to 100% as the remaining figures are for organisations Pubs have also benefited from action the Government has that have declined to provide information on their size or who are other public taken to reduce red tape affecting the pub sector. For example, we sector organisations. have provided greater flexibility on weights and measures, allowing beer and wine to be sold in different sizes than was previously Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for allowed by regulations, and have made it easier for pubs to play live music. Communities and Local Government what his Department’s 10 largest contracts let since financial year 2010-11 are; what savings have been made in such Re-employment contracts; what the level of overspend or underspend was in each such contract; and what steps his Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Department has taken to monitor the performance of Communities and Local Government how many staff each such contract following the contract award. who have been made redundant or retired from his [185217] Department have subsequently been re-employed by his Department since May 2010. [185559] Brandon Lewis: The information requested has been placed in the Library of the House. Brandon Lewis: The Department has not re-employed any civil servants who have previously been made redundant The Department has already delivered a significant or retired in the period since May 2010. saving for taxpayers by reducing spend with suppliers by 57% from £314 million in 2009-10 to £136 million in I can also confirm that the Department is fully compliant 2012-13 for core DCLG. with civil service-wide policies and rules which relate to re-employment with the civil service. The DCLG group is reducing its annual running costs by 41% in real terms between 2010-11 and 2014-15. This equates to net savings of at least £532 million over Training this spending review period. Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Public Houses Communities and Local Government which Ministers in his Department have undertaken training courses; and in the case of each such course what the (a) name Mr Scott: To ask the Secretary of State for of the course provider, (b) purpose of the course and Communities and Local Government what advice and (c) cost of each session in the course was. [183217] assistance his Department has made available to communities seeking to retain their local pubs. [185450] Brandon Lewis: No Ministers have undertaken training courses at public expense to the Department. Brandon Lewis: My Department is taking the following I note that the parliamentary record states that Ministers steps to support community pubs: in the last Administration from 2008 to 2010 spent The Assets of Community Value Regulations implementing £2,115 on public speaking training and £650 on professional the Community Right to Bid provisions of the Localism Act 2011 development (as outlined in 30 March 2009, Official are giving communities a fairer chance to bid to take over local Report, column 966W). assets of community value, including pubs. Research by the Campaign for Real Ale shows that 300 pubs William Hill are now listed as assets of community value. A £19 million support programme to help eligible community organisations to take on the community ownership and management Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for of assets that are important to them, including pubs, is in place. Communities and Local Government pursuant to the We are providing funding for business partners, such as Pub is answer of 28 January 2014, Official Report, column the Hub and the Plunkett Foundation, to expand their work in 489W, on William Hill, if he will place in the Library a helping communities to bring their pubs into community ownership copy of the letter received in November 2011 and the and to diversify or innovate their provision of services. response from his Department. [186335] 423W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 424W

Brandon Lewis [holding answer 6 February 2014]: In Our reforms will put employers in the driving seat, line with the procedure by which my Department would increasing quality and further simplifying the system, handle a Freedom of Information request, we have making it easier for employers to offer more apprenticeships consulted the organisation as a third party and they in the future. have no objection to its release. 1 also note that the letters from two years ago have no particular bearing on Academies current policy development. In that light, I have placed copies in the Library of the House of the incoming Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education letter and the ministerial response from my hon. Friend if he will bring forward legislative proposals to permit the Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert Neill) the Independent Schools Inspectorate to undertake declining a meeting. inspections of state-funded academies which are sponsored As the ministerial response indicated, we received by schools or foundations within the independent sector. views and representations from both sides of the debate. [R] [186351] The long-standing policy position which my Department has taken to date is laid out in the answer of 4 December Mr Laws: There are no plans to make any legislative 2013, Official Report, column 741W, and, indeed, this is changes to Ofsted inspection. Inspection of all publicly the same stance first outlined in the ministerial response funded schools, including academies and free schools, is of 24 November 2010, Official Report, column 407, by the responsibility of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector. my hon. Friend the Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert Neill). Apple The debate on this issue has become quite polarised. However, we have consistently taken a pragmatic middle Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for way, highlighting how councils can and should have the Education if he will place in the Library the minutes of power to take targeted action to tackle localised problems, the meeting between the Minister of State for Children while avoiding disproportionate regulation being applied and Families and Apple Corporation representatives to the whole planning system. on 12 February 2013. [186908]

Mr Timpson: The record of the meeting is in a letter I sent to the representatives of Apple shortly after the EDUCATION meeting, which is already in the public domain. A copy of this letter has been placed in the House Library. Teaching Profession Criminal Investigation 21. Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps his Department is taking to raise Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for the status, professionalism and morale of the teaching Education which organisation his Department and its profession. [902489] subsidiary bodies use to tackle internal instances of crime, including corruption and fraud; and whether he Mr Laws: Our reforms are making teaching the has designated this organisation or any individual within profession of choice for top graduates; 74% of new it to grant authorisation for carrying out directed teachers now have a first or upper-second class degree, surveillance under section 28 of the Regulation of compared to 63% in 2010. Prestigious scholarships and Investigatory Powers Act 2000. [186708] bursaries of up to £25,000 are attracting the very best; teaching is now the number one destination for graduates Elizabeth Truss: The Department handles all from Oxford University. And we are freeing the profession investigations into fraud, corruption and crime and from government interference, giving teachers and school involves outside agencies like the police when appropriate. leaders the powers they need to exercise their professional judgment and make decisions that have a real impact on Edapt improving standards in the classroom. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Apprenticeships Education if he will publish details of any meetings involving officials or special advisers in his Department since May 2010 that included discussion of Edapt UK 23. Iain Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Ltd; and whether any of the ministerial meetings listed Education what steps he is taking to increase the in his Department’s Ministers’ Quarterly Returns for quality and availability of apprenticeships for 16 to 2012 or 2013 relating to gifts, hospitality and meetings [902492] 18-year-olds. included discussion of Edapt UK Ltd. [186882]

Matthew Hancock: We have already raised the quality Mr Laws: Information regarding discussions of Edapt of apprenticeships by making them real jobs, introducing UK Ltd in departmental meetings involving Ministers, minimum durations, rooting out poor quality delivery, officials or special advisers, in the form requested, is not and insisting on more stretching qualifications in English readily available and could be obtained only at and maths. disproportionate cost. We have created the £1,500 apprenticeship grant for The Department’s Ministers’ Quarterly Returns include employers to support recruitment of young apprentices. any meetings directly with Edapt UK Ltd. 425W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 426W

Free School Meals: Cumbria Maintained nursery, state-funded primary, state-funded secondary, state-funded special schools and pupil referral units1: Number of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals based on performance tables2, 3. January John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for 2013-England, Merseyside, Liverpool local authority, Liverpool Walton Education what estimate he has made of the number of parliamentary constituency schools in (a) Barrow and Furness constituency and Pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals Number of (b) Cumbria that will require additional staffing pupils known to Percentage expenditure to allow the introduction of universal free be eligible for known to be school meals. [186785] and claiming eligible for and free school claiming free Number on roll meals school meals Mr Laws: This information is not held centrally. In his autumn statement, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced over £1 billion of revenue funding Liverpool local 57,008 17,944 31.5 authority for universal free school meals for pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 between 2014 and 2016. This funding, which includes special provision of £22.5 million for Merseyside4 195,507 50,433 25.8 1 Includes maintained nursery, state-funded primary, state-funded secondary, small schools in 2014-15, will be used by schools to pay state-funded special schools, and pupil referral units. Excludes pupils in for the cost of producing school lunches for newly alternative provision as full and part time status is not collected. eligible pupils, including staffing costs. 2 Includes pupils who are sole or dual main registrations. Includes boarders. In pupil referral units includes pupils registered with other providers and further education colleges. John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for 3 Pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals who have full Education what estimate he has made of the number of time attendance and are aged 15 or under, or pupils who have part time attendance and are aged between 5 and 15. schools in (a) Barrow and Furness constituency and 4 Merseyside figures include data from Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, St Helens, (b) Cumbria which will require capital investment to Knowsley and Halton local authorities. allow introduction of universal free school meals. Note: National figures have been rounded to the nearest 5. [186787] Source: School Census Mr Laws: This information is not held centrally. This information is already published in the underlying In his autumn statement, the Chancellor of the data section of the ‘Schools, pupils and their characteristics: Exchequer announced £150 million of capital funding January 2013’ Statistical First Release1. to support schools in implementing the policy of universal 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-pupils- free school meals for pupils in reception, year 1 and and-their-characteristics-january-2013 year 2. GCSE The details of the capital allocations for universal infant free school meals by local authority were announced on 18 December1. Mr Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of pupils in England achieved £21 million of the available funding has been added no GCSEs at A* to C grade in 2012-13. [186306] to the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund, to which academies are able to bid to improve their kitchen or Mr Laws: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on dining facilities. 3 February 2014, Official Report, column 48W. 1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/capital- allocations-for-basic-need-and-infant-free-school-meals Mr Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what percentage of pupils in England in Free School Meals: Merseyside 2012-13 achieved no GCSEs at A* to C at all. [186665]

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given Education how many children in (a) Liverpool, Walton on 3 February 2014, Official Report, column 48W. constituency, (b) Liverpool and (c) Merseyside are currently in receipt of free school meals. [186837] Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) whether children with dyslexia or other Mr Laws: The requested information is provided in language difficulties will be allowed additional time for the following table. GCSE examinations to take into account the assessment Maintained nursery, state-funded primary, state-funded secondary, state-funded of grammar and language for all GCSE subjects; special schools and pupil referral units1: Number of pupils known to be eligible [186909] for and claiming free school meals based on performance tables2, 3. January 2013-England, Merseyside, Liverpool local authority, Liverpool Walton (2) whether his Department plans to make special parliamentary constituency arrangements for children with dyslexia and other language Pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals difficulties in regard to the new marking system which Number of includes spelling and grammar assessments for all GCSE pupils known to Percentage subjects. [186910] be eligible for known to be and claiming eligible for and free school claiming free Mr Timpson: This is a matter for the Office of Number on roll meals school meals Qualifications and Examinations Regulation and I have England 6,920,220 1,265,770 18.3 asked its Chief Regulator, Glenys Stacey, to write directly to the hon. Gentleman.

Liverpool, Walton 12,950 4,879 37.7 A copy of her reply will be placed in the House of constituency Commons Library. 427W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 428W

Grammar Schools (3) with reference to page 69 of the draft SEN Code of Practice, what recent assessment he has made of the Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State effect of making the Early Years Foundation Stage for Education if he will assess the potential benefits of profile non-statutory on the support needs of children establishing more grammar schools in England. with speech, language and communication needs; [186646] [186529] (4) what recent assessment he has made of the effects Mr Laws: It is not the policy of the Government to making the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) establish new grammar schools in England. profile non-statutory on summarising and describing Health Education: Hazardous Substances children’s attainment at the end of the EYFS; [186530] (5) what recent assessment he has made of the effects David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for of making the Early Years Foundation Stage profile Education if he will take steps to assist schools in non-statutory on the relationship between early years educating young people on the dangers of using hazardous settings and local primary schools; [186531] substances. [186350] (6) what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the Early YearsFoundation Stage profile non-statutory Mr Laws: Schools may decide that it is necessary to on ensuring a smooth transition of educational support teach pupils about the potential dangers of using hazardous between early years settings and local primary schools. substances as part of their health and safety assessment [186532] and policy. Teachers are well placed to judge which topics to Elizabeth Truss: On 17 July 2013, the Department for cover, tailored to the needs of their pupils and in the Education launched a public consultation on proposals context of the school’s overall programme. to reform primary school assessment and accountability. Kings Science Academy The consultation proposed that the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) would remain in place but, to minimise Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Education the assessment burden, the Government would consider what contingency plans he has to safeguard the investment making the EYFS profile non-statutory at the end of of public money in the buildings on the site of Kings reception. The consultation closed on 11 October. The Science Academy in the event of the freeholder not Department will be publishing the Government response renewing the lease of the site. [186756] to the consultation shortly. The Early Years Foundation Stage and the Early Mr Timpson: The site of Kings Science Academy is Learning Goals within it will continue to be statutory in secured on a 20 year lease due to expire in 2032. Under reception. The revised EYFS came into force from the terms of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, Kings September 2012 following the Tickell Review. The prime Science Academy has a statutory right to renew the areas of the EYFS deliberately cover the knowledge lease at the end of the 20 year term. The provisions of and skills which are the foundations for children’s school the Act will safeguard the investment of public money, readiness and future progress, and have been aligned which has provided suitable buildings for the school. with the national curriculum, for example in relation to literacy and maths. Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2014, Official Pupil Exclusions: Special Educational Needs Report, column 187W, on Kings Science Academy, for what reason his Department decided to (a) purchase Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the leasehold and (b) not purchase the freehold of the Education what role Ofsted plays in relation to permanent Lidget Green site of the Kings Science Academy. exclusions of statemented SEN children. [186654] [186904] Elizabeth Truss: This question is a matter for Ofsted. Mr Timpson: The Department for Education undertook I have asked Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael an assessment of the leasehold options against a freehold Wilshaw, to write to the hon. Member. A copy of his acquisition of Hartley Business Park in Lidget Green. reply will be placed in the House Library. That assessment concluded that entering into a long term lease represented better value for money than Pupils: Disadvantaged freehold acquisition. Pre-school Education Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he has taken to ensure that infant Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Education schools still receive the level of pupil premium they are (1) with reference to page 69 of the draft SEN Code of entitled to once free school meals for all have been Practice, what recent assessment he has made of the introduced. [186786] effect of making the Early Years Foundation Stage profile non-statutory on the future learning of children; Mr Laws: Schools will continue to receive pupil premium [186527] funding on the same basis as before. Funding allocations (2) with reference to page 69 of the draft SEN Code for 2014-15 will be based on School Census data collected of Practice, what recent assessment he has made of the this January. In subsequent years, the Department for effect of making the Early Years Foundation Stage Education will continue to use the School Census to profile non-statutory on the support needs of children; gather the same data about pupils in families that [186528] receive the relevant benefits that currently entitle them 429W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 430W to a free school meal. This information will be used to The following table provides the funding allocated to allocate the pupil premium, as well as other deprivation- Warrington borough council through Basic Need for related school funding. each year since 2010-11.

Pupils: Tagging Basic Need allocation (£ Financial year million) Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 2010-11 0.51 if he will place in the Library copies of all correspondence 2011-12 0.75 his Department holds on the use of radio-frequency 2012-13 1.40 identification technology with a real-time location system 2013-14 1.90 in schools produced in the last three years. [186344] 2014-15 1.90 2015-16 4.18 Elizabeth Truss: We have undertaken an electronic 2016-17 4.39 and paper search which has identified a Freedom of 1 http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/ Information request and two correspondence replies on schoolscapital this matter in the last three years. These have been placed in the House Library. Staff Schools: Finance Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many staff working in his Department Mr Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for have a teaching qualification. [186955] Education what the level of Government spending was on schools in England in each year since 1984, adjusted Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education does for inflation. [186724] not hold information on staff qualifications. Mr Laws: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 5 February 2014, Official Report, column 284W. Teachers: Conditions of Employment

Schools: Standards Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what discussions he (a) has had and (b) George Freeman: To ask the Secretary of State for plans to have with the School Teachers’ Review Body Education how many schools were rated (a) outstanding, about extending the terms and conditions for teachers (b) good, (c) satisfactory or requires improvement and to allow them access to salary sacrifice car schemes. (d) special measures by Ofsted in each parliamentary [186808] constituency and local authority in England in (i) May Mr Laws: I refer the hon. Member to the answer 2010 and (ii) January 2014. [186388] given on 3 February 2014, Official Report, column 58W. Mr Laws: I have asked Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty’s chief inspector, to write to the hon. Member Truancy: Fines about this matter, which is the responsibility of Ofsted. A copy of his reply has been placed in the House Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Library. what assessment his Department has made of the effect of education penalty notices on low income families. Schools: Warrington [186504]

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Elizabeth Truss: All parents should meet their legal Education how much capital funding for new school responsibilities to ensure their children of compulsory building has been allocated to Warrington Borough in school age, who are registered at school, attend regularly. each year since 2010. [186791] Where a child is absent from school without authorisation, their parents may be issued with a penalty notice. Mr Laws: A significant amount of funding is provided All parents, can avoid being issued with a penalty to local authorities for them to spend according to their notice by ensuring their children’s regular attendance at own local capital investment priorities. As such, the school, and not taking them out of school without Department for Education does not hold complete permission. information on the level of funding that has been used for new school buildings. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child However since 2010-11, £4.56 million has been paid to Warrington borough council through the Basic Need Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for programme to provide new school places either through Education with reference to the Government’s commitment expanding existing schools, or creating new ones. In to give due consideration to the UN Convention on the addition to this, a further £10.47 million of Basic Need Rights of the Child (UNCRC) when making new policy funding was announced on 18 December 2013 for the and legislation, if he will place in the Library all assessments three-year period 2014-15 to 2016-17. of how new policy and legislation from his Department The requested information is available online in the since January 2013 has given due consideration to the schools capital allocations data1. UNCRC. [186583] 431W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 432W

Mr Timpson: The Department for Education is The overall system of child care support does remain committed to giving due consideration to the United focused on those on lower incomes. Low income families Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) can claim 70% of their child care costs through working during the policy-making process. A formal assessment tax credit, and around 40% of two-year-olds will be of the Children and Families Bill against the UNCRC eligible for a free nursery place from September 2014. In was carried out prior to publication and a copy has addition, child care support under universal credit will already been placed in the House Library or can be extend child care support for the first time to those found on the Department website1. We also published a working fewer than 16 hours, enabling parents to take Children and Young Persons guide to the Children and the first steps into work. Families Bill on 25 February 2013 and this is available online2. 1 Note: Cost of Living http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/e/140213%20echr %20and%20uncr%20note%20for%20publication%20final%20lao.pdf Mr McKenzie: To ask the Chancellor of the 2 Note: Exchequer what steps he has taken to reduce the cost of https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-young-persons- living for those on low incomes; and if he will make a guide-to-the-children-and-families-bill statement. [186694] Under Article 12 of the UNCRC, children have a right to be consulted on issues that affect them and to Nicky Morgan: There is no doubt that times have have their views respected. In the past year, the Department been tough. We are still recovering from the Great has consulted children on a wide range of issues. For Recession when our economy shrunk by 7.2%—the example, we involved Equality, Participation, Influencing, largest squeeze in over 100 years and the country is Change (EPIC)—a group of disabled young people, to poorer as a result. However, our long-term economic advise on changes to the special educational needs and plan is seeing record new jobs created: 1.3 million new disability part of the Children and Families Bill. private sector jobs means 1.3 million people with the I also meet with groups of children in care quarterly security of a pay packet. to talk about how to improve the support they receive The Government’s long-term plan is also cutting and have separate quarterly meetings with care leavers. taxes so people keep more of what they earn. The The UK Government is due to report to the UN Government has increased the personal allowance taking Committee responsible for the UN Convention on the 2.7 million people out of tax, alongside freezing fuel Rights of the Child shortly. The Department is duty, council tax and introducing tax-free child care co-ordinating the response with contributions from other and marriage tax allowances. Government Departments. Once the Government has There is more to do but the best way to raise living submitted its response to the UN Committee a copy of standards is to stick to the Government’s long-term the report will be placed in the House Library. economic plan so that hard-working people have more economic security and peace of mind for them and their families.

TREASURY Eurobonds Children: Day Care Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gloria De Piero: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount of quoted eurobonds were issued by what estimate his Department has made of the savings companies within the charge to UK corporation tax or to the public purse of restricting the new tax-free childcare income tax in circumstances where there is only one scheme to parents earning less than (a) £100,000, (b) noteholder; what total interest was paid on those £90,000, (c) £80,000, (d) £75,000, (e) £70,000, (f) Eurobonds; and how much such interest was (a) allowed £65,000 and (g) £60,000 a year. [186597] as a deduction against such companies’ corporation tax or income tax profits, (b) disallowed pursuant to self- Nicky Morgan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer assessed transfer pricing returns or advance in capitalisation given to parliamentary question 179269 on 3 December agreements and (c) disallowed following enquiries by 2013, column 607W. HM Revenue and Customs in each of the last six years. [186301] Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the Mr Gauke: For the purposes of thin capitalisation potential effects of the Government’s policy on tax-free eurobonds are treated no differently from other forms childcare on low income households. [902490] of debt finance therefore HMRC does not separately identify eurobond finance in its record. The cost of the Nicky Morgan: The Government believes that the work required to separate the data relating specifically introduction of tax-free child care will support those to eurobond issues from other debt finance would be who want to work, and ensure that it always pays to disproportionate. work. Working families not already receiving support HMRC has used eurobond issues as a marker for through tax credits will be able to pay for child care with identifying thin capitalisation risk to ensure that the support for 20% of costs up to £6,000 for each child thin capitalisation risk posed by eurobond issues is fully under the age of 12. addressed. 433W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 434W

Excise Duties: Alcoholic Drinks Financial Services Compensation Scheme

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Ann McKechin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer (1) how many HM Revenue and Customs (1) what estimate he has made of the total value of staff have been employed in its alcohol duty enforcement deposits held by financial institutions registered in Scotland team in each of the last five years; and how many staff which are covered by the current Financial Services he expects to be employed in this area on 31 March in Compensation Scheme; [186845] each year between 2014 and 2016; [180888] (2) what estimate he has made of the total value of (2) how much HM Revenue and Customs has spent deposits held by UK residents which are covered financially on alcohol duty enforcement in each year since 2010-11; by the current Financial Services Compensation Scheme. and how much it expects to spend on alcohol duty [186846] enforcement in each year between 2013-14 and 2015-16. [180889] Sajid Javid: The information sought was included in Annex A of the Government’s report ‘Scotland analysis: Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is financial services and banking’ published on 20 May committed to tackling the problem of alcohol duty 2013. fraud across every area of the alcohol supply chain. The total value of deposits protected by the Financial During the period 2009-13, the duty losses stopped Services Compensation Scheme held by institutions by virtue of the activity of HMRC and UK Border registered in Scotland on 31 December 2011 was Force is shown in the following table. £173,748,538,000. The total value of deposits protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme held Financial year Amount of loss stopped (£) by all institutions in the United Kingdom on 31 December 2009-10 14,743,291 2011 was £878,708,756,000. 2010-11 24,250,733 2011-12 27,788,831 Gambling: Excise Duties 2012-13 25,577,981 Note: Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Equivalent figures for the financial year 2008-09 are not available. Exchequer what estimate he has made of the additional Resources used on this work often operate on a gaming duty raised by taxing at the point of consumption multi-disciplinary basis (e.g. criminal investigators may remote gambling operators based offshore. [186155] move from an alcohol case to a VAT case dependant on the current risk level) and resource levels therefore Mr Gauke: At Budget 2012, the Government announced fluctuate over time. In addition, HMRC operates in that it will move to taxing remote gambling on a place partnership with colleagues in Border Force and in of consumption basis. This move will affect three duties: other EU member states. The resource figure in the general betting duty, pool betting duty and remote following table represents full-time equivalents (FTE) gaming duty. As set out in Budget 2012, based on staff numbers expended on tackling alcohol duty fraud unchanged 15% rates and a 1 December 2014 in each year from 2008-09 to 2012-13. implementation date, the changes to these duties are expected to (collectively) raise additional Exchequer Staff cost revenues of £70 million in 2014-15, £240 million in Financial year Total FTE (£ million) 2015-16, and £270 million in 2016-17. 2008-09 446.5 19.23 2009-10 488.2 21.92 Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the 2010-11 563.8 24.28 Exchequer what estimate he has made of the revenue 2011-12 453.7 19.54 from remote gaming duty in each year since 2010. [186156] 2012-13 512.8 22.08 These figures do not include staff in other organisations, Mr Gauke: Due to the small number of taxpayers such as Border Force, working to tackle alcohol fraud. which dominate the statistics on remote gaming duty The apparent dip in resource in 2011-12 is mainly due this data cannot be disclosed. For reasons of taxpayer to the transfer of a large number of officers from one confidentiality remote gaming duty collected is included business stream to another. Resource was recorded as in gaming duty reported in the HMRC betting and multi-functional and it was not possible to provide a gaming bulletin. The link to the bulletin is as follows: breakdown into alcohol work/other regimes. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/bet-game.htm In the autumn statement of 5 December 2013, Official Report, columns 1101-13, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Insurance my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), announced a proposal to introduce a registration Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the scheme for alcohol wholesalers which is designed to Exchequer if he will consult the Association of British reduce the supply of alcohol to the illicit market. This Insurers on whether the insurers’ code of conduct is measure includes some 300 compliance staff who will working effectively for people about to retire. [186643] start training during 2014-15. HMRC are currently engaged in business planning Mr Gauke: The Association of British Insurers’ (ABI) for 2014-15 and beyond, and the issue of tackling ‘Code of Conduct for Retirement Choices’ came into alcohol duty fraud features as part of that planning force in March 2013, and is binding on all ABI members. process. The code was established as a result of the work of the 435W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 436W

Open Market Option Review Group, which was set up home owners who may have previously found the property by Government and comprises industry, consumer group market out-of-reach because of the size of the deposit and Government representatives, with the objective of required. ensuring consumers shop around for an annuity. Now the scheme is open, the Government is collecting The Government is committed to making sure that data on the mortgages supported by the Help to Buy: the annuity market is working in the best interests of mortgage guarantee scheme and will report in due consumers. The ABI has committed to review the course. effectiveness of its code this year, one year after its implementation. Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many transactions have taken place under the Help Liquefied Petroleum Gas to Buy scheme for home purchase valuations (a) under £100,000, (b) between £100,000 and £200,000, (c) between £200,000 and £300,000, (d) between £300,000 and £400,000, Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the (e) between £400,000 and £500,000 and (f) between Exchequer (1) what recent assessment he has made as £500,000 and £600,000; and what the value of the part of his continuing review of all taxes of the guarantee provided was in each such transaction. environmental impact of liquid petroleum gas in [186796] comparison with other road fuel gases; [186311] (2) what estimate he has made of the (a) cost to the Sajid Javid: On 2 January, the Prime Minister announced Exchequer and (b) effects on vehicle uptake of that in the first three months of the Help to Buy: reducing the duty differential for liquid petroleum gas mortgage guarantee scheme more than 6,000 people by one pence per litre per year in each year from had put in offers on homes and applied for a Help to 2010-11 to 2015-16; [186382] Buy mortgage. The mortgages, once approved, would (3) with reference to paragraph 2.92 of the autumn represent nearly £1 billion of new lending to aspiring statement 2013, what assessment he has made of the home owners who may have previously found the property (a) fiscal effects and (b) effects on vehicle uptake of market out-of-reach because of the size of the deposit his plans to continue reducing the duty differential for required. liquid petroleum gas by one pence per litre per year in The Help to Buy: mortgage guarantee scheme continues each year up to 2024-25. [186383] to support responsible lending. On average households are looking to buy homes worth £160,000 which remains Nicky Morgan: The reduction of the liquid petroleum below the UK average house price of £247,000. gas (LPG) differential by 1 penny per litre (ppl) per year Now the Scheme is open, the Government is collecting is a continuation of the approach set out by the previous data on the mortgages supported by the Help to Buy: Administration, following their recommendation in the mortgage guarantee scheme and will report in due 2003 Alternative Fuels Framework. Along with the course. main rate of fuel duty, the LPG differential was cut by 1ppl in 2011, and will remain frozen until the end of New Businesses Parliament. The Government will review the taxation of all road fuel gases in 2018, along with vehicle take up Mr McKenzie: To ask the Chancellor of the and the impact of the differential on the public finances. Exchequer what comparative assessment he has made Table 2.1 of the autumn statement document sets out of the number of small business start-ups in (a) the fiscal impacts of the reduced rates of fuel duty for Scotland and (b) the rest of the UK. [186829] road fuel gases. Nicky Morgan: The latest ONS data, based on PAYE At autumn statement the Government provided 10 year and/or VAT registrations, reported that in 2012 there certainty over the differential between the main rate of were 17,385 new businesses in Scotland and 269,565 fuel duty and road fuel gases which will encourage the new businesses in the UK as a whole. purchase and development of alternatively fuelled commercial vehicles. However, given that the market is The 2013 BIS population estimates reported 326,000 at an early stage of development it is not possible to private sector businesses in Scotland in the beginning of precisely estimate the impact on sales. 2013. There were 4.9 million private businesses in the UK as a whole. 99% of these businesses were small and medium sized businesses. Mortgages: Government Assistance New Businesses: Scotland Steve McCabe: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2013, Official Mr McKenzie: To ask the Chancellor of the Report, columns 258-59W, on mortgages: government Exchequer if he will take steps to support women who assistance, if he will place an analysis of the people to want to set up businesses in Scotland. [186830] whom such mortgages have been granted. [186566] Matthew Hancock: I have been asked to reply on Sajid Javid: On 2 January, the Prime Minister announced behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and that in the first three months of the Help to Buy: Skills. mortgage guarantee scheme more than 6,000 people We are supporting people across the UK who want to had put in offers on homes and applied for a Help to set up a business, including women in Scotland. The Buy mortgage. The mortgages, once approved, would new enterprise allowance provides funding and support represent nearly £1 billion of new lending to aspiring to help unemployed people start their own business. 437W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 438W

To date over 4,000 women have received start-up loans, Tax Allowances: Married People providing start-up finance and business advice. And from March 2014, the scheme will be extended to entrepreneurs in Scotland. Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce a taper for The UK is a great place to start a business and we the removal of the transferable tax allowance in the have worked with Scotland to develop our proposals to event of a change in (a) personal and (b) financial make it easier for businesses to grow, in our publication circumstances. [186758] “Small Business: GREAT Ambition”. Business support is a devolved issue and people who want to set up a business in Scotland can find details of available help Mr Gauke: The transferable tax allowance will be and support at introduced from April 2015 to recognise marriage in the http://www.business.scotland.gov.uk/ tax system. Legislation will be introduced in Finance Bill 2014. The legislation, which has been published in PAYE draft, does not provide for a taper, as the Government attaches high priority to simplicity, and this will make it Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the easier for individuals to understand their tax liabilities. Exchequer how many HM Revenue and Customs employees are working on the delivery of real time information. [179031] Tax Evasion

Mr Gauke [holding answer 12 December 2013]: The real time information (RTI) is being delivered by HM Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Real Time Information Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 12 December Programme. There are currently five distinct teams 2013, Official Report, column 367W, on tax evasion, containing 116 people, directly managed within the what recent progress has been made by HM Revenue programme. The programme also receives support from and Customs (HMRC) in initiating proceedings against other individuals across HMRC. These people have not all current HMRC fugitives; and if he will make a worked full time on the programme but have made statement. [181134] contributions to specific aspects of delivering the programme. Mr Gauke: HMRC continues to work towards bringing Real time reporting of PAYE information will bring all current HMRC fugitives (including those featured in PAYE into the 21st century and make it more accurate the Most Wanted Campaign which was launched by for employers, HMRC and, employees and HMRC. HMRC in August 2012) before the UK courts. HMRC RTI has been designed to reduce burdens on employers uses all available systems and resources to locate and by integrating reporting within normal payroll processes. trace individuals. This includes working closely with HMRC’s fiscal liaison officers based overseas, Crown Public Appointments Prosecution Service, National Crime Agency, Interpol and other international partners. Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Chancellor of the Since the answer provided on 12 December 2013, Exchequer how many public appointments his Department Official Report, column 367W, Paul James Wright has made in the last 12 months; how many such appointments had his sentence of three years imposed by Manchester are remunerated posts; what the level of such remuneration Crown court. Wright was deported from Malaysia having is; and how many people so appointed are (a) women attempted to enter Malaysia while using a false passport. and (b) men. [186407] He was arrested by HMRC officers at London Heathrow on his return to the UK. Nicky Morgan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster HMRC continues to receive information concerning General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham fugitives both from the UK and from overseas. This (Mr Maude), 5 February 2014, Official Report, column information is analysed with the aim of supporting 301W. further arrests and successful extraditions from both the European Union and elsewhere. Public Expenditure HMRC has over 2,500 criminal investigators with direct access to information on tax fugitives who are David T. C. Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the able to investigate any information received on these Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the fugitives. In addition, there are HMRC staff available to workings of the Barnett formula. [186215] take calls from the public who have information. HMRC is very proactive in publishing the names of the Most Danny Alexander: The Barnett formula is reviewed Wanted (within in legal parameters provided by HMRC from time to time. Full details of the working of the solicitors office), and our efforts have resulted in four Barnett formula are published in the statement of funding fugitives caught since the first list was published in policy. 2012. The Barnett formula works well for all parts of the UK. As set out in the Coalition Programme for Although, in itself, the HMRC fugitive unit is a small Government, this Government’s priority must be to team, the team does not work in isolation in bringing reduce the deficit and therefore any discussion of change about the tracing/locating of HMRC fugitives. to the Barnett formula must await the stabilisation of The fugitive unit works with a number of teams the public finances. across HMRC to locate fugitives. 439W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 440W

Taxation Welfare Tax Credits

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make an estimate of the number of Exchequer (1) how much was overpaid in tax credits by people who would pay no income tax or national HM Revenue and Customs in (a) 2010-11 and (b) insurance contributions if the threshold at which such 2011-12; [186464] payments began were raised to £12,000 a year in (2) what proportion of overall tax credits payments 2014-15. [186743] in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 were found to be overpayments. [186468] Mr Gauke: It is estimated that raising the personal tax allowance and all NIC thresholds to £12,000 in the Nicky Morgan: HMRC tax credit overpayment figures year 2014-15 would take 3.7 million individuals out of are available in the Finalised Child and Working Tax liability at a cost of £33 billion to the Exchequer. Credits statistics annual award supplement on payments These estimates are based on the Survey of Personal located here: Incomes 2011-12 projected to 2014-15 using economic http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/fin-main-stats/cwtc-awards- assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget sup.xls Responsibility’s December 2013 economic and fiscal on the ‘Main Aggregates’ table. outlook. HMRC total tax credit expenditure figures are available in the Finalised Child and Working Tax Credits statistics Taxation: Appeals located here: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/fin-main-stats/cwtc- awards.xls Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of (a) first-tier and (b) in Table 1.1. upper-tier tax tribunal cases were won by HM Revenue and Customs in each year since 2010. [184757] Wholesale Trade: Registration

Mr Gauke: Information on first-tier tribunal decisions Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the is published by HMRC: Exchequer (1) what steps he plans to take to tackle http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/complaints-appeals/news.htm duty fraud before wholesale registration comes into In 2012 HMRC was successful in 86% of tax cases effect in 2017; [186175] decided at upper tribunal and in 2013 HMRC succeeded (2) what resources he will provide to enforce the in 84% of decided cases. Although HMRC does not wholesaler registration scheme when it comes into hold statistics for earlier years, the upper tribunal does effect in 2017. [186176] publish all decisions and they are available from their website. Nicky Morgan: The Government invested a further £18 million in HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) strategy to tackle alcohol fraud through the 2010 spending Taxation: Bingo review. HMRC enforcement work protected revenue of over £600 million in 2012-13, almost a three-fold increase Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the during this Parliament. Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the In 2013, HMRC announced, in its consultation response (a) economic and (b) fiscal effect of reducing the take document “Alcohol Fraud: Next Steps”, that it would of bingo duty to 15 per cent. [186518] be strengthening its strategy further, including measures to tighten the regulatory environment and increase the Mr Gauke: The Government keeps all taxes, including impact of enforcement. These include: introducing due bingo duty, under review. diligence requirements for all excise businesses; changing regulations to tackle abuses of the brewing regime; tightening requirements for financial guarantees required Taxation: Self-assessment from new excise businesses; and dealing more robustly with those caught holding or moving illicit product. Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Resourcing for the wholesaler registration scheme Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total formed part of HMRC’s overall settlement for the SR amount that will be received in penalties paid by people period. Precise resource requirements are currently being who failed to complete their self assessment by 31 assessed. January 2014. [186644] Working Tax Credit Mr Gauke: No estimate has been made regarding the total amount that will be received in penalties paid by Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the people who failed to file their 2012-13 self-assessment Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the tax return by 31 January 2014. number of (a) couples with children who are no longer Of the 10.74 million self-assessment tax returns due eligible for working tax credits and (b) children now by the 31 January 2014, 93.4% were filed on time, of deemed to be in poverty as a result of the higher which 84.5% were filed online. working hours threshold. [186154] 441W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 442W

Nicky Morgan: The number of couples with children Michael Fallon: Based on their provisional ranking working 16 to 24 hours who are eligible for child tax credit following Phase 2 of FID Enabling for Renewables, the (CTC) but are not eligible for working tax credit (WTC) three Eggborough biomass conversion units that applied as at 2 December 2013 is around 40,000. This figure to the process have provisionally been assessed as not relates to the snapshot position of families at this time. being affordable. They remain in the process and have There are also around 10,000 couples with children received a draft investment contract and have been working 16 to 24 hours eligible for CTC who have lost invited to submit a binding application in March 2014. WTC eligibility but whose income was high enough The final selection of projects and affordability assessment that the WTC element of their award was fully tapered will be carried out following the receipt of binding away, so they were only in receipt of the child tax credit applications. Signed investment contracts will be laid in (CTC) element. Parliament in accordance with the Energy Act 2013. An estimate of the impact on child poverty of the DECC will not comment on individual projects or change is not available. The Government remains committed applications to FID Enabling for Renewables while the to eradicating child poverty. However, the Government selection process is on-going. strongly believes looking at relative income in isolation is not a helpful measure to track progress towards this. Information on the process regarding the qualification and evaluation of applications for the FID Enabling for The Government has consulted on developing better Renewables process can be found on the DECC website measures of child poverty to provide a more accurate at: picture of the reality of child poverty and drive the right action. The consultation has closed and we will https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/increasing- respond in due course. certainty-for-investors-in-renewable-electricity-final- investment-decision-enabling-for-renewables

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Buildings Energy and Climate Change how many apprenticeships have been awarded at the Eggborough power plant site Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy in the last five years. [186613] and Climate Change what proportion of the office space owned or leased by his Department is not in regular Michael Fallon: The Department does not hold this use; what the total (a) rental and (b) retail value is of information. all such unused office space; and if he will place in the Library a copy of his most recent departmental real estate valuation. [186864]

Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Electricity Generation Climate Change does not have any unused office space. Nor does the Department own any property. Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Criminal Investigation and Climate Change if he will publish forward projections of electricity generation by type for the next Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy 15 years. [186356] and Climate Change which organisation his Department and its subsidiary bodies use to tackle internal instances of crime, including corruption and fraud; and whether Michael Fallon: DECC publishes annual updates of he has designated this organisation or any individual energy and emissions projections (UEP). The UEP within it to grant authorisation for carrying out directed includes projections of electricity generation by type up surveillance under section 28 of the Regulation of to 2030, and was most recently published in September Investigatory Powers Act 2000. [186709] 2013. It can be found at: Gregory Barker: Neither the core Department of https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/updated-energy- Energy and Climate Change (DECC) nor its subsidiary and-emissions-projections-2013 bodies have engaged external organisations to tackle Annex D shows projected electricity generation by internal instances of crime including corruption and major power producers and generators of renewable fraud. electricity. Annex E shows projected generation by all The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, power producers, including generation by companies the right hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton who produce their own electricity, but whose main (Mr Davey), has not made use of Regulation of business is not electricity generation. Investigatory Powers Act since DECC’s inception and so have no nominated officers. John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Eggborough Power Station Energy and Climate Change what proportion of the UK’s electricity was supplied by each source, for each Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for of the past 12 months. [186679] Energy and Climate Change if he will publish all relevant documents on the decision not to award the Eggborough power plant a green subsidy. [186604] Michael Fallon: The information is as follows. 443W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 444W

Proportion of UK’s electricity supplied by Major Power Producers by source, December 2012 to November 2013 Coal Oil Onshore wind Offshore wind Bioenergy Total supplied (%) (%) Gas (%) Nuclear (%) Hydro (%) (%) (%) (%) TWh

2012 December 45.4 0.5 23.1 19.5 1.6 4.2 3.7 2.0 29.18

2013 January 44.5 0.4 24.1 20.6 1.4 3.7 3.1 2.1 30.58 February 44.2 0.4 27.4 18.3 1.3 3.3 3.2 2.0 27.70 March 45.0 0.2 27.3 17.7 0.5 3.7 3.4 2.3 29.65 April 40.9 0.2 25.2 21.1 1.0 4.4 3.8 3.4 25.41 May 40.8 0.1 27.6 18.2 1.4 4.4 3.4 4.1 23.56 June 33.8 0.1 35.7 20.2 0.6 2.8 3.2 3.4 21.82 July 35.2 0.2 30.4 25.9 0.6 2.0 1.9 3.9 22.06 August 38.2 0.2 24.1 28.5 0.8 3.0 2.7 2.6 21.81 September 40.4 0.2 26.4 22.2 1.0 3.7 3.5 2.6 22.75 October 40.7 0.1 22.9 21.6 1.5 5.2 5.4 2.7 25.01 November 39.6 0.2 28.3 19.6 1.7 4.5 3.8 2.3 26.72 Note: This table does not include pumped storage, net imports or purchases from other sources. Source: Energy Trends table 5.4. December 2014 statistics will be published on 27 February 2014 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electricity-section-5-energy-trends

Fracking Prior to this report, the Institute of Directors estimated that 74,000 direct jobs could be created from the entire shale industry, including those direct jobs created from Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State new licences. for Energy and Climate Change what contribution he Northern Ireland expects fracking to make to the UK economy. [186924] Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State Michael Fallon: There is potential for shale gas for Energy and Climate Change what assets his development to provide a substantial contribution to Department has sold in Northern Ireland in each of the UK economy in the future. Until more work is done the last five years; and what the value of each such sale to determine the extent of gas that can be technically was. [186570] and commercially recovered, we will not be able to accurately predict the entire contribution it can make. Gregory Barker: The Department has not sold any assets in Northern Ireland. The Government is determined that the UK economy Pay will benefit from any shale gas development that might take place through benefits such as increased tax revenues, Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy greater energy security, growth and jobs. On 13 December and Climate Change how many civil servants are on last year, we published for consultation, an environmental each pay grade in (a) his Department and (b) agencies report as part of the process of strategic environmental and public bodies accountable to him. [187244] assessment for further oil and gas licensing onshore. On a high activity scenario, the report estimates that oil and Gregory Barker: The number of civil servants on gas activities which might be carried out on new licences each pay grade employed by (a) the Department of might create 16,000 to 32,000 new full-time equivalent Energy and Climate Change and (b) the non-departmental positions in the peak development phase, including public bodies for which it is responsible are set out in direct, indirect and induced jobs. the following table.

Other, unknown, or AA/AO EO HEO/SEO Grade 7/6 SCS unspecified Total employees

Department of Energy 65.5 131.6 586.6 681 109.5 — 1,574.2 and Climate Change

Coal Authority 17.6 16.5 69.9 25.8 3 — 132.8

Civil Nuclear Police 1045.8 264.8 98.5 15 5 — 1,429.1 Authority

Committee on Climate — 1 6.7 16.8 4 — 28.5 Change

Nuclear —————293.9 293.9 Decommissioning Authority

Total 1128.9 413.9 761.7 738.6 121.5 293.9 3,458.4 445W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 446W

The numbers above are shown as full-time equivalents HEALTH (fte) and are regularly published on our website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/decc-workforce- Accident and Emergency Departments: Greater London management-information Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people (a) in total and (b) in each hospital Power Failures: Wolverhampton in London who were admitted to accident and emergency departments were not seen by a doctor Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for within four hours in the latest period for which figures Energy and Climate Change how many power outages are available; and if he will make a statement. [186891] that were in (a) Wolverhampton and (b) Wolverhampton North East constituency in (i) 2011, (ii) 2012 and (iii) Jane Ellison: The information is not available in the 2013. [186554] format requested. The information available is in the following table, which shows the number of people in Gregory Barker: Annual data on power outages in the week ending 2 February 2014 who were not discharged, GB are made available by Ofgem. See indicator 12, admitted or transferred within four hours of arrival for figure 20, from the following link: all types of accident and emergency departments, including https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/85923/ minor injury units and walk-in centres, for England and sustainabledevelopmentindicators-theme4- national health service hospital trusts in London. ensuringasecureandreliablegasandelectricitysupplyfebruary2014.pdf The data are produced and published by Ofgem. Number of people These data are republished by DECC in our Energy England 19,255 Sector Indicators.

Barking, Havering And Redbridge 733 University Hospitals NHS Trust Public Appointments Barnet And Chase Farm Hospitals 384 NHS Trust Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Barts Health NHS Trust 450 Energy and Climate Change how many public Central London Community 0 Healthcare NHS Trust appointments his Department made in the last 12 months; Chelsea And Westminster Hospital 26 how many such appointments are remunerated posts; NHS Foundation Trust what the level of such remuneration is; and how many Croydon Health Services NHS Trust 66 people so appointed are (a) women and (b) men. Ealing Hospital NHS Trust 41 [186396] Epsom And St Helier University 101 Hospitals NHS Trust Gregory Barker: The Government publishes details Guy’s And St Thomas’ NHS 127 of diversity in public appointments across Departments. Foundation Trust Homerton University Hospital NHS 136 The latest list can be found at: Foundation Trust https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Hounslow And Richmond 0 attachment_data/file/262039/diversity-pub-appointments-_1- Community Healthcare NHS Trust April-30-Sept-2013.csv/preview Imperial College Healthcare NHS 203 Figures for 1 October 2013 to 31 March 2014 will be Trust published later this year. King’s College Hospital NHS 550 Foundation Trust Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation 84 Trust Solar Power Lewisham And Greenwich NHS 536 Trust Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS 1 Mr Watts: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Foundation Trust and Climate Change (1) how many applications Ofgem North East London NHS 0 has received for large commercial solar schemes; Foundation Trust [186463] North Middlesex University 60 (2) how many large commercial solar applications Hospital NHS Trust North West London Hospitals NHS 166 have been approved by Ofgem to date; [186465] Trust (3) what steps he is taking to simplify and speed up Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust 0 the applications process for commercial solar schemes; Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS 0 [186466] Foundation Trust Royal Free London NHS 74 (4) what the average time taken by Ofgem to Foundation Trust complete large solar commercial applications is. Royal National Orthopaedic 0 [186467] Hospital NHS Trust St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust 198 Michael Fallon: These are matters for Ofgem in The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS 67 accordance with their responsibility for administering Foundation Trust The Whittington Hospital NHS 67 the renewables obligation. I have asked the chief executive Trust to write directly to the hon. Member and will place a University College London 116 copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House. Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 447W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 448W

(2) what discussions his Department has had with Number of people the Department for Education on better ensuring that West Middlesex University Hospital 101 it addresses issues on transition raised during the recent NHS Trust listening exercise on the review of the adult autism Notes: strategy; [186557] 1. Information is not collected on the number of people in accident and emergency departments who were not seen by a doctor within four hours of (3) what discussions his Department has had with the arrival. Information is collected on the number of patients who have a total Ministry of Justice on better addressing issues in the time in accident and emergency department over four hours from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge. criminal justice system raised during the recent listening 2. Information is included for all types of accident and emergency exercise on the review of the adult autism strategy; departments, including minor injury units and walk-in centres. [186558] 3. Information is included for all NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts in the London region team of NHS England. (4) what discussions his Department has had with Source: (a) the Ministry of Justice and (b) the Home Office on NHS England, weekly accident and emergency situation report for week ending 2 February 2014: the implementation of the adult autism strategy in the www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and- criminal justice system. [186954] activity/weekly-ae-sitreps-2013-14/ Norman Lamb: Although progress is being made Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health under the 2010 Adult Autism Strategy, provision of how many people waited more than (a) two and (b) services for people with autism can vary across the four hours to be seen by accident and emergency staff country. In order to help standardise and improve the in each London NHS trust in the last five years for care and management of autism and to enable health which figures are available; and if he will make a and social care services to support people with autism statement. [186894] more effectively, the Department commissioned the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to Jane Ellison: Information is not available in the format produce guidance on autism. This includes a recent requested. Tables showing number of attendances (excluding Quality Standard for Autism which can help to inform planned) with a duration to assessment, treatment and the commissioning of autism services for children, young departure of over four hours and over two hours for people and adults, focusing on key areas for improving each provider national health service trust in London the quality of existing services. for the years 2008-09 to 2012-13 have been placed in the Library. The Department worked with a range of Government departments and agencies, local health and social service Alzheimer’s Disease: Paracetamol providers, public and voluntary organisations and people with autism, carers and families during the listening phase of the review of the adult autism strategy. This Dame : To ask the Secretary of State for included the Department for Education (DFE), Ministry Health what research his Department has (a) commissioned of Justice (MOJ) and the Home Office, with officials and (b) evaluated on possible links between paracetamol representing those departments attending meetings and and Alzheimer’s disease; and what discussions he has events. The MOJ and DFE are members of the Autism had with regulatory bodies on such links. [186270] Programme Board (APB). All papers for the APB are placed on Gov.UK website at: Dr Poulter: The Medicines and Healthcare products www.gov.uk/government/policy-advisory-groups/aapb Regulatory Agency keeps the safety of paracetamol under close review. The available evidence does not These papers provide further information about how suggest that paracetamol is linked to an increased risk the reviews were conducted, the findings, and notes of of Alzheimer’s disease. discussions at the APB. The Department has not commissioned any research The MOJ and DFE have also offered to host meetings on possible links between paracetamol and Alzheimer’s of officials in the near future with advocates for autism disease. to discuss what more can be done. The Secretary of State for Health, my right hon. The Children and Families Bill, led by the DFE, will Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), introduce joint arrangements between health, care and has had no discussions with regulatory bodies on such education, for children with special educational needs links. for young people aged 0 to 25, providing a basis for planning effective transition; the Department of Health’s Care Bill provides for social care assessments before a Autism child turns 18, to allow for continuity in transition. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Crime Prevention: Young People Health what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy and effectiveness of current models of care and treatment for people with autism in the NHS. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for [186482] Health what guidance his Department has given to (a) local authorities in England and (b) health and wellbeing Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for boards on the Ending Gang and Youth Violence Health (1) what discussions his Department has had programme. [186960] with the Home Office on better addressing issues in the criminal justice system raised during the recent listening Jane Ellison: The Department, working with the Home exercise on the review of the adult autism strategy; Office and the Local Government Association, has [186556] commissioned the NHS Confederation to develop a 449W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 450W resource providing practical information and guidance Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State on the significant role health and wellbeing boards can for Health (1) how many people from black, Asian and play in preventing and tackling violence generally, in minority ethnic backgrounds were diagnosed with type collaboration with community safety partnerships and 2 diabetes in England in each year since 2003; [186358] other local partners. This briefing will be made available to local authorities and health and wellbeing boards soon. (2) how many people were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in England in each year since 2003. [186359] Diabetes

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State Jane Ellison: This information cannot be provided in for Health how many diabetes-related amputations the format requested. were carried out in each year since 2003. [186282] In the following table we have provided the number of patients recorded in the National Diabetes Audit Jane Ellison: In the following table, we have provided (NDA)1 that were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes information concerning the number of finished consultant in England in the 2009-102, 2010-11 and 2011-122 audit episodes (FCEs) with a primary diagnosis of diabetes years, broken down by ethnic category. Participation in and a primary or secondary procedure of amputation, the NDA is not mandatory, so does not have 100% in each year from 2003-04 to 2012-13. coverage or participation. FCEs 1 Data can only be provided for the 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 audit years as data prior to 2009-10 is not currently held. 2003-04 2,092 2 2004-05 2,141 The figures provided in the table should be used in context of 2005-06 1,994 increased coverage in the NDA. Coverage has improved from an estimated 80.2% case ascertainment in 2009-10 to an estimated 2006-07 1,999 88.4% case ascertainment in 2011-12. 2007-08 2,114 2008-09 2,197 Audit year 2009-10 2,176 Ethnic category 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2010-11 2,370 2011-12 2,406 White 110,206 123,787 125,529 2012-13 1,757 British 98,682 111,256 113,215 Notes: Irish 1,101 1,308 1,318 1. Activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity Any other white 10,423 11,223 10,996 in the independent sector. background 2. Data include amputation of arm, hand, leg, foot, toe and re-amputation at a higher level. 3. A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted Mixed 1,495 1,698 1,807 patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the White and black 428 444 474 number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of Caribbean care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. White and black 329 417 389 4. These data provide the number episodes of care where one or more amputations African has taken place, and may not be the actual number of individual amputations. White and Asian 240 276 288 For example, a patient may have had both legs amputated in the same episode of care. Any other mixed 498 561 656 5. These data should not be described as a count of people as the same person background may have been admitted on more than one occasion. For example, a patient may have had a re-amputation at a higher level in a later episode. Source: Asian or Asian 17,789 20,087 21,958 Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), the Health and Social Care Information Centre. British Indian 6,958 7,661 8,146 Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State Pakistani 5,325 5,827 6,728 for Health how many cases of diabetic retinopathy have Bangladeshi 2,304 2,533 2,704 been diagnosed in each year since 2003. [186283] Any other Asian 3,202 4,066 4,380 background Jane Ellison: The following table indicates the number of persons diagnosed with referable diabetic retinopathy Black or black 6,109 6,947 7,694 from when records began in 2007. This does not include British persons diagnosed with referable diabetic retinopathy Caribbean 2,353 2,595 2,829 outside the national screening programme. African 3,157 3,660 4,128 Any other black 599 692 737 Number of referable diabetic retinopathy outcomes by the NHS National background Diabetic Eye Screening Programme in England, 2007-08 to 2011-12 Total Other ethnic 5,537 5,942 5,918 2007-08 53,076 groups 2008-09 76,687 Chinese 504 572 601 2009-10 95,155 Any other ethnic 5,033 5,370 5,317 group 2010-11 112,471 2011-12 108,212 Note: Not stated 56,213 50,938 49,874 This includes patients screened by digital photography and SLB with grading outcomes of M1, R2 and R3. Source: Total 197,349 209,399 212,780 Diabetic Eye Screening Programme Annual Reports. 451W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 452W

Drugs Shigella PHE centre flexneri Shigella sonnei Total Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012 22 35 57 Health if he will make it his policy to remove geographic inequalities in the dispensing of the Humira form of the 2013 25 57 82 drug adalimumab; and if he will make a statement. [186385] Avon Gloucestershire 48 217 265 and Wiltshire Norman Lamb: We are not aware of any significant 2010 9 56 65 unwarranted geographical variations in the dispensing 2011 15 57 72 of this drug in England. 2012 17 51 68 2013 7 53 60 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published technology appraisal guidance which recommends adalimumab as a treatment option Cheshire and 54 119 173 in a number of conditions, subject to certain clinical Merseyside criteria. These include: 2010 9 30 39 2011 11 26 37 Rheumatoid arthritis (TA130, October 2007); 2012 22 34 56 Severe active ankylosing spondylitis (TA143, May 2008); 2013 12 29 41 Psoriasis in adults (TA146, June 2008); Severe active Crohn’s disease (TA187, May 2010); and Cumbria and 70 92 162 Active and progressive psoriatic arthritis (TA199, August 2010). Lancashire National health service commissioners are required 2010 27 34 61 to fund drugs and treatments recommended in NICE 2011 14 25 39 technology appraisal guidance where a clinician believes 2012 15 5 20 they are appropriate. 2013 14 28 42 NICE is currently reviewing its guidance on adalimumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing Devon Cornwall and 67 150 217 spondylitis. It is also developing technology appraisal Somerset guidance on the use of this drug for severely active 2010 15 49 64. ulcerative colitis. 2011 19 41 60 In the absence of positive NICE technology appraisal 2012 14 29 43 guidance, NHS commissioners should make funding 2013 19 31 50 decisions based on an assessment of the available evidence and on the basis of an individual patient’s clinical East Midlands 30 106 136 circumstances. 2010 9 29 38 2011 7 30 37 Dysentery 2012 10 25 35 2013 4 22 26 Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 3 February 2014, Official Report, column 69W, on health education: sex, Greater Manchester 181 259 440 how many cases of shigella there have been in (a) total 2010 43 53 96 and (b) each parliamentary constituency since 2010. 2011 34 60 94 [186956] 2012 65 98 163 2013 39 48 87 Jane Ellison: The number of laboratory reports of most common shigella species reported to Public Health Surrey and 207 351 558 England (England and Wales) 2010-2013 follows: Sussex 2010 53 104 157 Shigella flexneri Shigella sonnies Total 2011 41 93 134 2012 46 74 120 2010 499 1,125 1,624 2013 67 80 147 2011 529 1,096 1,625 2012 670 958 1,628 2013 686 1,004 1,690 London 888 1,251 2,139 Total 2,384 4,183 6,567 2010 154 296 450 2011 188 312 500 The number of laboratory reports of most common 2012 245 299 544 shigella species reported to Public Health England by 2013 301 344 645 PHE Centre (England and Wales) 2010-2013 follows:

Shigella North East 59 124 183 PHE centre flexneri Shigella sonnei Total 2010 10 30 40 Anglia and Essex 85 188 273 2011 12 18 30 2010 24 64 88 2012 23 29 52 2011 14 32 46 2013 14 47 61 453W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 454W

(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that maternity Shigella PHE centre flexneri Shigella sonnei Total services acknowledge and provide support to new fathers. [186203] South Midlands and 57 180 237 Hertfordshire 2010 11 44 55 Dr Poulter: The engagement of fathers during pregnancy 2011 12 45 57 and the early years is extremely important for maximising 2012 20 45 65 the lifelong well-being and outcomes for children. The 2013 14 46 60 Healthy Child Programme for pregnancy and the first five years is the universal programme for all children. Thames Valley 117 190 307 The programme recognises the contribution that fathers 2010 23 68 91 make to their children’s development and aims to ensure 2011 26 42 68 that contact with the family routinely involves and 2012 39 38 77 supports fathers. 2013 29 42 71 To support maternity services in their engagement with fathers, the Department funded “Reaching out: Wessex 142 209 351 Involving Fathers in Maternity Care and Top Tips: 2010 36 49 85 Involving Fathers in Maternity Care”, which was published 2011 54 79 133 by the Royal College of Midwives in 2011. The guide 2012 31 47 78 provides top tips and useful insight into how all maternity 2013 21 34 55 service staff might best encourage fathers’ involvement throughout pregnancy and childbirth, and into fatherhood West Midlands 163 278 441 and family life. The guide is supported by the Fatherhood 2010 43 91 134 Institute and the Royal College of Obstetricians and 2011 32 83 115 Gynaecologists. 2012 46 40 86 Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) is a licensed preventive 2013 42 64 106 programme for vulnerable first-time young mothers. It offers intensive and structured home visiting, delivered Yorkshire and 178 354 532 by specially trained nurses, from early pregnancy until Humber the child is two. FNP uses in-depth methods to work 2010 29 97 126 with young mothers and fathers on attachment, 2011 35 108 143 relationships and psychological preparation for parenthood, 2012 49 84 133 as well as supporting learning and changes in family 2013 65 65 130 health, well-being and child health and development. Family nurses build supportive relationships with families Mid and West Wales 11 32 43 and guide first-time young parents so they can adopt 2010 2 9 11 healthier lifestyles for themselves and their babies, provide 20li 4 8 12 good care for their babies and plan their own futures. 2012 1 11 12 Fathers are actively invited to participate in FNP from 2013 4 4 8 the beginning, as a way of respecting their important contribution as a parent and partner. North Wales 41721In addition, we have developed a resource pack 2010 5 5 “Preparation for birth and beyond: a resource pack for 2011 3 6 9 leaders of community groups and activities”, to help 2012 3 3 the national health service, local authorities and the 2013 1 3 4 voluntary sector with the planning of preparation for parenthood groups and activities. This is a practical tool which recognises the need to include fathers and South East Wales 23 64 87 other partners in groups and activities. It is available at: 2010 2 16 18 2011 8 31 39 www.gov.uk/government/publications/preparation-for-birth- 2012 5 U 16 and-beyond-a-resource-pack-for-leaders-of-community- 2013 8 6 14 groups-and-activities

Total 2,384 14,181 6,565 1 Two lab reports where the PHE centres were not included relates to the two missing records for this total. Health Services: Greater London Note: Laboratory reports are taken from LabBase2, an operational database that can be updated as the result of new information received. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) medical and (b) non-medical staff were employed in each NHS trust within London in the last Fathers five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [186892] Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what training health professionals receive on Dr Poulter: The information requested has been placed engaging with new fathers; [186202] in the Library. 455W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 456W

Healthy Start Scheme HIV Infection

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether someone who is sanctioned while a Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health mother in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance remains eligible (1) how many cases of HIV have been identified in (a) for healthy start vouchers. [186692] St Albans constituency, (b) Hertfordshire, (c) the East Dr Poulter: Any pregnant woman or family with of England and (d) the UK in each year since 2005; children under four years old entitled to income-based [186223] jobseeker’s allowance is eligible to apply for Healthy (2) if he will publish an analysis of the cases of HIV Start vouchers. Once they have applied, they continue identified in (a) St Albans constituency, (b) Hertfordshire, to receive the vouchers unless the Healthy Start Issuing (c) the East of England and (d) the UK among people Unit is notified by either Her Majesty’s Revenue and of each (i) gender, (ii) age group and (iii) ethnicity Customs or Department for Work and Pensions that group. [186224] they are no longer eligible, or until the child’s fourth birthday. A person entitled to jobseeker’s allowance who receives Jane Ellison: Tables1to3providedataonthenumber a sanction nonetheless remains entitled to that allowance, of new HIV diagnoses by key demographic information and therefore also remains eligible for support from (gender, age at HIV diagnosis, ethnicity) for three Healthy Start for any pregnant woman or child under geographical areas (UK, East of England and Hertfordshire four living with them. The majority of income-based- Primary Care Trust (PCT)). There were 12 persons (all jobseeker’s allowance claimants with children under ages) newly-diagnosed with HIV in St Alban’s local four also qualify for Healthy Start through receipt of authority in 2005 and five between 2006 and 2012. child tax credit. Anyone who stops receiving Healthy Start vouchers Data were not broken-down further due to very small that they believe they are entitled to should contact the numbers. To ensure data presented do not inadvertently Healthy Start Issuing Unit helpline on 0845 607 6823 lead to disclosure of an individual, cells contents pertaining for assistance. to less than 10 individuals are denoted ‘<10’.

Table 1: New HIV diagnoses by year of diagnosis and key demographic information: UK, 2005-12 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Sex Male 4,676 4,514 4,716 4,619 4,476 4,321 4,431 4,559 Female 3,252 2,984 2,672 2,654 2,200 2,041 1,788 1,805

Age at diagnosis <20 299 289 261 239 224 220 196 171 20-34 3,930 3,658 3,366 3,213 2,736 2,593 2,577 2,552 35-49 3,011 2,917 3,053 3,020 2,808 2,700 2,569 2,651 50+ 688 634 708 801 848 849 877 990

Ethnicity White 3,142 3,161 3,393 3,328 3,299 3,092 3,216 3,201 Asian 145 ’ 174 192 232 233 267 271 320 Other/mixed 337 325 308 327 284 317 266 283 Black Caribbean 272 244 218 253 241 194 159 147 Black African 3,834 3,407 3,013 2,832 2,249 1,978 1,693 1,522 Black other 114 119 140 145 128 126 92 100 Unknown 84 68 124 156 242 388 522 791 Total 7,928 7,498 7,388 7,273 6,676 6,362 6,219 6,364

Table 2: New HIV diagnoses by year of diagnosis and key demographic information: East of England, 2005-12 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Sex Male 254 251 269. 229 192 239 197 ¦ 262 Female 289 276 238 218 213 193 131 157

Age at diagnosis <20 15 19 11 18 10 16 10 <10 20-34 234 256 215 167 150 165 120 147 35-49 230 189 206 217 174 187 142 193 50+ 64 63 75 45 71 64 56 70

Ethnicity White 149 173 206 130 164 192 156 192 Asian <10 <10 <10 14 <10 ILJ <10 13 Other/mixed 12 11 11 14 <10 13 11 10 457W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 458W

Table 2: New HIV diagnoses by year of diagnosis and key demographic information: East of England, 2005-12 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Black Caribbean <10 11 <10 11 11 10 <10 <10 Black African 359 318 265 269 200 189 116 143 Black other <10 <10 <10 <10 0 <10 <10 0 Unknown <10 <10 <10 <10 14 14 26 55 Total 543 527 507 447 405 432 328 419

Table 3: New HIV diagnoses by year of diagnosis and key demographic information; Hertfordshire PCT, 2005-12 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Sex Male 4336424329403036 Female 45 42 36 43 43 33 23 21

Age at diagnosis <20 <10 <10 <10 <10 0 <10 <10 <10 20-34 36 31 29 30 20 27 19 22 35-49 39 31 31 45 40 38 26 27 50+ <20 <20 <20 <10 12 <10 <10 <10

Ethnicity White 23 23 29 16 20 28 22 17 Asian <10 <10 0 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 Other/mixed <10 <10 <10 <10 0 0 <10 <10 Black Caribbean <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 Black African 55 46 43 58 44 37 21 23 Black other 0 0 <10 0 0 0 <10 0 Unknown 0 0 0 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 Total 8878788672735357 Notes: 1. Data are sourced from laboratories, genito-urinary medicine clinics and other health care settings. 2. Areas when presented are area of diagnoses and not of residence, there is evidence that a large proportion of individuals are diagnosed outside of their area of residence. 3. Numbers will rise as further reports are received, particularly for recent years. 4. Cells are masked where cell sizes are 1-9.

Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Hospital Beds: Essex what funding his Department provides for the treatment of HIV in (a) St Albans constituency, (b) Hertfordshire, Mr Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for (c) the East of England and (d) the UK. [186225] Health how many beds in the Mid-Essex Hospital Trust have been occupied by patients affected by delays Jane Ellison: Estimated 2011-12 expenditure on HIV in discharge in each of the last 12 months; and if he treatment and care by former national health service will make a statement. [185596] primary care trusts (PCTs) in St Albans and Hertfordshire was £231,000, and in the area covered by the former Jane Ellison: The information is not available in the East of England Strategic Health Authority £35,760,000. format requested. Estimated expenditure by former PCTs in England was The number of delayed discharges at the Mid Essex approximately £642 million. Hospital Services NHS Trust for each of the last 12 This area of health policy is devolved to both Scotland months is shown in the following table. The patient and Wales; funding data for the United Kingdom is not snapshot refers to the number of patients affected on available. one day (the last Thursday) of each month.

Patient snapshot Total delayed days Period NHS Social Care Both Total NHS Social Care Both Total

2012-13 January 37 0 0 37 1,090 23 0 1,113 2012-13 February 36 0 0 36 736 0 0 736 2012-13 March 24 0 0 24 843 12 0 855 2013-14 April 30 0 0 30 733 0 0 733 2013-14 May 27 0 0 27 803 0 0 803 2013-14 June 26 0 0 26 813 0 0 813 2013-14 July 28 0 0 28 999 0 0 999 2013-14 August 33 0 0 33 851 5 0 856 2013-14 September 35 0 0 35 899 0 0 899 2013-14 October 22 0 0 22 782 0 0 782 2013-14 November 20 0 0 20 652 0 0 652 459W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 460W

Patient snapshot Total delayed days Period NHS Social Care Both Total NHS Social Care Both Total

2013-14 December 21 0 0 21 746 0 0 746 Source: NHS England Analytical Service

Hospital Beds: Greater London follow up inspections) the CQC estimates that this will increase to between 160 and 220 by June 2014. Full-time Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health equivalent resources beyond quarter 1 of the financial how many hospital beds operated or owned by North year are expected to increase in line with the inspection West London Hospitals NHS Trust there were at (a) schedule and to reflect the CQC’s new approach as it is Central Middlesex Hospital, (b) Northwick Park Hospital phased in. and (c) other hospitals in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and The staff resources for the chief inspector of hospitals (iii) 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. [186890] are based on understanding the number of teams that are required to regulate the services. The teams include Jane Ellison: The information is not available in the experts such as clinical associates and people who use format requested. The following table shows the average services for example, Experts by Experience. daily number of beds available at North West London The CQC has been given additional resources for this Hospitals NHS Trust in each of the specified years. financial year to help us deliver the program of improvement to hospital inspections. The CQC is in the final stages of Beds open during the planning and budgeting for 2014-15 and when this is Beds open overnight day only finalised they will be agreed with the Department. The 2010-11 738 96 CQC cannot supply a figure for the budget directly 2011-12 760 94 allocated to the hospital inspection directorate for 2013-14, 2012-13 727 109 given that the directorate’s full first year of operation Source: will be 2014-15. Department of Health KH03. Hospitals: Waiting Lists Hospitals Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of planned elective operations Health what (a) staff and (b) budgetary resources have was cancelled in each week since 4 November 2013. been allocated to the Chief Inspector of Hospitals. [186757] [186429] Jane Ellison: The information is not available in the Norman Lamb: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) format requested. is the independent regulator of health and adult social The latest available information on cancelled elective care providers in England. Under the Health and Social operations in the national health service in England is Care Act 2008 all providers of regulated activities have for the quarter ending 30 September 2013. This shows to register with CQC and meet a set of requirements of that 14,972 elective operations were cancelled by hospitals safety and quality. on or after the day of admission for non-clinical reasons The CQC has provided the following information: in the quarter, representing 0.8% of 1,857,919 elective The CQC has set out its purpose of ensuring services admissions. provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high- Information for the quarter ending 31 December quality care and to encourage services to improve. To 2013 is due to be published on 14 February 2014. achieve this aim, the CQC is in the process of finalising its inspection schedule and budget with the Department Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for for 2014-15. Any figures quoted are therefore subject to Health how many NHS patients in (a) Coventry, (b) change. the West Midlands and (c) England waited for more Based on current assumptions there are 131 inspectors than a year for treatment in each of the last three years. that will form the core of the CQC’s hospital inspection [186490] staff in April 2014. To deliver the programme of inspections (including the new approach to its new inspection process, Jane Ellison: The information is shown in the following and current approach of risk-based inspections and table.

National health service patients waiting more than 52 weeks for treatment, 2010-11 to 2012-13

2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Admitted1 Non-admitted2 Admitted Non-admitted Admitted Non-admitted

Coventry3 6129355

West Midlands4 445 2,167 1,147 1,960 513 600 461W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 462W

National health service patients waiting more than 52 weeks for treatment, 2010-11 to 2012-13 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Admitted1 Non-admitted2 Admitted Non-admitted Admitted Non-admitted

England 4460 11,191 7,389 13,045 4,677 6,098 1 Patients admitted to hospital. 2 Patients not admitted to hospital, for example those receiving out-patient treatment. 3 Patients where Coventry Teaching Primary Care Trust was the responsible commissioner. 4 Patients where Primary Care Trusts in the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority were the responsible commissioner. Source: Consultant-led referral to treatment waiting times, NHS England, www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/rtt-waiting-times/

Human Papillomavirus vaccinated aged between 12-17 years. This group of girls, who had the highest vaccination coverage, experienced Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health a reduction in the prevalence of HPV 16/18 from 19.1% what assessment he has made of the efficacy of the pre-immunisation to 6.5% post-immunisation. HPV vaccination among young women since 2008. The development of cancer typically takes many [186226] years following HPV infection: the impact of HPV vaccination on cancer cases will therefore take many Jane Ellison: Public Health England (PHE), and its years to be fully realised. predecessor organisation, the Health Protection Agency, has been assessing the effectiveness of the human Joint Replacements papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation programme in England. PHE has been monitoring the prevalence of type-specific genital HPV infections through surveys Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health that use specimens from young women in England. how many elderly people have had post-operative problems Data analysed in 2012 from specimens collected in 2010 with a joint replacement in the latest period for which to 2012 from young women included in the catch-up figures are available. [186453] immunisation programme have shown a reduction in the two HPV types included in the vaccine, compared to Norman Lamb: The information cannot be provided similar data collected prior to the introduction of the in the format requested. Figures for post-operative problems HPV immunisation programme. These findings provide following joint replacements are generally not available. the first indication that the national HPV immunisation In the following tables, we have provided patient programme is successfully preventing HPV 16/18 infection reported outcomes measure (PROM) data collected for in sexually active young women in’ England. In the certain specified problems reported by patients following post-immunisation survey of 16 to 24-year-olds, the surgery for total hip or knee replacements (including prevalence of the two vaccine types (HPV 16/18) was revisions) for the financial year, April 2011 to March lowest in the youngest girls, 16-18 years, who had been 2012, the latest year for which figures are available.

Knee replacement

Number of Of those with one or more problems

Available One or more Further Age group Procedures records problems Allergy Bleeding Urinary Wound Re-admitted surgery

50-59 9,411 4,969 1,696 607 451 432 735 565 260

60-69 26,423 15,552 5,202 2,006 1,233 1,498 1,990 1,451 580

70-79 28,548 16,581 5,688 2,082 1,171 1,994 2,015 1,517 477

80-89 10,712 5,700 1,905 668 366 770 606 541 *

90+ 376 181 60 18 13 26 19 11 *

Total (50+) 75,470 42,983 14,551 5,381 3,234 4,720 5,365 4,085 1,447

Hip replacement Number of Of those with one or more problems Available One or more Further Age group Procedures records problems Allergy Bleeding Urinary Wound Re-admitted surgery

50-59 9,831 5,442 1,584 584 313 544 562 370 155 60-69 21,928 13,581 4,077 1,536 667 1,583 1,228 855 313 70-79 24,875 14,828 4,450 1,566 702 1,961 1,269 1,150 375 80-89 10,211 5,529 1,592 499 229 799 416 570 153 90+ 600 272 86 29 14 52 20 . 28 8 463W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 464W

Hip replacement Number of Of those with one or more problems Available One or more Further Age group Procedures records problems Allergy Bleeding Urinary Wound Re-admitted surgery

Total (50+) 67,455 39,652 11,789 4,214 1,925 4,939 3,495 2,973 1,004 Notes: 1. All data are for activity in NHS hospitals in England and activity commissioned by the English NHS carried out in the independent sector in England. 2. Analysis is based on pre-operative questionnaires completed by patients under the PROMs programme between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 for which a post-operative questionnaire has been returned and which has been successfully matched to a record of hospital in-patient care. 3. All patients undergoing elective in-patient treatment for an eligible procedure are invited to complete PROMs questionnaires, but are not required to do so. 4. Not all patients who returned PROMs questionnaires answered questions on complications following surgery (allergy/reaction, urinary problems, bleeding, wound problems), although these questions were answered in a minimum of 86% of questionnaires. 5. Post-operative questionnaires are sent to and returned by patients following their surgery. Not all patients undergoing the relevant operations return questionnaires; the reasons for this will vary, but patients are not obliged to complete or return their questionnaires and some will simply have chosen not to do so. 6. The column ‘number of procedures’ refers to the number of hospital episodes recorded for this type of surgery, age group and financial year. It is contextual only as some records may relate to procedures conducted in other years. 7. The column ‘number of available records’ refers to the number of post-operative questionnaires where we were able to link to hospital in-patient data for analysis. 8. “*” denotes that this value has been suppressed to protect patient confidentiality. Values of <5 are suppressed, and additional values where it would be otherwise possible to derive suppressed values from the total. Source: Patient Reported Outcome Measures in England/Hospital Episode Statistics, Health and Social Care Information Centre.

Medical Records: Databases this area. Undertaking additional information governance or privacy impact assessments for specific programmes Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health such as care.data helps an organisation like the HSCIC what proportion of households have not yet received a assure itself that it understands and is effectively managing Better data means better care leaflet; and when he risks to information. expects the leaflet drop to be completed. [186267] The information governance assessment for NHS England’s care.data addendum endorsed on 3 October Dr Poulter: NHS England are in the process of surveying 2013 by the HSCIC as a key element of the Independent a sample of households to evaluate the effectiveness of Advisory Group’s (IAG) necessary work to discharge the leaflet, “Better information means better care”, the HSCIC’s responsibilities in respect of safeguarding which includes asking whether they recall receiving the patients’ data. As with all other information governance leaflet and how much of it they read. This will ensure assessments, it enabled the IAG to provide a view on that lessons are learnt to incorporate in future national whether the risks, particularly information governance mailings. risks, are balanced with the benefits that can be realised through extracting the data. Royal Mail was contracted to deliver the leaflet to every household in England during January 2014. The HSCIC information governance assessment concluded that there were some new risks that would need to be considered by NHS England. NHS England Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health subsequently undertook a privacy impact assessment in whether patient data extracted through the care.data January 2014 which set out to a satisfactory level how it programme will be used to facilitate direct care for would manage these risks. individual patients. [186315] NHS: Employment Services Dr Poulter: The care.data programme will extract coded data from care settings to ensure that commissioners Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and providers obtain a more complete and balanced how many NHS trusts provide specialist employment picture of the care being delivered to patients. Without support; and if he will make a statement. [186906] joined-up information it is impossible to commission joined-up care or to address variations in the quality, Dr Poulter: The Department does not collect information efficiency and equity of health and social care service about how many trusts provide specialist employment provision. support. However, as major employers, many will have schemes to help local people into employment with Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health them including, for example, for those with physical (1) what recent assessment he has made of the accuracy disabilities and mental health issues, support via the of the Information Governance Assessment on Government’s access to work scheme. Trusts would also care.data published by the Health and Social Care have access to occupational health services to advise on Information Centre on 29 August 2013; [186316] reasonable adjustments to support people in employment. (2) what use his Department makes of information Northwick Park Hospital governance assessments on care.data by the Health and Social Care Information Centre; and which is the most Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health recent such assessment used by his Department. how many operations were carried out at Northwick [186317] Park hospital in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [186893] Dr Poulter: The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) is responsible for ensuring that it meets Jane Ellison: The numbers of finished consultant episodes all essential information governance requirements and (FCE) with any procedure or intervention which have like all bodies that process patient information must taken place at Northwick Park hospital in each of the undertake an annual assessment of its performance in last five years are shown in the following table: 465W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 466W

All staff employed or engaged directly by the Department Number —civil servants, temporary and agency staff—are paid 2008-09 28,893 the living wage or above, as defined by the Living Wage 2009-10 30,296 Foundation. Some staff, not employed or engaged by 2010-11 33,255 the Department but working for suppliers that provide 2011-12 36,641 services to the Department, are on rates less than the 2012-13 39,328 local Living Wage but above the minimum wage. Note: An FCE is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one Prescription Drugs consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. Health when he plans to respond to the Medicines and Source: Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency consultation Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information on a proposed early access to medicines scheme which Centre. closed in October 2012. [186848] Obesity: Surgery Norman Lamb: Following the consultation, engagement Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for has continued with interested parties and across Health if he will make it his policy that there should Government. Discussions are at an advanced stage and not be an upper age limit for gastric bypass operations; an announcement will be made as soon as these have and if he will make a statement. [186386] concluded. Jane Ellison: There is no upper age limit for gastric Public Appointments bypass operations. Operations are carried out on the basis of clinical need in accordance with NHS England’s guidance ″Clinical Commissioning Policy on Complex Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for and Specialised Obesity Surgery″. A copy of this guidance Health how many public appointments his Department has already been placed in the Library. made in the last 12 months; how many such appointments are remunerated posts; what the level of such remuneration Pay is; and how many people so appointed are (a) women and (b) men. [186399] Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of (a) permanent, (b) temporary and Dr Poulter: I refer the hon. Member to the answer (c) contract staff in his Department are paid the living given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster wage or above. [186690] General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude), on 5 February 2014, Official Report, Dr Poulter: The Government supports businesses that column 301W. choose to pay the living wage. However, its prime policy concern is the national minimum wage for the low paid. Self-harm This is independently set by the Low Pay Commission at a level that maximises the wages of the low paid without reducing their employment prospects. It is for Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for workers and employers to decide the level of wages Health pursuant to the answer of 24 January 2014, above the minimum wage based on current circumstances. Official Report, column 349W, on self-harm, how many This includes the Government as a procurer and an people attended accident and emergency due to self-harm employer. Over 95%— around 20 million employees—earn in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10. [186964] above the minimum wage and the majority of public sector workers currently earn above the living wage. Norman Lamb: Data for the number of people attending Government will always award contracts oh the basis of accident and emergency (A&E) services due to self-harm the best value for money for the taxpayers—which in 2008-09 and 2009-10 are supplied in the following includes the low paid. table.

Number and percentage of A&E attendances for self-harm1 and percentage of A&E attendances with patient group recorded as unknown or other for the years 2008-09 and 2009-10

Number of A&E attendances Percentage of Percentage of attendances with Percentage of attendances with ‘other’ for self-harm attendances ‘unknown’ patient group or ‘other accident’ group

2008-09 101, 670 0.7 4.2 90.1

2009-10 108,312 0.7 5.1 89.3

1 A code that indicates the reason for the A&E episode. Group 30 indicates those attending because of deliberate self-harm. Note: The table contains data for activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre 467W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 468W

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (2) what obligations on the UK in relation to the provision of abortions arise from UN Security Council Bangladesh Resolution 2122; and pursuant to the answer to Lord Lester of 21 January 2014, Official Report, House of Lords, column 93WA, on abortion, which activities are Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International required as a matter of international law; [186923] Development what assessment her Department has made of the role played by civil society organisations in (3) whether the abortions referred to in the written Bangladesh’s democracy. [186292] answer to Lord Lester of 21 January 2014, Official Report, House of Lords, column 93WA,would be performed Mr Duncan: Bangladeshi civil society makes an important on the request of the mother at any stage of gestation; contribution to democracy, including through holding what other criteria would be applied, if any; and if he the Government to account, calling for changes to will make a statement. [186831] policy, and challenging corruption. DFID works with a wide range of civil society organisations to improve Lynne Featherstone: On access to abortion services, governance in Bangladesh. UK policy is clear: Where abortion is permitted, we can consider support for activities to improve the quality, safety and accessibility of abortion services. UK Criminal Investigation development assistance is not used to procure illegal services. However, where access to safe abortion is highly Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for restricted and maternal mortality and morbidity are International Development which organisation her high, which is often the case in conflict settings, we can Department and its subsidiary body use to tackle internal help make the consequences of unsafe abortion more instances of crime, including corruption and fraud; and widely understood and can support processes of legal whether she has designated this organisation or any and policy reform. individual within it to grant authorisation for carrying The UK welcomes the Security Council’s focus on out directed surveillance under section 28 of the Regulation improving access to sexual and reproductive health—also of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. [186713] a UK priority. In conflict situations UK-funded medical care is provided by humanitarian organisations. These Lynne Featherstone: The Department’s Counter Fraud organisations work according to humanitarian principles and Whistleblowing Unit (CFWU), based within DFID’s which include providing aid according to need and need Internal Audit Department, is responsible for managing alone and without discrimination of any kind. Our partners all internal and external referrals on crime, corruption are fully conversant with international humanitarian and fraud. The CFWU team includes a core team of law principals. UN Security Council Resolution 2122(2013) counter fraud specialists who focus primarily on the does not impose any additional obligations in this respect. assessment and investigation of allegations. The Department is not a prescribed relevant public Overseas Aid authority under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which projects funded by Developing Countries: Abortion her Department have been (a) given an extension of or (b) started with a value of more than £50,000 in the current financial year. [186194] : To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate she has made Justine Greening: The information is as follows: of the extent of the UK’s involvement in abortion provision overseas in implementing UN Security Council Part (a): Projects that have been given an extension of Resolution 2122. [186921] more than £50,000 in the current financial year Projects which have been given an extension worth Lynne Featherstone: The UK welcomes the Security over £5 million in the current financial year are: Council’s focus on improving access to sexual and Trust Fund for Statistical Capacity Building (TFSCB) reproductive health. The UK funds partners to deliver Health Partnership Scheme (HPS) comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) Economic Empowerment of the Poorest services including in humanitarian situations; we encourage Prevention of Maternal Death from Unwanted Pregnancy other donors and partner agencies to do likewise. These services may include improving access to safe abortion Girls-Participatory Approaches to Students’ Success (PASS) in line with our policy paper on safe and unsafe abortion. Evidence Base to catalyse a global market for Clean Cookstoves In addition, we are currently developing new work to Extension make sure that comprehensive SRH health services are Mobile-Enable Community Services Extension (MECS) included in emergency response and recovery and to Strengthening Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change build resilience in countries so they can be better prepared. in Kenya plus (StARCK+) Programme Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Extension International Development (1) what plans he has to Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow (ELECT consult Parliament about the policies he has announced II) regarding the use of development aid for abortion Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN) services which are unlawful in the jurisdiction in which These programmes were given a cost extension in the UK is procuring them; [186922] order to achieve significant additional results. 469W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 470W

Part (b): Projects that have started in the current Mr Duncan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer financial year and had a value of more than £50,000 given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster 274 projects with a value of more than £50,000 have General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham been approved this financial year. I have arranged for a (Mr Maude), on 5 February 2014, Official Report, list of these projects to be placed in the Libraries of the column 301W. House. More information on international development projects funded the UK Government is available on the Development Tracker, at DEFENCE http://devtracker.dfid.gov.uk/ Afghanistan Palestinians Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the funding streams his Department International Development what steps her Department has to the Afghan Government; what the purposes are is taking to end aid dependency through the creation of for the funding in each case; what steps he is taking to jobs in Gaza. [186291] ensure that such funds are used by the Afghans for the intended purposes; and if he will make a statement. Mr Duncan: DFID aims to support the creation of [185296] sustainable jobs though its programmes, such as a UN Relief and Works Agency job creation programme in Mr Francois [holding answer 4 February 2014]: There Gaza, a World Food Programme project to provide are currently no Ministry of Defence specific funding vouchers for purchasing goods including those produced streams provided to the Afghan Government. locally, and the Palestinian Market Development Programme which aims to support companies to develop Armed Forces: Redundancy new products and markets. There is no immediate prospect of ending Gaza’s dependency on aid. Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review current armed forces Philippines redundancy legislation covering service personnel made compulsorily redundant close to pension point. [186789] Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the Dr Murrison: The decision to run an Armed Forces announcement made during her visit to the Philippines Redundancy Scheme was a difficult one, and over the on 24 November 2013, which cities will be allocated the period of the redundancy programme we have given £5 million investment in resilience; and how these cities very careful consideration to the possibility of changing were selected. [186318] the current legislation to address the concerns expressed by some of our personnel. However, we have concluded Justine Greening: The Managing Climate Risk for the that it would be unfair to make proximity to immediate Urban Poor programme will help fast-growing cities pension point a selection criterion for redundancy and reduce the risks poor people face from floods, storms or we have maintained that approach throughout all four droughts related to climate change. The process to tranches of the programme. We have looked at the select the cities in the Philippines is currently under way. alternatives and concluded that wherever we draw the line somebody will always be just over it, and facing the Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State possibility of perceived disadvantage. for International Development pursuant to the The current Armed Forces Redundancy Schemes announcement made during her visit to the Philippines recognise those who miss out on immediate incomes by on 24 November 2013, whether the £5 million investment paying them significantly enhanced tax-free redundancy in resilience will be used to rebuild destroyed evacuation compensation lump sums. On average, this figure is centres and storm shelters; and what plans she has to around £73,000 and for an Army Major it can on make further funding available for this purpose. [186319] average be around £100,000. Where people leave before the qualification point, any pension rights that have Justine Greening: The programme will help fast-growing been earned will also give them preserved pensions and cities reduce the risks poor people face from floods, further tax-free lump sums which they will receive at storms or droughts related to climate change. An additional age 60 or 65, depending on the pension scheme of £15 million has been committed to the early recovery which they are members. effort, bringing the UK’s total contribution to more than £75 million, to help more than a million people Army: Training affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Public Appointments (1) what proportion of Parachute Regiment recruit training courses are at full capacity; [186961] Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what proportion of infantry recruit training International Development how many public appointments courses are at full capacity. [186962] her Department made in the last 12 months; how many such appointments are remunerated posts; what the Dr Murrison: Very few courses are currently running level of such remuneration is; and how many people so near to full capacity. We expect the position to change appointed are (a) women and (b) men. [186401] in 2014-15. 471W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 472W

Criminal Investigation Financial year Sale price (FY) of sale Asset name Town (£)

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Lisnaskea Base Lisnaskea 1 Defence which organisation his Department and its subsidiary bodies use to tackle internal instances of Crossgar Ballynahinch 400,000 crime, including corruption and fraud; and whether he has designated this organisation or any individual within FY2009-10 Land at Walworth Drive Ballykelly 47,500 it to grant authorisation for carrying out directed Mill Road, Bessbrook Bessbrook 153,000 surveillance under section 28 of the Regulation of Knockdene Park North Belfast 530,000 Investigatory Powers Act 2000. [186707] Quarry Road Belfast 257,500 Clooney Road Houses Ballykelly 4,250,000 Dr Murrison: The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) and the service police investigate reported allegations of crime that fall within their respective jurisdictions. In FY2010-11 Land at Rathfriland Banbridge 1 addition, the Counter Fraud and Loss Prevention Unit Dalwhinney Road Holywood 260,000 supports efforts to reduce fraud and theft. A new Counter Part St Lucia Barracks Omagh 12,850 Fraud Strategy and a Counter Fraud and Loss Prevention SF Base (Forkhill) Forkhill 750,000 Board has been established to drive improvements in Stormont Park Houses Belfast 282,000 managing the risk of fraud and loss across the MOD. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) FY2011-12 Harmony House Lisburn 1,110,000 2000, section 28 and the orders made under the Act 1 specifically allow the MDP and service police to undertake St Patricks Barracks Ballymena 0 directed surveillance. There is therefore no requirement St Patricks Barracks Ballymena 10 (Houses) for the Secretary of State for Defence to designate these 1 organisations. All directed surveillance is conducted in Shackleton Barracks Ballykelly 0 full compliance with the legislative requirements. Lisanelly Barracks Omagh 10 St Lucia Barracks Omagh 10 Carolsteen Park Houses Bangor 200,000 MOD Donnington Laurel Hill House Coleraine 150,000 Waste Water Works Magiligan 25,000 Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Clonaver Crescent Houses Belfast 621,000 Defence what discussions his Department has held with Telford and Wrekin Borough Council on the expansion of MoD Donnington. [186459] FY2012-13 Magiligan Training Magiligan 5,000 Centre-Pumping Station Site Dr Murrison: Discussions with Telford and Wrekin Shackleton Barracks- Ballykelly 2,000 council concerning the potential redevelopment of the Church Land Ministry of Defence Logistics Commodities and Services Dog Kennel Close Houses Lisburn 550,000 (LCS) Donnington site have taken place within the Dog Kennel Crescent Lisburn 850,000 context of the LCS Transformation project (LCS(T)). Houses Similar discussions have also taken place with Cherwell district council about the potential redevelopment of FY2013-14 (to Drumadd Barracks Armagh 337,000 LCS Bicester. date) Magheralave Park Houses Lisburn 330,500 It is too early to state what the impact of LCS(T) will be on either of these sites. Masserene Barracks Antrim 2,600,000 1 Transferred to the Northern Ireland Executive

Northern Ireland Property

Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assets his Department has sold in Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; and what the (a) name, (b) location, (c) floor space, (d) what the value of each such sale was. [186635] tenure status and (e) value is of properties (i) owned and (ii) occupied by (A) his Department and (B) Dr Murrison: Assets disposed of in Northern Ireland agencies and public bodies accountable to him. [187283] are listed in the following table: Dr Murrison: A list of Ministry of Defence sites has Financial year Sale price (FY) of sale Asset name Town (£) been placed in the Library of the House. In addition, properties valued at greater than £1 million are listed in FY2008-09 Castle Park Houses Antrim 750,000 the National Asset Register: Walworth Houses Ballykelly 2,001,175 http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm70/7022/ Foyle Drive Houses Ballykelly 1,863,000 7022.pdf Pond Park Houses Lisburn 7,000,000 The floor space and tenure status could be provided Land at Pond Park Lisburn 70,000 only at disproportionate cost. 473W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 474W

Tornado Aircraft Mr Dunne: In consultation with the US, the proposed Joint User Group for the Reaper Remotely Piloted Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Aircraft System may develop cooperative opportunities Defence (1) what steps were taken in respect of through the exchange of lessons learnt and explore recommendation 95 in the Tornado Airworthiness Review working with other nations in areas such as air certification, Team Report Table of Recommendations, Action Officers training, through life support and interoperability. and Status Notes dated 5 February 1998; [186448] (2) what safety issues were identified in recommendation Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 95 of the Tornado Airworthiness Review Team Report pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2014, Official Report, Table of Recommendations, Action Officers and Status column 598W on unmanned aerial vehicles, what future Notes dated 5 February 1998 regarding the Tornado’s basing options his Department has identified for the Reaper capability following the end of ISAF operations ejection seat. [186449] in Afghanistan. [R] [186664] Mr Dunne: I will write to the hon. Member shortly. Mr Dunne: I have nothing further to add to the Trident answer I gave on 29 January 2014, Official Report, column 598W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Gillingham and Rainham (Rehman Chishti). Defence what the net book value is of a single Trident warhead. [186450] Unmanned Air Vehicles: Guided Weapons Mr Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 4 September 2013, Official Report, column Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 409W. The total net book value of the nuclear warhead what the outcome was of the joint UK-US firing trials stockpile is £273.7 million. There is no common net of Brimstone missiles which took place at China Lake book value for individual warheads due to differing in December 2013 and January 2014 from MQ-9 Reaper. levels of depreciation. [R] [186610] The standard application of net book value takes account of depreciation which depends on individual Mr Dunne: The trials completed in January 2014 and assets’ in-service dates. the data are still being analysed, therefore the results are not yet available. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child : War Memorials Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the Government’s commitment Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for to give due consideration to the UN Convention on the Defence (1) what funding support is available (a) for Rights of the Child (UNCRC) when making new policy new war memorials to honour those killed in the First and legislation, if he will place in the Library all assessments World War and (b) to recognise the contribution of of how new policy and legislation from his Department the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry; [186460] since January 2013 has given due consideration to the (2) if his Department will support the erection of a UNCRC. [186581] memorial to the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry at Dr Murrison: I refer the hon. Member to the answer the National Arboretum. [186461] given by the Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, my hon. Friend the Member for Broxtowe Dr Murrison: I am always pleased to hear of plans to (Anna Soubry), on 3 February 2014, Official Report, commemorate those who have served their country, and column 92W, to the hon. Member for Stockton North I would warmly welcome a memorial to the Kings (Alex Cunningham). Shropshire Light Infantry, who have played such a The Ministry of Defence, and the wider Government, distinguished role in many theatres. However, my hon. is fully committed to considering the impact of all new Friend will be aware that it is the policy of successive policies and legislation, where they impact specifically Governments that the cost of erecting new memorials is on children. not usually met from public funds, but from private donations or public subscription. Responsibility for the The Government is due to report to the UN Committee design, location, maintenance, protection, and any decision responsible for the UN Convention on the Rights of the about what a memorial commemorates rests with the Child shortly. The Department for Education is owner, or the organisation in which ownership is vested. coordinating the response with contributions from other Government Departments, including the work that the Yemen Ministry of Defence has undertaken. Once the Government has submitted its response to the UN Committee, a copy will be placed in the Library of the House. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2014, Official Unmanned Air Vehicles Report, column 69 on Yemen,what steps his Department is taking to support the Yemeni and US governments in Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence combating any common threat. [R] [186663] what potential co-operative opportunities have been identified by his Department as potentially benefiting Dr Murrison: We continue to support the Government from the proposed Joint User Group for Reaper. [R] of Yemen to counter the threat posed by Al-Qaeda in [186611] the Arabian peninsular. As part of his routine engagement 475W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 476W the Defence Attaché in Sana’a has regular meetings Stephen Hammond: No definitive list exists of those with members of the YemeniArmed and Security Forces who may receive vehicle keeper data. and with his US counterpart. Information concerning the types of customers requesting We are not currently providing any training to the DVLA data, the reasons why it is requested, and the Yemeni Armed Forces in Yemen although we continue volumes of enquiries processed can be found at: to provide training to a small number of Yemeni Officers https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/who-dvla- on professional development courses in the UK. shares-data-with

TRANSPORT Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Criminal Investigation Transport what discussions his Department has had with the Information Commissioner’s Office on the Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for propriety of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Transport which organisation his Department and its Swansea releasing personal data of car registration subsidiary bodies use to tackle internal instances of number owners to private companies; and if he will crime, including corruption and fraud; and whether he make a statement. [186417] has designated this organisation or any individual within it to grant authorisation for carrying out directed Stephen Hammond: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing surveillance under section 28 of the Regulation of Agency (DVLA) regularly meets with the Information Investigatory Powers Act 2000. [186715] Commissioner’s Office about the arrangements for managing the disclosure of vehicle keeper data to private Stephen Hammond: The Department’s fraud policy companies. states that Internal Audit are responsible for carrying out investigations in areas where fraud has occurred, Following its most recent audit of the DVLA’s either independently or in collaboration with line managers procedures for releasing vehicle keeper data, the Information or nominated members of staff. The DfT Fraud and Commissioner’s Office found that there was a high level Bribery Response Plan states that the Head of Internal of assurance that processes were in place to mitigate Audit should ensure that all investigations are carried against the risks of non-compliance with data protection out by suitably qualified persons. This may include requirements. internal audit or others, and where necessary the police. In practice, no internal audit staff have been granted Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for authorisation for carrying out directed surveillance under Transport what checks the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Section 28 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Agency, Swansea carries out on the (a) bona fides and Act 2000. Similar principles normally apply in the (b) operating standards of private parking companies Department’s agencies. before releasing personal data to such companies about The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has used one the owners of car registration numbers. [186418] organisation, Robertson and Co., to carry out surveillance in one case. RIPA authorisation was not required, but in order to ensure good practice, a process that mirrored Stephen Hammond: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing the RIPA process was used. DVLA investigations relating Agency (DVLA) carries out a range of checks before to crime, including corruption and fraud, are dealt with releasing information to private parking companies. in accordance with DVLA Fraud Policy, by internal Companies must be members of an appropriate accredited investigators, line management or HR as appropriate. trade association. Prior to granting membership, the Agreement is sought from the police or other prosecuting accredited trade association must check the company’s authorities to pursue appropriate investigations to operations to ensure that they comply with the relevant prosecution. DVLA do not have the authority to carry code of practice. out directed surveillance within the agency. The Driving The DVLA scrutinises all manual requests for Standards Agency uses Outforce Corporate Investigations information to ensure that the company is genuine and Limited (OCI) to conduct internal investigations of that the request is appropriate. This includes confirming crime, corruption or fraud. While, under section 28 of that the company is registered with the Information the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, their Commissioner’s Office, Companies House and the chief executive has statutory powers to grant authorisation appropriate accredited trade association. Requests that to third parties to conduct limited directed surveillance fail to satisfy these checks are refused. on the Agency’s behalf, this authorisation has not been designated to OCI and must be authorised personally Companies wishing to request data through an electronic by the chief executive in every case. OCI do carry out link must first serve a six-month probationary period limited direct surveillance on behalf of the former DSA making manual requests only. This allows the DVLA to though this practice must be reviewed and approved by monitor the company’s compliance, operating standards the Office of the Surveillance Commissioner every two years. and use of the data before deciding whether an electronic link can be permitted. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for State for Transport if he will list the (a) public and (b) Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the private bodies to which the Driver and Vehicle Licensing guidance under which the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Swansea is authorised to release the (i) identities Agency, Swansea has been providing personal data of and (ii) home addresses of car registration numbers. car registration number owners to private parking [186416] companies. [186419] 477W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 478W

Stephen Hammond: No single guidance document the regulations. Any driver who is impaired by any drug sets out the arrangements for the release of vehicle including so called “legal highs” not covered in section information to private parking companies. 5A can still be prosecuted under the existing section 4 The law allows for the release of this information to “impairment” offence. those who can demonstrate reasonable cause to receive it. High Speed 2 Railway Line A range of safeguards is in place to ensure that data is released only where it is fair and lawful. Private parking companies requesting vehicle keeper data must David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for be members of an appropriate accredited trade association Transport what estimate HS2 Ltd has made of the and abide by its code of practice. number of classic compatible services originating at stations north of Wigan which will (a) call at and (b) Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for terminate at Manchester Piccadilly once phase 2 of Transport if he will make it his policy to ensure that the High Speed 2 is complete. [186303] Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Swansea shall not in future supply private car parking companies Mr Goodwill: The service pattern developed by HS2 with the personal data of car registration number Ltd assumes the proposed route that was released for owners; and if he will make a statement. [186420] public consultation on 17 July 2013 and does not envisage that any services originating north of Wigan would be Stephen Hammond: There are no current plans to calling at or terminating at Manchester Piccadilly.However change the policy relating to the release of vehicle this service specification has only been developed for information to private car parking companies. modelling purposes and is purely indicative. It is not The law allows the Driver and Vehicle Licensing binding on what services will eventually operate on HS2 Agency (DVLA) to release vehicle keeper information as it is not possible to write the timetable this far in to those able to demonstrate reasonable cause to receive advance of the proposed opening of the network. it. The DVLA has a range of safeguards in place to A decision on the Government’s preferred route for ensure that the data is released only where it is fair and Phase Two will be taken by the Secretary of State by the lawful to do so. end of 2014. The train service pattern, and ultimately The DVLA established a consumer forum for private the timetable for HS2 services, will be subject to the parking matters in 2012, comprising of representation usual industry planning processes before bringing the from DFT and the DVLA, Trading Standards, Citizens scheme into operation. Advice, AA, RAC Foundation, Association of Car Fleet Operators, British Parking Association, Independent David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Parking Committee and independent consumer Transport what improvements will be required to the representation. Its aim is to examine high level issues existing West Coast Main Line north of Wigan to and concerns relating to the release of vehicle keeper allow classic compatible services to run to stations data for car parking enforcement and help deliver beyond Preston; and what estimate HS2 Ltd has made continuous improvement in standards in the sector. of the cost of such improvements. [186304] Driving Under Influence: Drugs Mr Goodwill: The consultation on the Phase Two route closed at the end of January 2014. A decision on John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for this route is expected before the end of 2014. Transport what recent representations he has received Under the route we consulted on platform extensions on incorporating legal highs in the remit of drug- would be required at Preston station and Carstairs—where driving offences. [186968] classic compatible trains would split to serve Edinburgh and Glasgow—to accommodate the proposed 400 metre Mr Goodwill: We have not had any specific long trains. The track layout at Carstairs would also representations other than a number of respondents to need to be remodelled. the Government’s consultation on the drugs and their A high level estimate of the works to both Preston limits to be specified in regulations should also include and Carstairs suggests these works would cost so called “legal highs”. We will be publishing our response approximately £151 million (including contingency), to the consultation shortly. this is included in the HS2 budget for Phase 2. The new section 5A offence in the Road Traffic Act Further work is being undertaken by HS2 Ltd and 1988 only allows specifying drugs that are controlled Network Rail on the introduction of classic compatible under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) 1971. The trains onto the WCML between Golborne and Scotland Home Office has an existing regime to consider the as well as the selection of Carstairs as preferred location risks that any new drug may present to the public. for splitting and joining classic compatible trains. Specifying drugs not controlled under the MDA would by-pass that regime. In addition, the expert panel David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for recommended the drugs that are most evident in drug Transport which other sites were considered as potential driving after extensively reviewing the evidence. The locations for the rolling stock maintenance depot currently Government believes that it is right to proceed with the planned for Bamfurlong. [186307] evidence as it currently exists and monitor the new offence as we intend to do. Mr Goodwill: A long list of options for rolling stock The Department will continue to gather and review maintenance depots was generated following a sifting evidence on which drugs are found in the driving population, exercise of all the potential options identified by HS2 so that this can be reflected in any future revisions to Ltd. 21 potential rolling stock maintenance depot locations 479W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 480W were identified on the western leg and these were further This will be delivered in consultation with stakeholders sifted down to derive the Golborne option presented as and will ensure that the differing needs of the motor part of the proposed scheme for consultation. All depot industry and the general public are recognised. Specific options can be found in the report ‘Engineering Options: advice will be provided on how to check the licensing West Midlands to Manchester’. status of vehicles.

David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Transport pursuant to the answer of 5 December 2013, Official Report, column 771W, on High Speed 2 Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State Railway Line, which individual upgrades HS2 Ltd for Transport what assets his Department has sold in believes are required to the existing West Coast Main Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; and Line between Crewe and Wigan to enable classic what the value of each such sale was. [186575] compatible services to Preston and beyond without the Winterbottom to Bamfurlong spur; and what the cost Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport estimate of each individual upgrade is. [186314] has not sold any assets in Northern Ireland during the last five years. Mr Goodwill: The consultation on the Phase Two route closed at the end of January 2014. A decision on Parking: Fines this route is expected before the end of 2014. Under the route that was consulted on, significant Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for works would be required between Crewe and Warrington, Transport what estimate he has made of the amount of involving the widening and four-tracking along 24 km local authority revenue generated from parking charges of the route, where there are significant constraints. In and fines deriving from the use of fixed and mobile addition, Crewe station and the junction would need to closed circuit television cameras in the latest period for be remodelled or an additional grade separated junction which figures are available. [186914] from the high speed line to the north of the Crewe tunnel would need to be provided. Mr Goodwill: The figures are not centrally collected. HS2 Ltd have not looked in detail at these works or Local authority financial returns to the Department of the potential associated costs. Communities and Local Government do not show whether income from parking penalty charge notices (PCNs) is Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport from fixed and mobile closed circuit television cameras. if he will publish a redacted version of the Major An analysis of local authority parking finances in Projects Report excluding any content detrimental to England by the RAC Foundation published in December the developer of the High Speed 2 project. [186739] 2013 reports that total income from parking in 2012-13 was £1.4 billion of which £0.4 billion comes from Mr Goodwill: On 30 January 2014 the Secretary of on-street tickets and permits, £0.35 billion from on-street State for Transport exercised the power of veto to penalty charges and £0.6 billion from off-street charges withhold the release of the November 2011 Major and penalties. Projects Authority Project Assessment Review report. A copy of his statement of reasons has been provided to Private Roads both Libraries of the Houses of Parliament. Mr Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Transport if he will take steps to encourage the adoption when the result of the compensation consultation on of unadopted roads where there is a dispute over High Speed 2 will be published. [186839] responsibility for paying for essential maintenance. [186272] Mr Goodwill: I cannot confirm the date when the decisions on long-term discretionary compensation Mr Goodwill: The decision on whether or not local measures will be announced as responses to the consultation authorities adopt roads on new residential developments, are still being considered. However, it is our intention to and therefore maintain those roads at the public expense, have schemes in place by the summer. rests with each individual local highway authority. While Motor Vehicles: Excise Duties we would expect them to act reasonably in all matters we would not seek, nor do we have powers, to influence them in these matters. James Duddridge: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the announcement in the The Department has worked with representatives of Autumn Statement 2013 on changes to rules on vehicle the home building sector and with local highway authorities, tax discs, what guidance his Department plans to issue and has encouraged them to work together to make best to car dealers and repair workshops on (a) use of the existing powers for road adoption at their determining whether a car is taxed, (b) determining disposal. To assist this we have developed some model whether to use trade plates when road-testing a car and planning conditions that, where used, should work to (c) informing customers of the tax status of loaned ensure that roads on new residential developments are cars. [186820] built to an acceptable standard, so that adoption can take place. Stephen Hammond: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing We are currently considering the effectiveness of the Agency (DVLA) is developing a detailed communications draft planning conditions we issued, and will be happy strategy that will support the abolition of the tax disc. to write to you and update you on the outcomes in June. 481W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 482W

Public Appointments Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will detail the £70 million liability attached to the Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for International Maritime Organisation building. [186649] Transport how many public appointments his Department made in the last 12 months; how many such appointments Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport are remunerated posts; what the level of such remuneration (DFT) owns the freehold of 4 Albert Embankment; the is; and how many people so appointed are (a) women International Maritime Organisation (IMO) hold the and (b) men. [186406] property on a lease until 2032. The United Kingdom is the host nation to this UN body and the terms of the Stephen Hammond: I refer the hon. Member to the lease reflect that relationship. The DFT could be liable answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and to reinstate the property in the event of its destruction Paymaster General, my right hon. Friend the Member by fire or other causes. The replacement cost of £70 million for Horsham (Mr Maude), on 5 February 2014, Official is a contingency sum; it is based on a figure estimated in Report, column 301W. 2005-06 as increased by an index, plus a sum for rental Public Expenditure income foregone during the replacement process.

Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Transport into which budgets the £16 million removed if he will give the reasons for the growth in the cost of from the accounting category Transport Security in his central administration in his Department between the Department’s 2013-14 budget was moved; and what 2012-13 and 2013-14 financial years. [186650] guarantees are in place to ensure the same provision of security is maintained under the new budget allocation. Mr Goodwill: The following table provides a comparison [186647] of the Department’s Estimates provision for 2012-13 and 2013-14 for Section O (Central Administration). Mr Goodwill: The £16 million was moved internally There has been no increase in the provision for departmental from the Transport Security budget line to Maritime expenditure limit related to this expenditure. and Aviation Security and included within the following lines: £000 +£39 million resource increase for Maritime, £26.6 million 2012-13 Plans 2013-14 Plans relating to the transfer from MOD of SAR Helicopters. +£14 million resource increase for Aviation, including £5 million Departmental Expenditure Limit for the Airports Commission. Section O: Central 225,472 176,194 There is no reduction to the overall security budget. Administration Transport Security teams are aligned with their modal of which: counterparts and transport security work, rather than Administration 175,966 155,789 in a separate Transport Security Directorate. The movement Programme—Resource 49,306 17,686 of budgets now reflects this structure and the roles and Programme—Capital 8,399 2,719 responsibilities for modal security teams remain unchanged. A cross-modal team co-ordinates transport security The Department’s accounts for 2012-13 give an across the Department and we have instituted senior explanation of the variations between budgeted spend level governance structures to ensure that the complete and outturn for 2012-13. These are available at: transport security programme is maintained. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for- Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for transport-annual-report-and-accounts Transport if he will detail the sources of revenue within the sales of assets accounting category for the Marine Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for and Coastguard Agency in the financial years 2012-13 Transport if he will detail the components of income and 2013-14. [186648] via interest and dividends in the accounting category K: Aviation, Maritime, Security and Safety in the Stephen Hammond: The sources of revenue within financial years 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14. [186651] the sales of assets accounting category for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for the financial years 2012-13 and 2013-14 are as follows: Stephen Hammond: The components of income via interest and dividends in the accounting category K: £000 Aviation, Maritime, Security and Safety for the financial years 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 relate to the 2012-13 Department for Transport’s shareholding in National Land 1,520 Home and Communities Agency Air Traffic Services (NATS). Buildings 115 Private individuals/companies Details of the dividends received in each year are as Vehicles and Boats 70 Inchcape and Lochin Marine follows: Other Plant 41 Bristow Helicopters/CHC Scotia Total dividends received by HMG Proceeds 1,746 £ million

2013-14 2011-12 24.8 Per Main Supply 475 2012-13 19.6 Estimate 2013-14 30.3 483W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 484W

Railways: Franchises These funds are allocated by the rail freight industry itself to develop those sections of the network that are Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for of particular strategic importance for freight. Transport pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member Railways: Radlett for Livingston of 16 January 2014, Official Report, column 646W, on East Coast Railway Line, if he will publish the minutes and any papers from his Department’s Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for meetings monitoring train operator performance. Transport what assessment he has made of the 30-year [186565] life expectancy of the proposed Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at Radlett. [186628] Stephen Hammond: The dialogue and actions agreed with operators are commercially sensitive; however the Stephen Hammond: The Secretary of State has made Office of Rail Regulation and Network Rail regularly no such assessment since the development and management publish performance statistics for all train operators. of Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges is a matter for the private sector. Railways: Freight Railways: Sundon Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure alternative strategic Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport rail freight interchange sites to Radlett are fully explored. what evaluation he has made of the proposed Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at Sundon with the newly-created [186594] passing loop. [186629] Stephen Hammond: The assessment of alternative strategic rail freight interchange sites is properly a Stephen Hammond: The Secretary of State has made commercial matter for the private sector and will continue no such evaluation. The assessment of Strategic Rail to be determined through the planning process. Freight Interchanges is made through the planning process, and the assessment of the capability and capacity Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for of the passing loop is an operational matter for Network Transport what impact London Gateway will have on Rail. rail freight interchanges in London and the South East. Network Rail has advised that the new passing loop [186627] has been designed to be compatible with the adjacent proposed Prologis terminal development. Stephen Hammond: Network Rail has advised that its recently published study of freight markets identified Road Traffic Offences strong growth in demand for intermodal freight services over 30 years requiring the development of new terminals Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for around major conurbations throughout the country. Transport how many people prosecuted under the The response to that demand, however, is properly a Road Traffic Act 1988 were prosecuted for an offence commercial matter for the private sector strategic rail while they were participating in authorised off-road freight interchanges concerned and the logistics and motor events in each of the last 10 years. [186510] distribution markets. Mr Goodwill: The Department of Transport does not Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport hold any criminal prosecution data. These data are held what plans his Department has for the rail freight line by the Ministry of Justice. between Southampton and the West Midlands. [R] The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database [186852] holds information on defendants proceeded against, found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in Mr Goodwill: There is no specific “rail freight line” England and Wales. This database holds information between Southampton and the west midlands, but this on offences provided by the statutes under which is a key route for rail container traffic from the port of proceedings are brought but not the specific circumstances Southampton. As part of its Rail Investment Strategy of each case. It is not possible to identify from these for 2014-19 the Government announced the creation of centrally held data whether an offender, prosecuted for the ‘Electric spine’, a high capacity passenger and freight an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, committed electric corridor running from the south coast through an offence while participating in an authorised off-road Oxford, Bedford and via the Midland Main Line to the motor event. This detailed information may be held by east midlands and South Yorkshire, with a link from the courts on individual case files which due to their size Oxford to the west midlands and the north-west. and complexity are not reported to Justice Statistics Government is looking to Network Rail to convert the Analytical Services. As such, it can be obtained only at route from Southampton to Basingstoke to overhead disproportionate cost. electrification and to electrify the sections between Basingstoke and Reading and between Oxford and Roads: Capital Investment Coventry via Leamington. The work should include gauge clearance for large containers and appropriate Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for links to depots and freight facilities. Transport what proportion of roads capital spending In addition to these specific works, the Government by his Department was spent on facilities primarily has committed £200 million towards the further aimed at (a) motor vehicles, (b) pedestrians and (c) development of the Strategic rail Freight Network. cyclists in the last year. [186965] 485W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 486W

Mr Goodwill: The Department for Transport is providing JUSTICE capital funding through a number of funding streams that benefit highways and provide facilities for road Community Orders: Greater London users, including (a) motorists, (b) cyclists and (c) pedestrians. The Department for Transport does not Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice centrally hold information on what proportion of this how many complaints have been received on Community funding is spent on each. Payback since Serco was awarded the contract for that Severn River Crossing scheme in London; and on what date that contract commenced. [186641]

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Jeremy Wright: I wrote to the right hon. Member on Transport pursuant to the answer of 3 February 2014, 17 January in reply to a similar question and placed a Official Report, columns 13-14W, on tolls, what the (a) copy of my letter in the House Library. gross and (b) net revenue from the (i) Severn Bridge and (ii) Second Severn Crossing was in 2012. [186913] The Ministry of Justice has not received any complaints about delivery of Community Payback in London by Mr Goodwill: The Severn River Crossings had gross Serco. Data provided by Serco on complaints to the revenue of £97.5 million and net revenue of £81.2 million company itself indicate that during the period 31 October in year ending 31 December 2012. This information is 2012 to 31 October 2013 the company received 69 not split by crossing as Severn River Crossings Ltd (the complaints relating to Community Payback in London. concessioner) operates the crossings as a single concession. The contract with Serco Group plc commenced on 31 In 2012 it is estimated that 25% of toll-paying traffic October 2012. It was agreed with the contractor at the used the Severn Bridge and 75% of toll-paying traffic start of the contract that the period up until 30 April used the Second Severn Crossing. The answer of 3 2013 would be a “bedding-in” period, after which formal February 2014, Official Report, columns 13-14W, was assessment against targets would begin. based on traffic count data not tolling data. Serco is meeting key targets and out-performing the national average on a number of key measures. Key Water Sports: Accidents performance measures and outcomes during 2013-14 will be published at the year end, on a similar basis to Sarah Newton: To ask the Secretary of State for that used in the Management Information Addendum Transport what recent assessment he has made of the to the National Offender Management Service Annual effectiveness of current powers of harbour authorities Report, once the data have been validated. for preventing accidents involving jet skis. [186841] Courts: Translation Services Stephen Hammond: Harbour authorities can do much to prevent accidents involving personal watercraft by working with local user groups and hire companies to Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice encourage the safe and competent use of such vessels. how many court cases were delayed as a result of a lack They can also draw on advice published by national of an interpreter or translator in each month since the organisations, such as the Royal Yachting Association’s court interpreter contract started. [186116] Safety Advisory Notice for recreational mariners which was published in January. The combination of existing Mr Vara: The contract with Capita-TI was introduced national legislation and well-crafted harbour byelaws in criminal courts in the north-west in December 2011 provides adequate coverage for deterring or prosecuting and was implemented across the rest of Her Majesty’s misdemeanours. Courts and Tribunals Service on 30 January 2012. Figures are not available for the number of court cases delayed West Coast Railway Line a result of problems with interpreters. The Ministry of Justice does, however, publish statistics on the number Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for of criminal trials that were ineffective and the reasons Transport what the timetable is for the tender for the for that. These are available at: next west coast main line franchise. [186761] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/court-statistics- quarterly--2 Stephen Hammond: The current inter-city west coast We have seen dramatic improvements over the life of franchise ends in November 2014. As announced by the the contract so far, record numbers of bookings are Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend now being made and fulfilment rates are regularly achieving the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), 95%. Complaint levels are very low and we continue to on 26 March 2013, the Department is in the process of drive further improvement. The interpreting contract negotiating a new inter-city west coast franchise by was introduced to tackle the inefficiencies and Direct Award for the provision of services until the inconsistencies in the previous system and it has already commencement of the next competed franchise. saved taxpayers £15 million in its first year. The next competed inter-city west coast franchise is due to begin serving passengers in April 2017. As set Death By Driving: Sentences out in the Programme Prior Information Notice published at the same time, we currently plan to issue the OJEU Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for notice and pre-qualification documentation in August Justice what progress he has made on increasing maximum 2015, with the invitation to tender following in January sentences for those convicted of causing death when 2016 for pre-qualified bidders. driving while disqualified or uninsured. [902393] 487W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 488W

Jeremy Wright: During the debate on dangerous driving Jeremy Wright: The Offender Management Statistics on 27 January, I committed to consider the concerns Quarterly Bulletin published on 30 January 2014 provides raised by Members about maximum penalties for serious details of recent trends in the prison population. The road traffic offences. We are looking particularly closely bulletin can be found at: at current penalties for disqualified drivers who cause https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ death or serious injury following representations my attachment_data/file/276074/omsq-q3-2013.pdf hon. Friend has made on behalf of the Stock family. The ‘Story of the Prison Population 1993 to 2012’ is an in-depth look at the prison population over this Employment and Support Allowance Appeals period and the major factors contributing to the changes. It can be found at: Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Justice what progress he has made on ensuring that the attachment_data/file/218185/story-prison-population.pdf judiciary provide the Department for Work and Pensions Since 2010, those who break the law are now more and appellants with reasons for their decisions on likely to go to prison, and they go to prison for longer. employment and support allowance appeals. [902395]

Mr Vara: The provision of this information is a Prisoners’ Release matter for the judiciary. As the hon. Member is aware, however, they have agreed to provide the DWP and the appellant with summary reasons for their decisions in Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for employment and support allowance appeals. This approach Justice (1) how many prisoners diagnosed with a was successfully piloted at four tribunal venues from terminal illness were granted (a) release on temporary June 2013 and will be rolled out this year. licence and (b) compassionate release in each of the last five years; [184949] EU Law (2) how many older prisoners were granted (a) release on temporary licence and (b) compassionate release in Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for each of the last five years; [184950] Justice how many EU directives his Department has (3) what guidance is provided to older prisoners transposed into UK law since 2010; and how many seeking compassionate leave. [184951] directly acting EU regulations have come into effect in his Department’s area of responsibility in the same period. [183870] Jeremy Wright: Guidance to prison governors on temporary release is contained in Prison Service Order Mr Vara: Since 2010 my Department has transposed (PSO) 6300, which is publicly available. In addition, three EU directives fully into UK law, and partially prisons are required to produce a leaflet for prisoners transposed one further directive. explaining how and when they may apply for temporary release and how their suitability for release will be In the same period, two EU regulations with application considered. Guidance on early release on compassionate to the UK (either where the UK has exercised its Title V grounds is contained in PSO 6000 (for determinate Justice and Home Affairs opt-in, or where no opt-in prisoners) and PSO 4700 (for indeterminate prisoners), exists) have come into force and applied. Two further each of which is available to prisoners. regulations in this Department’s area of responsibility in which the UK will participate have come into force, Old age, of itself, is insufficient grounds to justify the but do not yet apply. release of a prisoner. Prisoners may be considered for early or temporary release where there are sufficiently HMP Chelmsford compelling, compassionate reasons and the release does not put the public at risk. This will include cases where the prisoner requires medical care or treatment that Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for cannot be provided while they remain in prison, but Justice how many cells there are at HMP Chelmsford; which can safely be provided outside the prison setting. and how many of those are safe cells. [902397] No release may take place without a satisfactory risk assessment and release will always be conditional, with Jeremy Wright: So called “safer cells” are those which the prisoner liable to be recalled to prison if necessary. have additional features to reduce the risk of suicide or Temporary release can be a valuable tool to help with self-harm. While HMP Chelmsford does not have a rehabilitation and deal with compelling, compassionate designated “safer cell”, it does have two gated cells circumstances, but it must never be authorised at the which allow for constant observation of prisoners who expense of public protection. We commissioned reviews may be at risk of self-harm. of temporary release policy and practice last summer and will be taking steps to ensure that the public is Prisoners properly protected when offenders are released. The following table gives the total number of releases Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State on temporary licence (ROTL) in the past two years for for Justice what the average number of those (a) prisoners aged 60 or over at the time of release (data on convicted and (b) on remand in English prisons was in ROTL for 2009 and 2010 are not available and 2013 each of the last five years. [185859] data will be available later this year.). 489W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 490W

of call-outs by the National Tactical Response Group is 2011 2012 not available, nor is breakdown of the cost of call-outs Number of ROTL 14,471 17,441 to private- and public-sector prisons. releases granted to Neither the Home Office nor the Department of prisoners aged 60 or Health collects information covering any charges to over privately-operated prisons in relation to. police and There were over 400,000 releases in total in each of ambulance call-outs. These data could not be obtained 2011 and 2012. It should be noted that these figures and without incurring disproportionate cost. those in the table above give the number of releases Probation rather than the number of prisoners released and that one prisoner may be released on many occasions. They also relate to temporary releases for any reason; i.e. Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice including resettlement release as well as release for a whether it will be a requirement in the tendering process special purpose, which might include medical treatment for probation work that contractors must demonstrate in the community. The medical condition of those how partnership working will exist under the new prisoners who were granted temporary release is not arrangements. [186043] routinely recorded so we cannot say how many prisoners granted temporary release were diagnosed with a terminal Jeremy Wright: Responding to local needs and building illness at the time of release. local partnership working are central to the aims of the The following table gives the number of early Transforming Rehabilitation Programme. compassionate releases of prisoners in the last five Organisations bidding to run one of the new community years for which data is available, broken down by the rehabilitation companies will need to clearly demonstrate age of those released at time of release (records show how they will engage with statutory and non-statutory whether an early release was on medical or other partners in order to deliver offender services. Once compassionate grounds but do not show the nature of contracts are awarded, NOMS will monitor local any illness at the time of release). partnership working as part of its role in contract managing the delivery of services. In addition, contracts 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 will be designed to respond to changing demands and priorities at local and national levels, taking on board Under 66685input from PCCs and other local partners as necessary. 60 We have established local competition teams who 60 or 45212 over have been engaging with local partners during the Total 10 11 8 9 7 competition process and set up three reference groups, two for PCCs and local authorities and one focused on integrated offender management to help inform our Prisoners: Women reforms at a national and local level. We have also set up a competition data room which will allow bidders to Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for access information on existing partnerships and those Justice (1) how many women serving a custodial working with offenders in each contract package area. sentence in prison in England and Wales had a miscarriage in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2013; [186251] if he will publish his risk assessment of the probation (2) how many women serving a custodial sentence in change proposals and its effect on partnership work prison in England and Wales gave birth in (a) 2010, and impact on service delivery. [186059] (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013; [186252] Jeremy Wright: Responding to local needs and building (3) how many women served a custodial sentence partnership working are central to the aims of the while pregnant in England and Wales in (a) 2010, (b) Transforming Rehabilitation Programme. Organisations 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013. [186253] bidding to run one of the new community rehabilitation companies will need to clearly demonstrate how they Simon Hughes: The information requested is not will engage with statutory and non-statutory partners available centrally and could be obtained from individual in order to deliver offender services. prison establishments only at disproportionate cost. There are no plans to publish the programme’s risk register. We have always been clear that we will seek to Prisons: Private Sector protect a safe space for free and frank discussions between Ministers and civil servants. It is firmly in the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice public interest that advice to Ministers is not inhibited how much privately run prisons contribute to the costs or watered down because of concerns it may be made of call-outs of the (a) National Tactical Response public. Group, (b) police and (c) ambulances. [185077] Procurement Jeremy Wright: The National Tactical Response Group is part of the National Offender Management Service Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (NOMS). It is a specialist team whose role is to assist what proportion of his Department’s contracts have public- and private-sector establishments in safely managing been let to companies with (a) one to five, (b) six to and resolving serious incidents in prisons. The total cost 49, (c) 50 to 250 and (d) more than 250 staff. [182677] 491W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 492W

Jeremy Wright: The information you have requested http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications-and-reports/ is not centrally held and we would incur disproportionate statistics/diversity-stats-and-gen-overview costs to gather. The number of tribunal judges and members in the However, I am able to tell you that in the 2012-13 first-tier and upper tribunal in 2012 and 2013 is provided financial year, 34.81% of total procurement spend was in the following table. The figures are taken from the spent with Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs). judicial database and are based upon an individual’s primary appointment, which is where they sit for the Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice majority of their time. what assessment his Department has made of a possible in-house bid for shared services contracts April 2012 April 2013 [186632] within his Department. First-tier Tribunal Tax 128 152 Chamber Mr Vara: The Ministry of Justice is currently considering Upper Tribunal Tax and 19 14 options for the future delivery of its back office admin Chancery Chamber services. All options are being evaluated to ensure they provide value for money for taxpayers and continue to meet the needs of customers. PQ 184741 The following table shows the number of days panel Public Appointments members sat in the first-tier tribunal tax chamber by financial year. Members do not sit on tax cases in the Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for upper tribunal. Justice how many public appointments his Department made in the last 12 months; how many such appointments Number of members sitting days are remunerated posts; what the level of such remuneration is; and how many people so appointed are (a) women 2010-11 1,232.5 and (b) men. [186402] 2011-12 1,073 2012-13 1,181 Mr Vara: I refer the hon. Lady to the answer provided These figures are from internal management information and as such by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster have not been quality checked to the same level as official statistics General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude), on 5 February 2014, Official Report, PQ 184745 column 301W. The following table provides a breakdown of the total judicial fee costs attributed to all fee-paid judicial Public Defender Service office holders, which includes lay members, for the years requested. The table also includes details of all Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice judicial expenses for the same periods but these figures how many Queen’s Counsel were employed by the include expenses paid to salaried judges as well as all Public Defender Service in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) fee-paid office holders. 2011, (d) 2012, (e) 2013 and (f) 2014. [187168] 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Mr Vara: Prior to 2014, the PDS did not employ Queen’s Counsel. It is the LAA’s priority to ensure that Judicial expenditure for 1,558,606 1,907,312 1,824,821 clients can access legal advice. In 2014 we have employed all fee-paid judicial office holders two Queen’s Counsel, with another due to begin Judicial expenses 135,715 137,665 155,476 employment in late February. (includes salaried judiciary) Taxation: Appeals

Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Telephone Services Justice (1) how many (a) first-tier and (b) upper-tier tax tribunal judges there were in each year since 2010; John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice [184740] with reference to the Cabinet Office Guidance for Customer (2) for how many days (a) first-tier and (b) Service Helplines, published on 26 December 2013, upper-tier tax tribunal panel members sat in each year when his Department expects to comply with the instruction since 2010; [184741] set out in that guidance that non-geographic 084 numbers should by default use the 03 prefix. [183212] (3) how many (a) first-tier and (b) upper-tier tax tribunal expert panel members there were in each year Mr Vara: The Ministry of Justice is reviewing its use since 2010; [184742] of telephone number prefixes with reference to the (4) how much was paid to tax tribunal panel ‘HMG Guidance for Customer Service Lines’ published members in each year since 2010. [184745] on 26 December 2013, prioritising those service lines serving vulnerable or low income groups. It is intended Mr Vara: The information is as follows: to complete this review by March 2014. PQs 184740 and 184742 As stated in previous answers to parliamentary questions, HM Courts & Tribunals Service first published statistical the Department’s approach is not to use 084 or 087 for data on the number of tribunal judges and members in non-geographic numbers and instead, wherever possible, 2012. These statistics can be found at: to assign 0300 numbers, for which the tariff is similar to 493W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 494W calling an 01 or 02 (geographic) number, whether the Young Offenders caller is using a fixed line or a mobile phone—see: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/ Stephen Metcalfe: To ask the Secretary of State for cmhansrd/cm130423/text/130423w0004.htm#130423w0004. Justice what plans he has to ensure that young offenders htm_wqn27 leave custody better equipped to avoid a life of crime. and [902396] http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?ids2013-11-20a. 175002.h&s=Vaz+0845#g175002.q0 Jeremy Wright: The Government will introduce a new pathfinder secure college in 2017, which will equip The Department currently uses 41 0300 numbers, and young offenders with the skills and qualifications they is in the process of changing more 0845 numbers to need to pursue a life free from crime. We are also 0300; this includes use of a dual numbering system with enhancing education provision in young offender 03 as the primary number, as described in the guidance. institutions and taking steps to improve the resettlement The Ministry of Justice uses a total of 35 0844 and of young people leaving custody. 0845 numbers, compared to 77 08 numbers stated in the answer to a parliamentary question asked in December 2009—see: BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/ cmhansrd/cm091214/text/91214w0037.htm#09121438001670 Adult Education: Chelmsford Mr Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Thameside Prison Business, Innovation and Skills how many people in Chelmsford constituency are enrolled in adult skills Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice sessions. [185597] what the length is of the contract agreed with Serco for HM Prison Thameside on 20 December 2013; and Matthew Hancock: Final data for the 2012/13 academic what estimate he has made of the cost of the contract year show that there were 4,190 adult (19+) learners to the public purse over the lifetime of the contract. participating in further education and skills in Chelmsford [183065] parliamentary constituency. Apprentices Jeremy Wright: Serco were selected as the preferred bidder for the contract to run HMP Thameside in June Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009. The contract for the PFI prison was signed on 30 Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the contribution June 2010. The contract was amended on 18 December of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools 2013 to deliver additional prisoner places. The contract of 7 January 2014, Official Report, House of Lords, duration is 26½ years from 30 June 2010. The original column 1473, on Report Stage of the Children and contract value was £417 million. The estimated additional Families Bill, what funds have been allocated by his cost for the additional places over the remaining life of Department to assist training providers and award the contract is £120 million. organisations to ensure that apprentices who have previously failed key skills due to a lack of support are able to sit a Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice new functional skills test; and when such apprentices how many staff on each grade have (a) been recruited can expect to be able to site a new functional skills test. to work in HM Prison Thameside and (b) left in each [186148] year since that prison opened. [183150] Matthew Hancock [holding answer 4 February 2014]: The Skills Funding Agency provides funding to enable Jeremy Wright: The information requested is not all apprentices to achieve the level of English and maths collected centrally and could not be obtained without to meet the requirements of their apprenticeship framework. incurring disproportionate cost. At HMP Thameside, Therefore, any apprentice who previously failed their staff are employed by a number of providers to deliver a key skills would be eligible to be funded for functional range of services including, for example, probation skills in order that they achieve their apprenticeship services, education and health care, as well as custodial framework. Providers are able to use their existing services. allocations to fund these qualifications, and should speak to the awarding organisation offering the qualification Written Questions to see when the next assessment window is for their apprentice to take the relevant test. Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for The Agency provides additional funding to support Justice pursuant to his answer of 27 January 2014, those apprentices that require additional support to Official Report, column 386W, on written questions, achieve their functional skills or apprenticeship framework whether the wide range of issues that special advisers because of learning difficulties or disabilities. advise Ministers on include the answers to parliamentary Apprentices: Barrow in Furness questions. [185603] John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Vara: Special advisers are employed to provide Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how many advice and assistance to Ministers across a wide range apprenticeships were started in the Barrow and Furness of areas, as required and in line with the Code of constituency in each industrial sector in each of the last conduct for Special Advisers. five years; [186677] 495W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 496W

(2) how many new apprenticeships were started in It is for the Mayor, advised by the London Enterprise Barrow and Furness constituency in each of the last Panel, to determine priorities for economic development five years; and if he will publish such figures with in the capital and to use the resources available to the reference to apprentices’ (a) age and (b) gender. GLA, the LEP and its partners to support business [186678] growth in Greater London. At a national level, Government has made changes to Matthew Hancock: Apprenticeship data are not available regulations to make it as easy as possible for businesses by industrial sector. Within an industry, a learner may to start and grow. These changes ensure business support undertake a wide range of apprenticeship frameworks. is simpler, more joined up and easier to access. Apprenticeship starts by geography (including The Government is working with SMEs and helping parliamentary constituency) and age are published in a them in a number of ways, including enabling better supplementary table to the SFR: access to both debt and equity finance; reducing red http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/3D49B725- tape; enabling SMEs more easily to access public 2FD2-451E-9A5E-116D788E43F4/0/ procurement opportunities; and making sure that the Nov2013_ApprenticeshipStartsbyGeographyLevelAge.xls support we provide SMEs is delivered in the most Table 1: Apprenticeship starts by gender in Barrow and Furness effective and efficient way possible. parliamentary constituency, 2008-09 to 2012-13 Business: Higher Education 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Female 350 410 770 750 740 Business, Innovation and Skills for what reasons those Male 380 370 470 500 510 universities not based in the eight core city local Total 720 780 1,230 1,250 1,250 enterprise partnerships areas are ineligible to apply for Notes: a university enterprise zone. [186957] 1. Geography information is based on the learners’ home postcode. 2. Figures for 2011-12 onwards are not directly comparable to earlier years due to the introduction of the Single ILR: Mr Willetts: The Government has made available a http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/C05DCDD5-67EE- fund of £15 million over three years, so we will be able 4AD0-88B9-BEBC8F7F3300/0/ to fund only three to four projects. The core cities are SILR_Effects_SFR_Learners_June12.pdf the focus for this pilot because of their particular role in Source: driving local and national economic growth. In addition, Individualised Learner Record. this approach means that we are limiting the number of deadlines for most local enterprise partnerships at a Business: Females crucial time in the development of their strategic economic plans. Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many women’s Business, Innovation and Skills if he will make it his business centres are still operational; and how such policy to allow all universities to apply for a university centres can be contacted. [186511] enterprise zone. [186958]

Matthew Hancock: We recognise the importance of Mr Willetts: University enterprise zones are a new encouraging female entrepreneurship and welcome policy initiative, which the Government is piloting before initiatives like women’s business centres and the role a possible wider roll-out. The pilot will be evaluated to they can play in providing advice and support to women. inform decisions on expanding the scheme. These centres are operated by the private sector and we Economic Growth do not hold details of the numbers of centres in operation or contact details. Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to ensure that regions of the UK other than Business: Greater London Greater London benefit from economic recovery and new business growth. [186645] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Michael Fallon: The Government’s local growth policies Business, Innovation and Skills what support the aim to help all parts of the country achieve their economic Government is giving to business growth opportunities potential. Government has made a clear and consistent in Greater London. [186423] commitment to decentralisation. This means empowering people who are best placed to act in the interests of Michael Fallon: The last spending round in summer local areas. 2013 further underlined Government’s ongoing The last spending round in summer 2013 further commitment to devolve economic powers to local areas. underlined Government’s ongoing commitment to devolve It recognises the role Local Enterprise Partnerships economic powers to local areas. In England, it recognises (LEPs) have to play in promoting local growth, by the role local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) have to giving LEPs control of at least £2 billion a year through play in promoting local growth, by giving LEPs, through the Local Growth Fund (LGF) for the life of the next Local Growth Deals, control of at least £2 billion a year Parliament, and over £5 billion of European Structural through the Local Growth Fund (LGF) for the life of and Investment Funds to allocate for the period 2014-20. the next Parliament, and over £5 billion of European The Government’s local growth policies aim to help all Structural and Investment Funds to allocate for the parts of the country achieve their economic potential. period 2014-20. 497W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 498W

The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is a key part of Michael Fallon: I recognise the impact of the carbon the Government’s strategy to drive up growth across price floor on the competitiveness of energy intensive England. The RGF is a £3.2 billion fund, with £2.6 industries which is why we are putting in place a billion committed in rounds 1 to 4, £300 million in compensation scheme. We have had ongoing discussions round 5 and at least a further £200 million to be made with the European Commission and I am optimistic of available in round 6. a positive resolution shortly. The objectives of RGF are to create economic growth by levering private sector investment and creating sustainable Environment Protection private sector employment; and to rebalance the economy by helping those areas and that are currently dependent Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, on the public sector. Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to take to Additionally, the UK’s industrial strategy is a long-term, improve the level of resources invested in green technology whole-of-government approach to support economic in the UK relative to international comparators. growth across the UK. Government is working in [186666] partnership with business to create more opportunities, deliver more jobs and make the UK more competitive. Michael Fallon: Investing in green technologies is Some assistance such as the Enterprise Finance Guarantee important to future growth. BIS is supporting this in a is available in all parts of the UK, though business number of ways: support is a devolved matter. In relation to Northern The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) invested over £120 Ireland, the UK Government and Northern Ireland million in the last year in green technology related activities. This Executive agreed an economic pact in June 2013. This was through various support mechanisms such as collaborative included a commitment to take forward a package of research and development, pre-competitive procurement contracts measures to help build a stronger economy and secure a (the Small Business Research Initiative programme) and Smart shared future for all its people. awards for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Allowing for industry match funding, this represents over £200 million spend on green innovation activities for UK businesses. Electrical Safety Other activities include entrepreneurial missions such as the Clean and Cool mission to , enabling UK SMEs to take Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, advantage of the opportunities in the sustainability sector, and Innovation and Skills (1) how many injuries have been also the Clean and Cool mission to Colorado looking at clean caused by electrical products either (a) then subject to energy. In 2012-13 the Technology Strategy Board rolled out the Sustainable Economy Framework, which, together with the Forum or (b) subsequently subject to a product recall action for the Future, is used to incorporate sustainability/green innovation in each of the last five years; [186430] into the Technology Strategy Board’s strategies and support (2) how many dwelling fires have been caused by programmes for business. electrical products either (a) then subject to or (b) In addition to this, the Technology Strategy Board’s network subsequently subject to a product recall action in each of Catapults plays a strong role in green technology activities. The of the last five years. [186431] seven Catapults are centres of excellence which focus on a specific area of technology and expertise with great potential, that aim to bridge the gap between business, academia, research and Government. Michael Fallon: The information requested is not Of the seven, six of the centres have an element of green technology available. However any such incidents would be expected within them. These are: High Value Manufacturing, Offshore to be reported to the manufacturer of the product, Renewable Energy, Satellite Applications, Connected Digital Economy, either directly or via the supply chain. The person with Future Cities, and Transport Systems. The Future Cities Catapult responsibility for the product on becoming aware that has dedicated work programmes on Resource Efficiency, Low they have placed an unsafe product on the market is Carbon Cities and Resilient Energy systems. required to inform their local authority trading standards The Energy Technology Institute (ETI) is a novel partnership service. Those with the responsibility for placing products established by BIS with leading international engineering and on the market are required to have reasonable processes energy companies to invest in the development of low carbon in place to ensure that they become aware should they energy technologies and solutions. have placed an unsafe product on the market. Local The ETI brings together projects and partnerships that create affordable, reliable, clean energy for heat, power, transport and authority trading standards services have the responsibility associated infrastructure. It is a 50:50 public-private partnership for the enforcement of the relevant product safety legislation. to which BIS has committed to provide up to £500 million, to be matched by industry partners, over the decade to December 2017. Energy: Industry (BIS funds are provided through TSB and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council). The Green Investment Bank, with £3.8 billion of Government Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for funding to March 2016, is now fully operational and investing on Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what assessment he commercial terms in green infrastructure projects, helping to has made of the effect of the refusal of state aid mobilise significant additional private capital into relevant green approval for compensation for the carbon floor price on sectors. energy intensive industries; and if he will make a statement; [186550] Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, (2) what contingency plans the Government has to Innovation and Skills whether his Department has adopted ensure the competitiveness of UK-based energy-intensive targets relating to international benchmarks for the industries in the event of the European Commission national level of investment in green technology. not giving state aid approval to compensation for the [186667] carbon floor price; and if he will make a statement. [186552] Michael Fallon: No. 499W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 500W

Foreign Companies: China Land Registry

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State : To ask the Secretary of State for for Business, Innovation and Skills how many Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to companies operating in the UK are (a) fully and (b) take to prevent reforms of HM Land Registry leading partly owned by Chinese companies. [186727] to the off-shoring of jobs. [186216] Michael Fallon: Land Registry has developed a business Michael Fallon: As Companies House does not maintain strategy for 2013 to 2018 to improve the delivery of land statistics on Company ownership it is unable to tell how registration services to support economic growth in the many companies operating in the UK are (a) fully wider economy. The purpose of the proposal set out in owned and (b) partly owned by Chinese companies. the recent BIS consultation document is to enable the business to better deliver this business strategy. No Further Education: Older People decisions will be taken on the best commercial model until the consultation is completed and responses have been considered. Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to Literacy: Merseyside increase the participation of older people in further education. [902478] Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Matthew Hancock: Apprenticeships are an all age made of the number of adults in (a) Liverpool, Walton programme. Outside of apprenticeships, we want to constituency, (b) Liverpool and (c) Merseyside who maintain access to learning for older people and to are unable to (i) read and (ii) write. [186850] support this we have introduced Advanced Learning Loans for those aged 24 and above studying at level 3 Matthew Hancock: The 2011 Skills for Life survey and 4, to help meet up-front course fees and remove one Small Area modelled estimates1 provide the following of the main barriers to learning for older people. information about proportions of adults aged 16 to Community Learning is also an important part of the 65-years-old with above and below the ’functional literacy’ wider learning and skills offer, engaging people who are threshold (ie National Qualification Framework Level 1), most disadvantaged and furthest from learning such as defined in the Leitch review as older people. It is funded through an annual budget of ‘the level needed to get by in life and work’.2 £210 million managed by the Skills Funding Agency Level 1 is equivalent to GCSE grades D-G. Adults with and most provision is delivered or commissioned by skills below Level 1 can read or write, but their skills local authority providers, FE colleges, large voluntary may be limited, for example, they may not be able to organisations and other providers. As part of our plans read bus or train timetables. for local growth, all 39 local enterprise partnerships are currently considering how to drive growth in their local Data are available for 2011 parliamentary constituencies, areas as they put together their strategic economic including Liverpool Riverside, Liverpool Walton, Liverpool plans, which are due to be submitted to Government at Wavertree and Liverpool, West Derby. Table 1 as follows the end of March. Some LEPs have already highlighted provides the estimated proportions of people in these the challenges of an aging work force and the need to constituencies with below Level 1 literacy. The data do provide opportunities for people to update their skills not separate reading and writing. as business needs and technology changes so we expect 1 Available online at: to see proposals to ensure a match between the skills of https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/2011-skills- the local work force and the needs of business. We are for-life-survey-small-area-estimation-data also starting to set up elite training institutions, the first accessed on 6 February 2014. being an £18 million complex for engineers in Coventry, 2 HM Treasury (December 2006) “Leitch Review of Skills. Prosperity which will enable a wide range of learners to be up-skilled. for all in the global economy-world class skills. Final Report”, p. 43. Industrial Disputes Independent Review Table 1: Mean estimates of people in 2011 Liverpool constituencies with below Level 1 literacy 2011 parliamentary constituency Proportion of people with below Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, name Level 1 literacy (percentage) Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2013, Official Report, columns 1067-8W, on Liverpool, Riverside 21.6 industrial disputes: independent review, what decisions Liverpool, Walton 23.3 have been taken on the review chaired by Bruce Carr Liverpool, Wavertree 17.9 QC in respect of (a) its terms of reference, (b) its Liverpool, West Derby 21.7 membership, (c) when its work will start and finish and Source: (d) whether a final report of its findings will be produced. 2011 Skills for Life survey small area estimates. [186905] Post Offices: ICT

Jenny Willott: Discussions are still ongoing and the Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for full details of the review will be announced in due Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to course. The intention is to have a balanced review allow sub post offices to trial new technologies such as involving employers and employee representatives. scanning of ID pictures and other procedures in order 501W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 502W to supply front office counter services to boost future (2) what procedures and checks (a) his Department footfall and business to benefit all of the Post Office and (b) the Student Loans Company (SLC) use to network. [186422] monitor the applications from the students of alternative providers for SLC funding for designated courses; Jenny Willott: The development of new technologies [186687] is a matter for Post Office Ltd and reflects its commercial (3) what procedures and checks (a) his Department contractual arrangements with its public and private and (b) the Student Loans Company (SLC) use to sector partners. The Government, as shareholder, does monitor the claims of alternative providers for SLC not play a role in commercial matters. funding for designated courses; [186688] Property: Management (4) what investigations relating to student support claims and Student Loans Company funding have taken Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for place or are currently under way in respect of alternative Business, Innovation and Skills what responsibilities he providers. [186689] has for regulation of residential and property management agents in Wales. [186843] Mr Willetts: The Student Loans Company’s (SLC) undertakes the administration and processing of the Jenny Willott: The Secretary of State for Business, payment of loans and grants to students, and the payment Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member of tuition fees to higher education institutions. for Twickenham (Vince Cable), has no responsibility for The SLC maintains a database of all courses designated the regulation of property management agents in Wales by the Department and the locations where these courses as housing is a devolved issue. are provided. Student support is paid to students and Public Appointments providers only in relation to designated courses recorded on this database. Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for If applications are received for student support in Business, Innovation and Skills how many public relation to courses which are not designated, the applications appointments his Department made in the last 12 months; will not be approved and no payments will be made to how many such appointments are remunerated posts; either the student or the provider. what the level of such remuneration is; and how many It is not the Department’s or SLC’s role to monitor people so appointed are (a) women and (b) men. the advice providers give students on designated courses, [186389] as this can be delivered in many ways, including face-to-face, and will vary by course at each provider. The SLC Jenny Willott: I refer the hon. Member to the answer however publishes on its website a full list of designated given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster courses at alternative providers and their locations. General, the right hon. Member for Horsham (Mr Maude), There should be no confusion about which courses and on 5 February 2014, Official Report, column 301W. locations are designated for support and which are not. Royal Mail The processes outlined ensure that students’ applications will not be approved in relation to such courses. Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, If it comes to light that providers have misled students, Innovation and Skills what timetable or deadline he has the SLC or the Department, in an attempt to access for the completion of the sale of illiquid assets acquired student support payments in relation to undesignated following the transfer of the Royal Mail pension fund. courses, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation [186268] and Skills has the power to refuse or revoke designation of any course offered by that provider. Michael Fallon: There is no fixed timetable or deadline This sanction has been imposed once so far during for the disposal of assets transferred from the Royal the current academic year. Mail pension plan to the BIS Postal Services Act Company 2011 Limited (‘the Company’), a company incorporated by the Department in order to hold and realise those Trade Promotion: United Arab Emirates assets. The principal objective of the company is to realise the assets in a measured fashion, protecting value for the taxpayer, while minimising market distortion. Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Accordingly, it may be appropriate for the company to Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what assessment he hold less liquid assets for the longer term and potentially has made of UK Trade and Investment’s ability to assist to maturity where this protects value for the taxpayer. firms wishing to take part in World Expo 2020 in Regular reviews are undertaken of the realisation strategy Dubai; [186533] for each asset class. (2) what technical assistance will be available to Students: Finance businesses wanting to take advantage of the opportunities in World Expo 2020 in Dubai; [186534] Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, (3) what assessment he has made of the potential Innovation and Skills (1) what procedure and checks benefits to UK businesses of securing contracts from his Department and the Student Loans Company World Expo 2020 in Dubai; [186535] (SLC) use to monitor the advice given to students by (4) what discussions he has had with UK Trade and alternative providers as to which of their courses have Investment on how small businesses can secure been designated for SLC funding; [186680] contracts for World Expo 2020 in Dubai; [186536] 503W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 504W

(5) what plans he has to support the participation by Spend on literacy and numeracy for benefit claimants, 2011/12 UK construction companies in World Expo 2020 in Spend (£million) Dubai; [186559] All adult skills budget 318 (6) what support UK Trade & Investment is giving to Notes: UK companies seeking to participate in World Expo Figures do not include English for speakers of other languages and include English training as part of an apprenticeship. 2020 in Dubai; [186560] These data do not include English training undertaken as part of the Employer Ownership Pilot. (7) if he will offer the UK’s support to the 3. The spend is estimated based on a combination of matched data from the government of the UAE in its preparations for World Individualised Learner Record and the Department for Work and Pensions and Expo 2020 in Dubai; [186561] Skills Funding Agency data. (8) if he will form a cross-departmental working Vocational Training group to co-ordinate the UK’s participation in World Expo 2020 in Dubai; [186562] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, (9) what support UK Trade & Investment will give to Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of companies based in Shrewsbury which wish to bid for how much funding employers provided to fund non- contracts relating to World Expo 2020 in Dubai. statutory training of their staff in each of the last five [186563] years. [186685]

Matthew Hancock: The information requested is not Michael Fallon: The Government was pleased to support available. Dubai’s bid to host the World Expo in 2020. We shall ensure that we share with the Government of the UAE Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, our businesses’ experience of delivering an excellent Innovation and Skills how much finding (a) his Department Olympics in 2012. In preparing our approach to Dubai and (b) the Skills Funding Agency has provided to (i) 2020 more broadly, we shall also measure the successes McDonalds, (ii) Morrisons, (iii) Tesco and (iv) Sainsbury’s and lessons learned from our experience of the Milan to provide training or apprenticeships for their staff in 2015 Expo. In the meantime, UK Trade and Investment each of the last five years. [186686] will continue to support companies from across the UK, including of course from Shrewsbury, who wish to Matthew Hancock: McDonalds has received a total secure World Expo 2020 contracts. of £24.2 million since 2010/11; of which £10.5 million was in 2010/11, £6.8 million was in 2011/12; £5.1 million was in 2012/13 and £1.8 million has been paid to date in Unemployed People: Basic Skills 2013/14. Sainsbury’s has received a total of £2.5 million since Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010/11; of which £1.9 million was in 2010/11 and Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how much his £0.6 million was in 2011/12. Department spent on basic skills training for people in Tesco has received a total of £8.8 million since 2010/11; receipt of jobseekers’ allowance in each year from 2008 of which £1.4 million was in 2010/11, £2.5 million was to 2013; [184963] in 2011/12, £3.3 million was in 2012/13, and £1.7 million (2) how much his Department spent on boosting the has been paid to date in 2013/14. literacy and numeracy of people in receipt of Notes: jobseeker’s allowance in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13. 1. The data are only available since the creation of the Skills [184965] Funding Agency on 1 April 2010. 2. The data are the actual payments made to McDonalds, Sainsbury’s Matthew Hancock [holding answer 28 January 2014]: and Tescos. Values are rounded to the nearest £0.1 million so It is not possible to provide a robust response based on individual values may differ from totals. self reporting data from the Individualised Learner 3. Payments for the current (2013/14) contracting year are for Return (ILR) alone but we are able to estimate the activity up until the end of December. amount spent on adult literacy and numeracy services 4. We are unable to give the amounts for Morrisons because they for learners benefiting from support for the unemployed did not have a direct contract with the Agency. The Agency for 2011/12 using published matched further education contracted with Elmfield Training (now In Training Ltd, part of the Newcastle College Group) who provided training for Morrisons for benefit claimant data and other employers. http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/FDBA150E- 5. Payments include values for the Large Employer Outcome 3C26-4CA3-B586-766A460FABFB/0/FurtherEducationfor Pilot, which was announced in the Skills Investment Statement BenefitClaimants_20June2013_revised.pdf 2011-14. It piloted an outcome-based payment system. The following table provides 2011/12 estimates derived by combining matched benefits data with the average fee spent per self reporting ILR learner in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance and studying English and maths. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE We are also able to estimate the total for all job related Bangladesh benefits. Spend on literacy and numeracy for benefit claimants, 2011/12 Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Spend (£million) and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department JSA/ESA (WRAG) 89 is taking to reduce political corruption in Bangladesh. All job related benefits (incl JSA) 138 [186293] 505W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 506W

Hugh Robertson: The Senior Minister of State, my Austria: 7,000 noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Warsi, said in her : 31,000 statement on 6 January 2014, following Bangladesh’s Bulgaria: 18,000 elections, we would continue to support its people in Cyprus: 65,000 their aspirations for a more stable, prosperous, and Czech Republic: 7,000 democratic future. To achieve this, Bangladesh needs strong, independent and accountable institutions. Denmark: 12,000 Estonia: 700 We give a high priority to anti-corruption work in Bangladesh. Political corruption is closely interlinked Finland: 4,000 with other forms of corruption in Bangladesh. UK Aid : 330,000 supports work to make the Government’s financial Germany: 107,000 management more transparent, including support for Greece: 45,000 budgeting, accounting, auditing and parliamentary scrutiny. Hungary: 5,000 UK aid also supports organisations outside Government Ireland: 329,000 to enable citizens and communities to hold service Italy: 37,000 providers to account, obtain services and assets that are theirs by right, and reduce the need to pay bribes. For : 400 example, we support initiatives that increase transparency Lithuania: 300 in political finance such as online publication of candidate Luxembourg: 8,000 asset information by the Election Commission of Malta: 11,000 Bangladesh, while also training civil society and media Netherlands: 48,000 to analyse and publicly report on those returns. Poland: 6,000 Portugal: 39,000 Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will meet Romania: 7,000 his Bangladeshi counterpart to discuss the reduction of Slovakia: 1,000 violence in that country and to promote trade links Slovenia: 4,000 with the UK. [186741] Spain: 1,050,000 Sweden: 29,000. Hugh Robertson: We deplored the acts of violence and intimidation in the run up to Bangladesh’s 10th Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State parliamentary elections on 5 January. It is tragic that so for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many many people lost their lives. We repeatedly condemned British nationals live in (a) China, (b) South Korea, all forms of violence, including in the statement made (c) Japan and (d) Singapore. [186729] by the Senior Minister of State, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Warsi, on 6 January. The new Mark Simmonds: The most recent figures we have are government has not appointed a new Foreign Minister taken from a 2010 report which was commissioned by but when it does we will continue to raise matters of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Consular concern and promote strong UK-Bangladesh trade links. Directorate. Trade between our countries is buoyant. There has These figures are only estimates of the number of been strong growth (over 119%) in bilateral trade—both United Kingdom citizens living abroad (including for goods and services—between 2007 and 2012. Figures part of a year): for 2012 show that our exports to Bangladesh increased China: 47,000 by 16% compared to the previous year, mainly due to a South Korea: 4,000 41% increase in services. Imports increased by almost 13% over the same period. Japan: 22,000 Singapore: 60,000.

British Nationals Abroad Central African Republic

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department British nationals live in other EU member states (a) in has made of the effect of unrest in the Central African total and (b) by member state. [186728] Republic on neighbouring countries. [186297]

Mark Simmonds: The most recent figures we have are Mark Simmonds: The unrest in the Central African taken from a 2010 report which was commissioned by Republic (CAR) has impacted on its neighbours through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Consular refugee flows and cross-border violence. The UK welcomes Directorate. These figures are only estimates of the the efforts of the African-led International Support number of United Kingdom citizens living abroad Mission to CAR (MISCA) to stabilise the situation. (including for part of a year). The return of a constitutional and effective government The total number of UK citizens living abroad in EU member is vital for the long-term stability of CAR and is in the states in 2010 (estimate): 2,197,800. best interests of the region as a whole. The UK has Croatia joined the EU in 2013. The total number of UK already contributed £15 million to humanitarian efforts citizens living in Croatia in 2010 (estimate): 900. in-country, and we continue to support international The number of UK citizens living abroad in each EU member organisations such as the WFP and UNHCR who are state in 2010 (estimate): assisting refugees in the region. 507W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 508W

Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories Immunity from Prosecution: Foreign Nationals

Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his Department and Commonwealth Affairs what the requirements are has provided to the Crown Dependencies and Overseas for special mission immunity to be given. [186970] Territories to implement the Financial Action Task Force Standards. [186299] Mark Simmonds: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) on 4 March the Treasury. 2013, Official Report, columns 55-56, announced a new The UK’s G8 action plan to prevent misuse of companies process by which we would be informed of visits that and legal arrangements is intended to implement the may qualify for special mission status. Under customary Financial Action Task Force Standards to the highest international law a special mission is a temporary mission, degree. As part of this, the Government has committed representing a state, which is sent by one state to another to conducting its first National Risk Assessment (NRA) with the consent of the latter, in order to carry out by 2014, as well as to support the Overseas Territories official business. In this context, ″official business″ will and Crown Dependencies to publish action plans setting normally involve contacts with authorities of the United out the concrete steps, where needed, to fully implement Kingdom, such as meeting officials of Her Majesty’s the Financial Action Task Force Standards. They have Government, or attendance at a ceremonial occasion, published these action plans, and have committed to for example a royal wedding. carry out their NRAs. These will assess risks, apply resources and mitigate those risks, as required by the Standards. The Government will engage closely with them to share lessons learned and best practice, The Government has also provided funding to the Caribbean Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Financial Action Task Force towards events providing and Commonwealth Affairs what recent UN-level NRA training by the World Bank to its members, which discussions he has had on human rights violations in include the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Iran; and what steps he is taking against those Bermuda, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos Islands and responsible for such abuses. [184349] Montserrat. Hugh Robertson: The Secretary of State for Foreign Cyprus and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) raised Iran’s Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign poor human rights record with Iranian Foreign Minister and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the Zarif in the margins of UN General Assembly on 23 implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolution September 2013. The UK lobbied extensively for the on the return of the Cypriot city of Famagusta to its UN resolution on human rights in Iran that was adopted lawful inhabitants under UN administration. [186519] on 19 December 2013 and regularly speaks out about human rights abuses in Iran. We have also been instrumental Mr Lidington: The UK continues to work with the in the EU’s designation of 86 Iranian individuals and Cypriots in their pursuit of a comprehensive settlement, entities responsible for human rights violations. including the issue of the Varosha area of Famagusta. We fully support all the relevant Security Council Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for resolutions, including UNSCR 550 and UNSCR 789 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is which address the future of Varosha. We have raised taking to ensure continued enforcement of economic this complex matter with the Turkish Cypriots and with sanctions against Iran during the six months interim the Turkish authorities. agreement period in respect of that country’s nuclear programme. [186514] Democratic Republic of Congo Hugh Robertson: The interim agreement provides for Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State limited, specific sanctions relief proportionate with Iran’s for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he undertakings on its nuclear programme. The bulk of is taking to ensure that appropriate numbers of EU (and US) sanctions remain in place and will continue international observers will be available at future to be enforced, including through revised designations elections in Democratic Republic of Congo. [186740] where required. EU Regulation 267/2012 and its amendments set out the relevant obligations of member Mark Simmonds: There is currently no confirmed states for the implementation of sanctions. The UK will timetable for provincial and local elections in Democratic continue to work with our European partners to fulfil Republic of Congo (DRC). We have encouraged the these obligations, including through investigation and, DRC Government to draw up a clear electoral timetable where appropriate, prosecution of sanctions breaches. from now to 2016, when presidential elections are due. We will continue to work closely with the DRC Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Government, the UN and international partners as this Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions plan develops, including on the subject of international he has had with his counterparts in (a) Israel and (b) observers for the elections. the Gulf States on Iran’s nuclear programme. [186515] 509W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 510W

Hugh Robertson: Ministers and FCO officials regularly engage their Gulf and Israeli counterparts on Iran. Our priority remains a comprehensive, negotiated solution Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign to the Iranian nuclear issue, which would be a significant and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his contribution to peace and security in the Middle East. Department has made of the effectiveness of financial sanctions on members of the Government of Zimbabwe Nigeria and associated individuals. [186295]

Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mark Simmonds: Although some have argued that and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his EU financial sanctions—more properly known as restrictive Department has had with its Nigerian counterpart on measures—have served as anti-western propaganda for improvements aimed at increasing transparency and the ZANU-PF party, we believe that asset freezes, as visibility in the oil and gas sector. [186300] part of the EU’s targeted measures, have been an important tool in promoting democracy and reform in Zimbabwe. Mark Simmonds: We have lobbied on increased Reforms, such as the new constitution agreed in 2013, transparency in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria, most under the Government of National Unity and Global recently at a meeting between the high commissioner Political Agreement, highlight some of the progress and Nigerian Minister for Petroleum Resources on 20 made. However, we continue to have concerns over the December 2013. democratic environment in Zimbabwe, we have consistently Our recent efforts have concentrated on the Petroleum made clear our views about the conduct of 2013 elections, Industry Bill which is currently being considered by the which we do not judge to have been free, fair or credible, National Assembly. We believe comprehensive legislation nor to have met SADC’s own guidelines. The EU is could lead both to increased investment and increased currently completing the review of Zimbabwe’s targeted transparency over oil receipts and contracts. We also measures and parliamentary scrutiny has been completed. raised the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and transparency more generally during our G8 presidency. WORK AND PENSIONS Pay Crisis Loans Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of (a) Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for permanent, (b) temporary and (c) contract staff in his Work and Pensions how many people received crisis Department are paid the living wage or above. [186682] loans in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, (d) 2011, (e) 2012 and (f) 2013. [186902] Hugh Robertson: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 29 January 2014, Official Report, column Steve Webb: Table 1 gives the number of people who 628W. received Crisis Loans between 2008 and 2012. The figures are presented by calendar year. Pitcairn Islands Table 1: Number of people who received Crisis Loans between 2008 and 2012 Calendar year Number Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 2008 817,800 3 February 2014, Official Report, column 63W, on 2009 1,070,100 Pitcairn Islands, if he will place in the Library a copy 2010 1,142,400 of the third Pitcairn Child Safety Review. [186976] 2011 1,021,600 2012 936,000 Mark Simmonds: The full report of the Pitcairn Notes: 1. The information provided is management information. Our preference is to Child Safety Review 2013 cannot be laid due to the answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this personal data contained within. However, I am happy case we only have management information available. It is not quality assured to lay the summary report before the House. to the same extent as Official/National statistics. 2. The volume of applications and awards for Crisis Loans increased following the introduction of telephone applications in 2007-08. In April 2011, the Public Appointments number of awards for Crisis Loans for general living expenses an individual could receive was limited to three in a rolling 12-month period, causing volumes to fall. Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for 3. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 100. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many public The Crisis Loan scheme ended on 31 March 2013. appointments his Department made in the last 12 months; 326,000 people received a Crisis Loan between 1 January how many such appointments are remunerated posts; 2013 and the end of the scheme. This figure includes what the level of such remuneration is; and how many loans that were received before 31 March 2013 but people so appointed are (a) women and (b) men. processed after this date. [186398] Employment Hugh Robertson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Paymaster General, my right hon. Friend the Member and Pensions what comparative assessment he has for Horsham (Mr Maude), on 5 February 2014, Official made of the change in the number of jobs in Wales and Report, column 301W. in other regions in the UK since 2010. [186726] 511W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 512W

Esther McVey: Since February-April 2010 the number Employment Schemes: Young People of people in work in Wales has risen by 85,000 to nearly 1.4 million. Its employment rate has increased by over Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for four percentage points, from 67% to 71.1%, the largest Work and Pensions pursuant to the statement by the rise of any UK region over the period. The employment Minister of State for Employment in European Committee rate in Wales is at its highest level, and the gap with the B on 16 December 2013, Official Report, column 5, in UK average at its lowest, since consistent records began relation to Youth Contract wage incentives, that more in 1992. than 20,000 have been paid out so far, whether this refers to youth contract wage incentive job starts, or to wage incentives paid out; and to what date the figure Employment and Support Allowance refers. [186676]

Esther McVey: The first wage incentive statistics were Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work released on 22 July 2013. They showed that from April and Pensions (1) what steps he is taking to prevent 2012 up to and including May 2013, there have been applicants for employment and support allowance 21,460 wage incentive job starts. The next statistics will suffering financial hardship while awaiting a work be released on 25 February 2014. capability assessment; [186207] (2) what steps he is taking to fast track claims for Food Banks employment and support allowance where the claimant is identified as being at risk of financial hardship; what Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work definition of financial hardship his Department and Pensions what his policy is on using EU resources applies; and what role (a) his Department’s decision- to help fund foodbanks. [186269] maker and (b) medical assessors play in making a decision to fast track; [186208] Esther McVey: Food banks do not form part of the (3) what steps he is taking to ensure that applications Government’s welfare system. from claimants of employment and support allowance Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing suffering financial hardship are dealt with as a priority. [186210] Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 15 January Mike Penning: Employment and support allowance is 2014, Official Report, column 583W,on housing benefit: designed to prevent hardship by being payable an assessment social rented housing, for what reasons the Government’s rate equivalent to the basic rate of jobseeker’s allowance contribution to the overall discretionary housing payments (JSA), while awaiting a work capability assessment (WCA) allocation reduced from £180 million in 2013-14 to £165 on the basis of medical evidence. New claims for benefit million in 2014-15 and is planned to increase to £205 are prioritised to ensure payments are made as speedily million in 2015-16. [186373] as possible after all necessary evidence has been received. Esther McVey: As announced in the autumn statement, There is no specific definition of financial hardship discretionary housing payment (DHP) funding will actually but there are specific arrangements in place to fast track be increased by £40 million in 2014-15 to £165 million, claims such as those from people who are terminally ill. from the previously announced figure of £125 million. Although there is no national formal contractual This reflects the longer transitional period many claimants process in place to fast track the WCA, processes have will face and gives local authorities the confidence they been agreed locally with Atos Healthcare and the intent need to make longer-term awards where people cannot is that, where a claimant can demonstrate financial reasonably move home or access other mitigations. The hardship, DWP staff can ask Atos Healthcare to urgently overall reduction compared with 2013-14 reflects the undertake the WCA at the earliest opportunity. Where expectation that DHPs will be a temporary transitional the WCA is not completed within 91 days there are measure for many, particularly those affected by the arrangements to automatically backdate arrears to the introduction of the benefit cap. As such, the DHP 92nd day of the claim where the claimant is found to allocation for the benefit cap reduces from £65 million have limited capability for work or work related activity. in 2013-14 to £45 million in 2014-15. To reflect the commitment made in the autumn statement Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of to maintain the support available for those affected by State for Work and Pensions what benefits are available the removal of the spare room subsidy the Department to people appealing an employment and support has increased the DHP allocation for this policy from allowance decision; and if he will make a statement. £55 million in 2013-14 to £60 million in 2014-15. [186683] The Government has not announced plans to increase DHP allocations to £205 million in 2015-16. Details for 2015-16 will be announced in due course. Mike Penning: Those appealing against a decision can claim either: Jobcentre Plus 1. Employment and support allowance-where they need to provide continuing medical evidence, or Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State 2. Jobseeker’s allowance-which is available to those who meet for Work and Pensions what the content and purpose the conditions of entitlement, which may be modified to take are of performance improvement plans for jobcentre account of their health condition. staff; how many staff have a performance improvement 513W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 514W plan at each jobcentre; how such plans relate to staff Northern Ireland disciplinary procedures and performance assessment; and for what purpose statistics relating to such plans Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State are reported to and maintained by his Department. for Work and Pensions what assets his Department has [186288] sold in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; and what the value of each such sale was. [186638] Esther McVey: Performance improvement plans are used in relation to poor performance. Their purpose is Mike Penning: The Department for Work and Pensions to provide the employee with the necessary support and does not directly own assets in Northern Ireland. Assets an agreed approach through which they can achieve a employed directly in the delivery of benefits are owned satisfactory level of performance. by the Social Security Agency (SSA) in the Department There were 101 performance improvement plans in for Social Development in Northern Ireland (DSD). place across the whole of work services directorate Details of assets and liabilities (including disposals) (which cover jobcentres) as at 31 January 2014, which held by the Department for Work and Pensions and its equates to less than 0.2% of our headcount. This data non-departmental public bodies are published in the changes daily. Department’s Annual Report and Accounts via the Performance improvement plans do not feature in Statement of Financial Position accessible via the link disciplinary decisions. below: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications?departments[]- Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for department-for-work-pensions&publication_type=corporate- reports Work and Pensions whether Jobcentre Plus is funding employment support through Community Drug and Pay Alcohol services; and if he will make a statement. [186696] Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of (a) permanent, (b) Esther McVey: Jobcentre Plus does not fund employment temporary and (c) contract staff in his Department are support for community drug and alcohol services. However, paid the living wage or above. [186681] where Jobcentre Plus identifies that a claimant would benefit from this support, they can and do refer people Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I to treatment providers. gave the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) on The Department for Work and Pensions does provide 29 January 2014, Official Report, column 631W. a range of help and support for claimants with drug and/or alcohol dependency. The Department’s approach Poverty: Children involves: early identification of claimants with drug and/or alcohol dependency; referring claimants who Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State are not in treatment to a voluntary discussion with a for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 19 local treatment provider to discuss their dependency December 2013, Official Report, columns 759-60W, on issues and treatment options; offering claimants with poverty, on what date he expects to publish the drug and/or alcohol dependency early access to the Government’s response to the consultation on measuring Work programme, where they can receive flexible and child poverty. [186273] personalised support to help them return to work; and building strong and effective relationships with external Esther McVey: We remain committed to ending child partners such as treatment and Work programme providers. poverty. We need to build better measures of child The Department is also working with Work programme poverty that drive the right action to tackle the root providers to better enable them to identify claimants causes of child poverty. It is important that we take the with drug and/or alcohol dependency. The valuable time to get this right. We have listened carefully to what work Jobcentre Plus does to identify claimants with experts on measurement and those working with poor substance abuse issues, and notify the provider at referral, families have told us. will have a positive impact on people’s journey through The complexity of the issue means that we need to recovery into employment. take time to ensure we have the best option for measuring child poverty. We will publish our response as soon as Jobcentre Plus: Telephone Services we can. Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has for Work and Pensions what procedures have been put made of the probability of meeting the commitment to in place in jobcentres to deal with the consequences of eradicate child poverty by 2020. [186337] the removal of warm phones from jobcentres. [186287] Esther McVey: The Government remains committed Esther McVey: Jobcentres are moving to an assisted to eradicating child poverty and the Act. Our approach service model and providing digital access to job search seeks to tackle the root causes of child poverty and our and benefit applications. As a consequence, we are evidence shows that we should focus on tackling removing warm phones from local jobcentres. Claimants worklessness and educational failure. who are vulnerable or unable to access our services in We do not believe you can accurately project that far other ways will be assisted at their local office to resolve ahead and we know that poverty projections are rarely any queries that they have. accurate. For example, the Institute for Fiscal Studies 515W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 516W

(IFS) projections in October 2011 suggested the number The only conviction of an A4e employee was in 2009. of children in relative poverty would fall by 100,000 in This case, the current police investigation and recent 2010-11, whereas in fact it fell by 300,000. court appearances involving A4e employees, relate to historic programmes. The implementation of the Work Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State programme enhanced a number of fraud prevention for Work and Pensions whether he plans to bring controls and to date there have been no cases of fraud forward proposals to amend or replace the Child within this programme. Poverty Act 2010 as a result of his Department’s consultation on measuring child poverty. [186338] Public Appointments

Esther McVey: We remain committed to the Child Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Poverty Act. We also understand that poverty is about Work and Pensions how many public appointments his more than income alone and that is why we need to Department made in the last 12 months; how many focus on the root causes. such appointments are remunerated posts; what the We have no plans at this time to change the Child level of such remuneration is; and how many people so Poverty Act 2010. appointed are (a) women and (b) men. [186409]

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to the answer for Work and Pensions what measure he will assess on given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster whether the Government has met the commitment to General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude), on 5 February 2014, Official Report, eradicate child poverty by 2020. [186339] column 301W. Esther McVey: The Child Poverty Act 2010 sets four Remploy: Edinburgh income-based UK-wide targets to be met by 2020. The targets are based on the proportion of children living in households with relative low income, combined low Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for income and material deprivation, absolute low income Work and Pensions how many workers made redundant and persistent poverty (all before housing costs have as a result of the closure of Remploy in South Gyle, been taken into account). Edinburgh are (a) seeking work, (b) no longer seeking work and (c) in employment. [186347] 1. Relative low income-measures the proportion of children living in the UK who are in households with income below 60% Mike Penning: Of the 28 workers made redundant as of contemporary median. a result of the closure of Remploy in South Gyle, 2. Combined low income and material deprivation-measures Edinburgh we are able to provide information on the the proportion of children in the UK who are in households with income below 70% of the contemporary median who also experience 26 disabled former employees who have given consent material deprivation. to be tracked. As at 24 January 2014 records show that 3. Absolute low income-measures the number of children in (a) 10 are seeking work, (b) 9 are no longer seeking the UK who are in households with income below 60% of work and (c) 7 are in employment. 2010-11 median income, held constant in real terms. 4. Persistent poverty-measures the proportion of children in Social Security Benefits Great Britain who have been in relative low income poverty for at least three of the latest four years. Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State We need to build better measures of child poverty for Work and Pensions what the backlog is of employment that drive the right action to tackle the root causes of and support allowance and jobseeker’s allowance claims child poverty. It is important that we take the time to get at each jobcentre. [186285] this right. We have listened carefully to what experts on measurement and those working with poor families Esther McVey: The information requested is not available have told us. at that level of detail. The complexity of the issue means that we need to However, we are able to provide details of claims take time to ensure we have the best option for measuring outstanding at a national level. child poverty. We will publish our response as soon as For employment and support allowance, at the end of we can. December 2013, the volume of claims outstanding was 5,689. This equates to 1.6 days average receipts (average Procurement taken from October to December) and includes cases where further information is awaited from the customer. Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for For jobseeker’s allowance, at the end of December Work and Pensions what steps he has taken following 2013, the volume of claims outstanding was 22,562. the conviction of A4E employees for fraud; and what This equates to 2.1 days average receipts (average taken steps he has taken to prevent similar abuse in other from October to December) and includes cases where companies which are contracted to provide services by further information is awaited from the customer. his Department. [186725] Social Security Benefits: Disability Esther McVey: The Department treats any allegations of fraud by its contracted providers very seriously. The Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State Department has robust control and assurance arrangements for Work and Pensions what the backlog is of personal in place to guard against fraudulent claims being made independence payment and disability living allowance by providers. claims at each regional disability benefit centre. [186284] 517W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 518W

Mike Penning: Personal independence payment (PIP) Work Programme started from April 2013 and although limited data has started to feed through, we need to wait until the Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Department has quality assured, meaningful figures for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of publication. The Department is working to guidelines the performance of Work Programme drug and alcohol set by the UK Statistics Authority to ensure we are able pilots. [186691] to publish statistics that meet high quality standards at the earliest opportunity. We intend to publish official statistics on personal independence payment from spring Esther McVey: DWP is currently assessing the 2014. performance and looking at how the processes are working for the Recovery Works and Recovery and In order to manage the gap between PIP go-live and Employment Pilots. the first release of Official Statistics in spring 2014, an ad-hoc release of PIP management information is planned Qualitative evaluation is currently under way with on 11 February 2014. first wave interim findings due in summer 2014. The second wave is scheduled in autumn 2014 and an interim Social Security Benefits: Fraud report is due spring 2015.

Dame Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what research his Department has Work and Pensions which Work Programme providers (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on fraud rates are using an IPS intervention to assist clients with among (i) EEA and (ii) EU migrants claiming UK mental health problems into work. [186693] benefits; and what estimate he has made of the annual cost to the Exchequer of such fraud. [186481] Esther McVey: Work programme providers deliver services flexibly to support the needs of individual Esther McVey: The data are not available in the participants. The Department does not hold information format requested. on the extent to which individual participants use Individual Placement and Support (IPS) interventions. Staff Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State Work and Pensions what plans he has to draw on for Work and Pensions what changes in the number of customer experience of the Work Programme to staff are proposed for each (a) regional disability inform the planning of its replacement after 2016; and benefit centre and (b) jobcentre. [186286] if he will make a statement. [186895]

Esther McVey: Staffing allocations at this level are Esther McVey: We have already commissioned an still in discussion and will be finalised in the next few independent evaluation of the programme. months. Those findings, as well as feedback from the industry Work Capability Assessment: Coventry will inform decisions.

Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Coventry have Work and Pensions whether, if a Work Programme undergone a work capability assessment in each of the customer rearranges an appointment with their provider, last three years. [186489] the provider is required to report to his Department the customer’s non-attendance for the originally planned Mike Penning: The information we have for new appointment. [186896] employment and support allowance (ESA) claimants who underwent work capability assessments is shown in Esther McVey: If a Work programme participant the table. rearranges an appointment their provider will discuss All new claims to employment and support allowance (ESA) that the reasons why with them. Providers are not required underwent work capability assessments in Coventry local authority: to report a participant’s non-attendance at, or April 2010 to March 2013 rearrangement of, appointments unless the action raises Period Caseload a compliance doubt. The parameters a provider works to when raising a compliance doubt can be found in April to March chapter 6 of provider guidance through the following 2010 to 2011 3,800 link: 2011 to 2012 4,200 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/work- 2012 to 2013 4,100 programme-dwp-provider-guidance Notes: 1. There is a reporting lag of approximately eight months at the issuing date of this statistical output owing to the time needed to Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for process data and time allowed to enable each cohort’s assessment Work and Pensions for what reason the current definition phase to elapse. of Payment Group 6 in the Work Programme differs 2. Figures are rounded to nearest 100. from the definition in the Work Programme invitation 3. Figures include those cases where the functional assessment has not been completed. to tender, which limited participants in Payment Group Source: 6 to customers expected to be fit for work in three Department for Work and Pensions benefit administration dataset. months. [186903] 519W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 520W

Esther McVey: Work programme memo 68 which Prosecutions in Northamptonshire 20131 gave providers information about this change can be Prosecutions Convictions Proportion (%) found in the National Archive website through the Rape2 46 35 76.1 following link: 1 The CPS collects data to assist in the effective management of its prosecution https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/work-programme- functions. The CPS does not collect data which constitutes official statistics as provider-live-running-memos defined in the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007. These data have been drawn from the CPS’s administrative IT system, which (as with any large scale recording system) is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional and subject to change as more information is recorded by the CPS. 2 The rape monitoring flag applied to the electronic case record will remain in ATTORNEY-GENERAL place even if the rape charges are subsequently amended or dropped. If a case commences under a different offence but at a later date charges of rape are CPS Direct preferred the flag is applied at that point.

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General Public Appointments pursuant to the answer of 5 February 2014, Official Report, column 1W on CPS Direct, what proportion of Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Attorney-General how calls to CPS Direct were answered within three minutes many public appointments the Law Officers’ in 2013; and what the average queuing time was in each Departments made in the last 12 months; how many month. [186617] such appointments are remunerated posts; what the level of such remuneration is; and how many people so The Solicitor-General: The data for 2013-14 to date is appointed are (a) women and (b) men. [186390] contained in the following table. The Solicitor-General: I refer the hon. Member to the Calls answered in three Average queuing time 2013-14 minutes (%) for all calls answered answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, my right hon. Friend the Member April 69 04:42 for Horsham (Mr Maude), on 5 February 2014, Official May 64 07:27 Report, column 301W. June 75 03:30 July 55 07:08 August 67 05:08 September 58 06:16 CABINET OFFICE October 77 02:35 November 78 02:50 Children December 79 03:03 January 76 02:54 Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Minister for the The call handling system used by the Crown Prosecution Cabinet Office what recent estimate he has made of the Service offers the police officer an automatic facility to number of children living in households where one or receive a call back if the call is not answered within one both parents are (a) working part-time because they minute. The data on calls answered within three minutes are unable to find full-time work and (b) employed on and average queuing time of all calls includes the time a zero hours contract. [186513] taken to make the ’call back’. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Prosecutions: Northamptonshire responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Mr Hollobone: To ask the Attorney-General how Letter from Glen Watson, dated February 2014: many prosecutions for (a) rape, (b) other violent crimes As Director General for the Office for National Statistics and (c) burglary there were in Northamptonshire in (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question 2013; and what proportion of such prosecutions were asking the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent successful. [186915] estimate has been made of the number of children living in households where one or both parents are (a) working part-time The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service because they are unable to find full-time work and (b) employed (CPS) maintains a central record of the Principal Offence on a zero hours contract (186513). Category (POC) of each defendant prosecuted. The The Office for National Statistics compiles statistics for people POC indicates the most serious offence with which the working in part-time jobs because they could not find a full time post from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). Using this survey we defendant is charged at the time the case is finalised. have been able to calculate the number of children living in With rape offences the CPS identify rape prosecutions families where one or both parents were working in part-time jobs through a database monitoring flag which is applied to because they could not find full-time posts. This number is the electronic record at the onset of a case. supplied in the attached table. Please note, as with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty. The number of recorded prosecutions in 2013 for burglary, violent crime and rape in Northamptonshire Estimates relating to zero-hour contracts are also available from the LFS; however, full estimates of the total number of are detailed in the following table. people in employment on such contracts are not available from Prosecutions in Northamptonshire 20131 this source. This is, in part, due to reporting error as respondents Prosecutions Convictions Proportion (%) may fail to identify their type of employment contract correctly. Therefore we have not been able to state how many children are Burglary 279 228 81.7 living in families where one or both parents are working on zero Violent Crime 1,472 1,119 76.0 hour contracts. 521W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 522W

Number of children aged 0 to 15, living in families1 where at least one Mr Hurd: Since January 2011, details of Government parent was working in a part-time job because they could not find a contracts over the value of £10,000 are published on full-time job, UK, April to June 2013 Contracts Finder at: Thousand https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder Number of Children 646 Contracts Finder is not yet configured to identify 1 These numbers include couple families, one parent families and suppliers within a specific constituency or local authority families that are living in a household with more than one family unit. area. Source: LFS Household Datasets. Immigration: China Disability

Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the Office what proportion of working age adults are Cabinet Office how many Chinese nationals are currently registered as disabled in (a) Coventry North currently residing and working in the UK. [186731] East constituency, (b) Coventry, (c) the West Midlands and (d) England. [186493] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Mr Hurd: The information requested is not held by asked the authority to reply. the Cabinet Office. Letter from Jil Matheson, dated February 2014: Drugs: Death As National Statistician, I have been asked to respond to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many Chinese nationals are currently residing and working in the UK. [186731] Mr Brazier: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet The latest estimates that are available for the number of Chinese Office how many deaths were attributable to legal highs nationals resident and in employment in the UK are both derived in the last year for which data is available. [186259] from Annual Population Survey (APS) data for the 12 month period, January to December 2012. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the The estimated number of Chinese nationals resident in households responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have in the UK was 87,000, with a corresponding margin of error of asked the authority to reply. +/-13,000. The margin of error refers to the 95 percent confidence Letter from Caron Walker, dated February 2014: interval and is a measure of the uncertainty associated with making inferences from, a sample. On behalf of the Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary The estimated number of Chinese nationals in employment in Question asking the Secretary of State for the Home Department the UK was 28,000. how many deaths were attributable to legal highs in the last year Much of the difference between the number of Chinese nationals for which data is available. (186259) resident in the UK and in employment in the UK can be accounted There is no official definition of the term ‘legal high’. However for by Chinese nationals resident in the UK who are students in the Office for National Statistics does monitor deaths from drug-related full-time education and who are not economically active. poisoning, allowing analysis of deaths by specific substances The APS is the Labour Force Survey (LFS) plus various involved. sample boosts. It is a household survey and so does not include In recent years a number of novel psychoactive substances people living in most types of communal establishment. have been controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. These include gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursor gamma- UN Convention on the Rights of the Child butyrolactone (GBL), piperazines (benzylpiperazine—BZP and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine—TFMPP), pipradrols such as desoxypipradrol, and cathinones such as mephedrone. Cathinone Paul Burstow: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet is one of the active ingredients in herbal Khat (Catha edulis), Office with reference to the Government’s commitment although Khat is not currently controlled under the Misuse of to give due consideration to the UN Convention on the Drugs Act. All of these substances have been mentioned in Rights of the Child (UNCRC) when making new association with the term ‘legal high’, although it should be noted policy and legislation, if he will place in the Library all that once a substance is added to the list of substances controlled assessments of how new policy and legislation from his under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 it is no longer ‘legal’. Department since January 2013 has given due There were 52 drug-related deaths mentioning these substances [186578] in England and Wales, registered in 2012 (the latest year available). consideration to the UNCRC. It is important to note that around 60% of these deaths mentioned more than one substance on the death certificate, and it is not Mr Hurd: The Government considers the impact of possible to tell which was primarily responsible for the death. all new policies and legislation which impact specifically More information on how to interpret data on drug-related on children. We will shortly report to the UN Committee deaths can be found in the bulletin at the link. responsible for the UN Convention on the Rights of The number of drug-related deaths registered in England and The Child. A copy of our report will be placed in the Wales between 1993 and 2012 are available on the ONS website: Library of the House. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health3/deaths- related-to-drug-poisoning/2012/index.html Working Hours: Merseyside Government Departments: Procurement Steve Rotheram: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Simon Burns: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the number of Office how many Government contracts of what value people in (a) Liverpool, Walton constituency, (b) Liverpool have been awarded to companies or projects based in and (c) Merseyside who have jobs which primarily (a) Chelmsford constituency and (b) Essex local require working (i) during the day and (ii) at night. authority area. [185594] [186849] 523W Written Answers10 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 524W

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have to a margin of uncertainty. The above estimates all have a asked the authority to reply. coefficient of variation (CV) of less than 20%. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV. For example, for an estimate Letter from Jil Matheson, dated February 2014: of 100 with a CV of 20% we would expect the true value to be As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your within the range 60-140. recent Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the number of people in (a) Liverpool, Walton constituency, (b) Liverpool and DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER (c) Merseyside who have jobs which primarily require working (i) during the day and (ii) at night. 186849 Colombia Estimates of employment are derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). During the survey, people who are identified as Helen Jones: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which being in employment are asked about their regular pattern of representatives of (a) human rights organisations, (b) work and whether it is usual for them to work (i) during the day, (c) (ii) during the evening and (iii) at night. Respondents can say civic society and trades unions he met on his recent ″yes″ to any categories that apply. Estimates derived from this visit to Colombia. [186792] question are available for the Liverpool and Merseyside local authority areas. Estimates for the Liverpool, Walton Parliamentary The Deputy Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member Constituency are not available because of the limited size of the to the answer given on 30 January 2014, Official Report, LFS sample. The available estimates are given in the following column 692W. table along with the employment total to provide context. Elections People in employment by usual time of working, April to June 2013 (thousands, not seasonally adjusted) Usual time of work under regular work Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what pattern1 comparative assessment he has made of the international Local During the During the Total comparisons relating to (a) levels of voter turnout and authority day evening At night employment registration and (b) compulsory voting and compulsory [185895] Liverpool 145 28 11 199 registration. Merseyside 456 100 36 606 : The Government has not made any 1 Respondents can be counted in more than one category. Also, some respondents would not have answered this question. comparative assessment of the international comparisons Source: relating to (a) levels of voter turnout and registration ONS Labour Force Surrey. and (b) compulsory voting and compulsory registration.

3MC Ministerial Corrections10 FEBRUARY 2014 Ministerial Corrections 4MC

Hampshire Ministerial Correction Allowed Dismissed Total

2008 98,630 195,146 293,776 Monday 10 February 2014 2009 87,514 169,344 256,858 2010 73,192 148,106 221,298 2011 72,702 139,748 212,450 2012 64,708 120,008 184,716 COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT These figures show how the number of planning appeals received and allowed has fallen in the first year of the National Planning Policy Framework, refuting Planning Permission: Hampshire the suggestion of ‘planning by appeal’. The correct answer should have been: Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Nick Boles: Planning is a quasi-judicial process; it is a Communities and Local Government how many planning long-standing feature of the planning system that there appeals have resulted in local authority decisions being is a right of appeal, just as there are with other local overturned by the planning inspector in (a) Portsmouth quasi-judicial decisions such as on licensing applications, South constituency and (b) Hampshire in each of the gambling applications or parking fines. last five years. [179932] Since April 2008 there have been 140 Planning Appeal [Official Report, 17 December 2013, Vol. 572, c. 571W.] decisions for Portsmouth and 2,954 for the whole of Letter of correction from Nick Boles: Hampshire. An analysis of decisions by individual An error has been identified in the written answer constituencies, such as Portsmouth South, is not available. given to the hon. Member for Portsmouth South Hampshire (Mr Hancock) on 17 December 2013. Calendar The full answer given was as follows: year Allowed Dismissed Total % Allowed 2008-09 301 521 822 37 Nick Boles: Planning is a quasi-judicial process; it is a 2009-10 232 387 619 37 long-standing feature of the planning system that there 2010-11 181 337 518 35 is a right of appeal, just as there are with other local 2011-12 208 367 575 36 quasi-judicial decisions such as on licensing applications, 2012-13 161 259 420 38 gambling applications or parking fines. Since January 2008 there have been 83,507 Planning Portsmouth Appeal decisions for Portsmouth and 1,169,098 for the Calendar whole of Hampshire. An analysis of decisions by individual year Allowed Dismissed Total % Allowed constituencies, such as Portsmouth South, is not available. 2008-09 6 24 30 20 Portsmouth 2009-10 9 19 28 32 Allowed Dismissed Total 2010-11 6 12 18 33 2011-12 12 16 28 43 2008 7,048 13,936 20,984 2012-13 15 21 36 42 2009 6,251 12,096 18,347 2010 5,228 10,579 15,807 These figures show how the number of planning 2011 5,193 9,982 15,175 appeals received and allowed in Hampshire has fallen in 2012 4,622 8,572 13,194 the first year of the National Planning Policy Framework, refuting the suggestion of ‘planning by appeal’.

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 10 February 2014

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 539 EDUCATION—continued Academies and Free Schools (Accountability) ...... 553 Mindfulness ...... 541 Academies and Free Schools (Performance) ...... 544 Safeguarding Policies (Independent Schools) ...... 550 Community Primary Schools ...... 552 School Opening (Bad Weather)...... 541 Developing Character and Resilience in Young Sixth-form Colleges (Funding)...... 543 People ...... 554 Teaching Profession ...... 551 Leadership in Schools ...... 555 Topical Questions ...... 555 Longer School Day ...... 539 Vocational Education...... 546 Mathematics and English (Attainment Work Experience...... 545 Standards) ...... 548 Young Carers ...... 552 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Monday 10 February 2014

Col. No. Col. No. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 39WS ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued Offtaker of Last Resort...... 39WS Renewables Obligation...... 39WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 10 February 2014

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 519W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 416W CPS Direct...... 519W Council Tax ...... 416W Prosecutions: Northamptonshire ...... 519W Council Tax Reduction Schemes ...... 417W Public Appointments ...... 520W Fire Services...... 417W Fracking...... 418W Homelessness...... 418W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 494W Housing: Construction...... 418W Adult Education: Chelmsford ...... 494W Local Government: Energy...... 419W Apprentices...... 494W Non-domestic Rates: Essex ...... 420W Apprentices: Barrow in Furness ...... 494W Pay...... 420W Business: Females ...... 495W Pensions...... 420W Business: Greater London...... 495W Procurement...... 420W Business: Higher Education ...... 496W Public Houses ...... 421W Economic Growth...... 496W Re-employment...... 422W Electrical Safety ...... 497W Training ...... 422W Energy: Industry ...... 497W William Hill ...... 422W Environment Protection...... 498W Foreign Companies: China ...... 499W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 409W Further Education: Older People ...... 499W HMS Victory ...... 409W Industrial Disputes Independent Review...... 499W Mobile Phones ...... 409W Land Registry ...... 500W Public Appointments ...... 410W Literacy: Merseyside ...... 500W Public Service Broadcasting ...... 410W Post Offices: ICT...... 500W Wrecks ...... 410W Property: Management ...... 501W Public Appointments ...... 501W Royal Mail ...... 501W DEFENCE...... 470W Students: Finance ...... 501W Afghanistan ...... 470W Trade Promotion: United Arab Emirates ...... 502W Armed Forces: Redundancy...... 470W Unemployed People: Basic Skills ...... 503W Army: Training ...... 470W Vocational Training...... 504W Criminal Investigation ...... 471W MOD Donnington...... 471W Northern Ireland...... 471W CABINET OFFICE...... 520W Property...... 472W Children...... 520W Tornado Aircraft...... 473W Disability ...... 521W Trident ...... 473W Drugs: Death ...... 521W UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ...... 473W Government Departments: Procurement ...... 521W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 473W Immigration: China ...... 522W Unmanned Air Vehicles: Guided Weapons ...... 474W UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ...... 522W World War I: War Memorials...... 474W Working Hours: Merseyside...... 522W Yemen ...... 474W Col. No. Col. No. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 524W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— Colombia ...... 524W continued Elections ...... 524W Pay...... 509W Pitcairn Islands ...... 509W EDUCATION...... 423W Public Appointments ...... 509W Academies...... 424W Zimbabwe ...... 510W Apple ...... 424W Apprenticeships ...... 423W HEALTH...... 446W Criminal Investigation ...... 424W Accident and Emergency Departments: Greater Edapt ...... 424W London...... 446W Free School Meals: Cumbria...... 425W Alzheimer’s Disease: Paracetamol...... 447W Free School Meals: Merseyside ...... 425W Autism ...... 447W GCSE ...... 426W Crime Prevention: Young People ...... 448W Grammar Schools...... 427W Diabetes ...... 449W Health Education: Hazardous Substances ...... 427W Drugs...... 451W Kings Science Academy ...... 427W Dysentery...... 451W Pre-school Education...... 427W Fathers...... 453W Pupil Exclusions: Special Educational Needs...... 428W Health Services: Greater London...... 454W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 428W Healthy Start Scheme...... 455W Pupils: Tagging ...... 429W HIV Infection ...... 456W Schools: Finance...... 429W Hospital Beds: Essex...... 458W Schools: Standards...... 429W Hospital Beds: Greater London ...... 459W Schools: Warrington ...... 429W Hospitals...... 459W Staff ...... 430W Hospitals: Waiting Lists...... 460W Teachers: Conditions of Employment...... 430W Human Papillomavirus ...... 461W Teaching Profession ...... 423W Joint Replacements ...... 462W Truancy: Fines ...... 430W Medical Records: Databases ...... 463W UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ...... 430W NHS: Employment Services...... 464W Northwick Park Hospital...... 464W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 411W Obesity: Surgery...... 465W Absent Voting ...... 411W Pay...... 465W Elections: USA ...... 411W Prescription Drugs...... 466W Electoral Register...... 412W Public Appointments ...... 466W Research ...... 413W Self-harm ...... 466W Voting Behaviour ...... 413W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 394W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 441W Arrests: Young People...... 394W Buildings...... 441W Crime: Essex ...... 394W Criminal Investigation ...... 441W Drugs: Misuse...... 395W Eggborough Power Station ...... 441W Drugs: Northern Ireland...... 395W Electricity Generation...... 442W Drugs: Prosecutions ...... 396W Fracking...... 443W European Commission...... 396W Northern Ireland...... 444W Firearms: Licensing ...... 396W Pay...... 444W Fixed Penalties...... 397W Power Failures: Wolverhampton ...... 445W Forced Marriage ...... 401W Public Appointments ...... 445W Human Trafficking ...... 401W Solar Power...... 445W Independent Police Complaints Commission...... 402W National Wildlife Crime Unit ...... 402W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Offences Against Children ...... 403W AFFAIRS...... 406W Police ...... 403W Environmental Stewardship Scheme ...... 406W Police and Crime Commissioners...... 404W Flood Control...... 406W Police: Defibrillators ...... 404W Floods: Somerset ...... 406W Police: Recruitment...... 405W Food Poverty...... 406W Proceeds of Crime...... 405W Insecticides...... 407W UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ...... 405W Motorways: Eastleigh ...... 407W Poultry ...... 407W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 393W River Kennet...... 408W Conditions of Employment...... 393W Water: Meters ...... 408W Parliamentary Tours ...... 394W

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 504W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 467W Bangladesh...... 504W Bangladesh...... 467W British Nationals Abroad...... 505W Criminal Investigation ...... 467W Central African Republic ...... 506W Developing Countries: Abortion...... 467W Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Overseas Aid...... 468W Territories ...... 507W Palestinians ...... 469W Cyprus ...... 507W Philippines ...... 469W Democratic Republic of Congo ...... 507W Public Appointments ...... 469W Immunity from Prosecution: Foreign Nationals..... 508W Iran...... 508W JUSTICE...... 486W Nigeria...... 509W Community Orders: Greater London...... 486W Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE—continued TRANSPORT—continued Courts: Translation Services...... 486W Water Sports: Accidents...... 485W Death By Driving: Sentences...... 486W West Coast Railway Line ...... 485W Employment and Support Allowance Appeals...... 487W EU Law...... 487W TREASURY ...... 431W HMP Chelmsford...... 487W Children: Day Care ...... 431W Prisoners ...... 487W Cost of Living...... 432W Prisoners’ Release ...... 488W Eurobonds ...... 432W Prisoners: Women ...... 489W Excise Duties: Alcoholic Drinks...... 433W Prisons: Private Sector ...... 489W Financial Services Compensation Scheme...... 434W Probation ...... 490W Gambling: Excise Duties...... 434W Procurement...... 490W Insurance ...... 434W Public Appointments ...... 491W Liquefied Petroleum Gas ...... 435W Public Defender Service ...... 491W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 435W Taxation: Appeals ...... 491W New Businesses ...... 436W Telephone Services...... 492W New Businesses: Scotland ...... 436W Thameside Prison...... 493W PAYE...... 437W Written Questions ...... 493W Public Appointments ...... 437W Young Offenders ...... 494W Public Expenditure...... 437W Tax Allowances: Married People...... 438W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 391W Tax Evasion ...... 438W Electoral Register...... 391W Taxation...... 439W Northern Ireland...... 392W Taxation: Appeals ...... 439W Public Appointments ...... 392W Taxation: Bingo ...... 439W Taxation: Self-assessment...... 439W PRIME MINISTER...... 391W Welfare Tax Credits...... 440W Police Service of Northern Ireland...... 391W Wholesale Trade: Registration ...... 440W Public Appointments ...... 391W Working Tax Credit ...... 440W Public Houses: Opening Hours ...... 391W WALES...... 392W Floods...... 392W SCOTLAND...... 393W Public Appointments ...... 392W Children: Poverty...... 393W Job Creation: Private Sector...... 393W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 510W Public Appointments ...... 393W Crisis Loans ...... 510W Employment ...... 510W TRANSPORT ...... 475W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 511W Criminal Investigation ...... 475W Employment Schemes: Young People...... 512W Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency...... 475W Food Banks...... 512W Driving Under Influence: Drugs ...... 477W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 512W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 478W Jobcentre Plus ...... 512W Motor Vehicles: Excise Duties...... 479W Jobcentre Plus: Telephone Services ...... 513W Northern Ireland...... 480W Northern Ireland...... 514W Parking: Fines...... 480W Pay...... 514W Private Roads...... 480W Poverty: Children ...... 514W Public Appointments ...... 481W Procurement...... 515W Public Expenditure...... 481W Public Appointments ...... 516W Railways: Franchises ...... 483W Remploy: Edinburgh...... 516W Railways: Freight ...... 483W Social Security Benefits...... 516W Railways: Radlett ...... 484W Social Security Benefits: Disability...... 516W Railways: Sundon ...... 484W Social Security Benefits: Fraud ...... 517W Road Traffic Offences...... 484W Staff ...... 517W Roads: Capital Investment ...... 484W Work Capability Assessment: Coventry ...... 517W Severn River Crossing ...... 485W Work Programme...... 518W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Monday 10 February 2014

Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT .3MC Planning Permission: Hampshire...... 3MC 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 17 February 2014

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Members may obtain excerpts of their Speeches from the Official Report (within one month from the date of publication), on application to the Stationery Office, c/o the Editor of the Official Report, House of Commons, from whom the terms and conditions of reprinting may be ascertained. Application forms are available at the Vote Office.

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CONTENTS

Monday 10 February 2014

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 539] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Education

Flooding [Col. 563] Answer to urgent question—(Mr Pickles)

Afghanistan [Col. 583] Statement—(Mr Philip Hammond)

Children and Families Bill [Col. 601] Lords amendments considered

Presumption of Innocence and EU Law [Col. 667] Motion—(Mr Vara)—agreed to

Rural Bus Services (North Yorkshire) [Col. 680] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 39WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 391W]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 3MC]